The Green Ripper: A Travis McGee Novel: 18 Paperback – 8 October 2013

The subject of this installment of the series, sadly, is timeless. Reading it, I was reminded it could have been set in 1970, 1980, or 2020, and the reader would have no issue believing all aspects were plausible.Macdonald was an extraordinary writer and this subject was well researched.

J.D. MacDonald is a very fine writer. The plot is simple enough, the main character is well defined. But what I enjoyed the most is the style, the use of words, the refined language, the existential deep, reflections about human life and reactions.

The story opens with Travis enjoying his new life with the love of his life, Gretel. He's ready to give up his vagabond life to move shoreside, all for her. Unfortunately something happens to wreck his new happiness and he goes after those responsible, no longer really caring if he lives or dies in a quest for justice.With themes of extremism and terrorism, this book reads as a very modern story and Travis seems more like Reacher in this book than in any other. It's more violent than previous books but still a joy to see how MacDonald has Travis still living up to his own ideals even while on his quest for vengeance. A sad story but still beautifully written.Highly recommended.

I have just finished the final Travis McGee novel, and it is like the death of an old friend. Yes, they are a little bit formulaic if you read them all, but if you like Lee Child's 'Jack Reacher' or Robert B Parker's 'Spenser', you'll love Travis McGee. In my view John D MacDonald was ahead of his time; classics of the genre.

I was delighted to find a Travis McGee novel I had not read in the 80's.MacDonald is a great writer! Adventure with a philsophic bent.