Travis McGee Fan Club discussion
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Bob
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Feb 08, 2013 11:12AM
I just joined Goodreads, and the first group I searched for was Travis McGee! Hello to all 25 members! My father is the only one I know personally who likes to discuss Travis McGee, so I am stoked to find a group with 25 more highly intelligent folks. I have all 21 books.
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I have all the books too. discussion would be fun
I would like to know in which book Travis discusses his secret hideout behind the mirrors?
Thanks to Bob for alerting to this group. My father was a big fan of the Travis McGee series and I have a few of his paper back copies - these would have been from the later 60's early 70's. Since then I have obtained all of the books, including five hard copies. Loved reading these as a teenager. Have reread them a couple of times - may do so again now.Great adventures.....Love the Busted Flush.
Look forward to more conversations.
Mod
It seems like there's another Goodreads site on Travis McGee but I can't recall where it's located.
Nevertheless, if you're not familiar with D. R. Martin's blog on Trav, it's here: http://drmar120.wordpress.com/ This site is mostly for those of us who have already read the series since it has a synopsis of all 21 books in the series and there are some spoilers. (Although D.R. does attempt to indicate spoilers.) There's some conversation there as well and D. R. is fun to talk to and is active on his blog.
I love to refer to it mostly after I've re-read one of the books which I'm currently doing. Re-reading them in order for the third time and they only get more enjoyable. Never seem to be dated, to me.
Good to know you guys...all fans of Trav and of course, JDM.
Hi,
I read my first McGee last month, thanks to Cathy, I'll try and keep doing them one a month for the duration of the series.
I might pick up some more hints on who else to read here - but hopefully not too many as I'm drowning in books as it is,
Cheers Col
I read my first McGee last month, thanks to Cathy, I'll try and keep doing them one a month for the duration of the series.
I might pick up some more hints on who else to read here - but hopefully not too many as I'm drowning in books as it is,
Cheers Col
My father in law was an avid John D. MacDonald fan, and I picked up one of his non-McGee books during a weekend visit. I was hooked. I love reading McGee's foibles and fables.
Mod
Bob wrote: "I would like to know in which book Travis discusses his secret hideout behind the mirrors?"Hey, Bob!
Trav's one-way mirror hidden compartment is mentioned in two novels that I can think of: FREE FALL IN CRIMSON and THE SCARLET RUSE. In CRIMSON MacDonald refers to it as a two-way glass mirror, as do most characters on TV shows, and even some glass manufacturers, who have given up trying to reeducate the population, and just want to sell their goods.
Cheers!
@hg47
Mod
Hey, Bob!
Trav's one-way mirror hidden compartment is mentioned in two novels that I can th..."
Harv Rocks! Cool. When I get to those books I'll take note. Just started on A Purple Place for Dying last night. Third time around for the series.
Amazes me how some of us remember specific things in books and movies.
Hey, Cathy!Well, I cheated a bit. I remembered something about Hot Air Balloons and luring the Bad Guy back to the Busted Flush and Trav having a hidden helper. That part was easy to find in CRIMSON. But I was pretty sure it had come up in other McGee novels, so I threw some search terms at Google. That got me SCARLET. I suspect there might be a third Travis McGee novel that uses that hidden compartment as a plot element.
So, Cathy, what did you think of NIGHTMARE IN PINK on your third time around for this series? That's another of my favorite McGee novels. The way Travis is locked up in an insane asylum ("We don't use that term.") and then breaks out by damn near destroying the place and ending the institution forever as a reputable place for mentally sick people. This novel gives me hope that when I am eventually locked up in the "Funny Farm" or Guantanamo, that I may have some escape options . . .
Have fun with PURPLE PLACE FOR DYING, I love the way Trav's client is killed right in front of him before he even signs on. Watch for Trav kicking the $5000 brick of cash into the fireplace.
@hg47
Mod
You're so funny, man, you make me laugh. I wouldn't have known any different had you not told me of your efforts to answer Bob's question.
Honestly, Nightmare in Pink wasn't one of my favorites but as we know "different strokes." You wind up in looney bin, call me, I'll come bale you out, no prob!
You know about D. R. Martin's blog, exclusively on Travis McGee and each and every one of the 21 books in the series. I was just on there. Here's the link which is the first page, I think.
http://drmar120.wordpress.com/?page_i...
That should take you there. Let me know if you have problems or email D. R. He's good, very good about maintaining the site. There's a review (with spoilers) of every book. Great site, love it and get into some good conversations.
Loving A Purple...And did you look up that she was shot in front of him? Got your number now, Harv.
I read the first paragraph and remembered the story and much of the book itself. Can't remember the end though. You guys (mostly men) amaze me with your total recall! Just blows me away.
Sometimes I can't remember if I took my pills!
Only book I'm carrying. Rest are on Kindle. Not putting down a JDM, Travis McGee. Never, ever put one of his down once I start it.
In love with Travis and have been for many years. Not room in my house for me, Travis and another man.
D. R. told me one time to repeat over and over..."Travis is not a rea..." Nope, not going to say it!
Later, @ha47. Your friend, Cathy
Cathy wrote: "Dear Harv:You're so funny, man, you make me laugh. I wouldn't have known any different had you not told me of your efforts to answer Bob's question.
Honestly, Nightmare in Pink wasn't one of ..."
You did not take your pills. I took them.
What I love about the Travis McGee novels is that they grow on me. The artistic vision and level of writing is consistent from the first to the last novel IMHO. John D. has always been slightly hard for me to read; many other writers put the words down in a way that is easier for me to read and fall into the "literary dream." But then I never want to read their books again. I keep coming back to John D.'s McGee. @hg47
Mod
Ditto on that. Just finished Purple Place. Really thought I would finish "on holiday" as they say in Europe but stayed on the go and then so tired at night, couldn't stay awake long enough to read.
Just finished this am. Great story...this was one of my favorites.
Will write review, already started but will focus on specific subject.
You're a very funny guy, @hg47.
Cathy
Just beginning Pale Gray.... love a male character named Tush
Mod
Nine in the series. Good for you. Will take me a few months to get there. I'm jealous.
cd
Hi. My name is Laurel. I have been a Travis fan since the early '90's. The first I read was
. Fell in love! I would estimate that I must have read about one-third of the 22 in the series. Other great authors like Michael Connolly got in the way. It is time to begin anew, and complete my collection. Additionally, I did not read them in order, since I bought whatever book my little store had in stock at the time. So, reading in order will be part of my new strategy. It will take a while because I do read other authors. I think John D. would understand. Looking forward to talking with fellow fans. A special shout out to my good friend, Cathy! One more thing we have in common!
Mod
. Fell in love! I would estimate that I must have read about one..."Hi Laurel! And a big welcome to you.
I didn't know you were a fan of Travis; Travis, the love of my life! Need to watch it since Harv is a Travis wannabe.
It's said that all men want to be like Travis and all women want to be his. Those women need to get in line behind me!
I'm on my third go around and reading in order...like a number of us are doing. Col is reading one a month. Harv and I have had numerous conversations about Travis.
You've joined a great group and it's so good to see you, my friend!
You know about D. R. Martin's blog on the series, right? If not, let me know and I'll post it.
Cathy wrote: "Laurel wrote: "Hi. My name is Laurel. I have been a Travis fan since the early '90's. The first I read was . Fell in love! I would estimate that I must have..."Hello back. First of all, I was remiss in not wishing you a wonderful trip! I got a little lost while Brian and I had that crummy virus/cold. I hope you had a marvellous time.
I did see the reference to the D.R. Martin blog, in a previous post you made. I am looking forward to checking it out! I think I will have to read one Travis a month, since I have several group reads and challenges on the go. Do you know if any of his non-Travis books are set somewhere other than Florida? I have not read any of them, I am sheepishly admitting. I could possibly use one for one of my states in the Read the USA challenge.
Looking forward to chatting with all you Travis fans. What a great idea for a group!
Mod
. Fell in love! I would estimate th..."Hi Laurel:
I must admit that I haven't read many 'not-Travis' books that JDM wrote. Condominium comes to mind and A Bullet for Cinderella; I read both and Condo was in FL but not sure about Cinderella. Oh, Cape Fear (The Executioners) off the coast of North or South Carolina, can't remember.
I've picked that up about five times and read a few pages and it scares me, so I put it down. No, haven't read it through yet!
Great time...thanks for asking.
You know that Deep Blue Goodbye was the first in the series...Nightmare in Pink the second and probably my least favorite.
Cheers! Cathy
Not going to argue about the best McGee, but I have a candidate for the best opening of a McGee: "Darker Than Amber". All the essential elements are in the first few paragraphs: McGee and Meyer, night-fishing on a river under a bridge, sharing philosophy of life; a young woman, bound to a weight, is thrown off the bridge; McGee plunges down into the dark water and saves her; she turns out to be beautiful and doomed. You just cannot put it down. Great stuff.
Mod
Hi P. J.: You are sooo right. And we're not by ourselves in our assessment of that being the best opening of all the 21 in the series. There's a general consensuses, I believe.
Yes...I remember that opening well but had you asked me which book, I would have drawn a blank. Thanks for the reminder!
Just finished (10 days m/l) #4, The Quick Red Fox but it's my third (maybe fourth) time around.
Can't wait for #5, Deadly Shade of Gold and I remember really, really enjoying that one! But don't ask me the plot.
Amazing to me that we're talking Travis more than 50 years after JDM introduced him. Amazing!
Cheers!
Great opening indeed. And yes, 50 years later, still reading and chatting about them
Mod
Hi Joanne: Got a question? Let's hear it...and discuss it until we tire! :D
Mod
Jeffrey, any thoughts on why we're still chatting about Travis and the colorful series?
Well written. Colorful characters. There is a timelessness to the series in a way that is different from many. Doesn't deal with international or national politics, just con men.There is an intrigue about a man who can live such an unique life.
Another piece might be that the in addition to good writing, there is a good story - good wins over evil. Lastly, the language is clean and so is the sex(so many books today are filled with terrible language and many are R rated).
Just some of my ideas.
Mod
It hadn't occurred to me that he didn't deal with international or national politics. Local politics in a couple but don't ask me which ones.
The storyline was always great, even the one (notice the singular tense) that weren't four/five star. And I think I gave only one book a three star rating.
And the sex. The reader knew Travis had had sex of course, but JDM didn't rub it in your face.
Hi All. I'm a brand new Trav fan having read Blue only. I sure plan on reading the rest. Glad this group exists as I will be able to learn so much from you as I progress through the colours.
Mod
So good to see your smiling face here. We're all things Travis McGee (and JDM) so feel free to poke around and leave thoughts and questions.
Mentioned to Jeffrey that the extra TM books I found for a song, are on a slow boat to Dubai! Hope they turn up soon in your mailbox.
Welcome aboard.
Mod
I am always happy when published authors are also active participants in Goodreads.
Lew just joined the Travis McGee Fan Club Group.
Warm welcome to Lynda and to Lew...will check out Lew's book.Lynda, Really helpful to read the Travis books in order, often there is a mention of a character from a precious story and some even return!
Enjoy
Many thanks, Cathy and Jeffrey for your gracious welcome. A warm welcome to you too, Lew.Cathy…I'm excited about my package making it's way across the globe. Can't wait to receive them. Thanks so much.
Jeffrey…yes, I want to read them in order. I prefer to read a printed book rather than use a kindle. The problem I have is that no bookstore in the UAE sells JDM's books. I therefore have to source them from Amazon, Book Depository etc, which take upwards of a month to six weeks to arrive. But I'm determined! I will read them all! :-)
Mod
Lynda, Really helpful to read the Travis books in order, often there is a mention of a character from a precious story and some even r..."
Jeffrey...you won't be sorry checking out Lew's book.
And there's one woman who was in at least two books and I've always be curious of her name, Chookie. What kind of name is that?
Mod
Cathy…I'm excited about my package making it's way across the globe. Can't wait to receive them. Thanks..."
I agree, Lynda. I would much prefer reading from a book (a paperback, please, because of the size/weight) rather than Kindle but some books just can't be found otherwise. Not without effort anyway.
No JDM? Oh, my. They don't know what they've missed.
Mod
Hi Bob...I just found the rest of the 21 in a thrift store, in a Nike shoe box. It said $7 on the box cover but when I got to the front counter, the lady said "those will fit in the bag, so all of them will be $3." There were about 10 other books, so got about 25 paperbacks in all for $3. Things are cheap in the south... :)
Hi Bob....not a lot of folks who know about Travis and his adventures. Always good to chat about them. I reread the entire series last year. Was good to do. Welcome
Mod
I agree, P. J. I agree. Doesn't get any better than that!
Got thrown in jail a year ago.went to the library, and found a tan and sandy silence.read it in a day.went back the next week , and found the long lavender look (my fave), and the scarlet ruse.mcgee is awesome.
I've since started from beginning read first four.found this site and had to join
Mod
Hi Sugie!!!
You made me laugh and so happy you joined up in this fun Travis McGee Fan Club.
I loved your story. In my opinion that was a bonus of being thrown in jail, that of discovering Travis McGee.
I got my intro to Travis many years ago from a sailor who said "here, read this, you'll like it." He was right. The sailor is nowhere nearby but by damn Travis McGee is all over my bedroom!
Mod
WOW! Did I say we're happy you found us? We are!
Travis McGee Fan Club
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