Bright Orange for the Shroud

A Travis McGee Novel, Book 6

By: John D. MacDonald

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Travis things he's in for a quiet summer until a walking zombie of a man, Arthur Wilkinson, stumbles aboard The Busted Flush. He's the latest victim of a fragile-looking blond sexpot who uses the blackest arts of love to lure unsuspecting suckers into a web of sordid schemes. Gone, suddenly, are the lazy, hazy days of summer as Travis becomes embroiled in one of the most dangerous, dirtiest cases of his career.

©1965 John D. MacDonald Publishing, Inc. Renewal © 1993 Maynard MacDonald (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[T]he great entertainer of our age, and a mesmerizing storyteller." (Stephen King)
"[M]y favorite novelist of all time." (Dean Koontz)
"[W]hat a joy that these timeless and treasured novels are available again." (Ed McBain)

The Busted Flush Ain't So Busted

McGee at his best! This time, he's helping a friend recoup a loss and get revenge.

macgee gets close to death bur escapes

I like the action, the nautical background and the vivid descriptions. Macdonald writes with a flair that is enjoyable to read.

Somewhat lacking but still decent

The first several chapters felt dragged down by Travis' caring for a friend and his constant waxing on about the human condition. Travis has always done so but he seemed to do so at length for the first third. Picks up nicely and improves to be on par with past stories.

The hero with feet of clay

The reader is carried along with Tab as he works to unravel a scam. I wonder if MacDonald himself had a bad experience investing in a real estate syndication. They are found everywhere in Florida. One gets to know all his characters well, sometimes to well. The tennis club characters was fun.
I particularly enjoyed his portrayal of Everglades City and the sportsman's club - a place I have been and which hasn't changed that much. On the other hand Marco Island is dramatically different.
That Trav wins out is as much because of persistence as due to all and insight.

Typical MacDonald. It grabs you and holds you.

The narrator adds life to the story. It Harkens back to an age with no GPS or cell phones.