Darker Than Amber

A Travis McGee Novel, Book 7

By: John D. MacDonald

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Travis McGee never shies away from damsels in distress. But this Eurasian beauty was different. When Travis and Meyer rescued her from the water, she had a block of cement wired to her feet, and she wasn't so much grateful as ready to snare them in a murder racket to end all murders.

©1966 John D. MacDonald Publishing, Inc. Renewal © 1994 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)

Finally!

If you could sum up Darker Than Amber in three words, what would they be?

Great John D story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Travis is the King

Any additional comments?

I have been waiting so long for these to come to Audible. The original cassettes with Darrin McGavin will be hard to replace but the narrator does a great job and THANK YOU for getting these available!

MacDonald hits his stride

One of the best Travis McGee novels and the first where McGee's friend Meyer takes a prominent role in solving the mystery.

Without giving away any of the plot the action takes off immediately with a beautiful girl falling almost into McGee's lap.And of course, she's in need of his help.

With plenty of plot turns and craftiness, McGee uses his charm, bulk and libido to come to solve the situation he's uncovered and to right the wrongs, but not before he's damaged, emotionally and physically.

Although written in 1966, the story has aged well, and is well worth the price of admission.

Petkoff's reading is masterful, as we've come to expect.

Good old Travis with a troubled soul

Good old Travis is as honest as it is possible for a hero of that period of the turmoil in the American culture.

Enjoyable Listen

The seventh book in the Travis McGee series, Darker Than Amber, is another solid, straight-forward mystery from John D. MacDonald. According to the description, "Travis McGee never shies away from damsels in distress. But this Eurasian beauty was different. When Travis and Meyer rescued her from the water, she had a block of cement wired to her feet, and she wasn't so much grateful as ready to snare them in a murder racket to end all murders." Published in 1966, this novel is still an enjoyable read, especially the Audible Original version.

Fans of modern-day mysteries and thrillers may find that this book is a little slow. Rather than think of it as slow, I like to think that it's methodical and deliberate in its pacing. If you're looking for a novel that moves at breakneck speed, look elsewhere. What you're provided with here is a well-written and intriguing tale that's effectively narrated.

Darker Than Amber was adapted for film in 1970, illustrating just how successful and influential the Travis McGee books were and are. If you're looking for an enjoyable audiobook to listen to this fall, then Darker Than Amber is an Audible Original you should check out.

When is the movie going to be made?!

I love these! Travis McGee is the basis for so many of our later favorites. From the Rockford Files to Magnum, Simon & Simon, all the way to Burn Notice! Travis is no where near perfect but he is damn good and lucky! Thank you Audible!