The Travis McGee is a Crime Fiction / Mystery series by John D MacDonald, made up of 21 books published between 1964 and 1984. It begins with Nightmare in Pink (1964), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is The Lonely Silver Rain (1984), spanning 20 years of storytelling.
Travis McGee series: frequently asked questions
What order should I read the Travis McGee series?
Start with Nightmare in Pink (1964), the first book in the Travis McGee series by John D MacDonald. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.
How many books are in the Travis McGee series?
There are 21 books in the Travis McGee series by John D MacDonald, published between 1964 and 1984.
What is the first book in the Travis McGee series?
The first book in the Travis McGee series is Nightmare in Pink, published in 1964 by John D MacDonald.
What is the latest book in the Travis McGee series?
The most recent book in the Travis McGee series is The Lonely Silver Rain (1984) by John D MacDonald.
About the Travis McGee series
John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee novels are a landmark of American crime fiction and a huge influence on the genre. McGee is a "salvage consultant" living on a houseboat in Florida — he recovers what's been taken from people, for half its value — and a philosophical knight-errant railing against the despoiling of his beloved Florida.
The books pair hardboiled action with surprisingly reflective, often prophetic social commentary on consumerism and the environment. Each title famously contains a colour ("The Deep Blue Good-by," "Nightmare in Pink"), and McGee's wry, world-weary voice is the draw.
They read well as standalones, but starting with "The Deep Blue Good-by" introduces McGee, his economist friend Meyer, and the world MacDonald built.