One Fearful Yellow Eye

A Travis McGee Novel, Book 8

By: John D. MacDonald

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

How to you extort $600,000 from a dying man? Someone had done it very quietly and skilfully to the husband of Travis McGee's ex-girlfriend. McGee flies to Chicago to help untangle the mess and discovers that, although Dr. Fortner Geis had led an exemplary life, there were those who'd take advantage of one "indiscretion" and bring down the whole family. McGee also discovers he likes a few members of the family far too much to let that happen....

©1966 John D. MacDonald Publishing, Inc. Renewal © 1994 Maynard MacDonald (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Another John D classic read!

This is another classic McDonald story. I find his manner and choice of words reveal aspects in ways I’ve never thought. It is pure bliss to listen to it in oral form.

Winter in Chicago and a Nightmare From the Past

Travis McGee receives a call for help from his old friend Glory Doyle; her husband Fortner Geis a noted surgeon died of cancer and $400,000 1968 dollars is missing with no trail. Both of the doctor's Children feel certain that Glory is behind the loss of their inheritance so she gets no support from those who were part of his life before they met. As Travis ambles around Chicago talking to the family and friends of the doctor he begins to discern patterns in the events of the last year on the good doctor and his loved ones.
An emergency summons blows the case open and the doctors's beautiful but repressed daughter reveals a morass of Freudian feelings about daddy. Her next move of course is to jump Travis momentarily; then immediately puts the brakes on her libido but a breakthrough has happened. They agree that this mutual attraction should progress.
However unknown to all but one character in this book an evil from the past is influencing current events and will come to effect McGee and those he holds dear and will; in the end touch everyone in the Geis family.
With certain exceptions along the way I enjoyed this book. As is per usual MacDonald's plot is solid, the story moves quickly containing just enough detail to flesh out the story line without bogging it down and though his view of women predates the baby boom era even the female characters are rounded and well formed. Plus his strength in story telling make this a compelling read and or listen. One reservation is the reader; perhaps someone should have explained to him that this wasn't Shakespeare or even Wuthering Heights.

Just the Best!

Where does One Fearful Yellow Eye rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

MacDonald's stories are complex yet rather easy to follow and very entertaining. The author has that rare talent for lulling the reader into thinking the story is over but then springs a real shocker at the end.

What did you like best about this story?

Aside from a terrific and entertaining plot, MacDonald inserts his own philosophy about people that brings life and vitality to the story. And even though the books were written in the 1960s, his world views seem very contemporary.

What about Robert Petkoff’s performance did you like?

Robert Petkoff could read the dictionary and make it sound exciting. When he changes voices to reflect the many and varied characters you think that there must be more than just Petkoff speaking. And, unlike some narrators, Robert doesn't sound like he's reading. Travis McGee becomes real, the characters become real, and the story becomes real. And all the while someone is telling this crasy story.

Progress

I believe the author is progressing in his development of the main character McGee. I like the psychological development that he reveals at the end even though it sounds like an armchair psychiatrist. I Enjoy the plot development and the twists even though they’re nicely set up in the body of the story. Again another enjoyable read or listen as you might have it.

one of the best!

this could be my favorite McGee story. interesting to see the reference as to the use of Lsd in the relief of frat with terminal patients. there's been a lot of recent news with the current studies on it in 2018! also tying in Nazi war criminals is brilliant!

It seems over but then it gets REALLY interesting!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! It's flawlessly constructed.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Travis McGee is brutish and intuitive.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

Well, this series is all about Travis McGee--a very interesting fellow.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Cant tell you--it would spoil it. :-)

Any additional comments?

Enjoy!

Still love John D.

Where does One Fearful Yellow Eye rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a very good listen while driving.

What was one of the most memorable moments of One Fearful Yellow Eye?

Travis extricating himself from the grasp of a lonely, hot housewife.

Outrageous...Magnificent

Many of the novels in this series are excellent. This one may be the author's best. John D. MacDonald had a unique and very colorful view of life. A raving individualist and environmentalist, he was also a master storyteller.

Among the best of a very good series.

Balancing self-awareness and self-confidence, with wry social commentary, Trav literally drops into a maelstrom of deceit and manipulation, with some of John D.'s most compelling female characters. Each has a lesson for our tarnished hero, as credible action and scenes wrangle the twists and turns of a persuasive and surprising plot. Sexuality, intimacy, and gender identity and roles take center stage. MacDonald was well ahead of his time.

Complicated plot!

Great read with all kinds unexpected turns and strong characters! Thank goodness for the unexpected guys who saved them!