The Deep Blue Good-By

A Travis McGee Novel, Book 1

By: John D. MacDonald

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher's summary

He's a self-described beach bum who won his houseboat in a card game. He's also a knight errant who's wary of credit cards, retirement benefits, political parties, mortgages, and television. He only works when his cash runs out, and his rule is simple: he'll help you find whatever was taken from you, as long as he can keep half.

Nothing that John D. MacDonald wrote is better loved and more enduring than the 21 books in his series about Travis McGee, the Florida-based “salvage consultant” who recovers property for a fee so he can take his retirement “a piece at a time”. Narrator Robert Petkoff, hand-chosen to narrate with the approval of MacDonald’s estate, brings McGee’s world of the Busted Flush (his houseboat, which he won in a poker game) and “Miss Agnes” (his custom Rolls-Royce pickup truck) to vivid life.

©1964 John D. MacDonald Publishing, Inc. Renewal © 1992 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)

Good book

Any additional comments?

This is a good book. First time I have read this author, and I enjoyed it.

The story reflects the reality of that time

In order to enjoy this book you need to understand the date it was written. All the big sexual revolution started that decade, the attitude and behaves of man and women must be understood based on the time of the history and not the way we expect or assume modern man and woman behaves.

This is my first encounter with John McDonald and Travis McGee. Although I am not young but my native language is Spanish and I have not seen any translation of this author’s novels. I really enjoyed the psychological aspects. I'm sure the reaction of a woman who has been abused in these times is not very different from that described in the novel.

I am looking forward to listen and read (thanks to Whispersync) the rest of the series as i as sure that both McDonald and McGee will change as time pass by, 20 years is a lot of time and lots of changes.

The narration was very good and perfect for a person like me that speaks English as a second language. I liked the pace, the intonation and the cadence of the narrator’s voice.

Older Book - Still Fun to Read

What did you like best about this story?

The book was well written with a good plot. But what I really liked was the descriptions of what things cost nearly 50 years ago.

A fine mystery, narrator not quite as good.

I read this terrific series pretty much as it was published. One of last century's best mystery writers created a memorable and unique character in Travis McGee. My sense of the right voice for McGee would be someone older, more restrained and with a voice implying more confidence. I bet he'd be good at other stuff but (for me) it was a distraction.

I will probably buy more in the series though McDonald wrote amazingly well.

Classic MacDonald

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

I have read the T. McGee series in book form and every few years, I reread them. Since I am an avid audio book user, this is perfect fit.

Robert Petkoff does a credible job as McGee, and the other characters as well. He uses his flexible voice to good effect. My one and only complaint is that he doesn't sound like the McGee of my imagination. However I don't see that as worth deducting a star. This is a very good listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Deep Blue Good-By?

The final confrontation between McGee and Junior Allen

Any additional comments?

I have to disagree with other listeners about the quality of the reader. While he not in the league of Frank Muller (he was in a class by himself) he is better than he is being credited for.

First time reading this author

I read this book because of the discussion Mike Rowe had on his podcast about Travis McGee. The discussion Fite my interest and I am not dissatisfied. Excellent narration, excellent plot, and excellent development of characters. I look forward to reading all of the Travis McGee installments. Time enjoyed very much… The book was very well worth the time‼️

A Dollars Worth of Dime Store Novel

Credit to Mike Rowe for recommending this series and John MacDonald in his own book, The Way I Heard It. Petkoffs narration held my attention all the way through this quick listen. It was a good yarn well told. I look forward to the rest of the series.

The Deep Blue Goodbye

What did you like best about The Deep Blue Good-By? What did you like least?

Interesting, but a little slow.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Predictable ending.

What does Robert Petkoff bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good voice for this story.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, not enough meat to the story.

Not so hot.

Main problem is, the lead character is a self centered idiot. I was NOT impressed.

Ya cant beat Travis McGee and John D. MacDonald

I read all of the Travis McGee books years ago...and enjoyed them all. it was the first "series" I'd ever read and couldn't wait until the next one. i was curious as to how they'd sound AND howvthey would fit in today FIFTY years after they'd first been introduced. They SOUNDED great and still seem relevant today.