Nightmare in Pink

A Travis McGee Novel, Book 2

De: John D. MacDonald

Narrado por: Robert Petkoff

Nina - a career girl living alone in Manhattan - offers Travis McGee companionship and the first loose thread in the elaborate fabric of a gigantic swindle. Now, she's leading McGee on a wild and tortuous chase into the decadent world of high society, the ruthless world of big money, and the weird world of hallucinatory drugs.

©1964 John D. MacDonald Publishing, Inc. Renewal © 1992 Maynard MacDonald (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[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)

McGee Does the Big Apple

"We're all still carnivores, and money is the meat. If there's a lot of money and any possible way to get at it, I think people will do some strange and warped things."
- John D. MacDonald, Nightmare in Pink

Travis McGee #2 = Travis McGee goes to NYC. Well, he goes to NYC and is slipped a mickey while investigating the murder of a friend's little sister's husband. Like almost all of MacDonald's Travis McGee novels, this one is heavy on damsel in distress and flavored with MacDonald's own brand of misogyny light. I think MacDonald might be able to almost make a convincing argument that his books aren't really sexist, but I also think he was smart enough to understand that there was a BIG market for books about white knights rescuing damsels. Basically, this entire series could have been written in some warped version of Camelot. And, since this book was published in 1964, MacDonald is basically surfing on the shards of the Kennedy's lost Camelot.

Very early Travis

I have read as many John D - Travis books that there are. It is clear that John D was still developing Travis, the character in this release. The book was too much Travis self centeredness and not enough personal doubts. I know from having read all the John D - Travis books he manages to strike the right balance as Travis matures so there is hope. Keep listening and enjoy.

Not his Best, but good.

The book was written in the early 1960's. Has aged well. Certainly not John McDonald's best writing but worth a listen.

Brings back memories.

Great story telling. It was as good as reading it yourself. Like I did many years ago. In fact, it might have been better!

Mandatory title here

It’s a mistake to require 15 words in a review. People can have opinions without commenting. Stars can be enough.

McGee at his worst

Travis is at his most self-righteous, lecturing and misogynistic in this weirdo early effort. JDM was still trying to figure out what to do with a serial character at this point. A decent period piece, but pretty depressing.

Hallucinations

A crazy story and McGee, the ever chivalrous male, is completely satisfied sexually. Ever wonder how people can see such a different view of themselves? Here is the classic example of what is in the soul is not what the self sees in the mirror reflection.

Too weird to listen to again.

Narrator did not get character right

Any additional comments?

The narrator does not seem to understand the character. His voice is flat when there should be emotion and anger or flippant when there should be compassion. It was odd and annoying to have the reader so disconnected from the character. Otherwise the story was good.

Reminded Me of Farewell My Lovely

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. I love the McGee books but this one was somewhat implausible.

What was most disappointing about John D. MacDonald’s story?

I think that the villains seemed too 'restrained' to be plausible.

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

His voice and style seem to fit the character/genre.

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

Meh. Out of curiosity...

Any additional comments?

Some reviewers seem to not grasp that this book was written in 1964.

Well read, but very dated.

This reads like the story of a kid who just discovered adult love. Nothing graphic, but so much mystical musing that you lose track of the story. I couldn't finish it