Nightmare in Pink

A Travis McGee Novel, Book 2

By: John D. MacDonald

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

Working my way through this brilliant series

I was captivated by the first book, The Deep Goodbye, and intend working my way through the Travis McGee series because this, the second book, did not disappoint in any way.

typical John D better and better every time

I have read this book at least three times over the past 20 years and listened to the audio book now twice. As with all John D MacDonald books they just keep getting better and better every time I listen or read.

A step back in time

This book is a wonderful step back in time to a sort of 60s version of Magnum, PI. John D. MacDonald was a very talented story teller. He makes the unbelievable seem real and imparts some real world wisdom as the story develops.
Robert Petkoff sounds just like I would imagine Travis McGee sounding if I was reading it and not listening to it.

MacDonald and Petkoff are are great team!

Would you consider the audio edition of Nightmare in Pink to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version but the way the book was performed by Robert Petkoff, it would be hard to believe reading this myself would be better. Petkoff is as professional as they come and he delivers well on "Pink".

What did you like best about this story?

It's a unique storyline and MacDonald weaves intricate pieces together as well as anybody in the 20th century. Travis McGee is a multi-dimensional character that has flaws and imperfections that don't detract but rather enhance his character.

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

The way Petkoff transitions to the female voices like Nina is brilliant to listen to. He is consistent throughout and provides a unique dimension to each character as he delivers the lines like a pro.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I listened to bit and pieces whenever I had a spare moment.

Legendary author!

Travis McGee is a classic mystery character with stunning accolades over the years since his death. Was hoping that someone would play the character in movies, but I don't think they ever did like Clive Cussler's two movies. I've been an audiobook reviewer for 25 years for various magazines, and this author (plus James Lee Burke) are my favorites. You can't go wrong..