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)

Trav McGee just gets better

This is book 2 in series, and it's better than the first. I think the narrator does a great job with voices that convey, not only attitude, but the language of the time. How often do you hear some one call another "darling" in 2012. These are period mysteries and as such you have to take that into account. If you're not familiar with the detective genre of the 50's and 60's then this might not be for you. I'm loving it and find so far each book has been better than last. I'm up to the fourth book in series and I am truly enjoying.

Great escape fiction that will take you back.

John MacDonald's creation of Travis McGee took me back to a time when I wore a younger man's clothes (as the song says). It was a time win one had to go to a land line to make a phone call and men and women lived in very strict observance of certain imagined roles for the sexes. Travis McGee is that macho, trouble shooter who is also caring and compassionate and the women in his life are "very female" but surprisingly tough in their own way. After all life is never as neat and clean as it should be and the tasks the main charter takes on are never as neat and clean as they should be either. The plot is always fast moving and the presentation of the characters by Robert Petkoff adds to the whole. So take an afternoon and step back to a world where absolutes still exist and let your memory and imagination play with each other. I liked it and I hope you do too.

Love Overcomes All

What made the experience of listening to Nightmare in Pink the most enjoyable?

Been a fan of Travis McGee since I was young. To be able to listen to them today is a true joy. Robert Perkoff's narration combined with MacDonald's outstanding writing makes this series a must read - over and over again.

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

Of course not. You know how these series work out. What makes them enjoyable is seeing how Travis handles each situation and survives. The books are enjoyable because of the storyline, not the ending.

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

I liked Teri. An older lady who is famous and wealthy trying to hold onto her youth. Crusty, crabby, aloof, and desperate. Used to getting what she wants, and determined to get Travis... whatever the cost.

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

Absolutely. The length makes that possible, but not practical. So I did it in 2 sittings. And enjoyed every minute. Looking forward to book #3 in the series - A Purple Place for Dying. Can't wait to see what trouble Travis gets into next.

Any additional comments?

If you are looking for a book that is just an enjoyable romp, the Travis MvGee series is that. An excellent way to spend 5-6 hours.Makes you smile, laugh, and just a bit jealous. And the good guy always wins in the end. I like books that way.

Tearing Through the Series

Travis McGee and Meyer are a compelling duo. Start at the beginning and I dare you to stop.

This is not the best McGee book

I've always enjoyed Travis McGee. I don't think one of the books in the series is 'great'. But the series as a whole works together and becomes 'great'.

Nightmare in Pink is pretty good. But its definitely dated. The plot is simple, but far fetched beyond plausible. The women are James Bond sex toys. Nightmare is fun, but limited.

McGee in New York

This time McGee's army buddy Mike Gibson calls to ask for a favor. His baby sister Nina's fiancee has been killed; then exposed as a thief and she's been changed by the events and not for the better. He asks McGee to look into it; find out what to him and help Nina regain her optimism and belief in others. McGee uses a strange method in the implementation of this objective. He picks a fight; the two of them exchange slaps and of course jump directly into bed. Their relationship is intensely passionate and McGee's investigation into her fiancee's death is moving forward when he's drugged and placed into a mental facility. The facility has traded it's integrity for money and allowed itself to be used as a repository for people who've gotten in the way of a corporate swindle. McGee is blackmailed into writing letters to all concerned; both in New York and Florida that he's going walkabout.
This is one of the weaker McGee stories. The only portion of it that redeemed the book was his escape from the institution. If you're someone who's new to the Travis McGee series don't begin your exploration with this one.

Very nice and entretaining book.

I like the authors view on man-women relations, even if sometimes it is far fetched and the book is a fun read.

McGee #2 - Doesn't Try Harder

While this is another bang-up reading performance by Petkoff, the story suffers a bit in comparison to the first McGee outing, The Deep Blue Good-By. Unrealistic in spots, it seems more of a pot-boiler.
Still, these are worth reading in order...and Petkoff will keep it moving for you.

Quite an adventure

As the second in the series, I had expected this to be similar to the first, but I was really wrong. The story takes place in totally different circumstances and if anything it's better than the first one. An excellent bit of story-telling!

refreshing

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

never read it

What did you like best about this story?

occupation of Travis

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

Travis and all of them

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Enjoy reading/listening to books of various genres.

Any additional comments?

I shall have to reread/listen to this book to refresh my memory. I am a avid listener.