Free Fall in Crimson by John D. MacDonald

I’m a big fan of well-written mysteries and thrillers. John D. MacDonald is in the top five of my favorite authors in this genre. I’m surprised that no one has turned MacDonald’s Travis McGee character into a TV series like Bosch or Jack Ryan.  McGee is a tortured hero who seeks justice for those that the legal system can’t, or won’t, help. But, as Travis would say, he’s not a private detective. He’s described as “part rebel, part philosopher, and every inch his own man.” He’s a “rugged, sexy Florida boat bum”.

MacDonald’s books, especially the Travis McGee series, are what I like to think of as cerebral mysteries. You have to pay attention to the subtleties of MacDonald’s well-developed characters, what they don’t say or do is just as important as what they do. There’s lots of action but McGee rarely uses a gun.