A review by gabrielleviola
The Deep Blue Good-By by John D. MacDonald

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

It's well-written. I can hear McGee's voice in my head unencumbered by my own and I'm immersed in the scene. But, good writing only takes a book so far and my interest does not stay afloat for long. The mystery of Junior Allen is put aside as McGee tediously nurses one of Allen's victims back to health. At first, one might think McGee respects the women he seeks to help. Their dialogue and trauma is believable, their stories tragic but hopeful to overcome. The mirage quickly dissolves, however. The women have depth, but to Trav, it's measured by the size of their butts and suppleness of their skin. I didn't know I was reading fantasy, but I digress. I know, we're supposed to see the similarities between Junior Allen and McGee.

There is an exciting mystery hidden between his twentieth description of the way Cathy Kerr's body looks, but god, it's written in the most excruciating and boring way. Who knew a

Spoiler

roiling treasure hunt murder mystery

could be so mind-numbingly dull that you're excited when

Spoiler

the title of the book

comes to pass?

Still, I see it likely that I will continue reading this series. My uncle loaned me the last two books of it and I'm as much a completist as I am a glutton for punishment. Here's to hoping the plot can become as interesting as the writing tricks us into thinking it is.