The Deep Blue Good-Bye

novel by MacDonald

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July 23, 2026

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The Deep Blue Good-By is a 1964 novel by John D. MacDonald. It introduces Travis McGee, a private investigator who lives on a houseboat in Florida and calls himself a "salvage consultant." McGee typically takes on dangerous cases defending women against powerful, corrupt organizations. The novel, and the subsequent series, explore contemporary social and moral issues through McGee and his companion, Meyer. MacDonald was a prolific American author known for his mystery and science-fiction works, publishing over 70 books during his career.12

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John D. MacDonald
In The Deep Blue Good-By (1964), MacDonald introduced Travis McGee—a tough, eccentric “salvage consultant” who typically defends a beautiful woman against a large, corrupt organization. Going beyond the usual formula of sex and violence, the author investigated contemporary social and moral concerns through McGee and his…
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In The Deep Blue Good-By (1964), MacDonald introduced Travis McGee—a tough, eccentric “salvage consultant” who typically defends a beautiful woman against a large, corrupt organization. Going beyond the usual formula of sex and violence, the author investigated contemporary social and moral concerns through McGee and his…
Read More