John D. MacDonald

John D. MacDonald was an American writer of novels and short stories, known for his thrillers. MacDonald was a prolific author of crime and suspense novels, many of them set in his adopted home of Florida. His best-known works include the Travis McGee series and the novel 'The Executioners', which was adapted into the film 'Cape Fear'. MacDonald's writing is noted for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and strong sense of place. He was a major influence on many later authors in the mystery and thriller genres.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Girl, The Gold Watch And Everything

    Cover of 'The Girl, The Gold Watch And Everything' by John D. MacDonald

    In this whimsical science fiction tale, a down-on-his-luck protagonist inherits a peculiar watch from his eccentric uncle that has the power to stop time. As he grapples with this extraordinary ability, he finds himself on a wild adventure, dodging greedy opportunists, nefarious villains, and government agents, all while trying to understand the true potential of his newfound gadget. Along the way, he is joined by a resourceful and enigmatic young woman, and together they navigate the chaos, discovering love and the true meaning of time and existence.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Dreadful Lemon Sky

    Cover of 'The Dreadful Lemon Sky' by John D. MacDonald

    In this gripping mystery novel, a hard-boiled detective is awakened late one night by an ex-girlfriend who entrusts him with a large sum of money, asking him to safeguard it in case of her untimely demise. When she is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the detective is propelled into a complex investigation that leads him through a web of deceit, drug smuggling, and murder. As he delves deeper into the case, he must navigate the treacherous waters of a small Florida town, where everyone seems to have something to hide, and the truth is as murky as the swamplands that surround it. Determined to honor the last wishes of his former lover, he relentlessly pursues justice, no matter how dreadful the cost may be.

    The 4607th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. Cape Fear

    Cover of 'Cape Fear' by John D. MacDonald

    In this gripping thriller, a convicted rapist, released from prison, seeks vengeance against the lawyer whose testimony led to his conviction. The ex-con meticulously plans his revenge, targeting the lawyer's family and instilling a relentless fear in them. As the family's peaceful life is shattered by the threat of this cunning adversary, they are forced to take drastic measures to protect themselves from his escalating campaign of terror. The story unfolds in a tense game of cat-and-mouse, culminating in a desperate struggle for survival.

    The 5349th Greatest Book of All Time

  4. 4. The Deep Blue Good By

    Cover of 'The Deep Blue Good By' by John D. MacDonald

    In this classic detective novel, we follow a rugged, self-proclaimed "salvage consultant" who lives aboard a houseboat in Florida. He is drawn into a case involving a treasure hidden by a soldier during World War II, which has become the target of a manipulative and sadistic man. As the protagonist uses his charm and wits to track down the treasure and protect the soldier's innocent daughter, he navigates a dangerous path filled with deceit, violence, and betrayal, showcasing his unique moral code and his willingness to confront the darker aspects of human nature.

    The 5405th Greatest Book of All Time