FORGOTTEN BOOKS #163: THE PRICE OF MURDER By John D. MacDonald


John D. MacDonald’s The Price of Murder features a complex plot told in a multiple-character format. Published in 1957 as a paperback original, The Price of Murder begins with the troubled marriage of English college professor Lee Bronson and his vapid wife, Lucille. But quickly the novel changes gears as Lee’s brother, Danny, violates his parole. That plot element introduces a psychopathic killer. John D. MacDonald blends in a third sub-plot involving the payoff money from a kidnapping. For fans of the Travis McGee series, the signature convoluted plot shows up in The Price of Murder to maximum effect. Although this is an early Dell original, John D. MacDonald displays his classic story-telling powers in this powerful novel.

17 thoughts on “FORGOTTEN BOOKS #163: THE PRICE OF MURDER By John D. MacDonald

    1. george Post author

      I only have six or seven JDM books that I haven’t read, Dan. I’ve been parceling out one of these novels per year. I decided it was time to read one for Patti’s JDM DAY.

      Reply
  1. Todd Mason

    Certainly the cover-character is having a good time. ECSTASY (not so much the drug as one of the slightly less famous sequences in the early Hedy Lamarr film, which also might not arise in a typical H’wood film of its time) comes to mind…pops into one’s head…etc. I’m not sure I’ve seen this novel before.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      My favorite Travis McGee is A DEADLY SHADE OF GOLD, Jeff. I considered rereading it, but decided to read one of the JDM novels I’ve been hoarding away. I’m down to only six or seven JDM novels that I haven’t read yet.

      Reply
    1. george Post author

      John D. MacDonald seemed to attract as many women readers as men, Beth. JDM created believable characters of both genders, something that many writers struggle to do.

      Reply
  2. Jeff Meyerson

    Rick, I figured most people would do McGee reviews so I chose not to, only to find most other people also did the non-series books. Interesting, as you say.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      John D. MacDonald was a born story-teller, Carl. Once you start reading his novels, you’ll want to read more…a lot more!

      Reply

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