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.
I really prefer MacDonald’s non-McGee novels, and you’re right, this is the top of his form.
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.
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.
THE PRICE OF MURDER is a dandy novel, Todd. It’s early JDM, but there’s plenty of powerful writing in these pages.
Oops, missed the suggestion of the figure behind her. Gives it a different flavor.
I love this cover on THE PRICE OF MURDER, Todd. Later covers didn’t quite have its impact.
That’s a surprise. I expected THE DREADFUL LEMON SKY. I haven’t read this one but some day…
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.
I love JDM’s stuff. And I usually think of Don Sandstrom whenever I pick up one of his books.
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.
I’m only half way though, but it seems I’m about the only one who did a McGee. Interesting.
Well, no, there are five McGee books out of 25 reviews. I still find that interesting.
JDM wrote more stand-alone books than Travis McGees, Rick.
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.
Jeff, you read a JDM you hadn’t read before and so did I. I think many of the FFB reviewers did the same thing.
Great cover! I have yet to read any of John D. MacDonald’s work although I do have a couple of his novels down on the basement shelves.
John D. MacDonald was a born story-teller, Carl. Once you start reading his novels, you’ll want to read more…a lot more!