Cinnamon Skin (1982)

It's probably been 20 years since I've picked up a John D. McDonald novel. That's not surprising, given that the man died in 1986. But after noticing his books on the shelf of the mystery section of my local public library on multiple recent occasions, I decided to try dipping into one.
I don't know that I ever read CINNAMON SKIN before, but it turned out to be a great read. A riveting story of McGee and his longtime friend, Meyer, having suspicions about the violent death of Meyer's niece and her new husband when Meyer's boat exploded while being piloted by an able captain. They uncover a tangled network of identities and relationships. ( )

One can see both MacDonald and Travis winding down in energy in b oth his work and his women.After all, he is in his forties now, coming up on the big 5-0.; His protagonist goes by many names, but can be called "sopciopath" as a totality. As I said, McGee is slower, as is Meyer, and one wonders if the world hadn't literally "cav ed in" on his enemy if there would have been a 21st McGee story. ( )

Number 20 in the McGee series. ( )

"When Travis McGee's friend Meyer lent his boat to his niece, Norma, and her new husband Evan, he never dreamed he was signing their death warrant. For suddenly out in the waters of the Florida Keys, the boat was destroyed by an explosion. To all appearances only Norma, Evan and a crew member were aboard when it happened.
But Travis McGee begins to suspect it's not that simple. Is the Chilean underground responsible? Was the explosion connected to drugs? And why does it seem that Evan may not have been on the boat when it blew up? All good questions for the incomparable Travis McGee, who sets out to trap a very elusive and deadly killer." - Fawcett jacket notes
Dated, misogynistic, but an entertaining read on its own terms. ( )