Originally published in 1964, is the debut novel in John D. MacDonald’s iconic series featuring Travis McGee. The book establishes the blueprint for the next 20 entries in the series, introducing a "salvage consultant" who lives on a custom houseboat, the Busted Flush , won in a poker game. Character Profile: Travis McGee

Travis McGee #01 - The Deep Blue Good-by - Paperback Warrior

: The narrative follows Allen’s evolution from a thief into a serial rapist and murderer. McGee must use his savvy, guile, and physical prowess to track Allen down and recover the stolen fortune. Legacy and Style

: McGee is famously wary of modern consumer culture and environmental destruction, often taking "retirement" in installments between jobs. Plot Overview

: He is described as a tall, tanned, and sandy-haired man with pale gray eyes. He is often noted as a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

McGee is not a traditional private investigator; he is an "adventurer" and "philosopher" based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In this first outing, McGee is approached by Cathy Kerr, a woman whose father—a deceased WWII veteran—had hidden a valuable treasure he brought back from the war.