3.87
"The Drowner" by John D. MacDonald is a gripping and suspenseful novel that follows the story of a small-town sheriff, Travis McGee, who becomes embroiled in a complex web of crime and corruption. The novel is set in southwest Florida, where McGee lives on a houseboat and makes a living as a "salvage consultant," helping people recover lost or stolen property. When a wealthy businessman named Peter Rains hires McGee to find his missing wife, McGee is drawn into a dangerous world of organized crime, political intrigue, and deceit. As he delves deeper into the case, McGee discovers that Rains' wife, Janet, was involved in a shady land development deal that went wrong, and that she may have been murdered to cover up the truth. As McGee investigates, he must navigate the treacherous waters of the local political and criminal underworld, all while dealing with his own personal demons and struggles. Along the way, he encounters a cast of memorable characters, including a ruthless mob boss, a crooked politician, and a beautiful and mysterious woman who may hold the key to the case. MacDonald's writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the sweltering heat and humidity of Florida to life on the page. The pacing of the novel is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. Overall, "The Drowner" is a thrilling and engaging novel that combines elements of mystery, crime, and suspense. It is a must-read for fans of MacDonald's work, as well as for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted and suspenseful story.
John D. MacDonald
The Deep Blue Good-By
If you enjoyed 'The Drowner' and are looking for more books by the same author, 'The Deep Blue Good-by' is a great choice. This is the first book in the Travis McGee series, and it introduces the reader to the protagonist's unique personality and worldview. The story follows McGee, a self-described 'salvage consultant,' as he tries to solve the mystery of a missing marine engineer and her wealthy husband. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Florida landscape and its exploration of themes such as greed, corruption, and the human condition.
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A Cool Breeze on the Underground
If you're looking for a book similar to 'The Drowner' in terms of its gritty, noir-style storytelling, 'A Cool Breeze on the Underground' by Don Winslow is a great choice. The novel follows private investigator Neal Carey as he tries to track down a missing heiress who has become involved with a dangerous cult. The story is set in 1950s New York City and is known for its fast-paced plot, vivid characters, and exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and the darker side of human nature.
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The Long Goodbye
If you enjoyed 'The Drowner' and are looking for a classic example of the hard-boiled detective genre, 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler is a must-read. The novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he becomes entangled in the lives of a wealthy alcoholic and a mysterious femme fatale. The story is known for its sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions of Los Angeles, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
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The Maltese Falcon
If you're looking for a classic detective novel similar to 'The Drowner,' 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a great choice. The novel follows private detective Sam Spade as he investigates the murder of his partner and the theft of a valuable statue. The story is known for its snappy dialogue, vivid characters, and exploration of themes such as greed, corruption, and the darker side of human nature.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
If you enjoyed 'The Drowner' and are looking for a classic example of the hard-boiled detective genre, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a must-read. The novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates a blackmail case and becomes entangled in the lives of a wealthy family with a dark past. The story is known for its sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions of Los Angeles, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Glass Key
If you're looking for a classic detective novel similar to 'The Drowner,' 'The Glass Key' by Dashiell Hammett is a great choice. The novel follows private detective Ned Beaumont as he investigates a political corruption scandal and becomes entangled in the lives of a powerful crime boss and his associates. The story is known for its complex plot, vivid characters, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.
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Red Harvest
If you're looking for a classic detective novel similar to 'The Drowner' and are a fan of Dashiell Hammett's work, 'Red Harvest' is a great choice. The novel follows Continental Op, a detective hired to clean up a corrupt town, as he becomes embroiled in a violent power struggle between rival gangs. The story is known for its gritty, noir-style storytelling and exploration of themes such as greed, corruption, and the human condition.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
Farewell, My Lovely
If you enjoyed 'The Drowner' and are looking for a classic example of the hard-boiled detective genre, 'Farewell, My Lovely' by Raymond Chandler is a must-read. The novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates the disappearance of a former boxer and becomes entangled in a web of crime and corruption. The story is known for its sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions of Los Angeles, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Continental Op
If you're looking for a classic detective novel similar to 'The Drowner' and are a fan of Dashiell Hammett's work, 'The Continental Op' is a great choice. The novel is a collection of short stories featuring the Continental Op, a detective working for the Continental Detective Agency, as he solves various cases. The stories are known for their gritty, noir-style storytelling and exploration of themes such as greed, corruption, and the human condition.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Lady in the Lake
If you enjoyed 'The Drowner' and are looking for a classic example of the hard-boiled detective genre, 'The Lady in the Lake' by Raymond Chandler is a must-read. The novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates the disappearance of a wealthy man's wife and becomes entangled in a web of crime and corruption. The story is known for its sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions of Los Angeles, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
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The Thin Man
If you're looking for a classic detective novel similar to 'The Drowner' and are a fan of Dashiell Hammett's work, 'The Thin Man' is a great choice. The novel follows retired detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora as they become embroiled in a murder investigation and are reunited with a cast of colorful characters from Nick's past. The story is known for its witty dialogue, vivid characters, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
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