The Scarlet Ruse [Import] [Paperback]

JOHN D MACDONALD (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: MACMILLAN; New Ed edition (1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330243853
• ISBN-13: 978-0330243858
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,007,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Complex, May 31, 2005

By 

Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Scarlet Ruse (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a Travis McGee mystery. McGee is lured off his boat by a friend whose stamp dealer friend is in trouble. The dealer constructs stamp collections as investments for rich clients. One day, the dealer noticed that the stamps in one of his client's collections had been switched with low grade specimens, significantly downgrading the value of the collection. He's terrified that the client will ask to cash in the collection, leaving him with an overwhelming financial liability. He asks McGee to help him figure out how the stamps were switched, and who did it. Complicating the matter is the dealer's secretary, who McGee finds himself mysteriously attracted to.

This story is rich with detail, and it can be hard at times to keep it all straight. The plot goes over the edge of plausibility in places, and the ending has an odd twist that I still can't figure out. Nevertheless, the story remains engaging throughout, and can provide a bit of entertainment or distraction for a little while.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars After the Fall, April 8, 2000

By 

Rolfe Windward (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Scarlet Ruse (Mass Market Paperback)

A more pessimistic MacDonald (and McGee) emerges after a writing hiatus of some years. The difference between earlier McGee stories and the 'new' series beginning with Scarlet Ruse is palpable to the devoted fan but not necessarily objectionable: McGee is growing older and so are we; not simply closer to the bone now (McDonald could always take us there) but closer to the end. Yet McDonald's exploration of a free life amidst its war with self and the criminal mind still entertains and instructs. We are not through yet and neither is our favorite beach-bum. See you in Lauderdale.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Story, July 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Scarlet Ruse (Audio Cassette)

I wasn't sure about Darren McGavin reading these books. I thought he was too different from who I thought Travis McGee was. Jimmy Buffett maybe, but Darren McGavin? I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed Mr. McGavin's interpretation of my favorite beach bum sailor. And any book by John D. is miles above the rest, so I had to give it FIVE stars, even if it isn't my favorite MrGee novel!