A nice-moving, uncomplicated in style, mystery with colorful setting and suitably evil adversaries.
Reviewed by David on November 30, 2003
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Darker Than Amber. Travis McGee and his friend Meyer are relaxing in a fishing boat when they witness, and prevent a murder attempt. The victim, a beautiful young woman, is grateful for the rescue, but very cagey about the reasons for the crime. It appears that she was involved in a conspiracy, and there was a falling out among thieves.
After the young lady leaves McGee and Meyer, her hints propel them to seek out the deadly conspiracy and to stop them, all without official sanction.
Full Review: The novel is full of colorful characters and settings, and has normal gathering of clues interspersed with tense, sometimes deadly action. McGee and most of the colorful characters are interesting if not overly deep, and many are given to voluble monologues. Occasionally, these discourses on politics and philosophy seem more like author's musings than character's own sayings, and their implausibility and consistency make these characters rather shallow.
On the whole, the adventure is tense and fast-moving, and provides several hours of uncomplicated entertainment.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1966, Books on Tape, 1978, Audio cassette, 8 cassettes
Order from: Books on Tape