More From a Nightmare in Pink

One of the things I love about Travis McGee novels by John D. MacDonald, is the simplicity of writing. It's direct and honest and quick. I have been accused of this as well (see HERE). And I'll happily accept that accusation/honor.

Some of the other authors I read who are similar include Louis L'amour - with his simple stories that are easy to follow and fun in a predictable way, Lee Child - Often times I find them a bit too simple (see HERE), but they're fun. Even Dick Francis has an economy about his writing and his stories that is fun and easy (see HERE).

As we all know one of my favorite authors is Lawrence Sanders. He does NOT have an economic way with words. He can take three pages to describe how his character builds and eats the perfect brunsweiger sandwich (pumpernickle break, onion, sharp cheddar, and stone ground mustard by the way). Pat Conroy, James Dickey, these amazing authors too, love to find lyricism and richness in words and descriptions.

This Travis McGee series is the perfect blend of both. The story is quick and easy, but the characters can jump off the page. 

I marked several instances of this, but this is the best and first of them. 

I stalked Nina into a corner and said, “Had enough of this?” 

“Let’s see if we can last ten more horrible minutes.” 

“Five,” I said, looking into blue, down into blue, teetering on the edge of blue depths.

I love the way he describes her eyes . . . "looking into blue, down into blue, teetering on the edge of blue depths," is an amazing turn of phrase. I hope one day to have this perfect blend too.