Man of Affairs

I managed to find a few of JDM's novels back in the inner recesses of a book stall in Singapore. I wanted to re-discover why he was one of my favorite writers over 30 years ago. Except for some of the circumstances and the money exchanges, this book was every bit as good and exciting as anything on the market today. JDM's writing is polished, smooth-flowing and filled with such vivid descriptions that you can almost picture the people, good and bad, and how the islands look and feel. I have a few Travis McGee novels to re-visit and I'm sure I won't be disappointed. JDM passed in 1986 but he left volumes of relaxing and dramatic novels to enjoy on a lazy afternoon sitting in the shade of several palm trees, and drinking the fresh juice. I also enjoy the little asides about the amusing quirks of dogs, cats, fish, and of course, humans. He doesn't waste words and he keeps you on edge, waiting for the next chapter, and with a few deft strokes, brings the characters to life. He was very talented and prolific, and was a master storyteller. I suggest finding/buying a few of his books and see why we old loyalists love to visit his stretch of Florida landscapes like Yoknapatawpha County. It's fun to see some of his old cronies back on the pages, like Meyer, and of course, all the sun-tanned, bikini-wearing fair maidens.

Would you like it if something you had spent your life building was harshly taken from you? Ol' John D. really puts it to you. A long-established business has it's founder die and the sharks are gathering. Weak family members are likely to let the company have the guts devoured, then casually sold away, reaping huge profits in the process. Only Sam Gliddin can save the day. Originally published in 1965, it is now a tad outdated, but still worth a weekend's read.