[Travis McGee] has the hint of meanness and suggestion of illegality that made Sam Spade such a fascinatingly ambiguous character; he has [Phillip] Marlowe's sense of self-directed irony, his striking physical presence, and though more open to sensual experience, he shares in main his moral outlook; and finally he has Lew Archer's sensitivity and interest in others, a willingness to get involved with people, probably more involved than Archer himself.

Yet if McGee's character relates in part to an illustrious tradition, much of his personality as well as the basic ingredients of the novels must be traced to MacDonald's earlier suspense novels. (pp. 29-30)

The basic plot of a McGee adventure usually begins with the interaction of a girl (either an old friend or friend of a friend or kin to one) in trouble, and a large sum of money (missing, stolen or buried). Travis swallows the bait...