The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper
The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper (1968) is the tenth novel in the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald. The plot focuses on McGee's investigation of a beautiful young woman who is mysteriously losing her mind without any apparent physical or mental disease. Along the way, he discovers various troubling facets to the small Florida town where she resides.
 First edition cover | |
| Author | John D. MacDonald |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Travis McGee |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Publisher | Fawcett Publications |
Publication date | 1968 |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Preceded by | Pale Gray for Guilt |
| Followed by | Dress Her in Indigo |
Summary
The back of the first edition states, "The incomparable Travis McGee is back in a brand-new adventure! Poking around where he's not wanted - as usual - McGee delves into the mystery of a rich and beautiful wanton who happens to losing her mind, a little piece at a time. As he probes, he uncovers some of the strange corruptions that simmer behind the respectable facade of a quiet Florida town..."
Themes
The phrase, "girl in a plain brown wrapper" is used on page 214 of the first edition referring to one of the characters wrapped heavy brown wrapping paper to conceal the identity while McGee finished his work.
References
- Merril, Hugh (2000). The Red Hot Typewriter: The Life and Times of John D. MacDonald. Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Minotaur. ISBN 978-0-312-20905-6.
- Geherin, David (1982). John D. MacDonald. F. Ungar Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0-8044-2232-1.