The Last One Left
Encyclopedia
The Last One Left is a mystery novel by John D. MacDonald
. The story largely takes place in southern Florida
and the Bahamas, and is similar to many of the author's Travis McGee
stories. The book is in fact dedicated to McGee "who lent invaluable support and encouragement," and a named runabout
motorboat later appears in the McGee novel Pale Gray for Guilt
. It was originally published in 1967, appearing in paperback by Fawcett (reprinted 1981) and in hardcover by Doubleday. From internal evidence (the Bay of Pigs Invasion
is mentioned but the Bahamian dollar
is not yet in circulation) the action occurs in late May and early June, circa 1965.
A yacht explodes in the Bahamas, apparently killing 6 people and leaving its burned captain temporarily marooned on a small island. Sam Boyleston, an attorney from Texas
and the brother of one of the victims, investigates the circumstances, as does Raoul Kelly, a newspaper reporter. As the plot develops it becomes apparent that one person is ruthlessly manipulating events, but proving guilt appears impossible.
The book's subtitle is A story about money and dying, and it is written on several different levels. Throughout the plot are subtle discourses on what it means to have a "good" life, how people deal with stress and uncertainty, and at what point will someone reach out for healthy human contact, or else take self-interest as their highest goal.
John D. MacDonald
John Dann MacDonald was an American crime and suspense novelist and short story writer.MacDonald was a prolific author of crime and suspense novels, many of them set in his adopted home of Florida...
. The story largely takes place in southern Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
and the Bahamas, and is similar to many of the author's Travis McGee
Travis McGee
Travis McGee is a fictional character, created by prolific American mystery writer John D. MacDonald. Unlike most detectives in crime fiction, McGee is neither a police officer nor a licensed private investigator; instead, he is a self-described "salvage consultant" who recovers others' property...
stories. The book is in fact dedicated to McGee "who lent invaluable support and encouragement," and a named runabout
Runabout
A runabout is a small vehicle:* Runabout , a small boat* Runabout , antique car body style and 1964 3-wheel GM concept car* Runabout , horse-drawn vehicle* Runabout , a destruction driving game series...
motorboat later appears in the McGee novel Pale Gray for Guilt
Pale Gray for Guilt
Pale Gray for Guilt is the ninth novel in the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald. The plot revolves around McGee's investigation in to the death of his close friend Tush Bannon, who he suspects has been murdered because of his refusal to sell his waterfront property to developers...
. It was originally published in 1967, appearing in paperback by Fawcett (reprinted 1981) and in hardcover by Doubleday. From internal evidence (the Bay of Pigs Invasion
Bay of Pigs Invasion
The Bay of Pigs Invasion was an unsuccessful action by a CIA-trained force of Cuban exiles to invade southern Cuba, with support and encouragement from the US government, in an attempt to overthrow the Cuban government of Fidel Castro. The invasion was launched in April 1961, less than three months...
is mentioned but the Bahamian dollar
Bahamian dollar
The dollar has been the currency of The Bahamas since 1966. It is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively B$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is divided into 100 cents....
is not yet in circulation) the action occurs in late May and early June, circa 1965.
A yacht explodes in the Bahamas, apparently killing 6 people and leaving its burned captain temporarily marooned on a small island. Sam Boyleston, an attorney from Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
and the brother of one of the victims, investigates the circumstances, as does Raoul Kelly, a newspaper reporter. As the plot develops it becomes apparent that one person is ruthlessly manipulating events, but proving guilt appears impossible.
The book's subtitle is A story about money and dying, and it is written on several different levels. Throughout the plot are subtle discourses on what it means to have a "good" life, how people deal with stress and uncertainty, and at what point will someone reach out for healthy human contact, or else take self-interest as their highest goal.