NEW YORK — John D. MacDonald, an esteemed crime fiction author, was remarkably prolific, to the point where he sometimes found it difficult to track all of his projects. At times, he had numerous stories submitted simultaneously, often leaving some works incomplete or unpublished as he pursued new concepts. A manuscript that had remained hidden for years has recently resurfaced and is featured in The Strand Magazine, a literary quarterly known for showcasing rare pieces from illustrious writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Titled “The Accomplice,” this early piece from MacDonald highlights the same author renowned for the Travis McGee series and the novel “The Executioners,” which was later adapted into two films under the name “Cape Fear.”
The newly revealed tale delves into themes of desire, treachery, and perilous decisions, and was uncovered in the archives of the University of Florida. In the current edition of Strand, managing editor Andrew F. Gulli describes the story as “raw and gritty,” embodying essential noir elements while also subverting them in true MacDonald fashion, culminating in a surprising and contemplative ending.
Set in a grocery store environment, the narrative introduces a “nearly” eighteen-year-old clerk named Joey, who works under the guidance of the middle-aged proprietor, John Mallon, and his striking younger wife, Belle. MacDonald paints her as tall and slender, with a face that is long and pale, noting that her figure accentuates the dresses she wears. As the story progresses, she begins to direct her attention to Joey, who initially wishes to maintain a professional distance.
Joey finds himself unsettled by the escalating tension, as he notes that during moments when they are alone in the store, he instinctively retreats to the back behind the meat counter or towards the cellar, aware that she will seek him out. MacDonald illustrates this inner turmoil, stating how Joey struggles to sleep, haunted by dreams where Belle feels cold and snake-like, merging with other girls in his subconscious.
The plot takes a dramatic twist, reminiscent of themes from classics such as “Double Indemnity” when Belle suggests a sinister plan to eliminate her husband, intending to access his insurance money to launch a new venture together. She prompts Joey with the provocative question, “How are we going to do it, Joey?”
John D. MacDonald was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in 1916 and later relocated with his family to Utica, New York, where he resided while crafting “The Accomplice.” It was in the early 1950s that he settled in Sarasota, Florida, where he remained for many years until his passing in 1986 in Milwaukee. Over his career, MacDonald sold millions of books and has influenced many authors, including Stephen King. He holds a special place in the hearts of Floridians, being honored in song by famous local musician Jimmy Buffett, who paid tribute in “Incommunicado.”
Scholar Calvin Branche suggests that MacDonald likely penned “The Accomplice” in the late 1940s to early 1950s before placing it aside amidst a flurry of other projects. During his service in World War II, MacDonald experienced the excitement of having one of his stories published by his wife, Dorothy, motivating him to write extensively—up to eighty hours a week. While still being years away from unveiling his iconic Travis McGee series, Branche notes that “The Accomplice” foreshadows the moral dilemmas faced by McGee and other protagonists created by MacDonald.
Joey’s resistance against Belle’s seduction, despite his initial intrigue over her proposal and potential future together, provides a satisfying conclusion that resonates with readers and mirrors the themes of self-awareness often found in MacDonald’s stories.