MacDonald, John D..

John D MacDonald (July 24, 1916- December 28, 1986) gained international acclaim as an author of short stories and crime and suspense novels. The native Floridian used his home state as a setting in many of his works. MacDonald is perhaps best known for his novel The Executioners, which inspired the film Cape Fear. His Travis McGee series also earned critical praise. MacDonald was awarded the American Book Award (later renamed the National Book Award) in 1980. Famed author Stephen King commended MacDonald as "the great entertainer of our age, and a mesmerizing storyteller."