The Girl, The Gold Watch and Everything by John D. MacDonald is an unusual science fiction novel by an author who usually writes hard-boiled crime stories. Kirby Winter’s multimillionaire Uncle Omar left him nothing but a gold watch and a sealed letter to be opened in one year, but as Kirby soon discovers the watch is far from ordinary and gives him the power to freeze time. Kirby is nothing like MacDonald’s usual heroes, he is unassuming, humble, clumsy – especially with women, and rather slow on the uptake. This makes him the perfect prey for exotic Charla O’Rourke, who knows that he is in possession of something incredible and is willing to do just about anything to get her hands on it.

The story was originally published in 1962 and the atmosphere, the clothes and the setting of Miami, Florida all came together to give this book a type of mid-century modern vibe that I really enjoyed. Yes, it is sexist in an over-the-top manner, but it’s certainly the females, both good and bad, that have the brains here. I wasn’t a fan of this book to begin with as it got off to a very disjointed and sloppy start, but as the plot came together I got a kick out of this 1960’s romp that took such a different look at time travel.

Obviously science fiction never replaced his love of the hard boiled crime novel, but The Girl, The Gold Watch and Everything gives those of us who are fans of this author a fun look at what he could do when he stepped away from his usual style. ( )

John D. MacDonald is one of my all-time favorite novelist. He wrote most of his sixty-plus thrillers in the 1950s and 60s. Some of his work is a little dated but most of it still works today. He was a master at observing and describing the human animal. It's interesting to see that we really haven't changed in the last 60 years.

This book was not the usual MacDonald thriller. There is a large amount of silly and improbable in the characters and their actions. The primary character was intentionally naive and gullible to the point of annoyance. Still, it held my interest to the end. ( )

A science fiction or fantasy, but some of MacDonald’s usual adventure aspects. A few ‘love scenes - not graphic. The protagonist is insecure in his own sexuality and takes a good bit of the book to get beyond that point.
The plot is basically about the ability to step outside the passage of time. Given the premise the plot develops well. A pleasant addition to y rereading of MacDonald.
I had read this book 20-30 years ago but had no recall of its course of events so I guess by definition that means it isn’t truly memorable.
There are some interesting details that reflect the fifties - both in the devices and in the people’s expectations ( )

Time stops for one man. So says the inscription on the back of the golden watch given to Kirby Winter by his uncle along with a letter to be opened one year after his death. Naturally, as the sole heir to Uncle Omar’s multi-million dollar estate as well as being in a small bind for cash, Kirby is a little put off over his snubbing in Omar’s will. But things are not as they seem, and soon Kirby finds that his uncle has entrusted him with the ability to control time. Initiation by fire ensues as Kirby’s forced to learn the true potential of a watch that can stop time, all the while evading police, a couple dangerous scam artists and members of the female gender entirely. With unlimited possibilities, Kirby finds that with great power comes great responsibility, not to mention quite a bit of trouble. Its up to Kirby, a 20-year-old runaway named Bonny Lee and a peculiar pocket watch to make it out unscathed. I found MacDonald’s novel to be a lighter, enjoyable read that explored a common fantasy among children and adults alike. Its elements of science fiction may put off the casual reader, but did not detract from the quality of the story. I would give four out of five stars.

Jim H. ( )

John D. McDonald is a terrific writer, widely respected in the mystery genre, but he wrote quite a bit of other stories as well. This story, one of the coolest, most imaginative stories ever, should be a classic. It was made into a lousy movie, starring Robert Hays, but again, this story deserves much better. It's a relatively short story so it should be a quick read. ( )