Helpful Score: 3
I absolutely love Carl Hiaasen. He books never fail to make me laugh out loud. And as looney and outrageous as his plots and characters are, there is an amazing amount of truth there also. As a fellow Floridian, I can attest to the craziness of our state...the retirees, tourists, sleazy politicians, religious zealots, real estate scams, amusement parks, roadside strip joints...the list goes on. Mr. Hiaasen exposes all that is wrong with this state that he loves, and makes you grateful that he took you along for the ride.
This book stands alone, but I suggest you read his others in order, as there are some reocurring characters whose stories build. Welcome to Florida!
This book stands alone, but I suggest you read his others in order, as there are some reocurring characters whose stories build. Welcome to Florida!
Helpful Score: 2
Satisfingly sharp, funny, and smart. The usual collection of Hiaasen odd-ball characters - my favorites in this one had to be the bouncer Shad and Garcia the cop. And those who deserve justice once again received it as only Hiaasen can deliver - not always neat, clean, or lawful, but justice all the same! Thoroughly enjoyable read!
Helpful Score: 2
I had watched the movie for this book a couple of times before I had actually gotten around to reading it and was glad I did. I usually don't have a problem with creating a mental image of a book's characters, but sometimes a little Burt Reynolds in cowboy boots and not much else can give you a better impression of how to get a feel for an individual.
Overall, I found it to be an excellent story and it's why I will continue to read books by this author in the future. The plot is good and I really liked the follow-up at the end of where key characters ended up. Reading a book by Hiaasen just gives you a good feeling afterwards because it's not a completely serious novel.
The only real complaint I had is that I found it a little corny how Erin rationalized, to herself, that her job was really more like dancing to make it seem more doable, instead of just admitting she was desperate for a job to pay her lawyer. I guess I prefer to read stuff where lead women are a little more secure and would just admit that they're stripping because a) they can, and, b) they needed the money, and aren't rationalizing what society things they should do. P2TP I say, :P
But regardless, this was a good read and I recommend it to anyone who's a fan. You'll enjoy the laughs.
Overall, I found it to be an excellent story and it's why I will continue to read books by this author in the future. The plot is good and I really liked the follow-up at the end of where key characters ended up. Reading a book by Hiaasen just gives you a good feeling afterwards because it's not a completely serious novel.
The only real complaint I had is that I found it a little corny how Erin rationalized, to herself, that her job was really more like dancing to make it seem more doable, instead of just admitting she was desperate for a job to pay her lawyer. I guess I prefer to read stuff where lead women are a little more secure and would just admit that they're stripping because a) they can, and, b) they needed the money, and aren't rationalizing what society things they should do. P2TP I say, :P
But regardless, this was a good read and I recommend it to anyone who's a fan. You'll enjoy the laughs.
Helpful Score: 2
Another entertaining read from Hiaasen, it's all there -- implausible plot, eccentric characters, strong women, crazy druggies, cartoon violence, the whole nine yards. Not his best -- but still fun if you're a fan.
Helpful Score: 1
A Chicago Tribune review on the cover states: "His decidedly best novel..." Well, if true, then I have nothing to look forward to with the rest of his books.
Unlike other reviewers here, I am not impressed with Hiaasen. Over this last year I read three of his books, based on a recommendation from a friend. None really impressed me. I think the only reason I read three was the Florida tie-in.
There is an old saying, "So many books, so little time." I would like to add another, "With so many good books out there, why waste your time reading bad ones?"
Hiaasen's novels are sometimes defined as "comic mysteries" and satire. I don't remember laughing, or even chuckling, once during my reads. If you like low humor, sex and slapstick comedy all rolled into one and stuck between the covers of a book, then Hiaasen will satisfy you. But once again, this book convinces me that reviewers whose comments appear on the covers of books are being paid off in some way.
Unlike other reviewers here, I am not impressed with Hiaasen. Over this last year I read three of his books, based on a recommendation from a friend. None really impressed me. I think the only reason I read three was the Florida tie-in.
There is an old saying, "So many books, so little time." I would like to add another, "With so many good books out there, why waste your time reading bad ones?"
Hiaasen's novels are sometimes defined as "comic mysteries" and satire. I don't remember laughing, or even chuckling, once during my reads. If you like low humor, sex and slapstick comedy all rolled into one and stuck between the covers of a book, then Hiaasen will satisfy you. But once again, this book convinces me that reviewers whose comments appear on the covers of books are being paid off in some way.
Helpful Score: 1
Carl Hiaasen does it again. Entertaining from start to finish. Good cast of characters and fast moving action.
Helpful Score: 1
The book was so much better than the movie -- the book is funny & witty... don't let the movie distract you from the fun of this book.
Hilarious reading. Carl Hiaasen at his best. Revealing, titillating and funny. Alternate selecion of the Literary Book Club.
Written with sharp sarcasm and sharper humor. A must read for any fan of the hilarious.
Another fun read by Hiaasen. He creates such unique and quirky characters.
Another great Hiaasen read!
The subject matter is quite erotic and not for everyone. There is a lot of unnecessary detail that allows the book to lag in places. Otherwise, the book would have a four star rating. The humor is delightful and the last chapter is a real highpoint of the book.
Interesting plot and good read, but too many curse words.
Great fun... like all of Hiaasen's books, the quirky characters are even better than the outlandish plot.
Very Very Funny
Very enjoyable.
Another Hiassen classic. Plots and outcomes are always surprising and intriguing with a surprise ending. All in all a good read.
Amazon.com
A smart topless dancer and a cool but clueless cop join forces to trap a dirty congressman, aided by one of the funniest cast of characters ever collected in a suspense novel.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
From Publishers Weekly
Inventive blackmail schemes, grisly murders, power politics, greed, revenge and sex all figure in Hiaasen's ( Native Tongue ) latest comic crime novel. At the Eager Beaver, a topless bar in Fort Lauderdale, former FBI clerk Erin Grant dances nightly to pay for legal fees in her custody fight for her young daughter. There David Dilbeck, a poorly disguised, somewhat kinky and imbecilic U.S. Congressman owned by the state's sugar interests, is recognized by a sharp-eyed regular who, infatuated with Erin, initiates a blackmail plan meant to influence her court case. The resulting mayhem, occuring in an election year, involves machinations up to the highest state level, most of which are orchestrated by Dilbeck's arrogant, sleazy lawyer, and leads to an escalating body count that ends in a frenzied revenge caper arranged by the resourceful Erin deep in some sugarcane fields. Dead-on dialogue ("My boots are full of Vaseline," says Dilbeck one night, his only other clothing a black cowboy hat) and clearly limned characters from society's fringes--notably the taciturn, inventive Eager Beaver bouncer; a Cuban cop who works the case off hours; Erin's psychopathic ex, and his sister who raises hybrid wolves outside her double-wide trailer--round out this somewhat coincidence-ridden but consistently entertaining, warm-blooded tale. 60,000 first printing; Literary Guild alternate; author tour. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
2 Cassettes
A smart topless dancer and a cool but clueless cop join forces to trap a dirty congressman, aided by one of the funniest cast of characters ever collected in a suspense novel.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
From Publishers Weekly
Inventive blackmail schemes, grisly murders, power politics, greed, revenge and sex all figure in Hiaasen's ( Native Tongue ) latest comic crime novel. At the Eager Beaver, a topless bar in Fort Lauderdale, former FBI clerk Erin Grant dances nightly to pay for legal fees in her custody fight for her young daughter. There David Dilbeck, a poorly disguised, somewhat kinky and imbecilic U.S. Congressman owned by the state's sugar interests, is recognized by a sharp-eyed regular who, infatuated with Erin, initiates a blackmail plan meant to influence her court case. The resulting mayhem, occuring in an election year, involves machinations up to the highest state level, most of which are orchestrated by Dilbeck's arrogant, sleazy lawyer, and leads to an escalating body count that ends in a frenzied revenge caper arranged by the resourceful Erin deep in some sugarcane fields. Dead-on dialogue ("My boots are full of Vaseline," says Dilbeck one night, his only other clothing a black cowboy hat) and clearly limned characters from society's fringes--notably the taciturn, inventive Eager Beaver bouncer; a Cuban cop who works the case off hours; Erin's psychopathic ex, and his sister who raises hybrid wolves outside her double-wide trailer--round out this somewhat coincidence-ridden but consistently entertaining, warm-blooded tale. 60,000 first printing; Literary Guild alternate; author tour. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
2 Cassettes
Got half way through and didn't finish. Wasn't bad just didn't hold my interest. Gotta love his titles though.
Outrageously funny - Hiassen is addictive!
This was my first and only Hiaasen. I expected something more, I suppose. I had reviews (like those posted here) about how great/hilarious his stuff was. It was OK. It was amusing. I haven't read any more of his books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all of Mr. Hiaasen's books. Always witty and fast paced, with twists of plot. A really entertaining writer.
Hiaasen does it again. Great characters. Fun read. Recommended!
Good beach read!
Great Mystery!
Very funny and quirky characters and plot. If you like comedy, you'll like Carl Hiassen.
Great Hiaasen comic mystery. Don't be fooled by the movie version.
Very funny, clever book. The movie with Demi Moore was based on this book - even if you hated the movie, the book is really well done!
Great story on which the Demi Moore movie is based. I laughed non-stop at his wit.
Love this author. When you need to get stuff off your mind and have a good laugh, read a good story this is your man.
Hiaasen holds your attention,the characters interesting, some serious funny stuff.
Hilarious. A must for any Carl Hiaasen fan.
Loved it!
Easy read, entertaining!
Easy read, entertaining!
I always enjoy Carl Hiaasen's book and this one did not disappoint.
Donna
Donna
One of the reviews in the book says "Rough, raucous, and filled with lovable losers, this is a caper for readers who aren't afraid to laugh out loud."
Very funny tale of southern Florida and a topless dancer who joins forces with a cop to solve a strange mystery. Makes great travel reading!
i had read pretty much all of hiaasen's books but this (the rest are brilliant, only shame is he can't produce more faster) because it was made into a movie with demi moore. i finally overcame the shuddering and read it with as much pleasure as his others. highly recommended if you like rollicking good fun wrapped with intelligence,
This was another Carl Hiaasen classic. I loved it. I have been reading a lot of his books lately, & he never fails to amuse & surprise. He is spot on with this book.
A drunken about-to-be-married guest at a bachelor party becomes a threat to Florida's Big money and Big government. A virtuous stripper and a not-too-smart cop get together in attempting to thwart the "Bigs".
A strip joint near Ft. Lauderdale is the site of the latest fiasco involving Congressman David "I should never be around naked women" Dilbeck. He is up for reelection this year and he is stuck deep in the pockets of the most powerful sugar growers in FL, men who prefer their impropriety scandal-free. When Dilbeck receives an almost well-meaning blackmail threat after his strip tease misstep, it doesn't take much to turn the situation uncontrollably murderous. Suspense combines with razor-sharp wit in a wildly inventive, high-speed tale of greed & political corruption. It's the kind of novel Carl Hiaasen does better than anyone else writing today & in Strip Tease he does it better than he's ever done it before.
