Mick Stranahan #1

Skin Tight

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New York Times bestselling author Carl Hiaasen serves up a humorous helping of "taut, fast-paced action...crisp and hot"

After dispatching a pistol-packing intruder from his home with the help of a stuffed Marlin head, Mick Stranahan can't deny that someone is out to get him. His now-deceased intruder carries no I.D., and as a former Florida state investigator, Stranahan knows there are plenty of potential culprits. His long list of enemies includes an off point hit man, a personal injury lawyer of billboard fame, a notoriously irritating TV journalist, and a fumbling plastic surgeon.

Now, if he wants to keep fishing into his golden years, Stranahan has no choice but to come out of retirement to close this one last case...

432 pages, Paperback

First published September 1,1989

Literary awards
Places
florida

This edition

Format
432 pages, Paperback
Published
April 12, 2005 by Grand Central Publishing
ISBN
9780446695695
ASIN
0446695696
Language
English

About the author

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I truly had a great affection for this particular book. I have perused several other works penned by this author, and while I did find enjoyment in them, this one stands out as my absolute favorite thus far. The character of Mick Stranahan is simply captivating, and the other characters are equally amusing. It presents a fun and fast-paced mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I can't help but feel a tinge of regret that it sat untouched on my bookshelf for such a long time. It was truly a hidden gem that I'm glad I finally discovered. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with engaging characters and a thrilling plot.

July 15,2025
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Tourist Season and Double Whammy were truly outstanding reads. They boasted captivating plots that kept the readers on the edge of their seats, interesting characters who came alive on the pages, and a unique brand of humor that added a special charm. However, Skin Tight, Hiaasen's third solo work, seems to be a step backward in several aspects.

The book does have its positives. Hiaasen's writing style is a lot cleaner in this installment. It is his most readable book to date, with a brisk pace that keeps the story flowing smoothly. There is also a greater amount of dialogue and action compared to his previous two novels, which adds to the overall excitement.

Unfortunately, the negatives overshadow the positives and make what could have been an enjoyable read into a rather unappealing one. Mick Stranahan, the main character, is supposed to be a Travis McGee type, but his character development falls flat. I initially liked his strongman personality, but it fails to evolve, and I was not fully convinced by him. Moreover, the plethora of characters in Skin Tight are mostly rather dull, which further detracts from the reading experience.

The humor in the book is fine, and some of the situations did make me chuckle. However, there is something missing, something that I refer to as "glue." By glue, I mean engaging characters and a compelling story. I simply did not care for the revenge plot or the plastic surgery theme that the book is centered around. Hiaasen is exploring some aspects of Florida in the '80s, but this is the kind of story that Tim Dorsey could have made infinitely more interesting and engaging.

Skin Tight reads more like a dime store thriller than a competent and captivating Florida crime novel. Despite the good writing, the amateurish quality of the story prevents me from fully endorsing this novel. It is probably Hiaasen's most accessible book, but it lacks soul and depth. I sincerely hope that his future works will recapture the magic that made his first two novels so great and avoid taking the dime-a-dozen approach.
July 15,2025
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I had been indulging in a significant amount of crime fiction lately. I was constantly on the lookout for something new and exciting within this genre. One day, I came across a particular book. I read the synopsis on the back of it, and it seemed quite promising. The story was described as being bizarre, with over the top characters. It all sounded like good stuff, didn't it?


However, the reality was quite different. The problem was that the writing was truly awful. On numerous occasions, I had to re-read entire paragraphs just to try and figure out what the author was attempting to describe. This issue was most prominent during the action scenes. I'm certain that the author had a clear and interesting idea in his head, but for some reason, he just could not effectively transfer that vision onto the paper.


In conclusion, this could have been a really fun and engaging story had it been written by a more skilled and capable writer. As it stands, the poor writing detracts significantly from what could have been a great read.

July 15,2025
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I make it an absolute point to revisit Hiaasen whenever I find myself in need of a good and hearty dose of some truly riotous, side-splitting, and witty satire. It's always a surefire guarantee that I will be laughing until it physically hurts, and then some! There's just something about Hiaasen's writing that has this magical ability to tickle my funny bone and keep me entertained from start to finish. His characters are so vivid and his storylines so absurdly hilarious that I can't help but get completely drawn in. Thank God for Carl Hiaasen and his wonderful gift of making us all laugh through his brilliant works of satire!

July 15,2025
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Carl Hiaasen has once again delivered a wild and hilarious page-turner.

This latest offering from the talented author is truly one of the best I've read so far.

The story is filled with Hiaasen's trademark wit, humor, and engaging characters that keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

His unique writing style and ability to create vivid and memorable scenes make this book a must-read for any fan of the genre.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted escape or a thought-provoking adventure, this book has it all.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a great story.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy today and get ready to be entertained!

July 15,2025
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This is a very entertaining book, and the narrator is excellent.

The story is interesting, as long as you don't attempt to take it too seriously, and it is also humorous. I really like Carl Hiaasen's sense of humor. It is quite similar to that of Dave Barry, a coworker from the Miami Herald, but perhaps a bit more refined. They have collaborated on things in the past, and I can envision that it must have been extremely funny.

He mainly pokes fun at Miami, which is an easy target. In this story, Geraldo is also included. Some of the actions are rather outrageous, but they are a lot of fun. The criminals are mostly complete idiots, so there is never much suspense regarding something bad happening to anyone who matters. I know it may seem cold, but they mostly deserve it. Mick Stranahan always appears to be more or less on top of everything that occurs. You can't always predict what a complete idiot will do, but he still manages to come out on top.

Overall, this book is a great read that combines humor and an engaging story to keep you entertained from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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Someone is attempting to take the life of a retired detective. This retired detective now finds himself in a rather precarious situation, having to face a series of hilarious and extremely complicated challenges just to stay alive. The circumstances are both absurd and dangerous, creating a unique and thrilling narrative. The retired detective, once a master of solving crimes, now has to use all his wits and experience to outwit his would-be assassin. As he navigates through this web of chaos, one can't help but be entertained by the comical yet intense situations he encounters. Each challenge seems to push him to his limits, but he refuses to give up. Will he be able to overcome these obstacles and emerge victorious? Only time will tell in this exciting tale of survival and adventure. - Karen S.

July 15,2025
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Fast and funny, Hiaasen's Florida is both disturbingly and believably corrupt.

Hiaasen's portrayal of Florida in his works is truly captivating. The state comes alive with a unique blend of speed and humor. However, beneath the surface lies a disturbing level of corruption that is presented in a way that feels all too real. The characters and their actions add to the believability of this corrupt world. Whether it's the politicians, the businessmen, or the various other individuals, they all contribute to the web of corruption that Hiaasen weaves. It's a fascinating and often shocking look at a place that is both beautiful and flawed. Through his writing, Hiaasen manages to make us laugh while also making us think about the darker side of society. His Florida is a place that we can't help but be drawn to, despite its many faults.
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