Ja, ich geb’s zu. Ich hab das Buch aufgrund des knalligen Covers gekauft. Das versprüht so einen schönen maritimen Old-School-Charme.

420 Seiten Gewalt, Sex und Schönheits-OPs – Das klang außerdem nach einer vernünftigen Urlaubslektüre.

Und darum geht’s: Der fünffach geschiedene Ex-Bulle Mick Stranahan lebt das süße Leben in einem Stelzenhaus im sonnigen Florida. Doch ganz stressfrei kann er sein Frührentner-Dasein nicht genießen, denn eine ganze Handvoll skurriler Gestalten trachten ihm nach seinem Leben.

Carl Hiaasen hat schon über zwanzig Bücher geschrieben und ist bekannt für seine durchgeknallten Charaktere und seinen schwarzen Humor. Auch in Skin Tight tummeln sich wieder reichlich groteske Figuren herum. Ein schmieriger Rechtsanwalt, ein lebensgefährlich untalentierter Schönheitschirurg, ein Profikiller mit Hautproblemen und ein geltungssüchtiger Fernsehreporter. Sie alle verbindet Geltungssucht, Geld- und Machtgier und eine ungesunde Eitelkeit.

Der Roman ist Ende der achtziger Jahre erschienen und fängt wunderbar den damaligen Zeitgeist ein. Miami-Vice legte Trends vor, Schönheits-OPs waren groß im Kommen und Auto-Telefone der ultimative Luxus. Aus all diesen Zutaten mixt Hiaasen einen schwarz-humorigen Cocktail.

Immer wieder geraten seine Figuren in die aberwitzigsten Situationen, die meist reichlich blutig ausgehen. Dabei kommen unter anderem ein ausgestopfter Schwertfisch, ein lebendiger Barrakuda und ein Rasentrimmer-Prothesen-Arm zum Einsatz. Während der Protagonist Mick Stranahan ein relativ normaler raubeiniger Actionheld ist (der im Übrigen stark an John D. Mac Donalds Travis McGee erinnert), machen insbesondere seine Widersacher, allen voran Schönheitschirurg Dr. Graveline, herrlich viel Spaß.

Einzig die Story lässt zu wünschen übrig. Obwohl Hiaasen immer wieder die Handlungsorte und Perspektiven wechselt, gelingt es ihm nicht darüber hinwegzutäuschen, dass die Geschichte dünn wie eine Skalpellklinge ist.

Fazit – High-Speed Thriller mit Makeln Skin Tight ist ein überdrehter Spaß um Eitelkeit, Dummheit, Gier und Gewalt. Schmierige Protagonisten, bissige Dialoge und blutige Operationen sorgen für ein kurzweiliges Lesevergnügen. Doch wie den Kunden von Dr. Graveline, hätten auch dem Roman ein paar kleine Eingriffe und eine Magerkur nicht geschadet. 100 Seiten weniger und er wäre die perfekte Strandlektüre. So bleibt es ein Thriller mit Makeln. Aber Hiaasen ist ein talentierter Autor, der Roman auf Roman aus der Hüfte feuert. Ich bin mir sicher, dass da auch ein besserer dabei ist.

Wertung 3/5 1. Geht gar nicht 2. Is OK 3. Gut 4. Richtig gut 5. awesomatik!

Alle awesomatik Rezensionen auf einen Blick: http://awesomatik.com/buchfuhlung/

awesomatik Kuriosum Carl Hiaasen hat auch eine erfolgreiche Kinderbuch-Reihe geschrieben, von der das Naturschutz-Abenteuer Hoot verfilmt wurde. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT_x...

In conclusion, "Skin Tight" by Carl Hiaasen offers a wild ride filled with over-the-top characters and a black sense of humor. The story, set in the late 1980s, captures the zeitgeist of the era with its themes of Miami Vice, cosmetic surgery, and luxury. While the characters provide much entertainment, the plot itself is rather thin. Despite its flaws, the book still manages to deliver a fun and engaging reading experience. However, it could have benefited from some trimming to make it a more perfect beach read. Overall, it's a thriller with its share of imperfections, but Hiaasen's talent as an author is evident, and I'm sure there are better works among his extensive bibliography.

I am supremely thankful that my wife, Gina Lynette, introduced me to the books of Carl Hiaasen.

Collectively, they serve as a great release from daily stresses, offering an escape similar to that of any favored movie or TV show.

However, I firmly believe that these "escapist" novels are not only highly intelligent but also astoundingly creative, superbly written, and frequently laugh-out-loud hilarious.

As you read, you might even gain some knowledge about an obscure industry or an environmental aspect of Florida, which is the setting for all the Hiaasen books I've read so far.

Moreover, they always feature a couple of great protagonists to root for and a bunch of incredibly ruthless yet amazingly stupid criminals who meet their just rewards in the most spectacular ways.

This particular book may not be my favorite among the Hiaasen works I've read, but that's perfectly fine.

In my opinion, it's challenging to surpass the splendid "Lucky You" and "Skinny Dip."

Nevertheless, you should still expect to be fantastically entertained and satisfied.

Another Hiaasen book, you may ask, reasonably?

Well, let me tell you. They are very good (somewhat funny) mental palette-cleansers, is all I can say.

This particular book involves a far too obvious authorial bad-ass stand-in. It also has a more loose approximation of how people actually behave.

There is a series of events that includes a stunningly inept plastic surgeon. His hired one-armed assassin adds to the chaos. And there are more blackmailers than anybody could shake a weed-whacker at.

But here's the thing, it all comes together nicely at the end.

If you need a book to help get your head out of whatever heaviness it is in, this is perfect. It provides a light-hearted escape with its unique blend of humor and absurdity.

You'll find yourself laughing at the ridiculous situations and characters while also being engaged in the story.

Hiaasen has a talent for creating a world that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

So, if you're looking for a book that will make you forget your troubles for a while, give this one a try.

Mick Stranahan simply desires to live peacefully in his stilt house in the Atlantic Ocean. Ever since his involuntary retirement as an investigator, he has made this place his haven. For the most part, he does manage to enjoy the tranquility. However, every now and then, he has to deal with some hired hitman who disturbs his solitude.

Dr. Graveline, on the other hand, wishes only to relish his wealth and the luxurious lifestyle it affords him. Occasionally, when he decides to perform plastic surgery himself instead of taking credit for the cases he passes on to his more capable assistants, he risks forfeiting his license due to his incompetence. Usually, he remains safe because he has ample money to bribe corrupt politicians or lawyers to safeguard his fabricated reputation as the go-to vanity doctor for the rich and famous. But there is one incident that troubles him. Four years ago, he performed a rhinoplasty on a woman who then vanished. And there are rumors that she was either kidnapped or murdered. Graveline knows the truth, but he would rather hire one assassin after another to eliminate Stranahan, who has been investigating the case.

Chemo, having suffered an accident that left his face repulsive, longs for his appearance to be restored. He believes that Graveline can assist him, and Graveline thinks that Chemo is precisely the hitman he requires to rid himself of Stranahan.

We view the story through the eyes of numerous eccentric characters who become involved in the narrative, either for the sake of vanity or money. Some of them are charming, while others are so absurdly stupid that one cannot feel sorry for them when they bring about their own downfalls. Their stupidity is offset by the more likable and straightforward characters. Overall, this could be considered a comedy of vanities, capable of eliciting snickers, giggles, and a few snorts.

Carl Hiaasen casts his sharp and acerbic gaze upon Florida's rather fatuous, corrupt, and for the most part, unregulated cosmetic surgery industry.

He masterfully combines his trademark talent for characterisation with a cleverly plotted narrative that is filled with farcical criminality.

In doing so, Hiaasen manages to find ample space for some astute and keen observations regarding human insecurity and body dysmorphia in this age that is so obsessed with image.

His work not only entertains with its humorous and outlandish stories but also offers a deeper look into the insecurities and pressures that drive people to seek extreme measures in the pursuit of physical perfection.

It serves as a reminder that beneath the glitz and glamour of the cosmetic surgery world lies a complex web of human emotions and insecurities that are worth exploring and understanding.

Overall, Hiaasen's examination of this industry provides a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a topic that is highly relevant in today's society.

What I learned from Skin Tight is truly a collection of strange and interesting lessons.

First, it turns out that a stuffed marlin can actually serve as a rather effective weapon. Who would have thought?

Secondly, an ex-Amish hit man with a weed whacker for an arm and a skin condition is not someone to be ridiculed. There's more to him than meets the eye.

The fictional thinly disguised Geraldo Rivera in the story is just as unimpressive as the real one.

I find myself longing to be like Mick Stranahan, but without the constant threat of people trying to kill him.

Wood mulchers, it seems, have other uses besides just mulching wood. They can be quite handy for mulching other things too.

The story also shows how a simple nose job could potentially have fatal consequences.

And finally, but by no means least, I have learned that I NEVER...EVER...want to get plastic surgery.

Overall, through all these crazy and humorous scenarios, I have come to realize that Carl Hiaasen is one very funny writer. His ability to create such outlandish and entertaining stories is truly remarkable.

Typical Hiaasen! His work is truly a gem that never fails to bring out the laughter in readers. The stories are filled with a cracking pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's not just the speed at which the plot unfolds, but also the way he weaves in those hilarious and unexpected twists.

Moreover, it's an easy, entertaining read all round. You don't have to struggle or strain your brain to understand the complex literary devices. Instead, you can simply relax and enjoy the ride. Whether you're reading it during a long commute or a lazy weekend afternoon, Hiaasen's work is sure to provide you with hours of entertainment.

So, if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud and keep you entertained, then look no further than Hiaasen's latest offering. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

I don't really feel comfortable giving this a rating.

I read the first 100 pages, then skipped to the last 2 chapters and the epilogue.

There were some funny parts, and I was initially curious about what was going to happen. So, it was definitely more than 1 star.

However, by the time I reached 100 pages, I realized that as the reader, I already knew exactly who had committed the original crime, who was lying, and not only who hired all of the hit-men, but also who the hit-man was.

The reader is simply introduced to these characters and directly told or shown what crime they have committed. There's nothing left to figure out.

I guess I was expecting some level of a whodunit mystery.

So, a little less than one-third into the book, and I no longer knew why I was reading it anymore.

It felt like the story was too straightforward and lacked the element of surprise and mystery that I was hoping for.

Maybe if I had read the entire book, I would have discovered something more, but based on what I read, it didn't meet my expectations.

I'm left with a sense of disappointment and a feeling that I wasted my time reading it.

My third encounter with a book by Hiaasen (and coincidentally, the third one he penned), and I must be frank. If this particular work hadn't piqued my interest, I was seriously considering giving up on him. However, this one most definitely did catch my attention...and thus, I'll continue to include him in my reading rotation.

Mick Stranahan, a former investigator for the States Attorney, was forced into early retirement after shooting a judge (albeit a justifiable act). Currently, he resides in his stilt house and leads the laid-back life of a beach bum. That is, until someone decides that his life should come to an end. Fortunately, a well-placed stuffed marlin saves the day and draws Stranahan back into an unsolved missing persons case. The story introduces us to a rather inept plastic surgeon (in multiple aspects), an ex-Amish killer with a severe skin condition and a weed whacker in place of a hand, a thinly disguised version of Geraldo Rivera who is both irritating and incompetent, and a whole lot of lighthearted fun.

I've noticed several people griping about the "number" of women that Stranahan has relations with in the book. Firstly, it's a common trope in this genre. One has to expect and deal with such elements. Secondly, it's only two women. And both of these relationships actually make sense within the context of the story. So, it's just a senseless complaint. There are legitimate ways to critique the book (and I truly believe it's a very good one), but this isn't one of them.

This is an enjoyable book that clearly demonstrates Hiaasen's growth as a writer. It offers a unique blend of mystery, humor, and engaging characters that keep the reader entertained from start to finish.

More hysterical absurdity from this author. It's truly mind-boggling how he manages to come up with such outlandish and hilarious ideas. I find myself laughing out loud every single time I pick up one of his books. The way he weaves together the most unlikely scenarios and characters is both genius and comical. It's as if he has a wild imagination that knows no bounds. His writing style is engaging and full of energy, making it impossible to put the book down. Whether it's the zany plot twists or the ridiculous dialogue, there's always something to make you chuckle. I can't wait to see what other crazy adventures he takes us on in his future works.

I had initially thought that I would relish Hiaasen's adult novel to a greater extent than I actually did.

I have a genuine affection for "Hoot," which is penned for the younger audience.

However, I simply discovered that this particular work was far too outlandish to be credible, despite the fact that certain portions of it were humorous.

There are not many characters in this novel that one can easily like, that's for certain.

Nevertheless, I did love the setting. It was vividly described and added an interesting dimension to the story.

Perhaps if the plot had been a bit more grounded and the characters more relatable, I would have had a more enjoyable reading experience.

Nonetheless, Hiaasen's writing style is still engaging, and I will likely give his other works a try in the future.

It is Hiaasen.

Once again, we are treated to another crazy story set in Florida. This time, the focus is on the pursuit of plastic surgery. It all begins with what seems like a simple fun run, but as the story unfolds, it takes some unexpected turns.

The characters in this tale are truly great. Each one has their own unique personality and quirks that add to the overall charm of the story. The plot is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Although the story comes to a satisfying conclusion, it feels like it is over all too soon. You find yourself longing for more, eager to see what other adventures the characters will embark on.

Overall, this story is highly recommended, just like the complete body of work of Carl Hiaasen. His ability to create entertaining and engaging stories is truly remarkable, and this one is no exception.