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
July 15,2025
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One of the more gruesome Hiaasen books.


World: The world building in this book is truly fantastic. This time, it delves into the realm of plastic surgeons, and the world that Hiaasen creates for this profession and for Florida as a whole is completely engrossing. It's over the top and extremely clear about what's good and what's bad, with little to no grey area in this regard. I absolutely love how Hiaasen's satire seeps through every single part of the book. The setting here expertly sets the stage for the outrageously absurd story that unfolds.


Story: This is Hiaasen through and through. All the familiar elements are present. While corrupt politicians do take a bit of a backseat this time around, it still very much has that Hiaasen flavor. I read this book a couple of years ago and vividly remember that the story was quite brutal. Reading it again, I found it to be the same. The last quarter of the book really plays into my fears of surgery and malpractice, and the ending was, to say the least, gruesome. I love the witty banter, the diverse locales, and the story as a whole. It was written extremely well, and the pacing was both fun and speedy.


Characters: This is the first Mick book, and he's just as great as I remembered him from when I first encountered him in 'Skinny Dip'. He's fun, he's not perfect, and he's over the top, just like all the characters in Hiaasen books. The villain of this book is masterfully crafted. He's sleazy and a truly terrible person, just like all the villains in Hiaasen's books, and it's simply a joy to read about him. This is the best part, so I won't spoil it.


I really enjoyed this book. It's quite brutal even when compared to other Hiaasen books, but the characters are just as engaging.


Onward to the next book!
July 15,2025
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I actually liked "Razor Girl" better. However, this Mick Stranahan book still managed to keep my interest piqued. In fact, I'm really looking forward to reading the second installment.

Being a Floridian myself and having lived in the very areas that Mr. Hiaasen描绘 in his novels, I find his works truly captivating. I will definitely continue to read his novels because they always manage to make me crack up.

While some of his stories may seem far-fetched to non-Floridians, they ring true to those of us who live here. The unique characters, the crazy situations, and the vivid descriptions of the Florida landscape all contribute to the charm of his books.

I can't wait to see what Mr. Hiaasen has in store for us in the next Mick Stranahan adventure.
July 15,2025
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Mick Stranahan surely manages to get a remarkable number of women to shed their inhibitions and take off their clothes unselfconsciously right in front of him. What makes this even more extraordinary is the fact that none of these women have any romantic connection with him.

To understand the reason behind this strange phenomenon, you'll simply have to read the story. The theme of the story is "plastic surgery", which might give you a clue as to why this is occurring to Mick.

"Skin Tight" by Carl Hiaasen was moderately humorous. It had a more tongue-in-cheek tone compared to other Hiaasen stories that I have read. The presence of some slightly outlandish characters added to the fun.

On the rating scale, I would probably give it 2.5 Stars. It wasn't a bad read at all. It had its moments of entertainment and the unique premise kept me engaged throughout.

Overall, "Skin Tight" is an interesting story that offers a different take on the world of plastic surgery and the strange situations that can arise as a result.
July 15,2025
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This book is not really my cup of tea. However, since I don't have a personal computer and thus no access to e-books, I had to make do with the physical books available. I might have read other works by Carl Hiaassen, but this one truly stands out. In fact, it takes the whole bakery when it comes to the number of gruesome deaths I've ever come across in a book. I was on the verge of stopping after George Graveline's death. But then I thought, how silly would it be to give up when I'm so close to finishing?

The plot of the book wasn't very well thought out. Nevertheless, it's the twists and turns that keep you hooked and make you want to continue reading. All things considered, it's an okay book. It's not great, nor is it terrible. It's just average.

I guess it serves its purpose of providing some entertainment, but it didn't really leave a lasting impression on me. Maybe it's just not the right book for me at this time.
July 15,2025
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What a great joy it is to discover that a book truly lives up to its blurb!

"Hiaasen brings classic farce to the modern thriller. There is little humour darker than his, and little funnier."

Murdering and maiming people really shouldn't be funny, but with Hiaasen, you just can't help but giggle.

Who else could come up with the idea of killing a hitman with a stuffed fish? It's truly a unique and hilarious concept.

Hiaasen has a remarkable talent for taking the most serious and often dark subject matter and infusing it with his own brand of twisted humour.

His writing style is engaging and entertaining, making it impossible to put the book down once you start reading.

The combination of classic farce and modern thriller elements creates a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or just looking for a good laugh, Hiaasen's books are definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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Carl Hiaasen's crime fiction is truly captivating and highly entertaining. He is nearly on par with the great Elmore Leonard.

If you have a penchant for this genre and haven't yet explored Hiaasen's works, you most definitely should.

I chose to experience this particular novel in the form of an audiobook. Interestingly, Hiaasen's novels are extremely well-suited to the audiobook format, just like Leonard's.

The narrators bring the characters and the stories to life in a vivid and engaging manner, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Whether you prefer to read the physical book or listen to it as an audiobook, Carl Hiaasen's crime fiction is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you eagerly anticipating his next release.
July 15,2025
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Not quite as good as I remembered.

I’ve lowered my score from 4 stars to 3.5 stars.

George Wilson is the narrator, and he is truly great. He really brings the characters to life.

With a score of 3.5 stars, it is still recommended. However, it is advisable to read the others in this series first.

This way, you can have a better understanding and appreciation of the overall story arc and the development of the characters.

The narrator's performance adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the book.

Although it may not be as outstanding as I initially thought, it still has its merits and is worth reading.

Overall, it is a decent addition to the series.
July 15,2025
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I have a deep affection for a particular book that has the remarkable ability to make you burst into laughter while you are engrossed in reading it.

This book is like a magical elixir that can instantly lift your spirits and bring joy to your heart. The witty humor, clever dialogues, and hilarious situations described within its pages are simply irresistible.

As you turn each page, you find yourself completely immersed in a world filled with laughter and amusement. The author's unique writing style and sense of humor shine through, making it impossible to put the book down.

Whether you are reading it alone or sharing it with others, this book is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a laugh to your lips. It is truly a gem that I cherish and would highly recommend to anyone in need of a good laugh.
July 15,2025
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Single guy, Mick Stranahan, lives in a cozy house on the water. He has a good boat for fishing and a monthly disability check from the state. But how could anyone mess up such a sweet deal?

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Mick used to be an investigator for the Miami-Dade County DA office. However, after he killed one too many corrupt judges in what he claimed was self-defense, the county board was suspicious due to the well-aimed fatal shot up the judge's nostril. Now, he is retired and enjoys life on his beachfront property, feeding his pet barracuda.

As the story kicks off, someone is out to kill Mick, but he has no idea who. Sure, he put many criminals behind bars in his former job, but he was always nice about it.

His 5th ex-wife, Chloe, isn't too happy with him either. Mick caught her in a compromising position with a man and took matters into his own hands, gluing the man's private parts to the hood of his car. But she has never tried to kill him before.

There are plenty of other colorful characters to worry about. Dr. Graveline, an inept and immoral plastic surgeon with political and social connections, is莫名地 worried about Mick despite never having interacted with him.

Then there's Chemo, a 7-foot-tall, Amish-raised, low-intelligence, one-armed thug who shows up at Mick's doorstep in just his BVDs and carrying a machine gun.

Let's not forget Murdock and Salazar, two corrupt cops who are angry because the judge Mick "gave a nose job to" helped them get a lot of their off-the-books income.

My favorite suspect is Natalie, a beautiful naked stranger who shows up at Mick's front door asking for a drink of water. I've been waiting for someone like her to show up at my door for 60 years!

And there's Reynaldo, a mustachioed TV journalist who loves sensational stories. He once claimed to have found Amelia Earhart's airplane, but it was just a crop duster.

It's a typical Hiaasen story - fun, entertaining, and with the occasional naked person. 4 Stars.
July 15,2025
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Stranahan's and Chemo's first appearances are truly a delight.

They are not only fun and fresh but also possess a biting quality that I have always come to expect from Hiaasen.

The story is simply fantastic. It manages to be violent without crossing the line into being tasteless.

The characters are quick-witted, and the main characters have just the right amount of that James Bond charm.

They are enjoyable to read about while still remaining relatable.

Hiaasen has once again crafted a story that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make it easy to picture the scenes in your mind.

Overall, it's a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an exciting and entertaining story.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly entertaining and witty, filled with a charm that is hard to resist.

The story takes a twisted turn, yet it has a happy ending that is exactly what I've come to expect from a Hiaasen novel. It's like a wild ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

One of the things that makes this book so enjoyable is the recurring characters. They add a sense of familiarity and depth to the story, making it feel like you're visiting an old friend with each new chapter.

And let's not forget the occasional reference to other books. These little nods add an extra layer of entertainment for those who are well-versed in the world of literature.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a testament to Hiaasen's talent as a writer and is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
July 15,2025
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Another delightful romp from Carl Hiaasen!

Skin Tight, like most of his novels, is a thrilling roller coaster ride through South Florida from beginning to end. It all commences when a mysterious dead body washes up on the shores of Biscayne Bay. The recently deceased is (apparently) a member of the mob, and the cause of death is impalement by a marlin. And it just gets zanier from there.

As with many of his novels, Skin Tight features a crazy cast of characters. There's an unqualified plastic surgeon, good cops, slimy cops, supermodels and actresses, and a TV journalist named "Reynaldo Flemm" who closely resembles Geraldo Rivera. Given that the novel was penned in 1989, one of the most fascinating aspects is all the archaic references to a time when cell phones were scarce and Internet searches were virtually non-existent.

Hiaasen is always a great choice for an easy summer read, offering entertainment and a peek into the wild world of South Florida.
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