Mick Stranahan, a former investigator, has long desired to live a peaceful life in his stilt house in the Atlantic Ocean. Since his forced retirement, he has mostly achieved this tranquility. However, every now and then, he has to deal with hired hitmen who disrupt his solitude.

Dr. Graveline, on the other hand, is all about enjoying his wealth and the luxurious lifestyle it affords him. While he usually takes credit for the cases he passes on to his more competent assistants, there are occasions when he attempts to practice plastic surgery himself. This puts his license at risk, as he is truly a hack. Fortunately for him, he has enough money to bribe corrupt politicians and lawyers, safeguarding his fabricated reputation as the go-to vanity doctor for the rich and famous. But there is one incident that haunts him. Four years ago, he performed a rhinoplasty on a woman who then vanished. Rumor has it that she was either kidnapped or murdered. Graveline knows the truth, but instead of coming clean, he hires one assassin after another to eliminate Stranahan, who has been investigating the case.

Chemo, a man disfigured by an accident, dreams of having his face repaired. He believes that Graveline can help him, and Graveline sees Chemo as the perfect hitman to get rid of Stranahan.

As we follow the story through the eyes of these many quirky characters, we see how vanity and money drive their actions. Some of them are endearing, while others are so absurdly stupid that we can't help but laugh at their misfortunes. Their stupidity is offset by the more likable and straightforward characters. All in all, this can be considered a comedy of vanities, filled with snickers, giggles, and the occasional snort.

Every so often I simply have to have my "Hiassen fix." Carl Hiaasen is a master at writing mysteries that are both hilarious and violent, with complex and generally outlandish plots set in Florida. His works not only provide entertainment but also strongly support the ecological balance in the region. He has a knack for setting things right when it comes to those with oversized egos.

Take Rudy Graveline, for example. He's a plastic surgeon to the stars and anyone else with a lot of money to spare on preserving their frail vanities. A young student, Victoria Barletta, disappeared after a nose job some years ago, and now this hitherto-unsolved case is resurfacing.

The hero of the story, Mick Stranahan, seems to have several people out to kill him, and it all leads back to this "nose job" case. Mick reminds one of Jack Reacher from Lee Child's series. Like Jack, he's tough, a loner, not great with relationships with women, but is driven by an overriding sense of justice.

In the middle of all this is Reynaldo Flem, a sensationalist TV host who gets ratings by angering and then getting beaten up on camera by his sleazy interviewees. His production assistant, Christina Marks, is growing tired of his egomania but continues to go along with his flamboyant excesses for a while. She also becomes a sort-of love interest for Mick.

We also have Maggie Gonzalez, a former nurse to Dr. Graveline, who promises to give Reynaldo an exclusive interview about what really happened to Ms. Barletta. There's a thug nicknamed Chemo who gets fitted with an "appendage" that helps his work. And then there's Rudy's brother George Graveline, a tree trimmer, and many other colorful characters.

The plot twists and turns, and the glee just doesn't stop. Biscayne Bay, where Mick's stilt house is located, is almost like a character in the story itself. It's a very enjoyable book that meets all expectations, and kudos to Mr. Hiaasen!

Wait! Here's the real fun part! This book was published in 1989 and has many pop-culture references that most people under 40 won't get. For example, Pernell Roberts, who played Adam on "Bonanza" and then "Trapper John, MD." There's also Sandy Dennis, an actress with a pert nose that's a running reference in the book. There are references to collect calls, "Miami Vice," teleytpes, Patrick Duffy and Victoria Principal from "Dallas," and VCR tapes. These accidental sources of chuckles 23 years later add an extra layer of fun to the book. I was actually going to give this one five stars just for the unintended fun factor, but of course, one must rate on the merits of the work itself. So, please enjoy!

Hiassen seems to overreach in this work, allowing an excessive amount of cynicism to govern his humor.

As he endeavors to exploit his dark comedic aspect, he unfortunately drowns in its profound depths.

I suspect that this might be attributed to formulaic pressures. His writing leans on easily recognizable, almost "rent-a-crowd" characters, as if Hiassen has assembled his own unique "commedia dell'arte" crew.

Despite these flaws, the book remains entertaining and is easy to read.

It vividly evokes an image of a Florida that seems far removed from reality.

However, while it makes for an engaging read, one wouldn't necessarily want to live in the world that Hiassen描绘s.

Overall, it's a work that has its strengths and weaknesses, but it does manage to hold the reader's attention.

Fun Characters

This book perhaps contains a few more tongue-in-cheek or cliché characters than what I would typically tolerate. However, it is still an entertaining read. The characters in the book who don't survive until the end are all provided with a unique way to exit this world and move on to the next. If you approach this book with a willingness to enjoy a bit of campiness, you will surely find several moments that make you grin along the way. It's not a literary masterpiece, but it has its own charm. The author has managed to create a world filled with these somewhat over-the-top characters that keep you engaged from start to finish. You might roll your eyes at some of the clichés, but at the same time, you can't help but be entertained by them. So, if you're looking for a light-hearted and fun read, give this book a chance and see if it can bring a smile to your face.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't because it was a thrilling mystery or an exciting adventure.

Rather, what appealed to me was the author's unique and humorous way of wording.

As I was reading, I couldn't help but smile and even laugh out loud at some of the clever turns of phrase and witty remarks.

The author's use of humor added a whole new dimension to the story, making it not only entertaining but also highly engaging.

It was as if the author was right there with me, sharing his thoughts and ideas in the most lighthearted and enjoyable way.

I found myself looking forward to each new page, eager to see what funny or interesting thing the author would say next.

This book has truly left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a great read.

Fake.

I guess there's some unintentional irony at play when a book that mocks the cosmetic surgery business in phony and corrupt Florida is itself a bit of a rehash. Hiaasen is a talented writer, but I've always thought he owes a great deal to Elmore Leonard. What usually sets him apart is that he's a good learner, and he adds his own indignation at what Florida has become.

"Skin Tight" follows the typical formula of an ex-lawman, strange criminals, a seedy yet exotic setting, and a convoluted plot. However, in this case, it feels rather flimsy. The sad part is that the concept of a crooked and incompetent cosmetic surgeon in the 1980s sending hitmen to cover up a botched nose job is actually quite interesting. But several times throughout the story, Hiaasen goes overboard unnecessarily. Just a bit more restraint, and this story could have been much better.

One thing that bothered me is that a lot of this could have been improved. Instead, the book reads like a draft (and a hasty one at that). Despite all that, there was one shining moment where I thought Hiaasen captured the 1980s perfectly – or at least provided some incisive commentary on those gaudy years. In it, he has a bitchy ex-wife, dressed in a shiny sailor suit from Lord & Taylor, catching an anchor thrown by a killer and going down to the bottom of the sea with it. That's right up there with Tony Montana burying his head in a mountain of coke.

When I first delved into the works of Carl Hiaasen, it initially took me some time to truly grasp the essence of his humor. At first, I wasn't entirely sure if it was funny or not. However, as I continued reading, it gradually dawned on me that his brand of humor was not only funny but extremely so.

His unique style of black humor, which often depicts the whole world (or at least Florida) as being highly corrupt, is both captivating and thought-provoking. Nevertheless, after a while, this recurring theme can start to feel a bit old. As a result, I find myself unable to read his books too frequently.

Interestingly, when it comes to deciding whether to pick up one of his books, the individual plots don't hold as much significance. Instead, it is the dark humor and the vivid characterizations that truly make his works worth reading. So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh and some engaging characters, you can simply pick any one of his books and be in for a treat.

Ok, this was my first Carl Hiaasen book.

After reading a couple of chapters, I initially thought it was just another typical seventies kind of detective story. It seemed like just another writer indulging in a testosterone fantasy. The protagonist was yet another tough, macho, independent loner who engaged in battles with large, mean, and disfigured criminals, all while being knee deep in dead bodies and surrounded by naked women.

However, as I delved deeper, I realized this guy was a little too eccentric, a bit too much of a loose cannon. The sociopath was extremely psychotic, his menacing appearance was outrageously bizarre, the women were overly approachable, and everyone was extremely vain.

So, it was as if I was being invited to laugh, and indeed, I did.

I started laughing at all of them: the mean-spirited but inept villains, the corrupt cops, the corrupt politicians, the reality star TV broadcaster, the overly erotic actress, the plastic surgeon, the Florida medical board, the medical industry, the scheming women. But mostly, I laughed at the sheer vanity of it all.

Then it dawned on me that this wasn't just a mystery. It was about all the things that made Carl Hiaasen angry (well, that day, anyway). Pretty smart, huh?

This book is quirky, satirical, over the top, and a whole lot of fun.

In "Skin Tight", Mick Stranahan, a former investigator from the Florida Attorney General's Office, finds himself in a perilous situation.

Someone wrongly believes that Stranahan is on the verge of cracking a four-year-old missing person case, and as a result, he is being chased by several contract killers.

Just like in all Carl Hiassen books, there is a healthy dose of humor and the strange. The characters in this story are quite the eclectic bunch.

There's a greedy and incompetent plastic surgeon who not only botches surgeries but also dabbles in corrupt real estate practices.

Then there's a seven-foot-tall hitman with terrible skin who, when he's not busy eliminating people, moonlights as a bouncer at a nightclub called Gay Bidet.

There's also an investigative reporter who resembles Geraldo Rivera, along with a host of cops and other seedy Miami characters.

The question remains: Will Mick be able to figure out who is sending the hitmen after him and the reason behind it?

As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a wild ride filled with twists and turns, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Skin Tight is an absolute scream!

It is a truly hilarious and entertaining experience from start to finish. The story is filled with uproarious moments that had me in stitches.

At certain parts, the humor was so side-splitting that I couldn't help but laugh until I cried.

The characters are well-developed and their antics are both absurd and endearing.

The writing is sharp and witty, with clever dialogue and comical situations that keep the reader engaged throughout.

Skin Tight is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a light-hearted story. It will leave you with a smile on your face and a feeling of pure enjoyment.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read.

Audiobook

An audiobook can be a great way to enjoy a story or learn new information. The plot of an audiobook often moves along at a good pace, especially if you listen at a faster speed like 1.65. This allows you to cover more ground and get through the story more quickly. However, it's important to note that listening at a faster speed may require more concentration and may not be suitable for all types of content. Some audiobooks may have complex plots or detailed descriptions that are better understood at a slower pace. Additionally, if you're listening to an educational audiobook, you may want to take your time to fully absorb the information. Overall, the speed at which you listen to an audiobook depends on your personal preferences and the type of content you're listening to.

A nice palate cleanser after not reading Gravity's Rainbow all summer.

Hiassen's style is funny and cartoonish, which makes this book an enjoyable read. However, the ending was disappointingly weird and anticlimactic.

I had expected more to neatly wrap up this darkly funny adventure that takes readers through the Florida Keys and the world of plastic surgery.

The story had so much potential, with its unique setting and interesting characters. But the ending left me feeling a bit let down.

Despite the lackluster conclusion, the book still has its moments of humor and entertainment. It's a light-hearted read that can be enjoyed during the summer or any time when you're in the mood for something a little different.

Overall, while the ending may not have lived up to my expectations, it didn't completely overshadow the enjoyable aspects of the book.