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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Simply put, it can be described as "Miami Vice on Steroids." There are few authors who are capable of presenting a comic crime mystery that spans over 400 pages. (Tim Dorsey manages to do it in about half the length, and both authors set their works in Florida.) They can throw the ball up in the air right on page one and keep it spinning. Hiaasen attempts this, and I almost gave this one a 4-star rating. (It's a wild and exciting read.) I finished reading the whole thing between Sunday afternoon and this morning. (Oh, remember the old days when it was Saturday Night Fever and then an all-day Sunday recovery instead of reading?) However, the author has a tendency to take his jokes a bit too far, perhaps to a condescending level.


"Reynaldo disliked the cordless clip-on microphones; he favored the old baton-style mikes....Christina Marks called it Reynaldo's "phallic attachment." Okay, I got the joke. But Hiaasen wants to make sure we really understand it, so he adds, "She postulated that, in Reynaldo's mind, the microphone had become a substitute for his penis." As a result, Hiassen needlessly extends the book from maybe 350 pages to over 400. It's fascinating to see how Hiaasen gets people naked frequently in this book. Then again, this book is about the extreme pitfalls of cosmetic surgery. I like this Mick Stranahan character who lives in a stilted house in the tidal flats of South Florida. He reminds me of Travis McGee who lives on a boat in a marina also in South Florida. So, like Dorsey, Hiaasen takes the MacDonald/McGee style crime thriller into much weirder and wilder plots. More sex and more unbelievable, over-the-top capers don't necessarily make it better than MacDonald's work. But still, it's mostly all fun stuff. (Although Dorsey takes the violence to a level I don't particularly like.) And Hiaasen has the good sense to indeed reference that 1980s TV show, Miami Vice. And, yes, I'll definitely have at least one more Stranahan adventure.

July 15,2025
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Poor Mick Stranahan. He dreams of enjoying his early retirement peacefully on Florida’s beautiful Biscayne Bay. However, life has other plans for him as there are just too many bad guys out there who are determined to cause him bodily harm. As a former investigator for the State Attorney’s Office, he has accumulated a significant number of enemies over the years. And the list seems to be growing continuously. There is a personal injury lawyer who is famous for his billboards, a notorious TV journalist, an ominous looking hit man, and a fumbling yet ruthless plastic surgeon.

Skin Tight is one of Carl Hiaasen’s early novels, copyrighted in 1989. I have had the pleasure of reading many of his captivating tales that revolve around crime and sex in southern Florida. And this particular novel is truly among the best of them. The story is fast-paced, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. It is filled with a diverse cast of fascinating characters, each with their own unique personalities and motives. What makes this novel even more enjoyable is Hiaasen’s wicked sense of humor, which adds an extra layer of entertainment to the already engaging plot. Overall, Skin Tight is solid entertainment that is sure to satisfy any reader who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of humor.

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July 15,2025
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Hiassen is truly remarkable when it comes to assembling these distinctively crazy characters. He has a knack for pitting good against evil in an extremely non-traditional manner.

As you read, you initially find yourself rooting wholeheartedly for the good guy. However, as the story unfolds, you unexpectedly end up rooting for the bad guy as well.

This creates a fascinating dynamic that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The books are not only fun and light-hearted but also highly entertaining.

Hiassen's ability to craft such complex and engaging characters and storylines is what makes his work stand out.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, thriller, or just good old-fashioned storytelling, Hiassen's books are definitely worth checking out.

July 15,2025
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This was my very first encounter with a Carl Hiassen book, and I have to say, I wasn't in the least bit disappointed.

The foundation of the story/mystery, which centered around an incompetent plastic surgeon in the vibrant state of Florida, was truly excellent.

What made it even more engaging was the underlying humor that pervaded throughout. There were so many strange and colorful people, outlandish situations, and yes, even deaths that were presented in a way that added a unique charm to the narrative.

The result was a story that was not only an enjoyable read but also an easy one to get through. I found myself completely immersed in the world that Hiassen had created.

Now, I eagerly look forward to delving into more of his books and experiencing the same level of entertainment and intrigue. I have a feeling that there are many more精彩的 stories waiting for me to discover.

July 15,2025
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The mystery surrounding the kidnapping and possible murder of college student Victoria Barletta is a captivating one. She was taken from a bus stop after a nose job at Dr. Graveline’s former clinic. The body has never been found, but a TV show received information from the nurse who put her at the bus stop, suggesting she never left the clinic alive.

Mick takes the lead in “Skin Tight” compared to his role in “Skinny.” While it was interesting to see him more centered, his attitude became grating. He takes the law into his own hands, and as bodies pile up, including those of two cops, it becomes hard to stomach. The other police officers’ nonchalant attitude towards the situation is also strange.

In this book, people are dying in the most bizarre ways. There are no gunshot deaths; it’s all botched nose jobs, wood chippers, anchors, and more. The book even starts with Mick killing a hitman with a stuffed marlin.

TV personality Reynaldo Flemm and his producer Catherine Marks buy the nurse’s story and head to Miami to find her. Reynaldo’s solo work ends in a gruesome death, while Catherine lacks depth. The women in the book, apart from Maggie, are rather one-dimensional.

Dr. Graveline, the villain, has a better scam than his counterpart in “Skinny Dip” but is stupider. He runs a lucrative surgery center despite being incompetent and not certified in plastic surgery. Maggie, the snitch, is entertaining but still lacks a fully developed character.

If I’d read this before “Skinny Dip” as intended, I might not have known how great “Skinny” is. “Skin Tight” starts to drag by the end, and one death scene was too disgusting for my taste. However, the writing does have its humorous moments.

The characters in the book have their pros and cons. The women are cardboard, but some of the male characters are decent. The setting in Florida isn’t great at scene setting, and the plot, while interesting, has an obvious outcome. Overall, it’s not a book I’d highly recommend over “Skinny Dip.”
July 15,2025
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This has to be one of the most, if not THE most, outlandish, far-fetched, and ridiculous of Carl Hiassen's novels.

However, it is precisely this ridiculousness that endows it with an over-the-top hilarity and an extremely addictive quality that makes it almost impossible to put down.

I haven't experienced such intense laughter while reading for a long time.

It's truly good stuff.

The story is filled with absurd characters and situations that constantly push the boundaries of believability.

Hiassen's writing style is sharp and witty, making every page a joy to read.

Despite its outlandish nature, the novel still manages to convey some important messages about society and human nature.

Overall, it's a highly entertaining read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good laugh and a thought-provoking story.
July 15,2025
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I can always count on Carl for a good time. He is truly one of a kind. Whenever we get together, there is never a dull moment. Carl has this amazing ability to light up any situation with his infectious laughter and positive attitude. He is always full of energy and ready for any adventure.



Whether it's going to a party, watching a movie, or just hanging out at home, Carl makes everything more fun. He has a great sense of humor and can tell the funniest jokes. His stories always keep us entertained and engaged. He is also very creative and comes up with the most unique ideas for things to do.



I feel so lucky to have Carl as a friend. He is always there for me when I need him, and he always knows how to make me feel better. I know that no matter what, I can always count on him for a good time. I look forward to many more adventures and memories with Carl in the future.

July 15,2025
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This was truly a fun book to read, and it didn't demand a great deal of mental effort.

It stands out as being a little different from other crime novels that I have perused. What makes it unique is the presence of a darkly comical undertone that runs throughout the story.

The characters in the book are vivid, although they do verge on being a bit cartoonish at times. Their exaggerated personalities and actions add to the overall charm and entertainment value of the narrative.

If you are in search of a light and easy read that also has a touch of humor, then I would highly recommend this book. It's the perfect choice for those times when you just want to relax and enjoy a good story without getting too bogged down in complex plotlines or heavy themes.

Give it a try and see for yourself how enjoyable it can be!
July 15,2025
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It's an okay book.

It is easy to read, which makes it accessible for a wide range of readers. There are moments when it is really funny, bringing a smile to your face. However, there are also times when it can be really bad, perhaps due to some plot holes or inconsistent writing.

One of the main drawbacks of this book is that it lacks substance. The story feels shallow and doesn't really explore deeper themes or ideas. Additionally, it lacks believable characters that you can truly care about. The characters seem one-dimensional and don't have much depth or complexity.

Despite these flaws, it can be a great book to read when you don't want to think too hard. It can provide some light entertainment and a quick escape from reality. But that's about it. It doesn't offer much in terms of intellectual stimulation or emotional connection.

For a more in-depth review with spoilers, you can visit: http://marvelatwords.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/skin-tight/
July 15,2025
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If you are a Hiaasen fan, this book will surely not disappoint you.

If you have never read one of his books before, then this is a truly wonderful place to commence your journey into his literary world. Carl Hiaasen is indeed one of my all-time favorite comedic authors.

His unique brand of humor is outrageously over the top and has the power to keep you laughing throughout the entire reading experience.

Carl Hiaasen has been an absolute inspiration to me as an author of comedic books.

In order to fully enjoy this book, you need to have a genuine appreciation for dark humor, which is satire at its very best.

His characters are delightfully zany and the scenarios he presents are completely outlandish.

He is consistent in this regard within all of his books.

This book offers its readers pure escapist fun that is simply irresistible.

It was the kind of book that I just couldn't bring myself to put down.

I devoured it in the same eager manner that a little child gobbles up candy.

So, go ahead and enjoy a truly wonderful adventure!

Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
July 15,2025
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I began reading Skinny Dip. As I delved into it, I soon realized that it was the sequel to another book. So, I promptly put Skinny Dip aside and picked up the prequel to read.

This book has been an absolute delight. It's filled with wonderful, raunchy fun that keeps you entertained from start to finish. However, I must issue a warning. There is some incredibly graphic violence throughout the story.

So, if you are faint of heart or easily squeamish, this book may not be for you. It's not for the overly sensitive or those who can't handle a bit of grit and gore. But if you're looking for a wild and crazy read that doesn't hold back, then this is definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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Mick Stranahan, a retired Florida State investigator, was once part of a team that delved into the disappearance of a young woman who vanished after undergoing plastic surgery four years ago. One day, Mick is attacked in his own home, only to discover that it's an attempt to prevent him from reopening the case. An incompetent surgeon who performed the operation on the woman is behind a plot to have anyone killed who knows about this disappearance. He hires henchmen to carry out these murders. "Chemo" is the one tasked with trying to murder Stranahan, but Mick proves to be too clever for him. Eventually, the case is solved.



In many of Mr. Hiaasen's stories, politicians, doctors, and developers are revealed as corrupt and are dealt with in various unusual ways. This particular story focuses on the inept doctor, corrupt policemen, and commissioners. They meet brutal ends as they attempt to kill Mick. Hiaasen always seems to create really strange villains, and Chemo is almost seven feet tall with a hideous face due to electrolysis procedures. Beautiful women also play a role in the tale, but Mick avoids getting involved with them romantically as he has already been married and divorced five times. He makes a return in another of Mr. Hiaasen's books, "Skinny Dip."



This story contains a great deal of vivid violence, so it may not be to everyone's taste. However, when one takes into account how evil the characters are, there is a certain satisfaction in seeing what befalls them.


I have read most of Carl Hiaasen's books and have always found them highly entertaining. The ones written more for young people are less violent but still make for excellent reads.
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