In Carl Hiaasen's "Skin Tight", the very first installment in the Mick Stranahan comedic mystery series, this debut is truly a gem. It will have you laughing out loud at times and shaking your head in disbelief at others.

Meet Mick Stranahan, a solitary man residing in Stiltsville, Florida. He is a former private investigator. The story kicks off when someone attempts to kill him at his home. They go as far as using his precious marlin to turn him into mincemeat and chum. This is when Mick decides to take matters into his own hands and investigate why someone wants him dead. He discovers that it is related to a cold case of a missing person named Vicky Barletta.

Dr. Rudy Graveline, a plastic surgeon who knows the truth, hires Blondell Tatum, also known as "Chemo", a tall man with a disfigured face, to track Mick down. In the brutal fight that ensues, Graveline ends up losing his own hand.

Everyone seems to be involved in this web of mystery and deceit. Reynoldo Flemm would do anything for a story, and Maggie Gonzalez pins the fallout on Mick and covers up the real truth. Christina Marks, who works for Flemm, finds out more than she bargained for in her quest to get the scoop.

Besides the crooked cops, doctors, and politicians, everyone wants this whole affair hushed up before the real truth comes out and ruins everything. And when it does, the grisly ending is one that simply can't be missed.

Carl Hiaasen, you make me laugh out loud.

His writing is truly a source of hilarity and entertainment. The way he crafts his stories and characters is simply brilliant. With his unique sense of humor and wit, he manages to create a world that is both absurd and yet strangely believable.

Whether it's the zany antics of his protagonists or the outlandish situations they find themselves in, there is never a dull moment in a Carl Hiaasen novel. His use of language is also a joy to read, with his clever turns of phrase and vivid descriptions adding to the overall charm of his work.

In short, Carl Hiaasen is a master of the comedic genre, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. His books are a must-read for anyone who loves to laugh and be entertained.

Classic Hiassen.

His latest work is a departure from his typical style, a little bit darker and more violent than a lot of his other books. However, it still retains the essence of his unique writing, full of that sun-baked neo-noir atmosphere that transports readers to the seedy underbelly of society.

The dark humour that Hiassen is known for is also present, providing moments of levity in the midst of the chaos. His sardonic mockery of media culture is as sharp as ever, shining a light on the absurdities and excesses of the modern media landscape.

Despite the darker tone, this book is still a must-read for fans of Hiassen's work. It showcases his ability to explore new themes and push the boundaries of his writing while still maintaining the elements that make his books so beloved.

Whether you're a long-time follower or new to his work, this latest offering is sure to captivate and entertain.

If you firmly believe that Florida is like a sewer where a significant portion of the country's human waste ultimately ends up, then you will surely have a great affection for Carl Hiaasen.

A former police reporter for the Miami Herald, Hiaasen evidently has a complex love-hate relationship with the state where he lives.

Mostly, it leans towards hate. However, he expresses his vitriol with a smile and laughter.

It is extremely difficult not to burst into laughter at the sheer inanity of most of the criminals depicted in his books.

For instance, in "Skin Tight", an incompetent hit-man loses an arm due to a barracuda attack. Instead of opting for a prosthetic arm, he makes the rather unusual decision to have a weed-whacker attached. Consequently, for the remainder of the book, he is seen walking around with a weed-whacker serving as a limb. It is truly priceless.

Alright, so if you fail to find humor in that particular incident, perhaps Hiaasen's works are not for you. But if it manages to bring even the slightest hint of a smile to your face, do yourself a favor and pick up a Carl Hiaasen book.

"Skin Tight" commences with a typical Hiaasen character, Mick Stranahan, a former cop who simply desires to relish his privacy on a desolate island in the Keys. He kills a mafia hit-man by stabbing him through the heart with a blue marlin. From that point on, the story takes a delightfully crazy turn.

As is the case in all of Hiaasen's books, there is an extensive cast of characters. This includes a Geraldo Rivera-like TV reporter who actually endeavors to get beaten up in every episode by his guests, a plastic surgeon who is so inept at his job that he himself doesn't wish to perform surgeries, and of course, the aforementioned assassin with a weed-whacker for a hand who is in desperate need of a dermabrasion.

And, as in all of Hiaasen's books, there is an abundance of hilarious social commentary. In "Skin Tight", Hiaasen directs his aim at the plastic surgery industry and provides it with a new perspective. It is funny, exciting, relevant, and highly entertaining stuff. (Unless, of course, you happen to be a plastic surgeon, in which case, you may not hold the same opinion...)

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Love this author!

It's really a pity that there is only one more Mick Stranahan novel left. But when you think about it, after six marriages, perhaps any more would be a bit excessive.

This book has provided me with some much-needed humor. It also brings up the eternal question, "What's up with Florida?"

Florida seems to have a certain allure and mystery that keeps attracting people. Maybe it's the sunny beaches, the diverse wildlife, or the unique culture.

In Mick Stranahan's novels, we get to see a different side of Florida, a side that is full of adventure, mystery, and of course, a touch of humor.

I can't wait to read the last Mick Stranahan novel and see how the story ends. I'm sure it will be just as entertaining and engaging as the previous ones.

Overall, I highly recommend this author and his Mick Stranahan novels to anyone who loves a good mystery with a sense of humor.

Hilarious, over the top, and appallingly readable. This is easily Hiaasen at his zany, grumpy best.

What makes this book even better is the recurring characters. Al Garcia, the Cuban cop and good guy extraordinaire, is a favorite. His presence adds a sense of familiarity and continuity to the story.

And of course, the bad guys in Hiaasen's world always get their just deserts. It's satisfying to see them get what they deserve, and it makes you believe that justice will always prevail.

I'd love to live in a world like that, where the good guys always win and the bad guys always pay. It's a world full of humor, adventure, and excitement.

Hiaasen's writing is engaging and entertaining, and this book is no exception. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery or a hilarious adventure.

Good god, would it ever end?

The premise of this thing wasn't actually bad. In fact, it had some potential. But oh my, it just went on and on and on way too long!!!

It felt like it was never going to reach a conclusion. I found myself getting more and more impatient as I endured it.

Definitely not a favorite of mine. It failed to hold my interest throughout, and I was left with a sense of disappointment.

I don't think I would recommend it to others, as the excessive length really detracted from what could have been a more enjoyable experience.

Maybe if it had been more concise and to the point, it would have had a better chance of winning me over. But as it stands, it's just not something I would ever want to revisit.

This was an earlier work by Hiaasen that I had unfortunately missed previously. It was presented in a double volume together with "Sick Puppy".

Unlike some of his later books, this one is not as overly silly or goofy. However, it still features its fair share of offbeat characters. There are terrible plastic surgeons who have tree-trimmer brothers, and there are also Geraldo Rivera look-alikes.

Since it isn't quite as extremely "out there" as some of his other works, I found myself liking this one better than certain Hiaasen novels. It was yet another quick and easy read that managed to hold my attention and provide an enjoyable experience.

Overall, it was a pleasant discovery that made me look forward to exploring more of Hiaasen's earlier works.

One couldn't ask for a more enjoyable summer read. The story is filled with characters who are anything but ordinary.

There are those who are wacky and good-natured, and then there are others who seem as if they should be confined to an insane asylum. But regardless of which side of the law and order they inhabit, being entertaining is undoubtedly the most prominent trait of everyone involved in this nefarious plot.

It all commences with an accidental death. Dr. Rudy Graveline, a Florida plastic surgeon more renowned for his PR skills than his actual surgical abilities, fatally botches a rhinoplasty procedure, killing the patient on the operating table. Terrified of the potential negative publicity, he devises a plan to enlist the help of his tree trimmer brother, who owns a large tree chipper – the perfect tool for disposing of a body.

However, the situation becomes more complicated when the nurse, Maggie Gonzalez, who assisted with the surgery, proves to be less than cooperative. After some thought, she believes she may have a way to both protect herself and make some money. She contemplates selling her story to the famous TV journalist, Reynaldo Flemm.

Dr. Graveline, not willing to let this happen, decides to take matters into his own hands. He hires an assassin named Chemo. Despite his rather conspicuous appearance – standing six foot nine with damaged facial skin that resembles glued-on rice crispies – Chemo is highly capable when it comes to carrying out murders. Dr. Graveline entices him with the promise of fixing his face if he eliminates the chatty nurse and the ex-cop handling the mysterious disappearance of Graveline's patient. Unaware of Dr. Graveline's shortcomings as a surgeon, Chemo agrees.

Meanwhile, the retired police detective, Mike Stranahan, is living a peaceful life in a stilt house in Florida. He spends his days happily fishing from his deck and feeding a pet barracuda that has become accustomed to receiving fish entrails dumped into the ocean beneath his wooden abode. But Mike's tranquility is soon shattered when unexpected gun-toting killers arrive by boat. The barracuda is in for an unexpected and delicious treat, and readers are in for a thrilling ride as the story unfolds......

My very first encounter with Hiaasen was quite accidental. I picked up one of his books in a thrift store, solely based on the captivating cover.

The blurb on the back was simply irresistible! It managed to pique my curiosity instantly. And boy, did it deliver!

As I delved into the story, it completely rocked my world and I became an instant fan. This particular book starred ex-cop Mick Stranahan, who was one of the best among the more or less improbable characters that populate the thrilling roller coaster rides which are the Hiaasen books of that era.

The fifth star I gave this book is a combination of pure entertainment value and a healthy dose of nostalgia, I'm certain. But in my view, these are more than fine justifications. After all, a great book should not only entertain but also evoke emotions and memories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Fun Read


These truly quirky books offer an abundance of good fun. Hiaasen's imagination knows no bounds and is simply priceless. While this particular one may not be my absolute favorite among his works, it is still an excellent way to unwind. The stories are filled with unique characters and outlandish plots that keep you engaged from start to finish. It's like taking a break from the real world and stepping into a realm of pure entertainment. Whether you're lounging on a weekend or looking for a light-hearted escape after a long day, these books are sure to bring a smile to your face and provide a much-needed dose of amusement. So, pick up one of these quirky books and let Hiaasen's imagination transport you to a world of fun and laughter.