Hiaasen's books offer a delightful and easy reading experience, very much in the style of Elmore Leonard. "Skin Tight" is no different. In this story, Mick Stranahan embarks on an adventure that leads him to encounter various characters. Along the way, he manages to win the heart of the girl, which adds a touch of romance to the plot. At the same time, he also takes on the bad guys and ensures that they receive their just deserts. It's a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers feeling content. You really can't ask for anything more from a book. It has all the elements of a great read - action, romance, and a sense of justice being served. Hiaasen has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller.

Entertaining, quirky murder mystery noir is a captivating genre that combines the allure of mystery with a touch of eccentricity. Set in the vibrant state of Florida, this particular style of storytelling offers a unique blend of charm and intrigue. The sun-kissed beaches, colorful characters, and laid-back atmosphere of Florida provide the perfect backdrop for a thrilling murder mystery.

Readers are drawn into a world of shadowy figures, hidden motives, and unexpected twists. The noir elements add a sense of darkness and danger, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. With its engaging plot and vivid descriptions, this type of murder mystery noir transports readers to a world full of mystery and excitement.

Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply looking for an entertaining read, the combination of entertaining, quirky murder mystery noir and the charm of Florida is sure to satisfy. So sit back, relax, and let yourself be swept away by the captivating world of this unique literary genre.

A typical Hiaasen mixture presents a captivating blend of good guys, bad guys, and engaging plots, all generously sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor. It's a formula that has charmed readers time and again. The storylines are often filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The characters, both the heroic and the villainous, are vividly drawn and come to life on the page. With a rating of 7 out of 10 stars, it's clear that this particular work has struck a chord with many. Whether you're a fan of mystery, adventure, or just a good laugh, this Hiaasen creation is sure to have something to offer. It's a must-read for anyone looking for an entertaining and engaging literary experience.

I really suck at series. Apparently, I read the second book in the Mick Stranahan series first and the first one second. In my defense, I didn't realize it was a series since each book really stood alone pretty well. According to Goodreads, I read Skinny Dip back in 2005 and I gave it 2/5 stars. Huh....

Skin Tight was so entertaining that I read it in one day (thank goodness for vacations!). I had been reading some pretty heavy material and really just needed a fun, light book. Our mall now has a used book store (Book Nook) that benefits the Madison County Literacy Program and since I don't need a lot of reasons to book shop, I stopped in. Skin Tight was one of the books I picked up there.

So Mick Stranahan is an ex-investigator with the State Attorney's office. He is ex because he shot a judge through the nostril. Technically it was self-defense against a corrupt judge who was trying to kill him but it made enough people uneasy that Mick was let go with a decent pension plan. Now he lives in a house on stilts in the backwaters of Florida, preferably without seeing people at all. All is well and good until someone shows up to his stilt house and tries to kill him. Dispatching the intruder with the pointy end of a stuffed marlin, Mick is just beginning this adventure of murder and mayhem.

Seriously, almost everyone dies in this book. I don't think I've seen so many deaths - intentional, humorous and otherwise. The characters are truly characters and not quite so madcappy (that's a word, I swear) that you are put off by them, but you definitely lead the cheering squad when they get their (odd) comeuppance.

Hiaasen is one of those authors whom I love to read but kind of forget about until I come across his books somewhere. Then I buy up as many as I can. Skinny Dip is book #2 (of 2 books, apparently) and, since I read it 12 years ago, I can't remember why I gave it 2/5 stars but Skin Tight was pretty good and I bet Skinny Dip would be a good read immediately afterwards.

I highly recommend Skin Tight to anyone looking for a light, entertaining read with some crazy characters and a whole lot of action. It's the kind of book that you can just sit back and enjoy without having to think too much. And who doesn't need that every once in a while?

An easy, fun read awaits you within the pages of Hiaasen's works. He is truly masterful in his ability to blend the absurdly comical with elements of murder and mayhem. It's a unique and captivating combination that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while also making them laugh out loud.

I suppose it could be argued that he is considered a notch or two below Elmore Leonard in terms of their respective styles and reputations. However, it's important to note that being a notch or two below Leonard is still an extremely impressive feat. Leonard is widely regarded as a literary giant in the crime and mystery genres, and to be even remotely comparable to him is a testament to Hiaasen's talent and skill.

Despite any perceived differences in their standing, the fact remains that Hiaasen's writing is still pretty entertaining stuff. His stories are filled with vivid characters, engaging plots, and a sense of humor that is both sharp and irreverent. Whether you're a die-hard fan of crime fiction or simply looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable read, Hiaasen's books are definitely worth checking out.

I actually found myself having a rather unexpected liking for this somewhat outdated satire of the cosmetic surgery industry! And no one is more astonished by this than I am.

Mick Stranahan, a former police investigator, now resides in a stilt house located in the less desirable part of southeastern Florida, specifically the swampland. His career was filled with bad guys meeting bad fates. Although there was no hard evidence to suggest that Mick was at fault for any of these incidents, he was simply urged to take an early retirement.

In this story, a doctor becomes spooked when an old missing person case might be reopened due to new evidence. To make sure the key witness from the original trial doesn't get a second chance to secure a conviction, he hires a low-rent hitman to eliminate Miami PD Detective Stranahan (Ret.). The hitman goes by the name "Chemo," and he has his own troubled history with plastic surgeons. A failed dermoplasty left him with a severely scarred, waxy complexion. Combined with his seven-foot frame, Chemo is anything but inconspicuous in a crowd.

This is classic Hiaasen.

Out of the relatively small number of Hiassen novels that I've attempted, I liked this one the best. It's perhaps the least slapstick, while still maintaining that offbeat humor - if that makes any sense. I don't know; Carl Hiaasen is a writer whom people either love or hate. Since this one appealed to me, I think I'll give the other Stranahan novel, Skinny Dip, a try.

Carl Hiaasen's books are uniformly fun.

The good guys always come out victorious, and the bad guys inevitably get their just deserts. These books are not only well worth the initial reading but also the occasional rereading.

Hiaasen's detective/adventure/action/humor books are characterized by unlikely heroes and improbable yet possible situations. They are set in a Florida that appears to be the ideal place to stage a TV election theft.

Skin Tight is among the better offerings. Mick Stranahan simply desires to be left in peace, but it seems that he can never truly relax without someone attempting to take his life.

Although it sounds serious, and in many ways it is, there is something to amuse on nearly every page.

I truly relish light reads that can be revisited later with just as much enjoyment as the first time, and Hiaasen's books certainly meet that criterion.

Love his books!!!!!

I have an intense passion for his books. They are like precious treasures that I can't get enough of. Each page is filled with captivating stories, vivid characters, and profound ideas.

His writing style is truly unique. It has the power to transport me to different worlds and make me feel as if I am a part of the story. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, his books always manage to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Not only do his books provide entertainment, but they also offer valuable insights into life, human nature, and the world around us. They make me think, reflect, and grow as a person.

In conclusion, I absolutely love his books and would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys reading. They are a must-have for any book lover's collection.

On 11/26/17, this was regarded as one of Hiaasen's lesser works. It was amusing with its cartoonishly violent nature and had a moderately sexist undertone. Most of the tropes presented here had been better covered in other books. Additionally, the protagonist wasn't strange enough to make up for his inclination towards violent retaliation. This led to a two-star rating.

However, on 2/21/21, after reading a stack of other detective novels and thrillers, some of which were truly not up to par, I reread this book with a different mindset. And to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it! The protagonist, Mick Stranahan, is still not a character that one can easily empathize with, and the accusation of sexism remains valid. I guess one has to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate Hiaasen's style of cartoonish violence and absurdly exaggerated villains. But if that's exactly what you're seeking, you will definitely find it within these pages. This time around, it earned a four-star rating.

Sometimes when the news is bad, and the world seems to be filled with chaos and gloom, the only thing you can do is to turn to the razor-sharp wit of Carl Hiaasen. His unique brand of humor never fails to make me laugh out loud and forget about my troubles for a while.

In this particular book, he turns his gimlet eye to Florida's plastic surgery industry. He delves deep into the seedy underbelly of this glamorous yet often dangerous world, exposing the absurdities and excesses that lie beneath the surface.

As you read through the pages, you'll be treated to a hilarious and often shocking account of the lengths people will go to in order to achieve the perfect look. You'll think twice about booking a facelift or any other cosmetic procedure after reading this book. Hiaasen's writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a bit of social commentary.

3.5 to 4 stars

The story and the writing deserve a 3.5. However, I really enjoyed reading it, so I'm giving it 4 stars!

If you've read Hiaasen before, this book won't come as a surprise. It's an irreverent and humorous adventure set in Florida, with a crazy cast of characters. In fact, if Florida Man were a book, it would be a Carl Hiaasen book. I used to think the characters and situations he writes about were far-fetched. But after reading the series of Florida Man articles over the past few years, the storylines seem a lot less silly and more believable. Which is both funny and a little sad!

As I mentioned in my star rating, it's not necessarily the most intricately crafted literature. But that's not what it's supposed to be. This is the essence of escapist reading. It's something you can pick up in the lobby of your beach hotel, read while sipping piña coladas as the waves lap at your feet, and then leave it on the pool deck for the next person looking for a mental vacation. If that's exactly the kind of book you need, then this (or any other Hiaasen book) will be perfect for you!

Also, considering all of this, file this author away as one to read after finishing a heavy read or if you're looking to break a slump. There's very little stress on the brain with this one, and that's sometimes exactly what you need!

Carl Hiaasen has made remarkable progress throughout the years of his career. This makes it rather difficult to revisit and read some of his earlier works for the very first time. However, that doesn't mean those older pieces don't have glimpses of the extremely brilliant Hiaasen that was emerging. For instance, Chemo, one of my favorite characters from "Star Island", makes his initial appearance with all the characteristic wry humor that is typical of Hiaasen.

One aspect in which Hiaasen was far ahead of his time is that the story revolves around a highly corrupt and shockingly incompetent plastic surgeon. As he delves into the topic of plastic surgery and the patients who undergo it for various reasons, whether legitimate or not, Hiaasen subtly poses the question of necessity. Without showing any disrespect or disdain towards those who choose to have plastic surgery, he probes into the concepts of physical perfection and the idea that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder and the mind of the beheld.

PS 2018 Challenge: A book from the decade I was born (but in this case, just barely). This book by Carl Hiaasen offers a unique perspective on a relevant and timely subject, making it a fascinating read despite being from an earlier era of his career.