Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
34(34%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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If you ever find yourself in a state of helplessness and hopelessness when confronted with the rampant development and the consequent loss of the environment, then it would be a great idea to pick up one of Carl Hiaasen's books.

His characters possess a unique charm. They are both ridiculously absurd and yet, at the same time, all too believable. The interactions between the bad guys and the good guys are a comical yet engaging affair as they stumble and bumble their way towards a satisfying conclusion.

By the time I reached the end of the book, I was laughing so hard that any feelings of hopelessness had simply evaporated. Just like Skink, my faith in the resilience and humor of nature has been beautifully restored. It's truly amazing how a good book can have such a profound impact on our emotions and perspectives.

Carl Hiaasen's works offer a much-needed escape from the harsh realities of the world and remind us that there is still hope and laughter to be found, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
July 15,2025
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I continue to be highly amused by and find Hiaasen's books an absolute abundance of fun.

This is either the 6th or 7th one that I have now perused, and I was most definitely not let down.

Hiaasen has a unique talent for creating engaging stories with vivid characters and plotlines that keep the reader hooked from start to finish.

His writing style is both entertaining and accessible, making his books suitable for a wide range of readers.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted escape or a thought-provoking read, Hiaasen's books are sure to deliver.

I can't wait to see what he comes up with next and will undoubtedly be adding his future works to my reading list.
July 15,2025
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Twilly Spree, a trust-fund baby turned eco-terrorist, has some serious anger-management issues. One day, when he witnesses the blatant littering by the driver of a Range Rover with vanity plates, his sense of justice is ignited, and he feels compelled to teach the litterbug a lesson.

Soon enough, within just a few pages, the reader is plunged into the familiar Hiaasen scenario. There's a dog-napping incident, and the story is populated with corrupt Florida politicians and ruthless developers. Among the characters are a former Toyota salesman who is now the governor, a lobbyist obsessed with hunt trophies, a millionaire developer with a strange fetish for Barbie dolls (yes, the actual dolls), and our beloved "out-there" one-eyed hero, Skink.

This is classic Hiaasen, with its outrageously absurd plot developments and tender young women who possess far more good sense than the idiots they work for or are married to. Hiaasen has a remarkable gift for vivid and colorful description, as seen in lines like: "Willie Vasquez-Washington eyed Stoat as if he were a worm on a Triscuit." Of course, in the end, all the bad guys will receive their well-deserved comeuppance, and in the most colorful and inventive ways imaginable. The action is non-stop, keeping the pages turning at a rapid pace. It's a truly fun and enjoyable diversion that will leave readers thoroughly entertained.

July 15,2025
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Man, this book truly made me laugh out loud. Hiaasen is just friggin hilarious!

The book is filled with crazy Floridian creeps who are constantly making eco-mistakes. The main character, for one, simply doesn't like all the chaos.

Just picture this: an entire truck load of dung beetles being dumped onto your fancy SUV just because you threw a McDonald's wrapper out of your window. And then there's Skink, the vagabond with good teeth. He always gives me the smiles.

If you're looking for a good laugh, this is definitely the book for you. It's so silly and yet, there's always a good message about how development is destroying the world and all that.

In my opinion, his books really rule. They're not only entertaining but also make you think about important issues. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a good time while also learning something.

So, go ahead and pick up this book. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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I truly love Carl Hiaasen.

I'm not typically a huge fan of mystery or thriller genres, but his works are simply outstanding!

The characters he creates are over-the-top (OTT), yet at the same time, they are so very human and in this particular case, humane.

How could one not love a man like Twilly Spree, who would go to the extent of chasing down an idiot for throwing trash out of his car while driving at 80 mph on the freeway? Twilly Spree is indeed my hero.

With Hiaasen's writing, you just never have a clue where you will end up - except for the fact that it will always be in Florida, and that much you can be certain of.

His stories are filled with unique plots, colorful characters, and a touch of humor that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Whether it's a wild adventure or a thought-provoking mystery, Carl Hiaasen always manages to deliver an entertaining and memorable reading experience.

I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
July 15,2025
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Ok, I read it. I read the whole thing. Was this my favorite Carl Hiaasen book? No, but it was indeed an entertaining read. The characters are truly diverse and engaging.


Palmer Stoat, an obsessive/compulsive individual who has a strange habit of littering instead of keeping the offending item with him. He is a confident deal maker in the heart of the Florida political arena, always up to something.


Desie Stoat, young and beautiful, yet unlucky in love. She is Palmer's third wife and is constantly wondering how and why she is still with him. Her character adds an element of mystery and complexity to the story.


Twilly Spree, a rather unique character. To call him a hero might be a bit of a stretch. With anger management issues and no filter, he is constantly on the hunt for injustices, which he seems to find in every corner of the state.


Boodle/McGuinn, Palmer's dog. The name Boodle was given as a joke, as it means a bribe or illicit payment. However, Twilly quickly changes his name to McGuinn when he takes possession of the dog.


The focus of all these characters is Shearwater Island, a natural and lightly populated habitat that is soon to be transformed into luxury condos, hotels, and a golf course. The story unfolds at a rapid pace, introducing many more interesting characters than those I've listed. It reaches a satisfying conclusion that leaves the reader feeling content. This book might just be the perfect summer beach read. I guarantee it won't be a waste of time.

July 15,2025
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This was an extremely amusing book. It presented a vivid picture where environmentalists and animal lovers were pitted against corrupt politicians, lobbyists, and litter bugs.

Some of these antagonists were also trophy hunters. They had no qualms about bagging their trophies at a county club resort that was stocked with aging big game animals. These poor creatures were barely breathing, yet they were still targeted by these heartless hunters.

The book was made even better by the presence of Boodle/McQuinn, a friendly black Labrador who was always on the lookout for adventure. Skink, however, didn't make an appearance until a third of the way through the book. But the supporting cast was so strong that they held their own and kept the story engaging.

It seemed that at the end, Hiassen was writing Skink off into the sunset. I actually checked, and indeed, he did not publish another book in the series for 10 years. And I'm truly glad he did. This break perhaps gave him the time and space to come up with even more精彩的 stories and characters in the future.
July 15,2025
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This Hiaasen book, filled with mirth, mayhem, and the passionate fight for Mother Earth and its precious creatures, was truly terrific.

It ranked right up there with two of my personal favorites, namely "Lucky You" and "Skinny Dip".

What makes this book even more special is the welcome return of Skink, the ex-governor of Florida. He abandons his hermit life to rescue his brother and dish out well-deserved comeuppance to some corrupt politicians, lobbyists, and real estate scammers.

From the very beginning to the end, it offers first-rate fun. The story is engaging, the characters are vivid, and the themes are both important and entertaining. It's a book that not only provides a great deal of enjoyment but also makes you think about the state of our environment and the actions we should take to protect it.
July 15,2025
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Suspend reality and join Skink, the slightly unhinged former governor of Florida, on another adventure in the Sunshine State.

Skink is a character like no other, with his wild antics and unpredictable behavior. In this new adventure, he'll take you on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Florida, from the bustling cities to the secluded swamps.

As you follow Skink, you'll encounter a cast of colorful characters, each with their own unique stories and personalities. There'll be thrilling chases, heart-pounding escapes, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, adventure, or just a good laugh, Skink's latest adventure is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. So what are you waiting for? Join Skink and get ready for the ride of your life!

July 15,2025
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I think this will be my last Hiassen book for a while.

Maybe it's just me, but throughout this entire book, all I could think was, "Haven't I read this before?"

The characters in this book seem like reworked models from his other books. They lack the originality and distinctiveness that I have come to expect from Hiassen's writing.

The plot also seems rather similar to those of his previous works. There is a lack of the excitement and unpredictability that usually keeps me on the edge of my seat.

The freshness that once characterized his books has completely worn off.

I might recommend this book to someone who is looking for a quick beach read and has never read any Hiassen before. However, for those of us who are more familiar with his work, it's just meh.

It doesn't offer anything new or exciting to keep us engaged.

I hope that Hiassen will come up with something more original and captivating in his future works.
July 15,2025
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Some books are of poor quality simply because the author lacks the necessary skills. They may struggle with language, unable to craft sentences that flow smoothly or convey their intended meaning effectively. Their attempts at building suspense or maintaining tension fall flat, leaving the reader unengaged. Metaphors are used clumsily, and the overall tone of the book feels off. The plot may meander aimlessly, or the author may be unable to guide it in the desired direction. In short, these books suffer from a deficiency in the author's skillset.



This is why Sick Puppy is almost remarkable in its own way. You can tell that Carl Hiaasen is a capable and intelligent author. He clearly understands his characters, knows how to construct engaging plots, and is proficient in the use of irony, sarcasm, foreshadowing, and closing storylines. The problem with Sick Puppy isn't that it's badly written; it's just that it fails to live up to its potential.



To be fair, it's not a completely terrible book. It's just mediocre. It lacks any real flavor or originality. Reading it is like reading a Florida-man article from The Onion, with a healthy dose of misogyny and Great White Hunter tropes thrown in for good measure.



The book's take on corrupt politicians is hardly original, and the fact that the only two important women in the story are love interests for the heroes is far from groundbreaking. The use of fart and dick jokes feels tired and uncreative.



Imagine if Edward Abbey and Terry Pratchett decided to collaborate on a book but didn't put any real effort into it. They just cobbled together a bunch of tired tropes and called it a day. That's what Sick Puppy feels like. It's fine for a quick read on an airplane, but it has no value beyond that.

July 15,2025
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"Sick Puppy" is an engaging novel that delves into the world of greedy politicians and builders who are wreaking havoc on Florida's natural beauty.

It is filled with a diverse cast of colorful characters and a series of wacky incidents that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Twilly Spree, a wealthy environmentalist, takes it upon himself to stop a development project that threatens to bulldoze the trees and kill the animals on a Florida island.

The project is a scheme by a builder who contributed to the governor's campaign, along with a lobbyist who is trying to set up the deal for personal gain.

The characters in the novel are richly drawn, making it easy for the reader to imagine them and the unusual situations they find themselves in.

Hiassen skillfully plays with the reader, presenting an amusing tale that is both vastly entertaining and a good murder mystery mixed with humor.

Overall, "Sick Puppy" is a captivating read that combines elements of mystery, humor, and environmentalism to create a unique and engaging story.
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