Audiobook narrated by George Patterson and borrowed from the National Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.

This particular audiobook, with George Patterson's narration, has become a source of great comfort for me. After being bombarded with so much drama from the debates, I was in desperate need of some lighthearted entertainment. And this audiobook provided exactly that.

The silliness of Skink, which is brought to life vividly by Patterson's narration, has the power to make me forget about the chaos and stress of the outside world. It's like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room.

As I listen to the story unfold, I find myself completely immersed in the world of Skink. Patterson's voice adds an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the characters and the plot.

Borrowing this audiobook from the National Library for the Blind and Print Disabled was a great decision. It has given me access to a wonderful story that I might not have otherwise discovered.

I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to listening to more audiobooks in the future.

I embarked on this particular book several years ago, yet I never managed to bring it to a conclusion. However, since I have now devoured all of Hiaasen's other outrageously zany Florida novels, I thought it would be a good idea to return and give this one a proper read before delving into his latest work, "Bad Monkey." I'm truly delighted that I made that decision.

It provided an abundance of hearty laughs and a few snorts of derision. The plot, to be honest, is a bit of a jumble, but that's to be expected with Hiaasen's haphazard and scattered attacks on various targets. His writing style is unique, filled with humor and a satirical take on different aspects of society. Reading his books is like going on a wild and unpredictable adventure through the wacky world of Florida.

Even though the plot might not be the most tightly woven, the characters and the situations they find themselves in more than make up for it. Hiaasen has a talent for creating memorable and eccentric characters that you can't help but root for or love to hate. "Bad Monkey" promises to be another entertaining ride, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us this time.

Dear Carl Hiaasen,

I had a conversation with my husband and managed to persuade him to read this book. He's not really a big reader, but let's face it, he's completely hot regardless.

He has made a promise to me that if you agree to be the father of one of my babies (after reading this book), then he can ask me to get him a beer at any time of the day or night without me protesting. Even if I'm sound asleep and he has to nudge me awake.

This novel is truly hilarious. I would highly recommend not reading it on a plane next to someone who is sleeping if you have a tendency to snort or gasp for air when you're laughing too hard. I might have received some rather intense evil looks on my last flight because of it.

I really hope you consider my offer. It would make my life and my husband's life a whole lot more interesting.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Oof. Well, I have to admit that I wasn't entirely unprepared for what was to come, as the blurb had given me some inkling. However, this book contained an astonishing amount of fishing and redneck-related content. In fact, there was more of it than I could have ever imagined possible in my own county. I truly thought that it was impossible for me to dislike these two elements as much in print as I do in real life. But, lo and behold, this book managed to prove me wrong.

The book, in and of itself, was okay for what it was supposed to be - a comedy crime caper. However, I have to say that it really wasn't all that funny. It had its quirky moments, but I don't think I ever had more than a solitary chuckle throughout the entire reading.

That being said, I would still be willing to give the author another chance and read something else by them. However, I definitely won't be continuing this particular series. Especially not in audio format. The narrator's voice was rather off-putting. They sounded more like a news anchor who was struggling to read a story without the aid of a teleprompter, or perhaps reading from a teleprompter in a very stilted manner. And if the thought of Tucker Carlson reading you a bedtime story doesn't send shivers down your spine and fill you with terror, then I have serious concerns for your well-being.

Overall, I would rate this book a 2 out of 5 stars. It had its moments, but it ultimately failed to live up to my expectations.

As an avid fisherman and a native Floridian, this book was an absolute delight to read!

Hiaasen has truly outdone himself by creating one of the most unforgettable characters in Skink, the former governor, along with a whole cast of characters that only he could have assembled.

The vivid descriptions of certain scenes had me laughing out loud to the point of tears.

Anyone who has a passion for fishing, loves Florida, enjoys a good laugh, or simply craves entertainment needs to pick up this book.

I firmly believe that everyone should have a copy of Double Whammy sitting on their bookshelf. It's not just a book; it's an experience that will transport you to the wonderful world of Florida and its unique characters.

Whether you're an angler looking for some lighthearted entertainment or someone who just wants to enjoy a great story, Double Whammy has something for everyone.

So, don't hesitate any longer. Grab a copy of this amazing book and get ready to be thoroughly entertained!

Funny and entertaining, this story is truly a delight. The characters are extremely interesting, each with their own unique personalities and quirks that keep you engaged from start to finish. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at their antics and becoming invested in their lives.

What makes this story even more captivating are the interesting twists and turns. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next, the plot takes an unexpected turn, leaving you on the edge of your seat. These surprises add an element of excitement and unpredictability that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Overall, this is a story that is sure to bring a smile to your face and provide you with hours of entertainment. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read or something to pass the time, this story has it all. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Hot-headed private detective R. J. Decker is hired to prove that TV host Dickie Lockhart cheats to win fortunes in Florida bass-fishing tournaments.

Decker soon discovers that the stakes are incredibly high, to the point where people are willing to kill to keep their secrets. However, he manages to find an ally in an apparently deranged, roadkill-eating hermit who calls himself Skink, as well as a couple of honest cops.

Adding to the cast are a trio of moron hillbillies, an amoral hottie who seduces Decker and helps frame him for murder, and the good Reverend Weeb, Lockhart's sponsor on the Outdoor Christian Network, whose hobbies include prostitutes, fake faith healing, and land-grabbing.

It’s just as madcap as the summary sounds, with colorful heroes and villains. For example, there’s the killer who spends the final scenes of the novel with a decapitated, rotting bulldog’s head clamped on his gangrenous arm. This is the second Hiaasen novel I’ve read, and it seems much of a piece with Tourist Season: the same crazed pace and surreal satire, as well as the same dubious plot points. I’m not sure how the gruesome death of Decker’s client, after the death of Lockhart, helps Decker fight the charge of blackmail and murder. But of course, it’s not worth dissecting; it’s just manic zany fun.

If I were to provide a synopsis of this novel, which is the first Hiaasen novel to feature the recurring character "Skink", you would never believe that a novel with a fishing tournament sponsored by a Christian mega-church serving as its climax could be so outstanding.

This is an extremely funny crime story that is filled with mayhem. For example, there is a severed pit bull's head permanently welded to a miscreant's forearm. There are also assorted murders and deaths by misadventure that are reminiscent of some of Elmore Leonard's wilder crime yarns. The novel features a cast of thousands, which adds to the complexity and entertainment value.

I absolutely loved this novel. It had me laughing out loud at times and on the edge of my seat at others. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging and full of twists and turns. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good crime story with a sense of humor.

Hopefully, you will also love this novel as much as I did.

Only Carl Hiaasen has the remarkable ability to conjure up these truly unique types of characters. There are ex-governors who have resorted to living off road kill in the swamp, a rather unorthodox and desperate lifestyle. Then there are killers with dog heads hanging from their arms, a grotesque and disturbing image that immediately grabs the reader's attention. And let's not forget the bass fisherman/Christian TV ministers, a combination that seems both odd and yet strangely captivating. His writing is always highly entertaining, filled with these outlandish and unforgettable characters and situations. This particular book is one of his earliest works, and I found myself completely enamored with it. It showcases his early talent and creativity, and it's no wonder that he has become such a beloved and respected author in the literary world.

A petty, tightly-knit, and delightfully weird thriller unfolds, set against the backdrop of corporate and personal greed in the vibrant city of Miami. The story takes an unexpected turn as it centers around... bass fishing! Yes, you read that right - bass fishing in Miami! It's a unique and engaging concept that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. However, with a score of 5 out of 12, it seems that this thriller may not quite reach the heights of some of its counterparts. Nevertheless, it offers an interesting and different take on the genre. The accompanying image, a GIF, adds a touch of visual interest to the review. Overall, it's a thriller that's worth checking out for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

I've read a few other books penned by Hiaasen, and I truly relished them. However, this particular one was a touch less enjoyable for me. The reason being that I simply couldn't generate any interest in the bass-fishing aspect of the novel.

Thankfully, one of my all-time favorite characters, Skink, managed to keep my attention piqued. Additionally, the detective-noir aspect added an extra layer of intrigue. It's important to note that this is the very novel that introduces Skink, who later makes appearances in several other Hiaasen novels.

The main character, Decker, is your typical private investigator with a rather questionable past. And then there's the femme fatale who enters the scene. She could either assist him in his assigned quest or lead him into a perilous and deadly situation.

To further complicate matters, there are the crooks and bad guys who are engaged in wheeling and dealing to over-develop Hiaasen's beloved Florida. There are also several rednecks and lowlife types thrown into the mix. Hiaasen's characters almost always possess a certain degree of bizarreness and sometimes even border on the deranged. Yet, he endows them with sufficient depth to make them sound entirely believable.

My greatest attraction to Hiaasen's novels lies in his perverse sense of humor. This novel is replete with it, which made it highly entertaining, despite the fact that the main subject of the investigation held little interest for me.

On January 29th, 2021, I did my third re-read of this book, and it still remains my absolute favorite. In Skink we trust! :)))))))))

This book is truly brilliant, and I'm at a loss for words on where to begin. I don't bestow 5 stars easily, but this was without a doubt a masterpiece. It is uproariously funny at every turn, brimming with grit, whimsy, and wonderful South Florida characters. It mercilessly lampoons the bass fishing industry while still respecting the beauty of the pure sport and the fish themselves.

The main character, Decker, is excellent. He's a tough-guy photographer with a soft spot for his ex-wife. However, I believe the real star of the show is Skink the hermit. He has a mysterious past and is an unlikely crusader for a worthy cause. I have a hunch that this is a book I will delight in reading over and over again.

This is the second Hiassen book I've read, and so far, I'm thoroughly impressed. I have a feeling he will quickly earn a place among my favorites, right next to Jo Nesbo and Tom Robbins. If I could, I would give this book 10 stars.