The world we live in is truly amazing. It is filled with quirks, oddities, and a unique character all its own. In this regard, the elements for the Hiaasen formula are all present here. As this is his second book, I can already clearly see all the pieces that he loves to manipulate and utilize. Florida, for instance, is both enticing and repulsive at the same time.
The story is a very typical Hiaasen one, complete with all the usual trimmings. There is the corrupt businessman, the strange and crazy killers, the down-on-his-luck yet kind of cool hero, the quirky female characters, and the insane setting and theme. The story progresses briskly and remains entertaining throughout. It is indeed a fun read that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
When it comes to the characters, Rage is a well-developed character. He has depth, and his dialogues with others are excellent. His relationship with his ex-wife is also portrayed really well. And what can be said about Skink? He is simply awesome, and this is the first book to feature him.
Overall, this is a great tale that meets the expectations of Hiaasen fans. It leaves us eager to move on to the next book in his collection.