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Naked Came the Manatee

carl hiaasen elmore leonard dave barry james w. hall edna buchanan

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In South Florida, everyone wants to get a head. But not just any head. A very famous human head--severed and snugged away in a cryonic container. A head that could spark a revolution and change the course of history.

Everybody wants a piece of the rotund gangster Big Joey G., a 102-year-old environmentalist, hard-boiled Miami reporter Britt Montero, lawyer Jake Lassiter, and a would-be dictator in exile--with ex-president Jimmy Carter and a lovable manatee named Booger thrown in for good measure.

With bodies piling up it's anybody's guess what will happen from one chapter to the next, as an all-star line-up of Florida's finest writers take turns at taking this outrageously original novel to the limit--and beyond.

Genres fictionmysteryhumorcomedyshort storiescrimethrillermystery thrillernovelsanthologies

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 27,1997

Places

the united states of america, florida,

This edition

Format: 208 pages, Paperback
Published: January 20, 1998 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9780449001240
ASIN: 0449001245
Language: English

About the author

carl hiaasen

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)

5 stars

29(29%)

4 stars

39(39%)

3 stars

32(32%)

2 stars

0(0%)

1 stars

0(0%)

100 reviews All reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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How could you not like this book? It's truly a captivating piece of work.

No one knows where the story will lead. It's like a mystery waiting to be解开. Unless, of course, you are the one who has the privilege of writing the next chapter.

What I absolutely loved about this book was how each author managed to skillfully connect the characters and the story line. It was seamless and engaging.

I'm certain that each author was trying their best to outdo the previous one, resulting in a book that is filled with excitement and surprises.

There were so many funny descriptive parts that had me laughing out loud. I found myself sharing these hilarious moments with whoever was sitting near me.

This book is simply too good to keep to myself. I'm passing it onto the next person, hoping they will have the same wonderful experience that I did.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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This is truly a captivating mystery read!

While it may not be filled with humor, it is incredibly engaging to observe how each of the authors contributed to the development of the story.

Their individual writing styles and ideas blend together seamlessly, creating a narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

As the story progresses, the various plot twists and turns add to the excitement, making it difficult to put the book down.

And in the end, it all comes together in a satisfying conclusion that ties up all the loose ends and leaves the reader feeling fulfilled.

Overall, this is a great mystery that is sure to please fans of the genre.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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A fairly enjoyable book indeed. It has its clever moments, which make you nod in appreciation, and then there are parts that border on the absurd, making you raise an eyebrow. What really stands out, however, is the strong South Florida atmosphere it creates. It's like a time machine that takes you back to those days of hanging out in Coconut Grove, filled with a sense of nostalgia. Even though the events described here are perhaps a bit sillier than the reality we remember, it still manages to capture the essence of that place and time.

I vividly remember reading some of the chapters when they were serialized in The Miami Herald's Tropic magazine in the early 90's. It all started with the first one by Dave Barry. Each writer would pick up the story right where the previous one left off, creating a unique and somewhat unpredictable narrative. I must admit, though, that I didn't recall actually reaching the ending back then. So, when I saw the book available at a used book sale, I thought it would be a great opportunity to finally finish what I had started all those years ago.

The result of this unconventional collaboration is a convoluted mix of eccentric characters, bizarre situations, and loose threads. It's a book that you can pick up and read quickly, and it will surely keep you entertained. However, it may be that the process of writing this book was even more fun for the authors than it was for the readers. Nevertheless, it's still a worthy addition to any bookshelf, especially for those who have a soft spot for South Florida and a taste for the unusual.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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The unusual name of this book, its captivating cover, and the fact that it was on the New York Times Bestseller list all combined to draw me in. It was supposed to be a comedy penned by 13 of Florida's 'finest writers'. However, to my disappointment, I simply didn't find it funny.

Since each chapter was written by a different author, the transitions between them often felt jarring and didn't flow smoothly. The characters came across as rather false, and ironically, the most interesting character in the book seemed to be the manatee!

I managed to get halfway through the book, but then I had to throw in the towel. I have so much of my own life to live and experience that I simply couldn't afford to waste it on a book that failed to engage and entertain me. It was a real letdown considering the initial promise it held.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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Well written considering the number of “authors”.

It is indeed quite an accomplishment to have a coherent piece given the multiple contributors. However, it does come across as a bit disjointed at times.

Nevertheless, it still retains the typical Hiaasen style. The story is over the top, filled with stereotypical South Florida characters and their crazy antics.

The “Cuba” angle added an interesting and unique dimension to the plot. It made the story more engaging and gave it a distinct flavor.

Overall, it is a great beach read. It's light-hearted, entertaining, and perfect for those relaxing moments by the shore.

Whether you're a fan of Hiaasen's work or just looking for an enjoyable book to pass the time, this one is definitely worth checking out.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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This is a wild comedic romp that is set in the vibrant and colorful south Florida.

It was not written all at once by a single author, but rather piecemeal by several talented south Florida writers.

Each writer brought their own unique perspective and sense of humor to the story, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind and hilarious adventure.

The setting of south Florida adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to the story, with its sunny beaches, bustling cities, and diverse culture.

Readers will be taken on a wild ride as they follow the antics of the characters through the streets and neighborhoods of south Florida, laughing out loud at every turn.

This comedic romp is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good laugh and a fun story set in a unique and exciting location.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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I simply couldn't pass up a book that had Hiaasen, Barry, and Leonard listed as some of the authors.

When I saw it at the library book sale, I knew I had to grab this little gem.

It turned out to be an absolute delight.

The story takes the reader on a wild romp through Florida's Coconut Grove.

The vivid descriptions of the area and the crazy characters make it a truly engaging read.

I found myself completely immersed in the story from beginning to end.

Each chapter brought new surprises and adventures.

I'm so glad I decided to pick up this book.

It's one that I'll definitely be recommending to my friends.

I can't wait to see what other works by these talented authors are out there.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

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If this book had been penned by a sole author, my scrutiny would have been significantly more intense. However, as it stands, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was put together. Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen are the only authors among those who contributed to this book that I have read before. I find myself more inclined to explore other works of some of these Florida-based authors, while others I can likely pass over.

Overall, the book was highly entertaining due to its extremely outlandish nature. Additionally, I believe I would have derived even greater enjoyment from it if I had a more intimate knowledge of Miami.

We read this particular book as part of our mystery book club at the local library, and it provided us with a great deal of amusement as we engaged in lively discussions about it. It was a wonderful experience that brought our club members closer together and allowed us to share our thoughts and perspectives on this unique literary work.

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