A Decent-Enough Thriller

Every book I've read that is set in Miami seems to follow the same pattern. There are corrupt politicians, countless crooks, and a group of scrappy underdogs who manage to pull off the impossible and take down the "bad guys". However, in each book, this small victory doesn't stop the cycle of corruption from continuing. It's not really the author's fault for accurately depicting the sleaziness of Miami, but there really aren't any surprises here.

There are a few interesting explorations of the dehumanization of sex work and the power dynamics at play within that industry, but nothing truly groundbreaking. The book did make me chuckle a few times, but overall, it's not a "bad" book. However, I also wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. It's a decent-enough thriller that follows the expected formula and offers some interesting insights, but it doesn't do anything to set itself apart from the countless other Miami-set thrillers out there.

I absolutely loved this book! Carl Hiaasen is truly a master at keeping the readers on their toes.

His writing style is engaging and full of energy. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that constantly keep you guessing.

You never know what's going to happen next, which makes it impossible to put the book down.

The characters are well-developed and unique, each with their own quirks and personalities.

Hiaasen's ability to create such vivid and memorable characters is one of the things that makes his books so enjoyable.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller. It's a great read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

I can't wait to read more of Carl Hiaasen's work in the future.

This was not my favorite Hiaasen novel.

To be honest, throughout most of the reading, I found myself somewhat disappointed. The story seemed to lack the usual sparkle and excitement that I have come to expect from Hiaasen's works. The characters didn't quite grip me as strongly as in his other novels, and the plot felt a bit sluggish at times.

However, I must admit that the end was a pleasant surprise. It managed to bring together all the loose ends in a rather satisfying way and added a layer of depth and meaning that was previously lacking. It was almost as if Hiaasen had been deliberately building up to this climactic ending, and it paid off.

Overall, while this novel didn't quite reach the heights of some of his others, the end was enough to save it from a rating of just 2 stars. It still had some of the elements that make Hiaasen's writing unique and enjoyable, and I'm sure that fans of his work will still find something to like here.

This is a truly great crime novel.

It vividly captures the grimy and seedy tone of a sleazy Florida strip club. The story is an incredibly kooky and entertaining mix of various elements such as strippers, politicians, cops, blackmail, murder, extortion, wheelchair theft, fraud, and just about everything else that makes Florida such a strange and scary place.

I absolutely adored Erin as the main character, and it was a real delight to see Al Garcia make a comeback from Tourist Season. The ending neatly ties everything together and reaffirms the environmental aspect that all of Hiassen's books (at least the ones I've read) seem to possess.

This book is much more concise, with a tighter focus on the central plot. This allows the supporting characters to be developed and understood in much greater detail, which is a great deal of fun.

I'm not sure if it will be as memorable for me as Sick Puppy (the characters in that book are truly unrivaled), but it was a very satisfying read nonetheless. It didn't drag on for too long and had the ending that I was hoping for, along with a few wonderful surprises.

Overall, it's a great addition to the crime fiction genre and well worth reading.

Carl Hiaasen's STRIP TEASE is truly one of my all-time favorite novels.

It's a captivating blend of a crime story, a political thriller, and most significantly, a source of pure, unadulterated fun! The story is a rollicking adventure of epic proportions, filled with a diverse cast of characters, both big and small, heroic and villainous, or just downright crazy. What makes it even more engaging is the comic edge that runs throughout, which feels so honest and real that it could almost be considered satirical.

The story is as absurd as real life, and it's only in a world like ours that a crazy adventure like this could unfold, where a heroic stripper like Erin Grant faces seemingly insurmountable odds against perverts and worse, all in an effort to save her daughter.

Erin, a former FBI file clerk, is now working as a stripper at the seedy Eager Beaver in Florida to pay her legal fees during a bitter custody battle with her ex, Darrell, a no-good scumbag who steals wheelchairs. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Erin earns her money through her unique and sensual dancing talents. She works with a diverse group of dancers and has a protector in the form of the bar's intimidating bouncer, Shad, who also has his own plans for improving his lot in life.

Just when you think Erin has enough on her plate, perverted Congressman David Dilbeck (D-FL) shows up and almost kills a guy out of lust for her, turning a night of naughty but harmless fun into a potential political scandal of thermonuclear proportions. Suddenly, Erin finds herself in the middle of a web of intrigue that endangers both Big Government and Big Sugar, and before long, bodies start to turn up. Fortunately, she gets some unexpected help from Al Garcia, a police detective who stumbles upon one of the bodies in a rather strange way.

I must admit that I haven't seen the film version of STRIP TEASE with Demi Moore, Burt Reynolds, and Ving Rhames, as I've only heard bad things about it. However, I have seen the commercials, and I have to say that Ving makes a convincing Shad. The bouncer's classic line, "Do I look like I follow politics?" was probably one of the few things the movie got right. Hollywood has a history of getting it wrong when trying to adapt great books into movies, and STRIP TEASE is no exception. The novel is at its best in its written form, especially in the way the author presents it. Hiaasen's style combines a lightning-fast pace with larger-than-life characters and a genuine comic touch that is sure to make you smile.

STRIP TEASE also has a way of playing with our expectations in a free-wheeling manner. Instead of being the damsel in distress who needs to be saved by the male lead, Erin Grant is a fighter with a heart of gold. When things take a turn for the worse and she finds herself fending off both her ex and the randy Congressman, she gets creative and manages to hold her own. With the support of unique characters like Shad and Al Garcia, Erin is able to navigate the crazy world she finds herself in. There are also other characters in the story that you have to meet for yourself, like Mister Peepers, the political fixer with the nickname "Moldy," and the unlucky lawyer who tries to help Shad with his scams.

Hiaasen has been rightfully compared to the late, great Elmore Leonard, and I would put this novel up there with Leonard's classics like GET SHORTY, which had a similar spirit. So, if you're looking for a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend STRIP TEASE. You'll never look at Vaseline the same way again!

Hilarious! This book is filled with sleazy and smart characters, not to mention the kick ass strippers. It truly makes you realize that Florida is a scary place. I was completely entertained from start to finish. The author has a unique writing style that keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat. It's a fantastic read and I can't wait to seek out his other work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good laugh and a thrilling story. Whether you're a fan of mystery, comedy, or just a great read, this book has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy and get ready to be entertained!

The epilogue alone is side splitting hilarity and priceless.

It's truly a gem that can make you forget all about the winter blues.

As you read through it, you'll find yourself laughing out loud at the unexpected twists and turns.

The author has a remarkable talent for creating humorous situations that are both relatable and entertaining.

Whether it's the witty dialogue or the comical actions of the characters, every moment is filled with laughter.

This epilogue is not just a source of amusement; it's also a reminder that even in the coldest of winters, there is always something to smile about.

So, if you're looking for a way to brighten up your day and escape the dreariness of winter, look no further than this hilarious epilogue.

Read it, enjoy it, and let the laughter warm your heart.

I never tire of Hiaasen’s daft and inventive glimpses of crazy Floridians. His works are like a hilarious window into a world filled with the most outlandish characters and their illegal antics.

He has this unique ability to make me laugh out loud at the absurdity of it all. But it’s not just the humor that吸引 me. His cynical yet humorous view of the widespread corporate corruption and dishonest governance that is plaguing Florida is both eye-opening and thought-provoking.

I was fortunate enough to live in Florida for a year in 1972. Back then, it was a slowly shrinking piece of natural paradise. The beaches were pristine, the wildlife was abundant, and the air was fresh.

But now, I shudder to think what it must be like. With the rampant development and the disregard for the environment, I can only imagine that the once beautiful state has lost much of its charm.

Hiaasen’s writing serves as a reminder of what we have lost and what we need to do to protect the remaining natural beauty of Florida.

In 1994, I read a captivating crime novel.

It was set in Florida and was filled with Hiaasen's trademark black humor.

I believe this was the very first Hiaasen book I ever picked up, and I've been hooked ever since.

Even though I missed his last few novels, I'm making amends today.

The next one on my list is "The Squeeze".

I'm excited to see what kind of wild and wacky adventures Hiaasen has in store for his readers this time around.

His unique writing style always manages to keep me on the edge of my seat, laughing out loud one moment and gasping in shock the next.

I can't wait to dive into "The Squeeze" and continue my journey through Hiaasen's literary world.

Hiaasen's story is a humorous one that revolves around Erin Grant. She is a woman who, in a desperate attempt to raise money for an appeal to gain custody of her daughter, resorts to dancing in a strip joint. As the narrative commences, we are introduced to Congressman Dave Dilbeck. He is at a strip club, unable to control his libido. A drunken partygoer then jumps on the dancer's stage and starts groping one of the dancers. Dilbeck, who is intoxicated himself, jumps onto the stage and begins pummeling the drunk with a champagne bottle. Unfortunately, this occurs during an election year, which makes the situation even worse.

Another patron at the club, Jerry Killian (nicknamed Mr. Peepers), takes a photo of the incident. He sends a note to Erin, suggesting that he might be able to help her get her daughter back. Killian intends to use the photo to force Dilbeck to use his influence to get the judge to change the custody decision. We learn that Erin's husband, Darrell Grant, fabricated a story about her sexual activities and then had two of his friends from the sheriff's department vouch for his false tale.

Malcolm J. Moldowsky is Dilbeck's "fix it" man, and Erb Crandall is his bodyguard. When Killian approaches the Congressman about the photo, Moldowsky and Crandall take matters into their own hands, and Killian ends up dead. Meanwhile, there is a subplot involving the club bouncer, Shad, who is working with attorney Mordecai to sue the Congressman. Mordecai, who now has the photo, is playing two clients against each other. The fiance of the man Dilbeck hit with the champagne bottle is also involved in the extortion plot that Mordecai has set up against Dilbeck.

Sgt. Al Garcia discovers Killian's body and takes a personal interest in the case. The novel is filled with humor and enough scheming to keep the reader's interest piqued. Just imagining Demi Moore in her role in the movie and Burt Reynolds as Dilbeck is entertaining, although the movie did not fully capture the essence of the book. Overall, it is a fun read that offers an engaging and lighthearted escape.

Carl Hiaasen's books are always highly entertaining.

They are usually set in the unique backdrop of Florida, with always crazy and engaging story lines.

So far, in this particular book, we have a stripper who is stripping to earn money in order to retrieve her child from a crazy drug-addicted ex-husband.

We also have a guy and his friends who visit a strip club for his bachelor party, and he ends up getting knocked out by a champagne bottle at the hand of an important person.

In addition, there are several other smaller storylines that add to the overall charm and complexity of the narrative.

So far, everything seems to be going well.

Just recently, I finished this book.

Although it had a rather weak ending, as a whole, it was a rather entertaining read.

I found myself enjoying it despite the less-than-stellar conclusion.

Overall, Carl Hiaasen's writing style and his ability to create such vivid and absurd stories make his books worth reading.

Even with a somewhat lackluster ending, the journey through the book was an enjoyable one.

I would recommend this book to others who are looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read.

As always, Carl Hiaasen has an extraordinary talent for seamlessly combining the harsh and often dark reality with a unique brand of humour in his stories. From the very beginning, his tales have the power to captivate readers and draw them into a world filled with diverse and vivid characters.

His characters span a wide spectrum, including self-absorbed politicians who are more concerned with their own interests than the well-being of the people they are supposed to serve. There are also strip club bouncers, divorced moms fighting tooth and nail to regain custody of their children, and a whole host of strippers, lawyers, and others who seem to be abetting the politicians and judges. Let's not forget the officers of the law and the various insects, reptiles, and other creatures that add an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

The story is filled with so much food for thought that it leaves the reader with a burning desire to discover whether the characters' ambitious plans for the future will ultimately come to fruition. It makes you wonder about the true nature of human beings and the lengths they will go to achieve their goals.

Of course, after reading this engaging story, I now find myself compelled to rewatch the film version. I'm curious to see how the filmmakers have translated Hiaasen's vivid prose and complex characters onto the big screen. Will they be able to capture the essence of the story and the unique charm of the characters? Only time will tell.