Someone recommended Carl Hiaasen’s latest book to me, Bad Monkey. But I'm not as naïve as I might seem! From the enthusiastic praise of this trusted recommender, I knew I would like this author. So, I decided to go back in time a bit to get to know him better. That way, if I ended up loving his work, I wouldn't have to start from the very beginning of his bibliography, which I really don't like doing!

Skinny Dip is a crime novel that stands out from the ordinary. It has excellent characterizations, sharp and witty social satire, crazy noirish humor (sort of like the Coen Brothers), and overall deft writing. I'm so glad I discovered this author, and even more excited to find out that there are many more of his books to read!

As you learn right from the start, Chaz Peronne, good-looking but completely useless, as well as shallow, despicable, and greedy, throws his wife Joey off the deck of a ship during a cruise to celebrate their second wedding anniversary. Joey can swim, but eventually she gets tired. However, she gets lucky when she bumps into a floating bale of Jamaican pot. She holds on until she is rescued by Mick Stranahan, a 53-year-old ex-cop who now lives on a remote island off the coast of Miami.

Once she recovers, Joey has no interest in calling the police; she wants revenge on Chaz, and Mick agrees to help her. Meanwhile, back on shore, a transplanted Norwegian detective from Minnesota, Karl Rolvaag, who likes to pretend he's in the script of the movie Fargo, doesn't believe Chaz's story that his wife's death was an accident. So Rolvaag also goes after Chaz.

And that's not all! Chaz is also being watched by “Tool,” a huge bodyguard sent by Red Hammernut, his corrupt boss, who is worried that Chaz will become unstable and reveal their illegal activities in the Everglades. Tool is, in my opinion, the best character in the book: very big, very dumb, but with a soft heart, lonely, and more open to new ideas and relationships than anyone else in the story. The person he finds to fill the voids in his life creates the best and most touching part of the book.

The noose tightens around Chaz, and the zaniness of the story increases accordingly. I don't think it's a coincidence that one of the characters loves Fargo - there are many similarities. The story ends in a satisfying way, with “cosmic justice” for everyone!

Skinny Dip is a clever, zany, and heartwarming book all at once. It's a quick and entertaining read, but it's also much more memorable than most books in this genre. I highly recommend it!

For a truly delightful change of pace, I must assert that this book is uproariously hilarious!

I've only had the pleasure of reading one other work by Carl Hiaasen, namely "Strip Tease", which gave rise to the Demi Moore/Burt Reynolds movie and was equally hilarious.

Now, I find myself compelled to explore more of his books. It's a delightfully quirky mystery, brimming with outrageously wild characters.

These are the kind of characters you'd only expect to encounter in the headlines of Florida (and I firmly believe that Mr. Hiaasen unashamedly draws his story ideas from there).

There's a detective who owns pythons, a hairy bodyguard with a soft spot for the elderly, an unfaithful husband who wrongly believes his wife is onto him for something other than his cheating (when in fact she is fully aware of his infidelity), and a murder/blackmail mystery all intricately woven together.

It's like a Seinfeld-esque take on a Hercule Poirot story. Just as in his other novel, things neatly fall into place by the end, so there are no real surprises there.

However, with such an eclectic storyline filled to the brim with wild characters, the fact that there's a bit of a tidy bow at the end is really a rather minor criticism.

In fact, Hiaasen even playfully pokes fun at this very point within the book itself.

If you're in need of a distraction from the chaos of 2020, simply pick up a Carl Hiaasen book, and you'll find yourself feeling better almost instantaneously.

We should all strive to be as savvy as Skink.

Skink is truly an inspiration. As an author myself, I find his dialogues to be simply captivating. They are so well-crafted that they seem to leap off the page and engage the reader on a whole new level. I can't help but drool over them, wishing I had the same talent for creating such engaging conversations.

Moreover, his actions are equally admirable. He seems to have an innate sense of what to do in any given situation, and he does it with confidence and grace. I have nothing but envy for his ability to take charge and make things happen.

In conclusion, Skink is a role model for us all. We should all try to learn from his savvy and apply it to our own lives. Whether it's in our writing or in our daily interactions, we can all benefit from being a little more like Skink.

This is the seventh Hiaasen book that I have delved into.

Although he will never claim the top spot as my all-time favorite author, I truly relished the first six installments.

However, this seventh venture failed to possess the same allure.

In fact, on numerous occasions, I found myself dozing off while reading it!

It is indeed a disconcerting sign when a supposed comedy/thriller has me nodding off so frequently.

I believe that one of the underlying issues was that the plot struggled to maintain its integrity when stretched out over such a length.

If this book had been approximately two-thirds of its current length, it would have been a significantly better read.

There were several instances where I was left impatiently longing for the story to progress more swiftly!

Furthermore, aside from Mick Stranahan, nearly all of the characters managed to irritate me to some extent.

With regard to the female characters, the main problem was that they were largely one-dimensional and almost entirely devoid of depth.

I am fairly certain that a couple of the supporting characters were superfluous and could have either been eliminated entirely or had their roles consolidated with those of other characters.

Don't misunderstand me; I did find some enjoyment in this book (hence the awarding of three stars rather than two), and its shortcomings will not deter me from exploring more of Hiaasen's works in the future.

Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly the least favorite among all the books of his that I have read thus far.

I much preferred 'Skin Tight', the initial book to feature Stranahan.

Buddy read with Sunshine Seaspray.

Carl Hiaasen is a renowned author who pens novels that are centered around Florida.

Oh, Florida! It's a place with a rich and diverse tapestry - the former President, the governor, the bustling theme parks, and the hordes of retirees.

Mr. Hiaasen has a unique approach in his books. He takes on various subjects, often zeroing in on an evil scoundrel who has amassed a fortune by despoiling the wildlife and wildlands of Florida. He then figuratively (and sometimes literally) pins them down and guts them.

In "Skinny Dip," the culprits are a philandering husband who attempts to murder his wife by tossing her off the deck of a cruise ship and a crooked mega-farmer who is polluting the Everglades with runoff from his agricultural empire.

While "Skinny Dip" is an entertaining read, there is some recycling from past novels. For instance, Skink, the former governor of Florida who resides in the Everglades, makes a couple of nominal appearances. And there's a goon (but with a twist this time) who has a bullet in his anus, which is a throwback to the villain in "Double Whammy" who walks around with the head of a dead pit bull attached to his arm.

All in all, this isn't the best Carl Hiaasen novel I've had the pleasure of reading, but there was still enough here to keep me engaged and turning the pages.

I have an absolute adoration for this book. I have read it no less than 4 times already, and each time it manages to make me burst out laughing. Perhaps it's because this was my very first Hiaasen book that I have this particular feeling. It contains all the elements that make up a Hiaasen masterpiece: 1) Pollution, which is a significant issue in our world today. 2) Corrupt government, a theme that is unfortunately all too common. 3) A quirky hero, someone who stands out from the crowd and has his own unique charm. 4) A nuts villain, who adds an element of excitement and danger to the story. 5) Florida, a place that is full of life and character in Hiaasen's books. 6) And of course, revenge revenge revenge!

The world that Hiaasen creates in his books is truly remarkable. I have said this countless times before, but it bears repeating. His worlds are like characters in and of themselves. Florida, in particular, is portrayed in a zany and larger-than-life way in this book. Sure, there is a fair amount of info dumping, but Hiaasen presents it with his own brand of satirical humor, which makes it all the more enjoyable.

The story is a classic Hiaasen tale. It has a simple premise, but it is brought to life by the zany characters and their fun dialogues. The story moves along at a brisk pace, and the pacing is excellent. As I mentioned earlier, the story has the typical Hiaasen beats, which is a good thing. There may not be anything especially remarkable about the story itself, but the characters are so great that it still manages to be my favorite Hiaasen book. If you have read a Hiaasen book before, you will know what to expect. If not, you are in for a treat with this little gem of a revenge tale.

The characters are without a doubt the best part of his books. In this one, Joey is a fun and engaging character, Chaz is insanely entertaining, and Tool is, well, Tool. I don't want to give away too much about the characters because what they say and do is what makes this story the gem that it is. It's laugh out loud funny, stupid, idiotic, and just plain nuts.

I love this book to bits. It's the perfect book to read when I'm feeling a bit mean and my humor is a bit dark. It always manages to put a smile on my face and brighten my day.

Onward to the next book!

Yes, Carl Hiaasen is prone to creating somewhat stereotypical characters.

However, having spent a significant amount of time in Florida, I can attest that there are indeed many individuals who exhibit even less depth of character than those found in Hiaasen's novels.

At least his books are filled to the brim with the absurd, which is something I truly appreciate.

The strip malls with pawn shops and flea markets, the palms swaying in the breeze, and the nouveau riche strutting around - this is the Florida that I recognize and know so well.

I find myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions while reading Hiaasen's books, and that is no small accomplishment.

For "caper" fiction, Hiaasen is undoubtedly one of my absolute favorites. His unique blend of humor, satire, and vivid descriptions makes his novels a joy to read and a true escape from reality.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, comedy, or just good storytelling, Carl Hiaasen's books are definitely worth checking out.

3.5 stars.

This was a completely new genre for me, namely the light, funny/wacky adventure book. It was truly and utterly entertaining, almost like sitting down to watch a delightful summer movie that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I found myself really loving the unique characters that populated this story. Each one had their own distinct personality and quirks that made them come alive on the page.

Moreover, I wholeheartedly embraced the weirdness of Florida that was so vividly described. It added an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the narrative.

However, my only complaint lies with the pacing of the book. It seemed to take an awfully long while to wrap up all the loose ends and bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.

Despite this minor drawback, I still thoroughly enjoyed my foray into this new genre and would recommend it to others looking for a light and entertaining read.

The realization that an elevated ribbon of dirt could separate 5 million raucous, distracted humans from the prehistoric solitude of the Everglades was truly mind-boggling. The detective regretted not spending more time on the sane and peaceful side of the levee during his time in South Florida.

Carl Hiaasen takes us on a wild rollercoaster ride through the insane and troublesome side of the levee. It's a place where husbands commit heinous acts like throwing their wives overboard during a cruise for their second wedding anniversary. Where corrupt industrial farmers bribe fake scientists to falsify water pollution reports, continuing to wreak havoc on the Everglades National Park. Where migrant workers toil away under the supervision of brutal and illiterate hitmen. And where police officers keep large pythons as pets in their apartments and paid killers collect memorial crosses from the side of the road.

I have long been a fan of Carl Hiaasen's novels, and "Skinny Dip" is one of his finer works. His signature elements include wacky characters, convoluted plots where inept criminals are undone by their own stupidity, hilarious dialogue, and most importantly, a genuine love for Florida's natural environment, which is being systematically destroyed by business demands. It's this last aspect and his talent for creating memorable characters that set Hiaasen apart from the average crime novelist. He's not only entertaining but also engages with important issues like political corruption and habitat protection.

It's challenging to summarize the plot of "Skinny Dip" briefly. Suffice it to say that if you liked the movie "Overboard" with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, you'll probably enjoy this comedy about a rich, attractive woman who falls into the ocean from a pleasure ship. Instead of being amnesiac, Joey Perrone knows full well that her husband deliberately pushed her overboard. A skilled swimmer, and with a bit of luck in the form of a bale of marijuana drifting in the Gulf Stream, she survives and sets out to seek revenge on her despicable husband, Chaz Perrone. Joey is aided by a reclusive former State attorney who prefers the isolation of a small private island to the hustle and bustle of civilization, a sexy member of her Book Club, and a brother who enjoys life among sheep in New Zealand. Meanwhile, Chaz the scoundrel is already chasing other women, mostly a fiery Latino hairdresser named Ricca. But thanks to his supposedly deceased wife's hauntings, he's developed erectile dysfunctions for the first time in his life and has additional troubles with the industrial tycoon sponsoring his illegal activities and his assigned bodyguard, a hairy and slow-witted killer for hire named Tool. The novel alternates between the perspectives of the wife and the husband, with a third thread focusing on the police investigation into Joey's accident/suicide/murder.

"Skinny Dip" stands alone among Carl Hiaasen's novels, but fans of the author will recognize some familiar faces, including Skink, the one-eyed giant who wears a shower cap and lives off the land in the middle of the swamp, as always saving damsels in distress and meting out cruel and unusual punishment to environmental criminals.

The comedy in the novel is ensured by dialogue filled with sexual innuendo and sarcastic commentaries on married life, politics, pollution, and violence. There are also plans that go awry, misunderstandings, physical and even gross-out humor, but mostly it's the clash of opposing personalities that creates the sparks. I also appreciate the fact that there isn't a clear divide between the good guys and the bad guys. Joey acts outside the law to punish her husband, and the gorilla-like Tool reexamines his life choices when he befriends a terminally ill woman (my favorite passage from the novel):

I believe it's never too late to change. I'm eighty-one years old, but I still think I can be a better person tomorrow than I am today. And that's what I'll believe until I run out of tomorrows.

I'll be delving into more of Hiaasen's Florida crime books, as well as the rival series by Tim Dorsey. It's hard to choose a favorite between them. Both deal with the environment and the criminal underworld of the Sunshine State. I'd say that the psychopathic Serge Storms is more volatile and vicious than Skink and his crew, but Hiaasen has better plots and more nuanced characterizations.

Boners is a term that might have different meanings depending on the context. In this case, it could potentially refer to something specific related to the Everglades or agriculture.

Agricultural runoff in the Everglades is a significant issue. It occurs when water from farms carrying fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants flows into the Everglades ecosystem. This runoff can have harmful effects on the delicate balance of the Everglades, including the degradation of water quality, the destruction of habitats for various species, and a negative impact on the overall biodiversity.

Attempted murder is a serious crime that involves the intention to kill someone but without the actual completion of the act. It is a violation of the law and can have severe consequences for the perpetrator. In any society, such an act is condemned and dealt with through the legal system.

These three topics, although seemingly disparate, could potentially be related in some way, perhaps through a larger narrative or issue. For example, the effects of agricultural runoff on the Everglades could lead to social and economic problems that might, in turn, contribute to tensions and even criminal behavior like attempted murder. However, without more specific information, it is difficult to establish a direct and detailed connection between them.

The book is a harmonious blend of mystery and humor.

It is the most mysterious among humorous books and also the funniest among mystery novels. The plot is not entirely novel, but it exploits some rather unexpected details. All the characters are distinct and have their own settings.

More importantly, this can be regarded as a translation heritage. When Mr. Bình Bồng Bột used the southern dialect skillfully, it made the readers feel as if they were reading a book written in the Western Vietnamese dialect.

This unique feature adds a special charm to the book, making it stand out from the crowd. It not only entertains the readers with its humorous and mysterious content but also gives them a taste of the local culture and language.

Overall, this book is a great read that combines the best of both worlds, mystery and humor, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on the readers.

A quick and enjoyable read! I was in search of something to peruse while traveling on the train. All I desired was something entertaining, and lo and behold, I found this to be exactly that. It has a great sense of humor and is a good mystery-type story. The plot keeps you engaged and guessing. I really liked how the author weaved the different elements together. It was not overly complicated, yet it had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. I'll definitely read more by this author when I'm in the mood for a quick, "no brainer" (easy) read. It's the perfect kind of book to unwind with during a short journey or when you just want to relax and not think too hard.