Powder Burn by carl hiaasen

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Anyone familiar with the 'Miami Vice' TV show of the 1980's will find the plot of 'Powder Burn' by Carl Hiassen (?) and Bill Montalbano equally exciting!

Yet, it may also be depressing as it mirrors the power America has bestowed upon drug lords due to its unceasing demand for illegal drugs. In the 1980's, cocaine reigned supreme, from the restrooms of respectable businesses to the garbage-strewn streets of city ghettos. The book accurately depicts that era, although it doesn't graphically describe the insane violence actually perpetrated by drug lords.

I copied the cover blurb below as it is accurate:

"Chris Meadows has the misfortune to witness an old girlfriend being hit by a car full of drugland hitmen. He has the even worse luck to see the faces of her murderers. Because in a town as violent as Miami, a witness doesn't stand a chance -- especially when the cops who should be protecting him are more interested in using him as live bait."

I'm not sure about the book's claim regarding the authors - the novel doesn't seem much like one written by Carl Hiassen as it completely lacks his cynical satire. Nevertheless, the book is an exciting action thriller!

I enjoyed the fictional action of 'Powder Burn', despite the fact that drug lords often operated with impunity in Florida in the 1970's/1980's due to corruption and their overwhelming presence in all sectors of society. The police were handicapped by political corruption and the idiosyncrasies of some legal procedures that were originally intended to protect the rights of innocents but ended up safeguarding drug lords from prosecution. However, in my humble opinion, the police are truly unable to halt illegal drugs because of the insatiable demand from ordinary American people.

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Senseisubaru

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The story began with a lot of promise. It had a strong start that really grabbed my attention. However, there was a period in the middle where not much seemed to happen. It felt a bit slow and drawn out. But then, out of nowhere, there was an amazing finish. It was so good that it completely changed my perception of the entire book. I believe this is the first in a series of three books. At first, I wasn't sure if I would read the next one or even finish this one. But after that great ending, I have now decided that I will definitely continue with the series. I'm excited to see what happens next and how the story will unfold.

overly long but a great finish

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JeyRAR

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This is the twelfth book that I have perused by this particular author, and the second one that I have read which was penned by him and his co-author. I have truly relished these two works as they are a complete deviation from Hiaasen's typical style.

This book centers around an ostensibly upright and law-abiding architect named Chris Meadows. Meadows witnesses an old flame and her child being struck down by a car that is being chased in a drug war. Meadows then becomes embroiled in the situation and subsequently endures numerous attempts on his own life. The story is masterfully written, and the book is an effortless read. It keeps the reader engaged from start to finish with its thrilling plot and well-developed characters.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller. It is a great addition to any bookshelf and is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

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Enju_Uoya

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I've read a significant portion of Hiaasen's novels, yet I had not dared to explore his earlier work that he collaborated on with Bill Montalbano.

Both of them were reporters at the Miami Herald, and this initial book on which they joined forces to write is an exhilarating tale.

Published in 1981, it is truly fascinating to observe how the drug cartels are still actively operating even now.

I have a plan to continue reading the other two books that are part of this series. The next one is "Trap Line."

I'm eager to see what other adventures and insights these books will offer.

It's always exciting to discover new works by an author I enjoy, especially when they have collaborated with another talented writer.

I'm looking forward to delving deeper into this series and uncovering the secrets and stories that lie within.

Hopefully, the subsequent books will be just as engaging and thrilling as the first one.

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DavideTiz

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Hiaasen's books always rock!

Hiaasen has a remarkable talent for creating captivating stories that are filled with a diverse cast of characters. In his works, one can encounter Miami derby lords, Colombians, Cubans, beautiful women, and innocent bystanders. It's a typical Hiaasen setup that immediately grabs the reader's attention.

This particular book is no exception. It is an extremely interesting read, thanks to its engaging plot and the unique personalities of the characters. Each character is vividly drawn, with their own quirks and motives, making them come alive on the pages.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to find out what will happen next. Whether it's the actions of the derby lords, the intrigues of the Colombians and Cubans, or the experiences of the beautiful women and innocent bystanders, there is never a dull moment.

Overall, this book is definitely fun to read. It combines elements of mystery, adventure, and humor to create a truly enjoyable literary experience. Hiaasen's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for readers of all ages. If you're looking for a good book to escape into, this one is highly recommended.

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Daddy-O

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

As a native of Miami who was born and raised here and still resides in this vibrant city, I have an absolute appreciation for Carl Hiaasen's in-depth knowledge of South Florida. The way he portrays the region is truly remarkable. I also found myself really enjoying the criminal element that was highlighted in the context of the 1980's drug cartel. The history down here is so rich and it's something that is truly within recent memory. It adds a layer of authenticity and excitement to the story. If you have a penchant for thrillers that are filled with a plethora of crime and are set against a well-researched Florida background, then any Carl Hiaasen novel is sure to be a great choice for you, not just this particular one. His writing style and ability to bring the characters and the setting to life make for an engaging and captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

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SassySocks

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

At some point in the mid-nineteen nineties, I came across a few Hiaasen books.

From my memory, they gave me the impression that they should be read in order.

This particular book was not among those I had read before.

Apparently, it is his first novel, and it shows some roughness around the edges.

In fact, I would not hesitate to say that it really wasn't that good.

I'm speculating that his later works might improve.

Perhaps it was due to the fact that this book was co-authored, or maybe he simply hadn't yet discovered his own unique style.

But to be blunt, this one was rather ordinary.

Nonetheless, I still have some hope that his other books will offer a more engaging and enjoyable reading experience.

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Pesona_Persona

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

You won't get burned, but….

I have perused the majority of Carl's literary works and have discovered them to be highly entertaining and expertly crafted. However, this particular offering, while passable, fails to reach the lofty standards set by his previous endeavors. One might wonder if the presence of a co-writer could be the culprit. Perhaps it was the other individual who actually penned the book, and Carl simply lent his name to boost its sales. This seems to be an increasingly prevalent trend in the literary world these days – having multiple authors collaborate on a single work. In any case, this book contains far too many implausible scenarios and abrupt changes in a character's style for me to truly engage with it. It is a decent read, to be sure, but it falls short of being truly great.

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Black Lizard #1

Powder Burn

carl hiaasen william d. montalbano

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carl hiaasen

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