It was a very enjoyable read indeed! This particular book happens to be an early one in Carl Hiaasen's career. It doesn't possess the humorous writing style that I have come to love so much in his later works. However, if I hadn't had the opportunity to read his newer books, I would most definitely have given this one 5 stars for both the story and the writing. The plot is engaging and well-developed, with interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns. The writing is also of a high standard, with vivid descriptions and a流畅的 narrative. Despite lacking the humor that I associate with Hiaasen, this book still has a lot to offer and is well worth reading.

Before Hiaasen embarked on his solo writing career, he collaborated with Montabano to pen three novels, and this particular one is the first among those three.

As of today, Hiaasen's rate of producing new books isn't fast enough to satisfy my eagerness. Consequently, I made the decision to explore these three earlier works.

This initial novel is quite good. Although it lacks the humor and zaniness characteristic of Hiaasen's current works, it still holds its own charm.

Chris Meadows, an architect residing in Miami, leads a pleasant yet rather uneventful life. One fateful day, he encounters a woman whom he had loved and lost approximately 10 years prior.

In a mere 15 minutes, the woman and her enchanting daughter formulate plans to reunite with Chris. However, as they turn to cross the street, they are tragically struck by a car and lose their lives.

Chris' life is instantly upended, and he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind this devastating incident.

As good as it gets for a screwball Florida crime novel.

This statement truly holds water when it comes to the unique charm of a particular type of literature set in the vibrant state of Florida. Elmore Leonard fans should definitely perk up at the mention of this. Carl Hiassen, in particular, is a worthy inheritor of the screwball crime drama genre. His works are propelled by a cast of brightly animated characters that come to life on the pages. These characters add a touch of eccentricity and humor to the otherwise serious world of crime. Hiassen's ability to create such vivid and engaging characters is one of the highlights of his novels. It makes the reading experience not only exciting but also highly entertaining. Whether it's a bumbling criminal, a sharp-witted detective, or a colorful supporting character, each one contributes to the overall charm and appeal of the story. In conclusion, for those who love screwball crime novels, Hiassen's works are a must-read.

I really missed the wacky plots, sharp lines, and crazy characters that I so loved in his other books. This one is not a bad crime novel though. It also serves as a good period piece, taking us back to the days of Miami Vice.

It's definitely worth a quick read. However, one should not expect it to be like the vintage Hiaasen works. The story has its own charm and keeps you engaged to a certain extent.

The setting of Miami Vice era adds a unique flavor to the narrative. The crime elements are well-developed, but perhaps lack the zany and over-the-top nature that is characteristic of his more famous books.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, but if you're a die-hard fan of his earlier works, you might find this one a bit lacking in the typical Hiaasen magic.

I am normally a big fan of Carl Hiaasen's writing. His unique style and engaging stories have always captivated me.

However, this particular book was a disappointment. It was pretty boring right from the start. I found myself struggling to get through the first few chapters.

The book lacked the humor that is characteristic of Hiaasen's works. It just didn't have that spark that would make me laugh out loud or keep me on the edge of my seat.

It was defiantly not his best work. I was really looking forward to reading this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. I had to stop reading it after a few chapters as I just couldn't get into it.

I hope that his next book will be more like his previous ones and will bring back the magic that made me a fan in the first place.

Not typical Hiaasen, maybe better

Don't expect the belly laughs and outrageous characters that Hiaasen usually delivers. This is a gritty story that delves into the dark world of drugs, corrupt cops, and a series of crazy events. It takes the reader on a wild ride through a seedy underbelly where nothing is as it seems. The author has crafted a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, challenging the reader's perceptions of right and wrong. Despite its departure from Hiaasen's typical style, this book is a great read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Whether you're a long-time fan of the author or new to his work, this is a story that you won't want to miss.

It seemed like a long and slow build-up.

At first, it felt as if progress was happening at a glacial pace. Each step forward was met with its own set of challenges and obstacles.

However, as time wore on, things gradually started to take shape.

The initial difficulties began to fade away, and a sense of accomplishment started to emerge.

In the end, it wasn't too bad after all.

The long and arduous journey had led to a satisfactory outcome.

It was a reminder that sometimes, the slow and steady approach can yield great results.

Despite the initial frustrations, the final product was well worth the wait.

It served as a testament to the perseverance and determination that had been put into the process.

Overall, it was a valuable experience that would be remembered for a long time.

A Carl Hiaasen book is always an absolute delight. It takes you into the seedy and fascinating nether world of South Florida, filled with skullduggery and chicanery.

This particular book was penned in the 1980s, a time before the omnipresence of cell phones. It makes for an even more enjoyable read as it allows you to envision how different the landscape of crime and solving crime was during that era.

Without the instant communication and technological advancements that we take for granted today, criminals had to rely on more traditional methods of carrying out their deeds and evading the law.

Detectives, too, had to use their wits and more rudimentary investigative techniques to crack cases.

It's a captivating look back at a time when the world was a little less connected and a lot more mysterious.

Hiaasen's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling bring this bygone era to life, making it a must-read for fans of mystery and crime fiction.

This is a really good book, yet it can be quite "busy". You often find yourself in a state of confusion, not knowing precisely where CHRIS is or how he managed to get to that particular place. However, if you just persevere and keep reading, miraculously, everything seems to fall into place. It's one of those books that requires your patience and focus.

The story unfolds in a rather complex manner, with multiple plotlines and characters that interact in unexpected ways. At times, it can be overwhelming, but as you continue to turn the pages, you start to see the bigger picture. The author has done a great job of creating a world that is both engaging and mysterious.

Thanks for providing this book for free. It's been a great read, and I look forward to seeing what else the author has in store.

3 and 1/2 stars rounded up to 4

I picked up this particular book because I am truly desperate for more Carl Hiaasen novels. I have already devoured all of the later ones, and was left hungry for more of his unique style and engaging stories.

As this book is co-written by Bill Montalban, I really had no idea what to anticipate. However, to my pleasant surprise, I was not disappointed.

There are indeed some very obvious Hiassen traits to be found within these pages. The vivid descriptions, the quirky characters, and the humorous yet biting social commentary are all present. However, I can't say for certain whether the atypical elements are a result of the fact that this was his first novel or due to the presence of a co-author. In all likelihood, it is a combination of both.

The first chapter (excluding the prologue) feels very much in the Hiaasen'esque vein, drawing the reader in with its lively prose and interesting setup. However, as the story progresses, it becomes gradually darker, and some of the twists and turns are not entirely believable.

Still, despite these minor flaws, I enjoyed this book enough to add the other 'Black Lizards' titles to my to-read list. I look forward to seeing what other literary treasures await me within their covers.

Another Hilarious Depiction of Human Greed and Avarice.

Hiaasen has a unique talent for transforming the most gruesome and sordid tales into captivating and humorous stories. In this particular work, he weaves a web of narco thugs, murder, and intrigue, shining a light on the darkest side of South Florida.

The story is filled with vivid characters and unexpected twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Hiaasen's use of humor adds an extra layer of entertainment, making it a page-turner that is both thrilling and funny.

Whether you're a fan of crime fiction or just looking for a good laugh, this book is sure to satisfy. It's a masterful blend of horror and humor that only Hiaasen could create.

So, if you're in the mood for a wild ride through the seedy underbelly of South Florida, pick up this book and get ready to be entertained.

An intricate and twisty plot unfolds, ensnaring a hapless architect in the intense rivalry between Cuban and Colombian drug dealers, as well as the corrupt Miami police.

The story features some nicely complex characters, such as Meadows, Nelson, and Pincus. Their personalities and motives add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Ordinarily, multiple authors can be a red flag for me, as it often leads to a disjointed or inconsistent story. However, in this case, it was really hard to put down.

The seamless integration of the different authors' voices and perspectives created a captivating and engaging read that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

I found myself completely immersed in the world of the story, rooting for the characters and eagerly anticipating each new twist and turn.

This is a testament to the skill and talent of the authors involved, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.