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jimbowen0306's review against another edition
4.0
Hiassen writes comedic books that look at the relationship between politicians, big business, and their impact on rhe environment.
In this book, a suitably suspicious theme park owner in Florida who models his park after Disney (in a knock-off-cum-wannabe sort of a way), decides to branch out into those condo development that focus on golf courses (or marinas or the like), only to have environmentalists get in his way and attempt to do him down.
Hiaasen's books are cleverly structured and written. I don't think you can read too many in quick succession though because you start developing compassion fatigue about the environment if you're not too careful (and his tendency to bash stereotypes like crooked politicians doesn't help -it can com across as smug, with him bashing an easy target and all).
In this book, a suitably suspicious theme park owner in Florida who models his park after Disney (in a knock-off-cum-wannabe sort of a way), decides to branch out into those condo development that focus on golf courses (or marinas or the like), only to have environmentalists get in his way and attempt to do him down.
Hiaasen's books are cleverly structured and written. I don't think you can read too many in quick succession though because you start developing compassion fatigue about the environment if you're not too careful (and his tendency to bash stereotypes like crooked politicians doesn't help -it can com across as smug, with him bashing an easy target and all).
emgar28's review against another edition
3.0
Hasn’t aged super well, definitely a book written for boys lol
canaanmerchant's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 really. Hiaasen is really able to sell a crazy and creepy place like south Florida. He always has great characterization and he has a good sense of plot. Always a fun read if you like satire, and muggy, black humor mixed in with a good noir setting.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Typical Hiaasen. Crazy characters and outlandish plots. Very creative (if violent) ways of offing the bad guys. Skink makes a return appearance, along with Officer Tile. His books are just fun to read. Total escapism.
niledhelwen's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
This book would have been much more enjoyable if it was half the length. Or honestly like 150 pages. I couldn't really find empathy for any of the characters and the plot was all over the place. I know a lot of people enjoy the style of writing from Carl Hiaasen but I am not a fan.
peter_gagne's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, smart read. A thriller to tickle your funny bone, in he vein of Tim Cockey and his Hitchcock Sewell series. I'll definitely pick up more Carl Hiaasen in the future.
madscarlson22's review against another edition
4.0
This book was an enjoyable read. Carl Hiaasen never fails to tell a good story, chock full of crazy characters and storylines. His focus on Florida is always entertaining. The idea of a smaller, lesser theme park going up against Disney was fun and allowed him to weave a really good storyline. Environmental issues also tied in but in a funny way. I would recommend this or any other Carl Hiaasen book for a fun, easy read.
marcieh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It was a fun read.
cojack's review against another edition
4.0
I haven't read any Hiaasen in a long time. I love the collection of oddball characters and sleazy developers, businessmen, and politicians who populate his novels. This was another of his fast-paced crime capers and exactly what I needed right now. I actually laughed out loud multiple times, which is a rarity for me when reading. Yes, his plots are can be formulaic, but why mess with what works?