Scan barcode
jenmangler's review against another edition
2.0
While I liked this one, I can't quite give it 3 stars. I really enjoyed the revenge part of the story, and I loved seeing Chaz get his just desserts. But I found myself saying, "Oh come on!" too many times, and the middle seemed to drag a bit for me. Also, I just couldn't really buy that Joey would ever have fallen for Chaz in the first place. Then there's the title and book cover. I know it's completely superficial, but both the title and cover design would have kept me from even considering this book if my book club hadn't selected it. They're both just so stupid, and they really don't have anything to do with the book. Ugh! I am so frustrated by it that it colors my attitude towards the book as a whole.
theinfinitebookstack's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
christine_d's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was (to me) a pretty solid “light read” that really matched what i was looking for - a relatively fast paced, suspenseful, mystery/thriller type story. Definitely includes some references that date it - making collect calls, using yellow pages, dial up internet, and some crass “not PC” language, but i moved past those moments pretty quickly. the main flaw of the story, i think, is that by the end, the comedy was verging more on the side of slapstick, which I don’t enjoy as much as humor that’s more subtle/ironic/sarcastic/etc.
Overall, I read this in one day and was shocked at how deeply the plot hooked me, and watching the pieces come together in the end was definitely satisfying, if a little excessive at some points.
Overall, I read this in one day and was shocked at how deeply the plot hooked me, and watching the pieces come together in the end was definitely satisfying, if a little excessive at some points.
mbenzz's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book! I can't recommend it enough! Joey's husband Chaz has tried to kill her on their 2nd anniversary by pushing her off the cruise liner they're on. Only she doesn't die. Holding on to a floating bale of marijuana, she manages to stay alive for about 8 hours till she's finally rescued by Mick, a retired police officer who lives in peaceful seclusion on his own little island.
Joey's royally pissed at her husband, who's a crooked biologist, and she and Mick hatch up a plan to drive him crazy enough to blow open the whole operation himself...by her playing dead and messing with him. What follows is some of the funniest reading I've done in a while.
You've got of course Joey and Mick...Chaz, who is so stupid you can't help but laugh...Tool, the 'bodyguard' who comes off as an idiot, but deep, deep, deep down has a good heart...Red, the corrupt millionaire Chaz and Tool work for...and many others. I definitely recommend this book...I can't say enough about it. It's a brilliantly written comedy that I think anyone can get a kick out of. I can't wait to read more by this author!!!
Joey's royally pissed at her husband, who's a crooked biologist, and she and Mick hatch up a plan to drive him crazy enough to blow open the whole operation himself...by her playing dead and messing with him. What follows is some of the funniest reading I've done in a while.
You've got of course Joey and Mick...Chaz, who is so stupid you can't help but laugh...Tool, the 'bodyguard' who comes off as an idiot, but deep, deep, deep down has a good heart...Red, the corrupt millionaire Chaz and Tool work for...and many others. I definitely recommend this book...I can't say enough about it. It's a brilliantly written comedy that I think anyone can get a kick out of. I can't wait to read more by this author!!!
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
3.0
Fun and entertaining. I was looking for a light-hearted start of summer read and this was perfect!
karlakp3's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook read by Stephen Hoye
On their anniversary cruise, Chaz Perrone throws his wife Joey overboard. He has to kill her because she’s discovered his secret. But Joey was a champion swimmer in college and she manages to survive the night, clinging to a bale of Jamaican weed. She’s rescued by Mick Stranahan, former investigator for the Dade State Attorney’s office, now “retired” and living on a remote island with his dog Strom. Rather than go to the police, Joey convinces Mick that they should “mess with Chaz” until he goes bonkers. And the fun begins.
This is typical Hiaasen: outlandish situations and inept crooks with a dose of environmental concern. The bad guys are, as usual the most colorful of the lot – a hirsute giant with an addiction to painkillers, an incompetent scientist who would rather be golfing (when he’s not boinking his mistress), and a moneyed “farmer” who believes environmental regulations don’t (or shouldn’t) apply to him. The women are naïve one minute and incredibly clever when scorned. As usual they get the best of the bad guys. The good guys – Detective Rolvaag and Mick – are straight arrows, strong, and silent. They have their own quirks, of course – Rolvaag has two pet pythons, and Mick has been married six times – but they are definitely good guys. Recurring character Skink makes a brief appearance, though his name is never used (but who can forget a one-eyed hermit given to wearing a plastic shower cap and eating road kill?).
I love Hiaasen’s books for their wit and craziness. Like his others, this novel is a fast read and entertaining from the first sentence to the last.
Stephen Hoye does a fine job narrating the audio version. He has a good pace and his interpretation is at once incredulous and resigned to the craziness. He brings this zany cast of characters to life.
On their anniversary cruise, Chaz Perrone throws his wife Joey overboard. He has to kill her because she’s discovered his secret. But Joey was a champion swimmer in college and she manages to survive the night, clinging to a bale of Jamaican weed. She’s rescued by Mick Stranahan, former investigator for the Dade State Attorney’s office, now “retired” and living on a remote island with his dog Strom. Rather than go to the police, Joey convinces Mick that they should “mess with Chaz” until he goes bonkers. And the fun begins.
This is typical Hiaasen: outlandish situations and inept crooks with a dose of environmental concern. The bad guys are, as usual the most colorful of the lot – a hirsute giant with an addiction to painkillers, an incompetent scientist who would rather be golfing (when he’s not boinking his mistress), and a moneyed “farmer” who believes environmental regulations don’t (or shouldn’t) apply to him. The women are naïve one minute and incredibly clever when scorned. As usual they get the best of the bad guys. The good guys – Detective Rolvaag and Mick – are straight arrows, strong, and silent. They have their own quirks, of course – Rolvaag has two pet pythons, and Mick has been married six times – but they are definitely good guys. Recurring character Skink makes a brief appearance, though his name is never used (but who can forget a one-eyed hermit given to wearing a plastic shower cap and eating road kill?).
I love Hiaasen’s books for their wit and craziness. Like his others, this novel is a fast read and entertaining from the first sentence to the last.
Stephen Hoye does a fine job narrating the audio version. He has a good pace and his interpretation is at once incredulous and resigned to the craziness. He brings this zany cast of characters to life.
lmkramer507's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! Great mix of humor, mystery, and good writing. Hard to put down. This is the book I should have read on my cruise--fast, fun read.