(1993)Pretty good story about a bar dancer who is battling her ex-wife for custody of daughter and is trying to fend off a lecherous Florida Congressman who wants her for kinky sex. A Miami homicide detective is drawn in to help the dancer (an ex-FBI employee).

I need to start by saying that I love Carl Hiaasen's books. His unique blend of humour and mystery works beautifully for me. However, I was a little skeptical of this novel because of the abomination that was the horrid movie with Demi Moore and Burt Reynolds. It took me about 50 pages to be able to separate the book from the movie, and I'm so glad I did! As with all the stories Hiaasen tells, this one is intricately plotted, convoluted in the best way, and filled with off-the-wall characters -- all written with Hiaasen's signature humour.

This book has elements of a suspenseful thriller and a family drama, yet it's also innately funny. I chuckled aloud often while reading, and found myself greatly enjoying all the shenanigans.

Hiaasen is a master of writing about the absurdities of Florida's underbelly. The story pivots around the gritty glamor of the strip club scene, intertwining with the ridiculous yet completely believable antics of corrupt politicians. In Hiaasen's skilled hands, the ridiculous becomes the norm. I couldn't believe how often I was both amused and appalled on the same page!

Hiaasen's satire is stellar. His wry sense of humour is incredibly sharp, poking fun at societal norms while exposing the grimy side of the human psyche. I can't wait to pick up another book by him!

As always an amusing combination of good & bad government employees, folks living in the legal fringe and Florida-man-esque side characters. ( )

Another good Hiaasen book. ( )

Been on a Carl Hiaasen rampage. Cure for the covid blues perhaps but this one really cracked me up. Some of the insane scenes bring back chuckles every time you think of them and they do pop back up to amuse you. “My boots are full of vasoline” scene is hysterical. And the good people win in the end! ( )