Skinny Dip [Paperback]

The story of Joey, Stranhan, Chaz and Tool is right up there among the best that Hiaasen has ever produced, with a great set of characters who make an everlasting impression on the reader. The initial plot is almost (but not quite) farcical but works brilliantly because of Hiaasen's characterisation and humour. A novel about how to get revenge on those who wrong us; brilliantly executed as only Hiassen can.

I couldn't wait until October for this to be published in the UK and bought a copy from the United States... I'm so glad I did. It's my book of the year! Buy it!

As the book opens, Chaz and Joey Perrone are enjoying their second wedding anniversary by taking a cruise that is about to return them to Port Lauderdale. But there's a problem! Despite experiencing great sexual energy, Joey finds herself unexpectedly not enjoying the bliss that such a trip might suggest. Clearly, something's very wrong with her marriage . . . and she doesn't have a clue!

The rest of the book develops for her the reasons why Chaz married her and why the marriage suddenly soured for him. Once she realizes what's been going on, she also wants revenge. What ensues is one of the funniest and most original turning-of-the-tables you can imagine. In the process, Joey learns a lot about herself and what she really wants from life.

As usual, Mr. Hiaasen draws imaginatively on the themes of how greed and self-interest cause people to lead artificial lives that threaten both the environment . . . and ultimately all of us. There's a brilliant symbol involving a deformed snake that makes this book haunting as well as humorous. Snakes also play symbolic roles in other parts of the story. Remember the garden of Eden whenever you read about a snake in this book.

The book does a superb job of helping many of its characters develop and grow based on their experiences. I thought that the evolution of the character named "Tool" was especially well done. Tool goes from being someone who blindly follows orders to someone who takes responsibility for his choices, and makes better ones than those who have been ordering him around. Joey, Ricca, Corbett, Karl, and Chaz also experience meaningful changes as they come to appreciate what they have done.

For long-time fans of Mr. Hiaasen's writing, you will be pleased to meet two old friends in this book.

Problem is I keep laughing out loud; I'm wondering if people around me think I'm as bonkers as some of the people in Carl's story. I'm sure my husband is cursing at night when I'm listening to this story in bed - am I keeping him awake?

You know the world is a sad old place sometimes and we all, eventually, have a lot to bear as we travel through life. To have the ability to make people laugh, and be as happy as I feel listening to this story, is a great reward, I hope, for Carl Hiaasen.