Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on February 25, 2021, 11:06:16 AM
Okay, I'm a big reader and love certain genres like action/thrillers, mysteries, legal thrillers, and certain times of my life, history (middle ages, Egyptian, ancient Chinese, European, Early American, etc.) Since settling in with a girlfriend for the past 3 years or so and my getting into the stock market, I've not had the time or inclination to read a book a week like I did for many years. I'd like to get back to that but it doesn't fit in well with keeping my girlfriend happy and adequately playing the market.
My favorite authors are: David Baldacci, Vince Flynn (may he rest in peace), Daniel Silva, Robert Crais, Lee Child, Preston and Child (not Lee, but Lincoln Child younger brother of Lee Child), Michael Connelly, Clive Cussler (may he rest in peace), Michael Chrichton (may he rest in peace), John Grisham, John Lescroart, etc.
Anyway, to get to the point of this thread, whoever on here suggested I give Carl Hiaasen a try, I want to thank him. I picked up "Bad Monkey" and "Razor Girl" a few months ago but just finally got around to reading one of the books...i.e., "Razor Girl". I haven't had a book captivate me like this since I read Chrichton's "Jurassic Park" in 1990 when I pick up the book at an airport and read it on my way to San Francisco for a business trip (probably the best book I ever read and the worst movie about a book ever made - turned a great story into multiple chase scenes...for visual effect and excitement I suspect).
I like thrillers that take place in various parts of the world because it's like taking a free trip. I like novels about Florida (as I've lived there in the past) and have read many of Randy Wayne White's novels, but by far, Hiaasen really paints a picture with words, develops a keen interest while injecting just the right amount of humor to keep me both deeply interested in the story while finding myself chuckling along the way. I think the term, "couldn't put it down" is a grossly overused term in book reviews - IMO, but it actually applies to "Razor Girl" (for me anyway).
Regardless, I want to thank the guy on here again for suggesting giving Hiaasen a try. Great author!
That was me. I'm glad you enjoyed those two books. Actually I haven't finished Razor Girl and have yet to read Bad Monkey, so I'm a bit behind. But I've read, and thoroughly enjoyed, all his other books. While not really necessary I'd recommend you start from the beginning (Tourist Season), and read them in chronological order. Some characters (and events) are recurring so it's good to know their back-story. One such character is Clinton "Skink" Tyree, truly one of the most fascinating characters you'll likely ever read about. But getting his story in order would be helpful to understanding him in later books.
I think Hiaasen is still writing a weekly opinion piece in the Miami Herald. I used to read it online, but haven't in years. His writing style and humor is really evident in his column.
His brother Rob was one of five people shot and killed at the Capital Gazette a couple years ago. You may remember it in the news. https://www.capitalgazette.com/opinion/columns/ac-ce-column-carl-hiaasen-20180909-story.html
Quick and brief story - a few years ago I was flying between NY and LA, and a couple rows in front of me and across the aisle was a very large man, poured into an economy seat, and reading a book. I had my headphones on listening to music but I was watching him and every once in a while his whole body would shake like jello as he laughed. Later on as he got up I was able to see the book he was reading - Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen.
I recommended Travelers multiple times in the past, I'm glad you're checking it out. I enjoyed it quite a bit and felt 3 seasons was just right.