If you read my review of Native Tongue by the same author, you'll know that I am a recent convert to his work and I actually think that this particular novel is even better than Native Tongue. Having said that, I'm starting to notice over the course of the two novels a recurring theme. Much as Alfred Hitchcock felt the need to appear in all of his films, and James Joyce insisted on gibberish, Carl Hiaasen is hell bent for leather on inserting an ecological theme, a highly intelligent but socially unacceptable nutcase, a hero who considers himself a failure and was either sacked from his vocation or resigned over some personal issue, and a gorgeous female (or two in this case).

Neither this cast list nor the repeat setting of Florida detracted in any way from the story which is Machiavellian in the extreme and very well drawn, but (you knew there had to be a but, didn't you?) I might get bored with it if I have to read it again and again.

Ben gives it:

Price: £4.99 (borrowed from Nick again, so I'm not sure if the price is up-to-date)
Published by: Pan (ISBN 0-330-32236-2)

last updated: 30th September 1996