Double Whammy

By: Carl Hiaasen

Narrated by: George Wilson

Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

"Robert Clinch loved his boat more that anything else in the world...more than his wife...his kids...his girlfiend...even more than the largemouth bass he was pursuing." Thus begins a twisted tale of murder in the world of big-stakes bass fishing tournaments. Filled with ex-wives, evangelists, and an armed pit-bull, this is a story that could only be concocted by Carl Hiaasen, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author, and czar of Florida noir fiction.

©1988 Carl Hiaasen (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The cast of bizarre characters and the suspenseful events confirm Hiaasen's reputation for creating singular villains and heroes. While he's probably unpopular among some fellow citizens in his home state, he will certainly please readers who appreciate the Swiftian wit in his cautionary tales." (Publishers Weekly)
"The action is swift, and there are some very funny scenes." (Library Journal)

Fish Story

Big money bass fishing tournaments, phony televangelists, corrupt waterfront real estate developers, ecological disasters, and other assorted kooks and characters, including a giant fish named Queenie. Yes, it's Carl Hiaasen, making the most of Florida's human fauna in his second novel, a comic crime caper that is typical of most of his adult fiction.

In his second solo novel, dating from 1987 but not dated despite its age, Hiaasen pulls out all the stops, with hilarious results. The plot is not much to speak of -- professional bass fishermen are being murdered as allegations of cheating in tournaments comes under investigation by a down on his luck news photographer, hired by a rich angler. Of much more interest are the array of archetypical Florida personalities and their crazy stunts.

Best of all is Skink, a former governor who dropped out of sight and became an (ahem) eccentric hermit. This is the first appearance of Skink in a Hiaasen novel, destined to return in roles large and small in five future books, most recently in last year's YA entry, Skink - No Surrender. Skink's cop friend Jim Tile is also introduced, another endearing recurring character. All in all, good fun. What more can you ask for?

If you like this you'll live Dorsey

Good light-hearted Florida fun. If you want to go full Floridaman, check out Tim Dorsey. He perfected it.

Entertaining

Would you listen to Double Whammy again? Why?

Sure, in fact I had already read it and enjoyed it as much the second timr

What did you like best about this story?

Characters, pacing

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't say

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Fine for car lustening

It was just that good.

Would you listen to Double Whammy again? Why?

Yes, and I did twice.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. I didn't know who did what to whom until part 2 of the book, and even then it was kind of a surprise.

What about George Wilson’s performance did you like?

At first I thought this was a dud. But after listening to him for awhile, it worked.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Sure, it was good. The ending gruesome and gladly so.

One of the funniest books ever

If you love fishing this book is absolutely for you. Twists and turns and humor at every paragraph.

Great time

This was an entertaining book. I love crazy characters and this one had plenty. The plot was a bit crazy, too. I live with a fisherman, and I found myself continually saying, "Honey - you've got to listen to this book!" It was funny and entertaining. My first Carl Hiaasen book, I will certainly read more. This is a good listen while I commute in the rain.

Terrific book.

I have listened to this audiobook at least once a year for the past ten years, and it never gets boring !!! The caracters, heroes and villans both are fascinating.. Beneath the levity there is a serious tone., probably the reason that his books don't get out of date.
If you only have one credit to use I would recomemd you use it on this or another Hiaasen book, like Skinny Dip..

Interesting read...

I like the Skink character. This was a pretty good read and a great narrator. I will be continuing to listen to Carl Hiaasen's older books and work my way up to the newer ones...

Vintage Hiaasen!

The customary preposterousness but no less entertaining. Uncannily accurate satire of some of Florida’s peculiarities.

3 Cheers for Carl

I loved this book from beginning to end. I seriously laughed out load with some of the phrasing. A pure delight from story to performance. This is my kind of “get-a-way” book.