Skinny Dip

By: Carl Hiaasen

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

When Chaz Perron's wife discovers that he is running a scam (posing as a marine biologist to doctor water samples so that an agribusiness tycoon can continue illegally dumping fertilizer into the Everglades), he pushes her overboard from a cruise liner. Unlucky for Chaz, Joey survives clutching a bale of Jamaican pot. Rescued from the Atlantic by a former police officer, Mick Stranahan, she decides not to report him but instead haunt and taunt him, with Mick's help, by playing dead. As a result, Chaz becomes increasingly erratic and inept, a fact noticed by his ruthless and cold-blooded coworkers. Also, the six-time-married Mick rediscovers the thwarted romantic in him, believing that the seventh time might be the charm.

©2004 Carl Hiaasen (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"At this point in his career as a comic novelist, Carl Hiaasen did not need to get any better. He has long been writing smarty, fizzy Floridian escapades that amount to pure reading pleasure. But Skinny Dip, his latest, is something more: a screwball delight so full of bright, deft, beautifully honed humor that it places Mr. Hiaasen in the company of Preston Sturges, Woody Allen and S.J. Perelman....Mr. Hiaasen writes with finesse." (The New York Times)
"Hiaasen's signature mix of hilariously over-the-top villains, lovable innocents and righteous indignation at what mankind has done to his beloved Florida wilderness is all present in riotous abundance in his latest....Hiaasen's books are so enjoyable it's always a sad moment when they end." (Publishers Weekly)
"No reprobate escapes the satirical eye of Hiaasen, who writes like the love child of Hunter S. Thompson and Evelyn Waugh....Like Hiaasen's nine previous novels, this one's a corker, chock-full of belly laughs and blistering truths." (Booklist)

This story was meant to be listened to!

What a fun book to listen to! I have been a Carl Hiaasen fan for years and can't tell if this is one of his better books, or perhaps his work was just meant to be read aloud. Nevertheless, this one was laugh-out-loud funny, due largely in part to the clever choices the narrator made with respect to intonations, accents, affectations, puases, etc. Treat yurself!

Entertaining throughout

This is a wonderful listen. The characters are well portrayed, the reader excellent. The book is funny and I found it very entertaining. Well done throughout!

What a Guy that Tool!

Loved it... fantastic characters. Love it when it all comes together and things are totally messed up! But, in a good way!

loving it so far, half way thru!

What made the experience of listening to Skinny Dip the most enjoyable?

all of it. Hiaasen is a hoot of a writer. have read one of his books before but listening is even better. outrageous and funny. the reader is really good and fits the story perfectly.

What did you like best about this story?

the first line had me, in the readers droll tone: "I married an asshole". I cracked up.

What does Stephen Hoye bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

he really brings Hiaasen's wit to life. if I just read one of his books again, i'll probably hear it in Hoye's voice. but I think now i'd rather listen to them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

laugh out loud, or chuckle, or grin driving down the road.

Any additional comments?

This book really helps the long drive to/from work go by quickly and Can make me wish I had even a little longer to go so I wouldn't have to pause it yet.

You'll have fun, fun, fun.....

THIS is great entertainment. Great fun and lots of laughs. It is light and easy to follow. The narrator has his moments. But, overall, it was very enjoyable. Enjoy it for the pure entertainment factor. Don't critique it - don't analyze it. Just enjoy it. This is my first Carl Hiassen book. I just hope his others are as enjoyable!

Expected More....

The plot seemed overly predictable. The dialog lacked the suspense & wit I expected. Overall, it was a decent book, however it was by no means great.

Great Plot!

I loved the plot of this story. I felt like everyone at the end got their just desserts. There were lots of twists and turns to the story which kept me on the edge of my seat. I like the narrator as well. He did a great job with each character.

Very entertaining!

I had no idea what to expect from this book. It was quite enjoyable. Lots of very colorful characters -- that was the best part. The plot was silly, somewhat unpredictable, and fun to follow. A very fun listen!

Funny and entertaining

Enjoyed how the players came together in this book.

Excellent!

I hardly every write reviews but this was to good not to say something. I found myself laughing and sitting on the edge of my seat. It's a great book and you won't be sorry.