Florida Straits

A Key West Mystery, Book 1

By: Laurence Shames

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Top-notch suspense and "killer" comedy merge in this rollicking national best seller filled with funky characters, resounding dialogue, and inappropriately named "wise" guys. In the grand tradition of Elmore Leonard, Laurence Shames creates an outrageous heavyweight thriller that’s heavy on atmosphere and action. Joey Goldman is a low-level New York hustler. He’s taking a working vacation in South Florida and looking to score big with a time-share scam. His half brother Gino Delgatto is a man in need of a fall guy. When they meet in Key West, the term dysfunctional family takes on a new meaning. Will one of them succeed? Or will the Miami mob find an eye-popping way to dispose of them both?

Critically acclaimed narrator Richard Ferrone brings every character to life - from bad guys in shiny blue suits to Steve the naked landlord - with a crackling intensity you will love.

©1992 Laurence Shames (P)1997 Recorded Books

Florida Vibes. Sartorial Suggestions for Social integration. Exit Strategies Mob Associates.

Set in mid 1990’s. Learn Florida thru the eyes of emigrants from Queens NYC NY. Pulling up roots moves the first part of this funny & engaging novel. The young protagonist was raised with mobster mentality & lifestyle, & dedication to hustling, His Signother is lively, sympathetic & stable, tried by fire, stands by him. The Narrator is gifted at dialect & interprets the dialogue with great expertise & enthusiam. I loved it! Listened twice.

Florida Funny

This is very similar to other crime/fubby/local color books in the genre. it will particularly appeal to relocated
New Yorkers and other northeastern denizens. If not it is probably less enjoyable.

Average

A lot of reality suspension is required to believe that a NYC mobster can run a boat around the keys at night.

the name was lost in my mind

I had listened to one of the books in this Lawrence Shames series many years ago ( it was on tape) and life got in the way and I kind of forgot and while listening to another South Florida author I remembered his series and spend some time trying to remember the name I was very pleased and I've enjoyed this starting with the number one and will now go on from there thank you

Look book to listen to

This was a pleasant book to listen to as it was not the same hum-drum type storyline!