The Key West locale caused me to pick up this book and I was well-rewarded. In Gideon Lowry, John Leslie has created an intriguing detective. Korean War vet, lifetime native of the Keys, and a man who has faced quite a bit of personal tragedy, Lowry is a true original in a field where he detective is the true key(sorry!) to success. This tale of a lost and found chalice and a tragic suicide leads to an excellent mystery where the detective work makes sense and the characters ring true. This is the third book in the series but I will definitely check out this detective again.

I have become a fan of John Leslie as well as his Gideon Lowry series.

Set in Key West it is peopled with the quirky types found in the southern most piece of land in the USA. The native Key Westers (conchs) have a strong sense of place and are protective of their own and the town.

What appears to be suicide doesn't seem so to PI Gideon Lowry and off he goes to find the real answer. Along the way robbery, double dealing, smoke screens and red herrings turn up. The confusion mounts to the point where Gideon even wonders if his distant cousin (Judge Just Watson) is involved.

Many a twist and turn sprinkled amongst the picturesque Key West sunsets, ocean breezes and humid air. It's a fun read.

I guess John Leslie and Laurence Shames are my favorite Key West mystery writers and "Love For Sale" was a fast read. The characters are clearly defined, the pace is quick without be frantic and all in all the action is believable.

With Gideon's cousin getting married and sort of adopting his bride's twentysomething child it appears a couple of new continuing characters have been added and I look forward to their further adventures.

In "Love For Sale", John Leslie gives mystery fans what they have long been searching for: an extremely unique plot with a very engaging central character. Mr. Leslie also gives a sense of place that is almost haunting. His PI, Gideon Lowry, is one who will stay with the reader long after the novel has been finished.

Hiaasen is a very good writer who has somehow managed to write the same book over and over. While funny and full of quirky characters, his writing is formulaic and his plots recycled.

Many of his books have similar plot points - reporter/photagrapher turned private eye who is still in love with his ex (and who is alternately hot/cold to him in return); bad guy lackeys who end up self-mutilating; ex lovers who are kidnapped by the bad guys and are left naked so they don't escape; giant sea creatures who are dangerous to most but who have a special relationship with the character who symbolizes the way Florida used to be, etc.

Definitely read one of his books. If you like it, read others. If you don't mind spending money on what is essentially the same book over and over, buy them. Otherwise get them from the library and save yourself some money and frustration.

Hiaasen has another good book here. The book is revolves around Joe Wilder and his PR efforts for the Amazing Kingdom of Thrills theme park in the Florida Keys.

As always there are unseemly characters abound. And Joe takes us through a rollercoaster ride of fun and games as he tries to bring down the man behind the carnage.

The book is well written and easy to read. Parts of it had me laughing out load while I read, making my better half think I'm a little cuckoo!

Over all I found this to be a very enjoyable and funny book.

Although I am that rare creature who was born and bred in Florida, you don't have to be a native Floridian to be taken over by Carl Hiaasen's NATIVE TONGUE.

The characters are just too weird to be real and yet, when you think about it, you know you've met people like them, just not quite as overt about it. From the eco-hippie ex-governor of Florida to the guy who meets his dimise in a most unusual aquatic encounter, they will grab you by the throat and won't let go till the last page has been turned.

As for the plot, well, it's got more twists and turns than a sailor's knot and a lot more laughs too.

The really neat trick that Hiaasen pulls on you is that his fiction gives you the sad truth in a way that keeps you from crying. This has to be the funniest book I've ever read.

Easy to read, but wow: talk about flat. Character development is almost non-existent. This is summer- beach reading at its trashiest. Inhabitants of the vaguely-described Key West village are too perfect, even with their authored "flaws". I would love to have friends like the men in the story: all handsome, womanizing ne'er-do-wells with hair that never musses on the windy boats Woods writes about. Fact-giving scenes are interspersed with sex-scenes that read as if the Publisher wrote "Put sex here, here and here" on the manuscript.

The Choke of the title is both the name of the hero's boat and his life-long demon; the expected pay-off of the title dribbles air like a forgotten balloon with a slow leak. So why was I satisfied when I finished the story? Maybe it was the goofy- cop pairing, reminiscent of so many TV detective shows. Maybe it's because the so-obvious plot twists actually twisted back in the latter part of the book, relieving my fear that I knew the answer at page 75. Maybe it's because I read it on the beach in hot sunshine, with the waves rolling ashore, while on vacation. Who knows. Maybe I'm one of the great unwashed, after all.

The book begins with Charles, a professional tennis player, choking during the final match at Wimbledon. What could be worse then that? He's about to find out when he meets Harry and Claire while teaching tennis for a small resort in Key West, FL. What are they hiding?

In typical Stuart Woods fashion, this book is gripping from the start. With boats blowing up and fast action, it was a good audio book. This is the first book in a month that kept me riveted to my car to a point I didn't want to get out when I arrived at work or at home.

Mr. Sanders (Narrator) did a fantastic job. He was able to use his voice to give characters different accents, and personalities. In addition, he is one of the few narrators I have heard in audio books who could actually do a fairly decent female voice. I truly believe this added to the book.

Fast paced with lots of twists and turns, this is a gripping novel. This is only the second book I have ever had by Mr. Woods. The other was Dead In The Water. Though being relatively new to Mr. Woods works, I found this book to be exciting, fast paced and hard to pull away from just as I did with Dead In The Water.

If you like mysteries or suspense drama, then this is a book for you. For other new comers to Mr. Woods works, don't hesitate to read or listen to this book.

I really enjoyed CHOKE a lot. This is the first Woods novel I've read, and I plan to read more after this. The dialogue seemed a bit unnatural at times, but usually sounded realistic. The characters were good, and the twists were satisfying. I liked that the chapters were quick and cliff-hanging, keeping me turning pages. A fun book to read.

My biggest mistake in life was buying this book and the next in the series--and that's not a joke. I really mean it. The characters are cutouts, the dialog -- I don't know only thing I can think of is what in the world was she thinking. I won't buy any book by this author again.

At first I found the characters hard to like and very bland, but they grew on me. There is a good plot to the story and surprise twists throughout. While cheesy and unrealistic, I still found it to be fantastic.

Totally great. It has you laughing and crying! Great , surprise ending. If you like to get emotional get this book!

Well written page turner that, nevertheless, leaves the reader underwhelmed. Our hero should, with his history, be able to hear warning bells as soon as we do. Hoping for better next time.

In Les Standiford's latest John Deal novel you get a solid mystery with characters you've become familiar with but still remain fresh. This time around Deal and his newly appointed construction engineer, Russell Straight, are heading down to Key West to discuss a business proposition with a big time developer that his father once knew. Obviously with Mister Deal involved, something bad usually happens, and this time it's no exception. His unfortunate run in with a young black hoodlum is just the start of a long hard stay in the Key's. Murder, along with an old tale of piracy drive this sometime suspenseful tale to its satisfying conclusion.

Recommended.

John Deal is trying to return his deceased father's Florida building firm, DealCo Construction to its former glory. It's a matter of pride plus he needs the money to support his estranged wife and pay his daughter's tuition fees. He travels to Key West with his friend and co-worker Russell Straight to see if they can come to terms with local developer flamboyant Franklin Stone who wants Dealco to build his latest project.

Even before the two men meet, a local hustler named Dequarious tries to tell Deal something in a local restaurant. Before he can, Dequarious is thrown out. The next time the builder sees the hustler, John tries to stop a local police officer from killing Dequarious. He succeeds but shortly thereafter, Dequarious is found by Deal shot to death in his hotel room, a wine label in his hand. John Deal is determined to find out who is behind the killing or die trying.

Les Standiford has written a complex, multi-layered crime novel that will pique and maintain reader interest from first page to last. The author is a master of characterization, populating his novel with people readers will like even though the audience knows that these individuals can operate on the wrong side of the law. BONE KEY is a mystery that is impossible to figure out until the author is ready to reveal the answers.

Harriet Klausner

My review is based on reading this book, and then traveling to the Keys where a friend and I followed some of the trip itineraries. I am not from the Keys, and this was my first visit there in 20 years, so good directions were of the utmost importance. The book does make easy work of finding launch sites, especially for those who aren't familiar with the area, but some paddling routes were confusing to follow. The mangroves look very much the same, and it can be difficult to distinguish one small island from the next. My paddling buddy and I took turns navigating and he had the same problem. The book gives the impression that you'll see sharks, fish, rays, etc., even noting that sightings are "common" in some areas. We saw little marine life in our week of paddling, but did see plenty of wading birds. Make no mistake - this is a beautiful paddling destination. And the book is worth reading, but a good nautical map is a must-have. We ended up using the book as a starting point, and planning our own itineries.

As a south Florida resident for many years and a 6-year kayaker, I have found Bruce Wachob's book very useful. It gives excellent directions to launch sites in the last 30 miles of the Florida Keys. His self-taught descriptions of this sub-tropical ecosystem are excellent. His maps are some of the best you will find in this type of book; however, it is wise to always have a high quality nautical map handy. Good nautical maps can be obtained at dive shops and elsewhere throughout the keys. In any case, whenever kayaking in south Florida, pay close and continuous attention to your location. A navigation lapse can cost you miles of paddling and severe anxiety! Wachob's book is a must read for first-time kayakers in the area.

As a 14 year Keys resident, I can say that this book is a must if you love the water and are visiting the Keys. It would also be enjoyed by nature-lovers everywhere as the author describes in detail the unusual sub-tropical ecosystem that one will be witness to if kayaking in the Keys. Mr. Wachob's love of his subject is unequalled and it makes for an easy and thoroughly enjoyable "read". As a man who grew up in the Keys and is a kayaking guide, the author's knowledge of where to go to kayak and what to see in the varied Keys waters is invaluable to the Keys visitor or resident. If you didn't want to visit these islands before reading, you will definitely want to afterward. Recommended!!

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This was a great father and son story. It is about a boy named Brian. Brian has to stay with his father in a small Florida town while his mother remarries. He is resentful and angry with his father - there are no close ties. Throughout the summer, Brian meets the neighbors, starts diving, and starts seeing his father in a new light. This is a feel good book - it leaves you with a great feeling.

If you are looking for an architectural guide that covers the unique built environment of a special place this is it. Key West, along with other seaport cities from Portland Maine to New Orleans offers us a unique chance to see how the cross reginal influence of architectural styles developed in 19th centuary America. Dealing only with housing and urban planning, we see how the influences of New England formality, Mid Atlantic practicality and southern climatic responses, along with Bahamian building types, create the unique and not so unique stew that is Key West. A must for vistors with a serious interest in architecture and the built environment. Plans, sections elevations, maps and rendered drawings (no pretty pictures just some useful photos to show context). Get it and enjoy your next walk around old town Key West as you never have before.

'Mangrove Squeeze' is my third Laurence Shames novel (after 'Florida Straits' and 'Sunburn') and is easily the worst of the bunch. Yes, it has the same south Florida setting and similarly quirky characters. But the plot fails to ignite, and the laughs are comparatively few.

In 'Mangrove Squeeze' we have big crime by the Russian mafia in small town Key West. A nosey do-gooder from the local weekly newspaper gets herself in trouble with these guys, gets her boyfriend caught in the middle of it, and ... so the story goes. As a previous reviewer has noted, 'Mangrove Squeeze' does pass the time rather nicely. But otherwise it is forgettable in every way.

Bottom line: useful beach-reading material. But you won't want to keep it on your bookshelf.

as with virgin heat, shame's once again deliver's a bunch of offbeat key west characters and a story that you don't want to end. suki sperakis is a keeper. it was great to read another chapter in what is quickly becoming the 'bert the shirt' series. shame's is as adroit at 'floridian mysteries' as are carl hiassen and james w. hall. his book's are always fun and perfect for a day on smathers beach. laurence brings margaritaville and all it's kooky inhabitants to vibrant life!! can't wait for his next one!!!

LAURENCE SHAMES JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. GREAT NEW CHARACTERS. PINEAPPLE AND HIS BUDDY AND THERE "HOME" ARE JUST HILARIOUS. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ IT THIS SUMMER.

I was dragged deeply into the chaotic mindset of the protagonist Thomas Skelton in the book, identifying strongly with the youthful desire for fulfilling a career dream, no matter how offbeat. I found the story to be much more strongly constructed than the previous novel of McGuane's I've read, Panama. While I liked Panama for its dream sequences and derailing of any sort of generic plotlines, I was surprised to find myself clinging to the Dance/Skelton/Carter main storyline and thrown off by the sub-plots. Kind of an opposite reaction with this second novel of his. (I am looking forward to my third McGuane novel, Keep the Change.) I found the segements with Skelton's grandfather particularly confusing. Not an easy read, but very rewarding.

I haven't read a whole lot else of Mcguane's material ,but having spent a some time in the region described, I feel that he has captured a sense of the harsh allure of the "back country" of the Florida Bay mangroves, as well as the rugged eccentricity of the old-time Key West "Conchs" and resident/refugees from other parts of the country. I'm not sure that I ever really grasped why it so important to the protagonist to become a bone-fishing guide that he would risk death at the hands of a comptetitor, but he seemed to be controlled by Destiny in a manner reminiscent of a hero of a classical Greek tragedy. I'd call it a good beach book, but anybody who has been to the Keys knows that the beach activity is a bit limited. Find yourself a nice courtyard patio or take a trip to Bahia Honda, cover yourself with sunscreen, and go to it.

Not only does 92 in the Shade sum up an entire generation, but it gives serious fiction readers the opportunity to read the language of a genius. Tom McGuane once told me in an interview that he made more money investing in real estate than in his career as a novelist. That sad statement amplified itself several years later when I was seeking a literary agent for my own pursuits. The first one I approached told me she had never heard of Tom McGuane after I explained that he was one of the few American novelists I really admired.(I didn't hire her.) 92 does an excellent job of illustrating the troubled fishing guide's state of mind, the lifestyle of the denizens of Key West, and the pathetic state of the country at the time. His brilliant prose provided me with an engrossingly twisted story. The style is distinctively McGuane who is a master of language and tough guy dialogue. He lives in a world all of his own. Many people don't understand his cynicism and negative take on every day happenings. All of which makes his work better that most others. I reread at least part of 92 each time I go to Key West, still, despite its commercialization, one of the greatest zany hang-outs in the history of the world.