Florida Straits

Totally not my usual reading fare, but I thought, "Why not?" It was such a terrific read. Written with real style and with a unique voice. I just ordered five more of his books and I'm a little down that I have to wait a week to disappear into Shames's vivid world.

I must have bought this book three separate times. I have to keep it on my shelves. It remains one of my favorites -- and my husband's too.As crime fiction writers go, Laurence Shames is in a league of his own. FLORIDA STRAITS pulses with humanity (John Steinbeck meets Elmore Leonard?) His characters are caught up in bigger-than-life situations, but they're all real people. The humor is real. Words like 'farcical' and 'romp' don't apply.If you're new to Laurence Shames, I suggest you start here. I think it's his best. Mangrove Squeeze, I'm sorry to say, I couldn't finish. The Naked Detective, I haven't read yet. The others, great, but this one outshines them.I love this book.

This novel was the most thoroughly delightful read I have had in a long, long time. Laurence Shames infuses his characters with so much, well, character, that they are just begging to come to life. You're right there as the mob goons are talking with each other in the writer's mob-phonetically-correct spelling of "whaddaya sayin?" The characters are so well developed that you can't help but be drawn into their world. And it's such a quirky and interesting world that you have no desire to resist. This writer pulls off the strange mix of mob/mystery/comedy so deliciously that you'll want to come back for more. After reading "Florida Straits", I quickly read all of the Lawrence Shames books available. He is truly a joy to read. What a talent for writing. Another book, please, Laurence!

I have always admired Elmore Leonard, but never really enjoyed his books.This author has Leonard's skills, but tops it with more enjoyable characters, and really leaves you feeling good in the end.Strangely enough this book is probably more a love story than a mob novel.Shames deserves much more recognition than he gets. Is anybody buying this book as a script?It would be "Get Shorty", but a great date movie.

Some of the most endearing characters I have ever met! Joey is lovable, even with all his mis-directed ambitions. Bert the Shirt is so real I feel like I can pick up the phone and call him. Thanks to Mr. Shames for some very delightful hours spent reading this book.