set in Florida, where crooks and con artists are confounded by a persistent (and good looking) PI named RJ Decker, Double Whammy, is a rollicking tale set in the everglades among the crocodiles, televangelists and tournament fishermen. A great read where 'good prevails,' and the 'big one got away.' From the frying pan into the fire the whole way; you wonder how in heck will RJ save his skin, rescue the damsel, and catch the bad guys THIS time?
Living in Florida, working at a theme park, Carl's work hits home for me. I love his humor, a little trashy in all the right places, definitely "R" rated. Great departure..
I love Hiaasen and have to be honest; this was not one of my favorites. Nothing wrong with it but not his usual "lunacy".
RJ Decker used to be a photographer but when a co-worker was found murdered, and he was the one taking the pictures, his work took on a new dimension. He retires from the business and becomes a P.I. He is approached by a man who tells him of cheating taking place in bass fishing tournaments and wants RJ to take photos to stop it. The man's sister, who was the mistress of a murdered fisherman (who stumbled into something he shouldn't have), and an ex-model whom RJ has photographed in the past, gets involved, as well as "Skink" (if you have read Hiaasen, you know who this is - if not, he is a hermit who is considered to be crazy by the locals); Skink's friend, Jim Tile, the very unpopular black state trooper; Al Garcia, a Cuban police officer who is supposed to be arresting RJ but ends up helping; RJ's ex-wife (now re-married to Dr James); and an entire crew of psychos, including one who ends up wearing a dead pit-bull on his hand.
Hmmm....OK, so maybe it does have his usual lunacy!!!! Anyway, fun as usual.

Kate S. (
ksparks) wrote on 5/3/2008...
I have been a long time fan of Carl Hiaasen and this novel did not let me down.

Linda S. (
Linda) wrote on 8/10/2007...
RJ Decker, star tenant of the local trailer park and neophyte private eye, is fishing for a killer. Thanks to a sportsman's scam that's anything but sportsmanlike, there's a body floating in Coon Bog, Florida -- and a lot that's rotten in the murky waters of big-stake, fish tournaments.
A raucous, mordant whopper of a fish story with more weird and bloodthirsty creatures above the water than in it.
Typical Hiaasen south Florida tale of eccentrics and loners thrown together because of greed and its consequences. Well written and funny.
Anyone who has read Carl Hiaasen knows they are in for a truly wonderful experience. This title I have read a couple times, I loved it so much. A private eye you'll fall in love with, R.J. Decker is a character you'll want to read about again and again. The locale is Florida, and it is an adventure you'll enjoy.

Charlene R. (
txcharley) wrote on 12/19/2006...
FUNNY!! I don't like these people but they ARE funny!
Exciting, imaginative, fun