Florida Straits (Key West Capers Book 1)

I generally enjoy this form of detective fiction, but this book gets a C-. The main character stumbles and bubbles his way through the first part of the book. I kept waiting for the action to pick up and finally go bored with the main character.

This would be an ebook you should snap up immediately even if it were an "only child" novel.
Shames is a rich, humorous, gripping, very human author who has lots of fun as he spins stories that contain as much wisdom as sheer entertainment.
Joey is the bastard son of a mafioso dubbed "The Reluctant Godfather", so he has a mob mentality, but no share of the pie. He walks off on the Brooklyn action and drives his Caddy down to Key West to start a new life. Which, with help from his wonderful girlfriend Brenda, and after some false starts trying to organize his own gang in paradise, he manages to do.
Then his Family shows up to haunt him and he has to use all his wits to stay alive and independent.

But the thing is, it's not a single novel: it's the front door to a whole world of Key West quirks and Florida doldrums conquering deadly NYC jitters, of unforgettable characters. Eight books you can read again and again and still laugh, feel the same charm, wallow in the palm lattitudes.

At this price, you'd be nuts not to invite Laurence shames into your life, and his whole crew of wiseguys and conkers with him.

Slow, dull and the characters are caricatures of goombas, drunks and the denizens of the Keys. Despite the encouraging blather from Spider Robinson, no great author himself, it just isn't a well written book and it isn't funny. Painful is more like it. An old guy with a rat on a string, frail girlfriend, stupid bimbos and a plot that never gets interesting. Tim Dorsey, Hiassen and several other authors put this guy in the shade. And back to Spider Robinson. He's made a living by copying Heinlein thru his entire career. And doing it poorly. Waste of time...

I discovered Laurence Shames about a month ago and have now read half a dozen or more of his books....enjoyed every single one of them, too.
If you're looking for "great literature," then this book probably isn't for you; but if you just want to read a fun, very entertaining book.....this would easily qualify.
Florida Straights is a pretty typical Shames' novel, not really too serious, often funny, a twisty plot, some colorful fun characters, and at least a few of them that you care about, want to root for.
All his books seem to have some element of the Mafia in them....action....and often they center on someone who is on the edge, either wanting to get in, or get out.
At any rate, I'm real pleased to have found Laurence Shames....he's a damn fine writer. By the way, I just finished reading Natural Suspect, a mystery novel written by 10-11 different writers...and I know, doesn't sound like it would be that great, but hey, it was way fun, a real hoot! L. Shames was one of the writers of Natural Suspect...& I'm not sure which chapter he wrote, but all of them were excellent. Check it out. All the proceeds from Natural Suspect go to the Nature Conservancy.

All the reviews talked about it being a funny adventure story. I didn't make it through 5 pages before I quit reading. If you don't care about needless cursing you might like it. To me using the f word continuously is not funny or entertaining.

Living in Florida, I read a lot of Florida writers and a friend said try Shames. A big thank you! Laurence Shames gives us FLORIDAC STRAITS book one in his Florida group, not so much a series as a set of books about folks in Key West. Book one is hilarious and a good story. Joey Goldman, New York City through and through decides his future in in Key West away from his Mafiosa big wig father. So he backs up his meager belongings and his girlfriend Sandra and moves to Key w West. Key West with all its colorful inhabitants and characters like Bet The Shirt add color to this good book. Very similar to Hiaasen. Great Beach Read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as such.

HAVING LIVED in Florida all my life, the added spice of this novel being set right down the road (well a long road, I-95, at that) from me, compelled me to go out on a limb and call this one of the best examples of comedy-mystery-mob novels ever written. Joey and Sandra are so incredibly "Noo Yawk" stereotypical that it makes them believable and understandable to readers! I loved this book ever since I started reading it. In a Hiaasen-esque (one must realize the similarities between Shames and Hiaasen...just look at the covers of their books) fashion, Shames tells the story of Joey Goldman and girlfriend Sandra as they seek their promised land; Joey doesn't know how, but he plans to get rich quick in the land of "sun, surf, and sleaze."
But Joey's NYC mob background catches up with him via his half brother Gino. I'll leave the rest of the story to you (I really hate when people just give a little summary of the book, that is NOT a review.).
Filled with lovable characters like Bert The Shirt and Zack, there just aren't enough words of praise to give it. You'll laugh out loud but you can really feel the things these people are going through.
I'm sure this probably isn't one of my better reviews, but this book puts me at quite a loss for words; on one hand funny, on the other poignant, but one word will describe it---excellent! 5 Stars.

Really well written. Story had tons of twists and turns but I like the evolution of the characters. I never knew where the story was going and I really like that. Hard to label this story - not a detective story per say, but similar. Interesting take on a "Mob" guy... looking foward to reading all of them.

I would like to recommend this book to everyone who wants to read a very interesting and exciting new story where the action never stops. I have found that these books are very hard to put down. I will be looking forward to reading the next book from this author.

'Florida Straits' by Laurence Shames sort of falls into the domain largely owned by Carl Hiaasen: funny crime stories set in southern Florida. However unlike Hiaasen Shames doesn't have any sort of political/social agenda. He simply goes for laughs, and by enlarge succeeds nicely.
In 'Florida Straits' we have "stoopid" New Yorkers relocating to Key West. As part of their baggage comes their crime family heritage (read: mafia). Naturally some caper gets cooked up amongst the palm trees and, well, that's basically it. Shames does treat us, however, with some very funny characterizations. And he is compassionate with all the quirky folks who call Key West home. However I did find his stereotype of Italian descent New Yorkers to be a bit over the top, especially in making fun of their rather curious accent. It is one joke that he milked too hard and too often.
Bottom line: a fun yet rather brainless poolside read.

Fun! Fun! Fun! This book is filled with whacky characters, eccentrics, and bizarre scenes. The author has a great take on a certain type of New York Italians and he has a way of presenting the most bizarre and kinkazoid situations you could ever think of!

The plot centers on the half-son of a New York mafioso who is treated shabbily in New York. He decides to go to Key West to try to become a real mobster. There he meets: Bernie the Shirt, retired mafioso with a chihuahua who needs to wear sun glasses because of an eye condition; a landlord who reads about Nazis while naked in the condo hot tub. This is only the top of the iceberg. The list of crack-up characters would take a whole page.

It was laugh-out loud funny and not only is it hard to find a book like that but we all need that outlet at times.

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!

Shames captures the humid atmosphere of Florida perfectly in all his books and, unlike Carl Hiaasen, he welcomes the newcomers like Joey Goldman. As a northerner I can empathize with Joey's desire to relocate to the "Sunshine State" leaving the cold and snow far behind. Joey's first attempts at establishing himself in " business" are hilarious and the characters are quirky but charming. Even the mobsters are not so frightening that they can't be humorous and likeable. Shames kept me wondering right up to the end how Joey would get himself and his brother Gino out of their predicament and the solution was clever and satisfying. If you're planning a vacation to Florida take this along to read by the pool or on the beach and understand what drew Joey Goldman there in the first place.

My husband and I listened to the audio version of this on a long road trip. We actually found ourselves making excuses to drive out of our way so we could continue listening. Hilarious characters and a plot with interesting twists at the end. Highly recommend if you are looking for something light, humorous, engaging, and easy to read or listen to. We will be getting more of the Key West series for our next trip.

This was recommended by someone in one of my bookclubs and I was not disappointed. She recommended this after going to Key West. Being from South Philadelphia, I could identify with the wise-guy lingo. But even if you are not familiar with the Sopranos like talk, you will love this. This was one of those times that I did not know the ending. It is an easy read but still keeps you turning the pages. It's got mystery, comedy, and a little romance-but more in the way of emotions. The development of the characters of Joey, Bert the Shirt with Don Giovanni, Gino and all the supporting characters of the compound are well thought out and add to the enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this book.

Shames captures the humid atmosphere of Florida perfectly in all his books and, unlike Carl Hiaasen, he welcomes the newcomers like Joey Goldman. As a northerner I can empathize with Joey's desire to relocate to the "Sunshine State" leaving the cold and snow far behind. Joey's first attempts at establishing himself in " business" are hilarious and the characters are quirky but charming. Even the mobsters are not so frightening that they can't be humorous and likeable. Shames kept me wondering right up to the end how Joey would get himself and his brother Gino out of their predicament and the solution was clever and satisfying. If you're planning a vacation to Florida take this along to read by the pool or on the beach and understand what drew Joey Goldman there in the first place.

My husband and I listened to the audio version of this on a long road trip. We actually found ourselves making excuses to drive out of our way so we could continue listening. Hilarious characters and a plot with interesting twists at the end. Highly recommend if you are looking for something light, humorous, engaging, and easy to read or listen to. We will be getting more of the Key West series for our next trip.

This was recommended by someone in one of my bookclubs and I was not disappointed. She recommended this after going to Key West. Being from South Philadelphia, I could identify with the wise-guy lingo. But even if you are not familiar with the Sopranos like talk, you will love this. This was one of those times that I did not know the ending. It is an easy read but still keeps you turning the pages. It's got mystery, comedy, and a little romance-but more in the way of emotions. The development of the characters of Joey, Bert the Shirt with Don Giovanni, Gino and all the supporting characters of the compound are well thought out and add to the enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this book.

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.

The characters are quirky, the plot amusing. I especially enjoy the Keys references since I spend time there every year and can visualize scenes and locations. I will read all the books in this series. They are light, easy reading without being trite.

bought this along with several others to entertain me on a 3 week cruise. Was pleasantly surprised to find reoccurring characters in the following books even if in small parts. Reminiscent of some of Carl Hiassen's works. So far I,ve read at least 6 books. Keep em coming.

This book reads like a mix between Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. Its good, not great; fairly entertaining. What makes it an 8 instead of a 5 are the occasional gems of wisdom that read so incredibly true. Like shells on the beach, you're trotting along, enjoying the view, relaxing, and all of a sudden you come upon a paragraph that is so insightful, you just gotta say; "yup, that's how it REALLY is."

just a very nice, simple vacation book. Read it by the side of the pool and it may be the best few hours you have spent in some time. Can't say enough about how fresh and fun this book is. I bought it in a bookstore on Duval St. based on the owner's recommendation that it was Shames best work and a good place to start on Key West authors. I agree completely with that advice. Have fun!

This is a thoroughly entertaining novel. The characters are well written and well developed, not to mention downright funny and rather quirky. When you start reading this you'll be able to feel the Flofida sunshine on your neck.

Laurence Shames has a magic touch. He has found a way to write beautiful sentences about crime and criminals, and that is no easy task. Read Florida Straights (along with Sunburn), and savor each line like you would a nice wine.

I LOVED this surprise read. I grew attached to several marvelous characters and applauded an ending that was cleverer and more satisfying than most.

I talked my father into reading it, who was quite ill with cancer at the time. He laughed out loud and was constantly reading passages to my mother. This was especially satisfying in that my dad was generally a reader of historical non-fiction and rarely took to fiction. Not sure my mom ever read it though, as she was a bit horrified by all the cursing in the story. Don't be offended by the language, just read it to the end and enjoy the ride.