Stormy Weather

Detective Charlotte Justice of the LAPD investigates the peculiar death of African-American film director Maynard Duncan against a backdrop of Hollywood glamour, greed, and lost opportunities. More than one person has reasons to want Duncan dead, but each suspect is interwoven with the others to create a carpet of deceptions and deceits. Anyone interested in Hollywood history will enjoy the continual narrative behind the crimes as this novel is rich in atmosphere and has a galaxy of luminous characters. Narrator Patricia R. Floyd does a dazzling job maneuvering this maze of clues and personalities. Her voice does well as Charlotte, but she also establishes the other characters' personalities by subtle shifts of tone and emphasis. B.H.B. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine


Narrator Wilson's unadorned, reportorial style provides a perfect ironic backdrop for Hiaasen's socially perceptive and outrageous tale set in southern Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Hiaasen introduces a set of wild and unruly characters who do their best to exploit the storm damage for personal gain. Developing each character individually, he expertly draws their lives together, until their paths begin to cross. And that's when the fun really begins. Against chaos and unpredictable twists of plot, narrator Wilson maintains a steady counterpoint, like the straight man to the stand-up comedian. Adults who appreciate the irreverence of eccentric characters will enjoy this tale. R.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

July 29, 1996
Hiaasen's latest seriocomic Florida thriller spent seven weeks on PW's bestseller list.

A devastating hurricane in Southern Florida attracts an interesting pack of ne'er-do-wells, including newlyweds who abandon their honeymoon at Disney World to get the videotape of a lifetime. Other characters include petty con artists, swindlers, murderers, and Skink, Florida's former governor turned crazed environmental hermit. Asner's reading is superb although some of his Cuban accents are a bit too heavy. Some of Hiaasen's dark humor is lost or truncated by the abridgment, but those with limited time will find this recording welcome shelter. J.L. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine