Welcome to Paradise

by Laurence Shames

Book Overview

Laurence Shames, whom theChicago Tribunecalls "one of our best crime fiction writers," is back. This time he brings us a hilarious novel of mistaken identity and tropical crime that proves that while... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375502521
• ISBN13: 9780375502521
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Villard Books
• Length: 220 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Fun to read.

Enjoyed reading. The author does a great job with all his characters. Very colorful makes you want to relocate to Key West

Double Trouble

In this book the author starts with a "what if". What if there were two people with the same nickname and vanity plate, in the same place, at the same time. What if some bumbling mobsters got them confused. It is that situation that Big Al, the furniture salesman from New Jersey, finds himself in. He can't figure out why his luck has turned so bad. From this premise a humorous book unfolds. When it is finally all settled, we have learned all about who is brave and who isn't, in the book, and in real life. There are messages in the humor about good versus evil, and about all of our self images. This is one of Mr. Shames' best works. My only complaint is that it was over far too briskly. I couldn't put it down.

Misfits, Misadventures and Mistaken Identity in Paradise!

Mobster Al Marracotta and furniture salesman Alan Tuschman have about as much in common as a bowl of spaghetti and a bowl of conch chowder. They do, however, have the same nickname (BIG AL) and it just so happens that both of them are driving to Key West at the same time! A pair of south Florida wise guys are hired to make Big Al Marracotta's vacation in Key West miserable, but in a case of mistaken vanity plates, they start picking on the wrong Big Al! Using dead squid, live lobsters, and a remote control shark, "Chop" and "Squid" make Alan Tuschman wish he'd never left home!It's another Key West caper by Laurence Shames full of quirky characters, non-stop laughs, and a clever unexpected ending. The only disappointment was "Bert the Shirt" didn't make a cameo appearance. Oh well, there's always the next book!

A book too enjoyable to "fuggetaboutit"

I love Shames' stories. Read them all. Funny, lots of surprising twists, nice endings. No big investments needed, but if you're looking for a nice means to escape, these stories fit the bill. Two boneheaded "hit men" and two guys named "Big Al" all mixed up in Paradise. And I loved the "death by seafood" theme. Shames' books are all good. It's hard not to laugh out loud. Can't wait for the next one.

Mafia Wiseguys Return to Key West for Funny, Fast Read

Shames newest Key West adventure features a new set of characters, but still includes his mandatory Mafia wiseguys and hit-men to get the plot rolling. In a case of mistaken identity, an innocent furniture salesman from New Jersey is the unintended target of some deadly practical jokes intended for his Mafia namesake. The interplay between the wiseguys is funny, despite the seriousness of the situation. As usual, Key West is a major character in the story. Reading a few of the earlier Shames books will give the reader a better understanding of the locale's local color.

Great summer read!

I thought this book was just the thing for mystery readers this summer. Whether you're by the pool or "Up North" this book will keep you entertained and amused.