Florida Straits

A Key West Mystery, Book 1

By: Laurence Shames

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Top-notch suspense and "killer" comedy merge in this rollicking national best seller filled with funky characters, resounding dialogue, and inappropriately named "wise" guys. In the grand tradition of Elmore Leonard, Laurence Shames creates an outrageous heavyweight thriller that’s heavy on atmosphere and action. Joey Goldman is a low-level New York hustler. He’s taking a working vacation in South Florida and looking to score big with a time-share scam. His half brother Gino Delgatto is a man in need of a fall guy. When they meet in Key West, the term dysfunctional family takes on a new meaning. Will one of them succeed? Or will the Miami mob find an eye-popping way to dispose of them both?

Critically acclaimed narrator Richard Ferrone brings every character to life - from bad guys in shiny blue suits to Steve the naked landlord - with a crackling intensity you will love.

©1992 Laurence Shames (P)1997 Recorded Books

Florida Funny

This is very similar to other crime/fubby/local color books in the genre. it will particularly appeal to relocated
New Yorkers and other northeastern denizens. If not it is probably less enjoyable.

relaxing and entertaining

I got tired of waiting for Carl Hassan next book so I decided to try this 1. Since they CO wrote a book and sure enough this was a good 1. I guess now I'll be hooked on another Key West or Florida Author.

great

the clash between New York mob and easy life of the keys is so funny starting the second book now.

the name was lost in my mind

I had listened to one of the books in this Lawrence Shames series many years ago ( it was on tape) and life got in the way and I kind of forgot and while listening to another South Florida author I remembered his series and spend some time trying to remember the name I was very pleased and I've enjoyed this starting with the number one and will now go on from there thank you

Look book to listen to

This was a pleasant book to listen to as it was not the same hum-drum type storyline!

A good story with nice plot twists

I think this is a very good book I like the narrator very much. The story was well told with nice twists and interesting tidbits about Florida. I think that the main character was very endearing nd the story was one that many could relate to.

Hilarious, Poignant, suspenseful

What did you love best about Florida Straits?

There was nothing to not like. This book combined my love of New York life and Key west life. The two come together like oil and water, but in the end it all gets sorted out.

What other book might you compare Florida Straits to and why?

The style reminds me Tim Dorsey.

What does Richard Ferrone bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice, was amazing!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and cried.

Any additional comments?

Read this book!

Hilarious and gorgeous writing!

I am a huge Laurence Shames fan after this book. His writing is beautiful. His stories hilarious and his characters make me smile. Bert the Shirt and his little dog, of course, are my favorites. It takes a lot for a book to keep me interested past the first few chapters, but I zoomed through this book and bought the next in series straight after!

So glad I took another reader's advise

I really liked this book. I wasn't sure for the first chapter or so. But then Joey and Sandra move into the bungalow in a compound in Key West, Bert the Shirt and Don Giovanni are on the scene and it becomes delightful, interesting, and at times tense. Richard Ferrone is perfect for this book. I will certainly continue with the series.

One caveat: I fast forwarded through a verbally abusive rant that was over long in my opinion. This was directed at Joey by his older half-brother Gino. I also skipped through some of the graphic violence - I mean this is about a mafia family but I just didn't feel the need to hear every little detail. There is not a huge amount of this stuff and I am not really criticizing the book. Just saying....

Excellent

Enjoyable in every way, reading, story characters. Helps I'm from Queens, great connection, Pisanos like my family.