Carl Hiassen .v. Marc Blake?

[Nelli]

I love the author Marc Blake, very funny guy, but it was suggested that I read some Carl Hiassen, as his books are similar in subject matter, and the humour is the same. Anyone suggest a good one in particular? Also would just like to recommend Frank Skinner's Autobiog....Hysterical!!!

[mikewith]

Never read Marc Blake but Hiaasen is excellent and highly recommended: scathing of the darker machinations of Floridian politics and real estate. Very readable. (I hope AS Byatt approves). For what it's worth, the Hiaasen books I've read and enjoyed include Tourist Season, Double Whammy, Skin Tight, Strip Tease (the film version is execrable, it seems), Stormy Weather, Lucky You, Sick Puppy and Basket Case. Or in other words --- yes, I'm a fan!

[LeMarchand]

Now that someone's recommended some Hiassen (sorry, never read any), can I suggest Bill Fitzhugh? The Organ Grinders is only so-so, as is Fender Benders, and I haven't read his new US hardback - but Pest Control (a roach exterminator finds himself in all kinds of trouble when the wrong people mis-read his ad) and Cross Dressing (the hero has to pose as his dead brother - who was a priest) are fast and funny reads in the same sub-genre of crime fiction.

[Nelli]

Fantastic! thanks guys... Mikewith: try Marc Blake, in particular Sunstroke, and Bigtime (NOT 48 carat Schmooze) very disappointing. LeMarchand - Fitzhugh sounds excellent! Im off to Amazon to go shopping.....thanks ppl

[RCP]

Nelli - have read some Carl Hiaasen (Stormy Weather, Native Tongue) & can recommend them. Your question prompted me to get Basket Case at the weekend which is also excellent. Can I also suggest Elmore Leonard who has less humour but writes fantastic dialogue - particularly Pronto, Riding the Rap, Maximum Bob & Get Shorty. I will be looking out for Marc Blake now.

[Nelli]

Thanks guys, although authors in a different genre, the Frank Skinner book really is hysterical, but I also love Bill Bryson, very funny! it seems so hard these days to find books that actually do make you laugh out loud!

[mc1961]

Hiaasen is good but derivative of Elmore Leonard. Every one of his books is a gem. Try Maximum Bob or Out of Sight. You'll want to read every book he's ever written.

[Helen Owers]

Love Carl Hiaasen, Bill Bryson not read Marc Blake but shall give him a whirl. can i suggest Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books? More of a girl thing but very funny tales of an inept bounty hunter!