Word of thanks to both Little, Brown/Sphere and Netgalley.com for the chance to read this novel in exchange for a review of this novel.

Many years ago, I would read Carl Hiaasen’s novels and enjoy them…then I stoppehd for some reason. Razor Girl reminded me how enjoyable Hiaasen can craft a funny murder mystery. This novel was enjoyable from start to finish. Our main character - Andrew Yancy - a once prominent investigator in Key West - but now a food inspector for the county - is thick in the middle of a missing person’s case involving a prime-time reality television show star. Wacky, crude, but enjoyable, Hiaasen gives us the many selfish and greedy individuals that make up the Key West area. Definitely a good beach read that will make you want to laugh out loud at times.

3.5 to 4 stars on this novel.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of Razor Girl, an absurd adventure comedy set in Key West.

Lane Coolman, Hollyood agent to Buck Nance, a redneck reality show celebrity, is rear ended by the eponymous Razor Girl, Merry Mansefield, while she's shaving her lady parts in preparation for a date, except it's a scam and he's kidnapped, except he's the wrong guy. In the meantime without Lane to hold his hand Buck gets nervous at a private appearance, causes a riot with his off colour jokes and disappears. Andrew Yancey, former star detective and now on roach patrol gets roped into helping find Buck.

It must be 20 years since I've read Hiassen as I stopped when the Wetland polemics overtook the comedy so it was with a bit of trepidation that I started Razor Girl, It has been like going back in time as the novel is, dare I say it, razor sharp. The plot is intentionally ludicrous and highly amusing with smart dialogue and some accurate potshots.

The plot is very much a caper. It is well imagined and very readable with some reliance on coincidence, but that is rather unimportant in the overall absurd nature of the plot. It held my attention and had me laughing throughout.

Mr Hiassen's potshots are equally placed when he takes on his usual enemy - the effect of big business and commercialism on the environment which is quite muted in Razor Girl - and a variety of others from the nature of reality TV to insurance scams and product liability. I particularly liked the adult theme and fate of the product liability lawyer which are extremely amusing. The nature of the hype surrounding Buck Nance and his origins are also extremely well and slyly drawn as they made me laugh and wonder. I also found Merry's scam fun.

What surprised me after a 20 year absence is that there is nothing really new in Razor Girl. Mr Hiassen's preoccupations and protagonists have not changed. Andrew Yancey, the slightly oddball but basically decent and slightly naive man, seems interchangeable with all the protagonists in other novels and the damage to nature is ever present.

Razor Girl is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Hiaasen is as always a great read. This title is no exception, the characters and their shenanigans will keep you up way after bedtime.
This is a sharp title, well worth picking up a copy.

Loved this book! One of my favorite authors as well! If you've never read him, please do so, you won't be dissapointed

Carl Hiaasen is his usual witty self with this book. It is dark and humorous and full of great descriptions of Florida. The cast of characters is complex and yet fun to get to know. This is Carl Hiaasen at his best. I would recommend this book as it's a fun read especially if you're going to the beach! I was given this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

I never pass up a Carl Hiaasen book - Adult or YA. His dry humor and twisted sarcasm has always appealed to me. I absolutely loved the characters, Yancy and Rosa, Merry, Buck and Lane - they all had me chuckling through the night ( I could NOT put it down). A reality show theme was a great idea for a book and I just loved the depth and backstories for all the characters. I'm hoping for more.