Florida Straits

Rating:
Summary: The "Sopranos" visit margaritaville.......excellent!
Review: This is a terrific story that seems to be a unique blend of a Jimmy Buffett "margaritaville" concert and the "Sopranos" family, with a lot of heart thrown in. Laurence Shames takes Joey Goldman,the illegitimate son of a New York wiseguy, and moves him to Key West where he intends to make a new start for himself and his amazing girlfriend Sandra.
After some very comic attempts at cornering the wiseguy market, things take a very different turn and Joey finds himself doing things he never dreamed he would do, both good and bad!
The contrast of fast-paced New York and laid-back Key West lifestyles adds to the fantastic humor of Shames tale.
When Joey Goldman begins to come to terms with the realities of his life, what he wants and what he doesn't, the story begins it's wild ride!

Rating:
Summary: Hilarious
Review: This is a thoroughly entertaining novel. The characters are well written and well developed, not to mention downright funny and rather quirky. When you start reading this you'll be able to feel the Flofida sunshine on your neck.

Rating:
Summary: One book and I was hooked.
Review: This novel was the most thoroughly delightful read I have had in a long, long time. Laurence Shames infuses his characters with so much, well, character, that they are just begging to come to life. You're right there as the mob goons are talking with each other in the writer's mob-phonetically-correct spelling of "whaddaya sayin?" The characters are so well developed that you can't help but be drawn into their world. And it's such a quirky and interesting world that you have no desire to resist. This writer pulls off the strange mix of mob/mystery/comedy so deliciously that you'll want to come back for more. After reading "Florida Straits", I quickly read all of the Lawrence Shames books available. He is truly a joy to read. What a talent for writing. Another book, please, Laurence!

Rating:
Summary: A fun read!
Review: This was recommended by someone in one of my bookclubs and I was not disappointed. She recommended this after going to Key West. Being from South Philadelphia, I could identify with the wise-guy lingo. But even if you are not familiar with the Sopranos like talk, you will love this. This was one of those times that I did not know the ending. It is an easy read but still keeps you turning the pages. It's got mystery, comedy, and a little romance-but more in the way of emotions. The development of the characters of Joey, Bert the Shirt with Don Giovanni, Gino and all the supporting characters of the compound are well thought out and add to the enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this book.