Rating: 
Summary: so fluffy you'll think it floats...
Review: 'Welcome to Paradise' is one of those "read and forget"-type of books. It'll bring a few smiles, and it is certainly easy enough to read. But this book is the literary equivalent of empty calories, which is sad because Shames has written novels that are both funny and with some bite (..'Sunburn' is my favorite).As for the plot, it is innocent nonsense about a good guy salesman from Jersey on holiday in Key West being hounded by some not-too-bright thugs. It's all a simple case of mistaken identity. Throw in a mutual love interest and ... that's about it. Nothing more to it. Bottom line: mindless, juvenile humor in a short book with no pretentions.
Rating:
Summary: so fluffy you'll think it floats...
Review: 'Welcome to Paradise' is one of those "read and forget"-type of books. It'll bring a few smiles, and it is certainly easy enough to read. But this book is the literary equivalent of empty calories, which is sad because Shames has written novels that are both funny and with some bite (..'Sunburn' is my favorite). As for the plot, it is innocent nonsense about a good guy salesman from Jersey on holiday in Key West being hounded by some not-too-bright thugs. It's all a simple case of mistaken identity. Throw in a mutual love interest and ... that's about it. Nothing more to it. Bottom line: mindless, juvenile humor in a short book with no pretentions.
Rating:
Summary: so fluffy you'll think it floats...
Review: 'Welcome to Paradise' is one of those "read and forget"-type of books. It'll bring a few smiles, and it is certainly easy enough to read. But this book is the literary equivalent of empty calories, which is sad because Shames has written novels that are both funny and with some bite (..'Sunburn' is my favorite). As for the plot, it is innocent nonsense about a good guy salesman from Jersey on holiday in Key West being hounded by some not-too-bright thugs. It's all a simple case of mistaken identity. Throw in a mutual love interest and ... that's about it. Nothing more to it. Bottom line: mindless, juvenile humor in a short book with no pretentions.
Rating: 
Summary: A great summertime read.
Review: Get ready to laugh out loud, because Shames has done it again! He has arranged for two New Yorkers to head for Key West, Florida for a vacation. Taken out of their element, these typical New Yorkers, one of whom just happens to in the Mafia, have more problems than the Feds could ever give them. Mix in a furniture salesman from suburban Jersey with the same nickname as the Mafiosa, a hit man who is going to kill somebody with seafood, and, of course, a gorgeous New York City doll, and it's vintage Shames! For a light hearted view of the Mafia, Key West, and relationships, this book can't miss. In fact, it's right on target!
Rating:
Summary: "It's worth reading twice"
Review: I have read all of Laurence Shames books and find them all very exiting and he keeps you on the edge of your seat. I thought Welcome to Paradise is one of his best yet. It seems that every book he writes just gets better. This book was so good that they could make a movie about it. In all of Shames' books the one thing he has common is Bert the Shirt. I have grown to love that old man. Everyone of his books are different and all are exciting books. They are "can't put it down" books.
Rating:
Summary: A book too enjoyable to "fuggetaboutit"
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Great summer read!
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Themes of Welcome to Paradise
Review: In the writing of it, at least, Welcome to Paradise went more smoothly and was more fun than anything I've done in years. When I needed a plot twist, one appeared. The characters kept saying things that surprised me--things I didn't know they had it in them to say. Also, the book allowed me to explore a theme I've thought about for decades: The difficulty of really relaxing and enjoying a vacation--even in Key West!--and the strange embarrassment many of us feel about admitting we'd really rather be back home. And it gave me a chance to do some really creepy things with seafood...Hope you enjoy it!
Rating:
Summary: Double Trouble
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Double Trouble
Review: 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.
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