This is an auction for TRICKY BUSINESS by Dave Barry.

This is a very funny book.

• DH

"Humorist Dave Barry brings together a group of South Florida eccentrics on a casino boat voyage in his second full-length comic novel. A tropical storm is bearing down on the Florida coast, but the Extravaganza of the Seas, a gambling ship, sets sail on its nightly excursion in spite of the weather. Aboard are Fay Benton, an attractive cocktail waitress trying to make ends meet for her kid; a collection of pot-smoking would-be rockers (at least one of whom lives with his mother) who make up the ship's band, Johnny and the Contusions; a pair of wise-cracking octogenarians who've escaped an extended-care facility; and some Mafia-connected gangsters who use the ship's nightly voyages to smuggle drugs onto the mainland. In the background, a local television station plays a role straight from Keystone Kops as its reporters frantically cover the approaching storm with consistently fatal results. Barry once again showcases his satiric style, with barbs aimed at overbearing mothers, corrupt officials, inept authorities and, of course, the American crime novel itself."

• Publishers Weekly (US)

Amazon.com review:

"FIVE STARS!! Tricky Business is my third foray into Dave Barry's South Florida. Just when you think the plot can't get anymore outrageous, Barry throws the reader another screwball. I particularly appreciate his use of the Epilogue to wrap up loose ends. There are no end to the improbable characters he creates, but I particularly enjoyed the band, "Johnny and the Contusions " and their revenge song protocol."

More very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Large format (trade) paperback 2002.

320 pages.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $6.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.