Star Island: A novel

In this contemporary novel, we see a young Hollywood starlet who is constantly going to rehab for drug and alcohol abuse. It is easy to think of a number of celebrities who fit into this category, today. The starlet's name is Cherry Pye, aka Cheryl Bunterman. She is now age twenty-two and since she was age fourteen, she has been a polular star who has been drawn to the excitement in life and her excitement includes alcohol and drugs. She's currently attempting a comeback after a drug related incident while on stage in Boston. She's had so many relapses that her parents and record producer have hired a double, Ann DeLusia, to fill in for Cherry when she becomes "indisposed." A member of the paparazzi, Bang Abbott, feels that Cherry is headed for the same unfortunate ending as Michael Jackson and Bang follows Cherry around in attempt to get photos at the stages of her downward spiral. Abbott meets Cherry and while they are on a private plane, he takes a number of photos that he thinks he can sell. However, when the plane lands, Cherry takes off with his photos and cell phone. Meanwhile, Ann is driving in Florida and when a man appears in the road, she swerves and has an accident. In this manner, she meets a bizarre environmentalist, former governor of Florida, who goes by the name of Skink. The two of them form an unusual bond together. Later, Bang kidnaps Ann, mistaking her for Cherry. The family tries to make the most of it, first thinking of a rescue and then making alternate plans. They have a body guard who is searching for the missing girl. This man has a weed whacker for an arm and has his own plans of making money. As he is searching for the missing girl, Skink is trying to rescue her. The story could be a plot at a movie. It was funny, very funny and would make a good vacation read.

I was disappointed in this book. It is like Mr. Hiaasen has written his formula down and just cranks it out without much thought. I have liked most of his books, but this one felt forced.

Totally Hiaasen. Some familiar characters. Some new characters. A whole new crazy and twisted plot line. It was a quick read that kept me smiling.