Welcome to Paradise

Written by Laurence Shames

Narrated by Ron McLarty

Laurence Shames has attracted enthusiastic fans with his Key West novels, which include Florida Straits, Mangrove Squeeze, Scavenger Reef, and Sunburn. Each of these books is a hilarious mixture of zany crimes and offbeat characters. Welcome to Paradise is his best yet. When Al Marracotta, Mafia boss, takes a week's vacation in Key West, he looks forward to days of sun, sex, and seafood. Alan Tuschman, New Jersey furniture salesman, is a reluctant tourist. He has won a week in Key West for his sales record. But they have something in common: vanity license plates that read BIG AL. So when two goons are sent to ruin Big Al's vacation, it's not long before they target the wrong guy. Between the frustrated henchmen and the baffled Als, each chapter grows loonier than the last. And with the addition of a romantic wild card, the winsome Katy Sansone, the tough guys' schemes are tempered by more tender scenes. Narrator Ron McLarty's fine performance keeps the action moving at a brisk clip.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456125363

Reviews for Welcome to Paradise

[susandennis-139327 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Big Al Marracoto is a player in the New York City mafia. Big Al Tuschman is a furniture salesman in New Jersey. Their individual state license plates say 'Big Al'. They end up in Key West on vacation at the same time. The guys hired to annoy Big Al Marracoto, get their Big Al's confused. But all this is just a plate for Laurence Shames to serve up another fabulous meal of personalities, accents and plots that are like puzzle games. If you've never read any of Shames' books, treat yourself to any of them. Each is a fabulous treat. Note to author: Love the book but sure missed Bert the Shirt and his 4,000 year old dog. How are they doing?