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Bad Day in a Banana Hammock
“A fun, quirky whodunit so full of wild antics, it will keep you guessing...when you're not giggling.” -Heather Greenis, author of The Natasha Saga. Zach wakes up with no memory, no phone, and no clothes except his stripper g-string. And oh yeah! There’s that pesky naked dead guy in bed next to him. Problem is Zach's not gay. Or a murderer. At least, he doesn't think so. Only one person can help him, his sister, Zora. Of course Zora's got problems of her own—she has three kids at home and is eight month's pregnant with the fourth. So she’s a bit cranky. But that’s not going to stop her from helping her brother. With kids in tow, the siblings set how to find the true killer, clear Zach's name, and reassure Zach he's not gay. Review “An hilarious murder mystery romp. Ride along with Zach and Zora on this most entertaining of mysteries.” -Heather Brainerd, author of the Jose Picada, P.I. mystery series. “Bad Day in a Banana Hammock will have you wiping up tears of hysterical laughter.” -Suzanne de Montigney, author of the Shadow of the Unicorn series.
- GenresMystery
136 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2016
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30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 7, 2017
Laugh until you wet yourself, with this cast of wacky characters and their hilarious adventures. Meet Zach, a male dancer at the The Bone-In Beef Club, in Kansas City. Waking up in a seedy hotel room with no memories, wearing only his golden thong and laying next to a dead man is no way to start your day. With the cops banging on the door, Zach escapes down the fire escape. Borrowing a faux fur jacket from a homeless woman, he is able to get a cabbie to take him to his only safe refuge, his sister's home. Zora is currently married to an accountant, mother of 3 kids and 8 months pregnant with number 4 but she was a trained agent for a top security firm. Zora knows she only has 8 hours to find the killer and get home to make dinner. Loading up the kids, she and Zach backtrack his movements from finishing at the club last night to waking up with a dead man. This chase involves a variety of wacky suspects, car chases and quirky friends. After Zach fends off a kidnapper with his niece's dirty and well filled diaper, they are forced to leave the kids with their parents. Parents with a pot crop hidden among their vegetable gardens. I really liked this brother and sister duo. Zora is smart and let's just say that Zach is lovable but has a lot of empty space between his ears. I haven't laughed this much since I read my first Stephanie Plum book! For anyone who likes to laugh and have wacky adventures this is the perfect book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 25, 2016
If you're looking for a highly educational book, or a book with deep hidden meanings and significant social relevance... keep looking. This one isn't it. But if you want to be entertained by a fast-reading mystery filled with quirky characters and absurd humor, you've found it.
Quirky characters? How about an "I'm-not-gay" male stripper, who doesn't even want to admit he IS a stripper, who wakes up in an unknown and unsavory motel room lying in bed beside an equally unknown dead guy? He WOULD call the police, but he'd rather run... without any clothes, by the way... than risk anyone making false assumptions about his sexuality.
So he turns to his sister for help. His very pregnant, waddling, and hormonal sister. So the two of them, along with her three kids, take off on a zany mission to find out who killed the dead dude.
Absurd humor? How about a gag-worthy poopy diaper as a weapon? (Well would YOU want one thrown in YOUR face...?)
Just a fun book, all the way around. I'd give it three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
Quirky characters? How about an "I'm-not-gay" male stripper, who doesn't even want to admit he IS a stripper, who wakes up in an unknown and unsavory motel room lying in bed beside an equally unknown dead guy? He WOULD call the police, but he'd rather run... without any clothes, by the way... than risk anyone making false assumptions about his sexuality.
So he turns to his sister for help. His very pregnant, waddling, and hormonal sister. So the two of them, along with her three kids, take off on a zany mission to find out who killed the dead dude.
Absurd humor? How about a gag-worthy poopy diaper as a weapon? (Well would YOU want one thrown in YOUR face...?)
Just a fun book, all the way around. I'd give it three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
August 3, 2016
4.5 stars
I've read a lot of Stuart's books and this one.. Is quite hilarious.
Zach wakes up next to an unknown dead guy. From there it's off to find the truth. His sister Zora, who may be 8 months pregnant, jumps in to help her brother. Zach is actually a male entertainer aka stripper. But his parents think he's a ballet dancer. I could just imagine this playing out. How his parents remain oblivious is beyond me.
Lots of mystery, hilarity ensues throughout this story. Stuart really knows how to tell a story and he can obviously write different genres with ease. This was an enjoyable read and I'm not saying I loved loved it. But if you're looking for a funny, mysterious, easy read. Then this one, is definitely one you would want to pick up. ...Lissa
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I've read a lot of Stuart's books and this one.. Is quite hilarious.
Zach wakes up next to an unknown dead guy. From there it's off to find the truth. His sister Zora, who may be 8 months pregnant, jumps in to help her brother. Zach is actually a male entertainer aka stripper. But his parents think he's a ballet dancer. I could just imagine this playing out. How his parents remain oblivious is beyond me.
Lots of mystery, hilarity ensues throughout this story. Stuart really knows how to tell a story and he can obviously write different genres with ease. This was an enjoyable read and I'm not saying I loved loved it. But if you're looking for a funny, mysterious, easy read. Then this one, is definitely one you would want to pick up. ...Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 1, 2016
Zach, a male exotic dancer, wakes up next to a man…when he’s not gay. He realizes he had been drugged by a mysterious woman and the dead man next to him is an important public figure. Uh-oh.
As much as Zach is zany, irresponsible, and charming, his sister Zora is the opposite. He needs her help. She’s a former detective who’s eight months pregnant. With her belly and brains and his brawn and big mouth, they charge through town evading criminal types and finding out the truth behind Zach’s drugged state and who really killed the man.
This novel is packed with humorous situations and dialogue. I loved how Zach and Zora interacted with each other with their many differences. Their parents, other dancers, and those they encounter during their investigation are colorful characters. This light-hearted mystery is unpredictable, hilarious, and fast-paced.
As much as Zach is zany, irresponsible, and charming, his sister Zora is the opposite. He needs her help. She’s a former detective who’s eight months pregnant. With her belly and brains and his brawn and big mouth, they charge through town evading criminal types and finding out the truth behind Zach’s drugged state and who really killed the man.
This novel is packed with humorous situations and dialogue. I loved how Zach and Zora interacted with each other with their many differences. Their parents, other dancers, and those they encounter during their investigation are colorful characters. This light-hearted mystery is unpredictable, hilarious, and fast-paced.
October 29, 2017
Stuart R. West hails from Kansas and he describes it as the sort of place where strange things happening is kind of the norm. Strange people too apparently. But, I have to say that if brother and sister Zach and Zora live there, it can't be all bad! This is the first in a series of lighthearted comic mysteries featuring long-suffering amateur detective Zora and her brother who, if he possessed any brain cells, he's forgotten where he left them. He is a stripper - er, sorry a male dancer - and is definitely not gay. No, really. he isn't gay. He is quite sure of it. He keeps telling himself - but he did wake up next to a dead guy. A naked, murdered dead guy at that. It doesn't look good and he's too goodlooking to last more than a day in jail.There's only one thing for it. Zora. She's the only one who can help him.
Zora to the rescue. She's intelligent, feisty - and eight months pregnant with her fourth child. There is no way her husband is going to escape a vasectomy after this one pops out.
The hilarious adventures of these two make for a great read and the author's deft handling of both plot and character mean that this is a series I shall keep on collecting. They can be read in any order. In fact this is the second I have read. A Nightmare of Nannies (book 3 in the series) was my first - another excellent read.
Zora to the rescue. She's intelligent, feisty - and eight months pregnant with her fourth child. There is no way her husband is going to escape a vasectomy after this one pops out.
The hilarious adventures of these two make for a great read and the author's deft handling of both plot and character mean that this is a series I shall keep on collecting. They can be read in any order. In fact this is the second I have read. A Nightmare of Nannies (book 3 in the series) was my first - another excellent read.
December 23, 2015
You know those days when life wears you down and you really need some entertainment to make you smile? I picked up Stuart West’s book, hoping for a few laughs, and I found hilarity! It’s as if he channeled the old 30s style of Nick and Nora Charles mysteries, where they let zingers fly at each other—smart, sassy, and punchy lines—and you can’t help but start grinning. The lines aren’t the only funny things. Every character has silly quirks, and every situation becomes fodder for West’s great comic talent.
Since this is a mystery, there’s a dead body and a hunt for the murderer. West lines the investigation with so many ridiculous and zany scenes that I almost felt bad for laughing at the dumber-than-a-doorknob hero. Luckily, his smart sister is helping him clear his name, although she’s eight months pregnant (and West doesn’t let that condition go by without poking fun at it either!). West’s witty and irreverent humor kept me laughing for hours. If you love the style of those hilarious Leslie Nielsen movies, you’ll love this. I sure did! Very highly recommended!
Since this is a mystery, there’s a dead body and a hunt for the murderer. West lines the investigation with so many ridiculous and zany scenes that I almost felt bad for laughing at the dumber-than-a-doorknob hero. Luckily, his smart sister is helping him clear his name, although she’s eight months pregnant (and West doesn’t let that condition go by without poking fun at it either!). West’s witty and irreverent humor kept me laughing for hours. If you love the style of those hilarious Leslie Nielsen movies, you’ll love this. I sure did! Very highly recommended!
August 18, 2016
The title held the promise of hilarity. But was actually more serious than I'd anticipated. I don't mean it's dull; far from it. I think I was just expecting a bit more laugh out loud funny.
I don't know; maybe I was just disappointed the gold thong disappeared so quickly?
Anyway, we start with a male stripper in bed next to a naked dead guy (pretty funny in a weird way).
This book tracks his progress of trying to clear his name (more clearing the ensuing ambiguity of his sexuality than his innocence).
Add his pregnant sister as a sidekick and you soon realise the light-heartedness of this tale.
They bumble along from suspect to suspect, being hounded all the way.
Not giving too much away, but Zach's crazy dance moves can be handy! ;-p
And I did love the dirty nappy (diaper) scene!! :-O
So, yes, a funny book just not quite in the way I expected.
Anyone wanting an odd romp through a mystery please do buy this one.
I can't wait for the sequel; I wonder if it will be The Budgie Smugglers! :-O
I don't know; maybe I was just disappointed the gold thong disappeared so quickly?
Anyway, we start with a male stripper in bed next to a naked dead guy (pretty funny in a weird way).
This book tracks his progress of trying to clear his name (more clearing the ensuing ambiguity of his sexuality than his innocence).
Add his pregnant sister as a sidekick and you soon realise the light-heartedness of this tale.
They bumble along from suspect to suspect, being hounded all the way.
Not giving too much away, but Zach's crazy dance moves can be handy! ;-p
And I did love the dirty nappy (diaper) scene!! :-O
So, yes, a funny book just not quite in the way I expected.
Anyone wanting an odd romp through a mystery please do buy this one.
I can't wait for the sequel; I wonder if it will be The Budgie Smugglers! :-O
December 16, 2015
It's a rare book that can make you laugh from the first page until the last, but West has a knack for writing them. Hammock starts off with Zach's sticky predicament and leads us through twists and turns, and the world of male stripers (*ahem* male entertainment dancers), while he tries to clear his name. West also has a knack for some of the best female leads I've ever read: no easy feat! Zora was instantly my favorite character, and while I definitely felt for her dealing with the situation while massively pregnant, she was no less kick-a$$. I loved her attitude and ability to sleuth out the truth, deal with the situation, all while still managing to be there for her (slightly clueless) brother. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that you should check out this book--it's fun, funny, and a quick read!
December 17, 2015
Stuart West has taken the cozy mystery from the cupcake shop and sewing room to the scandalous world of male strippers in downtown Kansas City. No sewing done here, but there's plenty of intrigue, gossip, and muscle.
The mystery begins when Zach wakes up next to a dead man, but his only concern is whether he'll be seen as gay. His sister, Zora is more pragmatic, more importantly, she's a former detective, but at this moment, she's eight months pregnant. The situation is serious, the characters ingeniously drawn, and the journey to unravel this mystery pure entertainment.
Stripper Zach and the no-nonsense earth mother Zora are a combination like no other. A mystery with all the twists and turns the aficionado desires, and an ending coziers will love!
I highly recommend Bad Day in a Banana Hammock; in fact, I highly recommend any book written by the enigmatic Stuart R. West!
The mystery begins when Zach wakes up next to a dead man, but his only concern is whether he'll be seen as gay. His sister, Zora is more pragmatic, more importantly, she's a former detective, but at this moment, she's eight months pregnant. The situation is serious, the characters ingeniously drawn, and the journey to unravel this mystery pure entertainment.
Stripper Zach and the no-nonsense earth mother Zora are a combination like no other. A mystery with all the twists and turns the aficionado desires, and an ending coziers will love!
I highly recommend Bad Day in a Banana Hammock; in fact, I highly recommend any book written by the enigmatic Stuart R. West!
December 21, 2015
You'll roll around laughing with Stuart R. West's latest comic novel, Bad Day in a Banana Hammock. Not to mention you'll need some tissue to wipe your eyes as the tears of laughter run down your face. There were times in this book where I couldn't read for a while because I couldn't stop laughing. Woody Allen, James Thurber, and Kurt Vonnegut come to mind. Basically, a male stripper wakes up to find a dead man in his bed...but he's not gay...and wonders how the heck the guy ever got there...particularly since he's not gay. Chased by the police, he goes to the only person who always helps him out in a crunch - his sister. And did I mention she used to be a cop? Together they unravel the mystery amidst the most hilarious situations. Stuart R. West is one of my favourite writers. I'll drop everything to read his latest. He never disappoints.
September 12, 2016
Zach is not gay. The fact he woke up next to a dead naked man might confuse people, though, and he can't have that. Nor can he have them think he's a murderer. He runs from the police to his sister, Zora. She's a no-nonsense mom with three kids and very pregnant with her fourth. Zora has some experience in the investigation business, and she agrees to help clear Zach's name. Because, you know, the world can't think he's gay.
This book is exactly what it promises: immensely hilarious and it has a male stripper in a golden banana hammock. While Zach made me laugh, and like him with his goofy, vain ways, it was Zora who I adored. Don't mess with that mama, and definitely don't call her... well, I'm not going to say it! How Zora has not gone mad yet, I do not know. The plot was a riot with outrageous suspects and wonderful little twists. A make you laugh out loud mystery.
This book is exactly what it promises: immensely hilarious and it has a male stripper in a golden banana hammock. While Zach made me laugh, and like him with his goofy, vain ways, it was Zora who I adored. Don't mess with that mama, and definitely don't call her... well, I'm not going to say it! How Zora has not gone mad yet, I do not know. The plot was a riot with outrageous suspects and wonderful little twists. A make you laugh out loud mystery.
December 14, 2015
What do you get when you throw together a male stripper, his hugely pregnant sister, her three preschool kids, and someone called Plastic Face? (Oh yeah, and a dead body.) A hilarious murder-mystery romp, of course!
Zach is the “male entertainment dancer” who wakes up next to a dead dude. His primary concern is to protect his hetero rep, rather than clear his name of murder. Though his priorities may be a bit askew, his level-headed (and gun-toting) sister Zora steps in to solve the case. Now, if she could just find a babysitter, it would make things so much easier.
Ride along as Zach and Zora investigate, agitate, and regurgitate their way through this most entertaining of mysteries.
Zach is the “male entertainment dancer” who wakes up next to a dead dude. His primary concern is to protect his hetero rep, rather than clear his name of murder. Though his priorities may be a bit askew, his level-headed (and gun-toting) sister Zora steps in to solve the case. Now, if she could just find a babysitter, it would make things so much easier.
Ride along as Zach and Zora investigate, agitate, and regurgitate their way through this most entertaining of mysteries.
March 23, 2017
If you are looking for fun, easy reads, check out Mr. West. No shortage of humour in his books. BDBH is no exception. A brother and sister team that join forces, not that she wants to. He needs her.
Merged review:
I do declare, like a good wine, Mr. West is improving with age. Did I say improving? He’s losing it, in a great way. Z & Z are hilarious characters. Zack is in trouble and who is he going to call but his very pregnant sister. Don’t mess with this Momma. Poor Zack doesn’t have a clue and Zora doesn’t miss a beat. This who done it had me guessing and chuckling as my screen changed pages.
Well Stuart R. I truly believe the R is for Ridiculous.
Merged review:
I do declare, like a good wine, Mr. West is improving with age. Did I say improving? He’s losing it, in a great way. Z & Z are hilarious characters. Zack is in trouble and who is he going to call but his very pregnant sister. Don’t mess with this Momma. Poor Zack doesn’t have a clue and Zora doesn’t miss a beat. This who done it had me guessing and chuckling as my screen changed pages.
Well Stuart R. I truly believe the R is for Ridiculous.
October 28, 2016
Looking for a fun, quirky mystery? Look no further. West delivers the goods. Bad Day in a Banana Hammock will have you laughing and rolling your eyes at Zach. He's more concerned about being perceived as gay than a murderer. His sister Zora is the brains of this pair, but she has kids to look after and dinner to prepare. Ever been in a high-speed chase in a minivan? Dive into Zach's bad day. You won't be disappointed.
January 8, 2016
I really liked this book, and can't wait for Book 2!! Check out my full review here: http://bit.ly/1mJ9KPk
~Happy Reading! :)
~Happy Reading! :)
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February 12, 2016**4.5 Stars** full review will be up on Boundless Book Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews