Mr. Paradise: A Novel

I have enjoyed several of Mr. Leonard's other novels, but I stopped reading this one due to its pervasive raw sexuality and profane language. I am not a prude, however when a story line is focused upon sexual activity and described profanely, I quickly lost interest. Elmore Leonard is capable of better writing.

I am a big Elmore Leonard fan, I must have read 20 of his books, Rum Punch, Gold Coast, Get Shorty, 52 Pickup are among my favorites, I was so looking forward to reading Mr. Paradise -- even the 2 line blurb looked interesting. But, unfortunately, this was Elmore Leonard lite -- some of the same stock characters that add spice to the books, but less interesting, a very weak plot, the villains not very villainous, even the wisecracks seemed used and hackneyed, without the typical Leonard "snap". Oh well, all good things must come to an end

Mr. Paradise is a pretty standard entry from Elmore Leonard, the master of American crime fiction showcasing all if his hallmarks - gorgeous women, dangerous (if dumb) criminals, and a lead character so cool (like Elmore himself) he makes it look effortless. Throw in a bag of cash and you've got Mr. Paradise.The end result is not Elmore's best work, the first 50 or so pages get confusing as the two female leads, Chloe and Kelly, are so alike that it is too easy for the reader to get confused as to which is which. As this is partly a tale of mistaken identities, the two should be similar, but I found myself having to read and reread passages to discern which character Leonard was actually writing about. As frustrating as those first 50 pages were, once the two characters separate from each other, the novel becomes much easier to follow and Leonard spins a fun yarn in which slightly inept criminals struggle against each other in order to claim a small fortune left behind by the titular Mr. Paradise.Even when not at the top of his game Leonard leads the pack of American crime writers and this one is sure to please his longtime fans as well as new readers.

I've read many of them and I don't think there is an Elmore Leonard that isn't a five star book, but Mr. Paradise is, within the five star group, a five star --- i.e. top of the five star group. The writing is so effortless seeming the author's presence isn't felt. The dialogue is crisp, credible and magnificent. The characters are wonderful and the story a great read --- and, there is no higher approbation for me than "a good read." BTW --- "approbation," is exactly the sort of $5 word you'll never find in an Elmore Leonard book. Far too good, and confident a writer than to need to play look-at-me, look-at-me, English Professor games with the reader.

Very few authors have as sharp a sense of atmosphere, place and dialogue as Elmore Leonard. Never one to ramble, his economy of words is legendary. And when he writes about the criminal elements of society, few are as incompetent and out right stupid as Elmore's villains. In Mr. Paradise, all of these attributes of an Elmore story hold true. Set in his hometown of Detroit, he pits a veteran homicide detective against some of the dumbest criminals in the city. And as always, the dialogue of these street level misfits is right on the money. Another great read from a true master.

It seems almost ridiculous for me to write a review of a book by Elmore Leonard. When he is called the greatest crime thriller writer in America you can believe it. I can't say more than that. Mr. Paradise is a cool crime story dripping with style and saturated in atmosphere. It is full of nefarious dealings and double dealings, stupid crooks and smart cops, hot girls, and true love. Read this and you won't be wasting your time.

Yes...at first I was a bit confused about what was happening...then we came to the present and it all started happening. Even though I read about the event at the very beginning, there was enough mystery in the way it was written to keep me hanging the whole way. Never can get enough of Elmore Leonard and his fabulous sense of humor. I think I will hang on to this one for that day when I need to laugh out loud again. Excellent storytelling!

There are but a handful who can stand in Elmore Leonard’s company. Story, characterization, dialogue, imagination. It is all there every time. It must be unimaginably hard to be so consistently on top of your game. I don’t give away plots or storylines. Read the book It is worth the time.