One Big Joke

Key West Capers, Book 13

By: Laurence Shames

Narrated by: Jem Matzan

“What is with you lately?” Lenny’s wife would like to know. “You’ve been acting like everything is one big joke.”

And it’s true - unemployed TV writer Lenny Sullivan has been having trouble seeing his life and times as anything more than fodder for edgy wisecracks. But when he bolts to Key West to refresh his lighter side, things suddenly turn serious. Well, sort of serious. A bullying businessman in league with a pair of bumbling mobsters is plotting to burn down his best friend’s struggling comedy club. The pill-popping star of his last best chance at a hit show is under a death threat from a very sore loser in a love triangle. And Lenny’s staunchest ally in the fight to keep the club, the star, and the laughs alive happens to be a 90-something named Bert the Shirt. Fortunately, Bert has a soft spot for comedians and is the savviest if not the most grammatical guy in town....

Deftly balancing suspense and humor, mayhem and romance, Key West color and showbiz glitz, One Big Joke uproariously entertains while making a sly but impassioned argument for the saving grace of comedy in tough times.

©2018 Laurence Shames (P)2018 Laurence Shames

A pleasure to listen to!

Another winner for Mr. Shames!
And Jem is the best! These stories are so well written and narrated. I’ll be starting another one ASAP!

Another flawless narration by Jem Matzan

The book was light fun material, but what really stands out is the excellent voice acting.

Love Laurence Shames (& Burt the Shirt of course!)

eat author. Something for everybody from mob bosses to Chihuahua lovers to strong women finding their strides. I hope Larry never stops telling these wonderful stories because I enjoy them so very much.

Shames Just Gets Better!

Any additional comments?

A profoundly hilarious audiobook brimming with all the things Laurence Shames fans have come to expect—a deftly crafted story, achingly human characters, and boatloads of Key West charm.

An exciting, hilarious masterpiece

Laurence Shames is one of my all-time favorite authors, one of those rare writers who not only writes excellent books, but also writes great individual sentences. This and "Virgin Heat' (a mixed drink) are my two favorites by him. And Jem Matzan does a fabulous job of narration. Highly recommended.

Please stop with the politics!

Very poor effort. I don't know about you but when I'm lost in a book I absolutely abore the interjection of petty present day political hate mongering. It has nothing to do with the story and the author has to really streatch to include it. As weird as it sounds there have been several wonderful writers such as Stephen King and others that have let their political biases destroy their art. What's worse is the fact that the writting itself has suffered as if they lost touch with the genius they once had. I'm sure that these fellows are well enough off to have no need for their fans anymore but just the same I don't wish to pay for someone to vent their disssapointment with the present political climate no matter which side of the spectrum you're on. Another great writer who couldn't keep politics out of their work. Very sad. On the other hand for those of you who have never tried Thomas Perry (Metzgers Dog, The Butchers Boy, and Jane Whitfield series) I highly recomend him and so far he hasn't felt the need to disenfranchise those of us who couldn't give a rats tail who is supposedly in charge. Mr. Shames you have lost a customer.

very shameful, Mr. Shames

I will never buy another one of Laurence Shames books. Too bad you had to bash our president. MAGA!