Reviews

The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore

armknit's review

4.0

Great book if you can/want to suspend reality, not think too much, and just read for entertainment. It kind of reminded me of those multiple series of books out there (like Sue Grafton's) but so much more edgy, funny, slightly uncomfortable, and off the beaten path. It would be a great beach or vacation book.

cheerbrarian's review

5.0

Christopher Moore is one of my favorite authors, and I delight in introducing him to others. I selected this having never read it myself for my Book Club. You would think I might have gleaned a bit about it from the title, buuuut I didn't really think about it. It was, shall we say, a vivid step into the crazy and humorous world he has created in present day Pine Cove, California, and warrants a very health suspension of disbelief.

Primordial lizards, randy citizens, murder, zealots, drug dens, blues, anti-depressants. There is something for everyone, and by "everyone" I mean "anyone who is intrigued by this concoction of things." This is a great summer read: easy, zany, and laugh out loud fun. Overall everyone in my book club enjoyed it, so I'd put that in the w column.

I really enjoy that he uses the same characters/location in many of his other books. I have read his Christmas book, "The Stupidest Angel" several times and it takes place chronologically after this one, but it was still fun to revisit these characters, and travel a little back in time.

All in all, a solid hilarious showing by Moore who likes to throw fun characters together, shake them all up, and watch what happens.

knorbertgnorbert's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

ris0417's review

4.0

Re-read as an audiobook, same narrator as Pine Cove series #1, who is so great at being these wacky characters to life

nini_readswithcats's review

3.0

I have read many of Christopher Moores books and this one again did lead to several laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed the story and the cast of characters, however was not a huge fan of the ending.

camerronr's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

runjohnnyrun845's review

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

slowbollard's review

3.0

This was amusing. I think I liked it better than the first book of this series, but having read A Dirty Job and Lamb, I know Moore can and has done better. Everything fell short - almost funny, almost deep, almost creative. Moore's writing is where he shines and I have no complaints about that. Plot, character and world building? Not so much in this book. Still, I enjoyed it and I'm not mad at it.

kurtwombat's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 Christopher Moore was strongly recommended to me over a decade ago by I can’t remember who and I can’t remember when but I’m glad I finally dipped in my toe. Over time I have managed to add four or five of his books to my personal to-read pile at home. Early on while reading this one, I had visions of possibly donating the rest of my Moore pile to the local library for resale. It was odd and kind of engaging and mildly humorous but it hadn’t grabbed me. Something changed about midway through. All the characters locked into place and the mildly humorous became genuinely funny—and kind of  engaging became a romp.  Maybe it took me that long to adjust to the fantasy elements—or should I say one really big fantasy element named STEVE. There was a nice payoff with STEVE  and a certain pharmacist but I might have been just as happy hanging out with the regular townsfolks and their irregular problems. Oh, but I did love that set up and payoff with the pharmacist. Moore’s books are apparently quite popular and there is an element that I appreciated that may factor into it—several of the characters despite what they might be going through maintained a certain gentleness at their core. That being my shorthand for a certain candlelight of decency that hasn’t been snuffed out. (kinda reminds me of the scene from THE INCREDIBLES when the family is escaping and Mr. Incredible joyfully says, YOU KEEP TRYING TO PICK A FIGHT WITH ME BUT I’M JUST HAPPY YOUR ALIVE) While I might generally prefer a harder edge, this is done so well I warmed to it. I will be reading more Moore. 

bookgirl1209's review

3.0

OH, Christoper Moore ...you do make me chuckle.

This is not my favourite of his novels but the worst Christopher Moore is better than the best of some other authors.

Maybe if I hadn't already read Lamb, I would rate this one higher but Lamb set the bar and that bar is waaaaay up there.