If you're a fan of madcap crime stories bursting with offbeat characters and witty, razor-sharp dialogue, this book is right up your alley. Set in sun-soaked, strange Florida, "Maximum Bob" delivers dark humor, a wild cast – including gator-wrangling criminals, a tough probation officer, and an unhinged judge – and situations that are both hilarious and sinister. Elmore Leonard’s trademark style shines with fast pacing, punchy exchanges, and plenty of bizarre twists. Anyone who loves Carl Hiaasen, quirky mysteries, or a fresh take on crime fiction will eat this up.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone will vibe with the zany antics and eccentric personalities - some found the characters too clichéd or one-dimensional, and felt the plot was a little thin or all over the place. If you prefer tightly-plotted mysteries, more realistic drama, or struggle with an out-of-place supernatural touch, you might find this one a bit off-key. Readers new to Elmore Leonard may want to start with one of his more universally acclaimed novels.

A fun, off-the-wall crime caper with biting humor and colorful oddballs - a tasty treat for Leonard fans, but maybe not his tightest work.

About:

"Maximum Bob" by Elmore Leonard is a humorous and quirky crime fiction novel set in Florida, revolving around Judge Bob Gibbs, known for handing out maximum sentences to convicts. The plot involves a cast of colorful characters, including Bob's new age wife, a group of criminals and losers, and an alligator placed in his backyard as part of a scheme to get rid of his wife. The story unfolds with misadventures, justice, and unexpected twists typical of Leonard's writing style.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of quirky and deeply flawed individuals, including a strong female protagonist and a corrupt judge, along with criminals and oddball figures.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by humor, sharp dialogue, and vibrant descriptions, creating a fast-paced and offbeat narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a controversial judge facing threats against his life, with unusual stakeouts involving an alligator and a web of eccentric characters.

Setting:

Set in Palm Beach County, Florida, the location amplifies the story's quirky elements and unique social dynamics.

Pacing:

Pacing is quick and engaging, although some readers feel it loses cohesion as the story unfolds, yet it remains entertaining with humor and twists.

Dale Crowe Junior told Kathy Baker, his probation officer, he didn’t see where he had done anything wrong. He had gone to the go-go bar to meet a buddy of his, had one beer, that’s all, while he was w...

Notes:

The main character, Judge Bob Gibbs, is called Maximum Bob because he gives maximum sentences for minor crimes.

Bob's wife, Leanne, is a former Weeki Wachee mermaid who sometimes acts like a long-dead slave girl.

A live ten-foot alligator is placed in Bob's backyard, which adds a bizarre twist to the story.

Kathy Baker, the probation officer, becomes entangled in the judge's life and a dangerous plot against him.

There are many quirky characters in the book, including a drugged-out former doctor and his bizarre friend.

The story takes place in Florida, known for its unique and eccentric environment.

Elmore Leonard, the author, is known for his clever dialogue and humor, which shine through in this novel.

The book mixes crime fiction with elements of dark comedy and absurdity.

Leonard's writing often involves intertwining plots, which keeps readers intrigued despite occasional chaotic elements.

Maximum Bob was adapted into a summer TV series, but it didn't fully capture the essence of the book.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include references to violence, drug use, and sexual themes.

Has Romance?

There is a notable romance subplot involving Kathy Baker and Judge Bob Gibbs, adding layers to the narrative.

From The Publisher:

A character so outrageous he could only have come from the ingenious imagination of Elmore Leonard, lewd, lecherous, law-bending Florida jurist Judge Robert "Maximum Bob" Gibbs has been judged guilty by a grudge-bearing malefactor and sentenced to death-by alligator, if necessary. Maximum Bob is a delightfully dark classic thriller from "the greatest crime writer of our time, perhaps ever" (New York Times Book Review), and any reader who loved getting gleefully lost in criminal mayhem of Get Shorty, Rum Punch, Out of Sight, The Hot Kid, or any number of the inimitable Leonard's numerous crime fiction masterworks will get maximum enjoyment out of this one.

1991

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352 pages

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Maximum Bob

Elmore Leonard

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