The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove

The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove

Author: Christopher Moore
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Lydia

Recommended to me by a good friend, The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove is my introduction to Christopher Moore's work. Outrageous and uproariously funny, I listened to this audiobook in the car, and I can only imagine that I looked like a cackling, grinning, laughing fool to my fellow drivers.

Moore’s book takes place in a small town named Pine Cove. Simply put, there are some odd things occurring. The town psychiatrist has decided to secretly substitute everyone’s medication with placebos, there is a suspicious suicide, and lastly, there a rare underwater sea beast has emerged from the depths of the ocean (but to know more about that part, you must read the book).

The story is told in short chapters from the different points of view of each character in the story—of which there are a lot. One detriment is that Moore stuffs his book so full of funny, crazy, people that at first it is hard to differentiate between all the funny, crazy people that he introduces us to. However, this is merely a small criticism, and one that diminishes as you read further into the book.

While nothing too heavy, Moore’s piece manages to be lighthearted and fun—just the combination I want to listen to on my way home from a long day at work or school. Overall, the book could be a little shorter, feature less characters, and explore the mystery—which is at the heart of this novel—a little more fully. Still, I am now hooked on Moore’s exuberant style, and I foresee many more cackling, grinning, laughing car rides in my, and your, future. Enjoy.