Point of View

The author uses a third person perspective in the narrative. This is appropriate given the numerous characters in the novel and the fact that there is not one character who is constantly with the others. By using this point of view, the author gives a unique perspective to readers as he sometimes uses humor to explain events. For example, when Merry leaves Coolman and attaches herself to Yancy, the author writes, "She'd waltzed off to dine with her new friend, Inspector Yancy. Just the two of them, of course" (109). This perspective also allows the author to easily give readers background information as he does with he tells readers about the rats and introduces them to Clippy's. It is like the author is the reader's friend, guiding him or her through the wacky world of Key West. The narrator's voice builds well-defined characters.

The use of...