Big Maria is a thoroughly entertaining tail of 3 no hopers on an unlikely treasure hunt. It's laugh out loud funny, exciting and moving by turns and proves that characters don't have to be likeable to be engaging. I really liked it. ( )

I became Johnny Shaw's fan after reading his Jimmy Veeder Fiasco series and reading Big Maria has done nothing to change my mind!

Three losers form an odd alliance to embark on a hunt for a huge amount of gold, hidden a hundred years ago in the Big Maria mine, presently located in the mountains and canyons that form the artillery range of the U.S. Army. They face unexpected challenges at every step and blunder along undeterred, aided by divine providence or just dumb luck. The quest, while testing their endurance and perseverance and faith, brings out of them the best features they themselves are unaware of. The story is both riotously funny and touchingly heartwarming at the same time. The well-etched characters, right down to the couple of burros, are crazy, eccentric and appalling at times, but are memorable and inspire the reader's sympathy. The plot moves along at a fast clip and the dialogues are tremendously enjoyable.

I am not a big fan of toilet humour and there is quite some amount of it in this novel, though it does not feel forced and hence is forgivable. The ending, though quite satisfactory, feels a bit rushed. Other than that, Big Maria is a fantastic tale of courage, optimism and friendship told with a huge amount of craziness and humour that is essential to survive the tough times such as the present, and I rate it 4.5 out of 5! ( )

Thought I would give Johnny Shaw a second chance after finding Dove Season kind of average. I liked this one even less. Harry, Ricky, and Frank are three losers, down on their luck, but they form a friendship and seek to find a cache of gold in a long forgotten mine. If you like zany chaos, you may like this, but don't expect the Coen brothers. Funny at times, but not very satisfying, at least for me.
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this book reminded me very much of Lord of the rings. a quest against enormous odds. but if Elmore Leonard had written it rather than Tolkien. fundamentally this describes the nature of friendship and how it is tested in adversity. easy to read and very funny in places.

A good read for sure - this book's got it all - alcohol, drugs, crime, action, adventure, humor, pathos, donkeys and many name brand snacks. ( )