This book was rather like reading a tabloid.

It presented a series of stories and events that seemed to be designed to shock and titillate, much like the headlines and articles found in a tabloid newspaper.

However, the difference was that I found myself caring less about the people between the covers.

Perhaps it was because the characters were not developed in a way that made them seem real or relatable.

Or maybe it was because the stories were so outlandish and over-the-top that they lost any sense of authenticity.

Whatever the reason, I found myself skimming through the pages, not really invested in what was happening to the characters or how the story would end.

In the end, I was left with a feeling of disappointment, as if I had wasted my time reading something that was ultimately forgettable.

Fool me twice, shame on me. What on earth was I thinking taking on a second installment by the same author responsible for writing Star Island? As if that calamitous wonder wasn't bad enough, this glutton for punishment nevertheless vowed to forge his way through Stormy Weather simply because it was sitting there on his desk for the taking. Don't know why there's no sun up in the sky.

This time the author presents a chaotic mix of cartoonish characters. Their lives intersect improbably after an unnamed hurricane devastates South Florida. Bonnie and Max, New York newlyweds honeymooning in Orlando, choose to head south into the heart of the destruction. Max is soon kidnapped by Skink, a misanthropic ex-governor who lives in the Everglades. Meanwhile, Bonnie takes up with Augustine, a freewheeling hunk.

The seductive Edie and deformed-jaw Snapper are two more unsavory characters. They aim to defraud an insurance company. Their plans go awry as they become entangled with others and the police. Enduring this book was like a punishment. It's filled with crimes and a lack of regard for decency. The author idealizes Skink, which is inexplicable. The book is a waste of time and is awful.

What's beyond comprehension are the advertising soundbites on the cover. Reputable outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine call it "Hilarious!" and "Raucous Good Fun!" There is nothing funny about this book. The closest it gets to a chuckle is an occasional wry observation. The irony is the author's disdain for the advertising industry while using misleading ads on his own book cover. I will not make the same mistake and read anything more by this author.

Note to self: Checking something out from the library doesn't mean you have to finish it. Amazingly, if you return it promptly, the library will take it back. And the best part? The library won't charge you to get rid of rubbish like this!

Stormy Weather is yet another delightful installment in the Skink series by Carl Hiaasen.

It showcases all the trademarks that make his work so engaging. The plotting is filled with amusement, the characters are enjoyable, the scumbags finally get what they deserve, and there's some sharp commentary on the underhanded dealings in Florida, along with a celebration of the state's wonders.

This time around, the scumbaggery centers on the exploitation of hurricane victims. Corrupt politicians and inspectors allow unsafe building practices, leading to the widespread destruction of homes. Meanwhile, various scammers and cowboys take advantage of those in desperate need of shelter after a storm.

The plot is, as one might expect, quite complicated. But in essence, a cast of dodgy characters misbehave, while a couple of others act honorably. And both Jim Tile and Skink are there to dish out a measure of appropriate and restorative justice.

In short, Stormy Weather is classic Hiaasen, making it thoroughly readable and enjoyable from start to finish.

"Stormy Weather" by Carl Hiaasen, published by Alfred A. Knopf, is a captivating mystery/comedy. It was released in August 1995. This series is truly outstanding, and I can't resist slipping one into my reading rotation every now and then, even when I'm focused on current titles.

Hurricane Andrew may be a distant memory, but its impact on South Florida was unforgettable. This novel, while humorous, doesn't shy away from addressing the real problems that the hurricane brought. A newlywed couple finds themselves at odds when the husband wants to video the devastation for profit, while the wife prefers the safety of the hotel. They soon find themselves in the middle of an insurance scam and face off against the crazy characters that Hiaasen is known for, not to mention the wild animals that were set loose by the hurricane.
The novel also features Skink, an ex-governor of Florida who is as eccentric as they come, and his buddy on the Florida Highway Patrol. "Stormy Weather" is a light and easy read that will leave you completely satisfied and eager to pick up another installment by Carl Hiaasen.

This book was truly hilarious, and the characters were incredibly diverse.

I had no idea that this was part of a series, but I absolutely adored the crazy, ultra-intelligent, gross, and scrupulous character that Carl Hiaasen crafted in Skink (the ex-governor).

Florida has just endured a devastating hurricane, and in the midst of the homeless people and the vultures who come to scam them, CH weaves a story that is both hysterical and has a balanced sense of redemption.

If you're up for a wild romp through the Everglades with a wonderfully clever and kooky cast, then this might just be the perfect book for you.

It offers a unique blend of humor, adventure, and social commentary that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

The vivid descriptions of the Florida landscape and the colorful characters make this book a truly engaging read.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, comedy, or just a good story, you won't be disappointed with this book.

So, grab a copy and get ready to embark on a hilarious and unforgettable adventure with Skink and his motley crew.

This was the very first Carl Hiaasen book that I had the opportunity to read. It was also probably the first instance of "popular" not-quite-literary fiction that I'd delved into for quite a long while. I had been engrossed in reading far too much heavy material like "Under the Volcano" and "The Savage Detectives" etc. and was really looking forward to a light, fast-paced read that would also offer some good laughs. Moreover, I had always heard that Hiaasen was the perfect embodiment of what they refer to as a "beach read." Additionally, I was intrigued by the fact that all his books are set in Florida. Since I spent my childhood years living there, I was curious to see if the prose would effectively convey a sense of place. However, my memories of the sunshine state are rather vague at this point.

As you can clearly see from the two stars I gave, I was a bit let down. The utilization of the setting really seemed only mediocre for a writer whose reputation is so significantly defined by writing about a particular place. Hiaasen appears to possess a journalist's understanding of the small-scale politics and social relationships in Florida, such as the contrast between trailer parks and mansions on the shore or Miami versus the interior. But any truly tactile kind of description would have hindered the crime/thriller plot. Consequently, the book didn't really transport me as much as I had hoped it would.

The plot centered around insurance fraud in the aftermath of a hurricane. In the opening chapters, the book moved at a brisk pace, catching you off guard with several funny moments. Nevertheless, once all the elements were in place for things to start resolving themselves, I realized that the outcome was rather predictable. The plot sort of ground to a halt and there wasn't an adequate amount of humor to make it seem truly worthwhile to continue.

It wasn't all that terrible though. I might read another Hiaasen book sometime this summer and see if he has improved. But as for "Stormy Weather," it was just average.

Quirky characters bring this thriller to life. Set during and after a hurricane that strikes the Miami area, it's a story full of twists and turns. Newlyweds Bonnie and Max Lamb decide to visit the aftermath. Max's eagerness to videotape the destruction sets off a chain of events that disrupts their lives. Insurance scammers, a former governor, and several other memorable characters are added to the mix, making the plot increasingly complex.

However, keeping track of all the characters can be a bit of a challenge. It's the biggest drawback of this novel. But don't let that deter you. There are plenty of humorous moments scattered throughout the story that will keep you entertained. The author has done a great job of creating a vivid and engaging world, filled with unique and interesting characters.

Overall, this thriller is a must-read for fans of the genre. It's a fast-paced and exciting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Despite its flaws, it's a highly enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more.

Disappointing. This is the first word that comes to my mind when I think about this particular experience. However, I must admit that I am currently feeling rather generous. Perhaps it's because I'm in a relatively good mood today, or maybe I'm trying to look at the brighter side of things. But still, when it comes to rating this, I can only give it 2 out of 10 stars. It really didn't meet my expectations at all. There were so many aspects that could have been improved. The quality was subpar, the service was lacking, and the overall experience just left me feeling dissatisfied. I had hoped for so much more, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver. Maybe next time, things will be better.

This book is not the best, as some of the humor it contains is simply too crass for my taste.

It's not the worst either, but it definitely has its flaws.

I can't help but think that the author might have been in an altered state, perhaps smoking toad, when he penned this work.

The writing style is a bit disjointed at times, and the story doesn't always flow smoothly.

However, there are still some redeeming qualities.

The characters are somewhat interesting, and there are a few moments that made me chuckle.

Overall, it's a mediocre read that could have been much better with a bit more polish and refinement.

I'm not sure if I would recommend it to others, but if you're looking for something a little different and don't mind a bit of crass humor, it might be worth a try.

Funny stuff set in the aftermath of a hurricane, yeah, I know, trust me. It's like a crazy and chaotic scene that unfolds with all kinds of unexpected and humorous situations. People are dealing with the mess left behind, but there's a certain charm and lightheartedness to it all.

Page 203 - Augustine had no chance, not when Bonnie's hair smelled like bougainvilleas. It's such a strange and wonderful detail. Augustine is probably completely smitten by the sweet and exotic scent of Bonnie's hair. Maybe it's like a magical spell that has him under its charm. He can't resist the allure of her and is completely taken aback.

It makes you wonder what kind of adventures and interactions will follow between Augustine and Bonnie. Will their encounter lead to more humorous and heartwarming moments? Only time will tell, but it's definitely a story that has the potential to be filled with laughter and love.

The writer's skill has vastly improved.

This is truly the best book in the Skink series to date.

It presents a highly complicated story that delves deep into how every single person involved is significantly impacted by a powerful hurricane.

Not only that, but it also vividly describes how they entered and then exited each other's worlds.

The detailed descriptions and the intricate plot make this book a captivating read.

It keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what will happen next.

The characters are well-developed, and their emotions and experiences are portrayed in a very realistic manner.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of the Skink series and anyone who enjoys a good, complex story.

We have happily and with a big smile on our lips completely immersed ourselves in the crazy, jet-black and hilarious reality that Carl Hiaasen has created with his pen.

After a hurricane wreaks havoc along the coast of Florida, the hard-hit Palm Beach attracts a legion of flat opportunists, the most chirpy (and less chirpy) swindlers and other more or less sour and colorful ramp tourists. One wants to defraud the insurance, another to settle old scores, someone wants to profit from someone else's misfortune, another is hopelessly hunting for the escaped wild animals from his uncle's zoo or sees the opportunity to give his ex-wife a good kick.

With a pen soaked in vitriol and jet-black humor, Carl Hiaasen has woven a wildly fast web of intrigues, subplots and action full of unforgettable characters. "Hurricane" reads like a train and nowhere do you get lost in the well-constructed puzzle, of which Hiaasen neatly fits all the pieces in his plot. Tarantinesque entertainment of a high level!