This was truly a fun read.

It had its fair share of ups and downs. At times, the story took unexpected turns that made my heart race. The downs were like small obstacles that added to the excitement and anticipation.

However, it was the ups that truly shone through. They were like rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds, bringing joy and a sense of fulfillment.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, the overall experience was worthwhile. It left me with a smile on my face and a feeling of satisfaction.

I would highly recommend this read to anyone looking for an entertaining and engaging story that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

The story presents a very dark and frenetic humor, filled with an overabundance of ridiculously strange characters who exist on the margins of society. One might argue that the police officers could be considered somewhat normal, but that's a stretch. It's truly very funny and would make an outrageously wild movie, complete with lots of slapstick comedy and insane, absurd situations.

While I wouldn't necessarily want to read a large number of books with a similar style, "Stormy Weather" was indeed a unique and good experience for me.

The story is set in Florida, which makes one wonder if everyone in Florida is really like the characters portrayed in this book. It gives a rather interesting and perhaps exaggerated view of the people and the atmosphere in that location.

Overall, it's a book that stands out for its distinct humor and the vivid portrayal of its outlandish characters and settings.

George Wilson's reading is truly awesome!

His voice has a unique charm that can bring the words on the page to life.

As he reads, you can't help but be drawn into the story, feeling every emotion and experiencing every moment along with the characters.

Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking piece of literature, George Wilson's reading makes it even more enjoyable and engaging.

He has a remarkable ability to convey the author's intended meaning and tone, adding his own personal touch to make the reading experience truly unforgettable.

So, if you ever have the opportunity to listen to George Wilson read, don't hesitate - it's an experience you won't want to miss!

This book truly stands out as it features my all-time favorite Hiaasen character, Skink. I found myself completely immersed in its pages and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

The main plot of the story revolves around the devastating effects of a hurricane and the unscrupulous scammers who emerge in the aftermath, preying on the vulnerable people who have lost everything. It's a harsh reality that is brought to life in a captivating way.

Interwoven throughout the narrative is a secondary theme that delves into how overpopulation, along with the subsequent development and the influx of tourism, has led to significant environmental loss and decay. It's a thought-provoking aspect that makes the reader reflect on the consequences of our actions.

However, in true Hiaasen form, the diverse cast of characters adds a touch of humor to these very real and serious problems. Their antics and personalities bring a lightheartedness to the story, making it not only interesting and informative but also highly entertaining. This book is a wonderful blend of drama, comedy, and social commentary that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

This was my favorite Carl Hiaasen book.

I read it long ago, but this time I listened to the audio book and truly enjoyed it.

It can be a bit dangerous driving while listening to his books as they are just outrageously funny.

I feel so terrible that his brother was murdered in Annapolis while I was indulging in this book.

The story in the book is filled with unique characters and absurd situations that keep you entertained from start to finish.

Hiaasen's writing style is engaging and his sense of humor is on point.

Listening to the audio book added a new dimension to the experience, as the narrator brought the characters to life.

Despite the tragic event that occurred in his family, Hiaasen's talent for creating humorous and captivating stories remains intact.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh and an enjoyable read.

After a truly devastating hurricane wreaks havoc on large portions of Florida, unsuspecting newlywed Bonnie discovers an unexpected side of her husband: Max has a penchant for being a lookie-loo. He desires to capture video of the aftermath and make a profit from the footage. However, when an escaped monkey from a wildlife preserve steals Max's camera, he is encountered by a mysterious stranger who takes great umbrage at his callous behavior and kidnaps him. This leaves Bonnie floundering in the windblown disaster area, grappling with confusion over the kind of man she married.

From there, Bonnie meets Augustine, who inherited the escaped monkeys and the preserve they came from but was unable to safely board them before the hurricane hit. Together, they join forces to uncover what happened to Max. Meanwhile, a scam-hungry woman named Edie arrives in town, convinced she can pose as a hurricane victim and collect injury money or commit insurance fraud. She teams up with an underhanded salesman, a vile criminal, and a corrupt insurance man.

In the midst of it all, Skink, the mysterious stranger who kidnapped Max, has his own lessons to impart. But not before he gets high on toad sweat and becomes embroiled in the confusion himself, amidst crucified salesmen, criminals being gnawed by wild animals, name-changing prostitutes, and police with connections. When Bonnie finds herself on a jaunt with her husband's kidnapper and the skull-juggling Augustine, she must make a decision about her relationship with Max, who seems far more concerned about his cigarette ads than his own kidnapping or his wife's whereabouts. But first, she'll have to avoid getting shot by any of the many Florida weirdos orbiting her predicament.

This is a unique blend of a mystery, a crime book, and an adventure story, filled with enough bizarre humor to keep you entertained if traditional murder mysteries are too dark for your taste. Even better, it truly showcases the essence of Floridians. This state is teeming with people just like those described in the story, and it may be even more believable if you actually reside here. Florida has a distinct brand of weirdness that Hiaasen captures perfectly every time. The turns of phrase are often clever, the dialogue is natural, the characters are somewhat fun (albeit a little two-dimensional at times, especially the "bad guys"), and you're constantly left wondering where the author will take you next. I highly recommend it for its humor and its portrayal of Florida.

The original article: 3.5/5

Expanded article:

The score of 3.5/5 indicates a certain level of performance or quality. It shows that there is a reasonable degree of achievement, but also leaves room for improvement. This score might suggest that while some aspects are quite good, there are still areas that could be enhanced to reach a higher level. For example, in a product review, a 3.5/5 score could mean that the product functions well overall, but perhaps has a few minor flaws or could offer more features. In an academic assessment, it might imply that the student has grasped the basic concepts but could work on improving their understanding or performance in specific areas. Overall, a 3.5/5 score is a useful indication that can guide further development and refinement.

Though the story may seem formulaic and filled with the same kind of characters as the three or four other stories I've perused. There are super-confident women who unrelentingly utilize sex to obtain whatever they desire. Then there are men who are so dumb and desperate that they fall for such tactics. And an assortment of circus/zoo freaks that come to life in a many-pronged Keystone-type plot.

However, I have discovered that reading a Hiaasen book every few years serves to cleanse the palate between serious literary undertakings. It offers a lighthearted and entertaining escape from the more profound and weighty works. Hiaasen's writing style is engaging and humorous, making it a pleasure to read. Even though the characters and plot may follow a somewhat familiar pattern, there is still something unique and enjoyable about each of his books.

It's like a palate cleanser that refreshes the mind and allows for a different kind of literary experience. So, despite the formulaic nature, I continue to look forward to reading Hiaasen's books every now and then.

This book is truly remarkable -- that is, if you have an appreciation for Carl Hiaasen's unique writing style. His works often fall into the category of an acquired taste, yet for those who possess a frenetic, dark, and irreverent sense of humor, they are a perfect match. In fact, it's quite possible that those two characteristics are one and the same.

Set during the powerful hurricane known as the "Storm of the Century", this book weaves together the seemingly ordinary aspects of society with those on the fringes. Naturally, in classic Hiaasen fashion, the lines between the two become blurred as well.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Hiaasen's vivid descriptions bring the characters and the chaotic world they inhabit to life, making it a truly engaging read for those who enjoy a bit of the unusual and the humorous.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Hiaasen or new to his work, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I read a Hiaasen novel every single year.

It's truly remarkable how he crafts such a diverse and engaging set of Florida man characters.

No one else seems to be able to capture the essence and idiosyncrasies of these unique individuals quite like he does.

His stories are filled with colorful personalities, each with their own quirks and flaws.

From the eccentric locals to the outlandish newcomers, Hiaasen's Florida man characters bring the state to life in the most vivid and entertaining way.

Whether it's a bumbling criminal, a conniving politician, or a well-meaning but misguided hero, you can always count on a Hiaasen novel to introduce you to a cast of characters that will keep you laughing, gasping, and turning the pages.

Year after year, I look forward to diving into the world of Hiaasen's Florida man characters and experiencing their wild adventures.

Hiaasen's writing style brought to my mind Christopher Moore's, although I'm not sure who came first. I must admit that while Hiaasen has a great sense of 'dry, black humour', which is exactly what I like, and presents a couple of crazy characters who find themselves in strange situations, I didn't laugh (or even smile, for that matter) as much as I did when reading a Moore novel recently.

There are two more books by Hiaasen sitting on my shelf, and I will surely give them a try. After all, in my opinion, 3 stars is quite good. Maybe these other books will be funnier and will manage to elicit more laughter from me. I'm looking forward to seeing if Hiaasen can win me over completely with his next works.

Hiaasen is truly one of my all-time favorite authors. What I deeply appreciate about him is that he devotes his writing to the crucial cause of saving nature and animals, even if his focus is initially only on Florida. After all, as they say, one has to start somewhere. His works are filled with characters that are not only quirky but also uproariously funny, capable of making readers laugh out loud. Hiaasen is indeed a premier satirist, using his unique writing style to shine a light on various aspects of society and the environment. His stories not only entertain but also raise awareness and inspire readers to take action. Whether it's through the antics of his unforgettable characters or the thought-provoking themes he explores, Hiaasen's books have a lasting impact on those who read them.