Carl Hiaasen books, along with those by Tim Dorsey, have truly become my absolute favorite summer reads.

I first discovered both of these remarkable authors two summers ago, and ever since, I have been stockpiling their books in anticipation of the warm weather.

Interestingly, they are also fantastic reads when visiting Florida. It's not just because of the warm climate there, although that surely doesn't harm the experience.

The real reason is that it's the setting for both authors' books.

Both writers follow a certain formula that serves as the framework for their novels, but these books are far from being formulaic.

The formula involves establishing a diverse range of characters, with story lines that intertwine and weave in and out of each other.

At some point, these story lines either intersect, collide, or even combust.

However, that's just a basic roadmap. Everything else that unfolds is pretty much wild, off-the-wall crazy chaos.

Hiaasen has two recurring characters in many of his books, namely Skink and his semi-protector Trouper Jim Tile.

The amazing, funny, and sometimes scary Skink, with his off-center moral compass, takes center stage in this particular book and in any Hiaasen book where he appears.

Skink is a strangely frightening contradiction in terms, yet he is always true to himself, and he brings a smile to my face every time he shows up in a book.

I've just begun another Hiaasen book where Skink is absent, and although I'm enjoying it, I do find myself missing him.

So far, I have listened to four Hiaasen books, and each one has been narrated by George Wilson, who is absolutely pitch perfect for these books.

I simply can't imagine anyone else reading them.

Whenever I think of Hiaasen and Skink, I immediately hear Wilson's voice in my mind.

Dark, sarcastic humor abounds in this story, with my favorite "hero," the former governor turned recluse, Skink.

The lives of several people are intertwined and affected by a major hurricane that has barreled through Southern Florida. Stormy weather seems to follow them everywhere.

Take the two honeymooners who were at Disney. The new husband, instead of enjoying the honeymoon, sets off to gawk at the destruction and perhaps shoot some video that he can sell. Little does he know that he will be kidnapped by Skink.

The new wife, frustrated with her husband's callous excitement about the hurricane, finds herself in a new situation after his kidnapping. She joins forces with the bored, wealthy, and decent Augustus, who has an unusual hobby of juggling skulls to relax. Augustus is trying to track down the animals that have escaped from the sanctuary he recently inherited.

There is also a woman who was trying to snag a Kennedy into a sex scandal. She gets caught up with a low-life grifter who is trying to make some easy insurance money off of the hurricane. And there are others as well, each with their own story and role to play.

It's a typical Hiaasen book, where we bounce from character to character, following their adventures and misadventures. It's an enjoyable and fun read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I have a profound love for Hiaasen books, especially those that feature the former governor, Skink.

Yes, indeed. Former governor. Skink. Just those words should give you a good idea of what to expect from Hiaasen's works.

Hiaasen has a unique and rich style of storytelling. His books are filled with a plethora of characters, all of whom are vividly and deeply drawn. Many of them take turns as narrators, offering different perspectives and points of view as the story unfolds. This is one of the aspects that I cherish the most about his books. Everything often culminates in farcical situations, with the characters getting themselves increasingly mired in absurd circumstances.

Occasionally, the narrative takes a step back and is presented as seen by a new observer in a particular situation. The reader is fully aware of who these people are and precisely what kind of craziness is transpiring, but the onlooker/narrator is not. This outside perspective serves as a reminder of just how ridiculous the whole scenario has become.

This particular book delves into the abhorrent ways in which people behave in the wake of a natural disaster. Clearly inspired by the real and heinous activities of fraudsters who descended upon Florida after Hurricane Andrew, Hiaasen brings together a few good guys, a few bad guys, and some who are a blend of both (i.e., humans) and explores the comical possibilities that can emerge in a twisting tale of vigilante justice.

So bad I can't even finish it.

This statement implies a sense of extreme dissatisfaction or disappointment. It could refer to a variety of things, such as a book, a movie, a meal, or a task.

When something is described as "so bad," it suggests that it fails to meet even the most basic expectations. It might be poorly written, acted, prepared, or executed.

The inability to finish it further emphasizes the level of awfulness. It indicates that the experience is so unpleasant or unappealing that one simply cannot endure it until the end.

Perhaps the story is convoluted and makes no sense, the special effects are cheesy and distracting, the food is tasteless and undercooked, or the task is overly complicated and frustrating.

In any case, "so bad I can't even finish it" is a powerful indictment that conveys a strong negative impression.

A major hurricane, perhaps Andrew, lashes the area near Miami, and Hiaasen revels in depicting the chaotic aftermath.

His ensemble of characters is truly flawless. There are the wily grifters, the clueless tourists who are completely out of their element, the overworked cops struggling to maintain order, the hookers plying their trade, the hobos with mysterious pasts, the cheating building industry figures, the corrupt insurance adjusters on the take, and both the straight and the crooked criminals.

The story is filled with a high quotient of moments that bring a smile to your face, with a few hearty chuckles thrown in for good measure. While it may seem like mindless entertainment at first glance, the clever writing and unexpected twists keep you firmly engaged in the plot. So far, every single one of his books has provided solid entertainment that keeps readers coming back for more.

It's 2020.

And I found myself in desperate need of a dose of Skink. Any questions?

I could have left it at that, but being someone who was raised in South Florida, this book truly took me on a journey back in time. Andrew and its aftermath was an absolute nightmare. The fraudsters who swarmed Dade County were simply overwhelming. The scene where a truckload of them trailed Neria Torres down the Turnpike felt all too real. And let's not even begin to talk about the corrupt builders and their equally deceitful inspectors. I'm so glad to see that Mr Hiaasen has skewered them all. Please, keep the great work coming!

This book not only entertained me but also brought back memories of a time when South Florida was dealing with the chaos and aftermath of a major event. It's a reminder of the importance of exposing fraud and corruption and the power of a good story to do just that.

I can't wait to see what Mr Hiaasen has in store for us next.

I'm a huge fan of Hiaasen, mainly because of the sense of comfort his works bring. This particular one was yet another of his classic formulas, and it entertained me throughout.

Skink could potentially be my all-time favorite portrayal of a true Florida Man. His character is so vivid and unique, adding a special charm to the story.

The way Hiaasen weaves the plot and develops the characters is truly remarkable. It keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end, with no dull moments in between.

Overall, this book is a great addition to Hiaasen's collection and a must-read for any fan of his work or anyone who enjoys a good, entertaining story set in the Sunshine State.

In this remarkable book, Hiaasen accomplishes a truly outstanding feat. He masterfully blends a modern noir narrative with patches of dark hilarity, much like the Coen Brothers' Fargo.

It is a captivating tale of grifters operating in post-hurricane-Andrew Florida. These con artists prey on the victims who have just endured a terrible natural disaster.

Take Snapper, for instance. He is a grifter whose jaw was rearranged by a game warden. His menacing nature is almost comically stupid, and he requires a part-time prostitute named Edie to mediate between him and the rest of the world. Naturally, Edie and Snapper are not only fleecing the hurricane victims but also trying to con each other.

Then enters Skink, the Florida ex-governor with mental health issues. Surprisingly, Skink turns out to be the good guy in this twisted story.

Hiaasen, an environmental activist, subtly inserts his cause into the tale, adding an extra layer of depth. Overall, this book is a great read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

You never know what to expect from Hiaasen, but it is always a fun ride. His works are like a wild adventure that takes you through various aspects of society. He fearlessly skewers consumerism, tourism, capitalism, government, and just about anything else you can name. With each sharp critique, he exposes the absurdities and flaws that exist within our modern world. And as a reader, I couldn't help but cheer along with each skewer. It's like he's on a mission to make us see the truth and laugh at the same time. His writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making you question the things you take for granted. Whether you're a fan of satire or just looking for a good read, Hiaasen's books are sure to deliver a memorable experience.

I ride Muni, and during these rides, I have discovered the wonderful world of Carl Hiaasen's literature. Carl Hiaasen writes clever and enjoyable farces that are somewhat facile, yet they make for excellent reads on Muni. As a result, I have devoured an unconscionable amount of his work.

His stories follow a rather formulaic pattern. They usually involve an eccentric or reclusive Floridian, our hero, whose life improbably intersects with a greedy sleazeball and his wife or girlfriend. In the end, the hero gets the girl, the sleazeball gets his comeuppance, and even more unsavory characters meet their demise in satisfyingly ironic ways. In short, it's good clean fun, kind of like a slightly hipper and more ecologically conscious version of Elmore Leonard.

Given the formulaic nature of these novels, I have developed a theorem to determine what makes one Hiaasen novel more enjoyable than another. Throughout Hiaasen's body of work, there is a wonderful recurring character, namely Clinton Tyree, the one-eyed ex-governor of Florida, also known as "Skink". My Theory on the Enjoyment Factor of Carl Hiaasen Novels, or "the Skink Index", states that the quality of a Hiaasen novel is directly proportional to the prominence of Skink in the novel. "Stormy Weather" has the highest "Skink Index" of any Hiaasen novel I have read to date, and therefore it is my favorite.

Meanwhile, I'm still eagerly waiting for my copy of "Driftless Area". As a different Floridian once wrote, "You take it on faith, you take it from the heart, the wa-a-aiting is the hardest part." Or as Carly Simon put it, "Anticipation is making me wait." I'm as much a proponent of stating the obvious as anybody can be, but I'm still not sure if that line is really stupid or really clever.

Really, it's a 3.5, but I rounded it up because it actually made me laugh.

It follows a rather formulaic plot where good ultimately triumphs over evil.

The story features the typical cast of characters. There are the carpetbaggers, those opportunistic individuals who come in to take advantage of a situation.

There are also the prostitutes, adding a touch of the seedy underbelly to the narrative.

Then there are the innocents abroad, perhaps naive and unaware of the true nature of the world they have entered.

And let's not forget the former Florida governor who has now turned into a toad smoking, roadkill eating eco terrorist. It's an absurd and comical addition to the mix, making the story all the more entertaining and unique.

Overall, while it may not be the most original or profound piece of work, it does have its charm and manages to bring a smile to the reader's face.

Many people seem to find this particular author highly amusing. However, I must admit that I am not among that group. My personal taste in literary humor leans more towards the style of Kurt Vonnegut. When I read Vonnegut's works, it feels as if I am watching the comical genius of Chaplin unfold on the page. The way he weaves together satire, absurdity, and social commentary is truly captivating. On the other hand, when I read Hiaasen, it gives me the impression of watching the antics of the Three Stooges. There is a certain level of slapstick and over-the-top silliness that, while perhaps entertaining to some, just doesn't quite hit the mark for me. I prefer the more nuanced and thought-provoking brand of humor that Vonnegut offers.