This was my very first Carl Hiaasen novel, and it was truly the one that managed to hook me completely on reading his remarkable work.

A truly terrible hurricane has just forcefully blown through the beautiful state of Florida. And in its destructive wake, a most diverse cast of characters, whom few writers other than the brilliant Hiaasen could ever assemble, find that their lives have been completely turned upside down.

The story is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, along with moments of such tight suspense that you can hardly breathe. And yet, it also has those wonderful laugh-out-loud moments that bring a smile to your face.

This novel truly encapsulates everything that Hiaasen readers have come to anticipate and love. It's a masterful work that combines drama, excitement, and humor in the most perfect way.

Hiaasen has once again delivered an outstanding book.

This particular one might just be my absolute favorite.

The story is filled with his trademark wit, humor, and engaging characters.

It takes the reader on a wild adventure through a world that is both familiar and yet completely unique.

Hiaasen's writing style is so captivating that it's impossible to put the book down once you start.

Each page is filled with excitement and anticipation, leaving you eager to find out what happens next.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Hiaasen or new to his work, this book is sure to delight and entertain.

It's a must-read for anyone who loves a great story with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart.

I can't wait to see what Hiaasen comes up with next.

This isn't really the sort of book that I usually have a passion for reading. There was simply nothing in it that grabbed my attention on a personal level.

However, at the same time, it was truly engaging and a great example of what I have come to anticipate from the author. Of course, he employs his typical trick of making the villains those who engage in activities that harm the environment and profit from human suffering.

This book focuses on the aftermath of a hurricane. I read this book in installments partly because a hurricane struck my state while I was in the middle of reading it. I had some difficulty concentrating on it and keeping track of the numerous strange characters. But then again, that was probably my fault given the circumstances.

I didn't really form a connection with any of the characters, yet I enjoyed them - especially since I didn't really like anyone. I did desire to see the jerks in the story get their comeuppance, and many of them met gruesome fates (either in the main part of the book or in the epilogue - usually in some karmically just way).

What was particularly interesting to me were the Florida oddballs. I have resided in Florida since 1989. The state really is like that. I'm not personally outdoorsy or especially knowledgeable about specific environmental issues. But I do make an effort to contribute to cleaner living and less wasteful behaviors when I know how. And when I see the characters in Hiaasen's books who blatantly disrespect nature, it never surprises me that they are also often racist, sloppy, sexist, and fixated on corruption. Basically, he just writes the nature disrespect to be associated with being a Bad Person. I appreciate that, although I also kind of feel like he relies on that "type" an awful lot to make the bad guys bad.

After reading "Chomp" and "Flush" by the same author, Carl Hiaasen, I found myself extremely disappointed in this particular book. The excessive use of profanity, the blatant display of greed, and the overall deplorable nature of the characters truly turned me off. In fact, I was so put off that I made the decision not to complete the book at all.

There are simply an abundance of other choices out there that possess qualities which are far more likely to attract my attention. Why should I settle for a book in which I have no interest? It seems only logical to seek out those literary works that can engage and captivate me, rather than persevering with something that fails to do so.

Perhaps others may find value in this book, but for me, it was a definite miss. I will continue my search for those hidden gems that can transport me to new worlds and leave a lasting impression.