This was supposed to be one of his funniest books.

And indeed, it had bursts of outrageous humor that had me laughing out loud on several occasions.

The author's wit and creativity were on full display in those comical moments.

However, there was just too much graphic violence for my taste.

The scenes were gruesome, to say the least.

There were descriptions of people being fed to crocodiles, which was a truly disturbing image.

And then there were the instances of people being blown up, adding another layer of horror to the story.

It is funny if you can get past the various gruesome parts.

But for me, the excessive violence overshadowed the humor and made it a less enjoyable read.

I understand that some people may enjoy a combination of comedy and gore, but this particular book leaned too heavily on the violent side for my personal preference.

Nonetheless, I can appreciate the author's talent for creating humorous situations, even if the overall package didn't quite work for me.

The author seems to frequently experience bad dreams, which have had a significant impact on his life. These nightmares are so vivid and disturbing that he has decided to use them as the inspiration for his latest book.

In this book, the author weaves together the bits and pieces of his nightmares to create a unique and terrifying narrative. Each chapter is filled with details that will send shivers down the reader's spine.

The author's use of his own experiences adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story. Readers will be able to feel the fear and anxiety that the author felt during his nightmares, making the book all the more engaging.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys horror and惊悚fiction. It offers a unique perspective on the power of the human imagination and the terrors that can lurk within our dreams.

Top notch crime caper with real bite.

It features a Cohen brothers-esque plot that weaves together elements of mystery and intrigue. There's a hint of noir, adding a touch of darkness and complexity to the narrative. A dash of Elmore Leonard's style can also be detected, with its sharp dialogue and fast-paced action. The characters are truly remarkable, as they wouldn't look out of place in a Joseph Heller novel. Each one is filled with nuance and depth, making them both believable and engaging.

The writing is of a high caliber, with vivid descriptions and a seamless flow that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The story itself is compelling, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Overall, this is a near-perfect novel that combines the best elements of different literary styles to create a truly unique and unforgettable reading experience. Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and anyone looking for a great read.

After collaborating on 3 books with William D. Montalbano, Hiaasen penned 'Tourist Season' in 1986. This work, in my opinion, marked the beginning of the golden decade of his career. When writing independently, his humor was even more pronounced and perhaps even darker. The satire became a bit more caustic, and the characters a bit more warped. To be sure, there are aspects one might critique in his writing. However, the fifth star is awarded for its sheer entertainment value. If you are aware of what to expect, you can't go wrong with his works.

I'll write a full review when I have the time, but for now, here's a quick rundown.

DAVE'S FINAL JUDGMENT -

\\n  THE DEFENSE\\n

The book is truly very funny and creative. It has a charm that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The lead villain is both fascinating and frightening. His bizarre motives add an extra layer of intrigue, making him an extremely compelling character. The biting social satire is executed to perfection. Hiaasen's unconventional story and writing style make reading this one a unique experience. You won't find another book quite like it.

\\n  THE PROSECUTION\\n

However, the protagonists are not nearly as interesting as the villains. They seem a bit dull in comparison. Also, the love story explored in the second half of the book feels forced. It doesn't really deliver the emotional depth that it should. Additionally, the book occasionally lags. It could have been trimmed down a bit to make the pacing more consistent.

\\n  THE VERDICT\\n

Overall, this is a brilliantly dark comedy that deserves to be more than just a cult classic. Even with its occasional flaws, the numerous funny and bizarre moments make it a great read. The good far outweighs the bad, and it's definitely worth checking out.

I couldn't really get into this book.

To me, the tale seemed more silly than humorous.

I'm not sure who copied whom, but the same basic story was executed better in a Randy Wayne White novel.

Moreover, there was an excessive amount of unneeded violence.

This book is recommended only to Hiassen fans.

Perhaps those who are already familiar with his style and enjoy his brand of storytelling will find something to like here.

However, for those who are looking for a more engaging and well-crafted narrative, this book may not be the best choice.

The combination of a somewhat lackluster plot and the overabundance of violence detracted from the overall reading experience.

It's a shame, as there were some elements that had potential, but they just didn't come together in a satisfying way.

Maybe with some revisions and a tighter focus, this could have been a better book.

As it stands, it's a niche offering that will likely only appeal to a specific subset of readers.

The first time I read this, I gave it two stars but never wrote a review. So, I can't recall why it was just okay.

Second time around, I will also give it two stars again. Even though Hiaasen has become one of my favorite authors. I think a big part of the reason is that I don't care much for any of the protagonists. It took me some time to get into the story.

This was one of his first novels. And I think since 1986, his story-telling style and character development have improved a great deal. I know his style isn't for everyone. But I've grown very fond of it.

Maybe if I had read this when it first came out, I would have had a different opinion. But now, after reading many of his other works, I can see the potential that was there from the beginning.

Despite its flaws, there are still some elements in this book that I enjoyed. The setting was interesting, and the plot had some twists and turns that kept me engaged.

Overall, I would say that this is an average book by Hiaasen. But it's still worth reading if you're a fan of his work or if you're interested in exploring his early writing.

I know, I know.

What on earth am I doing reading a book from 1986?

Well, the answer is simple. It's because I have an unwavering love for Carl Hiaasen's wry humor and his truly astonishing characterization prowess.

With just a sentence or two, he can make you feel like you really know the people in his stories.

The storylines are always great fun, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

And perhaps most importantly, from Hiassen's snarky observations, you can learn a great deal about human nature.

His ability to capture the quirks and foibles of people is truly remarkable.

Reading his books is not only entertaining but also a valuable lesson in understanding the complexity of human behavior.

So, even though the book may be from 1986, it still holds up today and continues to provide readers with a unique and enjoyable literary experience.

I know that I truly relished this book to a much greater extent the last time I delved into its pages. This time around, I was in search of something that was light and easy to read, so I picked up this particular volume. I had firmly believed that I could rely on Hiassen to vividly bring his idiosyncratic characters in South Florida to life. However, it turns out that this was actually his very first book, and it is considerably grittier compared to his other works. There are gruesome details描绘 of murders that are quite disturbing. I am truly glad that he adopted a lighter tone in his subsequent books.

Another aspect that left me less than happy was the fact that the story centered around a band of terrorists who were killing randomly in order to gain attention. Sadly, in the wake of the recent events in Paris, I simply could not find any humor in such a situation. It was a clear instance of having the wrong book at the wrong time.

Overall, I would rate this book 2.5 stars. The additional 0.5 star was awarded for the great ending, which managed to salvage some of the reading experience.

The first book of Hiaasen's that I read was truly remarkable and is definitely worth going back to.

It was a captivating read from start to finish, filled with unique characters and a thrilling plot.

Hiaasen has a talent for creating vivid and engaging stories that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The book was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, dealing with important themes such as environmentalism and corruption.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that Hiaasen had created, and I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it.

Even after finishing it, I found myself thinking about the story and the characters for days afterwards.

It's rare to come across a book that has such a lasting impact, and I'm so glad that I discovered Hiaasen's work.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller, or anyone who is interested in environmental issues.

It's a must-read for fans of Hiaasen and a great introduction to his work for those who haven't read anything by him before.

This is my first encounter with a Carl Hiaasen book, and I had high hopes. However, it didn't quite meet my expectations.

It wasn't the thrilling page-turner I was longing for. I prefer books that are fast-paced, with a complex and engaging plot, and well-developed characters. Unfortunately, this book lacked all of these elements.

The writing was decent, but it was overly dense, which made it a bit of a struggle to get through. I'm a fan of clear and concise writing, like that of Stephen King, Hemingway, and Steinbeck.

The characters in this book felt more like cartoons than real people. They were one-dimensional and not well-developed. As a result, I found it difficult to connect with them or care about what happened to them.

In the end, it seemed to take me forever to finish this book. While I might give Carl Hiaasen another chance in the future, it won't be anytime soon. I'll be looking for a book that can deliver the excitement and depth that I'm craving.

Three and a half stars.

Just as Donovan once sat at the feet of Bob Dylan, Carl Hiaasen will always be an Elmore Leonard wannabe. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. If your child aspires to be president, you'd prefer they model themselves after Abe Lincoln rather than Warren Harding or Franklin Pierce.

The novel, which is Hiaasen's first, is quite good, but one can see him measuring himself against the master. Fortunately, here he adheres to what he knows best: the newspaper business, civilization encroaching on the Everglades and Southern Florida. He keeps it relatively simple, with decently drawn characters, a fairly riveting plot, and generous doses of humor. It wasn't until later novels that Hiaasen fully embraced (for better or worse) his quirky nature. Also, his future attempts at female leads in the other books I've read reveal a writer who is either uncomfortable with or unable to write from the opposite gender's perspective. In this one, he plays it safe and doesn't attempt to write from a woman's point of view; it's a testosterone-fueled affair.

Are Floridians really this crazy? Is it due to the inhalation of swamp gas drifting from the Everglades? Is there something in the Gulf water? Or is it some sort of Seminole curse? I have several in-laws who live there, and my wife has friends who are long-time Florida residents, so there is some empirical and personal evidence to support this whole idiosyncratic query. * Additionally, this is a state that reveres Jimmy Buffett, and when he passes away, Florida will probably have him stuffed and put on display. **

Eccentric Florida literature has become a mini-genre in its own right, and Goodreads has recommended numerous books of this type. But why Florida? Why not Delaware, South Dakota, or Wyoming?

*My Goodreads friends from Florida, of course, are the exceptions.

** I say, why wait? Do it now.