Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
41(41%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
28(28%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Three stars is not a negative评价 for this kind of book in my opinion.

I truly enjoy reading Hiaasen whenever I want to take a break from serious literature. He is humorous, his plots are full of twists, and there is always an ecological message. This particular book does not disappoint.

We have a flawed former journalist who is now a private investigator, attempting to track down a small group of terrorists. They were targeting tourists in an effort to stop the development in South Florida.

There are the usual bumbling villains, clueless victims, unfeeling capitalists, and oblivious police. Oh! And there is a murderous crocodile (not an alligator) named Pavlov.

Hiaasen has a remarkable ability to create memorable characters (both major and minor) within just a couple of paragraphs and with a typical misstep. It's a fun and quick read that can bring a smile to your face and keep you entertained.

Overall, it's a great choice for those looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable book to pass the time.
July 15,2025
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This review truly says it all, and it does so with great precision.

On February 04, 2013, Addison Coniglio rated this work as amazing.

"It is absolutely amazing. Once again, the illustration within the text is perfect. It gives the feeling as if you are sitting right beside Brian Keyes as the story unfolds. I can now safely claim that I have cruised Key Biscayne, run red lights down Collins Blvd, and felt the crushed coral beneath my feet on Osprey Island. Carl's background in journalism has been the ideal prerequisite for this masterpiece. Brian Keyes must have been some sort of a reflection of the romantic side of Carl's self, and Skip Wiley the hotshot villain of the newsroom. Sure to be overlooked by most, the few who discover this, along with Carl's other books, are certain to be more than satisfied by his wonderful work. Five stars, without a doubt."

This review not only highlights the excellence of the book but also provides a vivid description of the reading experience, making it seem as if the reader is actually a part of the story. It also gives some insights into the author's inspiration and the characters in the book. Overall, it is a very positive and enthusiastic review that is likely to吸引更多读者 to Carl's work.
July 15,2025
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I have read a plethora of Carl Hiaasen books and have never failed to complete one until "Tourist Season".

This particular novel is among his initial endeavors, and it is quite evident that he had not yet fully mastered the dark humor that is so characteristic of his later works.

The story, for me, was simply off-putting. I reached the part where Brian is compelled to witness a retiree being fed to a crocodile, and that was the point where I gave up. It was truly sickening.

Ordinarily, I turn to a Carl Hiaasen book whenever I am in need of a good laugh. However, in this instance, I found absolutely nothing funny.

It seems that in his early stages, Hiaasen was still honing his craft and had not yet developed the unique brand of humor that would later make his books so popular.

Perhaps with time and experience, he would go on to create more engaging and entertaining stories. But as for "Tourist Season", it was not the Carl Hiaasen book I was accustomed to and left me feeling rather disappointed.

July 15,2025
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A Shriner's fez mysteriously washes up on a Miami beach. This strange occurrence catches the attention of Brian Keyes, a former reporter who has now transitioned into the role of a private eye. With his sharp investigative skills and determination, Brian sets out to root out the truth behind this unexpected find.

As he delves deeper into the case, it quickly becomes evident that there is more to this than meets the eye. What starts as a seemingly simple mystery soon transforms into a thrilling caper. Brian must navigate through a web of clues, questionable characters, and hidden motives in order to solve the murder that lies at the heart of this enigma.

With each step, the stakes rise higher, and Brian finds himself in a race against time to expose the culprit and bring justice to the victim. Will he be able to crack the case and emerge victorious in this dangerous game of cat and mouse? Only time will tell.
July 15,2025
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Frankly, I was rather bored with this novel during the first four chapters.

However, as I delved deeper, I gradually began to understand the story line, and it transformed into a captivating, can't-put-down type of novel.

The central theme of the novel is that tourists and those who transition from being tourists to homeowners can prompt real estate people to cause significant damage to the environment in their pursuit of quick profits.

The villains in this novel are essentially those who strive to safeguard nature from those who seek to destroy it. Their proposed solutions are what render this book truly interesting.

The question of who the real villains are in this story might require you to exert some additional mental effort, but it is indeed worth the trouble.

Overall, this novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between human activities and the environment, as well as the moral dilemmas that arise in such situations.

It challenges readers to consider the consequences of our actions and to take a stand in protecting the natural world around us.
July 15,2025
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4.5 stars

I'm docking 1/2 star for the outrageously callous attitude towards the death of the tourists. I understand it was a central theme in the novel, but the author seemed to enjoy it just a bit too much.

This was one of the first Hiaasen books I came across, and it still holds up. It's a wild ride with crazy terrorists, a plethora of bodies, sympathetic heroes facing obstacles from every direction, and gonzo writing. If Carl Hiaasen shares some of Skip Wiley's angst, writing these books must be great therapy for him. He can fantasize about the destruction of the forces ruining his corner of the world while making a living and making us laugh darkly. His mordant outlook would be familiar to Baltimore's H.L. Menken. Here's to the curmudgeons, they keep us honest. It's a laugh-out-loud roller coaster ride with some of the most outrageous and colorful characters ever to grace the pages of a book. Highly recommended, except by the tourist board, real estate developers, chamber of commerce, and other entities that rely on tourism in the greater Miami area.

July 15,2025
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Carl Hiaassen has been one of my favorite writers for almost as long as I've been reading.

And this particular book is the one that truly hooked me.

It is not only laugh out loud funny but also wildly inventive.

The story is filled with some very clever twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.

As it builds up, it reaches a surprisingly poignant ending that, to this day, remains one of the best finales I've ever come across in a book.

I can also attest that the book has withstood the test of time and held up to multiple readings through the years.

Each time I pick it up, I discover new details and enjoy the story all over again.

It's a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read that combines humor, creativity, and a touch of heart.

Whether you're a fan of Carl Hiaassen or not, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Give it a try and see for yourself why it's one of my all-time favorites.
July 15,2025
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A crazy concept of a story can often be a source of great entertainment. It might seem funny and even ridiculous at first glance, but that's precisely what makes it so engaging.

These types of stories have the power to transport us to a world of imagination and absurdity, where the rules of reality don't apply. They can make us laugh out loud, roll our eyes, or simply shake our heads in disbelief.

Despite their craziness, however, a well-executed crazy concept story can also have a certain charm and appeal. It can make us think in new and different ways, and it can show us that there are no limits to what we can create in our minds.

So, the next time you come across a story with a crazy concept, don't be too quick to dismiss it. Give it a chance, and you might just be surprised at how good it is. Well done to all the storytellers out there who have the courage to explore the wild and wonderful world of crazy concepts!

July 15,2025
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What a wild ride it has been! Even after more than 35 years, it remains poignant. The story pits developers against environmentalists, and features beauty queens and Cuban refugees. There are plot twists galore, with characters reincarnating and evolving from nauseatingly idealistic to Charles Bronson tough.

Set in and around Miami through the Keys around New Year's Eve's Orange Bowl, the stereotypical characters become mysteriously tougher as a rouge band of beauty queen kidnappers are taken down by an ex-milksop reporter turned private investigator. The cops and reporters on these beats are more than believable, adding to the authenticity of the story.

What's truly remarkable is that this story is still relevant today. It touches on themes such as power struggles, identity, and the fight for justice, which are as timely as ever. Whether you're a fan of mystery, thriller, or drama, this story has something for everyone. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story that keeps them on the edge of their seat.
July 15,2025
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This is a REALLY good book.

The story is great and well-paced, which kept me engaged throughout.

Although it starts off a bit slow, around page 90, it becomes impossible to put down.

The cast of characters is distinct, with widely varying motivations, morality, and philosophies.

The ending is superb. The last few chapters are great, but the final chapter is amazing.

The antagonist is really great, with a great voice and compelling motivations.

The last page really blew me away.

However, it loses points for an unnecessary romance between a 32-year-old man and a 19-year-old. The creepiness of this relationship is never really addressed.

Also, it wasn't as funny as I was expecting, as I'd heard from people who recommended Hiaasen.

The protagonist was mostly likeable but a little on the boring side.

Overall, it's a great book with a few flaws.
July 15,2025
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Funny


The first book by Carl Hiaasen, set in Florida during the tourist season, is a wild and wacky ride. There's a guerrilla faction running amok and killing people, but don't let that fool you - this story is filled with dark humour that will have you laughing out loud in some parts.


Hiaasen has a unique way of presenting the absurdities of life in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters are larger than life and the situations they find themselves in are often ridiculous, yet there's a strange kind of logic to it all.


Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or just looking for a good laugh, this book is definitely worth checking out. It's a great example of how a story can be both funny and serious at the same time, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

July 15,2025
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Getting through this book was an arduous task, and on numerous occasions, I contemplated abandoning it unfinished. This particular book was a selection for my book club, and I had been eagerly anticipating my first foray into Carl Hassan's work, having thoroughly enjoyed his writing in the Miami Herald.

It took me a significant portion, approximately two-thirds of the book, to acclimate myself to his writing style. While I do appreciate the incisive social commentary on overdevelopment that he presents, the overall narrative, unfortunately, struck me as rather silly and lacking in believability.

However, as a south Floridian, I did find some enjoyment in the references to local events and landmarks. These nods to the familiar added a touch of authenticity and a sense of connection to the story for me.

Despite the initial difficulties and my reservations about the plot, I'm glad I persevered and completed the book, as it provided some food for thought and a different perspective on the issues facing our region.
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