Why I just love Carl Hiaasen.

[Curmudgeoness]

I am finishing Double Whammy, one of his older books that I had not read before. It has been a while since I have read a Hiaasen book, and I should not wait so long between readings. I love that the bad guys in his books are always punished. And not just punished, but they get what we could call justice. They do not just get arrested. They do not just die in a shootout. Their crimes just catch up to them. Yes, Hiaasen is a sick writer, and I find myself appalled by the things that happen to people, but at least I can say they get what they deserve.

I always find myself laughing at the idiocy of the characters, and the predictaments everyone gets into. And especially in the older books, there is always Skink.

[fadedrose]

1. You betcha and then some.....nt

[kcass1954]

2. I had never read any of his books until this summer.

A friend recommended Nature Girl, and I read Star Island right after that.

He and Leonard Pitts are about the only things worth reading in the Miami Herald. (Except for re-runs of Dave Barry's old columns.)

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Funny, I posted this back during the test phase.

Now that we are in DU3, it is still here. And strangely, I am reading another of his books right now---got it at the library book sale and it is one of his children's books called "Scat". Cute book but it isn't nearly as funny as the adult books, because they are so much more irreverent and a little sick.

The first one I read was Sick Puppy (loved that title) and I loved that one. May I suggest that you start with some of the early ones to get to know Skink.

[Poiuyt]

4. I'm a big Hiaasen fan

I got started because I've been searching for books that capture the real flavor of Florida (still searching, btw). Hiaasen's books have a wonderful, almost twisted sense of humor that I love.

[Nay]

7. Some more suggestions for books set in Florida that capture the flavor...

All of John D. MacDonald's mysteries, set in FL about 30 yrs ago. Also, Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series, set in the present.

[RebelOne]

8. Me. too. I used to read his column in the Miami Herald when I lived in Miami many years ago. n/t

[closeupready]

5. I tried reading Double Whammy, but I just couldn't connect with his humor.

It seemed simple to me - but maybe I'm trying too hard? I can be a very picky reader.

[Curmudgeoness]

6. Well, I never said that he was a great intellect.

I can see that his humor would not be for everyone. But I love it when I am interested in just reading a book for fun. But then again, I am not usually very deep. Bathroom humor will always make me laugh.

[mainer]

9. Skinny Dip one of my favorites

I've heard him speak, and he's just as funny in person. Captures the insanity of Florida so well.