Carl Hiaasen is an American author and journalist, best known for his satirical novels and columns that focus on the environment and politics of Florida. Born in 1953 in Plantation, Florida, Hiaasen began his career as a journalist, working for the Miami Herald for more than three decades. During his time there, he covered a wide range of topics, including crime, politics, and environmental issues.
In addition to his journalism, Hiaasen has written more than 20 novels, many of which have become bestsellers. His books often feature quirky characters, dark humor, and a strong message about the importance of protecting the environment. Some of his most popular works include “Tourist Season,” “Skinny Dip,” and “Bad Monkey.”
Hiaasen has received numerous awards for his writing, including the Newbery Honor and the Edgar Award for his children’s book “Hoot.” He continues to write and advocate for environmental causes from his home in Vero Beach, Florida.
Books in Order
Black Lizard Series
Skink Series
- Double Whammy (1987)
- Native Tongue (1991)
- Stormy Weather (1995)
- Sick Puppy (2000)
- Skinny Dip (2004)
- Star Island (2010)
- No Surrender (2014)
- Squeeze Me (2020)
Andrew Yancy Series
Standalone Novels
- Tourist Season (1986)
- Skin Tight (1989)
- Strip Tease (1993)
- Naked Came the Manatee (1996)
- Lucky You (1997)
- Team Rodent (1998)
- Kick Ass (1999)
- Paradise Screwed (2001)
- Basket Case (2002)
- Hoot (2002)
- Flush (2005)
- Nature Girl (2006)
- The Downhill Lie (2008)
- Scat (2009)
- Chomp (2012)
- Dance of the Reptiles (2014)
- Assume the Worst: The Graduation Speech You’ll Never Hear (2018)
- Squirm (2018)
- Wrecker (2023)
Similar Authors
- Dave Barry, known for his humorous and satirical writing style, shares a similar wit and knack for creating eccentric characters as Carl Hiaasen.
- Tim Dorsey, like Carl Hiaasen, writes darkly comedic crime novels set in Florida, often featuring offbeat characters and absurd situations. See: Tim Dorsey Books in Order.
- Elmore Leonard, renowned for his crime fiction, shares a similar knack for creating quirky and memorable characters in his novels, much like Carl Hiaasen.
Most Recommended Books
- Squeeze Me (Skink Series, #8) (4.04 Goodreads score)
- No Surrender (Skink Series, #7) (3.98 Goodreads score)
- Chomp (Standalone Novel) (3.98 Goodreads score)
- Stormy Weather (Skink Series, #3) (3.97 Goodreads score)
- Skin Tight (Standalone Novel) (3.97 Goodreads score)
Awards
Carl Hiaasen received the National Headliners Award from Sigma Delta Chi in 1980, the Newbery Honor from the Association for Library Service to Children in 2003 for Hoot, the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award in 2005 for Hoot, the Ernie Pyle Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists in 2010, the National Book Award Longlist Selection – Young People’s Literature in 2014 for Skink: No Surrender, and the Marjorie Harris Carr Award for Environmental Advocacy from the Florida Defenders of the Environment in 2017.
Upcoming Releases
Carl Hiaasen’s most recent book, “Wrecker”, was published on September 26, 2023.
Book Summaries
Powder Burn
In "Powder Burn" Chris Meadows, an architect in Coconut Grove, finds himself in danger after witnessing the death of his ex-girlfriend in a hit-and-run by drug smugglers. Now, he must navigate the dangerous world of Miami's drug trade while trying to stay alive and avoid both the hit men and corrupt police officers who want to harm him.
Trap Line
Trap Line is a book set in Key West. The story follows Breeze Albury, a skilled fishing captain who struggles to make a living. With drug smugglers thriving in the area, Albury becomes their target when they destroy his trap lines and ruin his livelihood. To survive, Albury is forced to run drugs, but things take a dangerous turn when he gets caught by the corrupt chief of police. Now, Albury must fight back against the drug machine's hit men and seek revenge on the criminals who have threatened his life. This action-packed novel takes readers on a wild ride through the seas of Florida as Albury becomes a vigilante seeking justice.
A Death in China
In "A Death in China" art history professor Tom Stratton reunites with his former mentor, David Wang, during a guided tour of China. However, their reunion is cut short when Wang is found dead and the American embassy fails to investigate properly. Determined to uncover the truth, Stratton embarks on his own investigation, only to find himself entangled in a web of corruption that extends to the highest levels of power. As he navigates the secretive and deceptive world of communist China, Stratton must race against time to find his friend's killer before he becomes the target of a ruthless conspiracy.
Double Whammy
In "Double Whammy" R.J. Decker, a rookie private investigator living in a trailer park, finds himself on the hunt for a killer. A fishing scam leads to a dead body in Coon Bog, Florida, and Decker uncovers a web of corruption in the world of high-stakes bass tournaments. Along the way, he teams up with a quirky hermit, navigates complicated relationships, and faces dangerous adversaries. As the stakes rise, Decker realizes that the ultimate prize is not just catching the killer, but also surviving himself.
Native Tongue
In "Native Tongue" Mick Stranahan finds himself targeted by an unknown assailant. With a list of potential enemies, including a hit man, a lawyer, a journalist, and a surgeon, Stranahan must come out of retirement to solve this final case if he wants to continue enjoying his passion for fishing.
Stormy Weather
Stormy Weather is a book set in southern Florida during a devastating hurricane. As the disaster attracts insurance fraudsters, amateur occultists, and ex-cons, newlyweds Max and Bonnie Lamb find themselves in the midst of chaos. When Max goes missing, Bonnie teams up with a mysterious young man and together they embark on a search, following the only clue they have: a runaway monkey.
Sick Puppy
In "Sick Puppy" Palmer Stoat is being followed by a man named Twilly Spree. However, Twilly is not interested in stealing Stoat's Range Rover, but rather seeking revenge. Twilly is an idealistic and wealthy individual who is determined to protect Florida's wilderness. He takes extreme measures, such as destroying Jet-Skis and blowing up banks, to make a statement. When Twilly witnesses Stoat littering, he decides to teach him a lesson by infesting his car with dung beetles. However, Twilly soon discovers that Stoat is a powerful political fixer involved in a project that threatens a pristine Gulf Coast island.
Skinny Dip
Skinny Dip follows Chaz Perrone, a marine scientist who is involved in illegal activities. Chaz pushes his wife, Joey, overboard from a cruise liner, but she survives and decides to play a prank on him with the help of Mick Stranahan. As Joey continues to haunt and taunt her husband, Chaz's criminal associates become suspicious of his behavior. Meanwhile, Mick Stranahan, a loner with a history of failed marriages, finds himself drawn into the chaos.
Star Island
"Star Island" is a novel that follows the story of Cherry Pye, a troubled pop star who is attempting a comeback after her struggles with drugs and alcohol. To maintain Cherry's public image, her "undercover stunt double" Ann DeLusia is kidnapped by a paparazzo. Cherry's team must rescue Ann while keeping her existence a secret. Meanwhile, Ann has a chance encounter with Skink, a wild former governor of Florida, who is now on a mission to find her. Will Cherry overcome her addiction and perform on her concert tour? Will Ann be rescued before Skink finds her?
No Surrender
The story follows Classic Malley, a rebellious teenager whose parents plan to send her to boarding school. Instead, she runs away with a guy she met online. Her cousin, Poor Richard, realizes that Malley is in trouble and sets out to find her. Along the way, they team up with Wild Skink, a ragged ex-governor of Florida, and together they face blinding storms, crazed pigs, flying bullets, and giant alligators. In this action-packed adventure, they risk everything to rescue their friend and bring justice to the swamp.
Squeeze Me
"Squeeze Me" is a book set in Palm Beach during the charity ball season. When Kiki Pew Fitzsimmons, a prominent member of high society, goes missing, the President immediately blames immigrants. Meanwhile, wildlife wrangler Angie Armstrong is called to deal with a giant python. As the story unfolds, a bizarre discovery brings the First Lady's motorcade to a halt.
Bad Monkey
In "Bad Monkey" Andrew Yancy finds himself in a peculiar situation when he discovers a human arm in his freezer. Determined to uncover the truth behind its origin, Yancy sets out to prove that it was not a result of a boating accident as claimed. Along the way, he encounters a series of unpredictable events and eccentric characters, including his ex-lover, a fugitive from Kansas, and a voodoo witch.
Razor Girl
Merry Mansfield is a skilled kidnapper who works for the mob. She has a unique method of rear-ending her targets and asking for a ride. However, her latest target turns out to be the wrong person. Instead of Martin Trebeaux, she ends up with Lane Coolman, a talent manager for a reality TV star. Chaos ensues when the star, Buck Nance, gets into trouble and disappears.
Skin Tight
In "Skin Tight" Mick Stranahan finds himself targeted by an unknown assailant. With a list of potential enemies, including a hit man, a lawyer, a journalist, and a surgeon, Stranahan must come out of retirement to solve this final case if he wants to continue enjoying his peaceful retirement.
Tourist Season
In "Tourist Season" trouble starts when a Shriner's fez is found on a Miami beach. Soon after, a suitcase is discovered containing the body of a local chamber of commerce president. The community wants to keep the murders a secret to maintain tourism. A reporter-turned-private eye must unravel a mystery involving football players, politicians, and a hungry crocodile.
Strip Tease
In "Strip Tease" a regular guy attending a bachelor party at a strip club unknowingly gets involved in a dangerous situation that puts him up against powerful forces. Set in south Florida, where shady businesses and criminal activities are common, a moral stripper teams up with a well-meaning but inexperienced police officer to take on corruption and crime.
Naked Came the Manatee
"Naked Came the Manatee" is a suspense novel written by a group of Florida writers, including Dave Barry, Carl Hiaasen, and Elmore Leonard. The story takes place in Coconut Grove and involves a riot, a surprise visit from Fidel Castro, and other bizarre events.
Lucky You
"Lucky You" is a book set in Grange, Florida. JoLayne Lucks, an unlikely lottery winner, finds herself in possession of a winning ticket. However, she soon discovers that she is not the only winner. Bodean Gazzer and his crude companion, Chub, also have a claim to the $28 million jackpot, as they plan to use the money to start their own secret group. The pursuit leads them to a remote island in Florida Bay, where they encounter the fledgling militia and their bewildered hostage, a Hooters waitress.
Team Rodent
"Team Rodent" is a thought-provoking book that explores the importance of revulsion and boundaries in our society. It argues that without a sense of disgust, we would have no way to measure the progress or decline of our culture. The book challenges the idea of embracing sleaze and instead encourages us to be reliable consumers with predictable attitudes..
Kick Ass
"Kick Ass" is a collection of over 200 columns that chronicle the events and issues that have shaped South Florida in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The book begins with an introduction to the everyday happenings in South Florida, including animal sacrifice, beach riots, and a shootout at a supermarket. Hiaasen's column, known for its passionate conviction and fearlessness in confronting powerful interests, has gained immense popularity since its inception in 1985. The book also includes an overview of Hiaasen's career and his main concerns as a journalist.
Paradise Screwed
"Paradise Screwed" is a hilarious collection of the author's most entertaining columns from the Miami Herald. With his sharp and witty humor, Hiaasen covers a wide range of topics including sports, tourism, local politics, the Elian Gonzalez Affair, and the 2000 Presidential Election recount.
Basket Case
Basket Case is a mystery novel about Jack Tagger, an investigative reporter stuck at the obituaries desk. When a famous rock star dies in a suspicious scuba accident, Jack sees an opportunity to make a comeback. However, he faces obstacles such as his ambitious editor, the rock star's widow, and the greedy newspaper owner. Using clues from the rock singer's music, Jack sets out to uncover the truth behind Jimmy Stoma's mysterious death.
Hoot
In the book "Hoot" everyone loves the delicious pancakes from Mother Paula's restaurant. However, there is a problem - a group of adorable owls that are in danger live on the construction site of the new restaurant. Will the new kid and his wild friend be able to play tricks on the restaurant owners and save the owls?
Flush
Noah's dad believes that the Coral Queen casino boat is dumping sewage into the harbor, making the local beach unsanitary. When his dad's attempt to stop the casino fails and he ends up in jail, Noah takes it upon himself to prove the illegal dumping. With the help of his sister, a bartender, a greedy man, and a mysterious pirate, Noah devises a plan to expose the casino's wrongdoing and shut it down for good.
Nature Girl
Honey Santana, a passionate and determined woman, takes a rude telemarketer and his unenthusiastic mistress into the mangroves of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands to teach them a lesson in humility. Unbeknownst to Honey, she is being followed by her former employer and ex-husband, along with their wise twelve-year-old son. When they all arrive on Dismal Key, they encounter Sammy Tigertail, a failed alligator wrestler who just wants to be left alone. The story follows Honey's mission to eliminate greed and promote civility in her part of Florida.
The Downhill Lie
"The Downhill Lie" is a memoir about the author's decision to return to golf later in life. Despite his previous failures and frustrations with the sport, Hiaasen is drawn back to the game as a father and grandfather. He navigates the world of expensive golf equipment, eccentric coaches, and the rise of Tiger Woods. Hiaasen's journey is filled with self-deprecating humor and relatable experiences, culminating in a challenging tournament that tests his skills and self-esteem. Alongside the laughter, the book also explores the sentimental memories of playing with his father and the joy of watching his own son play.
Scat
In the book "Scat" Bunny Starch, a strict biology teacher, goes missing after a school field trip. The students in her class are secretly relieved, but Nick and Marta suspect that the troublemaker, Smoke, is involved. However, there is more to the story than they realize.
Chomp
Wahoo Cray's dad, who is an animal wrangler, takes a job with a reality TV show called Expedition Survival! Wahoo finds himself having to deal with the show's star, Derek Badger, who is both incompetent and full of himself. As if that wasn't enough, Derek insists on using wild animals for his stunts. On top of all this, Wahoo meets a girl named Tuna who needs a place to hide. Things take a turn for the worse when Derek gets bitten by a bat and goes missing during a storm. Search parties are sent out but end up getting lost themselves. To make matters even more dangerous, Tuna's dad shows up with a gun.
Dance of the Reptiles
"Dance of the Reptiles" is a collection of the author's Miami Herald columns that reveal bizarre and unbelievable stories that prove truth is stranger than fiction. Hiaasen's commentary is filled with indignation, disbelief, and humor as he discusses topics such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Bernie Madoff's trial, and the antics of recent presidential elections.
Assume the Worst: The Graduation Speech You’ll Never Hear
Assume the Worst: The Graduation Speech You'll Never Hear is a unique and insightful book that aims to prepare young individuals for their future. Hiaasen, known for his wit and cynicism, offers a warning rather than the typical encouragement and inspiration found in graduation speeches. Accompanied by the illustrations of Roz Chast, this collaboration provides a fresh perspective on the challenges that lie ahead.
Squirm
Billy Dickens has had some interesting experiences, like witnessing a biker purposely run over a snake and seeing the same motorcycle end up in a canal. Billy's family has also had their fair share of adventures, moving to different towns in Florida to be near a bald eagle nest and with his dad being absent from his life. However, everything changes when Billy discovers his dad's address in Montana. Determined to find his father, Billy embarks on a summer filled with thrilling escapades, including flying across the country, hiking a mountain, navigating a river, encountering a grizzly bear, taking down a spy drone, rescuing a neighbor's cat, saving an endangered panther, and ultimately attempting to save his own father.
Wrecker
"Wrecker" is a thrilling adventure about a young boy named Valdez Jones VIII, who goes by the nickname Wrecker due to his family's history of salvaging shipwrecks. One day, Wrecker stumbles upon a stranded speedboat and its suspicious occupants who desperately want him to keep quiet. As Wrecker encounters these men repeatedly around Key West, he realizes they are involved in something shady and now they want him to be their lookout. To free himself from their grasp, Wrecker must uncover their secrets and find a way to escape.
