Books Like...

"Strip Tease" by Carl Hiaasen is a humorous and fast-paced story set in Florida that revolves around a strip club where government, sex, humor, and action collide. The plot involves corrupt politicians, objectification of women, and ecological wrongs, all intertwined with a mix of wacky characters and crazy plots typical of Hiaasen's style. The story follows the main character, Erin, a stripper fighting for custody of her daughter against her ex-husband, a drug addict who steals wheelchairs. As the narrative unfolds, we see how a simple incident in a strip club sets off a chain of chaotic events involving politicians, criminals, and law enforcement, leading to a thrilling and entertaining read.

"Stormy Weather" by Carl Hiaasen is a wild and hilarious tale set in Florida during the aftermath of a devastating hurricane. The story follows a diverse cast of eccentric characters including honeymooners, con artists, a former politician turned wild man, and a law school dropout chasing escaped animals. As the chaos unfolds, the characters navigate through scams, fraudulence, and absurd situations with a mix of humor and wit, all against the backdrop of the hurricane-ravaged Florida Keys. Hiaasen's writing style is described as satirical, with intricate plot twists, black humor, and a keen eye for the wackiness and absurdities of southern Florida culture.

Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen is a humorous murder mystery set in Florida and the Bahamas. The story follows Andrew Yancy, a demoted police detective turned restaurant inspector, who gets involved in investigating a murder case involving a severed arm found during a fishing trip. The plot is filled with quirky characters, farcical situations, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers entertained throughout the book. Hiaasen's writing style is described as witty, irreverent, and filled with slapstick humor, making the book a fun and enjoyable read for fans of comedic mysteries.

In "Tourist Season" by Carl Hiaasen, a ragtag terrorist group, led by a well-known journalist, sets out to empty Florida of tourists and immigrants from the north, resulting in a riotous and rollicking tale of murder, mayhem, and bumbling politico-environmental activists in South Florida. The story delves into the absurdity of the situation with a mix of black comedy and satire, highlighting the ever-current problem of the influx of people to South Florida. The plot moves briskly through a series of murders perpetrated by the radical group using carnivorous reptiles as weapons in their attempt to free Florida from greed and environmental destruction.

The narrative unfolds with a caper involving an amateur terrorist organization that aims to end the tourist industry ruining Florida, leading to bizarre crimes and unexpected twists. The characters, including a lunatic Cuban, a former football star, and a wealthy Seminole Indian, collectively form a formidable foe against the backdrop of Florida's lush wilderness, creating a story filled with dark humor, quirky plot pieces, and engaging developments that keep readers entertained and intrigued.

'Skin Tight' by Carl Hiaasen is a darkly humorous crime novel set in Florida, following the story of an incompetent plastic surgeon, a retired detective named Mick Stranahan, and a cast of quirky and outrageous characters. The book is described as a fast-paced romp filled with farcical situations, ironic twists, and ridiculous scenarios like using a weed whacker as a deadly weapon. The plot involves judicial corruption, investigative journalism, and a mafia hitman targeting Mick Stranahan, leading to a series of chaotic events in the Florida sunshine.

'Skinny Dip' by Carl Hiaasen is a darkly humorous mystery novel set in Florida, revolving around the vengeful actions of Joey Perrone after her husband, Chaz, throws her overboard a cruise ship during their second anniversary. Surviving the ordeal, Joey teams up with an ex-cop named Mick Stranahan to plot her revenge, leading to a series of comic calamities for the villainous Chaz. The book is praised for its zany plot, quirky characters, and the author's skill in portraying oddballs while maintaining a plausible storyline. Hiaasen's writing style is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, with elements of dark humor and environmental themes woven into the narrative.

Elmore Leonard's 'Rum Punch', the novel upon which Quentin Tarantino's 'Jackie Brown' is based, presents a crime thriller set in Florida. The story revolves around gangster Ordell Robbie and air hostess Jackie Burke, who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation after being caught by the authorities. As the plot unfolds, a bail bondsman named Max Cherry gets involved, leading to a fast-paced and exciting narrative filled with twists, turns, and authentic dialogue. The book delves into themes of deception, betrayal, and characters at a crossroads in their lives, offering a rich and engaging reading experience.

In 'Rum Punch', Elmore Leonard showcases his skill in creating complex yet easy-to-follow plots, with a cast of vivid characters who come to life through incisive dialogue. The book's American feel, compelling storytelling, and intricate character dynamics make it a standout crime novel, drawing readers into a world of crime, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.

Miami private eye R.J. Decker is hired to prove that the fishing tour's leading prizewinner is cheating. When the champ is murdered, Decker himself becomes the prime suspect. Realizing that he's been framed by his client, the detective sets out to clear himself with the help of a renegade police detective and a backwoods recluse. Skink, a former governor of Florida turned renegade environmentalist, plays a key role in resolving the conflict. The book delves into corruption and intrigue on the professional bass fishing circuit, with some outlandish and clever plot twists, dark humor, and quirky characters.

Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen is a humorous neo-noir novel that follows the story of an obsessive eco-activist terrorist who becomes fixated on a man after witnessing him littering. The plot unfolds with a series of wacky incidents involving colorful characters and outlandish scenarios, such as an eco-justice revenge mission, wild game hunts, and environmental messages intertwined with dark humor and satire. The narrative is set in Florida and delves into themes of environmental conservation, political corruption, and the quirky antics of the characters involved, creating a fast-paced and entertaining read.

The writing style of Sick Puppy is characterized by Hiaasen's sharp wit, dark humor, and ability to create vivid and eccentric characters. Readers are drawn into a world filled with absurd situations, over-the-top scenarios, and a blend of comedy and social commentary that keeps them engaged throughout the book. Hiaasen's storytelling skill shines through in his portrayal of the Florida landscape, the interactions between characters, and the unpredictable nature of the plot, making Sick Puppy a compelling and enjoyable read for those who appreciate quirky, offbeat narratives.

'Wilt' by Tom Sharpe follows the story of Henry Wilt, a polytechnic tutor stuck in a monotonous job and a challenging marriage with his domineering wife, Eva. After a peculiar incident involving a blow-up doll at a party, Wilt starts to imagine a life without his wife and uses the doll as a practice tool, leading to a series of comical mishaps that attract the attention of the local police. The plot unfolds with Wilt's attempts to clear his name while navigating through absurd situations, inter-faculty squabbles, and misunderstandings, all set against a backdrop of British humor and satire. The writing style is characterized by dry British humor, satirizing cultural formalities, class divisions, and the protagonist's off-kilter nature, making it a hilarious work that fans of British comedy will enjoy.