Stormy Weather

Stormy Weather chronicles multiple storylines in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew's devastation of South Florida. At its core is newlywed couple Max and Bonnie Lamb, whose Disney World honeymoon takes an unexpected turn when Max becomes fixated on visiting the disaster zone. The narrative follows several characters through the chaos, including con artists Edie Marsh and Snapper, who attempt to exploit the disaster through insurance fraud. Their path intersects with mobile home salesman Tony Torres and the mysterious hermit known as Skink, a recurring character in Hiaasen's work. In the wake of the hurricane's destruction, characters navigate through insurance scams, dangerous encounters, and a landscape of devastated homes and displaced wildlife. The plot tracks their parallel journeys as they pursue various schemes and searches across the storm-ravaged region. The novel examines human nature in times of crisis, balancing dark humor with commentary on environmental destruction, disaster exploitation, and the thin line between opportunism and survival.

Readers call this one of Hiaasen's funnier novels, with the hurricane aftermath premise creating opportunities for absurd situations and eccentric characters. The fast pace and interweaving plotlines keep many readers engaged through to the end. Readers liked: - The dark humor and satire about post-disaster opportunists - Supporting characters Max and Skink - Commentary on Florida's real estate schemes and environmental issues Common criticisms: - Too many coincidental plot connections - Some found the ending rushed - A few readers felt the violence was excessive Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) "Classic Hiaasen chaos and mayhem but with heart," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reviewer countered that "the multiple storylines became exhausting to follow." Several readers mentioned this book works best for those already familiar with Hiaasen's style.

Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen A former detective in the Florida Keys investigates insurance fraud while dealing with corrupt real estate developers, a voodoo witch, and a mysterious frozen arm.

Double Whammy by Tim Dorsey A serial killer targets Florida theme parks and corrupt land developers while a private investigator seeks justice through unconventional methods.

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler A private detective uncovers layers of corruption and crime in Los Angeles while investigating a wealthy family's blackmail case.

Tourist Season by Carl Hiaasen A newspaper columnist joins forces with a police detective to track down an eco-terrorist group targeting Florida's tourism industry.

Florida Roadkill by Tim Dorsey A deranged history teacher and his companion chase a briefcase full of money across Florida while leaving chaos and criminal mishaps in their wake.

🌀 Hurricane Andrew, which inspired this novel, caused $27.3 billion in damage when it hit Florida in 1992, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. 🐊 The character "Skink" appears in several of Hiaasen's novels and was inspired by a real Florida governor - he's an eco-warrior who lives in the wilderness and eats roadkill. ✍️ Carl Hiaasen worked as an investigative journalist at the Miami Herald for over 35 years while writing his novels, giving him unique insight into Florida's criminal underworld. 🏗️ After Hurricane Andrew, building codes in Florida were completely revamped, as the storm revealed widespread construction fraud and substandard building practices. 🎬 Many of Hiaasen's books have been optioned for films, including "Stormy Weather," though it hasn't yet been produced - only "Hoot" has made it to the big screen so far.