Squeeze Me

A wealthy Palm Beach socialite vanishes during a charity gala, triggering a complex investigation that entangles local law enforcement, elite social circles, and political figures. The story follows wildlife relocator Angie Armstrong as she handles a surge of Burmese python sightings while becoming increasingly involved in the case. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Palm Beach's high society and features a fictional U.S. President who resides at his private club when not in Washington. Characters include members of a devoted presidential fan club, a former Florida governor living off the grid, and various locals trying to navigate the intersection of wealth, power, and wildlife management. The plot connects seemingly disparate elements - invasive pythons, political machinations, and social climbing - into a satirical examination of modern Florida culture and American politics. Through absurdist situations and dark humor, the novel explores themes of environmental conservation, political fanaticism, and the power dynamics of wealth in contemporary society.

Readers appreciate Hiaasen's signature mix of absurdist Florida humor and political satire, with many noting it provided welcome comic relief during the pandemic. The pythons, eccentric characters, and Palm Beach setting resonated with longtime fans. Readers liked: - Fast-paced, entertaining plot - Sharp political commentary without being heavy-handed - Return of familiar Hiaasen themes and quirky side characters Readers disliked: - Some found the Trump satire too obvious or dated - Plot threads that weren't fully resolved - Less complex than earlier Hiaasen novels Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (23,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (8,900+ ratings) "Perfect escapist reading for these trying times" - common reader sentiment "The political elements sometimes overshadow the mystery" - frequent criticism "Not his best work but still fun" - typical review "Needed more focus on the pythons and less on politics" - recurring feedback

Lucky You by Carl Hiaasen A Florida lottery winner battles criminals and con artists while uncovering corruption in the sunshine state.

Basket Case by Carl Hiaasen A Florida newspaper reporter investigates the death of a musician while navigating eccentric characters and environmental crimes.

Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen A scam artist, a beach restoration scheme, and a reality TV star collide in the Florida Keys.

Skinny Dip by Dave Barry A woman survives her husband's murder attempt and plots revenge while exposing environmental fraud in South Florida.

Double Whammy by Tim Dorsey A serial killer targets corrupt developers and politicians during a Florida bass fishing tournament.

🌴 The book was published in 2020 and directly satirizes Donald Trump, who appears as a thinly disguised character called "The Commander." 🐍 The python invasion central to the plot is based on a real environmental crisis in Florida, where Burmese pythons have decimated native wildlife populations since the 1980s. ✍️ Hiaasen worked for 35 years as an investigative journalist and columnist for the Miami Herald, which helped inform his satirical takes on Florida politics and society. 👥 The character Angie Armstrong, the wildlife wrangler, was inspired by real-life female python hunters who work in the Everglades. 🏆 The novel received widespread critical acclaim and was named one of the best books of 2020 by The Washington Post and The Guardian, with particular praise for its timely political satire.