Big Trouble

Big Trouble follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in Miami through a series of misunderstandings and criminal schemes. At the center are Eliot Arnold, a former newspaper reporter starting an advertising business, and the Herk family, whose domestic troubles spark a chain of events involving hit men, police, and arms dealers. The plot centers on a failed assassination attempt that brings together an unlikely group of Miami residents and visitors. Snake and Eddie, two petty criminals, cross paths with Russian arms dealers, while a homeless man named Puggy observes the chaos from his perch in a tree. Miami Police officers Monica and Walter investigate the growing web of incidents as the characters chase each other across the city. The story involves domestic disputes, embezzlement, and illegal weapons that pull the characters deeper into trouble. The novel satirizes Miami's mix of suburban life, crime, and cultural divisions while exploring themes of coincidence and human connection. Barry's background as a humor columnist shapes this crime caper into a commentary on the absurdities of life in South Florida.

Readers describe Big Trouble as a fast-paced comedy that captures Miami's chaotic energy. Many compare it to Carl Hiaasen's style but note Barry's distinct humor from his newspaper columns shines through. Readers liked: - Quick pacing and short chapters - Interconnected storylines that come together - Florida-specific details and local color - Characters' ridiculous but believable situations Readers disliked: - Too many characters to track initially - Some found the humor forced or juvenile - Plot threads that feel rushed in resolution From review sites: Goodreads: 3.9/5 from 25,000+ ratings Amazon: 4.4/5 from 500+ ratings Common reader comments: "Perfect airplane read" - Goodreads reviewer "Like watching a madcap movie" - Amazon reviewer "Hiaasen fans will feel at home" - LibraryThing review "Characters border on caricature but that's the point" - Goodreads review

Lucky You by Carl Hiaasen A Florida-based crime caper follows a newspaper reporter and lottery winner caught in a whirlwind of eccentric characters and outlandish schemes.

The Road to Ruin by Donald E. Westlake A group of mismatched criminals attempts a heist that spirals into chaos through a series of mishaps and misunderstandings.

Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard A Miami loan shark moves to Hollywood and discovers his criminal skillset transfers perfectly to the movie business.

Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen An eco-warrior, a corrupt politician, and a lobbyist clash in a satirical Florida crime story involving blackmail, revenge, and a Labrador retriever.

The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie An ex-military man becomes entangled in an international arms conspiracy while maintaining a dry wit through increasingly absurd situations.

🌴 The book was adapted into a 2002 film starring Tim Allen, Rene Russo, and Stanley Tucci, though its theatrical release was delayed due to 9/11 sensitivities. 📝 Prior to writing "Big Trouble," Dave Barry won a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for his humor columns in the Miami Herald. 🏙️ The Miami setting reflects Barry's real-life experience - he lived in the city for over 30 years and regularly featured its unique culture and quirks in his writing. 🔍 The plot was partially inspired by an actual Miami incident where a businessman hired hit men who turned out to be undercover police officers. 📚 While this was Barry's first solo novel, he had previously co-authored "Peter and the Starcatchers" with Ridley Pearson, a prequel series to Peter Pan.