A Book A Week

Carl Hiaasen has built a career out of sharp, satirical novels set in his native Florida—books that blend tightly woven plots, eccentric characters, and a dry, biting wit. I hadn’t read one of his novels in several years, but when his publisher offered me a copy of his latest, Fever Beach, I jumped at the chance to dive back in. I’m glad I did.

Fever Beach begins with Dale Figgo, a man so astoundingly dim he was kicked out of the Proud Boys—not for his hate, but for his stupidity. During the January 6th insurrection, Figgo proudly smeared feces on what he believed was a statue of Ulysses S. Grant. In reality, it was Confederate General James Zachariah George. For the Proud Boys, this was a bridge too far. Not the act itself, of course—just the misdirected target.

Banished and undeterred, Figgo doubles down, founding his own fringe extremist group, the Strokers of Liberty. Yes, you read that right. A band of conspiracy-loving MAGA castoffs who are united by their far-right paranoia and, incredibly, a shared passion for masturbation. This is Carl Hiaasen at his most unhinged—and, somehow, his most on-point.

Enter Viva Morales, a broke, newly divorced woman desperate for housing, who ends up renting a room in Figgo’s crumbling apartment. She works for the Mink Foundation, a supposedly philanthropic organization led by grotesquely over-surgeried billionaires Claude and Eletra Mink, who, behind closed doors, are quietly bankrolling the far-right agenda. Viva eventually joins forces with Twilly Spree, a wealthy environmentalist with a volatile temper and a tendency to cause public scenes. Together, they're pulled into a tangle of dark money, political corruption, and motivations murkier than a Florida swamp.

Hiaasen presents a rogue’s gallery of misfits and monsters in a sprawling satire of political chaos, personal vice, and pure Floridian madness. Fever Beach delivers everything readers have come to expect from him: tangled plots, outrageous hijinks, environmental subtext, and a parade of morally suspect characters. But in our current post-truth era—shaped by the shadow of a Donald Trump presidency—Hiaasen’s political satire feels more pointed than ever. And he doesn't hold back. Fever Beach is a blistering commentary on disinformation, corruption, and the cult of personality, with Hiaasen’s trademark humor cutting through the absurdity like a machete in the mangroves.

Is it subtle? Not at all. But it’s wildly entertaining. Equal parts screwball crime caper and scathing political farce, Fever Beach reminded me why Hiaasen has remained a distinctive voice in American fiction for decades. This one’s political, folks, and it’s all the better for it. Buckle up. It’s a wild ride.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 39)

Before his debut novel The Thursday Murder Club came out a few years ago, Richard Osman was widely recognized mostly as a British TV presenter. That debut was a huge success, leading to three sequels and establishing Osman as a prominent crime fiction author. Now, he returns with a new novel, introducing a fresh set of characters, aiming to launch another successful series. We Solve Murders, generously provided to me by Osman's US publisher, showcases his trademark wit in a murder mystery that promises to be another impressive addition to his growing body of works. 

Steve Wheeler has settled comfortably into retirement in a quiet English village, content with the slower pace of life. Once a cop handling high-profile cases, he's now a widower who spends his days on small local investigations like insurance claims and lost pets. His life may be quieter now, but Steve finds solace in routine—attending weekly quiz nights at the pub, caring for his cat Trouble, and leaving messages for his late wife on his dictaphone, a ritual that helps him cope with her absence.

Amy Wheeler, Steve’s daughter-in-law, shares a close bond with him, perhaps even closer than the one she shares with her husband, Adam. While Adam and Steve don’t communicate much beyond pleasantries, Amy tries to stay connected. Working as a personal bodyguard for a private security firm, Amy can relate to Steve's background, and they find common ground in their shared experiences. Amy’s current assignment is protecting Rosie D'Antonio, a top thriller author who has retreated to her private island off the coast of South Carolina after possibly angering a Russian oligarch with her latest book.

What was supposed to be a straightforward assignment takes a dangerous turn when a series of crimes—including the murders of influencers, money laundering, and a mysterious figure using ChatGPT to hide their identity—put Amy in the crosshairs. Framed for the crimes, Amy turns to Steve, the only person she trusts, to help her untangle the web of deception. Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure, determined to outsmart the criminal masterminds and stay one step ahead in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

I must admit, I approached We Solve Murders skeptically, unsure if Richard Osman could capture my attention as effectively as he did with his previous series. At first, my concerns seemed justified—I struggled to keep track of the new characters as Osman rapidly introduced them, bouncing from one to the next. The setup felt like a complex web of cast and plot, and I worried it might not all come together. But I should never have doubted him. Osman has once again delivered a stellar mystery filled with sharp social commentary, exhilarating twists, and his signature British wit. The story had the potential to veer into the outlandish, but Osman keeps it grounded through his protagonist, Steve. Steve serves as the everyman, guiding us through the proceedings with relatable bewilderment and providing the story with a solid emotional anchor. As I kept reading, I became increasingly captivated by Osman's writing, eager to solve the mystery and frequently laughing at his clever observations. We Solve Murders is a promising start to a new series, reaffirming Osman's talent for crafting compelling mysteries with charming characters and a delightful dose of humor.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 68)

What was the last book you read that left you wanting more? For me, it was Nita Prose’s remarkable debut mystery, The Maid. I was instantly captivated by Molly, the meticulous maid who unexpectedly became the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Her distinctive personality, the engaging whodunit, and the theme of the strength of a chosen family made this novel one of the most heartfelt and humorous reads I’ve read this year. I was so eager for more, in fact, that I immediately picked up the next book in Prose’s series, The Mystery Guest.

Molly Gray has risen to become the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel, overcoming numerous personal and professional challenges. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to etiquette, she has instilled in her team the importance of restoring each guest’s room to a state of perfection. Though her world was shaken when she discovered a murdered guest last year, Molly has since moved on, now enjoying the career of her dreams, a loving partner, and a robust support system she thought she’d lost after her beloved Gran’s passing.

Her world is shaken again when the renowned mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe unexpectedly dies in the hotel’s tea room. As Molly finds herself at the center of another murder investigation, she begins to suspect that the key to solving this case might be hidden in her past. Memories of her childhood working alongside her grandmother in the eccentric Grimthorpe mansion come flooding back. With the hotel under intense scrutiny, Molly must piece together the clues from her past to uncover the killer before time runs out.

The Mystery Guest sees Nita Prose deliver a captivating continuation of her story that dazzles and delights. Prose weaves the narrative through alternating past and present sections, gradually revealing details to the reader and offering small glimpses of a larger picture that eventually comes together in a satisfying whole. Everything I loved about the first book is here—Molly’s unique personality, a fantastic supporting cast that rallies around her, a puzzling murder mystery waiting to be unraveled, and a perfect blend of heart and humor.

Still, this is more than just a rehash of what came before. Prose expands Molly’s story, offering more profound insights into her past and illuminating what drives her in the present. The mystery in this installment is even more intricate and fulfilling than in the first novel, making for a page-turner from start to finish. A shocking personal revelation in the epilogue hints at even more intriguing tales in store for our favorite maid. Once again, The Mystery Guest left me eager for more from Nita Prose. Fortunately, a holiday-themed novella featuring Molly will be released later this year, keeping us eager fans satisfied until the third novel drops next year. I’ll be first in line to devour both.

For more information, visit the author’s website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 64)

With each passing day, Americans seem to grow more politically divided than ever. Gone are the days of reaching across the aisle. Coming together for a common good is all but finished. No, these days the division is the point of it all. American politics has devolved into a tic for tac system that thrives on outrage at the actions of the other side. Yes, that outrage is often warranted, but it leaves the political system broken nonetheless. It is inevitable that this disconnect would make its way into our personal lives. I know many family members whom I don't see eye to eye with. It is this political/personal conflict that drives the action in author Grant Ginder's latest novel Let's Not Do That Again. 

Nancy Harriman is running for the US Senate. She's a career politician who has spent years in the public spotlight. She began her illustrious political life as the wife of a US congressman. After his sudden and untimely death, an incident that she continues to claim she had absolutely nothing to do with, Nancy inherited his seat. Now she's risking the comfort of that House of Representative position by going for broke and running for a coveted Senate seat. Winning would bring a much-needed majority to her liberal party and mark a pinnacle in her already groundbreaking career. Late in the campaign cycle, what looked like a sure-fire win is starting to look less certain. Her opponent is gaining traction and is leaving Nancy and her advisers scrambling to make up ground. With so much on the line, Nancy can't afford any missteps. 

Nick and Greta Harriman have strict instructions not to screw things up. They're used to it at this point. As the grown children of a US Congresswoman, they know they have to toe the line. Nick has always had a great relationship with his mother. He's a literature professor who is currently working on a musical based upon the life of Joan Didion. Being the gay son of a liberal politician has only helped prove his mother's passion for the social issues that her constituents care about. Greta has been less politically useful. She's smart and beautiful, but completely unmotivated to achieve anything. She spends her days working as a salesperson at the local Apple Store, perfectly content with doing nothing more. It comes as a shock to both Nick and Nancy when they see video footage out of Paris of an extremist protestor throwing a bottle of champaign into a bistro window. It isn't just the violent passion of the protest that goes against everything Nancy politically stands for, but the fact that the woman in question is none other than Greta! Nancy sends Nick to Paris to sort things out by saving his mother's campaign and his sister before it is too late. 

Let's Not Do That Again sees Grant Ginder write a novel that wears many hats. It is at times a searing political satire in the same vein as Veep or Parks and Recreation. Ginder relishes in showing political ineptitude, cynicism, and all-around disfunction. He dares to show the farcical side of politics,  a piece of the puzzle that is easy to forget about amongst the more serious and often damning revelations that have come out of our government in recent years. At other times, Ginder draws from the rich tradition of tightly wound political thrillers. Beneath the humor of his novel is the story of an intricate political campaign and the people working for and against it. To me, the book is at its best when it wears the hat of intimate family drama. Ginder's characters each stand on their own as fully thought out people. The relationships between mother and children, siblings, and young adults dating each other help to drive the action of the novel while grounding it in reality. In the deft hands of Grand Ginder, these elements come together to form a novel that is humorous, timely, and deeply affecting. Let's Not Do That Again is a novel for this time, of this time, and a book that will ultimately stand the test of time. 

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel to review!

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 18)

Throughout all of the tragedy that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic, there have also been small glimmers of hope and joy. One of those bright spots has to be the sudden Instagram stardom of Leslie Jordan. After several weeks of quarantine at home, the entire world put on hold, I would often find myself mindlessly scrolling through the various social media apps on my phone, not really looking for anything in particular. Amongst the doom and gloom that surrounded the pandemic in those early days, I vividly remember stopping on the smiling face of Jordan as he proclaimed, "What are y'all doing?" That silly little video instantly made me laugh and was shared with my friends and family through our various group messages. His infectiously humorous musings in a time that was so dark was just what the doctor ordered.  In his new book How Y'all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived, Leslie Jordan brings that same zeal and wit to life in the pages. 

There's a dichotomy to Jordan that makes him quite fascinating. He's an openly gay man with a career in Hollywood who also has deep ties to traditional southern values. Behind the humor lies a man who has learned to love and accept himself. Jordan doesn't shy away from writing about coming to terms with his sexuality or battling addiction. In fact, one of the most moving stories in the book is about how Jordan got his Southern Baptist mother to finally accept the fact that he is gay. I don't want to spoil it, but it involves a friendship with Carrie Fisher and a phone call from Debbie Reynolds. 

This book reads less like a memoir and more like a conversation between friends. Jordan pivots from topic to topic bringing his trademark humor and southern charm to each story. I was familiar with his work on both Will & Grace and American Horror Story, but I didn't realize the depth and longevity that his career has had. Through his decades-long career, he has been able to be unabashedly himself. I think that this is the key to his popularity. Whether he is hamming it up with Megan Mullally on a sitcom or documenting his time in quarantine from the camera on his phone, there is a sense of "what you see is what you get." In the era of reality television and influencers, the frankness of Leslie Jordan is a breath of fresh air. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 22)

I think it is safe to say that for many of us, this Christmas was anything but ordinary. My Christmas traditions usually consist of traveling home to see my parents, attending Christmas Eve church services, and celebrating the evening and following day with a large family gathering. Thanks to COVID-19, this was the first Christmas that I spent away from my family. There was no traveling, and holding our usual party was simply out of the question. Still, we managed to find ways of adapting our traditions to adhere to this new normal. Instead of attending church together, I watched it virtually. Instead of gathering around the Christmas tree to unwrap presents, we shipped gifts to each other and opened them during a FaceTime call. Fortunately, one of my personal traditions stayed exactly the same. As Christmas Eve turned to Christmas morning, I stayed awake, reading the final pages of a good book. 

When John Grisham, known more for his legal thrillers than Holiday-themed fare, published Skipping Christmas back in 2001, the idea of foregoing the holiday probably sounded absurd. In fact, Luther Krank's money-saving scheme of taking a cruise instead of practicing the family Christmas traditions raised ire and disbelief across his entire neighborhood. Krank did little to appease his community perception as a modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge. In fact, he relished in the opportunity to smugly rub his nonconformity in everyone's face. As such, he isn't the most likable character. But like the aforementioned Scrooge, Krank goes through a transformation. Through the power of a community coming together to bring the spirit of the season to an outsider, Luther Krank embraces that Christmas magic and learns to appreciate the smaller wonders of the holiday. 

I've read this book before, but this year saw the novel take on a deeper meaning for me. Sure, you'll have to overlook the unlikable main character and the all too convenient plotting, but there is something to be said about the idea of skipping Christmas this year. While we didn't skip our observance of the holiday, the way in which we approached it was vastly different. I think that Skipping Christmas mirrors our reality in some ways. How easy would it have been for us to simply put a halt to our celebration? In a year that has seen so much tragedy and despair, I'll admit that it felt a bit silly falling into the commercialism of decorating my home and buying gifts. But those are just trivial parts of what this season truly means. Like the neighborhood in the book, countless friends and families came together to keep the spirit of community that flows through this season alive. While 2020 certainly hasn't looked or felt like any other year that I've experienced, I'm glad that we made the effort to persevere through it all. More importantly, I'm thankful that we didn't skip Christmas. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2020, 51)

Over the long holiday weekend, I decided to get as much of my last-minute summer reading in as I possibly could. By the time I sat down to write this review, the promise of an early fall cool front quickly diminished. It seems like the brutal Texas heat is going to be sticking around for a while. I browsed my bookshelf for that perfect book to satisfy my need for one more summer read, and quickly landed on Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen. I really got a kick out of his book Bad Monkey, so I felt his Florida-based mix of humor and mystery would more than meet my expectations.

Honey Santana is on a mission. While sitting down for dinner with her son, the house phone rang. Her son urged her to ignore it, but Honey is completely over these calls interrupting their family meals. She is not going to take this annoyance lying down. Honey picks up the phone and gives the caller a piece of her mind. What she didn't expect was the man on the other end to verbally fight back. He calls her words no professional telemarketer should use, let alone any other respectful person. Honey quickly reaches out to the man's manager and relays her disgust at the hateful language that he used. For most people, that would be the end of the situation, but Honey is not most people. Honey wants revenge.

Boyd Shreave is pretty much a failure at everything. The miserable man couldn't even hold down his job as a telemarketer. He let his pride get the better of him and committed the fatal sin of mouthing off to a potential customer. At least he still has Eugenia, his former co-worker, and current mistress. Boyd is ready to leave his wife and start a new life, but Eugenia does not feel the same. With the convenience of the couple working together gone, she sees little reason to continue their relationship. When Boyd comes to her with a once in a lifetime opportunity to vacation in Florida and canoe through the wetlands, Eugenia decides to extend their romance, at least for the weekend. What could possibly go wrong?

Nature Girl has all the makings of a perfect summer read. Hiaasen mixes satire, crime, and compelling characters into a story that you won't want to stop reading. Shifting perspectives between each character allows for variety and adds a tinge of suspense that balances the more humorous premise. It also clues in the reader to every motivation of the characters, so we know what is happening before some of the other cast does. All of the threads in this book converge in a satisfying conclusion that teeters precariously close to the edge of absurdity. It is all in good fun though, and that's really all I want from my summer reading. Nature Girl was a perfect way to spend the last bits of the summer holiday.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2020, 40)