What a hoot! Carl Hiaasen has the craziest plots and Fever Beach was no exception! Chockful of crazy fun! Can always count of his books to make me laugh! Full of crazy twists and turns and a wholly satisfying end!

You should not miss this hilarious account of band of idiotic, proud boy rejects who, after the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, plan and execute their own mission that goes horribly awry. When the destruction and idiocy of Trump 2.0 and the MAGA sycophants becomes too much to bear, sometimes all you can do is laugh and this is the perfect vehicle to get the job done.

Barnes and Noble and Amazon refused to publish this post. Not sure which of the “guidelines” I broke but here is the edited version:

You should not miss this hilarious account of band of idiotic, proud boy rejects who, after the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, plan and execute their own mission that goes horribly awry. When the current political environment becomes too much to bear, sometimes all you can do is laugh and this is the perfect vehicle to get the job done.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. I loved it , I laughed so hard there were tears. An illiterate white supremacist, a mayor who loves to be walked around like a dog, an underage sex worker and that is only half.

“Fever Beach” is hilarious and dangerously on point. I was almost afraid to publish my review (May 18 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, timed to run ahead of his tour stop here) for fear MAGAs would go after me. Here’s what I did write.


Contemplating the state of things these days, some of us laugh because if we don’t, we’ll cry. Leave it to Carl Hiaasen, though, to make us laugh UNTIL we cry.

Hiaasen, who has long satirized Florida as a columnist for the Miami Herald and in 15 novels, mercilessly skewers the pervasive stupidity of politicians, billionaires, bigots and low-lifes (there is overlap there) in his latest, “Fever Beach.”

Center stage in this comedy of dumb is Dale Figgo, who can’t draw a swastika or spell Holocaust but devotes his spare time to tossing crude anti-Semitic messages onto the lawns of people who may or may not be Jewish. Figgo couldn’t get into the Proud Boys, so he founded his own hate group, Strokers for Liberty. (The name is one of many dirty jokes with which Hiaasen is liberal.)

Things get complicated for Figgo when he hits a homeowner with his truck, but he and sidekicks including Jonas Onus, who is determined to make up for missing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and finally get on right-wing radio, plunge ahead in planning some big action of their own.

Their enabler is Congressman Clure Boyette, who is running a reelection campaign that shouldn’t be so close when he gets wind of the Strokers and feeds money to Figgo for an election-day disruption. (Boyette is introduced “nude except for an ermine collar attached to a rhinestone leash, a Doberman muzzle, and snowshoes.” Later, it’s the snowshoes that will prove controversial.)

The labyrinthine plot of “Fever Beach” — which also includes a Habitat for Humanity-esque project called Wee Hammers, in which grade school kids are handed power tools to build a house — is much more complicated than can be summarized here. That’s not really an issue; it’s all very funny and almost as believable as things that have actually happened of late.

A familiar figure for Hiaasen fans is the hero of “Fever Beach.” Twilly Spree, the millionaire eco-vigilante introduced way back in “Sick Puppy,” is here to punish litterbugs, rein in bird-killing cats (bells! He puts bells on their collars!), sabotage predatory developers and, above all, thwart the Strokers in all their plans. He’s abetted by Viva Morales, a new partner in crime and love interest.

"Futile gestures that feel good at the time,” Twilly tells Viva. “That's my weakness. Was blowing up a piece of machinery an original idea? Not at all. Did it change anything? Not one bit." But “I do enjoy ruining a bad guy’s day.”

The engaging character of Twilly and his relationship with Viva, plus the addition of a heroic hit man and a whip-smart young prostitute named Galaxy, give “Fever Beach” the weight it needs to counter the crazy without dampening the humor.

Late in the book, someone asks, “How is this even happening?” It’s a question that most of those who opt to read “Fever Beach” have probably asked more than once.

If that’s you, read Hiassen’s crazy, relevant and crazy-relevant satire and laugh. But don’t laugh too hard or you’ll cry.

Another classic satire from Haiaasen here. This was fairly fast paced, light hearted novel similar to his previous works. Will be a great beach read for the summer, something easy to pick up/put down but will leave the reader satisfied at the end

Carl Hiassen is back with a barrel of fun and laugh out loud characters. As expected, the setting is Florida. Filled with a satirical look at the often hate filled extreme right wing politics in the Sunshine State , we are introduced to Dale Figgio whose claim to fame is being tossed out of Proud Boys for lack of intelligence. Figgio picks up a hitchhiker who becomes an accomplice to the distribution of packets of hate filled flyers and other unsolicited reading matter. And so it begins.

In true Hiassen style we meet crooked politicians, an alleged philanthropic organization and Viva Morales who works for the Mink Foundation and rents a cost efficient room in Figgio’s apartment. Viva and Twilly Spree( how does Hiassen think up these names ?) partner up to investigate what seems to be a financial mystery and end up discovering an elaborate scheme sheltering a dangerous right wing group replete with a crooked congressman who distributes the organization’s funds.

Conspiracies abound as the author creates a myriad of entanglements that reflect the goings on in current political shenanigans. It’s a romp into our current political labyrinth with some of the dumbest and most hateful characters Hiassen has ever concocted. Five stars for a barrel full of pathetic miscreants in a book you will relish. Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Publication date was May 13. You’ll want to read this one.!

Thank you to Net Galley and Knopf for the ARC. I was excited to read this since I'm always a fan of satire but the over the top absurdity made this a super repetitive and dull read.

This was great. When I closed my eyes I forgot it was satire and it really felt like real life. I wonder if the author knew how true all of his words would become.

I would recommend this for anyone who thinks today's political climate in America is wild and that the current administration is comically and horrifically inept.

Carl Hiaasen’s latest is a delightful, satirical romp that focuses on The Strokerz for Liberty, a group of ultra right-wing white men from Florida who are determined to “take back the country.” Parts are definitely laugh-out-loud funny, as is typical of a Hiassen novel, and a lot of the goings-on reflect much of the environmental and political issues that currently engulf us. The plot is a well-developed one, and although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it definitely worked for me.

Simply hilarious! Well worth reading. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

As funny and pointed as usual, Fever Beach is a great story showing the ridiculousness of the current political right, both poor and rich alike. Hiaasen doesn't even try to hide the politics behind metaphor. He makes it very clear. So if you're not "woke," maybe try reading this to see how the rest of the country views you.

A riot of a novel, which I expected from Hiaasen, but since it has been ages since I’ve read his books, it was fun to laugh out loud at the antics of these characters. Hiaasen hits the nail on the head with his political commentary (in a comical manner) about how far people will go with the idea of a deep state agenda and anti-wokeness. The Strokers for Liberty could be a group anywhere right now, but Florida seemed a fitting setting. I loved Viva and Twilly - I honestly could go on about what I thought about each of the extensive characters in this cast, but it would take too long. Hiaasen is a master at creating outrageously lovable and hateable characters and Fever Beach was populated by them all. A great read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this title!

I have been reading Carl Hiaasen's novels forever. FEAR BEACH is now my favorite so far. I had so many laugh out loud moments in this one that I lost count. His novels always contain unscrupulous developers that have no concern for removing natural plants and trees. Corrupt politicians and their benefactors are always in the forefront, too. Satire mixed in make for a fun romp and humor.
Danny Figgo is the pivotal character in this hilarious book. He is all into White Supremacy. After he has been deemed too stupid to be in the Oath Keepers or Proud Boys, he starts his own group he names Strokers For Liberty. He blames all his problems on different groups he hates. This attitude gets him in trouble when he hits someone while he is throwing plastic bags with sand and hate messages. He thinks his life and projects will get better when he is funded by Congressman Clute Boyette to pull off some stunts. Clute is getting some of his money by fraudulent means from the billionaire couple Claude and Electra Mink who are philanthropist with far right views.
None of them realize they are up against two people who oppose everything they all stand for and want to bring them down. Viva Morales has just moved to Florida and ends up renting an apartment above Figgo's because she can't afford anything else after a divorce cleaned her out. She meets Twilly Spree who has inherited a lot of money and is very angry when he comes across those who want to ruin the environment. The story plays out with plenty of dark humor that leads to a satisfying ending.
If you are a long time Hiaasen fan, you will love FEVER BEACH. If he is a new to you author this novel will make you want to dip your feet in the Florida water of one of his earlier books.

Never having read this author I had no idea this book was political satire. The names alone are outrageous and too many players to keep up with. I read the first quarter then skimmed on over to the end because the middle was such a mish mash of nonsensical shenanigans of the numerous characters. Not quite sure who all the players represented in real life but I suppose someone more politically in tune could figure it out. Some things were funny but it was just over the top for me even though he did point out how the latest generation is selling off farms and first for the purpose of more subdivisions and lining their pockets. If you are unto politics or satire definitely your book. I was provided an ad reader copy at my request (fooled by he title, thought it was a fun beach read) but was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to NetGalley,publisher and author for the read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf for an early copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. This is the first book I have read by Carl Hiaasen and it will not be the last. I loved the characters and the storyline in this book. I felt the characters had great growth. I would definitely recommend this book.

DNF at 15%. Sounded good in theory, but in the end this one wasn't for me. Being this was my first experience with Carl Hiaasen's work I wasn't sure what I was going to be getting. I think many people will enjoy this one, but I wasn't one of them.

Hiaasen books are always fun, hilarious, satirical, and timely, and Fever Beach was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed this books, just as I have all his others. I laughed out loud in so many places. If you’re not a fan of politics in your books, this may not be for you. If you enjoy a satirical take on current events, this is your book!

Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen is a crazy and wild ride that just doesn’t slow down. The story is set in the author’s home state of Florida and involves a number of different characters. From right wing insurrectionists who have been inspired by the January 6th assault on the Capitol to crooked and despicable politicians. And you can’t overlook the philanthropists who are funding all of the shenanigans. Then there are a few who are trying to right the wrongs, while also trying to stop further bad behavior.

There’s a lot going on in this book. It moves along at a fast pace, with multiple plots and storylines. At times the humor and activities can be rather crude, as is the language. But, no doubt about it, it’s a colorful and sometimes laugh-out-loud read.

Fever Beach is entertaining and it’s a little like watching a train wreck. I couldn’t look away and I had to know how it would all end. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.

Fun, Flawed, and Fuzzy: An Enjoyable but Uneven Hiaasen Outing, Faltering at the Finish Line

Carl Hiaasen's "Fever Beach" delivers a characteristically Floridian romp, populated by a host of unusual and often unsavory individuals. The narrative kicks off with a good dose of Hiaasen's signature dark humor and satirical wit*, quickly establishing itself as an "enjoy the ride" kind of story. For the most part, the journey is an entertaining one, filled with quirky scenarios and morally ambiguous players.

However, where the book loses its way is in its unfocused meandering and, most significantly, its conclusion. The ending feels disappointingly abrupt and tacked on, almost as if the author suddenly hit a deadline and resorted to a quick summary of character fates—reminiscent of those explanatory text cards at the end of some films. While a few of these resolutions were unexpected, the overall effect was jarring and detracted from the preceding narrative.

Despite the rogue's gallery of characters, some of whom are truly contemptible, the story held my interest. I found myself wishing for a deeper dive into the primary protagonists. One seems to be aimlessly navigating a morally gray existence, while the other comes across as genuinely decent, albeit a little ill-defined.

Ultimately, "Fever Beach" offers a mostly enjoyable, if somewhat chaotic, read. While I'd hoped for a more cohesive and satisfying resolution, I wasn't wholly disappointed by the wild ride Hiaasen provided.

* I very much enjoyed the character Viva

I’ve had a soft spot for Carl Hiaasen’s books ever since high school, partly because his sister-in-law was my 10th grade English teacher (all my love to you, Mrs. Hiaasen), but also because he’s just such a talented writer. His books are just so fun! As always, this is such a blast. You kind of have to go into it knowing that Carl Hiaasen has a very specific point of view. If you don’t already think somewhat politically like he does, you might not connect with every part of the story. But even if you're not totally aligned, the way he paints such a clear picture through his satire is hard to ignore but also really fun to laugh at (otherwise we'd cry). What really stood out to me was the humor. It was sharp and clever, and honestly, so refreshing. I found myself laughing out loud more than once, which I didn't expect going into something so rooted in current events. Hiaasen is just really good at what he does. He blends satire, suspense, and truth in a way that keeps you hooked. This one definitely makes you think, but also lets you laugh while you're at it.