Carl Hiaasen's Fever Beach is a fast-paced, satirical romp through a world brimming with chaos and colorful characters. From Neo-Nazis and drag queens to corrupt congressmen and environmental activists, Hiaasen weaves a tale that mirrors the absurdities of the real world, with a humorous, yet pointed critique of modern politics. Fans of Hiaasen’s trademark blend of dark humor and social commentary will feel right at home here.

The novel takes aim at the MAGA movement, skewering the cult-like fervor within the Republican Party with sharp wit and exaggerated, yet eerily familiar, characters based on real-life figures. While Hiaasen’s sharp eye for political parody makes this book an engaging read, some readers may find the recurring jokes a bit tiresome. The repetition of certain gags, once amusing, can lose their punch as the story unfolds.

Despite this, Fever Beach is an entertaining and insightful novel, perfect for fans of Hiaasen’s previous work. It’s a book that’s as much about the laughs as it is about the deeper societal critiques it offers—an enjoyable read for those who don’t mind a little political provocation with their humor.

Good gravy!! Do you remember that ABC show Revenge? This book is like that show, except swap the ambitious, arrogant, backstabbing, power-hungry, vengeful inhabitants of the Hamptons for the corrupt, eccentric, ignorant, impulsive, inept, narcissistic, opportunistic, racist, vengeful characters of Fever Beach, Florida.

Thank you NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and anchor for the ARC.

Carl Hiassen never disappoints. The offbeat characters, the unabashed love of Florida and the outrageous plot twists always make for a great read.

Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen delivers the humor and justice needed in today's turbulent times. This book uses Hiaasen's formula of cynical witty male characters and strong female characters delivering justice to both idiots and crooks with power. I appreciate that every character gets exactly the ending they deserve. This is a light-hearted quick read that I highly recommend.

This book seemed more like a true telling due to the current state of the world, but it was entertaining. Rooting for the good guys all the way. The best scene was the drag queen show.

I had never read a Carl Hiaasen novel before but had read some of his articles written for newspaper (as I lived in Florida for ten years) and greatly enjoyed those, so thought I'd give one of his novels a try. This did not disappoint. I am still smiling to myself at the absurdity (and germ of truth) in this riotous tale of inept white supremacists and the indignant normal folks who have to live amongst them.

With hilarious characters that I can assure you are genuinely Floridian, a plotline that twists and turns and makes you grin, then laugh out loud, this was one wild ride through the politics and extremist racism of folks we read about in the papers all the time these days. Loved every second of this breezy glimpse of Florida life, from the Winn-Dixie references to the shout out to my home county of Pasco to the enchantment of a day (or in the case of Fever Beach) a night spent at the beach. Everything ties up so prettily and quite satisfactorily at the end. Can't wait to go check out the list of other Hiaasen's books I haven't read. Yet.

This is my first time reading this author although has been recommended to me several times. After reading this book, I will certainly try some of his other books. It took me a little bit keep the characters straight but once I figured that out, it was a really funny, enjoyable read.

I have read other books by Carl Hiaasen and enjoyed them, and I think his books are well written. Unfortunately the subject matter was not something I could handle right now so I did not finish the book. I fear we are living in neo-Natzi times so to read about it was just too much.

Hiaasen has done it again! Satire is riding high in his newest book. This was the perfect antidote to the current polarized political situation.
Dale Figgo is the head of the Strokerz, a white supremacist organization secretly funded by a questionable philanthropic organization. Dale and his buddy, Jonas, fried out their brains some time back. Viva Morales is Dale's tenant; she also works as the "wealth director" for the Minks' philanthropic organization.
Enter Twilly Spree - determined to correct all the political, environmental injustices he comes across. He does not use normal techniques. Using the new development's large equipment, he destroys all the roads in the new (illegal) development. He "befriends" Dale and joins the Strokerz at their secret meeting locations. He resolves to take down a crooked politician. And he and Viva become friends, seeking to outwit the crooked politicians and crooked environmentalists at every turn. Hiaasen can make the most absurd situation into a laugh-out-loud scene.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a review.

"Fever Beach" by Carl Hiaasen captures the essence of Hiaasen's signature style, combining humor, environmental themes, and quirky characters. Set against the backdrop of Florida's unique landscape, the novel unfolds a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists and absurd situations.

The story revolves around a cast of eccentric characters, each contributing to the chaotic yet captivating plot. Hiaasen's knack for creating vivid, larger-than-life personalities is on full display, making readers both laugh and cringe at their antics. The author's sharp wit and keen observations about human nature and society shine through, providing both entertainment and thought-provoking commentary.

One of the standout elements of "Fever Beach" is Hiaasen's deep love for the environment, particularly the fragile ecosystems of Florida. He weaves environmental issues seamlessly into the narrative, raising awareness about the impact of human actions on nature without coming across as preachy.

The pace of the novel can be a bit slow at times, which allows for deeper exploration of character backgrounds and subplots. It also provides readers with a chance to savor the rich details and humor that Hiaasen is known for.

"Fever Beach" is a delightful mix of satire, adventure, and social commentary that showcases Carl Hiaasen's talent for storytelling. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Hiaasen or new to his work, this book is sure to leave you entertained and reflective long after the last page is turned.

Fever Beach is the story of some very misguided White supremacists, MAGA supporters, and generally ignorant, racist men who attempt to tamper with an election. There's some crude humor that I would classify as "guy humor", and just a little romance. I was so looking forward to some of Hiaasen's wacky characters and Florida situations where the folks seem a little more relatable, and maybe even loveable. I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed. I cannot really recommend Fever Beach, but I am not giving up on Carl Hiaasen, and will look forward to his next book.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Fever Beach.

I have been reading Carl Hiaasen's books since first being reeled in by his YA books in middle school (Hoot, Scat, etc.). Fever Beach was exactly what I've come to expect from him (in the best way)! Satire, humor, political statements, all wrapped into one can't-put-it-down package. I devoured Fever Beach and eagerly await his next statement in whatever form it may take.

I received a free ARC ebook of <i>Fever Beach</i> from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Parts of Hiaasen's latest novel are laugh-out-loud funny.
A handful of good ole boy Floridians, led by the incredibly dumb Dale Figgo, attempt to assert their white superiority over everyone and everything that isn't like them. Bankrolled by a corrupt, licentious congressman running for reelection, Figgo and his group would seem so improbable if not for the reality that confronts us daily. Throw in some shady rich people who just want MORE, and Hiaasen's comedy of errors rings true.

Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen may be my favorite novel of his and that's saying a lot!
His descriptions of Florida and their quirky residents are a hoot to read.

A pleasure, a laughing in public, whacky, didn't want it to end, pleasure. As always. And right on time.

Fever Beach

Fever Beach is a funny, over-the-top satire of our modern times. It is full of crazy right-wing nuts, nefarious millionaires/billionaires, and good people trying to fight the good fight. It is full of everything we know, love, and hate about Florida: the greed of its rapacious developers, its natural beauty, the rampant corruption. Unfortunately, the stupid anti-everybody-but-people-who-look-and-think-like-me sentiments expressed by the group of Florida Man prototypes is barely exaggerated. The same can be said for the wealthy people using their money to manipulate the political and business landscapes to their advantage, and the developers who want to build! build! build! at any cost.

Any fans of Carl Hiaasen will know what to expect. That doesn’t make it in or less entertaining. He has been kicking against the pricks for decades now, and I for one hope he is able to keep doing it for years to come.

I am thankful to Knopf and to NetGalley for having the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. As a long time fan of Carl Hiaasen, I thoroughly enjoyed Fever Beach.

Right about now, we in the “elite radical left” need something to cheer us up. And here comes Carl Hiaasen to the rescue. He has once again written a totally bonkers, politically charged story about Florida. Dale Figgo gives new meaning to the word stupid. Thrown out of the Proud Boys for smearing excrement on the statue of James Zachariah George during the January 6th uprising when he confused the statue for one of Ulysses S. Grant. (My first surprise is that there actually was a James Zachariah George, former confederate, whose statue is inside the Capitol.)
As is typical of Hiassen, there are a multitude of characters that come and go as the story progresses. Viva Morales is Figgo’s tenant and works as the donation coordinator for the Minks, who up until now have just wanted their names and pictures on various medical facilities. But now, they’re funding an obviously faux charity and don’t want Viva asking questions. Twilly Spree is her new beau who feels obligated to enact vengeance on anyone who hurts the environment. It goes on like this.
Hiaasen makes no secret of his disdain of development and his pro-conservation stance. His politics are also on full display.
Pick this up if you need some good belly laughs. And credit to Hiaasen. It may be bonkers, but it’s also smart fun. I’m in awe at the way his brain works and how he continually comes up with such devilishly clever plots.
My thanks to Netgalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for an advance copy of this book.

I think this author is pretty funny and truth based. This time he takes on the maga crew in southern Florida. His characters are believably dim and silly and entertaining. I found it to be a fun vacation read. I wanted the book because I have read others by him. It didn't disappoint.

The cast of Fever Beach includes characters with such variations of mental, physical, emotional and political traits that it’s unbelievable to think they could ever inhabit the same scenarios. However, this is not reality – this is the latest Carl Hiaasen novel, and it is precisely his intermingling of these offbeat opposites that is so much fun. With a stew of corrupt politicians, do-gooders, philanthropists seeking tax schemes, Proud Boy wannabees, right-wing Floridians and a broke but clever divorcee, what could go wrong? A lot ! And that is precisely what makes Hiaasen’s satires so entertaining, along with his trademark laugh-out-loud snappy dialogue. While the storyline can get a little complicated, and the plot is blatantly absurd, Fever Beach is a perfect read for Hiaasen fans on a fevered day at the beach.

Thanks to Net Galley and Knopf for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another thoroughly entertaining tale from Carl Hiassen!

When a lazy Florida politician uses a large contribution from money laundering supporters to fund questionable campaign organizers, plans quickly go off the rails!