Star Island

“Jimmy Campo and his partner had been summoned to treat a twenty-two-year-old white female who had swallowed an unwise mix of vodka, Red Bull, hydrocodone, birdseed and stool softener – in all respects a routine South Beach 911 call, until now.”

This is from the opening to the latest Carl Hiaasen novel “Star Island.” When the library notified me that my copy was in, I ran right over and grabbed it, because I was almost through with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Are you a Hiaasen fan yet? I suggest you check him out. But don’t just take my word for it, the great and funny Dave Barry, when asked if he was writing a new novel, said no, but it’s OK because you can read Carl Hiaasen’s books instead. He writes comic novels set in Florida, perennial contender for the craziest state in the union.

If this book runs true to formula, a pair of hapless strangers will be thrown together in conflict with a nasty ex-spouse, an evil developer, and some stupid crooks. They will probably find love, save some near-pristine wildlife habitat and turn the tables on the bad guys in the end.

Don’t miss it.