# Tourist Season

By Carl Hiaasen

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/tourist-season-1a5b8773/

Someone is making Miami’s tourist season dangerous. As visitors disappear and a civic leader turns up dead, former reporter Brian Keyes investigates a case the local boosters would rather keep quiet. Tourist revenue gives them plenty of reason to avoid alarming headlines.

## What makes it funny?

The local Chamber of Commerce president dies with a toy alligator in his throat. An attack on a cruise ship involves rattlesnakes dropped from above. Hiaasen gives the campaign against tourism a grotesque selection of props.

### The comedy at work

A place trying to sell a carefree holiday has to explain increasingly spectacular violence. Hiaasen directs the satire at the people profiting from Florida’s development and the destructive anger of those trying to stop it.

### Try this if…

For readers who want cynical crime satire with environmental anger and gallows humor. Kirkus found the jokes forced, while clearly identifying the book’s commitment to black comedy.

### Good to know

The violence includes graphic mutilation, murders, bombings and attacks involving animals.

## What to expect

- Genre: Crime & thriller · Mystery
- On the shelf: Private eye & detective
- Kind of humor: Dark comedy · Satire
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Audience: Adult
- Format: Novel
- Published: 1986

## A few distinguishing details

- A murder investigation that threatens tourist revenue
- Florida boosterism meets grotesque crime

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/334705/tourist-season-by-carl-hiaasen)
- Author commentary: [Author](https://carlhiaasen.com/books/tourist-season)
- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/carl-hiaasen/tourist-season-2)