Hiaasen's first novel is packed with absurdity and laughter for its readers. This conspiracy story is based in Florida around the destruction of the keys. Hiaasen tells of an eco-terrorist bent on wreaking havoc on the unsuspected tourists who have led to the elimination of much of the natural habitat. However, this is no ordinary conspiracy plot - when the head of the chambers of commerce is found hacked to pieces and with a rubber alligator stuffed down his throat, people take notice.
When this and several other disappearances are linked together, the reporter Brian Keyes gets involved and sets to uncovering a plot to destroy the tourist industry. This journey of discovery is a dark one that leads to some interesting situations.
The comic absurdity within this book is well wrapped around the moral of the story and this is never let out of sight. Hiaasen has an agenda and conveys his message of environmental concern well. Though the twists in the plot keep you turning the pages, Hiaasen has a distinct ability to mix obscure events together with hilarious consequences. The setting is an odd one indeed, and the book drags in places as a result, but the final product is a well rounded first attempt and leaves you with some good insights
This report prepared by Mike Harmer
