Tim Dorsey’s “Florida Roadkill” is a chaotic crime story packed with wild characters and outrageous situations. It follows Serge Storms, an eccentric and unpredictable antihero, as he roams through Florida with his stoner sidekick, Coleman.
The story weaves through schemes involving stolen drug money, crooked politicians, and bizarre encounters that showcase the quirky underbelly of Florida. The book’s energy comes from the unpredictability of the plot and Serge’s off-the-wall antics.
The novel “Bad Monkey” by Carl Hiaasen follows Andrew Yancy, a disgraced detective turned health inspector in the Florida Keys, as he stumbles upon a severed arm tied to a mysterious crime.
Amid the chaos of dealing with colorful locals, shady developers, and wild situations, Yancy becomes fixated on uncovering the truth behind the arm. This satirical yet darkly comedic story brims with offbeat characters and Florida’s unique atmosphere.
“The Deep Blue Good-by” by John D. MacDonald introduces Travis McGee, a self-described “salvage consultant,” who takes on cases for those who have lost something of value. In this story, McGee helps a woman recover treasure hidden by her deceitful lover.
Set against the backdrop of sunny Florida, it paints a gritty picture of the underbelly of paradise, mixing danger with the charm of McGee’s houseboat life.
“Sick Puppy” by Carl Hiaasen is a wild story about a corrupt lobbyist named Palmer Stoat and an eco-activist named Twilly Spree, who gets furious when he sees Stoat littering.
Twilly’s anger leads to him kidnapping Stoat’s dog and setting off a chaotic chain of events filled with schemes, blackmail, and environmental battles.
The novel dives into shady deals and Florida’s environmental issues, with a cast of eccentric characters and outrageous situations.
The novel “Alas, Babylon” by Pat Frank tells the story of a small town in Florida dealing with the aftermath of a nuclear war. It focuses on Randy Bragg, a man who must step up and lead his community through the chaos that follows.
The book explores the struggles of survival as basic necessities disappear and society falls apart, all set against the backdrop of a quiet Southern town suddenly thrust into hardship.
The novel “A Land Remembered” by Patrick D. Smith tells the story of three generations of the MacIvey family, who settle in Florida during the 1800s. It focuses on their struggles as they transform the wilderness into a thriving cattle and citrus empire.
The book captures the hardships of frontier life and the changes brought by progress and modernization over the years, showcasing the resilience and determination of the family.
Peter Matthiessen wrote “Shadow Country,” a novel that revisits the life of Edgar J. Watson, a plantation owner in the Florida Everglades during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The story explores Watson’s rise to power and the dark rumors surrounding his violent past, all set against the wild, untamed landscape of Florida. Rich with the voices of his family and neighbors, the novel unravels his legacy and leaves readers questioning the truth about him.
The novel “Swamplandia!” by Karen Russell follows the Bigtree family, who run an alligator-wrestling theme park in the Florida Everglades. After the death of the mother, the family struggles to keep their lives and the park afloat.
The story focuses on Ava, a young girl who embarks on an adventure through the swamp to find her missing sister. The lush and mysterious Everglades become a vivid backdrop, filled with strange characters and unexpected discoveries.
Jeff Lindsay’s “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” introduces Dexter Morgan, a blood-spatter expert for the Miami police by day and a meticulous serial killer by night. Dexter only hunts those who have committed horrible crimes.
The story takes readers through his internal struggles, his methods, and a chilling investigation when another killer emerges with a style close to his own. Set against the backdrop of Miami, the book offers an eerie mix of darkness and twisted humor.
This novel was adapted into the highly successful television series “Dexter,” which aired from 2006 to 2013.
John Grisham’s “Camino Island” revolves around the theft of valuable manuscripts from Princeton University and their connection to a bookstore owner on a small Florida island.
The story follows Mercer, a struggling writer, tasked with infiltrating the literary world of Bruce Cable, a charismatic bookseller who may have ties to the stolen goods.
Set against the backdrop of a quiet yet intriguing beach community, the novel mixes crime with literary allure.
The book “Duma Key” by Stephen King follows Edgar Freemantle, a man recovering from a life-changing accident, who moves to a quiet island in Florida to start anew. As he spends time there, he discovers a strange artistic talent that seems tied to mysterious forces on the island.
The more he paints, the more dark secrets about Duma Key begin to surface, pulling him into something far beyond his control.
“LaBrava” by Elmore Leonard is about Joe LaBrava, a former Secret Service agent turned photographer, who gets pulled into a dangerous world of crime in Miami.
He reconnects with a fading movie star and becomes entangled in a plot involving a con artist, a Cuban gangster, and stolen money. The heat and tension of Florida’s vibrant setting play a strong role in the story.
Leonard’s sharp dialogue and memorable characters make the twists feel immediate and alive.
Elmore Leonard’s “Rum Punch” tells the story of Jackie Burke, a flight attendant who smuggles cash for a gunrunner named Ordell Robbie. When she gets caught by the feds, she is forced to choose between helping them or staying loyal to Ordell.
The plot unfolds in South Florida, full of double-crosses, sharp-tongued dialogue, and characters caught in a tangle of greed and survival. It’s a mix of crime, tension, and unexpected alliances.
This novel was adapted into the film “Jackie Brown” (1997), directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Pam Grier as Jackie Brown and features an ensemble cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, and Bridget Fonda.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote “The Secret River,” a children’s book that tells the story of young Calpurnia, who sets out on a journey to find a special river that could bring her struggling family the resources they need.
Set in Florida, the book captures the lush landscapes of the region. Calpurnia’s determination and encounters along the way make the story heartfelt and memorable.
The novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston tells the story of Janie Crawford, a woman in 1930s Florida who navigates life, love, and loss in her search for independence and self-discovery.
Through her relationships and struggles, the book explores themes of identity, resilience, and the push against societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of small Southern towns and the Everglades, the vivid setting and powerful emotions bring her journey to life.
Art Grace wrote “Coconut Grove,” a story about a group of people whose paths cross in the vibrant nightlife and neighborhoods of Coconut Grove in Miami. It dives into their personal struggles, passions, and relationships against the backdrop of this lively and diverse community.
The book captures both the charm and challenges of life in this iconic Florida setting.
“And Every Day Was Overcast” by Paul Kwiatkowski paints a raw and gritty picture of growing up in South Florida during the 1990s. The story follows a teenager navigating a world shaped by drugs, loneliness, and the search for connection.
The book blends prose with photographs, creating a memoir-like feel rooted in the swampy, humid backdrop of Florida. It’s a vivid snapshot of adolescence in a place filled with both beauty and decay.
John Grisham’s “The Brethren” follows three disgraced former judges who are serving time in a Florida prison. From their cell, they run a scheme involving blackmailing wealthy men through fake personal ads.
Their operation takes an unexpected twist when they target someone tied to a high-stakes political plot, drawing the attention of the CIA. The mix of crime, power, and deception makes this story unfold in unpredictable ways.
“Matecumbe: A Lost Florida Novel” by James Michener takes readers to the Florida Keys, focusing on a developer named Carter who is torn between his ambitions and the natural beauty of the island.
The story explores the clash between progress and preservation, with vivid depictions of the unique Florida landscape. As Carter wrestles with his decisions, the novel paints a picture of a place where the pull of nature and human desires collide.
The “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead tells the story of Elwood Curtis, a Black teenager growing up in 1960s Florida, and his time at the Nickel Academy, a fictional reform school based on a real institution.
The school presents itself as a place of discipline, but behind its walls, students endure abuse and cruelty. Elwood, who believes in the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr., befriends Turner, who has a more cynical view of the world.
Their friendship is tested as they navigate the horrors of the school and try to survive its brutal reality.
Ernest Hemingway wrote “To Have and Have Not,” a story about Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain in Key West who struggles to provide for his family during the Great Depression.
When times get tough, he turns to smuggling and illegal activities, getting caught up in dangerous situations. The book explores themes of survival and morality through Harry’s choices as he navigates a world filled with betrayal and desperation.
Jennifer L. Holm wrote “Turtle in Paradise,” a story about an eleven-year-old girl named Turtle who moves to Key West during the Great Depression.
Living with relatives she barely knows, she discovers a quirky and charming new world filled with treasure hunts, oddball characters, and surprising secrets. The backdrop of 1930s Florida, with its heat and vibrant personality, adds to the adventure.
“The Yearling” by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings tells the story of Jody Baxter, a boy growing up in rural Florida during the late 19th century. Jody forms a bond with an orphaned fawn he names Flag, raising it as a pet.
The story explores Jody’s relationship with his family, the challenges of frontier life, and the difficult choices he faces as Flag grows. The natural setting of the Florida scrubland plays a central role, shaping the harsh and beautiful world Jody must navigate.
The novel “Back to Blood” by Tom Wolfe is set in Miami and dives into the lives of various characters connected by the city’s vibrant cultural mosaic. It focuses on Nestor Camacho, a cop who becomes a local hero after rescuing a man from a boat in a high-profile incident.
The story explores themes of identity, immigration, and power while portraying the tensions between Miami’s diverse communities. Wolfe paints a vivid picture of the city’s energy, from its Cuban neighborhoods to its art scene.
The book “Big Trouble” by Dave Barry is a chaotic and hilarious story set in Miami, where a smuggling scheme, a suitcase bomb, and a mix of eccentric characters collide.
It all begins with a high school kid aiming a squirt gun at a classmate, which sets off a whirlwind of events involving hitmen, a vodka-drinking dog, and even the FBI.
The story moves at a breakneck pace, with absurd situations piling on top of each other against the backdrop of South Florida’s wild energy.
This novel was adapted into the film “Big Trouble” (2002), directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. The film features a star-studded cast including Tim Allen, Rene Russo, and Dennis Farina.
“Tangerine” by Edward Bloor is about Paul Fisher, a middle schooler who moves to a strange town in Florida where bizarre things keep happening.
Paul struggles with his eyesight and a tense relationship with his brother, Erik, while uncovering some unsettling truths about his family and the community. The story explores themes like bullying, environmental issues, and the strength it takes to stand up for what’s right.