Read as part of CBR16 Bingo: first. This is the first of two Carl Hiaasen novels to feature criminal food inspector Andrew Yancy.
I wanted to read this before I saw the TV show since it’s received good reviews and seems like the kind of thing that is for me.
I have mixed feelings on Carl Hiaasen, though I always enjoy reading his books. They start strong as he lathers on all the Florida-ness he possibly can. The line in this one about how the sheriff won election because the two men ahead of him in the polls were arrested on unrelated racketeering charges and thus couldn’t debate sent me. Just thinking about how he sets the table here makes me laugh.
But then it comes to plot. And Hiaasen’s strength is definitely not plot. It’s like he keeps losing track of the purpose of the novel other than to introduce the reader to some zany Florida characters.
It reaches its ending just fine, even if somewhat predictably but I always enjoy the ride. Like going on a roadtrip with a daredevil. The moves thrill at first, get tiresome in the middle, and end in an exciting fashion.
I can see how this would work as a tv series. Vince Vaughn has a quality laconic style that would work perfect for playing Yancy. They’ll definitely have to change some subplots to make it more tv friendly; there’s a limit to how grim a crime comedy can be. But I’m excited to see how they’ll do it.
