Tourist Season

By: Carl Hiaasen

Narrated by: George Wilson

Length: 14 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Hiaasen's best-selling novels are funny and sardonic. Hilarious postcards of south Florida, they also decry the lurid commercialism that is draining and paving the tropical landscape.

Tourist season is swinging into high gear in Miami. So are the activities of a bizarre terrorist group determined to keep the hapless "snowbirds" away. Armed with bombs, weed, and jumbled credos, they move toward their grand target, the Orange Bowl Parade, with plans to bring Miami and its tourist trade to a halt.

The cast, which includes a deranged journalist, a visionary ex-jock, and a lovesick detective, is just the kind of company Carl Hiaasen's fans love to keep. Narrator George Wilson's performance lures each quirky character out into the full light of the Florida sun. With over half a million copies in print, this is one of Hiaasen's most popular works.

©1986 Carl Hiaasen (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Reading a Hiaasen book is always a high-speed boat ride where laughter can turn to horror and disaster at any moment. Hearing the story aloud adds a dose of realism and sensation....Wilson's narration is perfectly timed, laid-back, and salty." (AudioFile)

Hiassen at his best

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. As in all of Hiassen's work, the storytelling is superb.

What did you like best about this story?

Characters. Hiassen creates an entirely new set of characters for this story. You can relate to just about all of them, even the antagonists. The assault on 'conventional' Florida attitudes and residents is succinct and to the point. You never have to guess where they stand. Promotes environmental issues, like most Hiassen books.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The performance was about average.

If you could rename Tourist Season, what would you call it?

Either "Lost in Florida" or "The Life and Times of Daniel "Viceroy" Wilson"

Any additional comments?

Couldn't stop listening. Fantastic book.

Laugh out loud funny!

I listened to this book on a recent road trip and I am sure that people passing me wondered if I was nuts because I was laughing so hard out loud...driving alone! The cast of characters in this book are crazy and nutty and it is a non-stop book of fun. I highly recommend it!!

good plot, fascinating read, horrible end

Loved the initial story and plot, but the book dont end properly - its as if the author just stopped writing.

The narration is what makes this book great.

It’s Carl Hiaasen.

It’s Carl Hiaasen. You’ll like him or you will not. I do. Try one. Then John D. Macdonald.

Hilarious first novel! Still relevant in 2021

This is extremely, often darkly, funny. I've been invited on several occasions to visit S. Florida, and I've always declined - which may be an historic first for a native New Yorker. The narration is brilliant. A great departure from "everything Skink". Well worth a credit!

To all the people who complained about the 'N word, allow me to explain: I lean farther to the left the than many people do. As in, left of liberal. Furthermore, I'm Native American. I have not complained about the use of the word 'Indian' in reference to Seminoles, as the characters making these statements did so in 1986 and were, shall we say, unenlightened. I noticed NONE of the complaints mentioned the word 'Honky', which is also a racial slur. Are people honestly more tolerant now than they were in 1986? Is it fair to rate a book poorly because certain characters actually thought and spoke this way? NO to both questions.

A lot going on in this one

I am a huge fan of Hiaasen and this is the first book I have listened to. Narration is ok, There are a lot of things happening in this book and it really requires one to keep up.

Carl Hiaasen & George Wilson at starsat stars

Carl Hiaasen is my all time favorite author and this book does not disappoint! He stands alone in his ability to develop characters, weave and interesting, intricate and humerus story line AND address important social issues is
Unparalleled!

Still a great book.... 8 listens later.

Funny, exciting, clever and educational. Carls writing is extraordinary. George's narration is impeccable. looking forward to listen number 9 in about 6 months.

hilarious characters

nostalgic for one like me who was born in the 50's yyand lived through the 80's

interesting story

I thought it would be funnier based on others' reviews. It was gruesome in parts. I did like the satirical aspects and can relate to the issue of over development. The narrator was good, although I could hear him swallowing and clearing his throat occasionally. Just an average audiobook and story in my opinion.