Swamp Story

A Novel

By: Dave Barry

Narrated by: Dave Barry

Pulitzer Prize–winning and New York Times bestselling author—and actual Florida Man—Dave Barry returns with a “hilariously funny” (Steve Martin) caper full of oddballs and more twists and turns than a snake slithering away from a gator.

Jesse Braddock is trapped in a tiny cabin deep in the Everglades with her infant daughter and her ex-boyfriend, a wannabe reality TV star who turned out to be a lot prettier on the outside than on the inside. Broke and desperate for a way out, Jesse stumbles across a long-lost treasure, which could solve all her problems—if she can figure out how to keep it. The problem is some very bad men are also looking for the treasure, and they know Jesse has it.

Meanwhile, Ken Bortle of Bortle Brothers Bait and Beer has hatched a scheme to lure tourists to his failing store by making viral videos of the “Everglades Melon Monster.” The Monster is, in fact, an unemployed alcoholic newspaperman named Phil wearing a Dora the Explorer costume head. Incredibly, this plan actually works, inspiring a horde of TikTokers to swarm into the swamp in search of the Monster at the same time villains are on the hunt for Jesse’s treasure. Amid this mayhem, a presidential hopeful arrives in the Everglades to start his campaign. Needless to say, it does not go as planned. In fact, nothing in this story goes as planned. This is, after all, Florida.

Critic reviews

"In his “just-happy-to-be-here” tone, Pulitzer-Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry delivers the tale of down-on-her-luck Jesse Braddock, who hopes all her problems are solved when she stumbles across a trove of long-lost Confederate gold. But there are a few dozen nitwits standing in the way of that, including her ex-boyfriend, the Russian Mob, the Everglades Melon Monster, and a clueless presidential candidate. Throughout, Barry sounds just as entertained and delighted by his crazy characters and his trademark gentle lunacy as his listeners will be."

Great Listen

Love Dave Barry books! This was funny and all the loose ends tied up nicely.

Fun Dave Barry romp

A classic piece of Florida wacky fiction. Dave highlights his usual premise: it’s so crazy it just might be true against the backdrop of social media silliness and the fall of “old-school” journalist. But mainly, it’s a fun read.

Hilarious, fun, truly Florida

I was looking for a lighter, fun and funny read for summer, and this truly hit the right notes with me. Dave Barry has a unique eye for Florida culture and does an excellent job of turning out a terrific tale with lots of twists. Loved it.

What a story!

Great fun with off, but we’ll developed characters. Fun read with lots of wit. Read it!

Enjoyed it

It seems to be written as a movie script.
I am sure it will be a movie soon

Get the Printed Version

Good story that could have been great. This audio made me realize professional voice actors have a purpose - use them! I love Dave Barry, but I hope he never narrates anything again. He missed the mark on emphasis, delivery and character identity. I will buy whatever the next book is, but if he’s narrating then I’ll buy it in print.

Complex plot with happy outcome

Complex plot with happy outcomes. Don’t know what else to say to make this z15 words long

Funny and engaging

I saw Dave Barry’s interview on Sunday Morning and figured what the heck “I’ll get this audio book” and I’m glad I did. It kept my attention and gave me a few chuckles on the way to and from work.

Just what I needed —-

A silly Lil Abner-style-escape. That is, if Lil Abner lived in So Fla and not in mid century Sunday comics.

It Twisted My “Mellon”, Man

Barry’s humour is as natural as ever and never comes off ham fisted. The novel had a great pace overall and the entire cast of characters made me smile chapter after chapter. Glory be to all the Glades men that inspired this highly entertaining romp.