Did you know Carl Hiaasen and John Sandford worked at The Miami Herald at the same time? That’s why it was perfect that Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, introduced them to the audience for a recent virtual event, and then turned the event over to Sandford. John Sandford was to lead the discussion of Carl Hiaasen’s new bestseller, Squeeze Me. However, the event feels as if it’s two long-time friends in conversation. You can find signed copies of Squeeze Me, along with Hiaasen’s other books, in the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2IprI5a
Here’s the summary of Squeeze Me.
From the best-selling author of Skinny Dip and Razor Girl, a hilarious new novel of social and political intrigue, set against the glittering backdrop of Florida’s gold coast.
It’s the height of the Palm Beach charity ball season: for every disease or cause, there’s a reason for the local luminaries to eat (minimally), drink (maximally), and be seen. But when a prominent high-society dowager suddenly vanishes during a swank gala, and is later found dead in a concrete grave, panic and chaos erupt. Kiki Pew was notable not just for her wealth and her jewels–she was an ardent fan of the Winter White House resident just down the road, and a founding member of the POTUSSIES, a group of women dedicated to supporting their President. Never one to miss an opportunity to play to his base, the President immediately declares that Kiki was the victim of rampaging immigrant hordes. This, it turns out, is far from the truth.
The truth might just lie in the middle of the highway, where a bizarre discovery brings the First Lady’s motorcade to a grinding halt (followed by some grinding between the First Lady and a love-struck Secret Service agent). Enter Angie Armstrong, wildlife wrangler extraordinaire, who arrives at her own conclusions after she is summoned to the posh island to deal with a mysterious and impolite influx of huge, hungry pythons . . .
Carl Hiaasen can brighten even the darkest of days and Squeeze Me is pure, unadulterated Hiaasen. Irreverent, ingenious, and highly entertaining, Squeeze Me perfectly captures the absurdity of our times.
*****
Enjoy the conversation as Carl Hiaasen and John Sandford pick at each other while talking about Florida and books.