'Double Whammy' by Carl Hiaasen

Double Whammy, Carl Hiaasen (3.0)

Carl Hiaasen books are like candy: fun, but you’re pretty sure it’s not good for you. As with all his books, this one is set in Florida. He introduces Skink, the odd hermit seen in many of his later books – part weirdo, part criminal and part ecologist. The mystery is set around competitive bass fishing with the usual murders and mayhem. I found this older book to be a bit meaner spirited and harder to believe, with cartoon characters sprinkled throughout. I prefer his later works, but will admit I laughed more than a few times.

'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver

Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver (4.0)

Charles Dickens had an amazing ability to write about very tough topics without dragging the reader through a vise, so to speak. He added levity with colorful characters (i.e. the comic relief). My only complaint about this modernization of ‘David Copperfield’ is the lack of comic relief. Maybe it would have read wrong, but several times I needed a break from the dreadful situations. The foster system and opioid crisis modernize the story effectively with devastating results. Ms. Kingsolver is a very good storyteller and keeps you interested in the narrator. Even if you remember what happens to David/Demon, you will quickly turn the pages in anticipation.