When Mrs Starch, the most feared biology teacher in Florida, goes missing during a school trip to the Black Vine Swamp, her class is secretly relieved. The school principal tries to cover it up as a 'family emergency', but Nick and Marta just aren't convinced. They think it's much more likely to have something to do with Smoke, the local troublemaker - whose run-ins with Mrs Starch are infamous - and decide to do some investigating of their own.
If you're already a fan of Carl Hiassen's patented brand of Florida set light weight crime fiction Nature Girl will statisfy if not overwhelm you. If you're new to the author's work then this a reasonable place to start, even if he has written better books (his last, Skinny Dip for example). On the offchance that you've tried his work before and not found it to your taste then firstly, why are you reading this review and secondly, walk away because I doubt there's anything here that will change your opinion.
Hoot, Carl Hiaasen's debut novel for younger readers is a very special treat indeed. The writing is exceptionally good, and the characters extremely quirky and well realised. It's incredibly readable despite a story premise that is not sparklingly original. But no matter, there's an engaging "feel-good" vibe running through the whole book.
“This book is a return by Hiaasen to his best with the sport of golf providing the venue for his unique wit and biting humor. . . . Throughout, he spares no punches on himself. You feel his pain and frustration as he takes three steps forward and two back (usually in the rough).
