"Skinny Dip" by Carl Hiaasen is a 2004 fiction that I read this past year. It was my first Hiaasen novel, and as an introduction to an author that was new-to-me, it made me want to read more of his books!
Skinny Dip is set in south Florida, opening with a husband (Chaz) trying to kill his wife (Joey) while on a cruise by shoving her overboard. However, he must have forgotten that she was an excellent swimmer since competing in High School. The fact she also managed to grab onto a floating cache of marijuana and currents carried her to an island inhabited by a reclusive ex-cop (Mick) makes for the beginnings of a fine revenge story.
Joey refuses to call law enforcement and instead plots with Mick to "haunt" Chaz with her undead presence. Things turn comical when we realize Chaz is a scumbag who is taking bribes to allow pollution of the Everglades, is not very good at murder and is just plain awful at getting caught. Have you heard of "Florida Man ...." news articles? This book hearkens back to the probability of the characters both running into Florida Man, and/or perhaps *being* a version of Florida Man. Murders are committed where the victims don't stay dead, misunderstandings abound and the ultimate hoax is perpetrated to exact the perfect revenge.
I really enjoyed this humorous book and the comedic misadventures that befell our villain. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!
Enjoy a lighthearted romp of a read and pick up "Skinny Dip" today.
Heidi Y.