Tourist Season summary

The Unusual Disappearances

In Tourist Season by Carl Hiaasen, we embark on a wild journey across South Florida. The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of a number of tourists, all of whom were visiting the Sunshine State. These disappearances raise eyebrows, but no solid leads are uncovered. 

Our protagonist, Brian Keyes, a former journalist turned private investigator, is asked to look into the case. His investigation leads him to the quirky group of eco-terrorists, known as the "Merry Men". They are a band of disgruntled locals, who are fed up with the relentless development and commercialization of their beloved Florida.

The Merry Men and Their Cause

The Merry Men, led by Skip Wiley, a former journalist, have taken it upon themselves to rid Florida of its tourists. Their plan includes faking alligator attacks, releasing swarms of mosquitoes and even kidnapping the tourists. Their ultimate goal is to scare away all the tourists and return Florida to its natural state.

Keyes becomes fascinated by the Merry Men and their cause. He sees their point, but he doesn't agree with their methods. The detective also realizes that the group's actions are becoming increasingly dangerous and violent. He fears that the next step might be an actual massacre of innocent tourists.

The Chaos Unfolds

As Keyes tries to figure out a way to stop the Merry Men, chaos ensues. A series of bizarre events, including a failed alligator attack, a disastrous mosquito release, and a high-speed car chase, keep the plot moving at a breakneck pace. Keyes also finds himself in a complicated romance with a woman named Cleo, who has a connection to Skip Wiley.

In the midst of all this, the Merry Men escalate their campaign. They plan to blow up a bridge during rush hour, which will surely result in a massive loss of life. Keyes must act fast to prevent this disaster. He hatches a plan to infiltrate the Merry Men and stop the bridge bombing.

The Showdown and the Aftermath

Keyes' plan works, and he manages to stop the bombing. In the process, he also exposes the Merry Men's activities to the authorities. The Merry Men are arrested, and Skip Wiley is killed during a confrontation with the police. The group's reign of terror comes to an end.

In the aftermath, Florida returns to normal, with tourists flocking back to the state. However, the events have left a lasting impact on Keyes. He realizes that the Merry Men were a product of the locals' frustration with the rapid commercialization of their home. He also acknowledges that, like the Merry Men, he too has a love-hate relationship with Florida.

In conclusion, Tourist Season is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex relationship between man and nature, and the consequences of unchecked development. It's a wild ride through the eccentricities of Florida, with a cast of unforgettable characters and an unexpected, yet satisfying, conclusion.