Have you ever heard the beginnings of a tale involving someone from Florida and not been at least a little intrigued?

New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize winner, and actual Florida Man Dave Barry returns with Swamp Story, a compelling novel that blends crime and comedy set in the state known for its unbelievable occurrences.

New mom Jesse Braddock is trapped in a tiny cabin deep in the Everglades with her infant daughter and ex-boyfriend, a wannabe reality TV star whose handsome exterior belies a disappointing personality. Broke and desperate for a way out, Jesse stumbles across a long-lost treasure that she believes could solve all her problems if she can figure out how to keep it away from some dangerous men who are in pursuit of said fortune — and now Jesse.

Meanwhile, a man named Ken Bortle of Bortle Brothers Bait and Beer schemes to lure tourists to his failing store by making viral videos of the “Everglades Melon Monster.” The Monster is in fact an unemployed alcoholic named Phil wearing a Dora the Explorer costume head. Incredibly, this plan actually works, inspiring a horde of overzealous TikTokers to swarm the swamp searching for the monster at the same time villains are on the hunt for Jesse’s treasure. And if that weren’t enough Floridian chaos, a presidential hopeful arrives in the Everglades to start his campaign.

Needless to say, author Dave Barry’s new caper full of mayhem is unpredictable. But this is fitting — it is, after all, Florida.

Dave Barry is the author of more bestsellers than you can count on two hands, including Lessons from Lucy, Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys, Dave Barry Turns Forty, and Dave Barry Is Not Making This Up. A wildly popular syndicated columnist best known for his booger jokes, Barry won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. He lives in Miami.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle.