There seems to be a genre of crime literature set against the background of Florida with emphasis on the colourful of its inhabitants, the creatures that dwell there and the destruction of their habitat. The heroes are generally amateurs with professional law enforcement only playing secondary roles.

I've always suspected that Carl Hiaasen is largely responsible for this genre with his excellent novels, many of which I own.

Dave Barry, who is an excellent column writer (search the Web for 'dave barry Roger and Elaine' for a classic example), pays respect to Hiassen in his introduction and it's very obvious why when you read this book as it relies heavily on Hiassen's formula. And it's ... OK ... but in truth it's not of the same quality, or indeed Les Standiford who Barry also gives a nod to in his introduction.

Not that there's anything that wrong with it. It's an easy read, which was just the job in the quiet hours over Christmas, but I'd only turn to this when you're out of Hiaasen and Standiford books to read.