The 12 authors similar to Carl Hiaasen that we’re going to look at share his knack for blending humor, quirky characters and thrilling plots.
Whether you love his satirical take on Florida’s eccentricities, his fast-paced storytelling or his environmental themes, these writers deliver similar entertaining reads.
From crime fiction with a comedic twist to offbeat mysteries, here are 12 writers like Carl Hiaasen you’ll want to check out next.
12 Authors Similar to Carl Hiaasen
1. Dave Barry
Writing Style & Themes:
Dave Barry is a master of satirical crime novels with a touch of humor.
Like Carl Hiaasen, he captures the quirks of Florida and its residents, weaving light-hearted narratives around criminal antics and outrageous situations.
Notable Books/Series:
- Big Trouble
- Tricky Business
- Storming the Castle
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Readers who enjoy Hiaasen’s witty Florida crime stories will love Dave Barry’s sharp humor, fast-paced plots and eccentric characters.
Dave Barry’s Website: https://davebarry.com
2. Tim Dorsey
Writing Style & Themes:
Tim Dorsey crafts humorous Florida crime novels featuring Serge A. Storms, a quirky antihero.
His stories brim with eccentric characters and satirical takes on Florida’s culture, mirroring Hiaasen’s flair.
Notable Books/Series:
- Florida Roadkill
- Hammerhead Ranch Motel
- Electric Barracuda
- Tropical Depression
- Nuclear Jellyfish
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Fans of Hiaasen’s zany Florida tales will appreciate Dorsey’s fast-paced plots, offbeat humor and the wild escapades of Serge A. Storms.
Tim Dorsey’s Website: http://www.timdorsey.com
3. James W. Hall
Writing Style & Themes:
James W. Hall’s Florida-based crime novels delve into the state’s complexities, blending suspense with dark humor.
His work often explores the contrast between wealth and poverty in South Florida.
Notable Books/Series:
- Under Cover of Daylight
- Hard Aground
- Body Language
- Off the Chart
- Bad Axe
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Readers who savor Hiaasen’s gripping narratives and Florida settings will find Hall’s stories equally compelling, offering a mix of tension and wit.
James W. Hall’s Website: https://www.jameswhall.com
4. Laurence Shames
Writing Style & Themes:
Laurence Shames pens crime novels set in Florida, infused with humor and a satirical edge.
His work captures the state’s unique atmosphere, aligning with Hiaasen’s tone.
Notable Books/Series:
- Mangrove Squeeze
- Sunburn
- The Naked Detective
- Florida Straits
- The King of the Fat City
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Fans of Hiaasen’s light-hearted crime narratives will enjoy Shames’ engaging plots, humorous dialogue and vivid Florida settings.
Laurence Shames’ Website: https://www.laurenceshames.com
5. Christopher Moore
Writing Style & Themes:
Christopher Moore’s novels blend humor with supernatural elements, offering satirical takes on various subjects.
While not exclusively set in Florida, his style resonates with Hiaasen’s wit.
Notable Books/Series:
- Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal
- A Dirty Job
- Fool
- The Stupidest Angel
- You Suck
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Readers who appreciate Hiaasen’s satirical humor and unconventional storytelling will find Moore’s work equally entertaining, blending the absurd with the profound.
Christopher Moore’s Website: https://www.chrismoore.com
6. Elmore Leonard
Writing Style & Themes:
Elmore Leonard’s crime novels are renowned for sharp dialogue and witty plots.
His works often feature criminals with a sense of humor, akin to Hiaasen’s style.
Notable Books/Series:
- Get Shorty
- Rum Punch
- Out of Sight
- Glitz
- Tishomingo Blues
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Fans of Hiaasen’s engaging crime stories will appreciate Elmore Leonard’s clever narratives, memorable characters and seamless blend of humor and suspense.
Elmore Leonard’s Website: https://www.elmoreleonard.com
7. Donald Westlake
Writing Style & Themes:
Donald Westlake’s crime novels are renowned for sharp dialogue and witty plots.
His works often feature criminals with a sense of humor, similar to Hiaasen’s style.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Hot Rock
- Bank Shot
- The Hunter
- The Busy Body
- The Great Escape Artist
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Fans of Hiaasen’s engaging crime stories will appreciate Westlake’s clever narratives, memorable characters and seamless blend of humor and suspense.
Donald Westlake’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30953.Donald_E_Westlake
8. Sara Gran
Writing Style & Themes:
Sara Gran’s crime fiction combines humor with unique locales, echoing Hiaasen’s regional focus.
Her stories offer a fresh perspective on the genre.
Notable Books/Series:
- Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead
- Claire DeWitt and the Bohemian Highway
- The Book of the Most Precious Substance
- Come Closer
- Saturn’s Return to New York
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Readers seeking distinctive crime narratives with a touch of humor and unconventional settings will find Gran’s work captivating.
Sara Gran’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50690.Sara_Gran
9. Janet Evanovich
Writing Style & Themes:
Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series offers humorous light-hearted crime narratives.
Her engaging plots and witty characters make her a favorite among Hiaasen fans.
Notable Books/Series:
- One for the Money
- Two for the Dough
- Three to Get Deadly
- Four to Score
- Five to Watch
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Fans of Hiaasen’s humorous crime stories will enjoy Evanovich’s engaging plots, quirky characters and witty writing style.
Janet Evanovich’s Website: https://www.evanovich.com
10. Robert B. Parker
Writing Style & Themes:
Robert B. Parker’s Spenser series combines hard-boiled detective work with sharp dialogue and occasional humor.
While more serious, they share Hiaasen’s engaging storytelling.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Godwulf Manuscript
- Promised Land
- Mortal Stakes
- The Judas Goat
- Looking for Rachel Wallace
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Readers who appreciate compelling characters and intricate plots with a touch of humor will find Parker’s work appealing.
Robert B. Parker’s Website: https://robertbparker.net
11. Lee Child
Writing Style & Themes:
Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series offers action-packed crime thrillers with dry humor.
While less satirical, they share Hiaasen’s gripping storytelling.
Notable Books/Series:
- Killing Floor
- Die Trying
- Tripwire
- Running Blind
- Echo Burning
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Fans of Hiaasen’s thrilling narratives will appreciate Child’s fast-paced plots and the stoic charm of Jack Reacher.
Lee Child’s Website: https://www.leechild.com
12. Randy Wayne White
Writing Style & Themes:
Randy Wayne White’s Doc Ford series is set in Florida, combining adventure with humor.
His regional focus and engaging plots make his work similar to Hiaasen’s.
Notable Books/Series:
- Sanibel Flats
- The Heat Islands
- Tampa Burn
- Bone Deep
- Deep Blue
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Readers who enjoy Hiaasen’s Florida settings and blend of adventure and humor will find White’s work equally captivating.
Randy Wayne White’s Website: https://www.randywaynewhite.com
Final Word on the above Authors Like Carl Hiaasen
The above authors like Hiaasen offer a delightful mix of humor, suspense and distinctive storytelling.
Writers like Tim Dorsey, Dave Barry and Laurence Shames provide narratives filled with quirky characters and satirical plots.
Whether it’s Dorsey’s wild Florida adventures, Barry’s sharp-witted tales or Shames’s engaging mysteries, these authors deliver experiences that fans of Hiaasen’s work will appreciate.