Many Florida fiction novels often feature the unique and diverse landscapes of Florida, like the swamps, beaches, and scrublands. For example, in 'The Yearling', the scrubland is almost a character in itself.
Well, 'A Land Remembered' by Patrick D. Smith is a great Florida fiction novel. It spans generations and shows the development of Florida from the pioneer days. It's full of rich descriptions of the Florida landscape and the people who have called it home over the years. There's also 'Shadow Country' by Peter Matthiessen, which is a complex and engaging look at Florida's history and its people.
One great fiction book set in the Florida Keys is 'The Rum Diary' by Hunter S. Thompson. It offers a vivid and somewhat chaotic look at the area through the eyes of a journalist. Another could be 'A Land Remembered' which also has parts that touch on the unique environment and culture of the Florida Keys. There are also many self - published or lesser - known works that are set there, which you can often find in local bookstores in the Keys.
Many Florida fiction books often feature the unique environment like the swamps, beaches, and tropical climate. For example, in 'Swamplandia!', the Everglades are almost a character themselves.
One notable Florida crime novel in the fiction genre is 'The Neon Rain' by James Lee Burke. It's set in New Orleans which is close to Florida and has elements of the seedy underbelly often associated with Florida crime stories. The main character, Dave Robicheaux, is a complex and engaging detective. Also, 'Bad Monkey' by Carl Hiaasen is a fun and thrilling read with Florida's unique landscape and oddball characters playing important roles in the crime - filled plot.
The unique setting. Florida has a diverse landscape from beaches to swamps, which provides an interesting backdrop for crime stories. It also has a mix of different cultures and people, adding to the complexity of the characters and plots.
These books typically incorporate the historical events that shaped Florida. For instance, the development of the citrus industry might be a backdrop in some stories. They might also focus on the unique architecture of Florida, from the old Spanish forts to the plantation houses. The characters in Florida history fiction are often influenced by the state's climate, like how the heat and humidity can affect people's lives and decisions. And the books may also touch on the history of Florida's coastal areas, including fishing, piracy, and trade.
You should check out 'The Shark Dialogues' by Kiana Davenport. It has some parts set in the Florida Keys and is a story full of family drama, history, and cultural exploration. 'Salty Piece of Land' by Jimmy Buffett is also a great read. It combines Buffett's love for the Keys with a fictional adventure story that's both fun and engaging.
Another example is 'Tampa' by Alissa Nutting. This book tells a rather wild story set in Florida. It's a darkly comedic exploration of a female teacher's inappropriate relationship, and while it's controversial, it gives a very different view of Florida and its fictional inhabitants.