Naked Came the Manatee

"Naked Came the Manatee" is a unique mystery thriller parody, written serially by thirteen prominent Florida authors including Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry. The plot follows several established crime-solving characters as they investigate the appearance of what seems to be Fidel Castro's severed head, delivered by a manatee named Booger. Set against the backdrop of eccentric South Florida, the story is packed with political intrigue, environmental themes, and a healthy dose of dark humor. While primarily an adult novel, its satirical nature and fast-paced plot could appeal to mature young adult readers (14+) interested in mystery and humor, though parents should be aware of themes of crime, violence, and political satire.

Naked Came the Manatee is a novel like no other: a wickedly funny Florida suspense thriller, written serially by thirteen of the state's most talented writers. In November 1995, a baker's dozen of Florida's finest writers began a serial novel for The Miami Herald's Tropic magazine under the guidance of Tropic's editor Tom Shroder - one writer passing the completed chapters to the next - and with each chapter, the excitement grew.