Review: Flush

Author:  Carl Hiaasen

ISBN:  0-375-82182-1

The following review was contributed by: Lily Azerad-Goldman: CLICK TO VIEW Lily Azerad-Goldman's Reviews

Carl Hiaasen, best known as a controversial investigative reporter in South Florida, has another best-seller on his hands with his recent addition, Flush. Hiaasen’s first novel for young readers, HOOT, was the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Newbery Honor.

In this fast reading adventure for young adults, “FLUSH”, Hiaasen tackles the subject of corruption and pollution by “poo” on his beloved beaches of the Florida Keys. The heroes of the story are Noah Underwood and his sister Abbey. They try to aid their dad, Payne Underwood, in capturing a crooked Casino-Owner, Dusty Muleman, who every night illegally dumps raw sewage into the sea. When his father’s scheme runs amock, Noah and Abbey come to the rescue with a dangerous and different plan, without, however, telling their parents. Not only do they have a special ally on the Casino-Boat, Shelley the bar-tender, but also a mysterious special guardian angel with an M-shaped scar on his face. Will Noah and Abbey survive their ordeal at the hands of crooked politicians, Muleman and his thug of a son, as well as his burly assistant Luno?

Developing at a fast and hilarious speed, the plot shows that Hiaasen has cut his teeth as an investigative reporter. This spirit is very strong in this eco-friendly subject and in the wry attention to detail. Characters are very believable, as you hate Muleman and his thugs, and you just love Noah’s and Abbey’s family.

Nonetheless, beneath the humor and fun, Hiaasen is dead serious about the polluting of beaches in South Florida, and uncovering its rackets and profiteering. The names of the characters are particularly clever, such as the father’s name, Payne (like a pain in the neck, which he is), the bad guy’s name, Dusty Muleman ( a hard head like a mule), and the father's friend, Lice Peeking ( a low life drunk.)

Flush is a quick paced caper that will prove to be of particular interest for those readers that are eco-friendly and keen on saving our loggerheads, our fishes, our water, our world. This book provides just the right incentives-a must read for all ages.