Swamp Story: A Novel

Written by Dave Barry

Narrated by Dave Barry

Pulitzer Prize–winning and New York Times bestselling author—and actual Florida Man—Dave Barry returns with a “hilariously funny” (Steve Martin) caper full of oddballs and more twists and turns than a snake slithering away from a gator.

Jesse Braddock is trapped in a tiny cabin deep in the Everglades with her infant daughter and her ex-boyfriend, a wannabe reality TV star who turned out to be a lot prettier on the outside than on the inside. Broke and desperate for a way out, Jesse stumbles across a long-lost treasure, which could solve all her problems—if she can figure out how to keep it. The problem is some very bad men are also looking for the treasure, and they know Jesse has it.

Meanwhile, Ken Bortle of Bortle Brothers Bait and Beer has hatched a scheme to lure tourists to his failing store by making viral videos of the “Everglades Melon Monster.” The Monster is, in fact, an unemployed alcoholic newspaperman named Phil wearing a Dora the Explorer costume head. Incredibly, this plan actually works, inspiring a horde of TikTokers to swarm into the swamp in search of the Monster at the same time villains are on the hunt for Jesse’s treasure. Amid this mayhem, a presidential hopeful arrives in the Everglades to start his campaign. Needless to say, it does not go as planned. In fact, nothing in this story goes as planned. This is, after all, Florida.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: May 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797155005

Dave Barry

Dave Barry is the author of more bestsellers than you can count on two hands, including Lessons from Lucy, Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys, Dave Barry Turns Forty, and Dave Barry Is Not Making This Up. A wildly popular syndicated columnist best known for his booger jokes, Barry won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. He lives in Miami.

Reviews for Swamp Story

[Peyton Winterowd-Laughman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Phenomenally funny with a gripping plot and interesting characters. One of the best novels I’ve read this year!

[April Frye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely loved this audiobook! The narration by the author was so engaging...and the way he brought all of the characters storyline together was so entertaining!

[Jessica January · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Strong story line and good character development. The writing style was weakly executed though. The 'he said this' 'she replied that' style of talking was monotonous. Other than that it was funny and interesting.

[Robert D Cameron · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Funny with a good criminal backstory that is gripping That Dave Narrates is a plus.

[GuStanChez Shambrez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good simple easy to follow story . This would make a good movie .

[stephanie Jordan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've loved Dave Barry's stories since the day I read Tricky business.

[Weronika Pogorecka · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Florida People, the novel! This is a wild tale following multiple characters, each chapter bouncing between different takes. This had short and fast paced chapters with pretty basic writing, very humorous and leaning into many stereotypes of Florida people, namely Gladesmen and their eccentric way of life ? the running joke for the show being Glades Guy was pretty funny.

[Manuela Dasinger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although seemingly goofy at times, it did hit quiet a nerve.

[Ann Louise Armstrong · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This is an awful book. I couldn’t finish. It wasn’t clever or witty or interesting. The narration was just someone reading - no attempt at different voices or accents. Every character was a cliche. Don’t even start.

[Rae Jean Nelson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was really funny, Dave. I loved every minute and recommend it to anyone who has ever ridden on an airboat in the Everglades. And everyone else, actually. Except my friend Karen who hates snakes and will get nightmares.

[Emily Lassiter Branch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Humor is, of course, entirely subjective. But I know I can always count on Dave Barry to make me laugh, and I have for many years. If you aren't familiar with his columns or books, or his humor in general, you might not get this book at all. If you don't live in Florida, or aren't familiar with the infamous "Florida Man", again you might not be able to appreciate this one. But if you enjoy parody, satire, cautionary tales told with humor, you should definitely give this one a try. I live in Florida - have since 1997 - and Dave definitely knows Florida. The characters are over the top - but sadly don't actually stretch credulity. If you don't have a sense of humor, don't bother. If you know Dave Barry and his sense of humor doesn't align with yours, you probably won't change your mind with this one. Otherwise, I highly recommend. It's entertaining, it made me laugh out loud multiple times. Dave Barry narrates this one himself - I didn't expect a dramatic interpretation - I've heard him before and the narration was pretty much what I expected. But I could often hear the wry wit in his voice that suited the material perfectly.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

[amyuskoski · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very funny, meandering, a little bit stupid, characters almost all made me want to punch them, loved it. Binge-listened, hard to stop it was so ludicrous.

[melany Puckett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I know this is a book but it was like listening to a movie and it was interesting and funny and just all around a good time it's worth your time to read or listen to I should say and the author is great!