Book cover of Bad Monkey

Book description

When a severed arm is discovered by a couple on honeymoon in the Florida Keys, former police detective - now reluctant restaurant inspector - Andrew Yancy senses that something doesn't add up. Determined to get his badge back, he undertakes an unofficial investigation of his own.

Andrew's search for the…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

3 authors picked Bad Monkey as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

funny, well written, very entertaining

This book is the first in Hiaasen’s Andrew Yancy series, and like all of his books, most of it takes place mucking around in Florida wetlands. I lived in Winter Haven for a few years as a teenager, and enjoyed reminiscing about that time while following Yancy around the state.

Hiaasen’s known for being a little wacky and a lot funny, more than his plot twists, but this book brings the surprise. This one’s funnier than the rest of the books on this list, making it the ultimate beach read, ideally accompanied by a cool glass of swampwater. 

This was a fun read with plot twists galore, larger-than-life characters, corruption, greed, an ethically challenged mortician, bug-infested restaurants, and a poo-wielding monkey. And that’s just the beginning. And oh yes, there’s the thing that starts it all—a human arm in someone’s freezer.

Hiassen’s writing is wonderfully witty, and the outlandish characters he creates astonish the mind. Like, how does someone come up with this stuff?

If you love Bad Monkey...

Book cover of Bubble Sheet Blues

Bubble Sheet Blues by William Durbin,

“It’s going to be a good year for readers if William Durbin’s funny and timely new novel is an example of what’s to come.” Book Editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press

Luke Collins, an eighth grader who’s previously been a slacker in school, becomes engaged when an English assignment leads him…

Want books like Bad Monkey?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 36 books like Bad Monkey.

Browse books like Bad Monkey

Book cover of Where'd You Go, Bernadette
Book cover of Bridget Jones's Diary
Book cover of First Grave on the Right

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

166

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Bad Monkey, you might also like...

Book cover of The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall

The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall by Paul Wilborn,

It’s 1985, and Ronald Armstrong, known in the magic mushroom trade as “Trip,” takes a “sober” job as a driver for a retired Tampa mobster. His boss, Charlie Wall, has survived four attempts on his life, the last one in 1955. When Charlie falls into depression, Trip rebuilds his boss’…

Book cover of Island of Shadow and Light

Island of Shadow and Light by Paul Konwiser,

John Rossi has grown up in New Jersey, but he was born on Maui. He returns when his best friend is murdered there. He finds love and family, while dealing with dark forces.

5 book lists we think you will like!