There is a book called The Beach House by Patterson, which he wrote with Peter de Jonge. There is also one called The Lake House, which is different. Good luck!

If you like Carl Hiassen (as you very well should!!) don't forget about Dave Barry. Jimmy Buffett has also turned out to be quite a good writer. Randy Wayne White and John D. MacDonald are also in the Carl Hiassen vain. T&C is the perfect place to chill out with some good books! Enjoy.

I recently enjoyed Cardiac Cartel by David Mucci (who is actually a doctor in CT)

Tom Corcoran and Larry (Laurence) Shames are both funny mystery writers in the South Florida/Carl Hiaasen vein.