Carl Hiaasen (b. 1953) is the "New York Times "bestselling and award-winning author of more than twenty adult and young adult novels and nonfiction titles, including the novels "Strip Tease "(1993) and "Skinny Dip "(2004), as well as the mystery-thrillers "Powder Burn "(1981), "Trap Line" (1982), and "A Death in China "(1984), which were cowritten with fellow "Miami Herald "journalist Bill Montalbano (1941 1998). Hiaasen is best known for his satirical writing and dark humor, much of which is directed at various social and political issues in his home state of Florida. He is an award-winning columnist for the "Miami Herald", and lives in Vero Beach.