Scan barcode
debbiemanning's review against another edition
4.0
I was so excited that I won this book; I love Tim Dorsey's books! He's so twisted! Serge was somewhat less violent in this book, but still managed to creatively kill people. As usual, they were bad people who needed killing. Much of the action takes place in Key West which is a character unto itself. Overall, an enjoyable read.
lauraakersauthor's review against another edition
Tim Dorsey is a master of bringing a disparate group of characters and storylines together and sewing them all up for a tight, fun ending. The locations and trivia about Florida add to each book as Serge Storms gets caught up in another adventure.
Shark Skin Suite brings in issues with trials, journalism, and general shenanigans. As a trial attorney, I particularly enjoyed the courtroom scenes. (except when lawyers lean on jury or witness boxes.) The courtroom machinations were well drawn.
If you've never read Tim Dorsey, it's best to just go along for a fun ride.
Shark Skin Suite brings in issues with trials, journalism, and general shenanigans. As a trial attorney, I particularly enjoyed the courtroom scenes. (except when lawyers lean on jury or witness boxes.) The courtroom machinations were well drawn.
If you've never read Tim Dorsey, it's best to just go along for a fun ride.
gimmetacos's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
purplewoman's review against another edition
5.0
Another wild ride
Wow. The mind of Tim Dorsey. If I didn’t know better, I would think he was taking hallucinogens. Serge Storms and his band of misfits once again pulls a rabbit out of a hat. Put on your seatbelt for another wild ride with Florida’s eccentric serial-killer-Robin-Hood.
Wow. The mind of Tim Dorsey. If I didn’t know better, I would think he was taking hallucinogens. Serge Storms and his band of misfits once again pulls a rabbit out of a hat. Put on your seatbelt for another wild ride with Florida’s eccentric serial-killer-Robin-Hood.
avanders's review against another edition
3.0
Review based on ARC.
This is my first Dorsey and, of course, my first Serge Storms. Serge Storms .... appears to be some kind of serial killer homicidal psychotic maniac ... but, ya know, over the course of 18 books, may have become "loveable" and "your favorite." While I don't adamantly disagree with that, I also don't agree. And I suspect that has something to do with the fact that I'm coming at this 18 books in. Although the actual plot in this book can stand alone, all the inside jokes and characteristics and personalities must have taken 17 books to develop, so I think I missed out there. SO my recommendation based on that is: Don't start this "series" with #18!
So, while my rating is based on my experience with this book (and *not* decreased because I felt like I was missing out), it is possible that it would have been *increased* if I happened to know more about the background of these characters and, e.g., what the point, exactly, was with some of them (Serge's best friend Coleman).
But the story. So Serge is this... vigilante, really. He's one of those bad guys w/ a heart of gold who seeks to "even the score." And in this book, he meets this young, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed girl and maybe that, combined with a late-night legal movie spree sets him on this mission to... well, become involved in the legal field. Not legally, of course. But aggressively. He insinuates himself in all manner of ways -- he becomes a "fixer" (as a lawyer, I must confess I've never heard of this...) -- someone who "fixes problems" behind-the-scenes (think Nancy Kerrigan and much much worse). In his true psychotic style. And working for the little good guys, he slowly works his way through each of the problems to the final climax of the book.
Think: if Grisham met Evanovich and they co-wrote a sort of Grisham parody really quickly. That's this book. It's fast, there are moments of humor, it doesn't take itself too seriously, it handles some legal issues not terribly accurately, it creates problems for its solutions, and it throws in some love and some scorn and vengeance in there.
If that sounds like your thing? This will not disappoint.
Three and a HALF stars.
This is my first Dorsey and, of course, my first Serge Storms. Serge Storms .... appears to be some kind of serial killer homicidal psychotic maniac ... but, ya know, over the course of 18 books, may have become "loveable" and "your favorite." While I don't adamantly disagree with that, I also don't agree. And I suspect that has something to do with the fact that I'm coming at this 18 books in. Although the actual plot in this book can stand alone, all the inside jokes and characteristics and personalities must have taken 17 books to develop, so I think I missed out there. SO my recommendation based on that is: Don't start this "series" with #18!
So, while my rating is based on my experience with this book (and *not* decreased because I felt like I was missing out), it is possible that it would have been *increased* if I happened to know more about the background of these characters and, e.g., what the point, exactly, was with some of them (Serge's best friend Coleman).
But the story. So Serge is this... vigilante, really. He's one of those bad guys w/ a heart of gold who seeks to "even the score." And in this book, he meets this young, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed girl and maybe that, combined with a late-night legal movie spree sets him on this mission to... well, become involved in the legal field. Not legally, of course. But aggressively. He insinuates himself in all manner of ways -- he becomes a "fixer" (as a lawyer, I must confess I've never heard of this...) -- someone who "fixes problems" behind-the-scenes (think Nancy Kerrigan and much much worse). In his true psychotic style. And working for the little good guys, he slowly works his way through each of the problems to the final climax of the book.
Think: if Grisham met Evanovich and they co-wrote a sort of Grisham parody really quickly. That's this book. It's fast, there are moments of humor, it doesn't take itself too seriously, it handles some legal issues not terribly accurately, it creates problems for its solutions, and it throws in some love and some scorn and vengeance in there.
If that sounds like your thing? This will not disappoint.
Three and a HALF stars.
mrfrank's review against another edition
3.0
SHARK SKIN SUITE is a a classic Serge Storms book that could have been co-writen with John Grisham. This is a funny courtroom thriller that can stand up against the more serious faire in the biz. The crime is layed deep. The courtroom drama is palpable and Coleman is as fucked up as ever.
The book does get a bit slow at times. Some scenes read like fodder to thicken up the book. Ive read leaner Serge Storm tales. Perhaps thats a demand of the courtroom genre. The twisting, turning plot keeps it interestingvand the usual cast of characters provide comic relief as necessary.
Overall, a stong effort for Serge and Coleman. Its something different and that is important 18 books into the series. I cant wait for Serge In Space. Its going to happen!
The book does get a bit slow at times. Some scenes read like fodder to thicken up the book. Ive read leaner Serge Storm tales. Perhaps thats a demand of the courtroom genre. The twisting, turning plot keeps it interestingvand the usual cast of characters provide comic relief as necessary.
Overall, a stong effort for Serge and Coleman. Its something different and that is important 18 books into the series. I cant wait for Serge In Space. Its going to happen!
skinnypenguin's review
4.0
Serge rampages all over Florida dishes out his unique brand of justice. He is quite inventive in the ways he kills people. He gets involved in a huge trial dealing with mortgage scams. One of the lawyers is Coleman's older brother. An entertaining romp.
fuelscience's review
5.0
Serge and Coleman are guilty pleasures in another romp across Florida visiting little known landmarks, pursuing Serge's latest quest of becoming a lawyer, and dispensing Serge's vision of justice. Most folks either love or hate Serge. If you're a fan, you'll love this book. Keep the coffee coming...
audreyintheheadphones's review
3.0
I think this series may have just jumped the shark, and even in doing so earned three stars. That's just how good Dorsey is, but also how done I am with some of the tropes of his writing.
Women throwing themselves at Serge and him responding with violence? DONE. Stashing the sidekick elsewhere for Serge's big musical number? DONE. Serge saves the day? DONE.
At the same time, Serge is still fascinating, his and Coleman's bro-mance remains compelling, the writing's still top-notch and the satire doubly so. It just spends a lot of time in this book being zany for zany's sake, rather than effortlessly zany as in earlier books. The G Unit is wasted here, as is Mahoney (although he might just have come to the end of his own joke) and frankly, so's Florida, which is the real crime. I dunno: maybe it's time for Serge to grow up?
Women throwing themselves at Serge and him responding with violence? DONE. Stashing the sidekick elsewhere for Serge's big musical number? DONE. Serge saves the day? DONE.
At the same time, Serge is still fascinating, his and Coleman's bro-mance remains compelling, the writing's still top-notch and the satire doubly so. It just spends a lot of time in this book being zany for zany's sake, rather than effortlessly zany as in earlier books. The G Unit is wasted here, as is Mahoney (although he might just have come to the end of his own joke) and frankly, so's Florida, which is the real crime. I dunno: maybe it's time for Serge to grow up?
More...