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danielv64's review against another edition
4.0
Solid entry in the chronicles of Serge, the most likable serial killer ever.
taylortippins's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
kirkw1972's review against another edition
2.0
This is book 21 in the series but number 1 for me and I struggled to see in it what others appear to have done. Maybe I should have read the others first? I have no issue with vigilantes and violence but the story just didn't give me much joy and I didn't really see the humour that others did. I think on this occasion a book just not for me.
bibliobabe94's review against another edition
3.0
Serge and Coleman are back. More background about Serge's childhood. Really fun adventure.
lauraakersauthor's review against another edition
If you are familiar with Tim Dorsey, this book has all the elements you love: Serge Storms the altruistic serial killer, his perpetually high buddy Coleman, and their adventures set against a Florida backdrop. I always enjoy the way the author weaves past events that eventually connect up with the main storyline. In this case, it's the story of a legendary surfer and events through several decades. There is always something to laugh at and contemplate in Tim Dorsey's books.
lizzkitch's review against another edition
3.0
This book was quite strange and very interesting. It was funny, intriguing, and not at all like anything I usually read. I didn’t realize it was part of a series of books until part way through reading, though I don’t think they are necessarily sequential. If you’re looking for a crazy story with a random laugh or two twisted with a bit of criminality, give it a go.
skinnypenguin's review
4.0
Serge and his buddy, Coleman, are on a 'literary' tour of Florida. They are driving around visiting places where some famous and not so famous authors lived and worked. In alternating chapters there is the story of them growing up in the area of Riviera Beach and what was happening at the time there. A welder who worked at the Port of Palm Beach named Darby Pope was known and loved by all. He was famous for his surfing ability. He befriended a young boy named Kenneth Reese and they would surf together. He was injured in an accident and never surfed again. Kenny felt guilty and devoted his life to helping Darby. Darby taught him the wonder of reading and coached him to become a writer with stories he told him. When Darby was killed by some bad guys Kenny went into hiding.
In the present Serge has managed to find Kenny and stirred up a lot of trouble. The people who were involved in Darby's death are still out there and want revenge as Kenny had taken a briefcase from the crime scene that had bearer bonds in them. Serge is intent on reviving Kenny's career and it draws out the bad guys.
The story is filled with great descriptions of Florida and some myths and historical info. Serge as always is a crazy person with exotic means of disposing of people who probably deserve it. Coleman is his usual stoner self. And there is always a love interest for Serge thrown in. I really enjoy this series and it is always good for a laugh.
In the present Serge has managed to find Kenny and stirred up a lot of trouble. The people who were involved in Darby's death are still out there and want revenge as Kenny had taken a briefcase from the crime scene that had bearer bonds in them. Serge is intent on reviving Kenny's career and it draws out the bad guys.
The story is filled with great descriptions of Florida and some myths and historical info. Serge as always is a crazy person with exotic means of disposing of people who probably deserve it. Coleman is his usual stoner self. And there is always a love interest for Serge thrown in. I really enjoy this series and it is always good for a laugh.
katevane's review
5.0
Brilliantly described in the blurb as ‘part spree killer, part local historian’, Serge A Storms is a man with a strong moral code. He loves his native Florida and is committed to its ecology and culture and does not take kindly to those who undermine either. His version of ‘not taking kindly’ is both brutal and inventive.
In the present day, Serge is on a literary road trip round the state with his stoner friend Coleman, in search of the truth about a writer whose disappearance is a mystery. Meanwhile, there is a drugs gang led by a man with a criminal toupée which is diversifying into new markets. A third story strand takes us back to the Palm Beach of Serge’s childhood, and to the life of the iconic surfer known as the Pope of Palm Beach.
The setting, dark humour and focus on environmental issues mean that inevitably Dorsey has been compared to Carl Hiaasen (there is even a joke that plays on this in the book). Dorsey’s writing, though, has its own unique appeal. His prose is beautifully evocative and I loved the contrast between the languid, loving descriptions of Serge’s childhood home and the energy driving the narrative.
Serge is a man of many passions and encyclopaedic knowledge. He raises everyday griping to an art form. There is poetry in his declamatory style and humour that runs from bone dry to madcap, but there are also moments of great poignancy.
This is a long-established series but new to me. The book worked well as a standalone but I’m now eager to read more about Serge and Coleman.
*
This review first appeared on my blog at katevane.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
In the present day, Serge is on a literary road trip round the state with his stoner friend Coleman, in search of the truth about a writer whose disappearance is a mystery. Meanwhile, there is a drugs gang led by a man with a criminal toupée which is diversifying into new markets. A third story strand takes us back to the Palm Beach of Serge’s childhood, and to the life of the iconic surfer known as the Pope of Palm Beach.
The setting, dark humour and focus on environmental issues mean that inevitably Dorsey has been compared to Carl Hiaasen (there is even a joke that plays on this in the book). Dorsey’s writing, though, has its own unique appeal. His prose is beautifully evocative and I loved the contrast between the languid, loving descriptions of Serge’s childhood home and the energy driving the narrative.
Serge is a man of many passions and encyclopaedic knowledge. He raises everyday griping to an art form. There is poetry in his declamatory style and humour that runs from bone dry to madcap, but there are also moments of great poignancy.
This is a long-established series but new to me. The book worked well as a standalone but I’m now eager to read more about Serge and Coleman.
*
This review first appeared on my blog at katevane.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
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