Eventually, I’m sure you’ll see a more detailed and analytical review of Gator A-Go-Go by Bill Cirder (connoisseur of all things alligator) on his excellent blog Bill Crider’s Pop Culture Magazine, but this is a quick heads-up to those of you who are fans of Tim Dorsey’s loony mysteries featuring vigilante serial killer Serge A. Storms and his goofy sidekick, Coleman. This is the funniest Spring Break novel you’re likely to read. If you like Carl Hiaasen, you’re likely to enjoy Tim Dorsey’s screwball Florida adventures. GRADE: B+
For those of you who missed the earlier Tim Dorsey books, here they are:
- Florida Roadkill (1999)
- Hammerhead Ranch Motel (2000)
- Orange Crush (2001)
- Triggerfish Twist (2002)
- The Stingray Shuffle (2003)
- Cadillac Beach (2004)
- Torpedo Juice (2005)
- The Big Bamboo (2006)
- Hurricane Punch (2007)
- Atomic Lobster (2008)
- Nuclear Jellyfish (2009)
- Gator A-Go-Go (2010)
I should have written that one, or maybe Victor Gischler should have.
You’ll enjoy the nuttiness of GATOR A-GO-GO, Bill!
The protagonist of these is a serial killer? Somehow that seems… wrong. Not being a big fan of funny mysteries, and having tried several times with writers like Hiaasen, Westlake, Hayter and a few others, I probably won’t be trying this series. Wife says I don’t have a sense of humor (I do, it’s just different) when I say I don’t want to watch a sitcom, but they’re not really funny, are they? Neither are “funny” mysteries. What’s funny? Steve Allen is funny.
There’s no doubt you need a “bent” sense of humor to appreciate Tim Dorsey’s work, Rick. Humor is very subjective so I completely understand your take on funny mysteries.
Funny is subjective. I can’t see why everyone doesn’t think THE OFFICE is hysterical, but I know they don’t. Mel Brooks-never laughed once during his movies.
You’re right, Patti. We went to see 10 years ago with a couple who didn’t laugh once during the movie. We went with them to see ARTHUR (Dudley Moore as a drunk) and they laughed hysterically and we didn’t.
Serge is a very different kind of guy, Rick. The people he kills generally deserve it. I mean, haven’t you ever felt like shooting a yahoo who cuts you off in traffic and gives you the finger while talking on his cell phone after tossing garbage out the window?
Serge takes care of it, usually in a super-violent but appropriate way.
Serge is Hannibal Lecter written by Hunter S. Thompson, Jeff.
Plus you get all kinds of information about Florida history as a bonus, Rick!
Florida is definitely a place I want to visit but never want to live there, Jeff.
I got that reading JDM and Charles Williford, Jeff.
Rick, I have to agree that if you didn’t like Hiaasen then Dorsey is probably not your cup of tea. Beth was the one who got me to read him in the first place.
You’re probably right, Jeff. If Rick isn’t a Hiaasen fan, then it’s likely he won’t like Dorsey, either.
Charles Willeford-I never laughed more than when reading the Hoke Mosley books.
10-how could you not laugh when he’s been given novocaine. Shame about his premature death.
I loved Charles Willeford’s work, Patti. You’re right: he could make you laugh out loud.
The first Willeford I read was Burnt Orange Heresy. When I finished it, I wasn’t even sure I liked it, but over time it grew on me, and a second reading convinced me he was a great writer.
You need to read the Hoke Mosley books, Rick. Just great!
LOVED Gator a-Go-Go!
Next month the Books & Company mystery group is doing two serial killer mysteries – Tim Dorsey’s Florida Roadkill (I like some of the later books better but you know how I am about reading things in order) and Jeff Lindsay’s Darkly Dreaming Dexter (which I think is just creepy).
Serge on his meds would be boring! As is, he’s single-handedly cleaning up the Florida crime scene.
I’m sure we’ll see a detailed analysis of GATOR A-G0-GO on Bill Crider’s blog soon, Beth!