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Serge Storms #12
Gator A-Go-Go
The world’s biggest beach party is about to get crashed—Serge A. Storms style—in Gator A-Go-Go, New York Times bestselling author Tim Dorsey’s latest outrageously funny and supremely twisted wild ride. The creator of Nuclear Jellyfish, Triggerfish Twist, and so many more delightfully, seriously insane Serge adventures brings the Sunshine State historian and unrepentant thrill killer back for a Florida Spring Break you’ll never forget.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2010
155 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
About the author
Tim Dorsey
38 books1,639 followersTim Dorsey was born in Indiana, moved to Florida at the age of 1, and grew up in a small town about an hour north of Miami called Riviera Beach. He graduated from Auburn University in 1983. While at Auburn, he was editor of the student newspaper, The Plainsman.
From 1983 to 1987, he was a police and courts reporter for The Alabama Journal, the now-defunct evening newspaper in Montgomery. He joined The Tampa Tribune in 1987 as a general assignment reporter. He also worked as a political reporter in the Tribune’s Tallahassee bureau and a copy desk editor. From 1994 to 1999, he was the Tribune’s night metro editor. He left the paper in August 1999 to write full time.
From 1983 to 1987, he was a police and courts reporter for The Alabama Journal, the now-defunct evening newspaper in Montgomery. He joined The Tampa Tribune in 1987 as a general assignment reporter. He also worked as a political reporter in the Tribune’s Tallahassee bureau and a copy desk editor. From 1994 to 1999, he was the Tribune’s night metro editor. He left the paper in August 1999 to write full time.
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October 11, 2019
Welcome to the next installment in the Serge A. Storms saga...
If you don't know Serge...well, let me paint you a picture:
Do you know the stand-up comedian Steven Wright?
Voice of the ?turtle in SWAN PRINCESS...voice of the DJ in Tarantino's RESERVOIR DOGS...Mountie in the movie CANADIAN BACON...yeah, you'll just have to click this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ciH...
So, imagine him, coming out of sedation, with an overdose of muscle relaxants, in slow motion.
Got it?
Good.
Okay, Serge is exactly the opposite of that.
Historian, Floridian, incredible lover, loyal friend, serial-killer and all around fun guy to hang with.
And some of the past characters will make a return:
Remember the G-Unit? Don't worry, you'll find out.
Johnny Vegas...
Agent Mahoney...
And Serge is on a mission to make the ultimate documentary about:
EVERYTHING!
Spring break meets witness protection...
Only Dorsey can do this so well!
If you don't know Serge...well, let me paint you a picture:
Do you know the stand-up comedian Steven Wright?
Voice of the ?turtle in SWAN PRINCESS...voice of the DJ in Tarantino's RESERVOIR DOGS...Mountie in the movie CANADIAN BACON...yeah, you'll just have to click this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ciH...
So, imagine him, coming out of sedation, with an overdose of muscle relaxants, in slow motion.
Got it?
Good.
Okay, Serge is exactly the opposite of that.
Historian, Floridian, incredible lover, loyal friend, serial-killer and all around fun guy to hang with.
And some of the past characters will make a return:
Remember the G-Unit? Don't worry, you'll find out.
Johnny Vegas...
Agent Mahoney...
And Serge is on a mission to make the ultimate documentary about:
EVERYTHING!
Spring break meets witness protection...
Only Dorsey can do this so well!
March 19, 2017
The detective stared across the marsh. "What kind of monster is out there?"
Aw, it's not a monster at all. It's just Serge Storms, and unless you're a tourist-robber, the sleazy producer of Girls Gone Haywire videos, or a fat-cat oil executive, you've got nothing to worry about. He probably won't kill you.
It's Spring Break in Florida, and the place is swarming with drunken college students. Coleman, who's been on spring break since 1977, is in his milieu, and is being treated as a God by the intoxicated masses. Believe me, it was standing room only for his class on the proper way to inject vodka into an orange.
There was a plot, I think. Something about a drug ring needing to tie up some loose ends that brings everything to a head in the Sunshine State, and places everybody right in Serge's line of fire. Let's face it - at this point in the game, a plot isn't even necessary. All that matters is the antics of Serge, and his wobbly straight man, Coleman. Here they are discussing MTV:
"You mean that channel that doesn't play music?"
"That's the one," said Serge. "MTV has become the pork and beans of television."
"What do you mean?"
"You buy a can of pork and beans, getting all excited about upcoming pork, and then you open the can and go, 'What the fuck?' So you poke around and the only thing you find is a single, nasty-ass slime cube from a liposuction clinic. I wouldn't even mind that if they'd just be straight and call it what it is on the label."
"Who would buy 'nasty-ass slime cube and beans?"
"Me," said Serge. "Just to taste the truth."
And, note to self - this is the book where Serge explains his religion:
"All questions, all the time! And as the lack of answers mounts, the infiniteness of the Almighty swells my soul. People who claim to know his every last thought in order to bully others are just short-changing his omnipotence. Like politicians who say, 'Pay no attention to our performance on the economy. Look! Over there! Gay people are trying to get married!'"
This is also the book that features Serge's commencement address . . . to a kindergarten class:
"Don't make fun of people who are different. Unless they have more money and influence. Then you must.
"If someone isn't kind to animals, ignore anything they have to say.
"Skip down the street when you're happy. It's one of those carefree little things we lose as we get older. If you skip as an adult, people talk, but I don't mind.
"Always walk away from a fight. Then ambush.
"Read everything. Doubt everything. Appreciate everything."
Good advice from Serge, a veritable fountain of good advice.
"Anyway, childhood's over." Serge reached under his seat. "Now vacation means a whole new adult routine." He popped the ammo clip from a chrome .45 and checked the chamber.
"What's the gun for," asked Andy.
"What do you think?" Serge replaced the magazine. "Florida."
Aw, it's not a monster at all. It's just Serge Storms, and unless you're a tourist-robber, the sleazy producer of Girls Gone Haywire videos, or a fat-cat oil executive, you've got nothing to worry about. He probably won't kill you.
It's Spring Break in Florida, and the place is swarming with drunken college students. Coleman, who's been on spring break since 1977, is in his milieu, and is being treated as a God by the intoxicated masses. Believe me, it was standing room only for his class on the proper way to inject vodka into an orange.
There was a plot, I think. Something about a drug ring needing to tie up some loose ends that brings everything to a head in the Sunshine State, and places everybody right in Serge's line of fire. Let's face it - at this point in the game, a plot isn't even necessary. All that matters is the antics of Serge, and his wobbly straight man, Coleman. Here they are discussing MTV:
"You mean that channel that doesn't play music?"
"That's the one," said Serge. "MTV has become the pork and beans of television."
"What do you mean?"
"You buy a can of pork and beans, getting all excited about upcoming pork, and then you open the can and go, 'What the fuck?' So you poke around and the only thing you find is a single, nasty-ass slime cube from a liposuction clinic. I wouldn't even mind that if they'd just be straight and call it what it is on the label."
"Who would buy 'nasty-ass slime cube and beans?"
"Me," said Serge. "Just to taste the truth."
And, note to self - this is the book where Serge explains his religion:
"All questions, all the time! And as the lack of answers mounts, the infiniteness of the Almighty swells my soul. People who claim to know his every last thought in order to bully others are just short-changing his omnipotence. Like politicians who say, 'Pay no attention to our performance on the economy. Look! Over there! Gay people are trying to get married!'"
This is also the book that features Serge's commencement address . . . to a kindergarten class:
"Don't make fun of people who are different. Unless they have more money and influence. Then you must.
"If someone isn't kind to animals, ignore anything they have to say.
"Skip down the street when you're happy. It's one of those carefree little things we lose as we get older. If you skip as an adult, people talk, but I don't mind.
"Always walk away from a fight. Then ambush.
"Read everything. Doubt everything. Appreciate everything."
Good advice from Serge, a veritable fountain of good advice.
"Anyway, childhood's over." Serge reached under his seat. "Now vacation means a whole new adult routine." He popped the ammo clip from a chrome .45 and checked the chamber.
"What's the gun for," asked Andy.
"What do you think?" Serge replaced the magazine. "Florida."
April 7, 2014
Dorsey and his literary doppelganger, Serge, love Florida. Serge takes delight in the tackiness of his home, its natural beauty, its unnatural awfulness and woe to those who deface the Sunshine State. They might be faced with a charming psycho-killer who has a flair for devising unique ways of dispatching those out of favor. This is the 12th volume in Dorsey’s Serge series. It remains a guilty pleasure, sometimes laugh out loud funny, actually more than sometimes. The story this time centers around Spring break. Serge's best buddy, Coleman, manages to develop a college-crowd following when he offers lessons on how to maximize their alcoholic experience. Our impending vics here are drug-baddies who are out to get a poor fellow who had done a good deed only to be exposed in the media. He is headed into witness protection after testifying, but may not get there if the evil-doers can do some evil to him first. The game is on, and Serge wanders into it. Mayhem ensues. Sit back, waaaay back to keep from letting the blood spatter you and remember that, like Dexter, Serge only slices and dices those who’ve got it coming. Dorsey is the king of creative carnage. Don’t mess with Florida.
January 30, 2011
Sometimes it is difficult to classify a book as in the case of Tim Dorsey's books. They are classified as mysteries, but I feel that they could just as easily be classified as comedy.
Serge A. Storms and his sidekick Coleman are on the loose again. Serge is once again touring the State of Florida and informing readers of its history, most of it of the obsure variety. In "Gator-a-go-go" Serge is informing the reader of the little known facts and locations of the annual ritual of "Spring Break". Serge and Coleman have joined the ranks of thousands of college students that make this pilgrimage every year. It is in these surroundings that they become involved with a young man whose family was placed in the Witness Protection Program. The young man is attending college and is taken to Florida unwillingly by his buddies. Unfortunately they are unaware that his cover has been blown and some nasty gang members from Miami are dispatched to eliminate him.
Serge also has to contend with two totally stunning young ladies, City and Country, that he left stranded on the highway at the end of a previous novel.
Serge also must enlist the help of the "G Force". If you remember from a previous novel, these are a group of four older wealthy women who are out for a good time.
If one has not read a Tim Dorsey novel, be warned that Serge is a lovable psychopathic killer. Murder and controlled mayhem are a large part of Serge's life. He finds new and unusual ways of killing the bad guys and very seldom gets his hands dirty doing it.
The novels of Tim Dorsey are total enjoyable reads. They are fast, easy reads that are totally entertaining. I have to admit that I am shamefully addicted to Serge and Coleman and wait with bated breath for their next adventure. I am certain after reading one you will be back for Dorsey's previous eleven Serge A. Storms novels Serge almost takes on the stature of a folk hero, even though he is a total nut case. He somehow seems to stand for the right things and manages to eliminate some of the dregs of society.
Serge A. Storms and his sidekick Coleman are on the loose again. Serge is once again touring the State of Florida and informing readers of its history, most of it of the obsure variety. In "Gator-a-go-go" Serge is informing the reader of the little known facts and locations of the annual ritual of "Spring Break". Serge and Coleman have joined the ranks of thousands of college students that make this pilgrimage every year. It is in these surroundings that they become involved with a young man whose family was placed in the Witness Protection Program. The young man is attending college and is taken to Florida unwillingly by his buddies. Unfortunately they are unaware that his cover has been blown and some nasty gang members from Miami are dispatched to eliminate him.
Serge also has to contend with two totally stunning young ladies, City and Country, that he left stranded on the highway at the end of a previous novel.
Serge also must enlist the help of the "G Force". If you remember from a previous novel, these are a group of four older wealthy women who are out for a good time.
If one has not read a Tim Dorsey novel, be warned that Serge is a lovable psychopathic killer. Murder and controlled mayhem are a large part of Serge's life. He finds new and unusual ways of killing the bad guys and very seldom gets his hands dirty doing it.
The novels of Tim Dorsey are total enjoyable reads. They are fast, easy reads that are totally entertaining. I have to admit that I am shamefully addicted to Serge and Coleman and wait with bated breath for their next adventure. I am certain after reading one you will be back for Dorsey's previous eleven Serge A. Storms novels Serge almost takes on the stature of a folk hero, even though he is a total nut case. He somehow seems to stand for the right things and manages to eliminate some of the dregs of society.
June 2, 2016
Watch out Florida . . . Serge and Coleman do Spring Break! Love the return of several favorite characters to join the fun! And if you are lucky enough to get the hard cover edition to read, enjoy the cartoon on the page bottoms that advances as you flip through the pages. 6 out of 10 for me - lots of laughs as always!
August 15, 2010
Serge Storm is as good an offbeat character as they get. How can I categorize Tim Dorsey’s work? It’s action packed, filled with history, incredible narrative, totally humorous, well-constructed, and imaginative in manner of executions (I mean people), and great covers. I could go on for it seems hours, days or weeks. I have read all his work and must say I for one have enjoyed the crazy gonzo ride with Serge and Coleman.
My wife doesn’t even have to ask which author I reading when I have one of Tim Dorsey’s novels in my hand. I laugh out loud so much it is annoying; I can’t help it though. Gator A-Go-Go is his best work in my estimation. I got to read this in January and we had plenty of snow on the ground; in fact it was near blizzard conditions when I got to read it. I loved it, sunny Florida, the history of it according to Serge Storm, and me waist deep in snow laughing my rump off. Coleman as always is on a tangent showing the uninitiated spring break newbies how to take care of their beer and drugs so as to keep it cold and away from the police.
The usual frivolity and madcap fun ensues and the reader is sucked into Serge’s romp through Florida, killing people as he goes, in a manner most would not think or conceive. The description by Tim Dorsey is amazing and made me feel like I was cruising along with Serge. It is a big part of why I enjoy his work so much. He has an ability to not only put me there in Florida, but to feel it and enjoy. The manner in which he constructs and executes his plotline is awesome, no matter how out there Serge and Coleman get. Dorsey ties each knot up and brings it to an unbelievably concise ending. I always want more. I can never seem to put it down once I open it up, and I can’t wait till the next installment. What more as a reader could we ask for? I don’t hesitate to say put this in your Goodreads & Shelfari –to read- list. The ride that awaits you is fast, gonzo and laugh out loud.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook, Shelfari, and Crimespace. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page; also look for our posts on Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Nobles, and the Bucks County Library System. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
My wife doesn’t even have to ask which author I reading when I have one of Tim Dorsey’s novels in my hand. I laugh out loud so much it is annoying; I can’t help it though. Gator A-Go-Go is his best work in my estimation. I got to read this in January and we had plenty of snow on the ground; in fact it was near blizzard conditions when I got to read it. I loved it, sunny Florida, the history of it according to Serge Storm, and me waist deep in snow laughing my rump off. Coleman as always is on a tangent showing the uninitiated spring break newbies how to take care of their beer and drugs so as to keep it cold and away from the police.
The usual frivolity and madcap fun ensues and the reader is sucked into Serge’s romp through Florida, killing people as he goes, in a manner most would not think or conceive. The description by Tim Dorsey is amazing and made me feel like I was cruising along with Serge. It is a big part of why I enjoy his work so much. He has an ability to not only put me there in Florida, but to feel it and enjoy. The manner in which he constructs and executes his plotline is awesome, no matter how out there Serge and Coleman get. Dorsey ties each knot up and brings it to an unbelievably concise ending. I always want more. I can never seem to put it down once I open it up, and I can’t wait till the next installment. What more as a reader could we ask for? I don’t hesitate to say put this in your Goodreads & Shelfari –to read- list. The ride that awaits you is fast, gonzo and laugh out loud.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook, Shelfari, and Crimespace. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page; also look for our posts on Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Nobles, and the Bucks County Library System. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
April 21, 2010
Well I made it as far as page 88 and I just couldn't go on. Can anyone give me a reason to finish it? I really wanted to like this book because I won it from the first reads program here at Goodreads but this is just not my sense of humor. I like some of Carl Hiassen's writing and so after seeing Tim Dorsey compared to Hiassen, I decided to give him a try.
I guess this book is the 12th in a series so someone must like the main character, Serge Storms, who is a serial killer and his sidekick, Coleman. Give me Dexter any day. The whole thing is just a bunch of running dialogue that never gets off the ground. The characters seemed very two dimensional to me. Maybe it helps to have read the previous books? I am a big fan of character development and this writer gave me absolutely nothing to work with.
Since this book is about Spring Break in Florida and I have a college age son, I think he'll be getting it for a birthday present. Let's see if this style of humor appeals to the frat boys.
I guess this book is the 12th in a series so someone must like the main character, Serge Storms, who is a serial killer and his sidekick, Coleman. Give me Dexter any day. The whole thing is just a bunch of running dialogue that never gets off the ground. The characters seemed very two dimensional to me. Maybe it helps to have read the previous books? I am a big fan of character development and this writer gave me absolutely nothing to work with.
Since this book is about Spring Break in Florida and I have a college age son, I think he'll be getting it for a birthday present. Let's see if this style of humor appeals to the frat boys.
August 8, 2014
Another humorous adventure with Serge and Coleman that contains some good laughs. Although the chase plot and the digs at girls gone wild leaves a bit to be desired, the humor helps make up for it. 6 of 10 stars
February 14, 2010
A storm of havoc - The Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainm...
BY JOHN HOOD
Special To The Miami Herald
Florida's crime writers are never shy about chronicling our state's inherent craziness. You might say it's much of the reason some of them are driven to write in the first place.
But ripping insanity from the headlines and turning it into a whole 'nother story is one thing. What's really compelling is when a writer goes above, below and beyond all the looniness and concocts a whole new level in crazy.
Such a scribe is Tim Dorsey. Beginning with 1999's bloody-good Florida Roadkill, Dorsey has done more for our state's patented brand of insanity than anyone since Harry Crews or Carl Hiaasen. His device? A madman named Serge A. Storms, star of 11 of Dorsey's dirty dozen books. Storms will kill and kill again on behalf of his beloved Florida; he's actually quite eager to do so and in the most diabolically inventive ways imaginable.
Storm's latest, er, surge, is in Gator A-Go-Go (William Morrow $24.99), which follows the psycho civic booster and his perennially stoned sidekick Coleman as they cut a swath through the story of spring break, from Panama City to Fort Lauderdale. As always, the unlikely duo hit a hodge-podge of hallowed landmarks. And, as always, the bad guys get what's coming -- and then some. But though woe becomes those who wrong Storms or our state, Dorsey's sprees are more romp than revenge fantasies, even if they do leave the reader positively giddy with sociopathic glee.
The Miami Herald caught up with Dorsey as he launched another of his extensive Florida road tours.
Q: Serge seems be like Charles Bronson's character in Death Wish, though he's out for revenge on behalf of a whole state rather than himself. What would you say was the pivotal episode that drove him to do what he does?
A: Well, actually, he was an accidental creation, and the pivotal role was more in me writing the first draft of the first book. What happened was he was just going to be a regular villain -- a kind of over-the-top, larger-than-life villain -- so I made him really insane. Then when he started studying about Florida history he quickly evolved into my own mouthpiece. He went from this supporting character that wasn't going to last beyond the first book to basically being my alter ego, except I'm nonviolent.
What drew me to him were simply my years as a journalist, all the stories and stuff that I read. You get pretty jaded, but there are certain things that you would read or edit or cover as a reporter that would spark your sense of outrage. So he became my sort of avenging angel for things that hacked me off.
Q: Sacred Sunshine State places creep up throughout your books. Here we have the Rod and Reel Motel (now Resort) on Anna Maria Island; Gilly's Pub 44 in New Smyrna Beach; Bahia Cabana, overlooking Bahia Mar (now a Days Inn); the Candy Store (which is no more), and the Elbo Room (which has been saved). I take it you must have some strong feelings when one of them meets the wrecking ball?
A: Oh yeah. I visit all of these places. One of my favorite compliments is when people say they take a highlighter and go over all the real places in the book so that when they take a road trip they can visit all these sites, which is pretty much my main goal. If I really enjoy something or find somewhere I really like out there on the road I want to share it, so I have Serge tout the state's history. Unfortunately, the books have been coming out about 11 years, and a lot of the places are already gone.
Q: What do you think about Cypress Gardens being turned into Legoland?
A: It's pretty weird. The thing is I was worried about Cypress Gardens constantly over the years. I went as a kid, when I was 4 years old back in the mid '60s. But if [the move:] can save the Botanical Gardens and the Florida Pool, then it's wonderful.
Q: Have you heard Miami Marine Stadium has not only been landmarked but is apparently going to reopen?
A: I've been visiting there too. I know there were things in flux. It looked pretty rough there for awhile, but yeah, some of them go under and others become some other incarnation. I understand the economics, but any time some place can be saved, please somebody do it.
Q: So might I ask your feelings about Orlando?
A: I love Orlando, I mean as much as maybe you're supposed to hate it. Now that I have a family we go to the theme parks. The kids like to go on all the other rides, but I say, ``We've gotta do one thing for Daddy, and that's see the Carousel of Progress.'' And my only quibble is that they changed the last set. When I was a kid it had this cool retro look of the future, and instead they've changed it to a modern living room with DVD players and flat screen TVs. It looked like a showroom at Best Buy.
Q: Instead of a Jetsons-like layout?
A: Yeah, that's what I remembered. So I'm waiting for the final stage, and that's what I got. But otherwise there are all of the things that I remember. Yes, there are a lot of new rides -- Buzz Lightyear and things like that -- but I take them on It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean and definitely The Haunted Mansion.
Q: Where does Miami rank on your list of state malfeasants?
A: I love Miami [too:]. As a matter of fact the next book I'm working on is based there. Miami is just so fascinating and vibrant; it never stops being entertaining. I've made a few trips down there and stayed downtown and gone exploring, and [I like:] everything from Churchill's Pub down to the Deering Estate. And I went to the mall where there was that famous shoot-out that started Cocaine Cowboys. I think that liquor store is now a Sak's or something, but I went in anyway, just to experience the location. Yeah, Miami is one of my favorite places on earth.
John Hood is a Miami-based columnist and correspondent.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainm...
BY JOHN HOOD
Special To The Miami Herald
Florida's crime writers are never shy about chronicling our state's inherent craziness. You might say it's much of the reason some of them are driven to write in the first place.
But ripping insanity from the headlines and turning it into a whole 'nother story is one thing. What's really compelling is when a writer goes above, below and beyond all the looniness and concocts a whole new level in crazy.
Such a scribe is Tim Dorsey. Beginning with 1999's bloody-good Florida Roadkill, Dorsey has done more for our state's patented brand of insanity than anyone since Harry Crews or Carl Hiaasen. His device? A madman named Serge A. Storms, star of 11 of Dorsey's dirty dozen books. Storms will kill and kill again on behalf of his beloved Florida; he's actually quite eager to do so and in the most diabolically inventive ways imaginable.
Storm's latest, er, surge, is in Gator A-Go-Go (William Morrow $24.99), which follows the psycho civic booster and his perennially stoned sidekick Coleman as they cut a swath through the story of spring break, from Panama City to Fort Lauderdale. As always, the unlikely duo hit a hodge-podge of hallowed landmarks. And, as always, the bad guys get what's coming -- and then some. But though woe becomes those who wrong Storms or our state, Dorsey's sprees are more romp than revenge fantasies, even if they do leave the reader positively giddy with sociopathic glee.
The Miami Herald caught up with Dorsey as he launched another of his extensive Florida road tours.
Q: Serge seems be like Charles Bronson's character in Death Wish, though he's out for revenge on behalf of a whole state rather than himself. What would you say was the pivotal episode that drove him to do what he does?
A: Well, actually, he was an accidental creation, and the pivotal role was more in me writing the first draft of the first book. What happened was he was just going to be a regular villain -- a kind of over-the-top, larger-than-life villain -- so I made him really insane. Then when he started studying about Florida history he quickly evolved into my own mouthpiece. He went from this supporting character that wasn't going to last beyond the first book to basically being my alter ego, except I'm nonviolent.
What drew me to him were simply my years as a journalist, all the stories and stuff that I read. You get pretty jaded, but there are certain things that you would read or edit or cover as a reporter that would spark your sense of outrage. So he became my sort of avenging angel for things that hacked me off.
Q: Sacred Sunshine State places creep up throughout your books. Here we have the Rod and Reel Motel (now Resort) on Anna Maria Island; Gilly's Pub 44 in New Smyrna Beach; Bahia Cabana, overlooking Bahia Mar (now a Days Inn); the Candy Store (which is no more), and the Elbo Room (which has been saved). I take it you must have some strong feelings when one of them meets the wrecking ball?
A: Oh yeah. I visit all of these places. One of my favorite compliments is when people say they take a highlighter and go over all the real places in the book so that when they take a road trip they can visit all these sites, which is pretty much my main goal. If I really enjoy something or find somewhere I really like out there on the road I want to share it, so I have Serge tout the state's history. Unfortunately, the books have been coming out about 11 years, and a lot of the places are already gone.
Q: What do you think about Cypress Gardens being turned into Legoland?
A: It's pretty weird. The thing is I was worried about Cypress Gardens constantly over the years. I went as a kid, when I was 4 years old back in the mid '60s. But if [the move:] can save the Botanical Gardens and the Florida Pool, then it's wonderful.
Q: Have you heard Miami Marine Stadium has not only been landmarked but is apparently going to reopen?
A: I've been visiting there too. I know there were things in flux. It looked pretty rough there for awhile, but yeah, some of them go under and others become some other incarnation. I understand the economics, but any time some place can be saved, please somebody do it.
Q: So might I ask your feelings about Orlando?
A: I love Orlando, I mean as much as maybe you're supposed to hate it. Now that I have a family we go to the theme parks. The kids like to go on all the other rides, but I say, ``We've gotta do one thing for Daddy, and that's see the Carousel of Progress.'' And my only quibble is that they changed the last set. When I was a kid it had this cool retro look of the future, and instead they've changed it to a modern living room with DVD players and flat screen TVs. It looked like a showroom at Best Buy.
Q: Instead of a Jetsons-like layout?
A: Yeah, that's what I remembered. So I'm waiting for the final stage, and that's what I got. But otherwise there are all of the things that I remember. Yes, there are a lot of new rides -- Buzz Lightyear and things like that -- but I take them on It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean and definitely The Haunted Mansion.
Q: Where does Miami rank on your list of state malfeasants?
A: I love Miami [too:]. As a matter of fact the next book I'm working on is based there. Miami is just so fascinating and vibrant; it never stops being entertaining. I've made a few trips down there and stayed downtown and gone exploring, and [I like:] everything from Churchill's Pub down to the Deering Estate. And I went to the mall where there was that famous shoot-out that started Cocaine Cowboys. I think that liquor store is now a Sak's or something, but I went in anyway, just to experience the location. Yeah, Miami is one of my favorite places on earth.
John Hood is a Miami-based columnist and correspondent.
February 13, 2022
Serge Storms, Tim Dorsey's "Florida Man" headline in flesh and blood, is back in his 12th appearance in "Gator A-Go-Go"...Just imagine "Dexter" as one of the Marx Brothers who is also an expert in all things Florida!...Dorsey always gives us a little historical background in each of his stories and in this one we get a history of Florida's attraction as a Spring Break destination for college students...I personally remember the Elbo Room and Fort Lauderdale. visiting twice in the early 70s...Mix Serge and company, college Spring Breakers, a Miami Drug family and a Federal Witness Protection program and you have the great fun mix that is "Gator A-Go-Go"...Good Stuff!!!
October 2, 2021
Serge and Coleman time travel back through all the past Florida spring break hot spots. Might be my favorite one so far as the majority of the book takes place in Panama City Beach around the time we used to go there for college spring breaks so brings back lots of memories: MTV Beach; Army recruiters setting up obstacles on the sand; Coleman’s relentless partying skills with students…then onto Daytona and FLL.
June 27, 2025
Maybe it's because I grew up in Jacksonville, but this Edgelord doesn't do it for me, but I'm adding a star for the cute gag with the gator eating the pages, the only delight from this otherwise waste of paper.
August 1, 2024
One thing about audiobooks - the reader can make a huge difference in the enjoyment and immersion. Liked the previous one, jarring to hear these characters in totally different voices.
April 5, 2012
It's a wee bit embarrassing, but when I'm feeling a little sad and blue, I turn to my stalwart comfort-food purveyor, Tim Dorsey, the literary equivalent of meatloaf and mashed 'taters (or, more geographically-specific, conch fritters, grouper sammiches and yuca fries). Mr. Dorsey, criminally under-appreciated, clearly has taken the "Consummate Florida Crime Novelist" title away from better known scribe Carl Hiaasen, and has consistently "delivered the goods", novel after hilarious novel.
You'd think he'd start running out of funny things to write about: Dorsey's been recycling his serial killer/Florida historian Serge Storms character for well over two decades now, and "Gator-a-go-go" at first certainly seemed like was going to be a rehash of all his other novels, with the only difference being the violence meter amped up. This one commences in a Pulp Fiction-esque bloodbath in a seedy motel in Panama Beach, FL, where it just so happens our wackadoodle friend is there filming a documentary on the history of spring break, along with his trusty super-stoner companion, Coleman. Hilarious hijinks ensue, as per usual, when the bad guys inevitably tangle with Serge and Coleman, as the action proceeds from Panama City to Daytona Beach to Fort Lauderdale (the very nexus and birth of the spring break phenomenon). Throw in a gaggle of Girls Gone Haywire!, the token Spring Break Midget, and a laundry list a of recurring characters from Dorsey's previous efforts, like the quartet of nonagenarian biker grannies; the pair of gun-totin' hotties City and Country; Johnny Vegas, the perpetually-virgin Adonis, ever-thwarted to get him some ak-shunn...etc. The ever-drug-eschewing Serge's pot brownie experience is alone worth the price of admission. And even if the action kinda seems to slow down a bit, the publishers have thoughtfully included a chompy gator flip-book at the bottom of the pages should you get bored. But you probably won't.
(A caveat, though, if you've never read any of Dorsey's Serge novels, this probably isn't the one to start with. While it stands alone nicely, the novel is curiously short on Serge and Coleman's backstories, and some of the in-jokes might be lost to the Dorsey neophyte.)
You'd think he'd start running out of funny things to write about: Dorsey's been recycling his serial killer/Florida historian Serge Storms character for well over two decades now, and "Gator-a-go-go" at first certainly seemed like was going to be a rehash of all his other novels, with the only difference being the violence meter amped up. This one commences in a Pulp Fiction-esque bloodbath in a seedy motel in Panama Beach, FL, where it just so happens our wackadoodle friend is there filming a documentary on the history of spring break, along with his trusty super-stoner companion, Coleman. Hilarious hijinks ensue, as per usual, when the bad guys inevitably tangle with Serge and Coleman, as the action proceeds from Panama City to Daytona Beach to Fort Lauderdale (the very nexus and birth of the spring break phenomenon). Throw in a gaggle of Girls Gone Haywire!, the token Spring Break Midget, and a laundry list a of recurring characters from Dorsey's previous efforts, like the quartet of nonagenarian biker grannies; the pair of gun-totin' hotties City and Country; Johnny Vegas, the perpetually-virgin Adonis, ever-thwarted to get him some ak-shunn...etc. The ever-drug-eschewing Serge's pot brownie experience is alone worth the price of admission. And even if the action kinda seems to slow down a bit, the publishers have thoughtfully included a chompy gator flip-book at the bottom of the pages should you get bored. But you probably won't.
(A caveat, though, if you've never read any of Dorsey's Serge novels, this probably isn't the one to start with. While it stands alone nicely, the novel is curiously short on Serge and Coleman's backstories, and some of the in-jokes might be lost to the Dorsey neophyte.)
June 15, 2021
Gotta love Serge! For those who don't know him, take Dexter, then add an expert on the history of Florida, then combine that with a sociopath who has a very twisted sense of morality (contradictory yes, but true) and you get Serge. Then you throw his drug and alcohol addled sidekick named Coleman into the mix and and you get great stories that'll keep you laughing. In this book there's an extra bonus for Baseball fans of a certain age.
April 16, 2012
This was a really fun book to read. Dorsey is not going to win any literary awards, but this was an incredibly entertaining book, with some great characters, and I definitely look forward to reading more of his books.
Serge is a great character. He has no qualms about mudering people that misbehave or dispurt the image of Florida, yet this doesn't make him a bad guy. If he does deem you are in need of some southern justice, watch out, because he puts together extremely elaborate mechanisms to kill the offenders. He is also very devoted to informing everyone about the history of his beloved home state. He is a very manic character just running around making a documentary on everything, and in thise case his focus is on spring break.
This story is about how Serge runs into a UNH student dragged to PCB for spring break by his buddies. He also happens to be in the witness protection program, and the cocaine lord of the 80s (Madre) has found out where he is. Serge looks after him by taking care of the drug lord's enforcers in his unique and very entertaining way.
One of the blurbs on the cover says Dorsey is like Hunter S Thompson, mixed with Groucho Marx, and although I am not familiar with Groucho, I can definitely see where they get the Hunter S. Thompson idea from.
Serge is a great character. He has no qualms about mudering people that misbehave or dispurt the image of Florida, yet this doesn't make him a bad guy. If he does deem you are in need of some southern justice, watch out, because he puts together extremely elaborate mechanisms to kill the offenders. He is also very devoted to informing everyone about the history of his beloved home state. He is a very manic character just running around making a documentary on everything, and in thise case his focus is on spring break.
This story is about how Serge runs into a UNH student dragged to PCB for spring break by his buddies. He also happens to be in the witness protection program, and the cocaine lord of the 80s (Madre) has found out where he is. Serge looks after him by taking care of the drug lord's enforcers in his unique and very entertaining way.
One of the blurbs on the cover says Dorsey is like Hunter S Thompson, mixed with Groucho Marx, and although I am not familiar with Groucho, I can definitely see where they get the Hunter S. Thompson idea from.
January 12, 2010
Gator a-go-go again follows the exploits of hyperactive serial killer Serge Storms and his stoner friend Coleman. Serge plans to make a documentary, and decides to do a road trip about the history of Spring Break in Florida. Traveling to Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, they fall in with some college students whose Spring Break doesn't go according to plan. Also appearing are their old acquaintances City and Country and the G-Unit.
Their experience includes drunk students, the filmmakers of Girls Gone Haywire, kids jumping off balconies, hitmen, the FBI, getting thrown out of their hotel room, irate motorists, and earnest young Christians. Serge manages to take out some bad guys in his usual inventive style.
Like the previous works in this series, Gator a-go-go is an entertaining and amusing romp through the underbelly of Florida, in the company of larger-than-life characters. It's great fun. Highly recommended.
Their experience includes drunk students, the filmmakers of Girls Gone Haywire, kids jumping off balconies, hitmen, the FBI, getting thrown out of their hotel room, irate motorists, and earnest young Christians. Serge manages to take out some bad guys in his usual inventive style.
Like the previous works in this series, Gator a-go-go is an entertaining and amusing romp through the underbelly of Florida, in the company of larger-than-life characters. It's great fun. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2018
I have now read 12 of Dorsey's books (Gulp!) and he is becoming funnier as he ages. The plots aer much more coherent even as hey become more complex.
In this, the best of the 12 so far, Florida's favorite psychotic serial murdering anti-hero, Serge Storms sets off to make a home movie about the history of Spring Break n Florida and gets mixed up with the Miami Mafia and the US Witness Protection Program ... forgetaboutit, its a book about the history of Spring Break, and having lived near Ft. Lauderdale during its heyday, this book brought back memories and I learned a few things (Spring Break started because the City built a salt water pool and northern college swim teams unexpectedly began coming down to begin practicing early... bet you didn't know that!).
Anyway, comedic book with lots of cuss words, gratuitous off camera sex, and inventive complex killing (of bad guys). Typical Dorsey and a lot of fun.
In this, the best of the 12 so far, Florida's favorite psychotic serial murdering anti-hero, Serge Storms sets off to make a home movie about the history of Spring Break n Florida and gets mixed up with the Miami Mafia and the US Witness Protection Program ... forgetaboutit, its a book about the history of Spring Break, and having lived near Ft. Lauderdale during its heyday, this book brought back memories and I learned a few things (Spring Break started because the City built a salt water pool and northern college swim teams unexpectedly began coming down to begin practicing early... bet you didn't know that!).
Anyway, comedic book with lots of cuss words, gratuitous off camera sex, and inventive complex killing (of bad guys). Typical Dorsey and a lot of fun.
July 28, 2010
This is a funny documentary type story about spring break in the sun shine state of Florida. After years of quiet , a legendary Miami kingpin from the anything goes eighties is suddenly back in the news along with the most psychotic homicidal monsters, every bit as insane as Serge. Serge and Coleman attract a following of the nations top college students and a mysterious gang that leaves dead bodies in its wake. Why are the feds involved. A must read for anyone who likes spring break type movies and books .
November 18, 2016
What better than following Serge around Florida as he does his thing? Following Serge around spring break! If you thought college kids with alcohol couldn’t get any wilder think again. With Serge on the lookout to keep Andy safe and Coleman mentoring the youth of America the future looks bright. Get ready for more fun in the sun and obscure Florida fact in this well written, hilarious ride.
May 25, 2021
Serge does spring break as only Serge can do. He sets off to film a documentary, starting back in 1935 and continuing right through the final paragraph. He runs into several previous acquaintances and meets several more that, unfortunately, will never make it into future books. Tim Dorsey has to live in a very bizarre world...
January 29, 2010
This is a comfort book-one of those that you can just sink into and let go of life. Perfect when you need to hide from the world.
Serge and Coleman are insane, possibly offensive and truly live in their own demented world.
Serge and Coleman are insane, possibly offensive and truly live in their own demented world.
July 10, 2018
The 12th book in the Serge A. Storms series by Tim Dorsey. Serge loves history, trivia, and the state of Florida. He's also a psychopath. In this latest adventure, Serge and Coleman do Spring Break. Funny, wild, and fast-paced.
September 7, 2015
Mystery, suspense and humor what a great combination! Dorsey mixed Florida's history into his mystery. Great way of introducing Florida into his adventure. There were times when I was rolling with laughter even though this is a mystery. Great writing and story!! Loved it!!!
December 10, 2015
Loved it!
Another wild ride with crazy genius sociopath Serge A. Storms and his faithful sidekick Coleman. Spring Break hijinks turn into a hilarious romp with hitmen, college kids,two hot ladies, the FBI, little old ladies, and new uses for construction sites.
Another wild ride with crazy genius sociopath Serge A. Storms and his faithful sidekick Coleman. Spring Break hijinks turn into a hilarious romp with hitmen, college kids,two hot ladies, the FBI, little old ladies, and new uses for construction sites.
July 6, 2019
Tim Dorsey does not disappoint, Serge is a must read every time I come to Florida. Old friends join in the action with a good mix of new characters. The book keeps you from wanting to put it down and when you are finished you still want more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2019
These stories are ludicrously silly. I live in Florida so I enjoy the history bits.
July 2, 2025
What it's about: Serge and Coleman do Spring Break! This time, they get involved with rowdy college kids who worship Coleman's superior partying knowledge; religious college kids who are blown away by Serge's biblical expertise; an especially vicious Miami gang; a young boy in the Witness Protection Program; FBI agents; and an exploitative "Girls Gone Wild" type producer among others. Dorsey reunites many characters - City and Country, Mahoney, the Accidental Virgin, the G-Unit - from the previous novels at least briefly. Even Lenny gets a shoutout. Only the Davenports are missing, but their son Melvin plays a key role when he unexpectedly hooks up with Serge during their Spring Break experience.
What I thought: Not quite as laugh-out-loud funny as some others, and the big twist was clear to me very early on, but this one had a good plot and lots of entertaining stuff as Serge explores current and historic Spring Break locations and traditions for his "documentary." Once again, Serge's paradoxical moral code is on overdrive here, as he's a REALLY good guy, almost heroic, on the one hand; while on the other hand some of his murders are especially cruel and grisly, mitigated slightly by the fact that the victims are very bad people. The resolution of all the threads works out pretty well for everyone, except maybe City and Country and the Accidental Virgin, and of course all the people who got murdered.
What I thought: Not quite as laugh-out-loud funny as some others, and the big twist was clear to me very early on, but this one had a good plot and lots of entertaining stuff as Serge explores current and historic Spring Break locations and traditions for his "documentary." Once again, Serge's paradoxical moral code is on overdrive here, as he's a REALLY good guy, almost heroic, on the one hand; while on the other hand some of his murders are especially cruel and grisly, mitigated slightly by the fact that the victims are very bad people. The resolution of all the threads works out pretty well for everyone, except maybe City and Country and the Accidental Virgin, and of course all the people who got murdered.
December 19, 2021
This makes 18 of the 24 Dorsey novels read this year.. Note that I am not reading them in order, which makes for a good soup from some of the characters pasts. Mahoney is here, Country and City are here, FBI again and the lovely visits to some of the greatest spots of the "Where the Boys Are" era. Serge and Coleman visiting all of the spring break spots while enjoying the goodness of fine places like "The Elbo Room" in Ft. Lauderdale. Actually visited there for the first time in around 51 years in 2020. Area from the air has changed but the place still brings back memories, midget throwing, girls, sand fleas (my take) and mahem from bad, bad family out for revenge. My favorite part, though was the commencement speech given by Serge to Kindgartners (Kinderrgarten Kollege Class of '67) His ability to convince them of their greatness is only something Serge can do. I call it mesmerizing (ha). The results are endless along with the revenge factors. Just don't think I would ever want to be in the government protection program for any reason. Thanks again Mr. Dorsey.
February 27, 2018
Serge takes us on a Spring Break romp. Beginning in the present time in Panama City in the Panhandle and going back in time to original origins of Spring Break in the 1930's in Ft. Lauderdale. Serge again dispenses his justice, gives us more Florida history and enlightens with his philosophy of life and happiness. Characters are familiar - Coleman, City, Country and agent Mahoney. In a graduation address to a kindergarten class: "Hang on to your dreams with everything you got. Because the best life is when your dreams come true. The second-best is when they don't but you never stop chasing them." pg. 243. One historical site Serge and company visit is the boat of author John D. McDonald. McDonald will be my next read if I can find a book of his.
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