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Electric Barracuda (Serge Storms Mystery #13)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 777 ratings · 105 reviews

Serge Storms, that loveable thermonuclear vigilante and one-stop-Florida-trivia-shop, has been leaving corpses strewn across the Sunshine State for more than a decade. The authorities--especially one tenacious state agent--have begun to notice the exponential body count, and send a police task force to track down Serge. Could his luck finally have run out?

Meanwhile, armed...more

Hardcover, 357 pages

Published 2011 by William Morrow

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Feb 09, 2012 Steve Auerweck rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm not sure if simply >liking< Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms novels could get one diagnosed with a psychological disorder, but hey, if that's wrong I don't want to be right.

In this outing, the somewhat psychopathic Serge and his burned-out sidekick Coleman make their way to some of the most remote corners of Florida as Serge tells his blog readers how to have an exciting vacation, traveling like a fugitive. Unbeknownst to him, he's actually being pursued.

As in many of the previous outings, Do...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Hood rated it 5 of 5 stars

Two-Fisted and Twisted
Tim Dorsey Kicks Out Another Feisty Piece of Florida Fiction
John Hood
SunPost Weekly February 3, 2011
http://bit.ly/eLf8lO

Tim Dorsey’s hyperreal crime fictions have always tripled as road guides for anyone looking to see what’s left of what once was in this fabled state of ours. In fact, he told me last year more than a few folks use a highlighter while reading his books and then hit the road so they can hang at the hotspots he’s covered. But Dorsey’s interests are in all thi...more

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Nov 17, 2011 Derek Dowell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you like Tim Dorsey and his Florida travelogue adventures starring homicidal vigilante, Serge Storms, and substance abusing sidekick, Coleman, then you probably knew the date and time Electric Barracuda would be released long before it hit the shelves. But if Dorsey's thinly plotted, hyperactive tales aren't your cup of tea – well – don't say we didn't warn you. Like midget bowling during spring break in Panama City Beach, this kind of writing can be polarizing. To Tim's credit, you know exac...more If you like Tim Dorsey and his Florida travelogue adventures starring homicidal vigilante, Serge Storms, and substance abusing sidekick, Coleman, then you probably knew the date and time Electric Barracuda would be released long before it hit the shelves. But if Dorsey's thinly plotted, hyperactive tales aren't your cup of tea – well – don't say we didn't warn you. Like midget bowling during spring break in Panama City Beach, this kind of writing can be polarizing. To Tim's credit, you know exactly what you're in for with each Serge book. Over 13 books he's never broken formula and this one is no different.

Story:
Electric Barracuda finds Serge and Coleman ripping around Florida again, this time testing out their latest brainchild, a fugitive style tourist service, where clients get to experience the Sunshine State as if they were on the lam. As usual, the pair are pursued by a variety of law enforcement types, especially Serge's nemesis, Agent Mahoney. Regular readers have come to expect a barrage of Floridiana and Dorsey doesn't disappoint. Join Serge as he plows through the Everglades, Myakka River State Park, Cedar Key, and more, dispensing a few baddies with creative verve along the way. Prepare yourself for two startling developments in Serge's personal life, one which turns out to be a sham and the other perhaps more far-reaching.

Characters:
As a rule, if you find yourself identifying with any character in a Tim Dorsey novel, run, don't walk to the nearest psychiatrist and get medicinal help pronto! This is not about depth and development and back story. This is about mayhem, plain and simple. Still, after so many books, I'm somewhat nervous to admit the formula hasn't worn thin yet. I always look forward to the next with great anticipation.

Writing:
As a former news reporter for the Tampa Tribune, it's no surprise to find Dorsey's prose lean, tight, and firmly tilted away from flowery description. His command of the language is not as poetic as fellow Florida scribe Carl Hiaasen, but what he lacks in vocabulary, he more than makes up for with crazed situations. Plot? Don't need one. Not really. Not when the chain of events you group together and call a book is this much fun.

The Bottom Line:
If you've never drunk the Serge Kool-Aid before, you might be better served to go to Amazon and read a sample before plopping down your hard-earned cash. You might like it or you might hate it. One small complaint. The ebook sells for $9.99, which is a completely ridiculous price, though one the major publishers seem intent on clinging to. I look with great suspicion at any digital book priced above five bucks, though, as a long-time Serge reader, hold my nose and pay the price. Also, if you've never listened to a Dorsey book on audio, you might give it a shot. For some reason, his writing really works well in this format.(less)

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Oct 20, 2011 Amy Corwin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime

This was my first introduction to Tim Dorsey's crimnally insane character, Serge Storms and his stoner partner, Coleman, and I have to say, I loved it. The story was fast-paced, satrical, oft-times completely outrageous (and inappropriate), and if you don't have a fondness for serial killers who invent new ways of killing people who really do need a-killing, then you may not enjoy this. But I have a seriously UN-P.C. side and found myself laughing until it hurt.

One of the things that I liked bes...more

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Mar 01, 2011 H R Koelling rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: humor

As with any Tim Dorsey book I read, I devour it as fast as I can, sometimes staying up well past my bedtime and/or sneaking in a few quick pages while I'm watching porn, calibrating the plutonium rod mechanism at the nuclear power plant or showering. The adventures of Serge and Coleman are also the perfect complement to a few pitchers of beer with bong hit chasers. Not that I've done a bong hit in a few decades or attempted to drink a pitcher on my own lately, but I sometimes feel like I'm back...more

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Jan 26, 2011 J Edward Tremlett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Serge A Storms: Floridian, history buff, and serial killer.

Serge and his perpetually-baked compadre, Coleman, have been driving up and down the Sunshine State for ages — seeing the sights, having wild times, blowing their minds away through the judicious use and misuse of happy fun chemicals… and gleefully doing away with any uppity folks that Serge decides need a good lesson.

And Serge has met a LOT of people in need, as the monstrous body count he’s left in his wake can attest. So much so that...more Serge A Storms: Floridian, history buff, and serial killer.

Serge and his perpetually-baked compadre, Coleman, have been driving up and down the Sunshine State for ages — seeing the sights, having wild times, blowing their minds away through the judicious use and misuse of happy fun chemicals… and gleefully doing away with any uppity folks that Serge decides need a good lesson.

And Serge has met a LOT of people in need, as the monstrous body count he’s left in his wake can attest. So much so that there’s now a massive, statewide manhunt after his behind, being run by two Agents eager to make their careers by busting the legend. They’ve also got Serge’s old, less-than-sane nemesis Mahoney giving directions (and a certain celebrity bounty hunter along for the ride, but the less said about The Doberman, the better)

Things look pretty grim for Serge and Coleman — what’s a travel-minded serial killer to do? But, as with all of Tim Dorsey’s funny and homicidal romps through Florida, nothing is as simple as it sounds. There’s the matter of Serge’s grandfather’s old gang and their missing money, Serge’s attempts to get his blog reactivated while on the run, a question of questionable parentage with an old flame (with a big gun), and a few other surprises, some more familial than others.

People flee, others chase, bad people die, the Doberman holds a press conference – repeat as needed.

And then there’s the question of where Al Capone hid his loot, and how that ties into the rest of the story... but who’s keeping count, really? Dorsey is a master of fast, funny, and convoluted narratives, and Electric Barracuda loops and whirls through the Florida swamps and freeways like a long, slickery fish that ate the wrong scuba diver. Long-time followers of Serge’s homicidal adventure stories will be amused by this installment, and even new readers will find themselves rooting for our favorite fugitive as he stays just ahead of his “fans.”

(from a slightly longer review, here)(less)

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Jan 26, 2011 Paul Pessolano rated it 4 of 5 stars

I wait with baited breath for the next installment from Tim Dorsey.

Serge A. Storms is back in "Electric Barracuda" and again treats the reader to Florida history and sustained mayhem.

Serge is again being pursued by his nemesis Mahoney and a group of police officers are spread out across the State of Florida. Serge, in his uncanny way, is able to escape the clutches fo the law time and time again. It is amazing how Tim Dorsey puts Serge in impossible situations and finds a way for him to escape.

R...more

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Dec 17, 2010 Dianne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Serge is back and in full cruisin’ mode. In this chapter of his life, he is blogging about a “fugitive themed vacation” and plotting the best getaway routes for vacationers with an edge, to enjoy. Of course, this being a Serge and Coleman novel means that along the way death and mayhem of the most humorous kind follow in their footsteps. In addition, of course, this being Serge means that mixed in with all the mayhem will be something personal…something that won’t be clear to us the readers unt...more

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Dec 13, 2010 Gail rated it 5 of 5 stars

Serge Storms, hyperactive serial killer and Florida-phile, and his stoner friend Coleman return for another adventure. In Electric Barracuda Serge decides to pay homage to car chase movies, embarking on a fugitive tour of Florida. He and Coleman stay one step ahead of a gaggle of pursuers, including law enforcement officers, a Mystery Man, and The Doberman, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Dog the Bounty Hunter. It is particularly remarkable that they repeatedly elude capture, given that all...more

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May 30, 2012 Rob Smith rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

This is a tough call and the summation isn't good. If you can get through 5/6ths of the book, the ending wraps with all sorts of interesting conclusions. Unfortunately, the first 5/6ths is more loosey goosey than previous Dorsey offerings and it's a bit tough to follow. The one thing someone like me would love the most, traversing great nooks and cranies throughout the state, is what hampers this book the most. Dorsey finally gets the Serge character out into many natural areas in Florida. He ev...more This is a tough call and the summation isn't good. If you can get through 5/6ths of the book, the ending wraps with all sorts of interesting conclusions. Unfortunately, the first 5/6ths is more loosey goosey than previous Dorsey offerings and it's a bit tough to follow. The one thing someone like me would love the most, traversing great nooks and cranies throughout the state, is what hampers this book the most. Dorsey finally gets the Serge character out into many natural areas in Florida. He evens gets Serge in various watercraft.

Never has Dorsey had Serge visit so many places. It's as if Dorsey was making up for the other 14 books in one. The trouble is the story involved is very hard to follow. This book is not for a first timer in the series. It's also a tough volume for those of us who have gone the whole route, because of so many flashbacks, nods to past volumes and the amount of history and locations detailed in a way irrelevant to the story. Understand, I LOVE Florida history and run the state much like Serge does - for professional reasons. I guess I now see that the series did better without all the location information. I can't imagine how others feel who don't care much for Florida's past and tries to get through the book.

My knowledge of Florida had me stumble over another issue in the book: the inaccuracies involving Florida's travel spots and history. I certainly forgive Dorsey for errors. He really piled it on this time and it would be impossible for him not to be off to some extent. It just further made the book harder to get through hearing, in Dorsey's voice, Serge say something(s) wrong about Florida.

The writing does seem rushed more than usual. Most all of characters are repeats from the series and the handling is about the same. The plot and series twists at the very end are really neat turns in the book. Overall, this should be my very favorite in the series with all the Florida references and I came away disappointed. I'll have to read it at a different point down the road and read this review again and see if I might edit it with a different opinion.(less)

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Jan 25, 2012 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a comic crime car chase fantasy of
ribald mayhem! I've seldom been at such a loss to describe a book, but then, I've never read a story quite like this.
Serge A. Storms and Coleman, his sidekick are racing all over the state of Florida in whatever transport that works for the particular
bind they are in that day. This is a wild, wild ride on a boat to Cedar Key, a historic train ride, a glide down the Myakka River and car escapes through St.Petersburg and other towns. Tim Dorsey who has w...more

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Jul 23, 2011 David rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Tim Dorsey's 13th outing of the most lovable serial killer, Serge Storms, is among the best in the series. This time, Serge is back on his blog offering Florida visitors and natives his Fugitive Tour - through the backroads and rare sites. He decides to test out his route and techniques for avoiding getting caught by pretending to be a fugitive. Good for him that it works, since his arch-nemesis Mahoney along with other Florida agents are right on his tail. This book is loaded with twists, much...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Bob Reiss rated it 5 of 5 stars

Electric Barracuda is the 13th novel featuring the wild and wacky Florida Serial killer Serge A. Storms. After 13 novels, you would expect a wide variety of situation, no matter how madcap, allowing you to get a glimpse of the ever changing demented mind. Well, we might as well be expecting free healthcare and lower taxes. With Serge, you basically get the same basic thing. Serge and Coleman dashing from one interesting Florida locale to another, telling a lot of the same jokes and doing a lot o...more

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May 05, 2012 Alpha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Tim Dorsey has established himself as it pertains to his character, Serge A. Storms but with over ten novels under his belt using this singular character as well as sticking to the same formula which includes characters and setting, it is amazing that after all this time, Dorsey can still write a phenomenal read filled with comedy, intensity, and of course Florida history.

This time, Dorsey takes Serge on a roadtrip but not just any trip, a Fugitive Roadtrip or a Fugitive Vacation. Serge - along...more Tim Dorsey has established himself as it pertains to his character, Serge A. Storms but with over ten novels under his belt using this singular character as well as sticking to the same formula which includes characters and setting, it is amazing that after all this time, Dorsey can still write a phenomenal read filled with comedy, intensity, and of course Florida history.

This time, Dorsey takes Serge on a roadtrip but not just any trip, a Fugitive Roadtrip or a Fugitive Vacation. Serge - along with Coleman - transverse the weirdest state in the union reenacting what it would be like to be a fugitive on the run from the law. This fits quite well for the Florida theme since the state is known as the place where "strippers and serial killers" go to. Anyways, as the story progresses, Serge shows Coleman what to do and where to go to avoid capture from the law. There is also a secondary story incorporated in which Serge is teaching the facts about how Florida was a haven for villains including the most popular crime boss in American history, Al Capone. This dynamic between the past and the present is making the story more intricate and daresay interesting for it is nice to see how the past played itself for events happening in the present.

Then there is of course Agent Mahoney who is hot on Serge's trail. This adds a different dynamic again since Serge is not trying to avoid capture on his Fugitive Tour yet inadvertently he is by trying to stay one step ahead of Mahoney who pretty much is the same as Serge with the exception of the need to kill bad people. Speaking of killing, Serge gets interesting with his murders again. They're not that detailed or intricate as before but they are still unique.

All in all, this was one of the most satisfying reads I have read within Serge A. Storms Series. I did come across some typos which may be the printer's fault but I am unsure of that. Still a great read if you love this series. Will definitely suggest this novel to anyone who loves Carl Hiaason or Christopher Moore but will also suggest reading the other novels prior to this one in sequence first.(less)

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Feb 08, 2011 Giovanni Gelati rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have some business to get out of the way first before I bow in front of the Serge and Coleman altar to which I pay homage. Yes, I love the characters and Tim Dorsey is an amazing author; he delivers yet another novel to which I have caused stress to my diaphragm from too much laughing and my face still hurts from too much smiling. But I digress yet again. Here is the news, well at least some of it; I have way too much to pop it all in today. The deal is this: Check out the GZONE blogtalk radio...more
I have some business to get out of the way first before I bow in front of the Serge and Coleman altar to which I pay homage. Yes, I love the characters and Tim Dorsey is an amazing author; he delivers yet another novel to which I have caused stress to my diaphragm from too much laughing and my face still hurts from too much smiling. But I digress yet again. Here is the news, well at least some of it; I have way too much to pop it all in today. The deal is this: Check out the GZONE blogtalk radio show and The Novel Spot. Wednesday I have Vincent Zandri on the show at 12.30pmEST & then on Thursday Steve Berry jumps into The GZONE @ 10amEST. I make no bones about the fact that I am a Malone Clone and am excited about both interviews. Mr. Zandri is one of Kindle’s hottest authors right now with THREE, count them –THREE, novels in the TOP 100 there. And Steve Berry is well, Steve Berry, NYT bestselling author of numerous novels. Visit the Novel Spot to get in a quick word on what is a fun new place for authors and readers alike. On the Gelati’s Scoop home page push the badge and join, it is free, it is fun, and I think it is going to be a happening place. Check it out, be entertained, be involved, and have fun. If you cannot call into the show and have a question for the authors, drop me a line and I will ask for you, then catch the archives to hear it. Oh yeah, here is the call in number for The GZONE blogtalk radio show:1-949-270-5955. I look forward to hearing from you!
Now to our novel, Electric Barracuda! I did say I liked it, no change that I loved it. I am a true fan of Dorsey and his work, his style and the substance he brings to the table with these characters. Besides that I am a sucker for all that is Florida. For some reasons his novels have been dropped around this time of year and I get to read them as it snows or in the case of the last storm-ice, snow and then slush. Yummy stuff when you are reading about the beautiful state of Florida. What is between the covers this time you may ask, I am about to hit you with it:
“Serge Storms, that loveable thermonuclear vigilante and one-stop-Florida-trivia-shop, has been leaving corpses strewn across the Sunshine State for more than a decade. The authorities—especially one tenacious state agent—have begun to notice the exponential body count, and send a police task force to track down Serge. Could his luck finally have run out?
Meanwhile, armed with his perpetually baked sidekick, Coleman, Serge decides to blitz the state and resurrect his Internet travel-advice website—which, of course, must be the finest and the final word on trekking the Sunshine State. To up the ante, Serge concocts a theme vacation for his cyberspace audience. And that theme? You, too, can experience Florida through the eyes of a fugitive.
Off they go blogging along a getaway route through the state's most remote bayous, back roads, and bars, where the number of cadavers begin stacking up like Serge's website hits. And in the middle of all his make-believe close brushes, Serge finally wises up to his pursuers and realizes that the manic gumball rally is genuinely on "in the tradition of the great American chase movie."
Clues and questions mount:
Who are all the women being photographed naked in the swamp?
What made Coleman draw on his face with magic markers?
Where is the cruise-to-nowhere taking its drunk prisoners?
When was the last time a Civil War reenactment involved a sports car?
But Serge also has some personal business to tidy up. His grandfather's old Miami Beach gang suddenly had their life savings wiped out, and there's a good bet it was no accident. Too much action for Serge to juggle? Not when it all dovetails nicely into his Secret Master Plan. And especially if it involves Serge's favorite new obsession: tracking Al Capone's little-known escapades in the Everglades.”
To my followers, well first off thank you I appreciate it very much, you know I like to be entertained when I read; it is one of the most important factors for me in the read. Electric Barracuda delivers entertainment in spades and then some. I laughed so hard at times I cried, my wife was giving me funny looks, but then asked what I was reading, when I told her she just shook her head and murmured something unintelligible. She knows how I get when I read one of these novels: basically she keeps her distance and lets me zone into the gonzo side of me. Is this novel for everyone, no, probably not? If you can throw a few things out the window and just put a few other things aside and let go, then yeah, have a good time, a very good time. Tim Dorsey has an amazing sense of humor, which I can say is not to be missed. Take the ride through Florida with Serge and Coleman, they rock.
What are you reading today? Have you checked out our new blogtalk radio show The GZONE? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, The Novel Spot &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com

(less)

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May 07, 2011 Janet rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am still laughing out loud. I never get enough of Serge and Coleman and I am never disappointed. Serge A. Storms is the most lovable and sexy serial killer out there. Everyone who ends up on the wrong side of Serge desperately deserves what they get. The creative way Serge doles out justice is pure genius. Once addicted to the Serge and Coleman ride whenever you walk through a home improvement store, and now a grocery store toy aisle (good gods no place is safe anymore!), one look at the most...more

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May 25, 2011 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: humor, mystery

Serge and his perpetually-baked compadre, Coleman, have been driving up and down the Sunshine State for ages — seeing the sights, having wild times, blowing their minds away through the judicious use and misuse of happy fun chemicals…(I will never look at Home Depot or Walgreen's the same way again!) and gleefully doing away with any criminal type folks that Serge decides need a good lesson.

And Serge has met a LOT of people in need, as the monstrous body count he’s left in his wake can attest. S...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 07, 2011 Elizabeth A. added it

Serge Storms is a severely in need of medication serial killer who roams the state of Florida with his perpetually stoned sidekick Coleman in tow dispensing “justice” to anyone who offends his moral sensibilities. This dynamic-duo from Hell is rude, crude, and couldn’t find socially acceptable with a preprogrammed Garmin and a month to get there.

Where we do find ourselves in Electric Barracuda is dropped into the middle of Serge’s latest scheme: offering theme vacations on his travel blog. After...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the latest in a series starring Serge, a psychopathic vigilante and lover of Florida. Enjoy Serge's "Fugitive Tour" as he criss-crosses his beloved Sunshine State while exacting justice. If you're not familiar with Serge, Serge is to murder as Robin Hood is to stealing, with a lot more laughs. This is a terrific escape book.

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Jan 04, 2011 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: tim-dorsey

The Electric Barracuda is a rip roaring ride! You'll be riding along in the Barracuda with quirky serial killer Serge Storms & his stoner friend Coleman. They're on the uproarious run through Florida from law enforcement, a mystery man & the Doberman, who reminds you of a very clumsy Dog the Bounty Hunter.

Not only will you go on the run with them through the Everglades while laughing out loud, you'll learn a little history of Florida as well! Like Al Capone's hideout.

Though you would th...more

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May 15, 2011 Charlie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: net-galley, noir, twisted-tales, dark-absurd-bizarro-pulp-fiction

Imagine a mash-up of MTV's iconic Beavis and Butthead meets gumshoe noir on a crazy trip through the set of Miami Vice (the Everglade years). This is one badass, non-stop thrill ride that will have you zigzagging all over the state of Florida. Who else can master dark comedy, crime thriller and state history better than Tim Dorsey? Electric Barracuda is a shining example of classic absurdist fiction. It focuses on the experiences of characters and their seemingly meaningless actions and events....more

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Jul 26, 2011 Ron Arden added it

Another great romp through Florida with Serge Storms. Serge always surprises and gives us a great history lesson in the process, but in this one, he gets a few surprises. Come to find out, Serge has a son. This kid is a holy terror. He chews through a leash at one point.

Serge and Coleman decide to create the Fugitive's Tour of Florida. It's all chronicled on a blog and followers love it. Unfortunately for Serge, a Florida law enforcement task force and his old nemesis Mahoney are also following...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Joyce Hansen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 21st-century, black-humor, comedy, crime, crime-fiction, florida, florida-fiction, ficiton, history, humor, funny, serial-killer, police, psychopaths, thriller, series

Summary: Serge Storms, that lovable thermonuclear vigilante and one stop Florida trivia shop, has been leaving corpses strewn across the Sunshine State for more than a decade. The authorities, especially one tenacious state agent, have begun to notice the exponential body count, and send a police task force to track down Serge. Could his luck finally have run out? Meanwhile, armed with his perpetually baked sidekick, Coleman, Serge decides to blitz the state and resurrect his Internet travel adv...more Summary: Serge Storms, that lovable thermonuclear vigilante and one stop Florida trivia shop, has been leaving corpses strewn across the Sunshine State for more than a decade. The authorities, especially one tenacious state agent, have begun to notice the exponential body count, and send a police task force to track down Serge. Could his luck finally have run out? Meanwhile, armed with his perpetually baked sidekick, Coleman, Serge decides to blitz the state and resurrect his Internet travel advice website, which, of course, must be the finest and the final word on trekking the Sunshine State. To up the ante, Excellent crazy main characters. Summary: Serge concocts a theme vacation for his cyberspace audience. And that theme? You, too, can experience Florida through the eyes of a fugitive. Off they go blogging along a getaway route through the state's most remote bayous, back roads, and bars, where the number of cadavers begin stacking up like Serge's website hits. And in the middle of all his make believe close brushes, Serge finally wises up to his pursuers and realizes that the manic gumball rally is genuinely on "in the tradition of the great American chase movie." Clues and questions mount: Who are all the women being photographed naked in the swamp? What made Coleman draw on his face with magic markers? Where is the cruise to nowhere taking its drunk prisoners? When was the last time a Civil War reenactment involved a sports car? But Serge also has some personal business to tidy up. His grandfather's old Miami Beach gang suddenly had their life savings wiped out, and there's a good bet it was no accident. Too much action for Serge to juggle? Not when it all dovetails nicely into his Secret Master Plan. And especially if it involves Serge's favorite new obsession: tracking Al Capone's little known escapades in the Everglades. So gas up the car, say good bye to the relatives, and join Serge on the lam as he drives straight for the deepest bowels of Florida to unravel the final mysteries of Electric Barracuda. -- From publisher. (less)

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Feb 05, 2012 Brett rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: general-fiction

Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms novels are absolutely bizarrely unrealistic, yet the adventures keep coming, & I keep loving them. It doesn't get more escapist than this. Electric Barracuda feels like a first-class send-up of one of my favorite so-bad-it's-awesome movies, "Smokey & the Bandit." Serge & Coleman are on a seriously crazy pinball-machine paced tour of Florida again, this time in order to help Serge plan out the new theme of his Florida vacation planning scheme: the Florida fug...more

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Feb 01, 2011 Glenn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: humorous-novels

If it's January, I can be assured of two things, snow, and another annual installment in the continuing Serge hijinks by Tim Dorsey. I could do without the snow, but not without the next chapter in the weirdness that is Serge. It was one frenetic romp, the whole book being fast paced, with Serge and Coleman being tracked by several different authorities, including a state agent named Mahoney (a recurring character in the series), the police, SWAT teams, and a cable TV show bounty hunter. Dorsey...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Ross Cavins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: have

I have never read a Tim Dorsey novel but being a Carl Hiaasen fan, he was recommended to me. I must say that I was not disappointed.

Dorsey has a similar style and wit to Hiaasen, but his delivery is much dryer, almost British in a way. Because his style is so different, I had trouble getting into the characters in the beginning.

That being said, once I figured out the two main characters' personalities were sarcastic most of the time, I began to get sucked in.

And while I lacked the character hist...more

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Dec 12, 2010 Wenj rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, read-2010

Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

Tim Dorsey’s newest installment to his Serge Storms series, Electric Barracuda, is a hilarious mix of 'Raising Arizona' meets 'Dexter'. This novel has a unique blend of action and humor that draws the reader into the chaotic life of Serge as he evades a quasi-imagined dragnet trying to capture him for his various misdeeds. Truly, this is one ‘villian’ not to be missed as he will have you reading, and laughing, late into the night!

Serge Storms is without a...more Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

Tim Dorsey’s newest installment to his Serge Storms series, Electric Barracuda, is a hilarious mix of 'Raising Arizona' meets 'Dexter'. This novel has a unique blend of action and humor that draws the reader into the chaotic life of Serge as he evades a quasi-imagined dragnet trying to capture him for his various misdeeds. Truly, this is one ‘villian’ not to be missed as he will have you reading, and laughing, late into the night!

Serge Storms is without a doubt one of the most unique characters that I have had the pleasure to read in a while. His complex nature is matched only by the facade of his laid back demeanor. With wit and intelligence that is often times surprising, Serge's entrepreneurial prowess leads him on a never ending adventure through the state of Florida. From the Everglades to the various islands throughout the area, he and his dim witted companion Coleman create havoc with three federal agents hot on their trail. While Serge is a murderer, he holds to a strict code of ironically killing those who he feels should be murdered. There is definitely no love lost for the victims of his sometimes brutal crimes, for instance a man cruising the playground is found with his stomach full of children's expanding sponges, you know the little capsules that expand in water to make fun shapes? Well, you won't look at those not so easily swallowed capsules the same way again! And yet, you can't help but cheer him and his vigilante ways. Not to mention the fun assortment of characters who aid him in his journeys. They all add a splash of human color to the back drop of the journey.

The atmosphere is akin of the old movie 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World', with chases that often have perfect comedic timing. With the police usually only moments behind the murderous pair, they zip to their next destination ahead of imaginary law enforcement officers never realizing that they are truly running from the actual cops. Really, the complicated nature of this aspect adds its own zeal leaving the reader wondering how long Serge's luck will actually hold out. But, not only are present day predicaments broached, but historical ones as well in the form of gangster Al Capone and his hideout in the Glades. How does this tie back to Serge and his present day chaos? Well, you'll just have to read to find that out!

Dorsey's wonderful writing style shifts seamlessly between character groups as well. The concise Noir-like writing style he invokes for the federal agents pursuing Serge adds a bit of old timey flair, yet the characters themselves manage to be quite human and not the stiff gum shoes of that particular era. The clipped stylistic changes contrast to the more fluid structure that surrounds Serge. In fact, around Serge there is a sense of word association that mirrors the ever shifting ideas that flood throw his mind perfectly. Most notably these periods of spewing ideas is common when Coleman is given voice to speak, his drug addled brain going from one topic to the next without rhyme or reason. And yet, this free flowing geyser of facts, history and whimsy is one of the things that I loved most about the novel. You never knew exactly what you were going to get from these two colorful characters and often times is was as surprising as their actions.

Despite being the 13th in the series, this is still an easy novel to drop into. Serge's history is wide spread, but when you need to know information Dorsey is great at providing it. What you can expect from this novel is an action packed adventure filled with carnage and laughs along they way. Fans of Jeff Lindsay's Dexter series will more then likely enjoy this novel, but really, who doesn't enjoy a good fugitive themed adventure? This is another series that I highly recommend and enjoyed reading.
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May 17, 2011 mari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Everyone is blogging these days, including Serge, the lovable serial killer of Tim Dorsey's novel, Electric Barracuda. Serge has an idea - a tourist romp through Florida as a fugitive. a In the process of "researching" for his website, he finds himself along with his sidekick, Coleman, truly on the run as Mahoney and some other bumbling detectives try to catch him.

A fun and hilarious book which, it turns out, is part of a long running series. Who knew? Well, many people did except for me. This...more

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Apr 15, 2011 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

I may be late getting to this series by Tim Dorsey, but I am an instant fan!

Never will you meet a more likable and hilarious serial killer. Serge Storms is a tour guide of sorts, yet as he travels around Florida unknowingly running from the law, he makes the state a little safer for the rest of us.

Serge, along with his sidekick, Coleman, take their website readers on a new adventure - Fugitive on the Run - for people who want to "pretend" to be outlaws, like Arnold Schwartzenegger in Total Reca...more

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Apr 19, 2011 Sandie rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Floridians, those that like funny and wacky stories

Recommended to Sandie by: I did, I collect this series

Shelves: mystery, own

Strange, weird, wacky, homicidal, passionate, talkative, obsessed, wild, odd, eerie, and bizarre Serge A. Storms is so in love with Florida and its history that he has now started something that only Serge could do – plan a tour of Florida from a fugitive’s viewpoint.

Here’s a quote that might help you understand Serge a bit more; he’s telling his half-baked sidekick Coleman about his new venture. Serge reminds Coleman of the website he started a while back; he’d started the site because no one e...more Strange, weird, wacky, homicidal, passionate, talkative, obsessed, wild, odd, eerie, and bizarre Serge A. Storms is so in love with Florida and its history that he has now started something that only Serge could do – plan a tour of Florida from a fugitive’s viewpoint.

Here’s a quote that might help you understand Serge a bit more; he’s telling his half-baked sidekick Coleman about his new venture. Serge reminds Coleman of the website he started a while back; he’d started the site because no one else was giving tourists reports like his, ones that said which hookers to trust, what type of maneuvers to do if you are carjacked, things people needed to know but were too afraid to ask. He’s taken that idea one step further: “I’m adding theme vacations … like theme parks without the parks…. Florida is a theme park, and the theme is weirdness…. My first theme vacation: the ‘tourist fugitive.’ You come down here and pretend to be on the lam.”

If you have read any of the previous twelve books by Tim Dorsey that include serial killer Serge Storms, you know that Serge is absolutely ideal to pull this off. When Coleman asks Serge why “normal” people would want to experience Florida on the lam, Serge replies, “Because it’s the best way to experience the finest parts of our state, which is the underbelly.”

What even Serge doesn’t acknowledge is that he really IS on the lam. The equally obsessed FDLE agent Mahoney has been chasing Serge for years and has tracked him to within minutes of his last known location. He’s wild to nail Serge, and his enthusiasm is catching. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement designed a task force to catch the maniac who has killed lowlife criminals and reprobates that society would otherwise be happy to be without. The two task force members hook up with Mahoney just back on active duty after a mental breakdown put him on leave.

Of course this story isn’t so simple as Serge and Coleman running from Florida dive to dump. Certain people from portions of Serge’s history we’ve been privileged to share via these books are revisited. Don’t fret if you haven’t read any or all of these entries because Tim Dorsey seamlessly weaves whatever background material you need to know together with present day material. I must offer a disclaimer (I guess any Floridian reviewer must); I live in one of the cities Serge went through in this current volume of Florida history, and I’m sure it influenced my review.

Serge isn’t really all bad. Every so often he and Coleman get “legitimate” jobs because “an honest day’s work will cleanse the palate …” In this escapade, er, book, they work at a suicide hotline, to start, but are fired on their first day for reasons I’m sure you can imagine and I won’t spoil for you.

Intertwined with blog entries about the fugitive tour stops, Serge also has some personal business to handle. Those who remain from his grandfather’s old South Beach gang have discovered that their personal savings have been moved offshore where they can’t access the funds. Plus Serge’s new obsession is tracking Al Capone’s escapades in the Everglades. Don’t worry; I can’t tell you how, but Serge thinks he has it all worked out. Everything is part of his secret Master Plan. .

Tim Dorsey can take everyday news clippings, stir in a little imagination, a history lesson or two, shake together and out drops Serge’s next story. Dorsey effortlessly captures Serge’s frenetic energy and Coleman’s laid-back styles. Mayhem ensues. Next thing you know we have a modern “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Dorsey delivers another Florida madcap mystery.
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About Tim Dorsey

Tim 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...more

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Books by Tim Dorsey

Florida Roadkill (Serge Storms Mystery, #1)

Hammerhead Ranch Motel (Serge Storms Mystery, #2)

Triggerfish Twist (Serge Storms Mystery, #4)

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Quotes from Electric Barracuda

“Do you think heaven's like that?

Could be worse, said Serge. You know all those pushy people who keep telling us we're not going to heaven? It could be full of them instead.” — 1 person liked it

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Electric Barracuda (Serge Storms Mystery #13)

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