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Serge Storms #11
Nuclear Jellyfish
Just when you thought it was safe to go online . . . Serge has returned!
That loveable collector of trivia, souvenirs, and murder methods is back with a new A‑Tour of Florida. And this time he's out to set the record straight!
Serge is upset that his beloved state isn't getting its proper recognition, so he signs on with the big Internet travel services. But his new employers aren't exactly sure they want to send their customers to Serge's favorite haunts--nor do they want to provide tips on how to keep from getting killed on vacation.
Serge couldn't disagree more, and he sets up his own wildcat site, hyper‑blogging his way down the coast with his perpetually hammered sidekick, Coleman.
Unfortunately Serge's Web presence catches the attention of his nemesis, Agent Mahoney, and the chase is on.
Meanwhile, professional robbery crews have begun targeting trade show exhibitors, who may or may not be what they seem. Bodies begin piling up, which is less than usual for the locale--except this time it involves rare postcards. Serge has had enough! He's forced into the only logical course of action--go shopping at the Home Depot.
And this only raises more questions:
Who is tutoring strippers through the community college?
What sparked the grudge match between coin and stamp enthusiasts?
How'd the astronaut in diapers get involved?
Why does Serge have to stop at the NASCAR superstore?
Where did all these diamonds come from? And does Lynyrd Skynyrd hold the key to everything?
It all starts with a tragic tattoo parlor mishap and soon nobody is safe, especially the person on the Robert De Niro stool, because, after all, Serge has to sit there or what's the point of life?
But wait! You say you want more? Serge says, You got it!
Guns, drugs, bloody crime scenes, historically relevant sex, library quiet time, glow‑in‑the dark deformities, hotel drink coupons, a naked woman in a shark cage, and John Travolta.
It's time to sign on with Serge and see where the twisting, sun‑splashed trail leads in . . . Nuclear Jellyfish!
That loveable collector of trivia, souvenirs, and murder methods is back with a new A‑Tour of Florida. And this time he's out to set the record straight!
Serge is upset that his beloved state isn't getting its proper recognition, so he signs on with the big Internet travel services. But his new employers aren't exactly sure they want to send their customers to Serge's favorite haunts--nor do they want to provide tips on how to keep from getting killed on vacation.
Serge couldn't disagree more, and he sets up his own wildcat site, hyper‑blogging his way down the coast with his perpetually hammered sidekick, Coleman.
Unfortunately Serge's Web presence catches the attention of his nemesis, Agent Mahoney, and the chase is on.
Meanwhile, professional robbery crews have begun targeting trade show exhibitors, who may or may not be what they seem. Bodies begin piling up, which is less than usual for the locale--except this time it involves rare postcards. Serge has had enough! He's forced into the only logical course of action--go shopping at the Home Depot.
And this only raises more questions:
Who is tutoring strippers through the community college?
What sparked the grudge match between coin and stamp enthusiasts?
How'd the astronaut in diapers get involved?
Why does Serge have to stop at the NASCAR superstore?
Where did all these diamonds come from? And does Lynyrd Skynyrd hold the key to everything?
It all starts with a tragic tattoo parlor mishap and soon nobody is safe, especially the person on the Robert De Niro stool, because, after all, Serge has to sit there or what's the point of life?
But wait! You say you want more? Serge says, You got it!
Guns, drugs, bloody crime scenes, historically relevant sex, library quiet time, glow‑in‑the dark deformities, hotel drink coupons, a naked woman in a shark cage, and John Travolta.
It's time to sign on with Serge and see where the twisting, sun‑splashed trail leads in . . . Nuclear Jellyfish!
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2009
190 people are currently reading
1504 people want to read
About the author
Tim Dorsey
36 books1,651 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
July 28, 2019
Serge and Coleman are back! But could this be their last adventure together?
I'm running out of ways to describe Serge A. Storms - imagine the energizer bunny and Bugs Bunny fucking a Barricuda Hooker (you will have to read this book if you are not familiar) while tasering her...and what do you get? Me, calling you a sick fucker for even getting a mental picture - that shit is just off. Shame on you, weirdo!
Ahem, sorry if you feel that I tricked you into that last one, but that is just a glimpse at the way Serge's mind could work on a good day. He's been off his meds for a lot of books now, and this is the one where you are going to say:
Serge is going crazy! Well, um, crazy-er...
Not only that, but somebody is after him. Not just Mahoney - we all know about him - but a serious threat. Somebody took out a contract on his life!
And Coleman is, well, a special kind of special. He was actually sober for one page in this book...oh, no, wait, had the wrong character there...
They will be traveling with Story, a stripper - SLAP - ouch, sorry, dancer...
And there will be the guys with the long, shampoo resistant hair...and the coin sellers conventions...and Serge taking the internet by storm with his travel guide website...
The one question that will remain until the end - will Serge actually die in this one? Dorsey has played around with time before, so the other novels after this one could very well be about the past. You'll have to find out for yourself, I'm afraid.
I live by the motto:
What happens in imaginary Florida, stays in imaginary Florida!
-------------------------------------------
This one was a barrel of laughs, like all the others before.
And, to give Dorsey credit, I have no idea whether all the facts Serge tells us about Floridian history is true, but he makes everything seem at least plausible.
Recommended to all those who heed the words:
Killing is never funny, but it can be hilarious at times...
I'm running out of ways to describe Serge A. Storms - imagine the energizer bunny and Bugs Bunny fucking a Barricuda Hooker (you will have to read this book if you are not familiar) while tasering her...and what do you get? Me, calling you a sick fucker for even getting a mental picture - that shit is just off. Shame on you, weirdo!
Ahem, sorry if you feel that I tricked you into that last one, but that is just a glimpse at the way Serge's mind could work on a good day. He's been off his meds for a lot of books now, and this is the one where you are going to say:
Serge is going crazy! Well, um, crazy-er...
Not only that, but somebody is after him. Not just Mahoney - we all know about him - but a serious threat. Somebody took out a contract on his life!
And Coleman is, well, a special kind of special. He was actually sober for one page in this book...oh, no, wait, had the wrong character there...
They will be traveling with Story, a stripper - SLAP - ouch, sorry, dancer...
And there will be the guys with the long, shampoo resistant hair...and the coin sellers conventions...and Serge taking the internet by storm with his travel guide website...
The one question that will remain until the end - will Serge actually die in this one? Dorsey has played around with time before, so the other novels after this one could very well be about the past. You'll have to find out for yourself, I'm afraid.
I live by the motto:
What happens in imaginary Florida, stays in imaginary Florida!
-------------------------------------------
This one was a barrel of laughs, like all the others before.
And, to give Dorsey credit, I have no idea whether all the facts Serge tells us about Floridian history is true, but he makes everything seem at least plausible.
Recommended to all those who heed the words:
Killing is never funny, but it can be hilarious at times...
April 3, 2014
Murder is such a charged word. You know how some people fixate and won't let things go? They're called cops.
--Serge Storms
Since standing on the street corner with a megaphone didn't work, Serge has taken to the Internet to share his Big Answers on Everything with the world at large.
The plot has something to do with stolen jewels...I think; it doesn't really matter, because a plot is beside the point. All that's important is Serge, tooling around Florida in a 1971 Javelin
spouting Sergisms, and practicing his own brand of freelance law enforcement which consists of Serge righting wrongs, protecting the innocent and laying waste to all jerks in his path with MacGyver-like, slow-death-inducing contraptions made from booty found at the 24-hour Home Depot.
And once again, a well-baked Coleman's along for the ride, but look out, guys! Agent Mahoney's hot on your trail...or maybe even a few steps ahead of you...
Back to the mailbag!...Uh-oh. It's Agent Mahoney. "I'm going to get you." What a broken record. Mahoney blames me for everything, especially the stuff I've done.
--Serge Storms
I leave just enough time between books to forget how hilarious this series can be. There are truly more LPPs (Laughs Per Page) than in anything I've read recently.
Here's wishing Serge a head start on the law, all of Florida, a full tank of gas, and no appointments.
Oh, and he's right - Skynyrd IS from Florida, not Alabama.
--Serge Storms
Since standing on the street corner with a megaphone didn't work, Serge has taken to the Internet to share his Big Answers on Everything with the world at large.
The plot has something to do with stolen jewels...I think; it doesn't really matter, because a plot is beside the point. All that's important is Serge, tooling around Florida in a 1971 Javelin
spouting Sergisms, and practicing his own brand of freelance law enforcement which consists of Serge righting wrongs, protecting the innocent and laying waste to all jerks in his path with MacGyver-like, slow-death-inducing contraptions made from booty found at the 24-hour Home Depot. And once again, a well-baked Coleman's along for the ride, but look out, guys! Agent Mahoney's hot on your trail...or maybe even a few steps ahead of you...
Back to the mailbag!...Uh-oh. It's Agent Mahoney. "I'm going to get you." What a broken record. Mahoney blames me for everything, especially the stuff I've done.
--Serge Storms
I leave just enough time between books to forget how hilarious this series can be. There are truly more LPPs (Laughs Per Page) than in anything I've read recently.
Here's wishing Serge a head start on the law, all of Florida, a full tank of gas, and no appointments.
Oh, and he's right - Skynyrd IS from Florida, not Alabama.
May 4, 2016
Another well-written novel (I listened) by Floridian author Dorsey featuring his great characters, even though a couple plots could have used a bit of tidying up. 7 of 10 stars
May 30, 2021
Love ALL the Tim Dorsey Serge Storm series, the books that make all of the "Florida Man Headlines" come alive...Dorsey answers the question of why there are so many of these headlines and he gives us the best answer, “Everywhere else, if you pass out, its in a snowbank and you die!"...Our anti-hero Serge is a serial killer that protects all things, people and places that are "Florida"...In "Nuclear Jellyfish," Serge and his "Meyer," Coleman (referencing another Florida fictional icon) target scam artists ripping off gem couriers...Of course, its much more than that, but there are so many books to get to...Read it and love it too!!!
August 12, 2019
A damn fine entry in the Serge Storms Saga. Top 5 easily. This was very close to scoring a 5 star rating but I wasn't all in on the plot device used in the second act. It all tied up nice in the end. Not much more to say about a legendary anti-hero crime series that hasn't already been said.
Read Tim Dorsey at all costs and in any order.
Read Tim Dorsey at all costs and in any order.
May 26, 2015
Diamonds, astronauts in diapers and some very deserved murder. Serge is very busy. Coleman is very stoned.
March 31, 2014
I ran out of reading material (not really, just Dorsey books) early Sunday afternoon. Horrors! I think I've also run out of library Dorsey ebooks, hardbacks, and large prints. Will have to move on to Westlake.
Dorsey fiddles with the time sequence again. You get partway through and then Serge tells you we're going back a few weeks and will pick up the narration from here in Part 3. I got all confused about the plot after that.
In order to move diamonds cheaply and without the scarce armored trucks that just telegraph "Rob me! Rob me!" the diamond merchants slip them to traveling salesmen who hide them in their hotel rooms. Unfortunately, someone always seems to know where they're being hidden.
Not that these books are meant to be that realistic, but I would think that after just one or two robberies, the diamond merchants would have come up with another plan. The book makes it sound like each and every shipment is being hijacked. The "mastermind" is a thoroughly reprehensible character (violent bastard) who calls himself "Eel," but is "Jellyfish" behind his back because of the tattoo disaster on his chest. Hence the title, I guess.
Serge and Coleman pick up a definitely-not-a-stripper-but-exotic-dancer college student who needs a ride. Serge has finally found someone who knows almost as much about Florida history as he does. He's in love. But, he tells Coleman that women are always a problem. When it gets right down to it, they'll only let you take 2 photos per historic stop, and they'll always try to change you.
Mahoney steps out of his Pursuer mode to warn Serge he's being followed, followed by someone who's definitely unfriendly. Could this be the end of Serge?
Why do I like these books? Serge is a total psycho and Coleman is a useless stoner. And I'm sooo worried about what goes on in Dorsey's mind.
Dorsey fiddles with the time sequence again. You get partway through and then Serge tells you we're going back a few weeks and will pick up the narration from here in Part 3. I got all confused about the plot after that.
In order to move diamonds cheaply and without the scarce armored trucks that just telegraph "Rob me! Rob me!" the diamond merchants slip them to traveling salesmen who hide them in their hotel rooms. Unfortunately, someone always seems to know where they're being hidden.
Not that these books are meant to be that realistic, but I would think that after just one or two robberies, the diamond merchants would have come up with another plan. The book makes it sound like each and every shipment is being hijacked. The "mastermind" is a thoroughly reprehensible character (violent bastard) who calls himself "Eel," but is "Jellyfish" behind his back because of the tattoo disaster on his chest. Hence the title, I guess.
Serge and Coleman pick up a definitely-not-a-stripper-but-exotic-dancer college student who needs a ride. Serge has finally found someone who knows almost as much about Florida history as he does. He's in love. But, he tells Coleman that women are always a problem. When it gets right down to it, they'll only let you take 2 photos per historic stop, and they'll always try to change you.
Mahoney steps out of his Pursuer mode to warn Serge he's being followed, followed by someone who's definitely unfriendly. Could this be the end of Serge?
Why do I like these books? Serge is a total psycho and Coleman is a useless stoner. And I'm sooo worried about what goes on in Dorsey's mind.
June 22, 2017
Another great ride in the life of Serge Storms and his stoned sidekick Coleman! If these books don't make you laugh at least a little then your sense of humor may be damaged.
October 16, 2017
Highly recommend an entertaining series.
January 18, 2024
This Dorsey book has been in my book collection for years. I used to read a lot of Dorsey and Carl Hiaasen books (both who write the funniest English of the centuries about Florida and its population). When searching my book case, I said to myself “you gotta read it, you have been reading too much serious stuff”. So here I am writing this review.
If you need to get a break from serious this is one that will help. Be prepared to laugh out loud. I certainly did.
Now, I’m picking a Hiaasen book to keep the good feelings coming.
If you need to get a break from serious this is one that will help. Be prepared to laugh out loud. I certainly did.
Now, I’m picking a Hiaasen book to keep the good feelings coming.
January 1, 2011
I enjoyed this book from the get go because I now understand the Serge character and there weren't as many intertwining plot lines as there were in Atomic Lobster. This would have been a better book to start with when reading my first Tim Dorsey book.
Serge is a serial killer that you just love. He is ADD and OCD and a basic psychopath with seemingly boundless energy. He tries to help people out and only kills people who deserve it; usually in an attempt to "help" someone out. He likes to stay in touch with his kindergarten self and often has some great words of wisdom. He hangs out with his buddy Coleman who is in a perpetual state of getting and being stoned.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Example:
(Coleman)"Am I damaged?"
Serge placed a hand on his pal's shoulder. "Coleman, there are three - and only three - kinds of people in this world: Those who don't know they're damaged and blame others; those who realize they're damaged and blame others; and then people like you and me, who wear damage like comfortable pajamas."
Coleman swigged from his pint bottle. "Mine are the ones with the little feet."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here they are in a library where Serge wants to find a bar that was around in the 1970's:
(Coleman):"How are we supposed to get to the bar from inside a library?"
"Time travel."
"But time travel's impossible."
"Usually." Serge pulled a book off the shelf. "Unless you're at a library. I'm already in the time pod."
Coleman looked around. "I don't see anything."
"Children have it all over adults, possessing magical powers of imagination. Then they grow into cynical tall people. That's the whole problem with the human race: reverse metamorphosis. We turn from butterflies into caterpillars. The key to keeping your wings is regular exercise of your kindergarten muscles of make-believe." Serge grabbed another book off the shelf and flipped pages. "Wait here. I'll be right back." Serge stood perfectly still.
"But I thought I was coming with you," said Coleman.
"It's just a one-man pod."
"If the time pod's make-believe, can't you add an extra seat?"
"Pretty dangerous," said Serge. "Could put too much stress on the dilythium flux capacitor."
"I'll take the risk."
"Okay," Serge closed his eyes. He opened them. "Time pod, Mark II, with more leg room, extra seating and a killer sound system."
"Shotgun!"
"Don't forget your seat belt."
Coleman made a phantom motion across his chest.
"Stop farting around in the time pod. The strap's on the other side."
"Sorry. Got it now. Click"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having read both of my Serge A. Storm books, I am sad I don't have another one to read. I think I will have to go out and buy me a few.
I won this book through First Reads!! Yay me!
Serge is a serial killer that you just love. He is ADD and OCD and a basic psychopath with seemingly boundless energy. He tries to help people out and only kills people who deserve it; usually in an attempt to "help" someone out. He likes to stay in touch with his kindergarten self and often has some great words of wisdom. He hangs out with his buddy Coleman who is in a perpetual state of getting and being stoned.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Example:
(Coleman)"Am I damaged?"
Serge placed a hand on his pal's shoulder. "Coleman, there are three - and only three - kinds of people in this world: Those who don't know they're damaged and blame others; those who realize they're damaged and blame others; and then people like you and me, who wear damage like comfortable pajamas."
Coleman swigged from his pint bottle. "Mine are the ones with the little feet."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here they are in a library where Serge wants to find a bar that was around in the 1970's:
(Coleman):"How are we supposed to get to the bar from inside a library?"
"Time travel."
"But time travel's impossible."
"Usually." Serge pulled a book off the shelf. "Unless you're at a library. I'm already in the time pod."
Coleman looked around. "I don't see anything."
"Children have it all over adults, possessing magical powers of imagination. Then they grow into cynical tall people. That's the whole problem with the human race: reverse metamorphosis. We turn from butterflies into caterpillars. The key to keeping your wings is regular exercise of your kindergarten muscles of make-believe." Serge grabbed another book off the shelf and flipped pages. "Wait here. I'll be right back." Serge stood perfectly still.
"But I thought I was coming with you," said Coleman.
"It's just a one-man pod."
"If the time pod's make-believe, can't you add an extra seat?"
"Pretty dangerous," said Serge. "Could put too much stress on the dilythium flux capacitor."
"I'll take the risk."
"Okay," Serge closed his eyes. He opened them. "Time pod, Mark II, with more leg room, extra seating and a killer sound system."
"Shotgun!"
"Don't forget your seat belt."
Coleman made a phantom motion across his chest.
"Stop farting around in the time pod. The strap's on the other side."
"Sorry. Got it now. Click"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having read both of my Serge A. Storm books, I am sad I don't have another one to read. I think I will have to go out and buy me a few.
I won this book through First Reads!! Yay me!
January 15, 2009
I laughed out loud.
That's right, you heard me. I laughed out loud. That doesn't happen often to me when reading a book. So when it does, I take notice.
And I didn't just laugh once. Not by a long shot. I laughed often, chuckled repeatedly, and smiled almost the entire way through.
I have a new favorite author, and his name is Tim Dorsey.
Tim Dorsey has managed to create the ultimate anti-hero in Serge A. Storms, the psychotic/obsessive/compulsive/homicidal/vengeful/chaotic force of nature that travels the lovely state of Florida with his completely useless and helpless junkie alcoholic sidekick, Coleman.
When we first meet Serge and Coleman in the book, they are staking out a bridge, discussing Lynyrd Skynyrd, and wearing diapers in reverence of a lunatic astronaut.
This alone should make you want to start reading.
Serge has decided to launch his own Travel Guide Blog to Florida, featuring handy survival tips for the Floridian Tourist, such as how to tell where the criminals are sleeping by the way the cars are parked, and how to avoid Barracuda Hookers. This quest has him criss-crossing the Sunshine state in search of the iconic landmarks littering its landscape, many of them involving Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Along the way, Serge and his Incompetent Compatriot pick up a hitchhiking exotic dancer on a mission of vengeance and tuition, stumble upon a band of diamond smuggling coin collectors, and go head to head with a blood-thirsty sociopath with a horribly botched glow-in-the-dark tattoo, all the while being chased down by a suspended detective perpetual stuck in a crime fiction noir novel, and a mysterious stranger who seems to know Serge's every move better then he knows himself.
Still not interested?
Despite all of this, Serge manages to periodically take time out to exact twisted justice on perceived predators of the everyday civilian in a myriad of inventively gruesome ways. Combining his love of Home Depot with his distaste for con-men, hustlers, predators and all-around villains, Serge exacts a MacGyver-like ingenuity with a diabolical mean streak that guarantees a high death-toll, and amusing assortment of severed limbs, and over a million hits on YouTube.
What more could you want?
Tim Dorsey manages to combine the madcap with the morose, and creates a Punisher meets The Three Stooges romp through Florida that is exciting, unpredictable, and laugh-out-loud hilarious.
Trust me, just read the book already. You'll thank me.
That's right, you heard me. I laughed out loud. That doesn't happen often to me when reading a book. So when it does, I take notice.
And I didn't just laugh once. Not by a long shot. I laughed often, chuckled repeatedly, and smiled almost the entire way through.
I have a new favorite author, and his name is Tim Dorsey.
Tim Dorsey has managed to create the ultimate anti-hero in Serge A. Storms, the psychotic/obsessive/compulsive/homicidal/vengeful/chaotic force of nature that travels the lovely state of Florida with his completely useless and helpless junkie alcoholic sidekick, Coleman.
When we first meet Serge and Coleman in the book, they are staking out a bridge, discussing Lynyrd Skynyrd, and wearing diapers in reverence of a lunatic astronaut.
This alone should make you want to start reading.
Serge has decided to launch his own Travel Guide Blog to Florida, featuring handy survival tips for the Floridian Tourist, such as how to tell where the criminals are sleeping by the way the cars are parked, and how to avoid Barracuda Hookers. This quest has him criss-crossing the Sunshine state in search of the iconic landmarks littering its landscape, many of them involving Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Along the way, Serge and his Incompetent Compatriot pick up a hitchhiking exotic dancer on a mission of vengeance and tuition, stumble upon a band of diamond smuggling coin collectors, and go head to head with a blood-thirsty sociopath with a horribly botched glow-in-the-dark tattoo, all the while being chased down by a suspended detective perpetual stuck in a crime fiction noir novel, and a mysterious stranger who seems to know Serge's every move better then he knows himself.
Still not interested?
Despite all of this, Serge manages to periodically take time out to exact twisted justice on perceived predators of the everyday civilian in a myriad of inventively gruesome ways. Combining his love of Home Depot with his distaste for con-men, hustlers, predators and all-around villains, Serge exacts a MacGyver-like ingenuity with a diabolical mean streak that guarantees a high death-toll, and amusing assortment of severed limbs, and over a million hits on YouTube.
What more could you want?
Tim Dorsey manages to combine the madcap with the morose, and creates a Punisher meets The Three Stooges romp through Florida that is exciting, unpredictable, and laugh-out-loud hilarious.
Trust me, just read the book already. You'll thank me.
October 15, 2013
Tom Dorsey has done it again, he’s made you love even the most crooked character serge storms, the Florida obsessed psychopath. Also he’s added a whole new friend to the ride, her name’s story, also a psychopath, and a stripper who is very good at history. Lastly there's Coleman the pothead who parties 24/7, he is always drinking and never sad so he lightens up the book.
This book begins with the most interesting way to kill someone, a gardening hose, but creative killings like these happen a lot throughout the book. A big part of the story is the fact that serge thinks he should be a travel guide, so he goes to famous, and not so famous, parts of Florida with good history. While at a bar he meets story and reenacts a song about the bar. All of this is happening while his arch nemesis gets out of therapy for obsessing over serge, he is a police officer who is trying to put serge away for a long time, but oddly enough there is a great bad guy afoot. The Nuclear Jellyfish (A.K.A. Eel) who is in charge of a major diamond smuggling operation. You find out later about serge’s friend who was put in the hospital and almost killed by the smugglers, so serge plans to destroy the whole smuggling operation. Will serge be able to shut down this massive corporation? Will he be able to keep story and Coleman and himself from being killed? To find out read this book!
I loved this book but i would not recommend it to everybody. First of all, it’s a very explicit book so no immature children. Second it is very complicated and has a lot of references to things some younger people would not know. And finally, i believe it wouldn't be good for people who aren't used to violence to read this book.
This book begins with the most interesting way to kill someone, a gardening hose, but creative killings like these happen a lot throughout the book. A big part of the story is the fact that serge thinks he should be a travel guide, so he goes to famous, and not so famous, parts of Florida with good history. While at a bar he meets story and reenacts a song about the bar. All of this is happening while his arch nemesis gets out of therapy for obsessing over serge, he is a police officer who is trying to put serge away for a long time, but oddly enough there is a great bad guy afoot. The Nuclear Jellyfish (A.K.A. Eel) who is in charge of a major diamond smuggling operation. You find out later about serge’s friend who was put in the hospital and almost killed by the smugglers, so serge plans to destroy the whole smuggling operation. Will serge be able to shut down this massive corporation? Will he be able to keep story and Coleman and himself from being killed? To find out read this book!
I loved this book but i would not recommend it to everybody. First of all, it’s a very explicit book so no immature children. Second it is very complicated and has a lot of references to things some younger people would not know. And finally, i believe it wouldn't be good for people who aren't used to violence to read this book.
January 30, 2011
Honestly, I cannot tell you how much I look forward to the release of a new Tim Dorsey novel.
All of Dorsey's books take place in Florida, and he includes some interesting facts about the state, the people who live there, and the people who visit. Dorsey's main character, Serge A. Storms (remember we are in Florida), as our travel host and all around bad guy (but lovable).
Serge is a psychopath and serial killer who travels around Florida trying to promote the Sunshine State. He is accompanied by his partner, Coleman, who is always high on drugs or alcohol, or both.
Serge has a problem with people who do not conform to his beliefs. This includes and not restricted to: eating, singing, manners, and you name it. Serge gives them a chance to mend their ways, but if they don't, they will suffer the wrath of Serge. Although he is a serial killer, Serge says that, he would like to quit killing people, the only problem is God put so many people on earth that need to be killed. He also finds new and, quite honestly, ingenious ways for people to meet their demise. In "Nuclear Jellyfish", he wraps a person in a soaker garden hose and turns on the water that expands the hose and causes the person to die of high blood pressure due to constriction.
Serge and Coleman are not for everybody, but if you want a hilarious romp through Florida, these guys are a trip.
These are easy and fast reads, but one must be cautioned that some sexual content and language might be a problem for some readers.
All of Dorsey's books take place in Florida, and he includes some interesting facts about the state, the people who live there, and the people who visit. Dorsey's main character, Serge A. Storms (remember we are in Florida), as our travel host and all around bad guy (but lovable).
Serge is a psychopath and serial killer who travels around Florida trying to promote the Sunshine State. He is accompanied by his partner, Coleman, who is always high on drugs or alcohol, or both.
Serge has a problem with people who do not conform to his beliefs. This includes and not restricted to: eating, singing, manners, and you name it. Serge gives them a chance to mend their ways, but if they don't, they will suffer the wrath of Serge. Although he is a serial killer, Serge says that, he would like to quit killing people, the only problem is God put so many people on earth that need to be killed. He also finds new and, quite honestly, ingenious ways for people to meet their demise. In "Nuclear Jellyfish", he wraps a person in a soaker garden hose and turns on the water that expands the hose and causes the person to die of high blood pressure due to constriction.
Serge and Coleman are not for everybody, but if you want a hilarious romp through Florida, these guys are a trip.
These are easy and fast reads, but one must be cautioned that some sexual content and language might be a problem for some readers.
June 13, 2013
Another great one by Dorsey. This time Serge is on a secret mission to rid the world of scam artists. The Hotel Robbery Gang, as dubbed by Serge, has been knocking off undercover diamond couriers. Unfortunately for them, they roughed up the wrong guys friend. Serge's friend and fellow Floridafile, Howard, gets knocked off and roughed up. Serge, Coleman, and Howard's history buff/stripper sister take to the convention center coin show circuit to hunt down and eliminate "Jellyfish" and his gang.
Many great and very creative murders in this one. Including what is probably Serge's most elaborate to date. Let me see if I can describe it.
He has two guys wrapped in a rug with uninflated bicycle tire tubes wrapped around there necks. The tubs are hooked up to an electric air pump. He has jury rigged the pump so it will turn on when the circuit is completed by a electric train set (I believe it will only fill while the train is going over a certain section, so it will inflate at intervals causing drawn out death and more fear). The train is turned on by a doorbell that sends a wireless signal to the train set. Of course Serge himself doesn't ring the doorbell. Instead he sends a package of the diamonds that the thugs were trying to steal to the house where they are tied up, and checks off the signature required box. You do the math. If only I had such creativity back in my middle school shop class.
Many great and very creative murders in this one. Including what is probably Serge's most elaborate to date. Let me see if I can describe it.
He has two guys wrapped in a rug with uninflated bicycle tire tubes wrapped around there necks. The tubs are hooked up to an electric air pump. He has jury rigged the pump so it will turn on when the circuit is completed by a electric train set (I believe it will only fill while the train is going over a certain section, so it will inflate at intervals causing drawn out death and more fear). The train is turned on by a doorbell that sends a wireless signal to the train set. Of course Serge himself doesn't ring the doorbell. Instead he sends a package of the diamonds that the thugs were trying to steal to the house where they are tied up, and checks off the signature required box. You do the math. If only I had such creativity back in my middle school shop class.
February 20, 2016
In “Nuclear Jellyfish” Tim Dorsey has his demented protagonist Serge A. Storms discover the Internet and decide to keep a travel blog. His blog entries are some of the funniest monologues in the book, especially the hilarious Chapter 21. This novel (the 11th in the series) also sees the return of Serge’s nemesis, the noir detective Agent Mahoney. Mahoney’s role changes a little in this installment and I am curious to see what Mr. Dorsey does with his character in future books.
This novel features a story that is clever and tightly written and plotted and the twists build up to the very last page. Of special note in “Nuclear Jellyfish” are the hysterical one liners throughout. Dorsey is so talented at those! It also features the typical crazy inventive methods Serge uses to knock off people. The store Home Depot plays a large part in Serge’s murders, and I am curious what the store brand thinks of all of the mentions.
Speaking of murder, Serge’s “code” comes up more in this text than I recall in any of the previous ones. Dorsey seems very determined in this book to remind us that Serge kills people whose actions deserve it. The sudden emphasis on this (although it has been a part of the series all along) is intriguing and might come to play a larger role in future works?
“Nuclear Jellyfish” is a fun quick read, par for the course with Dorsey. Unlike most beach reads however these books are actually well written. Enjoy!
This novel features a story that is clever and tightly written and plotted and the twists build up to the very last page. Of special note in “Nuclear Jellyfish” are the hysterical one liners throughout. Dorsey is so talented at those! It also features the typical crazy inventive methods Serge uses to knock off people. The store Home Depot plays a large part in Serge’s murders, and I am curious what the store brand thinks of all of the mentions.
Speaking of murder, Serge’s “code” comes up more in this text than I recall in any of the previous ones. Dorsey seems very determined in this book to remind us that Serge kills people whose actions deserve it. The sudden emphasis on this (although it has been a part of the series all along) is intriguing and might come to play a larger role in future works?
“Nuclear Jellyfish” is a fun quick read, par for the course with Dorsey. Unlike most beach reads however these books are actually well written. Enjoy!
January 17, 2011
I finished this about a month ago, just getting around to reviewing it, the third or forth randomly-chosen audiobook from the library. This one was pretty funny and at times grisly, but it turns out I came into this series quite late (this is #11 in the "Serge Storm and Coleman kill their way through Florida, but only the bad guys" novels. The pace was frenetic, the characters quite appealing (especially Story, a stripper attending Community College who proves a powerful ally indeed) His methods of dispatching the nasties are clever and complex if not crazed. The narration and characterization are also well done. However, if I were to read/listen to more of these, I would (much like Lee Child and Patricia Cornwell, and, of late, Janet Evanovich), start at Volume I and get more familiar with the character(s), although the main ones, I would surmise, be quite consistent throughout. I would be interested in the Back Story, i.e., how Serge came to be who he is, how he came to find Coleman, and what's the deal with Florida anyway? Carl Hiaasin also addresses Florida with murder mysteries and extremely quirky characters, and he does it better than Mr. Dorsey.
February 26, 2011
I am now a fan of Serge A. Storms! Nuclear Jellyfish follows Serge as he and his baked pal, Coleman dispense their patented freelance law enforcement throughout Florida. Protecting the weak, helpless, and less than smart from the crooks that target them, Serge is hot on the trail of a group of thugs targeting collectible stamp and coin dealers who happen to be moonlighting as diamond couriers. Only Serge knows in his manic brain how things will end, and one thing is for sure: you want Serge to be on your side!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through the GoodReads book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through the GoodReads book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
August 14, 2009
Tim Dorsey's books are not for everyone. The main character is a serial killer and his side-kick is a super stoner. The books are all pretty formulaic with Serge (the killer) taking care of some jerk that is definitely in need of it and then homicidal yet zany hijinx ensue. You should also understand that there is profanity everywhere in the books and as well as TONS of alcohol and drug use. Having said all that I really do enjoy Dorsey's books and find Serge to be a highly enjoyable character. He has AD/HD and some OCD and gets all his inspiration from Home Depot. He's addicted to Florida and knows every little piece of obscure trivia there is about his beloved home state. He may be one of my favourite characters in fiction. This book is follows Dorseys typical formula and I enjoyed it.
August 25, 2011
Full-on Serge Storms hilarity. Serge's decided to start a travel website, complete with helpful tips (think "Park with your nose out in motel parking lots - the cops are less likely to run your plates.") He & perpetual sidekick Coleman are headed from Jacksonville to all points South down the East coast to collect really great, off-the-radar travel destinations for the site (think the bar where Lynyrd Skynyrd experienced the events later written about in "Gimme Three Steps.") Meanwhile, someone is simultaneously murdering large numbers of businessmen traveling roughly the same route on the convention circuit - has Serge's personality finally splintered, is someone finally out to get Serge, or is it completely unrelated? Because if it is, someone's going to have to pay for being bad - & we all know what Serge does with bad guys.
February 20, 2009
Mahoney gives chase as Serge and Coleman take another historical tour of Florida. Serge continues stays true to his own moral compass (which is many degrees off calibrated standards) as he rights wrongs. Coleman stays true to his compass, sort of. Well, he would if he wasn't stoned. Or drunk. This time, the guys are all chasing coin dealers and diamond traffickers. Lots of violence, sex, violence and more violence.
I confess that I will not walk through Home Depot without thinking of Serge. Creative and innovative, that one.
This is not likely suitable to many readers due to the curious and multiple ways death is administered. Also, it's weird to root for a sociopath. In a fun way...
I confess that I will not walk through Home Depot without thinking of Serge. Creative and innovative, that one.
This is not likely suitable to many readers due to the curious and multiple ways death is administered. Also, it's weird to root for a sociopath. In a fun way...
June 4, 2011
Not a science fiction novel. Instead, what we have here is a manic rollercoaster ride of a comic thriller, through Florida, were our possibly crazy (and vigilante) guide, Serge, is mixed up with diamond smuggling ring.
While he investigates / basically goes about according to his secret (maybe even to himself) agenda, he doesn't miss any opportunity to introduce his sidekick Coleman (and you the reader) to some Florida pop trivia or an overly creative way to exact revenge on some people who, quite frankly, deserve it. O.k. I know that just read as though I'm siding with a psychopath, but at least he's a hilariously charming one...
Now that I know this only one of Tim Dorsey's novels starring Serge, I'll be on the look out for the others.
While he investigates / basically goes about according to his secret (maybe even to himself) agenda, he doesn't miss any opportunity to introduce his sidekick Coleman (and you the reader) to some Florida pop trivia or an overly creative way to exact revenge on some people who, quite frankly, deserve it. O.k. I know that just read as though I'm siding with a psychopath, but at least he's a hilariously charming one...
Now that I know this only one of Tim Dorsey's novels starring Serge, I'll be on the look out for the others.
January 21, 2012
Picked this up at the library not quite knowing what to expect. In the end I enjoyed the ride. I appreciated Serge and Coleman by the end for the good work they did, though not necessarily in the right way. Serge the psychopath with a heart, and Coleman the stoner. Felt like Fear and Loathing combined with Pulp Fiction, with a sort of murderous A-Team approach to torture methods thrown in for good measure. I found the Florida trivia interesting, but tired of the novel killing methods by the end. The last two came so close together I got bored. However, in the grand scheme of things this proved to be a good read well written, and I turned it around in two weeks of steady going. Recommended for beach reading or people who appreciate something slightly off the wall.
October 11, 2012
First of all, how can anyone pass up a book by this title? And second, finally, a Florida-based good-guy serial killer I can support (sorry, Dexter, I haven't figured out your appeal). This book is a blend of Carl Hiaassen and the aforementioned Dexter mysteries, liberally spiced with Florida trivia and a whole lot of crazy. I grabbed this off the shelf in the library, not realizing this a late entry in a series, but I didn't feel like I needed the earlier books to understand what was going on. The underlying plot didn't make sense (not ONE insurance investigator makes an appearance, given all the diamond claims?), but this isn't a book read for the logic. I'm not sure I'll go back and read previous entries in this series, but I'd check out later additions.
March 22, 2015
What do Home Depot, John Travolta, souvenir post cards, diamonds and coin collectors have in common? Serge Storms, serial killer and cherisher of Florida history! Oh yeah, Serge is at it again in this, the 11th of a series by Tim Dorsey. As ever, Dorsey has taken several groups of unrelated people and dropped them in his magic cauldron, adding a pinch of craziness and stirring vigorously to produce a frothy mix of wit and wackiness. There is no describing a plot here. Just grasp your sanity firmly and dive in the deep end. You will laugh like a hyena with the whooping cough. I am already wading into the next in this hilarious tribute to Florida, the land of the brave and the home of the demented. Try any one of Serge's adventures and you will be hooked.
August 4, 2009
This book is somewhat akin to taking an issue of Mad Magazine, a Florida Travel Guide, a copy of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and your favorite John Grisham suspense novel and smashing them together with a Surgehammer.
I almost stopped reading this book during the first chapter since it seemed adolescent, a healthy serving of swearing, and had the plot of an acid trip. But each chapter has further developed some of the most truly original characters I've ever read about. A decent storyline, and some dizzying trivia round the book out. I can't keep from wanting to get back to the book when I stop.
I almost stopped reading this book during the first chapter since it seemed adolescent, a healthy serving of swearing, and had the plot of an acid trip. But each chapter has further developed some of the most truly original characters I've ever read about. A decent storyline, and some dizzying trivia round the book out. I can't keep from wanting to get back to the book when I stop.
March 18, 2019
I absolutely love Serge Storms. What does it say about me that I root for a homicidal maniac? He does have some truly imaginative and inventive ways of killing people though. You get to see a few of them here.
Number eleven in the series is about diamond couriers and thieves who target them for their packages. I have no idea if Florida's jewelers use couriers or not in addition to armored cars, but the premise makes the story work. Meanwhile, Serge and his boozed up, drugged up sidekick Coleman make the rounds of Florida's native son musician haunts and meets another Florida memorabilia collector who figures prominently in his latest round of vigilante justice.
Number eleven in the series is about diamond couriers and thieves who target them for their packages. I have no idea if Florida's jewelers use couriers or not in addition to armored cars, but the premise makes the story work. Meanwhile, Serge and his boozed up, drugged up sidekick Coleman make the rounds of Florida's native son musician haunts and meets another Florida memorabilia collector who figures prominently in his latest round of vigilante justice.
August 15, 2019
You'd think I would be getting tired of Dorsey's style. . . but no. This is another entertaining romp through Florida history and devious depravity (not necessarily the same thing). In this escapade Serge and Coleman travel along the eastern coast visiting landmark while chasing a nasty bunch of thieves/murderers. And even Serge gets a few surprises.
July 31, 2024
There are 20 some in this series. Inconsistent, but I keep coming back...
April 1, 2021
Sounds weird to say, but I am always looking forward to Serge’s next victim.
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