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Serge Storms #3
Orange Crush
The Republicans' "golden boy" -- and a loyal, unquestioning tool of the powerful special interests -- handsome, unthreatening, Florida governor-by-default Marlon Conrad seems a virtual shoo-in for re-election. That is, until he undergoes a radical personality shift during a bloody military action in the Balkans. Now it's just three weeks before the election and Marlon is suddenly talking about "issues" and "reform" as he crosses the length and breadth of his home state with an amnesiac speechwriter and a chief of staff who turns catatonic in the presence of minorities. The governor's new-found conscience might well cost him the election, though. And it appears that pretty much everybody from Tallahassee to Miami Beach is trying to kill him.
354 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 3, 2001
260 people are currently reading
1431 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 288 reviews
February 22, 2019
5 STARS
Let me catch you up on Serge A. Storms…
Probably the most likable serial killer you are ever likely to meet…or if you are a bad person, lucky enough not to meet.
50% Genius, 50% Crazy (certifiably so, in the literal sense, even though he is a well-functioning nutcase), 100% walking Floridian encyclopaedia…
ORANGE CRUSH is a bit different, though. While Serge features in the story it is not really about him.
This story is about Marlon Conrad and his race for re-election as governor of Florida…
In 2001, Tim Dorsey published the book ORANGE CRUSH. Meant to be a parody/farce/satire on the American political system and the campaigns for election, it is (in my opinion, anyway) the funniest book on politics I have ever read.
What makes this book so brilliant is Mr. Dorsey’s knowledge of not only the political mechanics that makes the entire machine (mal)function in a lopsided, ridiculous way, but also human nature and the perception of truth for the average American citizen.
And it is hilarious. Some things sound so utterly absurd that it is shocking to think of how true they actually are. The humor may seem common to some, but there is a great sophistication in making it sound so simple.
Of course, there are a few one-liners that cracked me up for the silliness, as well.
When Detective Mahoney arrives at a murder scene, he looks at the body:
“Does he have a name?”
“Yes, but we don’t know it.”
In 2016, the American public elected Donald J. Trump as President of the USA…
And all political humor became the victim of Poe’s Law (thanks for teaching me that term, Mike). Nothing made sense anymore. How did this happen? The rest of the world looked on and asked:
“Are these people really that gullible?”
And then the rest of the world looked at their own governments and hung their heads in shame, realizing for the very first time that most of humanity is EXTREMELY gullible…
So, what did Hilary do wrong?
My theory: She didn’t hire Tim Dorsey as her campaign manager. Who knows how different the world could have been if she did…
You will have a blast if you read this book. Believe me, I hate politics with a passion, but I still loved every second of this!
Let me catch you up on Serge A. Storms…
Probably the most likable serial killer you are ever likely to meet…or if you are a bad person, lucky enough not to meet.
50% Genius, 50% Crazy (certifiably so, in the literal sense, even though he is a well-functioning nutcase), 100% walking Floridian encyclopaedia…
ORANGE CRUSH is a bit different, though. While Serge features in the story it is not really about him.
This story is about Marlon Conrad and his race for re-election as governor of Florida…
In 2001, Tim Dorsey published the book ORANGE CRUSH. Meant to be a parody/farce/satire on the American political system and the campaigns for election, it is (in my opinion, anyway) the funniest book on politics I have ever read.
What makes this book so brilliant is Mr. Dorsey’s knowledge of not only the political mechanics that makes the entire machine (mal)function in a lopsided, ridiculous way, but also human nature and the perception of truth for the average American citizen.
And it is hilarious. Some things sound so utterly absurd that it is shocking to think of how true they actually are. The humor may seem common to some, but there is a great sophistication in making it sound so simple.
Of course, there are a few one-liners that cracked me up for the silliness, as well.
When Detective Mahoney arrives at a murder scene, he looks at the body:
“Does he have a name?”
“Yes, but we don’t know it.”
In 2016, the American public elected Donald J. Trump as President of the USA…
And all political humor became the victim of Poe’s Law (thanks for teaching me that term, Mike). Nothing made sense anymore. How did this happen? The rest of the world looked on and asked:
“Are these people really that gullible?”
And then the rest of the world looked at their own governments and hung their heads in shame, realizing for the very first time that most of humanity is EXTREMELY gullible…
So, what did Hilary do wrong?
My theory: She didn’t hire Tim Dorsey as her campaign manager. Who knows how different the world could have been if she did…
You will have a blast if you read this book. Believe me, I hate politics with a passion, but I still loved every second of this!
February 10, 2023
3.5 stars
In this 3rd book in the 'Serge Storms' series, the notorious killer - who has amnesia -is involved in Florida politics. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Political chicanery in Florida takes a hilarious turn in this comic novel.
Florida Lt. Governor Marlon Conrad, who's handsomer than a movie star, is part of a political dynasty that knows how to get the job done - that is, get elected and get rich.
Marlon's father, expecting his son to enter politics, taught the boy to take graft from the rich and powerful, disdain the poor and disenfranchised, and fry criminals in the electric chair.....which is generally popular with the public.
Marlon has little interest in his job as Lt. Governor, preferring to play computer fishing games while his aides brief him on important events - using (at most) of 3 or 4 words per topic.
Marlon expects to have this cushy position for a few more years, but the sudden death of the Governor makes Marlon the Republican gubernatorial candidate overnight.
Because Marlon never registered for the Selective Service - a big no no that the press will exploit - he has to join the Army Reserves.
Marlon's not concerned since his high-level connections will keep him stateside and safe. Well.....things don't work out that way and the Lt. Governor is sent to Kosovo where - against all odds - he bonds with the men in his unit before most of them are killed. Marlon comes home a changed man who actually cares about people.
Marlon is now in the midst of the gubernatorial campaign and - to the horror of his aides - decides to visit the families of his dead army buddies.....in POOR PARTS of the state.
Even more ominously, Marlon has STARTED READING NEWSPAPERS and dismissed his bodyguards, limos, and drivers. Instead Marlon buys an RV with an 'Orange Crush' logo on the side and embarks on a statewide campaign tour....
…..toting his reluctant Chief of Staff Gottfried Escrow and his enthusiastic Press Secretary Jack Pimento.
Republican bigwigs desperately try to get Marlon to stick with the party strategy: execute someone in the electric chair and pander to the wealthy - especially Helmut von Zeppelin, the state's most corrupt and powerful businessman.
When Marlon baulks at von Zeppelin's demands the crook gets furious and.....(I don't want to give away spoilers).
Press Secretary Pimento, on the other hand, encourages Marlon to meander around Florida and visit touristy historical and recreational sites. Pimento seems a bit odd in general, and the reader soon learns he's the maniacal serial killer Serge Storms (from previous books) - who's suffering from amnesia.
The story is filled with amusing characters, including: Jackie - a trailer trash gal scheming to be Florida's First Lady;
Gomer Tatum - a Democratic gubernatorial candidate who stuffs his face 24/7;
Babs - Marlon's ventriloquist fiancé whose 'privates' talk like Howdy Doody;
Joe Blow - an 'average citizen' who's driven nuts by the press;
Ned Coppola - an ambitious 'filmmaker' who can only manage to sell 30-second political ads;
a Brazilian revenge killer who wears a Miami Heat jacket;
Detective Murphy - who's on the trail of the killer; and more.
Some of the funniest scenes in the book are the political debates between Marlon and Gomer, which end up in a televised WWF wrestling match between the two sides (this is as good a way to choose a governor as any I guess. LOL)
The book made me laugh out loud and I enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
October 29, 2015
If either Dave Berry or Carl Hiaasen had a wacky brother that was kept locked in the basement,he must have changed his name to Tim Dorsey! I enjoyed the roller coaster ride from start to finish about Florida politics and I am sure you will too.
May 18, 2014
Note: Read in 2006, but such a good book I want to make sure this review is seen again!
My Synopsis: Marlon Conrad never had to do any real work in his life, being raised in the traditional Ultra Conservative Way ("Marlon Conrad learned everything he knew about life from his father . . . Rule Number One: At any given moment, poor people, somewhere, somehow, were screwing them. From this maxim all other rules flowed."), until - while running for Lt. Governor - a reporter uncovered the fact that he had not registered for Selective Service. In order to encourage some extra votes, his father decided he should join the National Reserve and set things up so that he wouldn't actually be called to duty. However, in a remarkable chain of events, Marlon was not only called to active duty in the Balkans, but his unit ended up in bloody conflict. Initially refusing to have anything to do with the rest of the men in his unit, Marlon bonded with them one night over a bottle of vodka disguised as Scope that had been smuggled to him, and after they were attacked and most of his unit killed, Marlon returns to Florida a changed man, much to the chagrin and consternation of his former friends. Things just become worse when the governor is killed in a jet crash.
My Thoughts: This book pokes fun at all things government, particularly having to do with the running of a political campaign. Even the characters' names fit in with the satire - Jackie Monroeville is the rags-to-government-crowd girl who is determined to see Marlon's competition (Gomer Tatum) win; Helmut von Zepplin is the ultimate mega-developer and big-money man that everyone kow-tows to; Gottfried Escrow is Marlon's chief of staff, etc. Tatum challenges Marlon to a "smack-down" on live TV at "Raw is War!", to which Marlon remarks, "So this is where we've evolved," only to have his press secretary reply, "Actually, it can't help but add dignity to the process."
Dorsey's descriptions are a form of art, albeit occasionally more in line with surrealism than reality. The timeline tends to jump from past to present, which can be jarring at times, but it all ends up flowing seamlessly together. Marlon buys an RV with the Orange Crush logo and goes on the road, traveling Florida to meet the masses; he ends up having several people decide to kill him (unbeknownst to him), only to meet ignominious ends themselves. A homicide detective from Miami wanders along behind, following the trail of bodies and trading strange wisecracks with the local guys.
Each character that spoke was developed by his or her lines; even if they didn't speak, if they were there long enough, their actions developed them. Mr. Dorsey has a genius for characterization that goes a long way. I also loved that fact that fun was poked equally at all politicos - Albert Fresco, the independent party candidate, when asked what he thought about the need to increase staffing for child protective services, responds, "No, no, no! I can't be bothered with that pointy-headed issue stuff! I've got common sense and I've had it up to here!... Did I already mention that I'm madder than a sumbitch?..." while Gomer Tatum readily switches his position on issues whenever he feels it will garner him more votes. Anyone who feels that this book is unfairly slanted against conservatives should take note - it is not, it is slanted against professional politicians and at the end, it is all about the attempt of the common man to rise about the pettiness of it all.
Additionally: By the way, do not fail to read the HYSTERICAL piece at the end "A Note on the Type." I usually read the paragraph describing the typeface, so when I noticed how long this was, I was intrigued - don't skip this, you won't regret reading it!
My Synopsis: Marlon Conrad never had to do any real work in his life, being raised in the traditional Ultra Conservative Way ("Marlon Conrad learned everything he knew about life from his father . . . Rule Number One: At any given moment, poor people, somewhere, somehow, were screwing them. From this maxim all other rules flowed."), until - while running for Lt. Governor - a reporter uncovered the fact that he had not registered for Selective Service. In order to encourage some extra votes, his father decided he should join the National Reserve and set things up so that he wouldn't actually be called to duty. However, in a remarkable chain of events, Marlon was not only called to active duty in the Balkans, but his unit ended up in bloody conflict. Initially refusing to have anything to do with the rest of the men in his unit, Marlon bonded with them one night over a bottle of vodka disguised as Scope that had been smuggled to him, and after they were attacked and most of his unit killed, Marlon returns to Florida a changed man, much to the chagrin and consternation of his former friends. Things just become worse when the governor is killed in a jet crash.
My Thoughts: This book pokes fun at all things government, particularly having to do with the running of a political campaign. Even the characters' names fit in with the satire - Jackie Monroeville is the rags-to-government-crowd girl who is determined to see Marlon's competition (Gomer Tatum) win; Helmut von Zepplin is the ultimate mega-developer and big-money man that everyone kow-tows to; Gottfried Escrow is Marlon's chief of staff, etc. Tatum challenges Marlon to a "smack-down" on live TV at "Raw is War!", to which Marlon remarks, "So this is where we've evolved," only to have his press secretary reply, "Actually, it can't help but add dignity to the process."
Dorsey's descriptions are a form of art, albeit occasionally more in line with surrealism than reality. The timeline tends to jump from past to present, which can be jarring at times, but it all ends up flowing seamlessly together. Marlon buys an RV with the Orange Crush logo and goes on the road, traveling Florida to meet the masses; he ends up having several people decide to kill him (unbeknownst to him), only to meet ignominious ends themselves. A homicide detective from Miami wanders along behind, following the trail of bodies and trading strange wisecracks with the local guys.
Each character that spoke was developed by his or her lines; even if they didn't speak, if they were there long enough, their actions developed them. Mr. Dorsey has a genius for characterization that goes a long way. I also loved that fact that fun was poked equally at all politicos - Albert Fresco, the independent party candidate, when asked what he thought about the need to increase staffing for child protective services, responds, "No, no, no! I can't be bothered with that pointy-headed issue stuff! I've got common sense and I've had it up to here!... Did I already mention that I'm madder than a sumbitch?..." while Gomer Tatum readily switches his position on issues whenever he feels it will garner him more votes. Anyone who feels that this book is unfairly slanted against conservatives should take note - it is not, it is slanted against professional politicians and at the end, it is all about the attempt of the common man to rise about the pettiness of it all.
Additionally: By the way, do not fail to read the HYSTERICAL piece at the end "A Note on the Type." I usually read the paragraph describing the typeface, so when I noticed how long this was, I was intrigued - don't skip this, you won't regret reading it!
May 2, 2017
Although Orange Crush was published more than 15 years ago, I am convinced Tim Dorsey is psychic. The novel is entertaining and ridiculous so much so that in your wildest dreams you would not expect to take it not as a grossly exaggerated satire but rather a mildly embellished depiction of current events.
May 8, 2017
“Capitalists don’t want free trade any more than they want whooping cough. Their nature is to conglomerate, homogenate, vertically integrate and dominate until there is no competition. The rules? Screw the rules! They’ll rig the game, spit on the ball, bribe the refs, tilt the playing field, pork the cheerleaders and kick free enterprise in the nuts.”
When I first saw this cover, one thing comes to mind, REM. And then I thought, wait for just one second, there are two things that pop into my mind. REM and the mofo Philadelphia Flyers!!! This is our fight song! Went into this book with a weird song in my head and the Broad Street Bullies in my heart.
I actually purchased this book over a year ago for my ever growing book collection. I guess I forgot I had this and my husband comes at me shocked. I've read everything else but this and he noticed. He never notices anything else, but this is the one thing he had to mention. Thanks for the guilt!!
This starts off in Dorsey fashion. You have to figure out what insanity those two crazy characters will go through next and who they will drag along with them. This one turns out a little different, but it ends in the same Dorsey style. And when you think you're done, read a little further. You won't be disappointed.
This was quite a slobberknocker, folks!!!
The governor race is on and it's not surprising how we get to an end result. The bumper sticker killer is slaying bodies across Florida and leaving little notes on the bodies with a black marker. But where is our Storms hiding?
Ventriloquist pageant queen, a psycho governor aide, a bunch of whacked out race runners and a military show down lead the way to the winner of a Florida Governor all while leaving a trail of orange crush. A few punches are made, a few shots were blocked and one quiet psycho is under wraps.
I have started reading this books in order. For some odd reason I started with number twelve after I found one of his books at a thrift store. I'm not sure how he keeps his steam up with all the books in this series. They are all fantastic and seem to keep getting better. This one wasn't my favorite, but still highly entertaining and now I need the next one.
Dorsey is an insane genius. I'm jealous!
When I first saw this cover, one thing comes to mind, REM. And then I thought, wait for just one second, there are two things that pop into my mind. REM and the mofo Philadelphia Flyers!!! This is our fight song! Went into this book with a weird song in my head and the Broad Street Bullies in my heart.
I actually purchased this book over a year ago for my ever growing book collection. I guess I forgot I had this and my husband comes at me shocked. I've read everything else but this and he noticed. He never notices anything else, but this is the one thing he had to mention. Thanks for the guilt!!
This starts off in Dorsey fashion. You have to figure out what insanity those two crazy characters will go through next and who they will drag along with them. This one turns out a little different, but it ends in the same Dorsey style. And when you think you're done, read a little further. You won't be disappointed.
This was quite a slobberknocker, folks!!!
The governor race is on and it's not surprising how we get to an end result. The bumper sticker killer is slaying bodies across Florida and leaving little notes on the bodies with a black marker. But where is our Storms hiding?
Ventriloquist pageant queen, a psycho governor aide, a bunch of whacked out race runners and a military show down lead the way to the winner of a Florida Governor all while leaving a trail of orange crush. A few punches are made, a few shots were blocked and one quiet psycho is under wraps.
I have started reading this books in order. For some odd reason I started with number twelve after I found one of his books at a thrift store. I'm not sure how he keeps his steam up with all the books in this series. They are all fantastic and seem to keep getting better. This one wasn't my favorite, but still highly entertaining and now I need the next one.
Dorsey is an insane genius. I'm jealous!
November 21, 2014
Theater of the absurd. If you brake the book seriously you will miss the point.
November 10, 2016
3.5 stars
A hilarious walk on the surreal side with the inimitable Serge A. Storms. This is an early book in the series that follows a bunch of loons during the course of a hotly contested American election in Florida. It's political satire taken to the nth degree as campaigns descend into quagmire of cheating, lies, name calling, mud slinging, misogyny, racism.......wait......this is fiction, right?
Entertaining (& frighteningly prescient) read.
A hilarious walk on the surreal side with the inimitable Serge A. Storms. This is an early book in the series that follows a bunch of loons during the course of a hotly contested American election in Florida. It's political satire taken to the nth degree as campaigns descend into quagmire of cheating, lies, name calling, mud slinging, misogyny, racism.......wait......this is fiction, right?
Entertaining (& frighteningly prescient) read.
January 29, 2009
Arguably the worst of Tim Dorsey's first three novels, "Orange Crush" starts out in typical Dorsey fashion, introducing several strange characters, most of them tied in to the 2002 Florida Gubernatorial election. I really enjoyed the first third of the story; the characterizations were tight and was easy to follow...then the main protagonists (a reformed Republican and his entourage) go on a election tour in an RV. That's where the story hits the skids for me. Frightfully dull and contrived. Dorsey keeps repeating the same stale jokes over and over on this trip, which culminates in the two candidates for governor square off WWF-style in a wrestling match (well, sorta).
Dorsey has a keen eye for hypocrisy, and his writing satirizes all that is wrong with the Florida, and the political system in particular. When he sticks to the formula of having his band of nutzoids interact, his stories work. This one deviated from that formula, and was terribly boring.
Dorsey has a keen eye for hypocrisy, and his writing satirizes all that is wrong with the Florida, and the political system in particular. When he sticks to the formula of having his band of nutzoids interact, his stories work. This one deviated from that formula, and was terribly boring.
January 26, 2015
This one was a whacky surprise for sure. The third book in a series that started with a two star reviewed book. So how do we get up to a four star? This book is a real goofy look at the political race for Governor in Florida with a couple of really whacked out opponents. I actually found myself smiling and even laughing out loud as I read this one. Now I am beginning to look forward to reading more in this series. What a strange development.
July 7, 2017
Of the few editions in this series, I have liked this one the best. And it can be read as a standalone without too much trouble, I think. I simply love his satirical funny take on politics and life in Florida. Trump would have ruled Florida in Dorsey's wild world, and I wonder if he doesn't shake his head and say to himself "I created a monster." Readers who like to laugh and have even some knowledge of what it is to be a Floridian should gravitate to and adore these books.
May 1, 2019
Zany is the best word I can come up with to describe Tim Dorsey's works. Orange Crush
portrays politics in Florida in his outrageous, over the top style. The wrestling match had me laughing out loud. I really like the way he ties together multiple threads. Serge was a little subdued in this one but that did not affect the story at all. I also really enjoy the names that Mr. Dorsey's gave to his characters, some of them are really wild. I find this series growing on me.
portrays politics in Florida in his outrageous, over the top style. The wrestling match had me laughing out loud. I really like the way he ties together multiple threads. Serge was a little subdued in this one but that did not affect the story at all. I also really enjoy the names that Mr. Dorsey's gave to his characters, some of them are really wild. I find this series growing on me.
June 18, 2020
Typical Dorsey novel. I enjoy Serge as a character! The right balance of humor, detective work and a plain old entertaining story!
January 6, 2008
This is an incredible continuation of Dorsey's first two books, Florida Roadkill and Hammerhead Ranch Motel. Our favorite serial killer/hero Serge (although incognito) returns with his madman encyclopedic knowledge of Florida lore and several more ingenius variations on how to produce bodies. A slew of new characters are introduced : Babs (the puppet lady with trauma-inducing talents), Helmut von Zeppelin (the evil mastermind behind dirty politics), Jackie (persistant gold-digger), Escrow (twisted politician-in-training), Joe Blow (you know, Average Joe?), and our central character--Marlon Conrad.
Marlon starts off as a bland, illiterate politician. But after a transcendant Saul-on-the-way-to-Damascus type revelation, we witness Marlon's growth to something much more than a crooked politician. We see him gain back his humanity. I'd even hazard to say he's a modern day King Lear.
The real magic of the book lies in its power to have serious issues (corrupt politics) tempered by pure zaniness. The complete joke that is Politics is taken to such an extreme, one can't help but laugh. Although your giggle does die down a bit when you realize that this fiction isn't too far from the truth...keep in mind this book was written *before* the fiasco of the Florida presidential elections.
We do see more of "Roadkill"'s jaunts around the state. It's a great feeling to see different places that you know so well described so accurately in a book. Dorsey mentions the Merry Pranksters (Ken Kesey's infamous troupe) at one point in the book and he's absolutely right. It's got the feel of some people who are out to do good, whether you like it or not!
The only downer, for me, was when I sat back and reflected on the character Marlon. It was the moment I realized that only in fiction could such a compassionate politician dare to exist.
This a superb novel. I cannot rave enough about it. Read the book. Savor the book. Fondle the book. But more important--BUY the book!
Marlon starts off as a bland, illiterate politician. But after a transcendant Saul-on-the-way-to-Damascus type revelation, we witness Marlon's growth to something much more than a crooked politician. We see him gain back his humanity. I'd even hazard to say he's a modern day King Lear.
The real magic of the book lies in its power to have serious issues (corrupt politics) tempered by pure zaniness. The complete joke that is Politics is taken to such an extreme, one can't help but laugh. Although your giggle does die down a bit when you realize that this fiction isn't too far from the truth...keep in mind this book was written *before* the fiasco of the Florida presidential elections.
We do see more of "Roadkill"'s jaunts around the state. It's a great feeling to see different places that you know so well described so accurately in a book. Dorsey mentions the Merry Pranksters (Ken Kesey's infamous troupe) at one point in the book and he's absolutely right. It's got the feel of some people who are out to do good, whether you like it or not!
The only downer, for me, was when I sat back and reflected on the character Marlon. It was the moment I realized that only in fiction could such a compassionate politician dare to exist.
This a superb novel. I cannot rave enough about it. Read the book. Savor the book. Fondle the book. But more important--BUY the book!
April 20, 2012
In this meth spree of a novel, Dorsey takes on American politics, as Republican dynasty golden boy Marlon Conrad runs for Florida governor, but turns his campaign around after a soul-changing experience in combat in the Balkans. As his handlers panic and tycoons bluster, several individuals independently strike out to assassinate him. Unbeknownst to, well, everyone, one of Conrad’s handlers is serial killer and maniac Serge Storms, currently suffering from amnesia.
This book has many classic twisted Dorsey lines, and it’s both a thrilling ride and a searing satire. Compared to his two previous books, it has a few rough patches: Dorsey is at his very best when he’s piling hyperbole on hyperbole until it approaches accuracy, skewering the utterly wealthy who lack every shred of human compassion and burn with outrage that other people might have a small piece of prosperity for themselves. This book does have plenty of that, of course: whether it’s lawmakers calling a new tax a “community reinvestment fee” or Marlon’s handler going catatonic at the sight of black people, this is a pull-no-punches political satire that is both hilarious and, because of how right on the money it is, horribly depressing.
This book has many classic twisted Dorsey lines, and it’s both a thrilling ride and a searing satire. Compared to his two previous books, it has a few rough patches: Dorsey is at his very best when he’s piling hyperbole on hyperbole until it approaches accuracy, skewering the utterly wealthy who lack every shred of human compassion and burn with outrage that other people might have a small piece of prosperity for themselves. This book does have plenty of that, of course: whether it’s lawmakers calling a new tax a “community reinvestment fee” or Marlon’s handler going catatonic at the sight of black people, this is a pull-no-punches political satire that is both hilarious and, because of how right on the money it is, horribly depressing.
September 4, 2013
The peculiar form of shared lunacy that reading Tim Dorsey's books manifests is progressive and congenital. The more you read the more truth emerges from sarcasm. He says of TV political ads, "The strategy shifted from 'the message' to brand recognition after it was learned that most campaigns were decided during the selection of color scheme, typeface and logo...[C]ampaign workers auditioned fonts and swatches...It was discovered that simple equaled good. A maximum of two colors, and icons less complicated than a trapezoid. Also gone were the slogans. Now just one word, usually nonsense, that bypassed the conscious and treble-hooked the brain stem. Candidates saw their polls rocket." Here the eponymous Orange Crush is a Winnebago hauling the Florida governor's re-election campaign, from Tallahassee to Miami and fishhooking up to Tampa. The press secretary is the now amnesiac Serge Storms, serial killer and lead character of Dorsey's series. Mark Twain said of the political scene, "There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress." Dorsey is way funnier.
March 4, 2017
A bit different from the other Serge Storms books I've read (and I'll get to them all eventually).
Set during a campaign for Florida Governor, there are plenty of Dorseyish wacky characters, and it isn't until halfway (or so) through the book Serge is "introduced."
There are several scenes of mayhem and humor, and a little less Florida trivia than in some other books in the series.
But the natural building of suspense that a political campaign creates works well in this plot. And while it is different in construction from what I expect from Dorsey it also grew on me as I read it. In some ways it was not as satisfying as others; it's not my favorite Serge Storms story, but it is still a very good read.
There are enough plot twists and surprises to make it interesting, enough humor to make it fun, and enough trivia to make it enjoyable. (Pee Wee Herman went to Sarasota High School? I love that kind of random inclusion.)
A good read.
Set during a campaign for Florida Governor, there are plenty of Dorseyish wacky characters, and it isn't until halfway (or so) through the book Serge is "introduced."
There are several scenes of mayhem and humor, and a little less Florida trivia than in some other books in the series.
But the natural building of suspense that a political campaign creates works well in this plot. And while it is different in construction from what I expect from Dorsey it also grew on me as I read it. In some ways it was not as satisfying as others; it's not my favorite Serge Storms story, but it is still a very good read.
There are enough plot twists and surprises to make it interesting, enough humor to make it fun, and enough trivia to make it enjoyable. (Pee Wee Herman went to Sarasota High School? I love that kind of random inclusion.)
A good read.
October 31, 2012
The perfect book to read during the election season. This follows an privileged, entitled, politically raised, guy running for governor. He accidentally ends up going to Kosovo with the army and has a life changing experience that turns him into a new man. He rents an RV and hits the streets, especially the poor neighborhoods in rural florida. Dorsey's Serge makes an appearance as the candidate's speech writer, and is his usual manic and crazy self. A fun read that once again makes fun of many aspects of Florida, with an added focus on it's political issues. Oh, and of course murders follow the campaign trail.
July 4, 2016
Serge has lost his mind! Well, maybe not his mind, just his memory. And now he's working as the public relations manager for the Governor of Florida. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but if you know Serge A. Storms at all, you know this is a recipe for an absolute riot! Tim Dorsey's unique perspective will either have you booking the next flight to the Sunshine State, or crossing it off your bucket list forever. Probably safer to hop on board the Orange Crush and travel vicariously with Governor Conrad, Serge and the rest of the crazy gang as they campaign in refreshing style!
August 19, 2020
Very interesting plot with all the political mess considering what's happening now lol.
February 28, 2013
“Orange Crush” is my favorite novel in the Serge A. Storms series to date (this is book 3). Although still wickedly funny, Dorsey tones down the frantic pace and unending stream of new characters so prevalent in his first two books in favor of much more in-depth characterizations. By making this change of focus, we become invested in the characters, see them change, and actually come to care about them. This slight change in writing style makes for a much better book and proves that Dorsey has developed the depth and strength as a novelist to stick around for a while.
Serge takes a backseat in this dark spoof of Florida election politics to Marlon Conrad, an “apathetic and corrupt” rich kid groomed from birth to be governor of Florida. Marlon becomes Florida’s lieutenant governor, and spends most of his time catering to special interests and party donors in between the time he spends playing video fishing. It turns out that Marlon never registered for the draft when he turned 18, and ends up enlisting in the military to head off political criticism. Due to a bureaucratic snafu, Marlon ends up being sent into active duty with a unit in Kosovo. He returns home a war hero with an outlook and an attitude that have completely changed, much to the alarm of party officials. Marlon becomes the governor of Florida when the sitting governor dies in a plane crash in Alaska and faces a difficult re-election campaign against inept Democratic challenger Gomer Tatum. He foregoes security, buys a giant RV called the Orange Crush, fills it with his most trusted advisors (including Serge), and begins crisscrossing Florida on an improvised grass roots campaign.
“Orange Crush” features author Tim Dorsey’s trademark laugh out loud humor (Gomer challenges Marlon to a steel cage wrestling match on live TV on the eve of the election), and biting commentary on Florida election politics. It is vastly entertaining with the dimension of depth lacking in earlier books in the series. Tim Dorsey keeps getting better, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, “Triggerfish Twist.”
Serge takes a backseat in this dark spoof of Florida election politics to Marlon Conrad, an “apathetic and corrupt” rich kid groomed from birth to be governor of Florida. Marlon becomes Florida’s lieutenant governor, and spends most of his time catering to special interests and party donors in between the time he spends playing video fishing. It turns out that Marlon never registered for the draft when he turned 18, and ends up enlisting in the military to head off political criticism. Due to a bureaucratic snafu, Marlon ends up being sent into active duty with a unit in Kosovo. He returns home a war hero with an outlook and an attitude that have completely changed, much to the alarm of party officials. Marlon becomes the governor of Florida when the sitting governor dies in a plane crash in Alaska and faces a difficult re-election campaign against inept Democratic challenger Gomer Tatum. He foregoes security, buys a giant RV called the Orange Crush, fills it with his most trusted advisors (including Serge), and begins crisscrossing Florida on an improvised grass roots campaign.
“Orange Crush” features author Tim Dorsey’s trademark laugh out loud humor (Gomer challenges Marlon to a steel cage wrestling match on live TV on the eve of the election), and biting commentary on Florida election politics. It is vastly entertaining with the dimension of depth lacking in earlier books in the series. Tim Dorsey keeps getting better, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, “Triggerfish Twist.”
January 5, 2014
I had mixed emotions about this book. It was consumed as an audio book and I wasn't completely enthralled by the narrator. The story involves a young man named Marlon Conrad who is groomed to be a future governor of Florida. The young man is largely uninterested, disengaged, totally unqualified and allowing himself to be pushed around by his father's contingent of supporters. He was groomed for the job with the expectation that he'd be told what to say and what to do by his powerful and connected backers. As our story begins, Marlon is the Lieutenant Governor.
Things don't go as planned. To polish his resume, Marlon's handlers have him join the National Guard. In past decades, this was a safe bet to avoid combat deployments. The plans go awry when Marlon's unit is immediately deployed to Bosnia (or a nearby country) and plunged into a brutal combat situation. Marlon ends up being perceived as a hero - and his whole attitude and take on life is turned around - dramatically.
Shortly after Marlon's dazed return from a terrible combat situation, the current governor dies unexpectedly and Marlon is now governor. He is a changed man and ignores the wishes of his handlers and deep pocket supporters who expect him to behave and do as they say. Things get really zany as Marlon and his entourage - including a serial killer who has lost his memory and often looks at himself in the mirror saying, "who ARE you!?" - hit the road in a campaign event in an eponymous converted motor home called 'Orange Crush'. This reminded me of "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World". If the reader can get past the non-stop zaniness, it's actually an entertaining read. I got a little tired of it but mostly enjoyed it to the end. Not for everybody, but if you enjoy madcap, slapstick and zany, then this book's for you.
Things don't go as planned. To polish his resume, Marlon's handlers have him join the National Guard. In past decades, this was a safe bet to avoid combat deployments. The plans go awry when Marlon's unit is immediately deployed to Bosnia (or a nearby country) and plunged into a brutal combat situation. Marlon ends up being perceived as a hero - and his whole attitude and take on life is turned around - dramatically.
Shortly after Marlon's dazed return from a terrible combat situation, the current governor dies unexpectedly and Marlon is now governor. He is a changed man and ignores the wishes of his handlers and deep pocket supporters who expect him to behave and do as they say. Things get really zany as Marlon and his entourage - including a serial killer who has lost his memory and often looks at himself in the mirror saying, "who ARE you!?" - hit the road in a campaign event in an eponymous converted motor home called 'Orange Crush'. This reminded me of "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World". If the reader can get past the non-stop zaniness, it's actually an entertaining read. I got a little tired of it but mostly enjoyed it to the end. Not for everybody, but if you enjoy madcap, slapstick and zany, then this book's for you.
December 5, 2012
I had to give up about half way through. The first Dorsey book I read was When Elves Attack: A Joyous Christmas Greeting from the Criminal Nutbars of the Sunshine State which was completely delightful, but Orange Crush is my third try after that book, and they've all been disappointing. They all have an appearance of Serge Storms, but at the halfway point of Orange Crush, it is only a brief mention, and otherwise it is reads like an especially weak Carl Hiaasen novel. I'm just going to have to give up finding something else as good as that first read by Dorsey.
August 31, 2012
Ok, so this book is completely different from the other Serge novels and still completely fantastic. I've avoided reading it for a while because the main focus isn't on the love of my life, Serge Storms, but now I'm glad I did. Dorsey takes your run-of-the-mill born to be a politician, Marlon Conrad, and turns in him to someone I would actually vote for. Marlon's development from spoiled rich boy to idealistic man is both hilarious and inspiring. Of course, Serge is still there with his usual shenanigans, but as usual, Dorsey ties it all into the plot nicely. This is a fantastic "must read" for any Serge lover.
December 24, 2016
An excellent book to read after our recent presidential election. Hilarious, well written, fast paced and shows the ridiculousness of the political world. This is actually the third in the Serge Storm series and as is all of the series, is an excellent satirical crime novel. It also is irreverent and, I think, quite realistic in Dorsey's portrayal of the political system. Dorsey, along with Christopher Moore, Bill Fitzhugh, Elmore Leonard, and Carl Hiaasen continue to be at the forefront of the adult humor/crime novels. I have read most of Dorsey's books, at least once, and I will continue to re-read them and enjoy them as much as I did initially. A very good read.
July 8, 2012
I love what Tim Dorsey does; I just always long for a better, more coherent story. Of the four or five of his books that I have read, I enjoyed this one the best - as the story is fuller, richer, and ties everything together in a more satisfying way. It still has all the FL references, and the silly fun, but it has a bigger arc and is actually about something, as well. He captures the oddities and hypocrisies of modern politics without bashing one party or the other and turns a campaign roadtrip into the phony show it is (they are). Well-paced, back-and-forth fun.
July 25, 2013
I love Serge...there I've said it. This book was a complete surprise in many ways as Serge doesn't enter until very late in the book and then he isn't even Serge. This book offers a wonderfully funny look at Florida politics or to quote Serge "We're a twenty-four hour, dead-bolted, hair on the back of your neck, free continental breakfast deathwish vacation of a lifetime, not from concentrate..." This is a great summer time read, fast paced and laugh out loud funny. Enjoy it on the beach with drink in hand.
March 23, 2017
This is another wild and crazy trip through Florida, this time focusing on the 2002 Gubernatorial race. This time out our favorite anti-hero Serge Storms keeps a low profile for the most part as we focus in on the candidates and campaigners involved in this festival of lunacy. Dorsey does an amazing job of building a wild cast of characters and keeping the insanity coming for the length of this novel. Recommended if you've enjoyed the first two books in this series, but would not recommend starting out here.
February 6, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the Serge series, but for most of the book, Serge has amnesia and is working as the press secretary for the Governor of Florida. Marlon Conrad became Governor after a plane wreck killed the previous Governor.
Marlon had started life as a stereotypical politician, but changed into someone with a conscious after serving a stint with his National Guard Unit in Bosnia. The book follows an absolutely bizarre governor's race that I wouldn't have thought possible, but after the last election, I may have to retract that statement.
Marlon had started life as a stereotypical politician, but changed into someone with a conscious after serving a stint with his National Guard Unit in Bosnia. The book follows an absolutely bizarre governor's race that I wouldn't have thought possible, but after the last election, I may have to retract that statement.
April 14, 2009
Hard to believe but Tim Dorsey's hero is a serial killer plagued by amnesia and a fascination with all things Florida. But he only kills really bad people - usually in Wile E. Coyote fashion. This one involves a Florida gubernatorial election. It's madcap and zany. To try to make sense of the plot is crazy as our hero, Serge Storm. To celebrate the lunacy of our politics and yet have the bad guys punished and the good guys win, read this author.
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