Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
William Morrow Paperbacks (2012), Edition: Reprint, 384 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Mystery. Humor (Fiction.) HTML: "Dorsey differs from writers such as Carl Hiassen, James Hall, and Elmore Leonard...These guys fire bullets. Dorsey makes sure his gun is filled with hollow-point." �??Sarasota Herald Tribune Readers who can't get enough of lovable serial killer Serge A. Storms can rejoice. He's back in Electric Barracuda�??the latest outrageous romp through the Sunshine State by Tim Dorsey, master of the zany crime thriller. This time Serge is a fugitive running from the police, and murder and mayhem have never been more over-the-top hilarious. Tim Dorsey's Electric Barracuda is not to be missed. The Miami Herald put it best: "Nobody, but nobody, writes like this guy."
User reviews
LibraryThing member TommyB
Electric Barracuda is the latest in Tim Dorsey's series about Serge, a slightly crazy, sometimes-compulsive eccentric who also is a serial killer of people make the world better with their demise. It is set in a Florida that, in the tradition of several other writers, including Carl Hiassen and
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Elmore Leonard, is filled with crazies, alligators and swamps -- and, of course, the Everglades. In one sense, the book is wonderful -- virtually a primer on the non-South Beach, non-Disney Florida. His descriptions of Everglades City and Chokoloskee are nearly perfect, as I can attest, having been there only 45 days ago, although as usual he overplays the bizarre. However, the book is not up to Dorsey's usual standards. His dialogue, which always is clipped, and his exposition, which always is minimal, reach a new level of clipped-ness and minimality. Sometimes it's a little hard to follow what is going on. On the whole, the book is a worthwhile read if you like Dorsey's style, and some of the pages are laugh-out-loud funny. But don't read this expecting it to be Dorsely's best. Show Less
LibraryThing member gailo
Serge Storms, hyperactive serial killer and Florida-phile, and his stoner friend Coleman return for another adventure. In Electric Barracuda Serge decides to pay homage to car chase movies, embarking on a fugitive tour of Florida. He and Coleman stay one step ahead of a gaggle of pursuers,
A second parallel storyline involves Al Capone's Everglades hideout and a search for his hidden treasure. Serge leads us all on a tour of the backwaters and obscure museums of southern Florida, giving us all a history lesson in very entertaining fashion. And along the way Serge finds inventive ways to kill a few people who deserve it.
Electric Barracuda is great fun, as are all the novels in the series. I enjoyed Lowe and White, the new police officers introduced, and there are a couple of very interesting surprises near the end. Electric Barracuda made me want to go back and read the series all over again, and so I would have to say it is a very successful addition to the series.
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including law enforcement officers, a Mystery Man, and The Doberman, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Dog the Bounty Hunter. It is particularly remarkable that they repeatedly elude capture, given that all of his pursuers are getting updates on his whereabouts from his website, where he details his activities and his plans. A second parallel storyline involves Al Capone's Everglades hideout and a search for his hidden treasure. Serge leads us all on a tour of the backwaters and obscure museums of southern Florida, giving us all a history lesson in very entertaining fashion. And along the way Serge finds inventive ways to kill a few people who deserve it.
Electric Barracuda is great fun, as are all the novels in the series. I enjoyed Lowe and White, the new police officers introduced, and there are a couple of very interesting surprises near the end. Electric Barracuda made me want to go back and read the series all over again, and so I would have to say it is a very successful addition to the series.
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LibraryThing member brendajanefrank
The “Electric Barracuda” is classic Serge: a wild, crazy ride through the Florida Everglades and surrounds. Having recently returned from a camping/kayaking trip in the some of the places Serge visited, I particularly took pleasure in his travels. Ten Thousand Islands, The Rod and Gun Club,
Serge is comparable to Hiaasen’s Skink character. Woe betide anyone who assaults the environment, children, defenseless animals, his friends or family, or his cherished historical sites. That person should be very, very afraid, for Serge will definitely extract revenge, creatively yet often fatally. Yes, Serge is guilty of multiple murders. In his view, they are not really murders but just retribution for unforgivable crimes.
My experience with “Electric Barracuda” had many laugh out loud moments. In my opinion, any book that evokes this response is successful. Serge’s adventures are appalling, outrageous and hilarious. Join him on this astonishing tour of the Florida seldom seen.
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Smallwood’s Store and Chokoloskee are quite familiar to me.Serge is comparable to Hiaasen’s Skink character. Woe betide anyone who assaults the environment, children, defenseless animals, his friends or family, or his cherished historical sites. That person should be very, very afraid, for Serge will definitely extract revenge, creatively yet often fatally. Yes, Serge is guilty of multiple murders. In his view, they are not really murders but just retribution for unforgivable crimes.
My experience with “Electric Barracuda” had many laugh out loud moments. In my opinion, any book that evokes this response is successful. Serge’s adventures are appalling, outrageous and hilarious. Join him on this astonishing tour of the Florida seldom seen.
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LibraryThing member Coyote99
My first book by Tim Dorsey. Having lived in South Florida for a time, the cast of characters looks like great fun. Haven't finished yet, but so far a great read. Sometimes it is so nice to read a fun book.
LibraryThing member LauraKCurtis
I find myself conflicted as to how to review this book. Parts of it I loved--they were funny, action-oriented, and tightly written. But others dragged or seemed forced. Especially those with Mikey. Seriously, I know it's a comedy, but the "how do we deal with a kid" bits were too over the top for
Serge Storms is on the run...sort of. Like Dexter, Serge never kills anyone who doesn't need killing and his methods are both unusual and often brutally hilarious. Serge and his stoner companion, Coleman, cut a swath across Florida as Serge creates his new business--the fugitive tour. Because all the best parts of Florida are places only seen when you're on the run, of course. Little does Serge know, he's not imagining the massive manhunt trailing him. It's led not only by the FBI, but also by "Doberman," an inept TV-reality-show bounty hunter.
I loved, loved, loved the old gang, and all the bits of the "fugitive tour," and Serge's website, and overall I'd absolutely say this book is worth reading, just maybe not in hardcover.
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my taste.Serge Storms is on the run...sort of. Like Dexter, Serge never kills anyone who doesn't need killing and his methods are both unusual and often brutally hilarious. Serge and his stoner companion, Coleman, cut a swath across Florida as Serge creates his new business--the fugitive tour. Because all the best parts of Florida are places only seen when you're on the run, of course. Little does Serge know, he's not imagining the massive manhunt trailing him. It's led not only by the FBI, but also by "Doberman," an inept TV-reality-show bounty hunter.
I loved, loved, loved the old gang, and all the bits of the "fugitive tour," and Serge's website, and overall I'd absolutely say this book is worth reading, just maybe not in hardcover.
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LibraryThing member FMRox
Fast paced ride through the fugitive of Florida while serial killer Serge A. Storms blogs about his vacation. He has a surprise new edition to the tour. A long lost relative makes an appearance.
This is my first dive into the hilarious, schizophrenic, manic adventures with Serge. He's so charming
This is my first dive into the hilarious, schizophrenic, manic adventures with Serge. He's so charming
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and entertaining you almost forget he's a killer...almost. But, he kills off just the undesirables. His sidekick Coleman is a complete buffoon and you wonder what idiotic thing he'll do next. This novel is fast paced, so hold on to your seat for the ride! Show Less
LibraryThing member jrr731
Another hilarious romp thru the Florida landscape as only Serge Storms could present it. The story starts at a lightning pace and only gets faster and stranger as you follow Serge on another impropable adventure. My advice is strap yourself in its's going to be a wild ride.
LibraryThing member gillten24
Electric Barracuda was my introduction to Serge Storms, and overall it was a positive experience. I loved the humor of the book, but after a while, the conversations became almost predictable. I don't live in Florida, but I imagine that Floridians would find a little more to connect with which may
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keep the interest piqued all the way through. It was decent, but the sophomoric parts are a little tiring and the story just didn't hook me. 3 stars for some witty humor. Show Less
LibraryThing member MyBookBarn
The Electric Barracuda is a rip roaring ride! You'll be riding along in the Barracuda with quirky serial killer Serge Storms & his stoner friend Coleman. They're on the uproarious run through Florida from law enforcement, a mystery man & the Doberman, who reminds you of a very clumsy Dog the Bounty
Not only will you go on the run with them through the Everglades while laughing out loud, you'll learn a little history of Florida as well! Like Al Capone's hideout.
Though you would think you couldn't come to like a serial killer I certainly did! Not only because of his quirky antics, but he's not your typical serial killer! He runs across most unlikable people who, ironically, are out to harm others.
This was a fast paced, laugh out loud, entertaining read. This is the first book I've ever read of Dorsey's & I can't wait to pick up the previous books in this series! Speaking of which...I found you don't have to have read the previous books to easily follow along with Dorsey's latest! I highly recommend this book & it has easily made it onto my list of favorite quick/entertaining reads!
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Hunter.Not only will you go on the run with them through the Everglades while laughing out loud, you'll learn a little history of Florida as well! Like Al Capone's hideout.
Though you would think you couldn't come to like a serial killer I certainly did! Not only because of his quirky antics, but he's not your typical serial killer! He runs across most unlikable people who, ironically, are out to harm others.
This was a fast paced, laugh out loud, entertaining read. This is the first book I've ever read of Dorsey's & I can't wait to pick up the previous books in this series! Speaking of which...I found you don't have to have read the previous books to easily follow along with Dorsey's latest! I highly recommend this book & it has easily made it onto my list of favorite quick/entertaining reads!
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LibraryThing member FinsRandL
This review is of the Publisher-provided galley proof and may or may not reflect the final product as distributed.
Serge Storms is back in Tom Dorsey's latest Florida-based novel and that may (or may not) be a good thing dependent on you point of view! I've read all of Dorsey's offerings to date and
First the good... "Electric Barracuda" fills the bill for a fun, no-frills read. Unpretentious and light, it's a great read for sitting by the pool or on one of the sun-filled Florida beaches. The pacing is quick and Dorsey's dialog is tight, quick-witted, and humorous as usual. The action is also Dorsey's usual slapstick variety and rarely fails to amuse. That being said, far and away my favorite portions of the book were Dorsey's forays into Florida history and those little known places and people that made that history. I've visited many of the places on Storms' "Fugitive Tour" and now have many more to add to my must-visit list thanks to this book! So, in effect, 4 stars for setting, dialog, pacing, and series continuity.
Now, the not so good...There have been several areas of Dorsey's novels I haven't enjoyed as much and "Electric Barracuda" was no different. First, While the novels are definitely light-hearted comedic reads featuring slapstick action and over the top characterizations, many of the situations just require too much suspension of belief and acceptance of the inane for my tastes. In particular, several of the near-misses and last minute escapes Serge experiences throughout the story were so outrageous they actually detracted from the story. Second, Dorsey writes great dialogue, keenly defines action, and vividly describes settings and people. However, the prose drags and struggles in his too frequent shifts into the pseudo stream-of-consciousness ramblings of Storms' and Coleman's ramblings. These forays feel out of place when read in the novel and distract from the overall enjoyment of the read. Lastly, as with previous books in the series, Dorsey devotes significant amount of time and effort in developing multiple, interwoven plots lines. Each unto itself work very well and are independently enjoyable. However - fair warning for the reader - don't get too invested in any given plotline. As with previous Storms novels, these (often more interesting) subplots are usually 'wrapped up' with a few concise sentences toward the end of the book regardless of the amount of time and effort invested throughout the entire book. So...something far less than 4 stars for continuity of prose, pushing the slapstick envelop a bit too far, and investing the reader in dynamic subplots without an adequate conclusion.
All in all, I'll probably give Dorsey and Serge Storms another chance with the next book in the series but that may be my last.
Serge Storms is back in Tom Dorsey's latest Florida-based novel and that may (or may not) be a good thing dependent on you point of view! I've read all of Dorsey's offerings to date and
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I must admit I'm still unsure as to my overall opinion. His latest offering - "Electric Barracuda" has done little to settle my indecision. My overall rating of 2.5 stars is reflective of my enjoyment - and frustration - with the novel.First the good... "Electric Barracuda" fills the bill for a fun, no-frills read. Unpretentious and light, it's a great read for sitting by the pool or on one of the sun-filled Florida beaches. The pacing is quick and Dorsey's dialog is tight, quick-witted, and humorous as usual. The action is also Dorsey's usual slapstick variety and rarely fails to amuse. That being said, far and away my favorite portions of the book were Dorsey's forays into Florida history and those little known places and people that made that history. I've visited many of the places on Storms' "Fugitive Tour" and now have many more to add to my must-visit list thanks to this book! So, in effect, 4 stars for setting, dialog, pacing, and series continuity.
Now, the not so good...There have been several areas of Dorsey's novels I haven't enjoyed as much and "Electric Barracuda" was no different. First, While the novels are definitely light-hearted comedic reads featuring slapstick action and over the top characterizations, many of the situations just require too much suspension of belief and acceptance of the inane for my tastes. In particular, several of the near-misses and last minute escapes Serge experiences throughout the story were so outrageous they actually detracted from the story. Second, Dorsey writes great dialogue, keenly defines action, and vividly describes settings and people. However, the prose drags and struggles in his too frequent shifts into the pseudo stream-of-consciousness ramblings of Storms' and Coleman's ramblings. These forays feel out of place when read in the novel and distract from the overall enjoyment of the read. Lastly, as with previous books in the series, Dorsey devotes significant amount of time and effort in developing multiple, interwoven plots lines. Each unto itself work very well and are independently enjoyable. However - fair warning for the reader - don't get too invested in any given plotline. As with previous Storms novels, these (often more interesting) subplots are usually 'wrapped up' with a few concise sentences toward the end of the book regardless of the amount of time and effort invested throughout the entire book. So...something far less than 4 stars for continuity of prose, pushing the slapstick envelop a bit too far, and investing the reader in dynamic subplots without an adequate conclusion.
All in all, I'll probably give Dorsey and Serge Storms another chance with the next book in the series but that may be my last.
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LibraryThing member glendalea
The latest Serge saga is one of the funnier ones in the series. Tim Dorsey keeps the action going, and adds a few extra twists, including an ending revelation that left me looking forward to the next book. There were a couple of scenes that could have used a rewriting (or deletion), but overall, a
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great way to spend a rainy afternoon. Show Less
LibraryThing member woodsathome
For the uninitiated Serge A. Storms is a cross between Dexter and Dirk Gently (Douglas Addams' holistic detective). Sure he's a serial killer - but he only kills the bad guys (and only in the most inventive ways).
He is both hyper aware of his surroundings (he can tell you the tiniest historical
The Mikey scenes bugged and the ending seemed contrived, but it was still a rollicking good read.
He is both hyper aware of his surroundings (he can tell you the tiniest historical
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details of every roadside attraction and gift shop) and sublimely unaware (all those cops surrounding our motel room must be after some really bad (other) guy).The Mikey scenes bugged and the ending seemed contrived, but it was still a rollicking good read.
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LibraryThing member rosscavins
I have never read a Tim Dorsey novel but being a Carl Hiaasen fan, he was recommended to me. I must say that I was not disappointed.
Dorsey has a similar style and wit to Hiaasen, but his delivery is much dryer, almost British in a way. Because his style is so different, I had trouble getting into
That being said, once I figured out the two main characters' personalities were sarcastic most of the time, I began to get sucked in.
And while I lacked the character history of this obviously mid-series novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dorsey did a great job of introducing them to me without subjecting me to "repeat material." He did what you're supposed to do, work in the backstory little by little.
Dorsey has given me another star to shoot for in my own writing.
While I won't give this book five stars, I'll say this: I bought another Tim Dorsey novel to read. That should sum up my review perfectly.
Dorsey has a similar style and wit to Hiaasen, but his delivery is much dryer, almost British in a way. Because his style is so different, I had trouble getting into
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the characters in the beginning.That being said, once I figured out the two main characters' personalities were sarcastic most of the time, I began to get sucked in.
And while I lacked the character history of this obviously mid-series novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dorsey did a great job of introducing them to me without subjecting me to "repeat material." He did what you're supposed to do, work in the backstory little by little.
Dorsey has given me another star to shoot for in my own writing.
While I won't give this book five stars, I'll say this: I bought another Tim Dorsey novel to read. That should sum up my review perfectly.
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LibraryThing member agirlandherbooks
Florida’s preeminent psycho trickster is up to more hilarious hijinks in Electric Barracuda, his thirteenth excursion across the Sunshine State. Not only is a full posse of federal agents trailing Serge and Coleman up and down Florida, but they’re saddled with a new partner, surprisingly
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dropped on them by the ever-malicious Molly. Not to mention Doberman, an idiotic motorcycle-mounted bounty hunter accompanied by busty chicks and a bus screeching Kiss tunes, and the venal lawyer Brad Meltzer (Tim Dorsey must have lost a bet to his fellow author), who’s trying to cheat the very clients – Serge’s grandfather and his pals – who trusted him with their Prohibition-era secret. And, of course, the ever-present Agent Mahoney, whose presence delivers a shocker Dorsey obviously saved for the magic number 13. Show Less
LibraryThing member hermit
Welcome to a tour of Florida with narration on history and geography by Serge A. Storms. Yes...Serge has found the Internet and has created a blog. He is writing about the best way too tour the sunshine state...as a fugitive. See the real Florida not designed for the tourist. Of course Serge wants
His 'Fugitive Tour' is more real than Serge thinks as law enforcement is on his trail seeking to apprehend him every step of the way. Coleman as usual is always thinking about what he can next put into his mouth for his personal entertainment. And anyone who crosses their path who does not meet up with Serge's ethical standard meets and innovative untimely end.
To share too much more would be a spoiler but know the books title will become obvious and we will see a few old characters pop back in and some old story lines touched upon. If you have not read a Serge novel before I would not start with this one. Though it is a short page turning read that you will finish in no time.
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everything to be authentic so he and his sidekick Coleman pretend they are on the run from the law and test out his tour before he blogs about the experience.His 'Fugitive Tour' is more real than Serge thinks as law enforcement is on his trail seeking to apprehend him every step of the way. Coleman as usual is always thinking about what he can next put into his mouth for his personal entertainment. And anyone who crosses their path who does not meet up with Serge's ethical standard meets and innovative untimely end.
To share too much more would be a spoiler but know the books title will become obvious and we will see a few old characters pop back in and some old story lines touched upon. If you have not read a Serge novel before I would not start with this one. Though it is a short page turning read that you will finish in no time.
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LibraryThing member MurderMysteryMayhem
Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Electric Barracuda is an homage to the classic crime caper with slapstick humor, great escapes, and a cast of crazy characters. In number thirteen of the series, Dorsey has produced another novel that will make you laugh-out-loud at the most
Serge Storms the over-the-top, Florida history obsessed, vigilante justice dispensing murderer, and his chemically enhanced sidekick, Coleman, are on a whirlwind tour of Florida to test out Serge's latest entrepreneurial adventure, The Fugitive Tour. While conducting assessments of escape routes, hide outs, and disguises, Serge and Coleman unwittingly become the target of a man hunt. The past has a way of catching up, and though all the dead guys they’ve left behind deserved it, the police don't seem to see the humor in death by irony. With their criminal history snapping at their heels Serge and Coleman manage to stay one step ahead of the law and an odd entourage of characters including a bounty hunter, a shady lawyer, and a beautiful mystery woman. The plot thickens.
If you've dreamt up ways to cleverly dispose of bodies, have longed to be politically incorrect, and want to leave reality very far behind then dive into the Everglades with Serge and Coleman. It will be a crazy ride and anything remotely socially acceptable won’t be coming along. Escape......
Electric Barracuda is an homage to the classic crime caper with slapstick humor, great escapes, and a cast of crazy characters. In number thirteen of the series, Dorsey has produced another novel that will make you laugh-out-loud at the most
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inappropriate times. Who roots for the serial killer? You will.Serge Storms the over-the-top, Florida history obsessed, vigilante justice dispensing murderer, and his chemically enhanced sidekick, Coleman, are on a whirlwind tour of Florida to test out Serge's latest entrepreneurial adventure, The Fugitive Tour. While conducting assessments of escape routes, hide outs, and disguises, Serge and Coleman unwittingly become the target of a man hunt. The past has a way of catching up, and though all the dead guys they’ve left behind deserved it, the police don't seem to see the humor in death by irony. With their criminal history snapping at their heels Serge and Coleman manage to stay one step ahead of the law and an odd entourage of characters including a bounty hunter, a shady lawyer, and a beautiful mystery woman. The plot thickens.
If you've dreamt up ways to cleverly dispose of bodies, have longed to be politically incorrect, and want to leave reality very far behind then dive into the Everglades with Serge and Coleman. It will be a crazy ride and anything remotely socially acceptable won’t be coming along. Escape......
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LibraryThing member stretch
The adventure that follows is just plain fun, fast paced, and a times very funny. Like all Dorsey novels great for weekend read or quick trip to Florida.
LibraryThing member maribs
Everyone is blogging these days, including Serge, the lovable serial killer of Tim Dorsey's novel, Electric Barracuda. Serge has an idea - a tourist romp through Florida as a fugitive. a In the process of "researching" for his website, he finds himself along with his sidekick, Coleman, truly on the
A fun and hilarious book which, it turns out, is part of a long running series. Who knew? Well, many people did except for me. This is the first book I have read- number 13 in the Serge A. Storms series- and I am surprised I hadn't heard of them before now. Having not read the previous books I was not as familiar with the characters as I should be. The story revolves around Serge and Coleman and knowing them would help immensely in understanding them, their relationship and appeal, as well as the detectives chasing them.
Having said that, I still really enjoyed this tour of Florida through the characters' criminal eyes and I look forward to getting my hands on books 1-12. Here is the list of books for everyone else interested in reading this fun series:
Florida Roadkill
Hammerhead Ranch Motel
Orange Crush
Triggerfish Twist
The Stingray Shuffle
Cadillac Beach
Torpedo Juice
The Big Bamboo
Hurricane Punch
Atomic Lobster
Nuclear Jellyfish
Gator A-Go-Go
Electric Barracuda
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run as Mahoney and some other bumbling detectives try to catch him. A fun and hilarious book which, it turns out, is part of a long running series. Who knew? Well, many people did except for me. This is the first book I have read- number 13 in the Serge A. Storms series- and I am surprised I hadn't heard of them before now. Having not read the previous books I was not as familiar with the characters as I should be. The story revolves around Serge and Coleman and knowing them would help immensely in understanding them, their relationship and appeal, as well as the detectives chasing them.
Having said that, I still really enjoyed this tour of Florida through the characters' criminal eyes and I look forward to getting my hands on books 1-12. Here is the list of books for everyone else interested in reading this fun series:
Florida Roadkill
Hammerhead Ranch Motel
Orange Crush
Triggerfish Twist
The Stingray Shuffle
Cadillac Beach
Torpedo Juice
The Big Bamboo
Hurricane Punch
Atomic Lobster
Nuclear Jellyfish
Gator A-Go-Go
Electric Barracuda
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LibraryThing member mzkat
The West may have their mavericks and lone rangers, but Florida has Serge Storm. This is the 13th novel describing serial killer/vigilante Serge’s escapades and hijinks. Calling his deadly deeds hijinks indicates this is not Thomas Harris or Patricia Highsmith territory with a nasty and insane
Serge, accompanied by his wigged out and faithful sidekick, Coleman, races around the backroads and backwoods of Florida to gather material for Serge’s online “fugitive tour” of the state. That story is merely the infrastructure to support the other wacky tale involving Serge’s mobster family connection to Al Capone and his rumored treasure trove hidden in the Everglades. Serge’s meandering across the state is tracked down by the cops and the obsessed detective, who speaks his own vernacular and, like Serge, marches to his own drummer. It’s fair to say almost all the characters march to their own drummer.
Throw in living off the grid Everglades style, gator holes, a dirty lawyer, fatherhood, and lots of Florida history and lore, and you have a veritable gumbo of misadventures. Dorsey’s Florida references add to the treat and will make some readers immediately want to take to the road themselves and reexperience some, though not all, of Serge’s Everglades travels. But that sensation fades quickly and is replaced by a desire to read more Serge tales.
It’s sort of a road tale done with that special Floridian flourish. Comparisons to the keystone cops are apt. Not having read any of the others in the Serge oeuvre, it is difficult to say if this is one of the best among them. Was I entertained? You bet!
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stone cold killer. Yes, Serge does have a tendency toward deadly deeds, but he leans toward the creative side of murder and a desire to set his moral universe in order. His joie de vivre leads to madcap mayhem; how can you not love a guy like that despite the bodies. Serge, accompanied by his wigged out and faithful sidekick, Coleman, races around the backroads and backwoods of Florida to gather material for Serge’s online “fugitive tour” of the state. That story is merely the infrastructure to support the other wacky tale involving Serge’s mobster family connection to Al Capone and his rumored treasure trove hidden in the Everglades. Serge’s meandering across the state is tracked down by the cops and the obsessed detective, who speaks his own vernacular and, like Serge, marches to his own drummer. It’s fair to say almost all the characters march to their own drummer.
Throw in living off the grid Everglades style, gator holes, a dirty lawyer, fatherhood, and lots of Florida history and lore, and you have a veritable gumbo of misadventures. Dorsey’s Florida references add to the treat and will make some readers immediately want to take to the road themselves and reexperience some, though not all, of Serge’s Everglades travels. But that sensation fades quickly and is replaced by a desire to read more Serge tales.
It’s sort of a road tale done with that special Floridian flourish. Comparisons to the keystone cops are apt. Not having read any of the others in the Serge oeuvre, it is difficult to say if this is one of the best among them. Was I entertained? You bet!
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LibraryThing member ccourtland
Imagine a mash-up of MTV's iconic Beavis and Butthead meets gumshoe noir on a crazy trip through the set of Miami Vice (the Everglade years). This is one badass, non-stop thrill ride that will have you zigzagging all over the state of Florida. Who else can master dark comedy, crime thriller and
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state history better than Tim Dorsey? Electric Barracuda is a shining example of classic absurdist fiction. It focuses on the experiences of characters and their seemingly meaningless actions and events. By making use of dark humor, abasement of reason and bizarre philosophy, Dorsey opens a peep hole into American culture. The characters are amusing, fully-developed, inventive and most of all, the events are a fast-paced blast that will have the reader laughing until they weep (and then questioning whether the author was sober at any stage of the writing process). Of course, in this case, it's a good thing. An untamed ride ensues mingling past and present, which are in continual conflict. This instigates an appeal to the nature vs. nurture theory (I'll let readers chew on that for a while). To say this is just a satire is too simplistic and would be a crime against literature and possibly a felony against humanity. Did I go too far? True of most absurdist fiction, Electric Barracuda is deeply thematic and creatively communicative. The moral is not explicit and allows the reader to reflect and come to their own conclusion. The world is a dirty, gritty place and doing something wrong for the right reasons is so very forgivable and enduring. Tim Dorsey has earned his way onto my fan shelf. I'll be reading more twisted tales by this author soon. Show Less
LibraryThing member dirac
If you are a fan of Serge you will undoubtedly like this book. If you do not like Serge and Coleman, what are you doing reading this far into the series? The book has twists and turns and a major plot/story development as the future of Serge may never be the same.
LibraryThing member rachelle-a-tron
Tim Dorsey can do no wrong. He is a genius with a pen. Serge & Coleman are as wild & crazy as ever & I can NOT wait for the next installment. Thank you Mr. Dorsey!
LibraryThing member irishpappy
Laugh out Loud from the first page. If you are from Central Florida you will understand many of the situations.
LibraryThing member DuffDaddy
As usual, Dorsey does not dissappoint. The crazy antics of Serge and Coleman make me proud (and a little scared) to be a Floridian. The manic energy and frantic pace of the book makes it difficult to put down. Whether you start at the beginning of the series with Florida Roadkill, or pick up the
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story in this outing, you'll be glad you did. Show Less
LibraryThing member clayhollow
This is Tim Dorsey's 13th book starring the ever practical yet psycho Florida fugitive, Serge Storms. This time Serge takes on us on a fun and frolicking "fugitive tour" of Florida. He keeps a blog and of course he has his faithful, yet stoned sidekick Coleman by his side every step of the way.
Serge is, as usual, being hunted by Federal agents, a bounty hunter, a whole caravan of characters, and his ex-wife in a Turquoise colored T-bird. We take a trip throughout the sunshine state to see the back streets and "under belly" of Florida including The Everglades, Orlando, Venice, Myakka River, Tampa, and so on.
Besides the "fugitive tour", Serge has a mission this time to help his Grandfather's old gang on the Loop Road to recover funds stolen by a shady lawyer. Will Serge complete his mission? Will the trackers catch up to him this time? Will Agent Mahoney, his nemesis, track him down? Go get this fun, laugh out loud, comedy and found out for yourself.
I can't help but wonder who would play Serge and Coleman in a movie? Or Agent Mahoney? I think it would a great movie!
Tim Dorsey is an ex-writer for the Tampa Tribune. Electric Barracuda was published in 2011 by William Morrow.
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Serge is, as usual, being hunted by Federal agents, a bounty hunter, a whole caravan of characters, and his ex-wife in a Turquoise colored T-bird. We take a trip throughout the sunshine state to see the back streets and "under belly" of Florida including The Everglades, Orlando, Venice, Myakka River, Tampa, and so on.
Besides the "fugitive tour", Serge has a mission this time to help his Grandfather's old gang on the Loop Road to recover funds stolen by a shady lawyer. Will Serge complete his mission? Will the trackers catch up to him this time? Will Agent Mahoney, his nemesis, track him down? Go get this fun, laugh out loud, comedy and found out for yourself.
I can't help but wonder who would play Serge and Coleman in a movie? Or Agent Mahoney? I think it would a great movie!
Tim Dorsey is an ex-writer for the Tampa Tribune. Electric Barracuda was published in 2011 by William Morrow.
Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011-01-25
Physical description
384 p.; 5.31 inches
ISBN
0061876917 / 9780061876912