TIM DORSEY: GATOR A-GO-GO

November, 2012

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Born January 25, 1961, in IN; married; children: two daughters. Education: Auburn University, B.S., 1983. Addresses: Home: Tampa, FL. E-mail: tad2561@yahoo.com.

Writer and novelist Tim Dorsey worked as a reporter, editor, and news coordinator before becoming a full-time author. His novels are set in Florida, where he resides.

Dorsey's debut novel, Florida Roadkill tells the story of two con men: Serge Storms, a serial killer, and his perpetually drunk, stoned, or chemically addled sidekick, Coleman. The two are not averse to committing murder and mayhem, but in Dorsey's hands, they are curiously likable characters all the same--Serge, after all, only kills those who deserve it.

Gator a-go-go ( 2010):  When vengeful drug dealers and federal agents go after an innocent college student, Andy McKenna, who's come to enjoy Florida's Panama City Beach, Serge becomes Andy's protector. Along the way, Serge delivers rough justice in inventive and bizarre fashion to a mugger, a rude driver, and various others guilty of minor infractions.                   (Series: Serge Storms novels, 12)

WRITINGS:

• When Elves Attack: A Joyous Christmas Greeting from the Criminal Nutbars of the Sunshine State (novel), William Morrow (New York, NY), 2011.

"SERGE STORMS" SERIES

• Florida Roadkill, 1999.
• Hammerhead Ranch Motel, 2000.
• Orange Crush, 2001.
• Triggerfish Twist, 2002.
• The Stingray Shuffle, 2003.
• Cadillac Beach, 2004.
• Torpedo Juice, 2005.
• The Big Bamboo, 2006.
• Hurricane Punch, 2007.
• Atomic Lobster, 2008.
• Nuclear Jellyfish, 2009.
• Gator A-Go-Go, 2010.
• Electric Barracuda, 2011.
• Pineapple Grenade: A Novel, 2012.

Series read alikes

Hap Collins and Leonard Pine novels  by Lansdale, Joe R.

Reason:  The Hap Collins and Leonard Pine series and Serge Storms novels feature idiosyncratic characters who are smart-mouthed, violent, and always in trouble with their schemes. The stories are fast-paced, gritty, and darkly humorous and show the dark underbelly of Texas and Florida.

Travis McGee novels MacDonald, John D. (John Dann),

Reason:  Travis McGee was the first of the Floridian adventurers; though a much more introspective character than the manic, obsessive, and creatively homicidal Serge Storms, both independent operators unleash powerful justice when provoked.

Author read alikes

Lindsay, Jeffry P.

Reason:  Tim Dorsey's novels featuring the serial killer Serge Storms are like those of Jeffrey P. Lindsay as Storms, like Lindsay's Dexter Morgan, conducts an apparently normal life which hides the fact that he is a serial killer with a sense of ethics.

Barry, Dave

Reason:  Readers will enjoy the two authors' outlandish and funny thrillers/mysteries set in Florida.

Hiaasen, Carl

Reason:  Readers who enjoy Tim Dorsey's hysterical noir thrillers will appreciate Carl Hiaasen's edgy intensity. Though not quite to the manic level of Dorsey's writing, Hiaasen's satiric thrillers combine bizarre characters, madcap antics, caustic wit, and vivid depictions of Florida's sultry nature debased by human greed.

Forman, Steven M.

Reason:  Steven Forman and Tim Dorsey write mysteries set in Florida that feature irreverent humor, zany characters, and complex plotting. These funny mysteries are fast paced page turners with very likeable characters who are always in trouble.

Kelby, N. M. (Nicole M.)

Reason:  N. M. Kelby and Tim Dorsey write funny crime-caper mysteries set in Florida. The goofy characters are always getting themselves into trouble but nothing turns out as expected. The fast paced and humorous stories are complicated with loads of twists and turns. The humor is fast and and totally crazy.

(Or, why dead people show up in later books.)  Although the timeline of the books is non-chronological, they are meant to be read that way (in publication order). The lists below are provided in case you started in the middle and wanted to know where you were.

Publication order (with publication dates) Florida Roadkill (1999), Hammerhead Ranch Motel (2000), Orange Crush (2001), Triggerfish Twist (2002), The Stingray Shuffle (2003), Cadillac Beach (2004), Torpedo Juice (2005), The Big Bamboo (2006), Hurricane Punch (2007), Atomic Lobster (2008), Nuclear Jellyfish (2009), Gator A-Go-Go (2010), Electric Barracuda(2011), When Elves Attack (2011), Pineapple Grenade (2012)

Chronological order (linear story order) Triggerfish Twist, Florida Roadkill, Hammerhead Ranch Motel, The Stingray Shuffle, Orange Crush, Cadillac Beach, Torpedo Juice, The Big Bamboo, Hurricane Punch, Atomic Lobster, Nuclear Jellyfish, Gator A-Go-Go, Electric Barracuda, When Elves Attack, Pineapple Grenade

Website:  www.timdorsey.com

fun and colorful website.... includes downloads of e-books, tour schedule, lots of pictures...