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Serge Storms #10
Atomic Lobster
Why is everyone rushing to flee Tampa on a cruise ship to hell?Serge is back with a bullet, torn between homicide and souvenirs. So is Coleman, torn between getting hammered and getting more hammered. Then there's good ol' Jim Davenport, the E-Team, the Diaz Brothers, and Johnny Vegas, the Accidental Virgin, cranking up the fevered action as the pot boils over on a street called Lobster Lane.
It's reunion time in the Sunshine State, and we're not just talking the family jamboree of that blood-soaked criminal clan, the McGraws, whose nastiest, meanest member is finally released from prison and heads south bent on revenge. On top of it all, the government is covering up a growing list of mysterious victims across Florida who may or may not be connected to a nefarious plot being hatched against national security.
But wait! There's more on the horizon! Who is the oddly familiar femme fatale named Rachael? Is Serge wrong that guns, drugs, and strippers don't mix? What sets the Non-Confrontationalists off on a rampage? What finally brings Coleman and Lenny together? Will they succeed in building the biggest bong ever? And can Serge surf a rogue wave to victory?
So batten the hatches, don the life jackets, and take cover as all these questions and more are answered in the latest adventure from the acclaimed author of Hurricane Punch.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 22, 2008
183 people are currently reading
1393 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 270 reviews
June 17, 2025
2025 Review
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Boy, was I surprised when I added this to my "currently reading" list and found that it was already there, complete with a review from 9 years ago. Since I'm reading the Dorsey books in order now, I decided to re-read it, and since I had zero recall of it, I enjoyed it as if for the first time. I thought it was one of the better ones in the series, and upped my rating to 5 stars.
A few additional thoughts: There are many similarities with this one and another of my favorites, When Elves Attack. Both have Jim and Martha Davenport (and again, various criminal factions want to kill Jim for different, insane reasons); Johnny Vegas, the handsome involuntary virgin; the old ladies from the G-unit; and the "confrontation avoidance" group that Serge takes over with hilarious results.
The first time around, I wasn't aware of the Coleman/Lenny conundrum: Dorsey killed off Coleman in the first book, introduced the almost identical character of Lenny in a few of the subsequent books, and then resurrected Coleman. I guess, like me, Dorsey considered this a loose end, so in Atomic Lobster we get the bizarre collision of words: Lenny and Coleman occupying the same space. At an ill-fated house party, the meeting of these two minds resulted in the construction of the world's biggest bong. Then Lenny slipped back to oblivion. I doubt we'll hear from him again.
The one thing I didn't like was the big twist at the end which was surprising but made absolutely no sense: (Spoiler) I'm actually surprised I didn't remember that detail, because it was a whopper.
2016 Review
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I've read a bunch of these "Serge Storms" novels by Dorsey, and they never fail to entertain. I am in awe of a mind that can come up with so many threads of absurd lunacy, keep them all straight, and tie them together at the end. I won't even try to summarize the plot, but this one involves a cruise ship, smuggling, mistaken identity, covert ops and of course, murder and mayhem as Serge and his sidekick invade an upscale Florida community posing as house sitters.
My only quibble is that Serge, a cheerful serial killer, murders someone who he was close to. (His usual MO is to kill deserving low-lifes in creative and gruesome ways.) That shocked me and kind of threw off the generally giddy vibe of the book, and this character, for me.
----------------------
Boy, was I surprised when I added this to my "currently reading" list and found that it was already there, complete with a review from 9 years ago. Since I'm reading the Dorsey books in order now, I decided to re-read it, and since I had zero recall of it, I enjoyed it as if for the first time. I thought it was one of the better ones in the series, and upped my rating to 5 stars.
A few additional thoughts: There are many similarities with this one and another of my favorites, When Elves Attack. Both have Jim and Martha Davenport (and again, various criminal factions want to kill Jim for different, insane reasons); Johnny Vegas, the handsome involuntary virgin; the old ladies from the G-unit; and the "confrontation avoidance" group that Serge takes over with hilarious results.
The first time around, I wasn't aware of the Coleman/Lenny conundrum: Dorsey killed off Coleman in the first book, introduced the almost identical character of Lenny in a few of the subsequent books, and then resurrected Coleman. I guess, like me, Dorsey considered this a loose end, so in Atomic Lobster we get the bizarre collision of words: Lenny and Coleman occupying the same space. At an ill-fated house party, the meeting of these two minds resulted in the construction of the world's biggest bong. Then Lenny slipped back to oblivion. I doubt we'll hear from him again.
The one thing I didn't like was the big twist at the end which was surprising but made absolutely no sense: (Spoiler) I'm actually surprised I didn't remember that detail, because it was a whopper.
2016 Review
-----------------------
I've read a bunch of these "Serge Storms" novels by Dorsey, and they never fail to entertain. I am in awe of a mind that can come up with so many threads of absurd lunacy, keep them all straight, and tie them together at the end. I won't even try to summarize the plot, but this one involves a cruise ship, smuggling, mistaken identity, covert ops and of course, murder and mayhem as Serge and his sidekick invade an upscale Florida community posing as house sitters.
My only quibble is that Serge, a cheerful serial killer, murders someone who he was close to. (His usual MO is to kill deserving low-lifes in creative and gruesome ways.) That shocked me and kind of threw off the generally giddy vibe of the book, and this character, for me.
August 25, 2008
If you've read Tim Dorsey, you know what to expect: black comedy thrown in your face at a manic pace, an unrelenting joyride so fast and furious that it almost makes reading an aerobic exercise. Like the venerable Carl Hiaasen, Dorsey taps into Florida's seemingly endless source of material provided by its wacky residents and sordid history, an embarrassment of riches in the outlandish and the unthinkable that is uniquely the Sunshine State. And like Hiaasen, Dorsey is passionately protective of Florida's natural beauty and heritage, a fierce preservationist you uses cynical humor to attack the developers and other despoilers of Florida landscape and culture. But compared to Dorsey's amphetamine-like rush, colored with violence so creative one nearly forgets the brutality, Hiaasen's clever prose and well crafted characters lose color.
Back with a vengeance - literally - is Serge Storms, and predictably, sex, murder, drugs, more murder, more sex, and history - the usual Dorsey fare. In Serge, Dorsey has concocted one of the most lovably bizarre characters of pop fiction, the serial killer with an encyclopedic knowledge of all-things-Florida and a refreshingly black-and-white sense of frontier justice that he delivers without hesitation and without remorse. Coleman, his loyal and in his perpetual drug and alcohol induced coma is back as well, providing an extra dose of comic relief - as if more was needed - as well as contrast to Serge's drug and alcohol free regimen. Not that plot matters much to Dorsey - or his readers - but "Atomic Lobster" mostly picks up where "Triggerfish Twist" left off, with the despicably dangerous Tex McGraw out of jail and Hell-bent for revenge on the docile Jim Davenport and his family. But what follows is not all "decapitation-by-train" or "bobbing-for-fried-catfish-in-boiling-oil" depravity. Dorsey has a keen and insightful understanding of American culture - from cruise ships to the NFL to drug smuggling - as well as the human soul - both peaks and depths - and has an unparalleled knack of capturing these wildly diverse topics in prose that is zany, entertaining, outrageous, and, paradoxically meaningful. Like the best stand up comics, Dorsey knows it's all about timing, and uses bits of nonlinearity and a keen sense of pace in delivering his screwball goods. If you've never had the pleasure of a Tim Dorsey novel, this is probably not the best place to start - "Hammerhead Ranch Motel" is as good as any for some indoctrination.
In short, don't let the frantic antics of Serge and the strong cast of supporting actors camouflage Dorsey's genius: this is pop fiction as good as it gets, a not-too-destructive addiction that will have you laughing out loud while not being able to turn the pages fast enough.
Back with a vengeance - literally - is Serge Storms, and predictably, sex, murder, drugs, more murder, more sex, and history - the usual Dorsey fare. In Serge, Dorsey has concocted one of the most lovably bizarre characters of pop fiction, the serial killer with an encyclopedic knowledge of all-things-Florida and a refreshingly black-and-white sense of frontier justice that he delivers without hesitation and without remorse. Coleman, his loyal and in his perpetual drug and alcohol induced coma is back as well, providing an extra dose of comic relief - as if more was needed - as well as contrast to Serge's drug and alcohol free regimen. Not that plot matters much to Dorsey - or his readers - but "Atomic Lobster" mostly picks up where "Triggerfish Twist" left off, with the despicably dangerous Tex McGraw out of jail and Hell-bent for revenge on the docile Jim Davenport and his family. But what follows is not all "decapitation-by-train" or "bobbing-for-fried-catfish-in-boiling-oil" depravity. Dorsey has a keen and insightful understanding of American culture - from cruise ships to the NFL to drug smuggling - as well as the human soul - both peaks and depths - and has an unparalleled knack of capturing these wildly diverse topics in prose that is zany, entertaining, outrageous, and, paradoxically meaningful. Like the best stand up comics, Dorsey knows it's all about timing, and uses bits of nonlinearity and a keen sense of pace in delivering his screwball goods. If you've never had the pleasure of a Tim Dorsey novel, this is probably not the best place to start - "Hammerhead Ranch Motel" is as good as any for some indoctrination.
In short, don't let the frantic antics of Serge and the strong cast of supporting actors camouflage Dorsey's genius: this is pop fiction as good as it gets, a not-too-destructive addiction that will have you laughing out loud while not being able to turn the pages fast enough.
March 15, 2020
Another "Black-Humor" adventure with our favorite serial murderer, Serge Storms, and his faithful "stoned" Tonto, Coleman tackling certain aspects of Florida culture...In this one it's the cruise industry, red-neck crime families, Latin hoods and the single-family home real estate industry...all are targets of Dorsey's wicked hyperbole....again, it's Carl Hiaasen meets Elmore Leonard, meets Hunter S. Thompson...Great Stuff!!!
April 27, 2016
There are some hilarious moments as usual for a Tim Dorsey novel. However, there are also disjointed and seemingly out of place portions as well. 6 of 10 stars
July 15, 2018
So dark so funny......gotta love Serge!
October 14, 2011
"This is the tenth book by Dorsey and in a way this is also the reunion book by him as well for it seems everyone is coming back in this novel. City and Country, Chi Chi, Johnny Vegas, the Russian Cartel along with ""El Grande"", Lenny Lipowicz, a new hooker/stripper girl named Rachel who happens to be Sharone's sister, the entire McGraw criminal clan, and of course Jim Davenport and his wife. Everyone seems to be showing up for the reunion all on a cruise liner.
Now this novel surpassed anything I thought it would surpass because it is a reunion novel with so many different characters coming back. Coleman and Lenny working together to make the world's biggest bong was awesome! Not to mention the fact the Jim Davenport - famous for killing members of the McGraw criminal clan back in Triggerfish Twist, even though accidental - is back and the entire criminal clan is after him but mostly their most dangerous member who I am sure you know succombs to Davenport in some special way.
All in all, a very excellent novel and I could tell Dorsey went all out because this as a reunion novel with so many different characters. This also answered what happened to Lenny Lipowicz and Sharone Rhodes since they seemed to disappear throughout the storyline. Always a gurantee when Dorsey writes that the novel will be good."
Now this novel surpassed anything I thought it would surpass because it is a reunion novel with so many different characters coming back. Coleman and Lenny working together to make the world's biggest bong was awesome! Not to mention the fact the Jim Davenport - famous for killing members of the McGraw criminal clan back in Triggerfish Twist, even though accidental - is back and the entire criminal clan is after him but mostly their most dangerous member who I am sure you know succombs to Davenport in some special way.
All in all, a very excellent novel and I could tell Dorsey went all out because this as a reunion novel with so many different characters. This also answered what happened to Lenny Lipowicz and Sharone Rhodes since they seemed to disappear throughout the storyline. Always a gurantee when Dorsey writes that the novel will be good."
November 10, 2021
Usually a Tim Dorsey novel is a whirlwind tour through the madness and mojo of the Sunshine State with our tour guide, Florida-obsessed "sequential" killer Serge Storms. This book is no exception -- at one point, Serge and his perpetually stoned buddy Coleman, hired to house sit, burn it down instead -- but Dorsey fumbles the ball bigtime in the climax of the book.
This one begins with a quartet of elderly ladies who call themselves "The G-Unit" explaining how they got their 15 minutes of fame -- a first-person device that is dropped almost immediately, never to return -- then segues to Serge adapting Johnny Cash's song "I've Been Everywhere" to accommodate Florida place names.
The plot, a shaggy dog story if ever I saw one, is about Serge's efforts to protect bland neighbor Jim Davenport and his wife Martha from a lunatic killer who's much meaner and crazier than Serge is. Along the way we dip into drug smuggling, artifact smuggling, terrorism, football hero worship, bum fight videos, support groups, and how it's cheaper for the elderly to live aboard a cruise ship than to stay in a nursing home.
Along the way various bad dudes meet their fate via Serge's Rube Goldberg devices, such as decapitation by train and electrocution via bumper car. Serge also, in one memorable scene, tracks down the location of a door from Jim Morrison's former home, then has sex on top of it -- all while collecting paint samples.
A lot of your enjoyment of this outrageous book will hinge on whether you have read previous installments of this series and recognize characters who are returning -- the Davenports, the Diaz brothers, Johnny Vegas the Accidental Virgin, Tex McGraw etc. Even if you don't know them, though, you recognize their place in the story and can enjoy it that way.
What I did not enjoy was how Serge repeatedly wrestles with a female character who is like a more attractive version of Coleman, argues with her, has sex with her repeatedly (at one point while he wears a Batman mask and she wears a Catwoman mask) -- and then, toward the end, offs her in a fairly graphic scene. Maybe Dorsey needed to eliminate the character for his ending, but I wish he had found another way. Violence against women, depicted so vividly, just isn't funny and it left a really bad taste in my mouth.
This one begins with a quartet of elderly ladies who call themselves "The G-Unit" explaining how they got their 15 minutes of fame -- a first-person device that is dropped almost immediately, never to return -- then segues to Serge adapting Johnny Cash's song "I've Been Everywhere" to accommodate Florida place names.
The plot, a shaggy dog story if ever I saw one, is about Serge's efforts to protect bland neighbor Jim Davenport and his wife Martha from a lunatic killer who's much meaner and crazier than Serge is. Along the way we dip into drug smuggling, artifact smuggling, terrorism, football hero worship, bum fight videos, support groups, and how it's cheaper for the elderly to live aboard a cruise ship than to stay in a nursing home.
Along the way various bad dudes meet their fate via Serge's Rube Goldberg devices, such as decapitation by train and electrocution via bumper car. Serge also, in one memorable scene, tracks down the location of a door from Jim Morrison's former home, then has sex on top of it -- all while collecting paint samples.
A lot of your enjoyment of this outrageous book will hinge on whether you have read previous installments of this series and recognize characters who are returning -- the Davenports, the Diaz brothers, Johnny Vegas the Accidental Virgin, Tex McGraw etc. Even if you don't know them, though, you recognize their place in the story and can enjoy it that way.
What I did not enjoy was how Serge repeatedly wrestles with a female character who is like a more attractive version of Coleman, argues with her, has sex with her repeatedly (at one point while he wears a Batman mask and she wears a Catwoman mask) -- and then, toward the end, offs her in a fairly graphic scene. Maybe Dorsey needed to eliminate the character for his ending, but I wish he had found another way. Violence against women, depicted so vividly, just isn't funny and it left a really bad taste in my mouth.
January 30, 2011
This is Tim Dorsey's tenth novel featuring Serge A. Stroms and his pal, Coleman. I honestly can't wait until his eleventh will be released.
Serge and Coleman are again touring Florida and its places of interest. They are causing havoc in Tarpon Springs, on Devil's Island, and on the cruise ship SS Serendipity. Serge is protecting a friend from a sadistic killer, trying to keep his daughter from marrying the wrong man, and trying to keep Coleman and a spaced out stripper in line.
If this isn't enough there are four white robed men and four Spanish men trying to smuggle something into the country with the aid of four elderly women. The FBI has agent Foxtrot assigned to the case, but no one knows who agent Foxtrot is.
Serge must also content with an ex Pittsburgh Steelers player and a carload of Steeler fans that are traveling to Florida to right a wrong.
Serge is also attending a support class for his anger, and winds up getting the entire class involved in his escapades.
All of this is just an everyday occurrance for Serge and Coleman.
Serge and Coleman are again touring Florida and its places of interest. They are causing havoc in Tarpon Springs, on Devil's Island, and on the cruise ship SS Serendipity. Serge is protecting a friend from a sadistic killer, trying to keep his daughter from marrying the wrong man, and trying to keep Coleman and a spaced out stripper in line.
If this isn't enough there are four white robed men and four Spanish men trying to smuggle something into the country with the aid of four elderly women. The FBI has agent Foxtrot assigned to the case, but no one knows who agent Foxtrot is.
Serge must also content with an ex Pittsburgh Steelers player and a carload of Steeler fans that are traveling to Florida to right a wrong.
Serge is also attending a support class for his anger, and winds up getting the entire class involved in his escapades.
All of this is just an everyday occurrance for Serge and Coleman.
September 16, 2015
Another absolutely amazing Serge Storms Adventure, loved it!!!! I am looking forward to meeting Tim Dorsey!
August 27, 2018
Entertaining, but as usual, the humor and plot of this story are waaaay over the top. And very dark. I prefer the slightly less convoluted and far less perverse tales about Florida by Carl Hiaasen, but a friend really likes these and I will occasionally give Mr. Dorsey's tales another chance.
If nothing else, it's a fun bit of brain candy. Perfect for some end-of-summer relaxation at the lake.
If nothing else, it's a fun bit of brain candy. Perfect for some end-of-summer relaxation at the lake.
did-not-finish
March 2, 2015I'm moving this one to my episodically-reading category. Translation: I'm putting it aside for now and may come back to it later. Or not.
I got about a third of the way through Atomic Lobster. Up to that point there didn't seem to be a plot, just a collection of short (2-3 pages each) vignettes about different characters. I could see that at some point the characters would converge, but I still couldn't detect a plot. As for the characters, while most are believable, I couldn't buy Serge and Coleman ... Serge in particular was simply unbelievable, by which I mean no one could live as he does for more than a week or so, at which point he'd be arrested, beaten up, shot, or so broke and hungry he'd be lining up at a Salvation Army shelter. As gritty as the background was ... Florida in all its Hiaasen-style weirdness ... without a credible main character or any apparent plot Dorsey's novel seemed merely a sort of mental jacking off.
I'm aware that many readers love Dorsey's Florida novels. I started reading Dorsey because a well-read friend recommended him. That's why I say I may come back to this one, just to be fair. But right now I'm itching for a Florida novel with a moral core and an old-fashioned story. Maybe it's time to pick up John D. MacDonald again.
I got about a third of the way through Atomic Lobster. Up to that point there didn't seem to be a plot, just a collection of short (2-3 pages each) vignettes about different characters. I could see that at some point the characters would converge, but I still couldn't detect a plot. As for the characters, while most are believable, I couldn't buy Serge and Coleman ... Serge in particular was simply unbelievable, by which I mean no one could live as he does for more than a week or so, at which point he'd be arrested, beaten up, shot, or so broke and hungry he'd be lining up at a Salvation Army shelter. As gritty as the background was ... Florida in all its Hiaasen-style weirdness ... without a credible main character or any apparent plot Dorsey's novel seemed merely a sort of mental jacking off.
I'm aware that many readers love Dorsey's Florida novels. I started reading Dorsey because a well-read friend recommended him. That's why I say I may come back to this one, just to be fair. But right now I'm itching for a Florida novel with a moral core and an old-fashioned story. Maybe it's time to pick up John D. MacDonald again.
March 22, 2015
Well here we are again, cruising along through Florida's rapidly vanishing historic sites, with Serge Storms and a cast of thousands of zany, improbable Floridians. His buddy Coleman is along for the ride, ever vigilant in pursuit of that which can be snorted, chugged or smoked. We have a repeat performance of the self-effacing, amiable Jim Davenport, trying desperately to avoid Serge's gestures of friendship, which thus far have gotten him mugged, beaten, robbed, held at gunpoint and in big trouble with his wife. The E-team, a quartet of nonagenerian cruisers named Edna, Eunice, Edith and Ethel are ballroom dancing, snacking and smuggling, not to mention backseat driving. It's an unrelenting, snort your soft drink up your nose laugh fest. I can't begin to describe the plot twists, but you'll need to hold tight to your seat. Dorsey never fails me. He provides regular big fat belly laughs, so what's not to like?
November 4, 2016
I thought ‘Hurricane Punch’ was blown a little off course but this book is another strong showing. The story reintroduces Jim Davenport and the E-Team (now G-unit) along with the rest of the gang! If you’re looking for a well written, fun and ridiculous story which keeps the action coming from start to finish, put on your lobster bib and get some crackers ready because ‘Atomic Lobster’ is ready for you!
October 6, 2017
Not sure when I read this one, but I know that I read it since I have been on Goodreads. I am trying to catch up on this series, a new one comes out in January.
August 5, 2019
Funny, classic Dorsey, one of the better ones IMO.
November 13, 2025
The bewildering experience of reading Dorsey's frantic novels is, admittedly, partially my fault for sampling a couple of them out of series order, but I'm not sure how much that additional context would help. Our hero is a manic serial killer bouncing like a pinball through the garish, technicolor, Florida landscape in a series of mishaps and misadventures. Serge Storms is beyond understanding and the process of oscillating from his comic antics to his disturbing kills is enough to make anyone queasy. The formula shouldn't work, but he somehow emerges from the narrative unscathed: still darkly fascinating as either the thinnest or one of the most complex characters to lead a long-running series like this.
Serge isn't the only ne'er-do-well populating the landscape. This book features a veritable interdimensional cable channel's worth of surreal and hyperreal misfits. It must be read to be believed, honestly. Perhaps I should start from the beginning and give these a proper go of it.
Serge isn't the only ne'er-do-well populating the landscape. This book features a veritable interdimensional cable channel's worth of surreal and hyperreal misfits. It must be read to be believed, honestly. Perhaps I should start from the beginning and give these a proper go of it.
June 23, 2019
Good, but I don't think his strongest. Maybe it seemed to be all over the place. Similar joke repeated too often. But I still liked it, and I loved that I knew most of the references, since I was raised in Tampa. That always makes a book fun for me. And I still love that demented madman, Serge. This series is definitely not for everyone, but if you are a little strange and love to laugh, even if some of the material is over the top, seixst, and violent, well you should give them a try.
July 31, 2020
A fun book and a nice break from some heavier reading lately. Serge is in rare form and the cast from Triggerfish Twist is back for a new set of adventures. Serge leads the Nonconfrontalists support group on some unique field trips, while the E group is back, living on cruise ships. Oh yeah, Serge house sits-spoiler alert- it doesn't end well.
March 25, 2020
Reminiscent of Hiaasen and Florida schenanigans. Very entertaining
April 29, 2024
A bit of sex, drugs and murder….the book was a page turner. It included a group of women retirees who were quite funny.
I liked the multiple lives colliding into each other.
I liked the multiple lives colliding into each other.
June 10, 2025
Atomic Lobster. Tim Dorsey. William Morrow, 2008. 352 pages. book 10 of 26 in Serge Storms series.
Atomic Lobster is the 10th entry in the Serge Storms series, and it's a doozy. It feels like almost every character from the first nine books makes an appearance and is somehow involved in the crazy and chaotic conclusion, set aboard a cruise ship. Drug smugglers, terrorists, little old ladies, retired football superstar, ex-mobsters in witness protection, secret agents, a family of killers out for revenge, and even Serge's pre-Coleman traveling buddy, Lenny --- they're all here. Throw in a drug-crazed prostitute and a clowns versus mimes fight club, and you've got a typically screwy Serge adventure. Along the way, of course, the reader learns about the annual Epiphany dive for the holy cross that takes place in Tarpon Springs and other unique aspects of Florida history. This book did read a little differently for me in one way though. I don't know if Dorsey was going through anything in particular when he wrote this one, but I think there is more sex and really graphic violence in this one than in the other Serge titles that I've read.
Atomic Lobster is the 10th entry in the Serge Storms series, and it's a doozy. It feels like almost every character from the first nine books makes an appearance and is somehow involved in the crazy and chaotic conclusion, set aboard a cruise ship. Drug smugglers, terrorists, little old ladies, retired football superstar, ex-mobsters in witness protection, secret agents, a family of killers out for revenge, and even Serge's pre-Coleman traveling buddy, Lenny --- they're all here. Throw in a drug-crazed prostitute and a clowns versus mimes fight club, and you've got a typically screwy Serge adventure. Along the way, of course, the reader learns about the annual Epiphany dive for the holy cross that takes place in Tarpon Springs and other unique aspects of Florida history. This book did read a little differently for me in one way though. I don't know if Dorsey was going through anything in particular when he wrote this one, but I think there is more sex and really graphic violence in this one than in the other Serge titles that I've read.
August 9, 2011
After two less than hilarious books, Tim Dorsey has once again woven a gut-busting Serge and Coleman adventure with a purpose. This one is a little slow out of the gate, taking its time setting the stage and borrowing heavily from past successes before becoming laugh-out-loud funny on nearly every page. Serge and Coleman set up digs in a rundown hotel while Serge is laying low. Meanwhile, Jim Davenport from Triggerfish Twist is still having issues with assertiveness. His wife Martha makes him start attending a nonconfrontationalist support group, where he meets up with Serge, whose psychiatrist suggested he start attending such meetings after beating up everyone in the anger management group for being rude. Jim is less than enthusiastic about their reunion, but Serge renews his vow to keep Jim safe from harm, particularly as mass murderer Tex McGraw is now on the loose and coming after Jim. First, Serge leads the nonconfrontationalists on an unauthorized field trip to visit some shady movers who took advantage of the Davenports—wearing Seven Dwarves masks.
At the same time, a group of old ladies discovers the joys and financial benefits of cruises, inadvertently becoming targeted by smugglers, while Jim settles into his new neighborhood filled with football stars and beautiful people. Serge, after accidentally upsetting Martha, decides to keep his surveillance secret and gets a position housesitting at a place down the street, complete with substance-hoovering Coleman and Rachel, an attractive young floozy who parties as enthusiastically as Coleman. While Coleman throws the party of the century, Serge keeps an eagle eye out for Tex McGraw. Add some clueless FBI agents and a secret assassin, toss them all on a cruise ship, and, as only Dorsey can do, this eclectic mix of characters and agendas all comes together, the fun in seeing how it all winds up. Though slow to gain momentum, once this story gets going, the laughs come fast and furious. Several plot devices from previous novels were put into play to pull this one off, but the bottom line is, it’s very funny, which is why I read Dorsey. Once again, he’s in top form.
At the same time, a group of old ladies discovers the joys and financial benefits of cruises, inadvertently becoming targeted by smugglers, while Jim settles into his new neighborhood filled with football stars and beautiful people. Serge, after accidentally upsetting Martha, decides to keep his surveillance secret and gets a position housesitting at a place down the street, complete with substance-hoovering Coleman and Rachel, an attractive young floozy who parties as enthusiastically as Coleman. While Coleman throws the party of the century, Serge keeps an eagle eye out for Tex McGraw. Add some clueless FBI agents and a secret assassin, toss them all on a cruise ship, and, as only Dorsey can do, this eclectic mix of characters and agendas all comes together, the fun in seeing how it all winds up. Though slow to gain momentum, once this story gets going, the laughs come fast and furious. Several plot devices from previous novels were put into play to pull this one off, but the bottom line is, it’s very funny, which is why I read Dorsey. Once again, he’s in top form.
December 31, 2010
I have mixed emotions about this book. When I first started reading I didn't like it. I felt like things were all over the place. I would be reading and all of the sudden it would change to something else and I wouldn't know what was going on.
Example:I was lost during the Greek religious festival. I think if I had known that the young boys standing in their swim suits, the priest officiating, the boys jumping in the water, Serge talking about this being the sponge capital of the world, the boys diving and coming up frustrated, then Serge coming up with a white cross to have his buddy take pictures with, would have made a lot more sense to me if I had known that the boys were looking for something, namely the white cross and not, perhaps, sponges.
As it got further into the book and I figured out the Serge character a little I began enjoying it more. Like when his therapist told him to go to an anger management support group and he gets thrown out for fighting, she sends him to the Non-Confrontationalist Anonymous support group to try and have some sympathy for the other side of the spectrum. The group goes on a field trip to the zoo (staring down lions and tigers in cages to build courage), the bus ride reminds Serge of field trips in Kindergarten and gets everyone on the bus singing "If You're Happy and You Know It".
Then later in the book he gets the group together, puts everyone in masks and starts a "Fight Club" sort of thing to get them expressing themselves.
There are some pretty funny escapades that everyone eventually ends up in the same local and mishaps aplenty ensue. I did actually laugh out loud a couple times.
I take one star off this book, and feel I can't recommend it to most of my friends, because of the very liberal use of the F-bomb.
I won this book from First Reads and am now off to read Nuclear Jellyfish which I also won.
Example:I was lost during the Greek religious festival. I think if I had known that the young boys standing in their swim suits, the priest officiating, the boys jumping in the water, Serge talking about this being the sponge capital of the world, the boys diving and coming up frustrated, then Serge coming up with a white cross to have his buddy take pictures with, would have made a lot more sense to me if I had known that the boys were looking for something, namely the white cross and not, perhaps, sponges.
As it got further into the book and I figured out the Serge character a little I began enjoying it more. Like when his therapist told him to go to an anger management support group and he gets thrown out for fighting, she sends him to the Non-Confrontationalist Anonymous support group to try and have some sympathy for the other side of the spectrum. The group goes on a field trip to the zoo (staring down lions and tigers in cages to build courage), the bus ride reminds Serge of field trips in Kindergarten and gets everyone on the bus singing "If You're Happy and You Know It".
Then later in the book he gets the group together, puts everyone in masks and starts a "Fight Club" sort of thing to get them expressing themselves.
There are some pretty funny escapades that everyone eventually ends up in the same local and mishaps aplenty ensue. I did actually laugh out loud a couple times.
I take one star off this book, and feel I can't recommend it to most of my friends, because of the very liberal use of the F-bomb.
I won this book from First Reads and am now off to read Nuclear Jellyfish which I also won.
January 8, 2011
Best. Driving. Audio. Books. Ever.
(Especially of you live in Florida.)
I got introduced to Tim Dorsey's books because he did a book signing at my local small town book store in Florida. Having lived here over twenty years, I'm a sucker for the weirdness of the state I live in. [FARK TAG: Florida].
The smartest thing I ever did, though, was realize that I could listen to Tim's books in the car. I drive around the Sunshine State for business fairly regularly. On any given weekend, I find myself stuck in the Mustang somewhere between Orlando and Miami - and listening to the adventures of Serge and the motley characters in the Dorseyverse make for a great way to pass the time.
You can tell, through his writing, that Tim Dorsey drives around Florida since his details of the obscure locations throughout the state are so vivid. Pure touristy awesomeness.
Now that I've fed you all my audio book and Tim Dorsey propaganda, let's talk about the book.
There are two key things needed to enjoy Atomic Lobster (and all of Tim's books, for that matter):
1. YOU MUST LOVE FLORIDA AS IF IT WERE THE GOOFY STEPCHILD OF THE FIFTY STATES.
2. YOU MUST THINK THAT OVER-THE-TOP ULTRA-VIOLENCE CAN BE REALLY FUNNY.
If you think you fail either of those, then Serge and the crew aren't for you. I'm honestly surprised when I talk to people outside of Florida about these books and the get them. I'm not surprised, though, when Quentin Tarantino fans LOVE these books.
Yep. I digressed again.
The other thing about Atomic Lobster and other Dorsey books? The writing tends to go all over the place... jumping subject to subject. Much like this review.
In closing, Atomic Lobster isn't Shakespeare. It's a good book and a great way to take out some pent up aggression through the eyes of a road tripping psychopath.
(Especially of you live in Florida.)
I got introduced to Tim Dorsey's books because he did a book signing at my local small town book store in Florida. Having lived here over twenty years, I'm a sucker for the weirdness of the state I live in. [FARK TAG: Florida].
The smartest thing I ever did, though, was realize that I could listen to Tim's books in the car. I drive around the Sunshine State for business fairly regularly. On any given weekend, I find myself stuck in the Mustang somewhere between Orlando and Miami - and listening to the adventures of Serge and the motley characters in the Dorseyverse make for a great way to pass the time.
You can tell, through his writing, that Tim Dorsey drives around Florida since his details of the obscure locations throughout the state are so vivid. Pure touristy awesomeness.
Now that I've fed you all my audio book and Tim Dorsey propaganda, let's talk about the book.
There are two key things needed to enjoy Atomic Lobster (and all of Tim's books, for that matter):
1. YOU MUST LOVE FLORIDA AS IF IT WERE THE GOOFY STEPCHILD OF THE FIFTY STATES.
2. YOU MUST THINK THAT OVER-THE-TOP ULTRA-VIOLENCE CAN BE REALLY FUNNY.
If you think you fail either of those, then Serge and the crew aren't for you. I'm honestly surprised when I talk to people outside of Florida about these books and the get them. I'm not surprised, though, when Quentin Tarantino fans LOVE these books.
Yep. I digressed again.
The other thing about Atomic Lobster and other Dorsey books? The writing tends to go all over the place... jumping subject to subject. Much like this review.
In closing, Atomic Lobster isn't Shakespeare. It's a good book and a great way to take out some pent up aggression through the eyes of a road tripping psychopath.
February 17, 2016
"Atomic Lobster" is a farce, and I mean that in a good sense. By the way, my 3.5 star rating is in comparison to books written in a similar vein, not to literature as a whole.
There are many alternating points of view in this novel. Tim Dorsey seems to have a pattern. One book follows Serge almost exclusively (as this novel's predecessor did) and the next will follow several characters, usually recurring characters from previous books.
"Atomic Lobster" sees the return of the wallflower Jim Davenport and his wife Martha. They were featured in Dorsey's earlier novel "Triggerfish Twist". They serve as a nice contrast to the antics of Serge and Coleman, and Serge's devotion to Jim is funny, and oddly endearing. There is also a surprise twist with one of them at the novel's end that I did not even remotely see coming.
As is typical for a Dorsey book there is a lot of humor, much of it off color, and slapstick. A few examples to share: on page 140 there is a section where Serge discourses on alpha males. It is funny, and as a guy it has for me just a few rings of truth in it. Chapter 46 of the text is a brilliantly fast paced farce straight out of the Marx Brothers or the television series "Frasier". It is filled with opening and slamming doors, near misses, and all of that fun stuff that is hysterical when done well.
The novel ends with a pandemonium filled finale on a cruise ship. It makes the last 50 pages fly by. It is a little contrived, but fun, as Dorsey brings all of the novel's subplots together for a satisfying falling action and tidy resolution.
I look forward to this series of books every summer as my beach reads. I am ready for next year already!
There are many alternating points of view in this novel. Tim Dorsey seems to have a pattern. One book follows Serge almost exclusively (as this novel's predecessor did) and the next will follow several characters, usually recurring characters from previous books.
"Atomic Lobster" sees the return of the wallflower Jim Davenport and his wife Martha. They were featured in Dorsey's earlier novel "Triggerfish Twist". They serve as a nice contrast to the antics of Serge and Coleman, and Serge's devotion to Jim is funny, and oddly endearing. There is also a surprise twist with one of them at the novel's end that I did not even remotely see coming.
As is typical for a Dorsey book there is a lot of humor, much of it off color, and slapstick. A few examples to share: on page 140 there is a section where Serge discourses on alpha males. It is funny, and as a guy it has for me just a few rings of truth in it. Chapter 46 of the text is a brilliantly fast paced farce straight out of the Marx Brothers or the television series "Frasier". It is filled with opening and slamming doors, near misses, and all of that fun stuff that is hysterical when done well.
The novel ends with a pandemonium filled finale on a cruise ship. It makes the last 50 pages fly by. It is a little contrived, but fun, as Dorsey brings all of the novel's subplots together for a satisfying falling action and tidy resolution.
I look forward to this series of books every summer as my beach reads. I am ready for next year already!
February 16, 2008
Usually this is the place where a reviewer would discuss a little bit about the plot of a book. With Atomic Lobster that’s just not going to happen. The plot points are so convoluted, and the story is told in such a non-linear way that it would be impossible to do without major spoilers. This is one of those books that the reader just has to pick up and read for themselves without relying on a review to tell them what the book is about. Let’s just say it’s got Florida, and cruise ships, and a Clowns vs. Mimes version of Fight Club, and tourist statues, and the world’s biggest bong and if that doesn’t grab you I don’t know what will.
The 10th in a series of books featuring Serge Storms and his sidekick Coleman, Atomic Lobster can be read as a stand alone novel but it does refer to past events so it can be a little confusing if you aren’t familiar with Dorsey’s previous works and repeat characters. Serge is a spree killer, a nice enough guy, but he has problems with anger management and if crossed the offender will likely end up dead in any number of ingenious and inventive ways. How does one choose between pulling off one’s own head or being hit by a speeding train?
This book is hilarious, it’s one of those books where you’ll have the urge to read out the funny bits to your spouse, partner, guy sitting next to you on the train. Expect to get a lot of weird glances where people are wondering why you’re making those choking noises when trying not to burst out laughing at inappropriate moments.
Reviewed by Sarra Borne (Hectaizani)
The 10th in a series of books featuring Serge Storms and his sidekick Coleman, Atomic Lobster can be read as a stand alone novel but it does refer to past events so it can be a little confusing if you aren’t familiar with Dorsey’s previous works and repeat characters. Serge is a spree killer, a nice enough guy, but he has problems with anger management and if crossed the offender will likely end up dead in any number of ingenious and inventive ways. How does one choose between pulling off one’s own head or being hit by a speeding train?
This book is hilarious, it’s one of those books where you’ll have the urge to read out the funny bits to your spouse, partner, guy sitting next to you on the train. Expect to get a lot of weird glances where people are wondering why you’re making those choking noises when trying not to burst out laughing at inappropriate moments.
Reviewed by Sarra Borne (Hectaizani)
March 9, 2013
“This is Serge’s Charm School. We’re teaching manners.”
I am used to getting what I expect with Dorsey, whole bunch of laughs based on an outrageous story line and set of events, and this book is no exception. I did realize that this is not a great book to read on a plane. You will end up getting weird looks when you laugh out loud in instances like the one in which a chick wants to get banged while interacting with other people and trying to get them not to notice what is going on. Classic!
Fans of the series will be happy to know that we have several returning characters, such as Johnny Vegas, the Accidental Virgin, who is always good for some entertainment. But maybe more importantly, we have a few characters that are connected with the events that transpired years ago in Triggerfish Twist. This leads to some of them seeking revenge and others dreading running into Serge and Coleman again.
Do not expect a deviation from the path in terms of writing style. We get the typical back and forth in time, the slapstick comedy, the over the top violence, kinky relationships and a whole lot of cursing. On top of all that, we do get a “tour” on a select set of historical places and interesting facts about the Tampa Bay area. The fact that I live there probably helps with me enjoying this book more than others. I do believe though that people seeking for some outrageous comedy will like Dorsey, and those that are already fans of the series will not be disappointed in this one.
I am used to getting what I expect with Dorsey, whole bunch of laughs based on an outrageous story line and set of events, and this book is no exception. I did realize that this is not a great book to read on a plane. You will end up getting weird looks when you laugh out loud in instances like the one in which a chick wants to get banged while interacting with other people and trying to get them not to notice what is going on. Classic!
Fans of the series will be happy to know that we have several returning characters, such as Johnny Vegas, the Accidental Virgin, who is always good for some entertainment. But maybe more importantly, we have a few characters that are connected with the events that transpired years ago in Triggerfish Twist. This leads to some of them seeking revenge and others dreading running into Serge and Coleman again.
Do not expect a deviation from the path in terms of writing style. We get the typical back and forth in time, the slapstick comedy, the over the top violence, kinky relationships and a whole lot of cursing. On top of all that, we do get a “tour” on a select set of historical places and interesting facts about the Tampa Bay area. The fact that I live there probably helps with me enjoying this book more than others. I do believe though that people seeking for some outrageous comedy will like Dorsey, and those that are already fans of the series will not be disappointed in this one.
January 16, 2011
It's often a fine line authors tread when mixing drama, comedy, mystery, whatever. It takes a certain something to pull it off successfully, and whatever that is, Tim Dorsey has it in spades! The characterization is excellent, the story moves quickly, and, frankly, I had a very hard time putting this one down!
I refuse to give details, other than to say the ending has a twist NO-ONE will see coming. I'm lying. Perhaps I should have said I will give no story details. The characters are as follows:
SERGE A. STORMS; The guy every guy has wanted to be at one time or another, he has a real flair for revenge on those to whom common courtesy and decency are tools to exploit the helpless (sorta). He also has a real way with the ladies, his animal magnetism making him the uber-alpha male. Also has a tour-guide knowledge of off-the-wall, out-of-the-way, obscure Floria facts.
COLEMAN; The achetypical stoner, Coleman will snort, smoke, pop, lick, drink whatever it takes for a resounding buzz. Total magyver-type pot smoker, he never seems to have it together enough to get the girl.
This book is another romp thru Florida with our two favorite guides, and will leave you waiting breathlessly for the next one!
I refuse to give details, other than to say the ending has a twist NO-ONE will see coming. I'm lying. Perhaps I should have said I will give no story details. The characters are as follows:
SERGE A. STORMS; The guy every guy has wanted to be at one time or another, he has a real flair for revenge on those to whom common courtesy and decency are tools to exploit the helpless (sorta). He also has a real way with the ladies, his animal magnetism making him the uber-alpha male. Also has a tour-guide knowledge of off-the-wall, out-of-the-way, obscure Floria facts.
COLEMAN; The achetypical stoner, Coleman will snort, smoke, pop, lick, drink whatever it takes for a resounding buzz. Total magyver-type pot smoker, he never seems to have it together enough to get the girl.
This book is another romp thru Florida with our two favorite guides, and will leave you waiting breathlessly for the next one!
July 26, 2008
I consider myself well versed in Florida based fiction. From John D McDonald to Carl Hiassen to Randy Wayne White to Barbara Parker to Edna Buchananen, Laurence Shames and many others, the tradition of in your face, over the top action with a nod to the raping of the habitat in Florida by developers has always appealed to me.
I find the latest in the series of Serge Storms and all the regular characters to be a bit thin. There are certainly some inspired insights about the possibility that those of advanced age are taking advantage of the generally accepted stereotypes. Also the economics of going to live at sea for all you can eat food, room cleaning and never ending streams of eligible dancing partners is inspired.
That being said, I thought that the balance of the story strayed afar from the traditional Florida nostalgia, inspired Rube Goldbergesque murders and over the top coincidences of past installments.
I'll still go for any subsequent books but hope Tim comes up with a new set of zany characters and antics.
I find the latest in the series of Serge Storms and all the regular characters to be a bit thin. There are certainly some inspired insights about the possibility that those of advanced age are taking advantage of the generally accepted stereotypes. Also the economics of going to live at sea for all you can eat food, room cleaning and never ending streams of eligible dancing partners is inspired.
That being said, I thought that the balance of the story strayed afar from the traditional Florida nostalgia, inspired Rube Goldbergesque murders and over the top coincidences of past installments.
I'll still go for any subsequent books but hope Tim comes up with a new set of zany characters and antics.
June 27, 2010
This is a difficult book to categorize. It has such a ragingly bad case of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder that I felt like I needed Ritalin to finish it. Skipping around in the time line doesn't help much, either. The characters are plentiful, the plot lines many, the Floridian in-jokes bountiful. At least I think so, I don't know Florida well enough to know that for sure, but I think I'm making a pretty good guess. My only other exposure to the "Florida novel" is through Carl Hiaasen, who handles over the top characters and unlikely situations far more deftly.
This is the 10th of the "Serge Storm" books ... I don't think it would have helped to read any of the other nine, or those that follow this one. I just would have ended up more confused.
This book was a free Kindle download that had been languishing on my home menu for several months. Wouldn't have lost anything by leaving it there.
This is the 10th of the "Serge Storm" books ... I don't think it would have helped to read any of the other nine, or those that follow this one. I just would have ended up more confused.
This book was a free Kindle download that had been languishing on my home menu for several months. Wouldn't have lost anything by leaving it there.
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