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Serge Storms #25
Mermaid Confidential
In this latest crime caper, Serge Storms and his permanently baked sidekick, Coleman, decide to pump the brakes and live on island time.
After years of manic road tripping across their beloved Sunshine State, the irrepressible anti-heroes drop anchor in the Florida Keys. They settle down in Pelican Bay, a thriving condo complex with scenic views and friendly neighbours. But the community is at war with investors who are buying up units and leasing them to young vacationers who party at all hours. With their little slice of heaven on the line, Serge takes it upon himself to convince the tourists to move on and quickly becomes a local favourite.
Meanwhile, the island chain’s long and rich smuggling heritage is causing mayhem—a gang war erupts when a local drug lord passes the family business to his young, enterprising son, and the sun-loving residents are suddenly dodging bullets.
Luckily, Florida’s most lovable serial killer is there to help!
After years of manic road tripping across their beloved Sunshine State, the irrepressible anti-heroes drop anchor in the Florida Keys. They settle down in Pelican Bay, a thriving condo complex with scenic views and friendly neighbours. But the community is at war with investors who are buying up units and leasing them to young vacationers who party at all hours. With their little slice of heaven on the line, Serge takes it upon himself to convince the tourists to move on and quickly becomes a local favourite.
Meanwhile, the island chain’s long and rich smuggling heritage is causing mayhem—a gang war erupts when a local drug lord passes the family business to his young, enterprising son, and the sun-loving residents are suddenly dodging bullets.
Luckily, Florida’s most lovable serial killer is there to help!
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
343 people are currently reading
4338 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 205 reviews
February 20, 2022
Serge Storms is a cult hero and protector of the innocent. Justice with humor and pain for the offender. 7 of 10 stars
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February 6, 2022This was GREAT!! Did I imagine things, or did Serge break the 4th wall with us readers when we found out the reason behind the title? LOL
Also, I couldn't help but think, "I wonder what Dorsey would do with Serge and anti-vaxers or non-mask/spitting dolts" and then I figured he didn't want to write about these last 2 odddddd years. BUT when the end of the book marked the beginning of 2020, I couldn't help getting excited for what might come in the next book.
After all, the books take place in Florida and FloriDUH has been a hotbed for COVID controversies. So, let's see what happens. No matter what Dorsey puts out next, I know I'll love it!
Also, I couldn't help but think, "I wonder what Dorsey would do with Serge and anti-vaxers or non-mask/spitting dolts" and then I figured he didn't want to write about these last 2 odddddd years. BUT when the end of the book marked the beginning of 2020, I couldn't help getting excited for what might come in the next book.
After all, the books take place in Florida and FloriDUH has been a hotbed for COVID controversies. So, let's see what happens. No matter what Dorsey puts out next, I know I'll love it!
August 12, 2025
“It takes effort not to relax.”
MERMAID CONFIDENTIAL is the second to last novel in the late Tim Dorsey’s Serge A. Storms series. I’m not sure if it’s me, the fact that I’ve aged out of it, or simply that I’ve changed since I first started reading these books, but the series is beginning to drag for me. I’ll finish it because there’s only one left, but truthfully, I’m relieved that the end is near.
In this installment, Serge contemplates the idea of settling into Florida condo life. Given his manic personality, and the series’ signature zany Florida road-trip energy, it’s a decent premise. Unfortunately, the novel never really explores what such a change would mean for Serge.
By the time I reached the end, I was ready to be done. The action in the latter half feels scattered, incoherent, and almost hastily assembled, as if Dorsey hit his contractual page count and decided to wrap things up.
There are still flashes of the clever, offbeat wit fans expect, but they’re far fewer than in earlier entries in the series.
Quotes:
• “I think you bought the strain of weed again that makes you verbally incontinent.”
• “I’m just a rambling kind of guy, moving from town to town, helping the helpless and thinning out the jerks—let’s leave it at that for now.”
• “It was an unstable isotope of an alliance, with an adhesive of sex.”
• “There’s a theoretical monetary tipping point where everything’s negotiable, and you don’t look like a communist. How much?”
• “If you’re alive and in good health, you’ve won the galactic lottery. Any fairness at all after that is gravy.”
• “First impressions have always been ticklish for me. It’s basically a roll of the dice. I could be pensive, effervescent, melancholy, introspective, extroverted, free-associating, obsessive and/or compulsive, randomly zany, or trying to get a jarring amount of blood out of my shirt. That last impression is hard to bounce back from.”
I began MERMAID CONFIDENTIAL on the beach during our annual family vacation but finished it back home in Ohio. Honestly, this series plays better with ocean waves lapping at your feet. It feels less absurd in that setting.
MERMAID CONFIDENTIAL is the second to last novel in the late Tim Dorsey’s Serge A. Storms series. I’m not sure if it’s me, the fact that I’ve aged out of it, or simply that I’ve changed since I first started reading these books, but the series is beginning to drag for me. I’ll finish it because there’s only one left, but truthfully, I’m relieved that the end is near.
In this installment, Serge contemplates the idea of settling into Florida condo life. Given his manic personality, and the series’ signature zany Florida road-trip energy, it’s a decent premise. Unfortunately, the novel never really explores what such a change would mean for Serge.
By the time I reached the end, I was ready to be done. The action in the latter half feels scattered, incoherent, and almost hastily assembled, as if Dorsey hit his contractual page count and decided to wrap things up.
There are still flashes of the clever, offbeat wit fans expect, but they’re far fewer than in earlier entries in the series.
Quotes:
• “I think you bought the strain of weed again that makes you verbally incontinent.”
• “I’m just a rambling kind of guy, moving from town to town, helping the helpless and thinning out the jerks—let’s leave it at that for now.”
• “It was an unstable isotope of an alliance, with an adhesive of sex.”
• “There’s a theoretical monetary tipping point where everything’s negotiable, and you don’t look like a communist. How much?”
• “If you’re alive and in good health, you’ve won the galactic lottery. Any fairness at all after that is gravy.”
• “First impressions have always been ticklish for me. It’s basically a roll of the dice. I could be pensive, effervescent, melancholy, introspective, extroverted, free-associating, obsessive and/or compulsive, randomly zany, or trying to get a jarring amount of blood out of my shirt. That last impression is hard to bounce back from.”
I began MERMAID CONFIDENTIAL on the beach during our annual family vacation but finished it back home in Ohio. Honestly, this series plays better with ocean waves lapping at your feet. It feels less absurd in that setting.
October 18, 2022
The last time I picked up a Tim Dorsey novel (the title of which is long forgotten) I only lasted about two chapters before deciding it wasn't for me. Since my brother-in-law is a fan of his writing and recommended Dorsey to me, I decided to give him another try..
Better this time. I finished the book. It did hold my attention. I appreciate the dry humor regarding the eccentricities and peculiarities of Florida life, this time focusing on the Keys. Dorsey knows how to write a compelling story, but I found the resolution lacking and the final chapters rushed, as if he was tired of his plot lines and decided to wrap it up quickly. Some of the secondary plot lines that took up a decent portion of the book are quickly brought to an end in the final pages, and left me wondering why did he bother to add this?
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed. Dorsey just isn't for me. I found the novel to be funny, but it didn't make me laugh or seem that particularly clever. It didn't help that I don't really care for the main characters, Serge and Coleman. Kind of weird and not as smart as Serge thinks he is.
I'm glad I now have read a Dorsey novel. I have no urge to seek out more.
Better this time. I finished the book. It did hold my attention. I appreciate the dry humor regarding the eccentricities and peculiarities of Florida life, this time focusing on the Keys. Dorsey knows how to write a compelling story, but I found the resolution lacking and the final chapters rushed, as if he was tired of his plot lines and decided to wrap it up quickly. Some of the secondary plot lines that took up a decent portion of the book are quickly brought to an end in the final pages, and left me wondering why did he bother to add this?
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed. Dorsey just isn't for me. I found the novel to be funny, but it didn't make me laugh or seem that particularly clever. It didn't help that I don't really care for the main characters, Serge and Coleman. Kind of weird and not as smart as Serge thinks he is.
I'm glad I now have read a Dorsey novel. I have no urge to seek out more.
August 22, 2022
Actually 3.5, I just nudged it up a bit out of respect for Tim as I have enjoyed this series for a long time now. Just that this one is a bit of a dud. Maybe because Serge stopped moving and settled into a condo? The separate plot lines were just a bit too disjointed and although the silliness and Keystone Cop like action is a hallmark of the series, it just is not pulled off as smoothly in this one. Still, looking forward to the next one but think maybe it is time for a wrap up.
February 20, 2022
The usual capers, as Serge and Coleman take up residence in an upper Keys condo. I enjoyed many of the Keys references, including things I wasn't aware of despite more than a few visits. But the classic car is less classic, the killings and encounters more pedestrian, and the ending like the publisher called and said "hurry up and finish". Still a fast read and I'll buy the next one
August 29, 2022
I think Tim has run out of ideas. While his books have always been fluffy beach reads, the last few I have read (there are now 23 with similar "plots") were especially derivative.
This time there is a Godfather subplot involving a Colombian Drug Cartel family operating for some reason out of Islamorada and San Juan and the reader is supposed to like them for their good deeds despite their murderous ways ( a la The Godfather). The reluctant leader is nicknamed "Sonny" (a la The Godfather).... oh, never mind. I'm sure they're good people.
There is a children's hospice in the keys where dying bald children wrestle Coleman, climb in and out of bunk beds, run up and down airport runways on fieldtrips, are all alone without parents --- apparently Dorsey has never been to a hospice of any kind.
The main point of the book seems to be to promote Condo Living, especially the board games and spaghetti dinners.
There is also a Cuban deli and a bar on Islamorada which are heavily promoted in the book. I looked them up and they are real places and yes, I will try them the next time I happen to drive down there. Maybe I will see Tim Dorsey there, as I suspect he lives in a nearby condo.
This time there is a Godfather subplot involving a Colombian Drug Cartel family operating for some reason out of Islamorada and San Juan and the reader is supposed to like them for their good deeds despite their murderous ways ( a la The Godfather). The reluctant leader is nicknamed "Sonny" (a la The Godfather).... oh, never mind. I'm sure they're good people.
There is a children's hospice in the keys where dying bald children wrestle Coleman, climb in and out of bunk beds, run up and down airport runways on fieldtrips, are all alone without parents --- apparently Dorsey has never been to a hospice of any kind.
The main point of the book seems to be to promote Condo Living, especially the board games and spaghetti dinners.
There is also a Cuban deli and a bar on Islamorada which are heavily promoted in the book. I looked them up and they are real places and yes, I will try them the next time I happen to drive down there. Maybe I will see Tim Dorsey there, as I suspect he lives in a nearby condo.
January 31, 2022
I would never believe that the Serge and Coleman would settle down in a respectable neighborhood in the Keys, but here they are, becoming upstanding citizens and protecting their neighbors like only they could. I have now read 24 of the 25 Dorsey novels, but this one is a step higher. I noted the great weaving of this story, past to present, back to past, characters seemingly to be unrelated to circumstances coming towards the end of the book, and finally a major drug cartel from the south building on internal wars, past histories and relationships, and the intersection of coke addled feminine heroines (uh, not). Serge was not the main plot in this story, but key to the ending as well. Good vs. Evil at its finest, including grifter doctors, bankers, and surf dudes.
All Is here in the magnificent glory of the adventures of Serge and Coleman. Looks like he may be a resident here for some time. Looking forward to it.
Thanks again Mr. Dorsey.
All Is here in the magnificent glory of the adventures of Serge and Coleman. Looks like he may be a resident here for some time. Looking forward to it.
Thanks again Mr. Dorsey.
February 9, 2022
Disappointing
Serge Storms books are always a wild ride, and this is no exception. This one, however, lacked the feeling of coherence. It mostly all tied up in the end, but it was a slapdash juxtaposing of all the threads in just a few of the book's many pages. I'll read the next one, but I'm not feeling very excited about that right now.
Serge Storms books are always a wild ride, and this is no exception. This one, however, lacked the feeling of coherence. It mostly all tied up in the end, but it was a slapdash juxtaposing of all the threads in just a few of the book's many pages. I'll read the next one, but I'm not feeling very excited about that right now.
August 2, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up because I suspect the issue is my fault: I didn't pay enough attention to which characters were which and how they were related, so the multiple storylines were confusing. However, the characters were well-drawn and realistic, and I loved the adventure! Now that I know it's a series, I might read more because I really did love Serge and Coleman.
June 24, 2022
Mermaid Confidential isn’t one of Tim Dorsey’s absolute best, but it’s still very good and very entertaining.
Serge has discovered the joys of slowing down, having a place of one’s own and just taking life at a leisurely pace...and is on a manic, caffeine-fuelled drive to achieve it. In the meantime, the usual Florida cheats and criminals are active, including an extremely wealthy drugs family, a group of fugitive killers from Vermont, a swindling doctor...and so on. Frankly, it’s far too complicated to summarise, but if you’re familiar with Serge and Coleman that won’t matter because they’re both on fine form and you’ll just understand, and even if you’re not you’ll enjoy the ride.
I thought it got just a little too involved for its own good this time, and there’s not quite enough hideous revenge on Florida low-life, but it’s still very enjoyable and, as always, leavened with some fascinating minutiae of Florida’s life and history. Recommended.
Serge has discovered the joys of slowing down, having a place of one’s own and just taking life at a leisurely pace...and is on a manic, caffeine-fuelled drive to achieve it. In the meantime, the usual Florida cheats and criminals are active, including an extremely wealthy drugs family, a group of fugitive killers from Vermont, a swindling doctor...and so on. Frankly, it’s far too complicated to summarise, but if you’re familiar with Serge and Coleman that won’t matter because they’re both on fine form and you’ll just understand, and even if you’re not you’ll enjoy the ride.
I thought it got just a little too involved for its own good this time, and there’s not quite enough hideous revenge on Florida low-life, but it’s still very enjoyable and, as always, leavened with some fascinating minutiae of Florida’s life and history. Recommended.
July 10, 2022
It’s almost impossible to summarize this madcap adventure. The main character is Serge Storms, a lovable serial killer, and his friend, Coleman, who is permanently stoned. The storyline is all over the place until the strings come together in an explosive climax. Somehow it works and works well.
March 17, 2022
A “Dumpster Fire” is the only was to describe this 25th installment of Serge and Coleman. A total disaster - too much of everything, plots, characters, violence, vulgar language, heavy drugs and chaos. The author tried to squeeze way too many social issues into one book.
I would have rated only two stars except I liked visiting all the fun places in the Keys that I have missed - Fred the Tree, Millionaire’s Row, Red’s End of the World, Toilet Seat Cut - and revisiting all the places that i have been. I’ve driven that highway to Key West many times, so I could visualize everything. I went to Google for the things I haven’t seen - think I spent more time there than on the book.
I think it’s time for all three to retire, Tim, Serge and Coleman. Just lie back in a hammock and enjoy Florida without all this nonsense!!
I would have rated only two stars except I liked visiting all the fun places in the Keys that I have missed - Fred the Tree, Millionaire’s Row, Red’s End of the World, Toilet Seat Cut - and revisiting all the places that i have been. I’ve driven that highway to Key West many times, so I could visualize everything. I went to Google for the things I haven’t seen - think I spent more time there than on the book.
I think it’s time for all three to retire, Tim, Serge and Coleman. Just lie back in a hammock and enjoy Florida without all this nonsense!!
March 9, 2022
(3 1/2). Tim Dorsey is one of the most delicious creative and twisted writers around. His last two or three installments in the Serge and Coleman series have gone to another level of insanity, he has become an unstoppable force (Dorsey, that is). We have more violence than usual, several great story lines, a couple of Serge’s unique payback schemes and a wrap up that sort of works. I would think you either love this series or will not even pick it up. I always enjoy the Florida history lessons offered (if they are real) by Serge in his narrations and the way household items become so destructive. Really entertaining, pretty good stuff.
February 16, 2022
you can never go wrong with Dorsey
March 12, 2024
Not as good as his older ones, but still a fun trip through zany Florida with Serge Storms. This time the non-Serge plot follows a local Keys woman caring for a dying father and is tricked into caring for the dying father of a retired cartel leader. People keep dying in giant explosions and eventually Serge shows up to help save the day.
March 19, 2022
Serge and Coleman humor in Florida never gets old. Love it.
April 17, 2022
Serge A Storms and Coleman are always a joy to read! Where the bad guys are, Serge brings his own kind of justice. The last sentence in the book tells all! 7 out of 10.
May 31, 2022
Excellent!
July 14, 2022
Caught up in the series and this one was a banger. Now what am I gonna do with my life until another one comes out?
September 8, 2022
What can I say, I think the world would be a better place with Serge in it.
November 20, 2024
Nearign the end of the Serge Storms Saga, a shame because it got better as it went along.
November 7, 2025
feels like a movie. audiobook had great acting
January 24, 2022
Fans of this series- of which I am one- know that Serge and Coleman are never going to settle down and relax in a condo community. And, they also know that the condo community is going to be a hot bed of, well, stuff. It's all so Florida. If you haven't read the series- this is a fine place to start because Dorsey provides enough background on our serial killer with a baked sidekick to get you going. Serge is, if possible, a genial serial killer trying to right wrongs, This time out, they find themselves pulled into community conflict and THEN into a turf war between narcos that starts with an explosion. Oh- and there's a treasure hunt. I don't know how to explain this plot but know that's one that made me laugh out loud more than once without ever getting too too because Dorsey knows where to pull up. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. Great characters and storytelling make this a fun read.
April 30, 2022
Our living, "Florida Man" headline, serial killer is off and running again, this time in the Florida Keys...As always, Dorsey leaves us with history tidbits, both old and current that helps describe the state of our Sunshine State...This time, its the history of the Keys and the Conch culture...Mix in Columbian drug lords, charter fishermen, children's hospice, condo retirees and Serge and Coleman and we have a thoroughly entertaining blend to keep the pages turning between laughs!
July 7, 2022
I love Serge and Coleman's adventures and dearly hope that Mr. Dorsey is hard at work on another book!
December 18, 2022
Silly Serge as usual. Lots of Upper Keys references in this one, and another read that is a grand break from serious stuff. Read carefully to catch the reason for the title LOL.
February 11, 2022
Not really feeling this one. The whole storyline with Vix and felt completely unnecessary and only there to set up Very few crazy deaths and Julie is just obnoxiously Mother Theresa-ish.
I miss the crazy and I didn't get it. I am a sad panda.
I miss the crazy and I didn't get it. I am a sad panda.
February 10, 2022
Not as good as some of the previous ones
February 1, 2022
Not my cup of tea!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews