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Hurricane Punch: A Novel (Serge Storms) Hardcover – January 23, 2007
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Welcome to another typical summer in Florida, the season of the storms. Serge storms.
That lovable, under-undermedicated dispenser of truth, justice, and trivia is back with a vengeance. And not a weirdness-laced moment too soon.
His cherished home state is about to take a beating, and from far more than the way-too-routine conga line of hurricanes bearing down on the peninsula. Bodies have begun turning up at a disturbing rate, even for Florida, and it looks like a brutal serial killer is on the loose, which highly offends Serge's moral sensibilities and he vows to stop at nothing in his juggernaut to make All Things Right . . . except if he gets bored or distracted by a cool souvenir or . . . or a . . . whatever.
But his path won't be obstacle free.
Agent Mahoney has picked up the scent. The obsessive criminal profiler—just released from a mental hospital where he'd been sent for getting too deep inside Serge's head—is convinced there is no second killer. Serge's personality is simply splitting from decades of burning with incandescent zest for everything under the sun. Then there's Coleman, whose triathlete approach to the sport of polyabuse binging just might derail the mission more than the entire police community put together.
The pace picks up. Winds howl, TV reporters fly around the beach, the Party Parrot parties on, and questions mount: Who's stalking Tampa Bay's most sensitive journalist? Did Tom Cruise go too easy on Matt Lauer? Do multiple orgasms improve storm tracking? Why is the feeding-tube guy so quiet? Will Molly ruin our antihero's dreams of playing the electric guitar better than Clapton? . . . All of which ultimately leads to the most pressing question on everyone's new-millennium lips:
What would Serge do?
- Print length384 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWilliam Morrow
- Publication dateJanuary 23, 2007
- Dimensions6 x 1.21 x 9 inches
- ISBN-100060829672
- ISBN-13978-0060829674
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About the Author
Tim Dorsey was a reporter and editor for the Tampa Tribune from 1987 to 1999, and is the author of twenty-four novels: Tropic of Stupid, Naked Came the Florida Man, No Sunscreen for the Dead, Pope of Palm Beach, Clownfish Blues, Coconut Cowboy, Shark Skin Suite, Tiger Shrimp Tango, The Riptide Ultra-Glide, When Elves Attack, Pineapple Grenade, Electric Barracuda, Gator A-Go-Go, Nuclear Jellyfish, Atomic Lobster, Hurricane Punch, The Big Bamboo, Torpedo Juice, Cadillac Beach, The Stingray Shuffle, Triggerfish Twist, Orange Crush, Hammerhead Ranch Motel, and Florida Roadkill. He lives in Florida.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Hurricane Punch
A NovelBy Tim DorseyHarperCollins Publishers, Inc.
Copyright ©2007 Tim DorseyAll right reserved.
ISBN: 9780060829674
Chapter One
Tampa
The consistently inventive positions of the hurricane-flung bodies validated the chaos theory, particularly those equations involving trajectory, procrastination and trailer parks. Certain corpses seemed purposefully arranged, the rest very much not. Some appeared to have been scattered by mortar strikes, others peacefully reclined like stuffed pandas on a child's bed, still others looked like sick practical jokes being played on the recovery crews. The disturbing circumstance of one particular body, the next to be discovered, was no accident.
But wait, we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's back up. . . . June 1.
The opening day of the Atlantic hurricane season was like any other: dire predictions in the media and cheerful sales at the home-improvement centers.
How people ramped up for hurricanes depended on experience. If you'd been through a direct hit, you didn't fool around. Plywood, gas, go. Those with small children were the first to bolt, followed by seasonal residents, who had more options. The old-timers went one of two ways: Most had developed keen instincts and knew precisely when to pull the trigger; the crustier stayed put no matter what and were interviewed on CNN. Newer residents forgot to charge up cell phones; the wealthy scheduled unscheduled vacations; families gathered family albums; insurance executives canceled coverage. Prescriptions and sandbags were filled. Some believed in the power of hoarding canned meat; others lost faith in electricity and withdrew massive amounts of cash from ATMs. Door-to-door entrepreneurs purchased chain saws for the brisk post-strike downed-tree business. There were the tourists, who stared bitterly at unused portions of multi-park passes; sailboat owners, who spiderwebbed vessels to docks; the motor-oil-baseball-cap people standing in the beds of pickup trucks, making everyone wonder by loading the heaviest, most worthless shit; and college students, whose hurricane preparation consisted of not knowing a storm was coming.
The memories of 2004 were supposed to greatly improve public awareness. Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne.
Since then, authorities found less trouble getting residents to heed evacuation orders. But not a lot less. The culture of complacency had deep roots in nearly four decades of borrowed luck. There was one ten-year period from 1975 to 1985 when but a single hurricane made landfall in Florida. The next seven years saw only three more. Meanwhile, thousands of new communities and condos sprouted along coastlines with the growth-speed and sturdiness of spring-shower mushrooms.
Then 2004. As many hurricanes that had struck during seventeen years pummeled the state in less than six weeks.
A lot of residents learned their lesson and installed the latest storm shutters. Others drank beer.
Then 2005.
Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Wilma.Another wake-up call. Someone hit the snooze alarm.
Hurricane shutters were already up on an old theater in Seminole Heights. It was now a low-rent professional building. A clock ticked on the wall of an upstairs office, postmodern feng shui. Two people sat in white leather chairs, facing each other twenty feet apart. Only one could see the clock. That was by design.
A self-assured woman with pulled-back strawberry hair folded her hands on top of a small notebook. She smiled with genuineness. "What are you thinking about?"
"It's dark in here."
"The shutters are up," said the psychiatrist.
"I know," said Serge. "A big one's already on the way, and it's only the beginning of June. It's all I've been able to think about."
"The anxiety's perfectly normal. Especially after the last few years. I've been seeing a lot more patients—"
"Oh, I'm not worried," said Serge. "I'm cookin'! I love hurricane season!"
Her expression changed. "Why?"
"Potato chips."
The doctor took a deep, poised breath and looked down at her notebook. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."
Serge slouched in his chair. "I was in the neighborhood."
"I just moved to this office. That means you had to look me up."
"Happened to be reading the Yellow Pages."
"Give yourself more credit. The last time we saw each other, you were involuntarily committed. This time you came on your own. You're taking steps."
"See? And you wonder why I've been away so long. You still think I'm crazy."
"That's an unfortunate term we don't like to use."
"I like to use it," said Serge. "You want to talk about crazy? I knew this caseworker who was checking on a guy in a St. Pete transient hotel. One of those beautiful old places with the striped awnings over the sidewalk. But that's another tragedy, another day. My friend knocks on the door and doesn't get an answer, so he tries the knob. Unlocked. He goes in, and there's shit everywhere. I don't mean trash or PlayStations. I mean real shit. The smell hit him like a shovel. The guy he's looking for is sitting in the middle of the floor wearing nothing but one of those hats with the moose antlers, singing Peter Gabriel—Shed my skin!—playing with more turds, sculpting little bunny rabbits. He's got a whole bunch of them lined up on the floor in an infantry formation like some kind of Easter-morning nightmare. My friend says, ‘Tito, you haven't been taking your medication, have you?' Then he gets hit in the chest with a shit-bunny. But he tells me he likes his job because it's something brand new every day. In my thinking, there's good brand new and bad. Know what I mean?"
"And this story is important to you how?"
"That's crazy. I just want someone to talk to."
"Then let's talk. How have you been? Do you recognize the improvement?""Not really."
"I can," said the doctor. "When we first met, you were wearing a straitjacket."
"Since then I've learned to dress for success."
"What about your medication? Have you been taking it?"
Serge squirmed into a different slouch. "Those pills made my head thick. I was turning into my friend Coleman. You know how you are the first few seconds after waking up in the morning? He's stretching it into a life."
Continues...
Excerpted from Hurricane Punchby Tim Dorsey Copyright ©2007 by Tim Dorsey. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Product details
- Publisher : William Morrow; First Edition (January 23, 2007)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 384 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0060829672
- ISBN-13 : 978-0060829674
- Item Weight : 1.3 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 1.21 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #657,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #411 in Humorous American Literature
- #4,911 in Humorous Fiction
- #10,325 in Murder Thrillers
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Tim Dorsey was a reporter and editor for the Tampa Tribune from 1987 to 1999 and is the author of ten previous novels: Florida Roadkill, Hammerhead Ranch Motel, Orange Crush, Triggerfish Twist, The Stingray Shuffle, Cadillac Beach, Torpedo Juice, The Big Bamboo, Hurricane Punch, and Atomic Lobster. He lives in Tampa, Florida.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book humorous and enjoyable to read. They appreciate the bizarre characters and imaginative murder methods. The story is described as entertaining and a thrill ride. Readers praise the writing style as insightful and easy to follow.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it a humorous, laugh-out-loud read with witty repartee and random facts throughout. Readers appreciate the author's wacky characters and the humorous look at print journalism.
"...Yet at the end, I was still quite happy. There's enough witty reparte in this novel that you won't be disappointed to go along for the ride...." Read more
"...it can get dark but it's also very very funny. now the series is characterized by hilarity and Rube Goldberg sort of contractions and devices that..." Read more
"...There were several times this book made me laugh out loud, but I have to wonder if Dorsey isn't losing his touch in much the same way Mahoney..." Read more
"...Hurricane Punch is one more adventure for Serge and a humorous, historic and high speed novel in Tim Dorsey style." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it an enjoyable read and one of the best books by Serge Storms. The book is described as funny and zany. Readers appreciate series books.
"...Don't ask. Personal opinion. Hurricane Punch is Dorsey's best book since Orange Crush...." Read more
"...Tim Dorsey is always worth reading, but I'm hoping his next book will give me a little more something to relish." Read more
"...I would say it's easily one of the better books by Tim Dorsey. Chances are, if your reading this you've already read a Serge book...." Read more
"Love Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms books. His humor & writing style are excellent...." Read more
Customers find the characters bizarre and imaginative. They say the book is a wonderful, psychopathic romp that makes them empathize with a serial killer.
"...In addition to the crazy actions of the main character, you pick up a lot of information on Florida." Read more
"...A successful series needs not only good recurring characters, but a good story to follow every time out...." Read more
"Quirky characters and odd situations make for a fun book. Can't go wrong with a Dorsey book. Met my word limit" Read more
"...Dorsey is imaginative in Storms' murder methods (particularly with the cooler and MREs heating fuel) yet his writing style leaves me to guess what..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's odd situations and find it an enjoyable adventure. They describe it as a thrilling read.
"Quirky characters and odd situations make for a fun book. Can't go wrong with a Dorsey book. Met my word limit" Read more
"...You will not want to miss Hurricane Punch, it's a thrill ride all the way!" Read more
"Another enjoyable Serge Storms adventure. Not many surprises but always filling in the gaps in the series. Always a FUN and enjoyable read...." Read more
"...This one is as enjoyable as all the others. Consistently funny and intelligent." Read more
Customers enjoy the story quality. They find it entertaining and praise the recurring characters. The story is described as first-rate Tim Dorsey stuff, and another fantastic novel by Tom Dorsey.
"...But it's certainly some of the more entertaining fiction that I've read of late...." Read more
"...series needs not only good recurring characters, but a good story to follow every time out...." Read more
"I cannot say enough about the great stories about Serge and Coleman...." Read more
"Another fantastic Novel by Tom Dorsy! If You haven't read His Work You should...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it insightful and easy to read. The narration is great.
"Love Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms books. His humor & writing style are excellent...." Read more
"Tim Dorsey is one of the funniest and most insightful writers out there...." Read more
"Great audio book, the narration is awesome! Helps pass the time on a long road trip. We laughed and laughed some more...." Read more
"Well worth the purchase, I love his writing." Read more
Reviews with images
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Serge strikes again!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2007Okay, this is a highly biased review. I own twelve copies of Dorsey's books. Nine published editions and three purloined pre-published editions. And someday, I'll do a complete index so that each of us can search back to find specific characters or antics in the life of one Serge A, Storms.
A long while back, I wondered aloud whether Tim Dorsey could sustain his main character. Well, the wonder is over, at least for Hurricane Punch, Dorsey's ninth book (lessee... The original, a prequel, and 7 sequels). And in my humble opinion, Dorsey has returned home - Florida - where Serge characters abound and seem to "fit right in." Where hurricanes are a fact of life (and death).
Seems tho we got ourselves an imposter calling himself "Eye of the Storm". Serge complains but Agent Mahoney, just released from the booby-hatch, teams up with McSwirley, a Tampa reporter who can't stop crying over spilt blood, is convinced Serge is behind all the mayhem. Meanwhile Serge has a new game - driving in the eye of hurricanes. And picking up wenches along the way. And offing guys the old Serge way. Ingeniously. Coleman, still working the booze and drug circuit, thinks Serge's losing his touch. Getting old. 44. And that's almost 50. And that's almost 60! Maturing. Mellowing. And what about Party Parrot, you ask! Don't ask.
Personal opinion. Hurricane Punch is Dorsey's best book since Orange Crush.
Final thought: Remember the thriller, Das Boot? Remember how you were warned NOT TO READ THE LAST PAGE BEFORE YOU GOT THERE? If you're a Floridian, or if you are a devotee of the nonsense going on in this nonsensical state, whatever you do, DON'T READ THE LAST PAGE BEFORE YOU GET THERE!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2008Having read all of the other Tim Dorsey novels, I couldn't pass this one up. It's not that they're the best fiction written. But it's certainly some of the more entertaining fiction that I've read of late.
This novel picks up again with Serge and Coleman causing mayhem set to the background of hurricane season. As usual with these two characters, all sorts of mayhem ensues. I'm not sure what number novel this is by the author but I was really getting a sense of "been there, done that" with this novel. Yet at the end, I was still quite happy. There's enough witty reparte in this novel that you won't be disappointed to go along for the ride. Tim Dorsey still has it.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2018so this book is the first book I read in the Tim Dorsey series, of Serge A storms the serial killer and his pot smoking, mescaline snorting friend Coleman. who as you find out in the series got the name Coleman because his dad shoved him in a Coleman cooler, when he was a kid bugging him during a football game. to give you an idea of how goofy the series is. it can get dark but it's also very very funny. now the series is characterized by hilarity and Rube Goldberg sort of contractions and devices that kill people. for example one guy was cooked in a cooler using MRE meal heaters. another guy was killed by being in a giant guitar Amp the size of a house or hotel. I'm not going to go into the story any more than that then just to say it is literally hilarious how they die. they're always bad people usually serial killers, child molesters and rapists Etc and some of the later series they go after people who swindled people out of their money. people who try to Rob old people and various themes on that. Assassin's, Hit man, mafia bosses drug dealers and more I'm just saying in the words of agent Mahoney a character who got a little bit too far inside of sergey's Noggin, and went a tad bit crazy. okay a lot crazy but you get the point '' '' the odds of Sergei escaping things are astronomical but he's so crazy he doesn't even know there are odds''
- Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2023I buy the Tim Dorsey Serge series books for my husband. Each book stands on its own, but there is a group of characters common to each book. In addition to the crazy actions of the main character, you pick up a lot of information on Florida.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022This is most introspective Serge book yet. All the characters are given the tools to unravel their personal problems with their own therapists, but that is not enough for them. But, perhaps they are each being led by the wrong professionals? As always, Tim Dorsey entertains and informs us about the treasures of Florida. I'm so sorry to see some of the historic sites have been damaged by Hurricane Ian. My best to everyone there, I hope you get the help promised to you.
Top reviews from other countries
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TurnerinReviewed in Germany on November 22, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
As ever a great book. I bought it a second time as the first fell apart (after years of being re-read). This is my second favourite after the sting ray shuffle. Tim Dorsey takes you on another journey across Florida. It somehow makes you want to go there. The only thing I regret is that I am missing a book. Orange Crush. The only one of his books that you can't get on Amazon although I have been looking for it for years.
- Sir BobReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 31, 2009
5.0 out of 5 stars Serge A. Storms storms through storms.
To start with, if you are a fan of Serge and Coleman's adventures then you will love this, it's one of the best Tim has put out. If you are new to this series then you will love this book but some of the references may be new. Don't let that put you off though, this is a rollicking good read, action from start to finish with the usual Dorsey mix of mayhem, madness and men with guns.
The reason this book stands out in the series is the dialogue. The interplay between Serge, Coleman and whoever is unlucky enough to be with them at any time is wonderful. You can really feel this conversation going on and even see the facial expressions and body language.
read this book. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll probably make a cocktail.
- Rob KitchinReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars Serge chases storms
Dorsey’s Serge Storms’ novels are always a zany rollercoaster ride of cartoonish violence and madcap behaviour underlain with a dose of suspect moral philosophy – yes, Serge does terrible, imaginative things to his victims but there’s a logic and natural justice to his actions; though the ultimate price is rarely what most might consider the ‘right’ punishment. In Hurricane Punch he interweaves five main plotlines – storm chasing during a particularly bad hurricane season, his duel with a copycat serial killer, a cop beat journalist’s slow breakdown as he covers murders, the rivalry between competing media outlets, and federal agent Maloney’s attempt to capture Serge. The result is a fast moving tale of madness, destruction, rivalries, and parody of the news industry, that is often amusing and sometimes poignant. As usual the story is peppered with Florida trivia and history. The characterisation is well done, the dialogue snappy, and the plot engaging. As with most comic crime capers realism takes a backseat for much of the time enabling Dorset to set up some great scenes and to twist the tale along. There are a couple of odd moments with the timeline, but overall this is good fun, with some nice observational asides.
- BJBReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars An American Tom Sharpe
I first stumbled across a Tim Dorsey Book Featuring Serge Storms in a charity shop on holiday a few years ago and I am so glad I did. Serge Storms is a serial killer who turns out to be one of the good guys! He has some very inventive ways of disposing of some of society's undesirables. I would consider Tim Dorsey to be the American equivalent of Tom Sharpe - outrageous and funny. I look forward to the next installment.
- J HillReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 12, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesomely Funny,
This book had me laughing out loud on the bus and getting weird stares from other people.
If you are looking for a similar experience, I recommend it fully.