Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.

Slowing Down – Serge style!

After a breakneck trip all over Florida tracking distant and equally clueless relatives in Tropic of Stupid, Serge decides that it’s time to slow things down. Mermaid Confidential sees Serge and Coleman renting an “Old Florida charm” condo unit in the Keys and immersing themselves in the Salt Life. But do not let that fool you as nothing is ever slow for Serge and Coleman. As the duo quickly endear themselves to residents of Pelican Bay they become the darlings of the complex when Serge sets out to resolve the residents’ various conflicts. Serge also catches the eye of a few other residents which results in the duo volunteering at a children’s hospice, taking up kite surfing, and befriending a local law enforcement officer. When a threat descends on the community, Serge and Coleman find themselves caught in the crossfire of one of the weirdest gunfights in recent memory.

Mermaid Confidential is the newest and 25th book in the long-running Serge Storms series of books by Florida author Tim Dorsey. Having read all of Dorsey’s prior books in this series it never ceases to amaze me how entertaining the Serge character is. Truly this is the only author that I will pre-order the book and then put everything on hold on the release date to sink myself into the duo’s latest antics. Dorsey’s brand of madcap, coffee-fueled, trips across the Sunshine State never fails to be entertaining as well as educating. Those random facts that Serge spouts are not so random as I have found, and this has made me appreciate the history of my home state. While Dorsey’s brand of humor is not for everyone, those of us with a sick sense of humor and a love/hate relationship with the “Freakshow” state will become fast fans. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time reader of this cast of characters Mermaid Confidential will have you cracking up and wondering what antics Dorsey will mastermind in his next installment.

The latest in Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms series is as enjoyable as ever, like a frozen drink on a hot Florida beach. This time around, Serge gets involved in the world of condos and the strangeness of the Florida Keys, and the results are, as usual, violent and funny. Every Dorsey book is sunshine in the wintertime, and Mermaid Confidential hits every mark. Recommended.

Ah to live in Serge's mind! He is such a contrary character- whip smart with a wicked sense of right and wrong, and yeah a propensity to kill those who 'need' it. But he also seems to be a lone torch bearer for the 'Florida of old', and has the history knowledge to prove it. When he decides it's time to 'do the Florida thing' and move into a condo, you know you're in for a chaotic crazy ride of a book. You'll find yourself smiling, smirking and laughing out loud with all of his and Coleman's antics. Yet deep inside they both have a heart of gold, and when they set their minds to defending those who can't afford a good defense, you know the body count will start piling up. I dare you to finish this book and not laugh every time you see a blue car! Read it and you'll find out why- and you'll find out why I LOVE this series and am working my way through all the previous 24 books in it!

This is an easy review because Dorsey is predictably good. He's been around a long time and even though I haven't read many of his books, I knew from his long list of highly rated titles that I would like this one too. An easy thumbs up.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

3.75 stars

Another hilarious entry in the madcap Florida books by Tim Dorsey featuring genial outlaw Serge Storms and his bizarre sidekick Coleman. For those unfamiliar with Florida lifestyle, eco systems or politics, just know that Dorsey, Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry don't need to make everything up -- the reality is odd enough.

This time around Serge and Coleman get a place in the Keys -- and immediately and accidentally get embroiled in South American drug gang wars, old Florida vs developer feuds, medical scams, and more. They meet a nice young woman whose father was once involved in a few shadowy drug goings on but is now a senior needing care. Julie also volunteers at a perpetually underfunded facility for seriously ill children. She runs into a very wealthy guy with cartel links who also has a dad with medical needs and he soon moves her in to care for both aging parents, making her a deal she can't refuse.

This scenario intersects with Serge and Coleman, but also with a homicidal coked-up trio of ex-cons intent on finding buried loot according to an old prison map. You can bet there is a whacked out finale with all the threads coming together in an over the top resolution. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Serge A. Storms is a vigilante that takes law and order into his own hands. His buddy Coleman is the party boy who is always lit and along for the ride. When Storm decides it’s time to get on island time and slow down a bit, they head to the Keys. When Serge finds some “Problems” he needs to deal with, he gets right to it and earns the love and respect of his neighbors.

Who knew a serial killer and a stoner could be so likable? This may be the first book I have read in this series, but it won’t be the last! If Stephanie Plum and Lula were men and lived in Florida, this would be them! I LOVE IT!

The best Dorsey book of the last several outings. Wonderfully madcap.

Serge and Coleman settle in the Florida Keys.

Mermaid Confidential is another masterful romp into the demented mind of author Tim Dorsey. Lovable serial killer and Florida expert Serge A. Storms and his ever-drunk/stoned buddy Coleman wind up in the Florida keys to slow things down and relax. That means taking on the simple life in a run down condo neighborhood.
Serge wins his eccentric neighbors approval by ousting a crazy squatter, hard core monopoly and beating unethical medical bills.
Dorsey weaves in 2 subplots involving a rich mobster living in secluded Millionaires Row and a carload of thieves from New Hampshire.
When the sand hits the fan, it's all-out chaos as only Serge can bring.
Tim Dorsey never disappoints with laughs, bullets and Florida folklore.

Brace yourself for a wild ride with noble serial killer Serge A. Storms and his perpetually drunk/high sidekick Coleman. It seems our two heroes need some island time and what better place than the Florida Keys? Tim Dorsey uses Serge’s journey to shoehorn in commentary about Florida lifestyles from annoying tourists, traffic jams, condo rules and the dazzling Florida Keys’ scenery. Instead of settling in for board game nights, Serge channels his inner Don Quixote (with confused Coleman playing Sancho Panza) to correct what he sees as society’s wrongs. Often that features corrupt folks ending up in the trunk of his 1973 Ford Galaxy before suffering creative executions. Alternating storylines has white collar crime converging with a crew of redneck druggies on a crime spree as Serge offers to assist lovely Julie who runs a day-care center. Hilarious dark comedy interrupted by alarming killings are Dorsey’s literary calling card

Serge A. Storms has decided that he needs to adopt a “Pump the Brakes” philosophy, where he can slow down a bit from his manic road trips and live in greater harmony with his surroundings. This leads to a condo complex in the Florida Keys, where “Pump the Brakes” is a way of life. He is, as is usual, accompanied by Coleman (Seymour Bunsen), who has never found a mood-altering chemical that he does not enjoy to excess throughout every day.

The adventures unfold around the removal of condo lease holders who are disruptive to the community, a woman who is caring for her elderly father and volunteers at a children’s hospice, two rival drug cartels, and ... for added excitement ... a hopeless gang of criminals who are led by a violent and drug-addled woman.

It is always amazing that Serge, despite being a serial killer, is actually quite admirable.

If you have followed this series (this is #25), you will not be disappointed. If you have not, this is probably as good a place as any to begin.