Book Review: MERMAID CONFIDENTIAL by Tim Dorsey

MERMAID CONFIDENTIAL by Tim Dorsey (William Morrow & company, January 2022) Hardcover, 368 pages. ISBN # 0062967533 / 9780062967534  

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .

Serge A. Storms gives condo living a try in this latest acid-splashed Florida crime caper from the "insanely funny" (New York Times Book Review) Tim Dorsey.

Serge A. Storms and his permanently baked sidekick, Coleman, have decided 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 neighbors. 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 favorite.

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!  

My Three-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     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.