Florida Roadkill

Florida Roadkill follows a chaotic crime spree across the Sunshine State, set against the backdrop of the 1997 World Series. The story tracks multiple parties pursuing $5 million in stolen insurance money through Florida's tourist traps, beaches, and backroads. The novel centers on Serge A. Storms, a criminal with an encyclopedic knowledge of Florida history and a unique moral code, who travels with a stripper and a drug addict. Their pursuit of the money involves elaborate schemes, coincidental encounters, and creative acts of violence. The plot interweaves multiple storylines including insurance fraud, drug cartels, tourist misadventures, and baseball fanaticism. The chase for the money leads characters through iconic Florida locations from Cape Canaveral to Miami. This first installment in Dorsey's series establishes his signature blend of dark humor, Florida folklore, and social satire. The novel serves as both a crime thriller and an offbeat celebration of Florida's peculiar culture and history.

Readers describe Florida Roadkill as a fast-paced, darkly comedic crime novel that captures Florida's bizarre energy. Many compare it to Carl Hiaasen's works but note it's more violent and outrageous. Readers appreciated: - The chaotic, interconnected plot structure - Character Serge A. Storms' encyclopedic Florida knowledge - Accurate depictions of Florida locations and culture - Dark humor and satirical elements Common criticisms: - Too violent/graphic for some readers - Plot can be hard to follow - Characters lack depth - Humor feels forced at times Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (8,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (650+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (400+ ratings) "Like a deranged love letter to Florida" - Goodreads reviewer "The violence overwhelms the comedy" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect beach read if you like your humor pitch black" - LibraryThing reviewer

Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasen A private investigator unravels corruption in Florida's professional bass fishing circuit while encountering an oddball cast of criminals, environmentalists, and local characters.

Gun Monkeys by Victor Gischler A hired gun navigates through Florida's criminal underworld in a violent chase involving mob bosses, hitmen, and missing money.

Tropical Warning by Robert Landori Multiple parties pursue stolen cash through the Florida Keys while dodging hurricanes, drug runners, and federal agents.

Tampa Burn by Randy Wayne White A marine biologist becomes entangled in a web of kidnapping, extortion, and murder across Florida's Gulf Coast while uncovering links to international crime.

Gator A-Go-Go by Tim Baker A botched robbery leads to a chaotic pursuit through Florida tourist spots and swamplands as criminals, cops, and opportunists scramble for stolen casino money.

🌴 The character Serge A. Storms has appeared in 26 novels since this 1999 debut, becoming one of Florida crime fiction's most enduring antiheroes. 🏢 Before becoming a novelist, Tim Dorsey worked for nearly 12 years as a reporter and editor at The Tampa Tribune, giving him deep insight into Florida's criminal underworld. ⚾ The 1997 World Series featured in the book was the first-ever championship for the Florida Marlins, who defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven games. 📚 Florida Roadkill helped establish a subgenre known as "Florida Noir" or "Sunshine Noir," alongside works by Carl Hiaasen and Randy Wayne White. 🗺️ The book's zigzagging plot across Florida locations inspired fans to create unofficial "Serge Storms Tours," visiting actual sites mentioned in the series.