Editorial Content for The Maltese Iguana
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Reviewer (text)
In this 26th installment of the Serge and Coleman roadshow, author Tim Dorsey hasn’t lost his zaniness, sense of humor or ingenious plotting.
THE MALTESE IGUANA is set at the beginning of the pandemic, as reformed bad guy Serge A. Storms decides to ride out the lockdown with his buddy in the Florida Keys. Committed Florida residents, they figure that they can find a place to hang out in the early days of quarantine while enjoying a relaxing south Florida vibe. (Like their creator, an erstwhile journalist for The Tampa Tribune, they’re huge Sunshine State boosters.) They keep to themselves just long enough to get vaccinated, and then it’s time to connect with fellow condo dwellers, local tradesmen and, ultimately, the CIA.
"In this 26th installment of the Serge and Coleman roadshow, author Tim Dorsey hasn’t lost his zaniness, sense of humor or ingenious plotting."
While perpetually stoned Coleman shares his new bong that is reminiscent of the Maltese falcon (hence the title) with his neighbors, Serge hosts bus tours of little-known Florida roadside attractions.
Meanwhile, a covert operation in Honduras goes disastrously wrong, leaving police officer Yandy Falcón and Miami reporter Reevis Tome to fend off gang members and militia. Just who the militia is working for --- a rebel cell or the U.S. government --- is unclear, but the two make their separate ways to Serge’s doorstep. And, of course, Serge steps in to save the day. That he also manages to stage a pyrotechnic feat that is captured on film by an ambitious movie director is all in a day’s work.
For those who haven’t been exposed to Dorsey’s rat-a-tat wackiness, it’s hard to follow (and sometimes fathom) the crude jokes, comments, local lore and occasional insights. But there’s a payoff in keeping up with the digressions and serious revelry.
Dorsey, a writer of remarkable energy and erudition, is an acquired taste. It’s difficult to imagine how he keeps up with his characters’ foibles and diversions. But there’s no doubt that entering Serge and Coleman’s world is an experience unlike any other, and --- assuming the reader leaves quibbles behind --- enjoyable on its own terms.
Teaser
After a long and arduous COVID-19 quarantine, Serge A. Storms is fully vaccinated and ready to hit the road. Along with his condo neighbors, he cooks up a wild plan to celebrate in true Serge fashion: each week, they rent a shuttle van and head out for funky Florida road trips and some serious revelry. Meanwhile, a CIA revenge operation down in Honduras goes very, very wrong. The local liaison hired to help with the mission is the only witness to the disaster, and the CIA quickly sets a black ops contractor on his trail to eliminate him. Forced to flee his home country, the witness lands in Miami with a new identity and passport. But the CIA is still on his tail, pushing him further and further south to the Florida Keys, where he runs into Serge’s convoy.
Promo
After a long and arduous COVID-19 quarantine, Serge A. Storms is fully vaccinated and ready to hit the road. Along with his condo neighbors, he cooks up a wild plan to celebrate in true Serge fashion: each week, they rent a shuttle van and head out for funky Florida road trips and some serious revelry. Meanwhile, a CIA revenge operation down in Honduras goes very, very wrong. The local liaison hired to help with the mission is the only witness to the disaster, and the CIA quickly sets a black ops contractor on his trail to eliminate him. Forced to flee his home country, the witness lands in Miami with a new identity and passport. But the CIA is still on his tail, pushing him further and further south to the Florida Keys, where he runs into Serge’s convoy.
About the Book
Serge A. Storms is back on the road in the latest zany Florida caper from the “wickedly funny” (Entertainment Weekly) Tim Dorsey.
After a long and arduous COVID-19 quarantine, Serge A. Storms is fully vaccinated and ready to hit the road. Along with his condo neighbors, he cooks up a wild plan to celebrate in true Serge fashion: each week, they rent a shuttle van and head out for funky Florida road trips and some serious revelry.
Meanwhile, a CIA revenge operation down in Honduras goes very, very wrong. The local liaison hired to help with the mission is the only witness to the disaster, and the CIA quickly sets a black ops contractor on his trail to eliminate him.
Forced to flee his home country, the witness lands in Miami with a new identity and passport. But the CIA is still on his tail, pushing him further and further south to the Florida Keys, where he runs into Serge’s convoy. With Florida’s most lovable serial killer involved, the real party is about to get started.
Audiobook available, read by Oliver Wyman
