Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Florida Roadkill
Amazon US PB Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Tim Dorsey
Class/Genre: Mystery Humorous
Morrow, Aug 1999, $24.00, 273 pp.
In 1997, the Marlins compete in the World Series with game seven to decide who is the champion. While that event has brought the attention of the baseball world to Southern Florida, ex-con George Veale steals a suitcase filled with millions in drug money from Charles Saffron. Not caring how he regains the loot, Charles hires detective Mo Grenadine to obtain the cash.
However, everyone on the street and even the gaiters in the Everglades know about the missing money even before Mo learns about it. At about the same time, a couple of two-bit cons Serge and Coleman meet and form a crime partnership with murderer Sharon Rhodes. The trio goes on the road committing one crime after another. When the two males learn about the lost loot, they decide to obtain it for themselves. However, the sexy, but deadly Sharon muscles in on their plan even though Serge and Coleman object. While felonies occur, the Marlins step closer to victory. Meanwhile, all the players involved with the suitcase game will soon reach the final inning too.
FLORIDA ROADKILL is a weird novel that laughs at the Sunshine state while actually paying homage to its eccentric mix of residents and visitors. The entertaining story line slices and dices the state. At times the plot is a gut wrenching satire, laughing at the excesses and foibles of Southern Florida. However, in other chapters Tim Dorsey allows graphic murders to overwhelm the irony of the tale. Anyone who takes pleasure from reading about the humorous, bloody, but pathetic antics of a bunch of sleazy nons will love the zany FLORIDA ROADKILL. In his debut novel, Tim Dorsey shows he has a talent for ironic overkill.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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