Book Review: Triggerfish Twist

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Triggerfish Twist     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Tim Dorsey
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Humorous
Morrow, May 2002, $24.95, 306 pp.

In the Tampa Bay area, after his roommates Sharon and Coleman burn down their townhouse along with a few historical homes while freebasing lint, Serge A. Storms relocates the entire crew to Triggerfish Lane. Meanwhile in the same Triggerfish Lane area, Lance Boyle rents to the shoddiest tenants on the planet. The slumlord wants the more respectable locals to sell cheaply to him.

Shockingly, Serge the historian loves life in the Burbs. He "helps" his neighbors, which requires some kind of conning. His best buddy is Midwest refugee Jim Davenport, a gentle-hearted father of three, who moved his family here because Tampa ranks third as a desirable place to live. However, the magazine Tampa and the Boyle Tampa are not the same. Serge places the Davenports off limits to the local nasties. However, Serge’s bodyguard service requires 24-7 when Jim accidentally kills one of the McGraws leading to the rest of the family of thugs seeking vengeance.

The latest Serge tale TRIGGERFISH TWIST is a very humorous look at suburbia through the eyes of a kindhearted urban con man. The story line is wacky, as Serge looks so comfortable outside his element. Except for the Davenports the rest of the cast adds zany depth while the Midwest transfers appear as a typical American family caught in the midst of an asylum that leaves the quintet tugging at the hearts of the reader and Serge when the McGraws seek revenge. Tim Dorsey provides a humorous tale that continues the crazy tradition that along with the 2k election paints Florida with a lunatic terrific fringe.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner