A Hustler's Wife

A Hustler's Wife by Nikki Turner     304 pages

An ongoing series featuring the character Yarnie, who is 15 years old and living in Richmond, Virginia which plays so much a part of the story with locations, businesses, streets, roads, etc. that Richmond is pretty much a character too.    Yarnie has had an upper class upbringing but oh those bad young men are so tantalizingly attractive, now aren't they.    Through a phone prank played by her best friend one night on the telephone while sleeping over at Yarnie's they end up talking to Des a drug dealers' name and number Yarnie's friend called out of the blue from a book of telephone numbers she stole from her brother.  Pranking him telling him she got his number from her brother because Yarnie had seen him and wanted to get to know him.   Yarnie is madly shaking her head, "Don't tell him that!   I don't know him!  I've never seen him!"   One thing leads to another and Yarnie ends up talking on the phone to Des.    He is impressed by her poise, class and confidence.  He makes it his business to see what this young lady looks like.   They do finally meet and Des is blown away by her charm and good looks.    She is nothing like any of the street hoochies he has been messing with.  Long story short, Des falls head over heels for her and she admits to him that she is only 15, he on the other hand is 7 years older than her.    Her life up till now has been pretty tame, she even calls her mother, Mommie.   This sweet young thing is about to find out what life with a street hustler is all about, and she is in for it all ride or die.     How Des finesses her mother to let him date her baby and how life changes for Yarnie after is certainly worth the read.    Nikki Turner knows how to keep her readers interested and on the edge of their seats.   Excellent story.   I highly recommend it to young adults on up - while the subject matter, the language and the descriptions are likely things mature teens know of - I still want to protect their thoughts and recommend this for adults on up. 

Imperial Twilight

Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age by Stephen R Platt, 452 pages

As late as the beginning of the nineteenth century, China was regarded as one of the world's great powers.  Europeans marveled at the sophisticated administration that governed a nation far larger than any in the West, supported by a culture of incredible subtlety and antiquity.  By imperial decree, contact was limited to designated areas of Canton and Macao on China's southeastern coast, far from the capital, and foreigners were forbidden from learning the Chinese language.  From the Chinese perspective, whatever goods they had to offer, Westerners ultimately came to the Middle Kingdom as supplicants pleading for a share in her riches and refinement.  A few decades later all of this had changed.  Europeans now considered China to be a backwards nation mired in superstition, ripe for exploitation and in desperate need of Enlightenment.  Increasingly, the Chinese elite themselves would insist on the necessity of a modernization which was synonymous with Westernization.  The turning point was the Opium War, when the Chinese Empire was humiliated by the might of the Royal Navy - as Tolstoy put it, Progress had been brought to China "by means of powder and cannon-balls."  

Yet, as Stephen Platt relates, none of this was inevitable.  The opium trade was deeply unpopular in England, and the government barely survived a vote attempting to forestall the war.  The Chinese, for their part, understood that the opium trade was ultimately driven by internal demand rather than external supply.  Relations between the nations had weathered other crises in the past, with each government placing the responsibility on their own representatives to avoid conflicts which might endanger existing arrangements.  The Opium War, then, was the result of a breakdown of the status quo rather than its logical culmination.  In telling this crucial but oft-misunderstood story, Platt deftly manages to balance detail and narrative drive, with a particular focus on the intriguing personalities that populated the intersection where East met West.

Trouble Is A Friend Of Mine

Trouble Is A Friend Of Mine by Stephanie Tromly, 337 pages

Zoe is new in town.  When Digby shows up at her door, she thinks he’s weird and rude and wants to avoid him but Digby keeps showing up in her life and eventually drags her into hilariously dangerous situations while trying to find a teen that has been presumed kidnapped.  Digby thinks it may be related to his sister’s disappearance many years ago.  Despite Zoe’s initial dislike and reluctance to get involved she eventually finds herself inexplicably drawn to Digby and the trouble that surrounds him.  This book was funny and the story was awesome.  I didn’t have any problems with suspension of disbelief in the story, despite the improbability of some of it.  I would highly recommend this for many teens.

Trainspotting

Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, 344 pages

Welsh's signature plotless novel is composed entirely of brief vignettes, only tenuously connected by the common characters, that are sometimes humorous, sometimes hideous, sometimes horrifying, but most often some combination of the three.  The protagonists are a circle of lowlifes, petty criminals, drug abusers, and thugs, who survive if they do not thrive in the maze of Leith's streets where even the minister is a time-serving functionary at the crematory.  The total effect is that of a three dimensional portrait of life under "the law ay the dragon".  And when you're trapped in the dragon's den with no hope of escape, why not get comfortable as the dragon eats you, from the legs up even?

Six of Crows

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, 465 pages

Six dangerous (to varying degrees) teenage criminals team up and hatch a plot to infiltrate an impenetrable fortress and rescue (or kidnap? or murder?) a high-value prisoner, for glory and huge amounts of cash.

This ranks up there with The Raven Cycle as one of the best, most interesting YA series I've read - certainly the best ones still in progress. That's not to say that it's perfect, but most of my criticisms are minor and spoiler-heavy.

The characters are diverse and well-defined, the action is over-the-top and exciting, the world itself is creative and complex. It tackles themes of prejudice and unhealthy (to varying degrees) relationships with a deft touch. While it occasionally succumbs to a "Summer blockbuster" mentality, there's so much to like that even with my minor complaints, it's still a huge success. Highly recommended - I'm already anxiously awaiting the sequel.

No Such Person

No Such Person by Caroline B. Cooney, 246 pages

Miranda and her older sister, Lander, are watching a couple of boys water skiing on the river when a barge comes along and runs down the skier.  Miranda, who was watching through binoculars, is sure that the driver put the skier in the barge's way on purpose.  Lander refuses to believe it and when the driver, Jason, comes ashore, Lander goes with him to the police station.  She and Jason start dating.  Lander is smitten.  A few days later, a man is found shot in the woods.  Lander is nearby, alone, with the gun that killed him.  This book switches between Lander and Miranda's point-of-view.  Lander isn't sure what happened and isn't speaking to the police because she's afraid that she might have fired the shot that killed the person.  Miranda doesn't believe that her sister could have done this and is sure that Jason is responsible.  She sets out to prove it.  This was a good, somewhat suspenseful, mystery story.  It was really compelling and I didn't want to put it down.  This is a good pick for teens who like mysteries and mild thrillers.

Shark Skin Suite

Shark Skin Suite by Tim Dorsey, 322 pages

The Sunshine State's favorite  killer and Florida history fanatic, Serge Storms, has found a new calling or at least a new temporary obsession. Serge wants to become a lawyer. Given the fact that he is a wanted criminal going to an actual law school and getting a degree is out of the question, Serge becomes a freelance "fixer" whose job is to handle some of the more legally dubious problems that come with trials and lawyers. Meanwhile thanks to her determination and expertise Brook Campanella is offered a position at a prestigious law firm and offered whats supposed to be an easy win as her first case. Since this is a Tim Dorsey novel nothing is exactly as it seems as lawyers go missing, banks are foreclosed on, and new evidence is constantly being stolen to be introduced in typical Hollywood fashion.

Another good Tim Dorsey novel with all of the twists and craziness that I've come to expect from his work. The only thing that I felt this book was lacking compared to previous books was the creative deaths and high body count, although given the beginning that is easily excused. 

Tiger Shrimp Tango

Tiger Shrimp Tango by Tim Dorsey, 306 pages

Florida has become plagued with an epidemic of scam artists, and only one man can set things right in The Sunshine State... Serge Storms. Aided by his perpetually addled sidekick and noir private eye Mahoney, Serge must stop the scam artists and save the girl all while being tracked by the same assassin that killed the woman he loved two years before.

Another successful book by Dorsey, especially for the wide array of scams thought up. I was also glad to see that Serge still hadn't forgotten about the death of a certain character two books ago. Its also good to see Coleman continuing to become more than just extra weight, even figuring out one Serge's murder methods without it having to be explained.  

Riptide Ultra-Glide

Riptide Ultra-Glide by Tim Dorsey, 294 pages

Patrick and Barbara McDougall have just been laid off form their jobs as teachers and have decided that now is the perfect time for them just get away for nice Florida vacation. Unfortunately thing start to down hill for them the minute they arrive. Their luggage is lost, their motel isn't exactly how it's pictured in brochures, and a string of events now prevents them from leaving the state. Meanwhile the there's a war brewing between rival drug smugglers over the control of Florida's growing number of pain clinics. To top everything off Coleman seems to have become famous enough for everyone to want his signature. All of this fits perfectly with Serge's next big idea though, and that is to film the next great reality show, starring against their wills, the McDougalls who may or may not be safer with Serge around.

Dorsey continues his series with more strange characters and interesting deaths, such as murder by pelican or death by sandcastle. One the best things about this book is that it continues to explore the character of Coleman, letting him recount an adventure without Serge and making him mildly famous to allow him to share his drug culture wisdom with his fans. While this series generally follows the same overall style every book the characters and details continue to make it worth reading  

Pineapple Grenade

Pineapple Grenade by Tim Dorsey, 342 pages

Serge's latest dream is to become a spy even if he's just spying for himself, which he does by sneaking around photographing foreign consulates. When his talents for snooping around and leaving cryptic messages is discovered however the intelligence community becomes obsessed with figuring out which of them he is working for and how they can hire him to their side. Along the way a congressman convinces the CIA to continually raise the national threat level to new slightly darker colors while someone else ships weapons around the clock to rebels who are actually American agents who just want to be fed. Eventually everything reaches a climax as the plot to assassinate the president of a small South American country is exposed, except no one actually knows who the murder is supposed to be pinned on.

Dorsey continues his fast paced series complete with all of his usual insanity in this fifteenth book by giving us a great spy thriller. While just as good as most of his previous books I felt the ending of this one was a little anticlimactic and that this story could have been carried into the next book as well.

When Elves Attack

When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey, 129 pages

It's Christmas time in Florida and Serge and Coleman are determined to help end the supposed war on Christmas. On the run again the pair don elf suits and move back onto to Trigger Fish Ln. where they also meet up with their longtime acquaintance Jim Davenport. Jim, whom Serge idolizes, then has to put up with super sized Christmas trees, extreme caroling, and a Christmas light display torture device. All the while trying to keep his wife and visiting mother happy, or at the least not being openly aggressive to each other.

This a wonderful holiday story complete with all of the characters we have grown to love in the series so far. Dorsey also even remembered to include the Davenport's youngest daughter in all of her rebellious but family loving glory. While shorter than the other books in this series Dorsey still manages to tell a great story with all of the usual strangeness we've come to expect. 

Electric Barracuda

Electric Barracuda by Tim Dorsey, 357 pages

     Serge has been leaving dead bodies across Florida for more than a decade, and after the incidents during spring break the state law agency has finally taken notice of the exponential body count. In order to garner better publicity a special task force has been formed to track him down. Oblivious to this Serge decides to resurrect his internet travel guide with a fugitive themed vacation guide. While on their getaway route blogging about the state's most remote bayous, bars, and motels the bodies and website hits begin rising, and with enough close encounters with the law Serge realizes that the game may be up for him. Will Serge be able to help his grandfathers old gang, raising a child, and escape from his pursuers? Find out in this exciting thirteenth novel by Tim Dorsey

     This continues Dorsey's standard mash up of bizarre and hilarious action with drug fueled danger and imaginative murder with all the added action of a great manhunt thrown in. Once again Dorsey writes a humorous adventure that leaves readers wondering where it will head next, complete with exciting revelations that will ave readers on the edge of their seats

Gator a-go-go

Gator a-go-go by Tim Dorsey, 336 pages

It's spring break in Florida which means college students are everywhere, in the midst of them is Serge who's filming his history of spring break documentary. Alongside Serge is his trusty and perpetual spring breaker sidekick Coleman and pair of bartenders who have a grudge against the pair for leaving them behind several books ago. Also along for the ride is a group of college students who are being hunted by federal agents and a mysterious gang sent by a legendary kingpin from the eighties.

Dorsey continues his series with more drugs, insanity, and creative deaths with this twelfth novel. We also get to see a slightly more interesting side to Coleman as we learn that he is actually quite knowledgeable about controlled substances and the chemical reactions involved in using them. 

Nuclear Jellyfish

Nuclear Jellyfish by Tim Dorsey, 307 pages

Upset with the depiction of Florida by online travel services Serge decides to set things straight by offering his services, even if his new employers aren't exactly sure they want his help, especially how not to get killed. Unfortunately for Serge his blogging catches the attention of his long time nemesis Agent Mahoney. Meanwhile a robbery crew has started targeting stamp and coin show exhibitors who each seem to have something to hide. All of which leads to Serge to go shopping at the Home Depot for supplies to deal with these rising problems. Included in this adventure is a mysterious woman who tutors strippers through college, various scumbags, John Travolta, and the man known as The Eel or more accurately, though not to his face, The Jellyfish.

Once again Dorsey seems to be back on his game, the deaths in this book rival those of early books in the series and the characters even seem even more insane and memorable. Anyone who loves a good serial killer should pick up this series and start reading. 

Atomic Lobster

Atomic Lobster by Tim Dorsey, 340 pages

Serge is back once again, this time with plans to start the largest collection of dirt from famous places in Florida. By his side are none other than his loyal but not at all sober companion Coleman and the mysterious yet somehow familiar Rachael. To complicate matters the most dangerous of the criminal Mcgraw family has finally been released from prison leading Serge to track down and protect his old friend Jim Davenport. Add into this mix a possible smuggling plot against national security, cruise lines trying to evict elderly retirees who've taken up residence, the meeting between Coleman and Serge's previous traveling companion Lenny, and the upcoming wedding of Jim's eldest child

One of the best things about this novel is that it is essentially a reunion tour all sorts of previous characters its fun seeing how these characters have changed or not changed in some cases. Plus there were plenty of interesting murder methods. One thing that did bother me was that this book mentions the oldest two Davenport children but completely ignores the youngest kid, and it almost feels like Dorsey forgot she existed for this book. 

Hurricane Punch

Hurricane Punch by Tim Dorsey, 368 pages

A conga line of hurricanes bearing down on the Florida peninsula, an Serge goal is ride each of them that rolls across the Sunshine State. Meanwhile a brutal serial killer is leaving victims at a disturbing rate, even for Florida, and has begun a stalking a sensitive crime journalist. Serge takes offense at this new serial killer and makes plans to stop him, while not out chasing hurricanes or collecting cool souvenirs and gadgets that is. Complicating matters is criminal profiler Agent Mahoney, who has just been released from a mental hospital after getting to deep into Serge's head. He believes that there is no second killer and Serge has snapped and is committing these murders without even knowing it.
This book will leave readers guessing as they try to figure out how seemingly unconnected plots will come together, and who is murdering who. Plus an old character resurfaces to add even more fun to an already fun packed book in this fun filled series

The Big Bamboo

The Big Bamboo by Tim Dorsey, 322 pages

Serge has decided it is time to resurrect his obsession with movies especially those featuring his home state. Mostly though he just wants to know why more films aren't shot there and why "Florida" scenes are filmed in California? When his grandfather leaves him a cryptic message that he needs to go to L.A. to uncover a family secret, Serge views it as fate and him and his companion fly across the country to straighten things out once and for all. Of course Serge's mission is hopelessly sidetracked with detours and other intrigue such as the kidnapping of the female lead of what is becoming the most expensive and behind schedule flop in Hollywood history, celebrity murder investigations, and the Japanese and Alabama mafias.

This eight Serge Storms novel easily continues Dorsey's over the top series with plenty of interesting characters and a plot that will leave the reader guessing until the very end.

Torpedo Juice

Torpedo Juice by Tim Dorsey, 322 pages

Serge Storm is back and looking to settle down into married life, he's searching the Florida Keys for Mrs. Right in the only way he knows how with binoculars and his homemade dating kit. He eventually settles down with an unlikely mousy librarian whom he sees as his perfect match. However even marriage doesn't seem to be able to slow Serge down as he handles a cult of devoted followers, ruthless land developers, old friends, and a new serial killer who is leaving a trail of bodies leading up to Florida.
This novel while entertaining wasn't as good as some of Dorsey's previous books in the series. I was disappointed with the way the two plots worked together and it doesn't add up as smoothly as other books. That being said the characters and craziness of the plot was on par with the rest of the series and make it worth reading.  

Cadillac Beach

Cadillac Beach by Tim Dorsey, 339 pages

In this sixth novel Serge is determined to understand the events surrounding his grandfathers death forty years ago. To do so Serge must escape from his latest stay in the mental health system, and start his own Florida tour company to uncover just how his grandfather might or might not have been involved in jewel heist in the sixties. Along the way he must deal the FBI, the mob, and drunken businessmen who have hired Serge's tour company.
Now that the briefcase of money is gone I was curious to see where this series would go next. So far this series has still managed to hold my interest with its interesting characters and convoluted plot. I was also excited to learn about Serge's grandfather and the strange relationship they had. 

Triggerfish Twist

Triggerfish Twist by Tim Dorsey, 306

Set the summer before Florida Roadkill, Jim Davenport, a mild-mannered family man is delighted when his company transfers him to Florida especially given his inaccurate knowledge of the Sunshine State. Then he meets his new neighbors and things go down hill. As it all starts to become to much for Jim he accidentally kills a bank robber, who happens to be the youngest on an infamous band of murderous brothers who just got out of prison. Fortunately for Jim his brand new neighbor might be able to help him out, after all Serge is an expert on Florida.  
On the cover of this book Dorsey admits that he killed off to many people in the first one and wanted to explore some of the characters he killed off more. Like the previous two books I reviewed I was okay with it being out of order, with this being the fourth book and yet being set before the beginning of the series. Even with this book being set before the first one I would still recommend reading them in the order they are published versus chronologically story wise.