Imagine someone who is easily fascinated with a thirst for all things Florida. Then, throw in the fact that he is a serial killer, and you have the main character of Tim Dorsey’s 15-book series.
Dorsey, author of the Serge Storms series, is scheduled to visit the Columbus Museum of Art as part of Thurber House’s
“Evenings with Authors” program at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Dorsey’s visit to Columbus will be part of his book tour for “Pineapple Grenade,” the 15th book in his series about Serge Storms, who Dorsey calls a “lovable serial killer.”
Dorsey said his fictitious world for Storms is closely based on the real crime world of Florida, on which he reported as a journalist before he became an author.
As an author, Dorsey said he adds a comedic twist to criminal stories he reported on in Florida.
“If you like Itchy and Scatchy from ‘The Simpsons,’ or Quentin Tarantino movies,” then you will most likely enjoy Dorsey’s spin on his series, he said.
Anne Touvell, the deputy executive director of the Thurber House, said Dorsey’s mysterious humor is one reason he is appealing to the Thurber House.
His writing is “quirky, fun and crazy,” Touvell said. “At the Thurber House we celebrate all genres of writing.”
Dorsey said he did not intend for his comedic series to be just comedy, but also a reference guide to Florida.
Originally, Dorsey wanted to write about the various locations throughout his home state of Florida. He said he started making a villain character who had the same passion for the locations.
Serge Storms is an “encyclopedia of all things Florida,” Dorsey said.
It’s all about the locations for Dorsey when he begins writing his books, he said.
Dorsey said he visits different areas of the state to help inspire him for the next novel. He said he already has the locations for the next two books set. But only one has a story line.
“Its more of a go-with-the-flow thing,” Dorsey said about his writing style.
Oline H. Cogdill, of the Sun Sentinel (South Florida), compared Dorsey’s novels to the comedic trio The Three Stooges.
“Teaders can enjoy many more decades of Tim Dorsey’s slapstick mysteries,” because they are on the same humor level of the Stooges.
