Pineapple Grenade: A Novel (Serge Storms)

I have read every Tim Doresy novel since I stumbled upon "Florida Roadkill" back in 2000. This may be my favorite one! Yes, the plot got a bit hard to follow, but it was fun anyway and played so well into the political BS we deal with daily. It was funny that I was in FL on vacation when I was reading it and actually in Miami International during that section of the book. I look forward to continuation of ths series as long as Tom can find some creative situations for good ole Serge and Coleman. Serge is my "hero" as all to often you have to agree with his "madness"! Keep em coming!

I've always waited in anticipation for the latest Serge fix, but this book is hard to push through. Suddenly Coleman is asking relevant questions in full sentences no less. And, the spy stuff is not over-the-top funny but tedious. I thought even less of the Elves (last book) but figued that was a holiday stocking stuffer and I'd reserve judgement. Maybe it's time to say goodbye to the rascals. Feel the same way about Randy Wayne White, another Florida writer. None of it is literature but it was always a pleasant diversion when you needed it.

Dorsey needs to introduce some new characters and plots into this series. The stories are becoming even more predictable and less amusing. Florida is the promised land for yobs and screwballs, from the governor on down. Dorsey doesn't have to invent characters or events, just change the names and report them.

It starts like this: "A prosthetic leg with a Willie Nelson bumper sticker washed ashore on the beach, which meant it was Florida." But that was nothing in comparison with the empty corpse that was also found, the so-called Hollow Man, and the homicide detectives couldn't figure it out. And so begins Tim Dorsey's Pineapple Grenade: A Novel (Serge Storms), his 15th novel featuring his homicidal antihero Serge A. Storms.

This time Serge and his stoned-again (as usual) sidekick Coleman are in Miami, and Serge is out to save the day. There are carjackers afoot, doing what carjackers do when there are unsuspecting tourists on the road, and they are unimpressed with Serge's red cape, leotards, top with an "S" on the chest and helmet with the revolving red light. The carjackers quickly learn to be impressed, which may sound strange to those reading of Serge's crime-fighting antics at first. Regular followers will understand: "Everything's normal."

Weirdness ensues, fueled by pure financial greed, and Serge is either on the periphery of it or right in the middle, and there's a Secret Master Plan. But how can a Homeland Security Advisory red alert be redder than red?

The Summit of the Americas is about to take place, and Fernando Guzman, the president of Costa Gorda has some real issues facing him. As one would expect, Serge and Coleman quickly get caught up in a convoluted mess that bounces all over metro Miami, from the decrepit Royal Poinciana Hotel to Little Havana, and from Little Haiti to the areas around Miami's Metrozoo. Ever heard of the CIA's Operation Mongoose? Building 25 in that remote area had been sitting quiet for decades... until now.

There are TV news announcements throughout that help us follow Serge and Coleman, as they travel South Florida in a green and orange '68 Plymouth Road Runner. And everywhere they turn, more mayhem ensues, and some of it is downright hilarious.

This is author Tim Dorsey's 15th novel, from his first one, Florida Roadkill, a 1999 offering where we first meet the homicidal Serge A. Storms, he's been a favorite. His type of vigilante justice is unique and often uproariously funny. I've spent many a late night not being able to put them down over the years, and they're all mostly 5-star offerings.

The characters in Dorsey's novels make up so much of what transpires, and some are real people. They can range from cameo appearances by fellow Florida authors such as Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry, as we saw in Florida Roadkill, to Randy Wayne White, who shows up in a bar on Cabbage Key in Electric Barracuda, where Coleman insults him. Florida's oldest living ex-governor, Claude Kirk, was there in Nuclear Jellyfish, the author's 11th offering. And one of the more memorable personalities was Lucky Cole, the legendary Florida photographer who takes his own type of wildlife images in his outdoor studio near the Everglades.

There are plenty of unusual characters in Pineapple Grenade, and the author has a way with words when describing them. Look out for Felicia Carmen in this one... she's all "curves and hips and luscious red lips. A beauty mark. Long, curling black hair, designed to make any man swallow his tongue and spit out deepest secrets, which was her job." And is it possible that she could have any effect at all on Serge?

Others that became personal favorites were Orange Crush,Nuclear Jellyfish, and Gator A-Go-Go, all of which have Serge as the main character. Dorsey's 2011 narratives in Electric Barracuda are among his best, in this reader's subjective opinion.

New readers might find this a 3- or 4-star read, as there is so much that has occurred in Serge's past that might puzzle the newcomer who isn't used to the protagonist's unusual ways or the author's dark sense of humor. In that case, this reader suggests a start with Florida Roadkill, published in 1999 and the author's first. We meet Serge A. Storms and his sidekick Coleman, and this from the book says it best: "Serge's attention-deficit disorder was the first of many hyphens. Obsessive-compulsive, manic-depressive, anal-retentive, paranoid-schizophrenic."

For those who have read any of Dorsey's earlier works, this one is a 5-star read. It's a little different from some of the others, but delving into Serge's character in some interesting and somewhat surprising ways.

And is Sarah Palin really Serge's new pen pal? You'll have to read Pineapple Grenade to find out...

I've read alll of the "Serge" titles, and "Pineapple Grenade" is my least favorite of the series. The book contains all of the usual antics with Coleman, goofiness, creative mayhem, Florida-iana, and so on, but I found those parts of the story almost formulaic, and the story itself more than usually convoluted. There are some chuckles to be had, but I didn't enjoy the story as much as I have previous books in the "Serge Canon."

Outstanding. Dorsey is flawless in his uncanny ability to move these stories along and keep us entertained. I can't wait until the next one. A mid-year Halloween tale would be interesting. "When ghosts attack".

I've read the entire series of Serge Storm books. They were always funny and educational (Florida history-wise). But since I apparently missed the new constitutional admendment that declares anyone who disagrees with an African-American president's political agenda is automatically a rascist, I've decided to discontinue my patronage of Mr. Dorsey's literary career. Just can't stand stereotyping of any group of people.

what a disappointment. from the genius and comic satire of previous books dorsey has sunk to jimmy buffet's level: i can now sell any crap if my name is on it. dorsey should have a money back item on his books now.

I love reading Tim Dorsey novels, but I really struggle to review them. How do you describe a story where a murder victim is found with no internal organs, fishermen are wandering around Miami with a dead shark, one of the main characters is using a prosthetic leg found on the beach as a bong, and two vigilantes dressed as superheros are ridding the world (or at least Miami) of car-jackers? And that's in the first 15 minutes of reading... Dorsey's latest, Pineapple Grenade, follows the crazy adventures of Serge Storms and his continually stoned sidekick, Coleman, as Serge starts his new life as an international spy-for-hire.

In the most current adventure, Serge gets it in his head that he's going to become a spy. Not that anyone has hired him, mind you. He just starts "spying" in obvious ways to catch the attention of various CIA groups and different embassies. His strange (but normal to him) activities stand out because a major summit of Latin American leaders is about to happen in Miami, and everyone has security on their mind. So while everyone has Serge on their radar, no one knows exactly who he's working for. Is he part of the network of one of the small countries? Is he being run by one of the CIA groups competing with each other for territory? Even the different groups themselves don't know if Serge is working for them as part of a power play by opposition within their ranks. There's a good chance that Serge doesn't even know who he might be assisting.

And then there's Serge's sidekick, Coleman... who is blissfully stoned and agreeable to anything... so long as there's more beer or weed coming.

For me, Dorsey novels are an escape into a world of bizarre entertainment while getting some not-so-subtle commentary on how people in Florida roll. Yeah, it can be over-the-top at times... actually, it's more a case of *how high* the over-the-top it's going to be. Dorsey creates some of the most strange, funny, and disturbing contraptions and setups for how Serge balances the scales of justice. The fact that he can even think these things up should worry people... :)

There's one other aspect I enjoyed in this (and every other) Serge novel that Dorsey writes. Every disconnected observation and sideshow that happens somewhere during the story will, in most all cases, reappear at the end during the climactic finale. From a writing perspective, I'm not sure how he can keep that many thread straight and wrap them at the end, but it's fun to watch it happen.

Pineapple Grenade was a bit more confusing to me than other Serge novels, but I still enjoyed the read. If you want a few hours of crazy entertainment and plot twists that never stop, this novel will deliver.

Disclosure:
Obtained From: Library
Payment: Borrowed

Zany fun from perhaps America's third or fourth and Florida's second favorite serial killer. Hey those guys deserved it, some of them were abusive. Anyhow a well meaning loon with a sidekick and a helmet with a red flashing light on it traipse about the Miami area to stir up the plot of hijinks (spies and corrupt national politicians included). Please note that his sidekick, Coleman, does not have a red-light helmet. Serge is quite creative while committing his murders and that part is half the fun. Floridaman holds nothing on Serge's quirk. And Ken Jennings is going to have to take a backseat to Serge's trivial knowledge of all things Florida including Florida's one-time busiest airport. Coleman is a bumbling druggie-head who takes up space who should try to become a respectable member of… hey, come to think of it, Coleman is a lot like Floridaman. He's there to represent. Serge develops a love interest [to be continued]; throw in some cheap shots at Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck and this book turns out to be quite the picnic.

Take Spies Like Us and any good James Bond movie, mix with the Marx Brothers - shaken not stirred, of course! -- and you have Pineapple Grenade. This zany thriller is set in Miami, Florida, as two experienced operatives, Serge and his sidekick, Coleman, stumble upon an assassination plot, combined with an arms deal and drug trafficking.

Serge and Coleman do their best to infiltrate the opposition, encountering double agents and ne-er do wells on both sides of the fence. Serge even finds romance with the stunningly lovely Felicia Carmen. As the killing noose tightens around President Guzman's neck, Serge, Coleman and Felicia race to stop a deadly sniper who could end the man's life. Will they be able to get there in time? What incredible secrets will be revealed in the chase?

Although the beginning of this novel was rather like a merry jigsaw puzzle of clues, soon the pieces began to take shape into a horrific plot. This was the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed Serge and Coleman's ideas of dispensing "justice" and the mega twists and turns in the story itself. Well done.

‘Pineapple Grenade’ is another out there crazy adventure with Serge and Coleman. Mix one part Florida trivia, one part bad guy and one more crazy scheme and you’ve got a hilarious tale of epic proportions. The funny/sad part about this story is that when it comes down to the politics and politicians portrayed in it, they’re most true. If you’re looking to take a Florida vacation in your mind pick this up!

This was another great book from a consistently great author! As a fan of Tim Dorsey, I always know what I expect from his books... a fast paced, confusing, historically accurate, terminally funny romp through Florida's landscape all spearheaded by my favorite lunatics, Serge and Coleman. And guess what I got this time? Exactly what I had hoped for! I always wonder how Tim Dorsey will be able to keep all the readers happy. People wanna see a consistent series of books with a familiar feel to them. People wanna see a new twist that will keep it fresh without changing format too much. I think Tim did it again with the twist of the spy game. I mean c'mon people! Serge's ADHD riddled brain, Coleman's drug riddled brain and the delicate nature of espionage? That just makes for an amazing finale that will have longtime fans and new ones loving every page of this book!

Two Serge A. Storms books in three months?! Is that too much of a good thing? No. There is actually no such thing as too much of a good thing, and for Tim Dorsey to follow WHEN ELVES ATTACK with PINEAPPLE GRENADE is Exhibit A for that proposition. While this may not be the best of Dorsey's chronicle of Florida's most inventive serial killer, it contains some of his best writing, hands down. Yes, I know, it's complicated. I'll write now and explain later. Maybe.

PINEAPPLE GRENADE is Dorsey dipping his toe into the ocean of the espionage thriller genre. Is it a satire? Sure. Does it work? Sometimes. As has occasionally happened in some of the other installments of this series, Dorsey gets carried away with the sounds of the voices in his head. So it is that at one extremely complicated point in the book, I totally lost track of the plot. Check that: I lost track of part of the plot.

Serge, instead of killing people, gets involved in attempting to protect the president of a Latin American democracy who appears to be the target of an assassination that is to take place during the Meeting of the Americas conference in Miami. Serge and his sidekick, the eternally soused Coleman, are on a mission to make the town safe for innocent visitors of all stripes and continues to be extremely adept at coming up with new, original, and yes, painful ways of executing carjackers, wife beaters and the like who happen to cross his path. Serge also falls in love (or something like it) with a sultry lass named Felicia, who wants to keep the president of her beloved country alive. With Serge on her side, the bad guys wouldn't seem to stand a chance, but they do.

The problem with PINEAPPLE GRENADE is that Dorsey becomes so fixated on establishing the alleged ineptitude of the CIA that it threatens to derail the book. Not to worry, though. Just keep plowing through, even when things get a little rough. There are plenty of Serge's trademark trivia drops, one of which involves a strip club with a flying saucer mounted on the roof and another in which he mentions my all-time favorite episode of the immortal "Miami Vice" (the television series, not the feature film). So aside from some rough sledding (or should we call that water-skiing?) through the plot, PINEAPPLE GRENADE features all of the elements that we love and expect in a Storms novel: manic dialogue, surreal vignettes (wait until you read what occurs at the Diplomats' Ball), fascinating Florida trivia, and murders by the dozen.

But wait, there's more! What will really knock you back here is Dorsey's demonstration of literary derring-do where not once, but twice, he sets the clock ticking and actually puts his readers on the edge of their collective seats. Keep in mind that the Storms series feeds off of a comfortably familiar but always hilarious template. We don't really expect to be surprised by the end result; it's how Serge gets there that provides the entertainment. There's a bit of a change-up or two here, where Dorsey stretches his previously demonstrated talents in another direction and kicks posterior. I will tell you that if he wanted to write straight spy/thriller fiction under a pseudonym, he could probably do it if he felt like reigning himself in just a bit, plot-wise.

Dorsey may be known as a brilliant humorist, but there is a depth to his talent that has yet to be fully explored. We get a hint of it in PINEAPPLE GRENADE. Get through the convoluted plot, and you will be more than amply rewarded.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

After more than a dozen books about the antics of Serge and Coleman Tim Dorsey decides to change up the story line a bit. Well the only change is less killing a bit slower pace to the story. While it was still a good read it was not what I have grown accustom to in a Dorsey novel....I guess I like the numerous creative ways Serge comes up with to insure justice is served on the bad folks. At least at the end Dorsey allows Serge a single creative moment.

Pineapple Grenade IS explosive and it will "blow you away !" I have read EVERY one of Tim Dorseys' books and those who have given it a "PG" (Pretty Good) rating are waaaay off the mark. Pineapple Grenade is Dorsey at the top of is writing game. Serge and Coleman NEVER dissappoint and neither do the wild and crazy cast of characters...... IF you do not buy and read "Pineapple" you are missing a "sweet treat" for your senses ! Tim and "the boys " are at their best. If you miss reading this one ....you deserve to be "killed off !" The twists and turns keep you not only "on your toes" but running to keep up with all the action. A must read for the die hard Dorsey fan and an exciting surprise for a first time reader of Florida fiction. Action and adventure from start to finish. Just try to toss the Grenade aside ! Two thumbs up and five stars !!

Serge A. Storms is the psychotic killer with an extraordinary mind and an incredible fascination for all things Florida. The plot is so darn crazy to actually make it believable! Love how Dorsey takes all his subplots and climaxes with the meeting of them all in an extraordinary twist. I found Pineapple Grenade hard to follow so I hope Dorsey isn't losing his touch.

Pineapple Grenade is not one of Dorsey's best results. He may have put some effort into it, but the result was not what he has achieved in the past.

Dorsey always introduces a plethora of characters and weaves them into a coffee-injected joyride throughout the state of Florida. Serge has changed in this escapade. He's still the charismatic vigilante killer of 'those who should be killed,' but he is different in some ways. SERGE MUST BE TAKING HIS MEDS AGAIN.

I think Dorsey may be suffering from Arthur Conan Doyle syndrome; he's growing tired of the character(s) that he created, but he, his manager, and publisher know there is still a market for the Serge escapades.

I love Tim Dorsey's books. I gave Pineapple Grenade a 3 out of 5 in comparison to Dorsey's other Serge stories. As far as finding anything else to compare them to . . . that would be a very difficult task.

Another terrific book by the best author I have ever read. This is the third book I have read by Tim where I found myself laughing out loud regardless of where I was reading it. Tim has major-league talent. His characters are funny, thought provoking (Coleman....a classic) and flat out funny. I have been a fan of Tim's writing for along time and he out did himself with this book. I highly recommend this book. Another Serge Storms/Time Dorsey masterpiece! Thanks!

I am addicted to this series! I really liked Pineapple Grenade because it was fast paced, interesting and funny. I need Tim Dorsey's style of writing! It is an amazing book in a series of amazing books.

I am addicted to this series! I really liked Pineapple Grenade because it was fast paced, interesting and funny. I need Tim Dorsey's style of writing! It is an amazing book in a series of amazing books.

This is another Dorsey classic proving that he is the modern John D. MacDonald by blending wit and intrigue with passion for his home state. Serge is the coolest recurring character in humorous fiction ever. Thanks to Tim Dorsey for all the offbeat references that will always keep me coming back for more.

I really enjoyed this fun outing with Serge and Coleman and the foray into espionage and double-triple crossings. I listened to the audio version which I liked a lot and found it anything but boring. Dorsey's satiric commentary on politics, terrorism, and the idiocy that is modern life is priceless. In my opinion, this may be his best book yet. When you read it, remember that it is satrical farce at its best and try not to take it (or yourself) too seriously. And have a coffee or three while you're at it!

Unlike many of the reviews here I thought this book was great. I have read all of Dorsey's books and while I thought some of the more recent ones were a bit rehashed this one was great!
The plot was funny, complicated, and interesting. I loved the parts with the rebels the generals and all the double-negative type of action. Not for everyone but I thought this was a wonderful way of continuing the series with out too much historical rehash. Good job Tim! Always look forward to the next one.

...by Tim Dorsey. Sometimes people just need a good killin, and Serge is here to take care of that. Should be required reading for tranplants to the State and people thinking of moving here...hell...even tourists. We have paradise here and if ya get to messin with it, we have someone to make sure you think twice about it...if ya get to think again at all. Way to go Tim, and I look forward to many more Serge adventures!!!

Love the way Dorsey always introduces a boat-load of characters and weaves them together by the end. Love his McGyver/Grand Guignol executions of The Rude and improperly homicidal. Love the history lessons and semi-sane rants by our caffeine fueled hero.

About 2/3 of the way through the book things got very straight-ahead spy storyish.
Some of the characters were given short shrift, such as the spy couple, El Presidente, the two CIA station chiefs. Johnny Vegas and Mahoney make perfunctery appearances and surely deserve more if they are included at all.

As the series has unfolded, Serge has indeed become less randomly violent and more targeted toward the deserving of his elaborate homicides. I'm good with that. The moral compass may swing violently, but tends toward the Good. What am am worried about is Serge as a fretful straight man, observing the lunacy of others actually wackier than he is and trying to stem the tide of chaos instead of riding its crest. What? Is Serge going to start taking his meds?

So there was a flattening-out, simplification, and loss of energy that I hope were just a flounder's fluke and not a trend. I'm worried, but still a big fan.

Upon finishing Pineapple Grenade, I swiftly handed it to my brother with a "must read" endorsement. Dorsey's dark, irreverent humor once again delivered a slew of laugh-out-loud moments that further stoked the legend of Serge and Coleman and the sheer bizarreness of the Sunshine State. The only people who should be disappointed by this book is the Florida Tourism Board. No way in hell I'm ever vacationing there!

As always, hilarious. Laugh out loud funny. The national political plot twists are great and thought provoking. As are the parallels drawn between past nefarious government and militarily acts and present.

Serge Storms is a homicidal vigilante and with his sidekick, Coleman they are out to save Miami. This is a comical story that has some disturbing is not unique ways to kill a person. Tom Dorsey's books are not for everyone. Although funny at times, I did not go hysterical and find Serge's exploits colorful but not for me.

Pineapple Grenade the latest book in the Serge Storm series, is so bad I don't know where do I begin? Much of what I am going to say has been said by others but I don't think it can be overdone. This book is awful! Serge is up to the same wandering ranting psychotic behavior only it just is not funny anymore, and the political angle is just stupid. If you think you are the next P J O'Rourke, you aren't. Not even on the same field of his last book, which should never have seen the light of day. Mr. Dorsey please for the love of God quit this series. Nothing in this latest adventure of Serge is word remembering. This book is the result of 1 of 2 things; 1. The publisher wants to milk this series for every last penny it can, or 2, Tim Dorsey like fellow Floridian Jimmy Buffett, knows that he can write anything, and his dumb loyal fan base, will think it is great. Well Mr. Dorsey I am no longer part of that fan base. This book wanders everywhere but never has a point.
Tim, Living in Florida you can go one of 3 ways; you could be a white trash, redneck meth-head, racist, who liberals automatically assume is a conservative, you could be a regular guy trying to make a living, or in your case you could be a loony Liberal who has totally cashed in and realizes that the people who buy what you sell are ignorant sheep and will this you walk on water no matter what crap you sell.This is true of the above mentioned Jimmy Buffett, one of the most hypocritical, greedy, liberal people using up oxegen on the planet or your fellow Author Carl Hiaasen who stopped being interesting, or funny four books ago, and is now just another pompous liberal. Tim I thought you were better than that. I don't care about your politics, after all you live in a state tied with California for being screwed up, what I want is a good book, and this waste of paper is not it. Please stop this series!

I love Serge and Coleman and usually adore anything by Tim. However, it seemed like there were too many threads going on at the same time that just made it difficult to keep everything straight. Each one of the plot lines could have made for its own interesting novel but it was difficult to keep pace.

Seems Tim Dorsey needs to establish some liberal cred so he makes silly of Sarah Palin as a sideline in the story.
(Okay, Tim, we got it -- you're a member of the club.)

But he's usually better than that so I suggest you read his earlier Serge-based novels.

I really had trouble getting through this one. As a HUGE Serge fan, one who has read all but his last two books at least twice, I have to say that Serge must be getting old or he is at least taking some his meds. His manic and educational travels through Florida are just not there and his thoughts and plans are way to organized for an unmedicated Serge. Even Coleman has noticed it and chose not to hang with him as much in this most recent book. At a point and time in his life when Serge should be reenforcing his Libertarianism it would seem he is turning into a Liberal, Oh No. I can only hope if Serge is to seen again that the author will take him off his meds and give him gas money so he can once again travel the backroads.

this book was not Dorcey's usual greatness. It was as if he has put all he can in the previous books and just come up with some 3rd rate leftovers for this one. I will not buy another one. Sad that it was not better.

I enjoy all of the Serge Storms stories, this author must have met some pretty weird people is his day to write these stories and also he
has a very vivid imagination. These books may not be for everyone, and I only recommend them to certain people I know.