Jonathan Herbert is an award-winning writer
who grew up in Englewood. His novels,
Banyan Street and Silver King, have won
multiple literary awards, including recognition
from the Paris Book Festival. You can
follow him on Twitter @herbertnovels or on
the web at herbertnovels.com.
January/February 2018 GASPARILLA ISLAND 23
Dorsey remembers being a 9-year-old kid at the
mall seeing giant hip posters with funky clothing on
the walls. He remembers a different America.
When asked if there is
hope for today’s America
and the Lost American
Dream he said, “My
fingers are crossed. I love
small-town Florida.
America will make it but
I’m not sure how the
upper, middle or lower
classes will look. We have
to be hopeful.”
Dorsey is a student of
Florida history and his fiction is consistent with
teaching it. Coconut Cowboy is full of facts about
seemingly unknown small Florida towns.
“My intent is for Serge to show you real Florida,
cooler places that you won’t find in pamphlets and
tourist guides. Florida doesn’t get enough credit
either for the our musicians like Tom Petty, Ray
Charles, The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.”
This is the nineteenth Serge Storms novel. When
asked what motivates him to continue the series
he said, “It’s my job, and my readership is very loyal.
Our relationship is what separates me from
others.”
Tattoos are becoming popular with Tim Dorsey
fans. His reaction to meeting fans and seeing their
tattoos is often the same.
“I grab my camera and take pictures to post on
my website and Facebook page,” he said.
This series has been optioned for a possible TV
series called Roadkill. The option was recently
renewed and is in the third year of development.
Dorsey commented on this opportunity.
“I feel complimented that it’s even being
considered. This was lightning striking out of the
blue.”
The Pope of Palm Beach is coming out on
January 30, 2018 and will be number 21 in the
series. It follows Clownfish Blues, number 20.
Dorsey is excited about the newest Serge
Storms book.
“There are pictures of me as a one year old in
diapers on Riviera Beach,” he said. “This book
expands further into the arcane trivia of the place
where I grew up. Hurricane Betsy hit when I was
about 4 years old. The storm grounded a massive
Greek Freighter for three years. It was the tallest
building on the beach and created unusual wave
patterns that made Riviera Beach a surfing hot
spot.”
“Inimitable ... The Serge
books are often hilarious, but
there’s always something serious
underpinning the antics.”
(Tampa Bay Times)
“Heartily recommended
for readers who like their
mayhem served up with belly
laughs.” (Booklist)
Tim Dorsey was a reporter and editor for the Tampa
Tribune from 1987 to 1999 and lives in Tampa. You
can purchase Coconut Cowboy in bookstores and on
amazon.com.
Visit timdorsey.com
G
M
The chopper in this case is the
motorc ycle with sidecar that Serge
and Coleman are using for their latest
adventure.
Joined by Matt, a student doing his
thesis on weird Flor ida happenings,
they take a tour involving small towns.
And Serge and Coleman give Matt all
the weird he can handle.
Jeff T – Amazon.com