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‘The Riptide Ultra-Glide'

Author: Tim Dorsey

Publisher: Morrow, $25.99, 304 pages

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Wednesday - May 22, 2013

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Writer captures rise of Phipps building

While a mystery's twists and turns will keep readers turning the pages until the wee hours of the night, the characters are what make readers return, novel after novel.

A well-devised plot is a thing of beauty; but a thoughtfully constructed character who changes and grows in each book is a work of art.

Tim Dorsey's novels will never be mistaken for works of art. He has taken what is essentially a gimmick — a serial killer so enamored with Florida that he attacks those who don't share his passion, or are just rude — and lathered it with broad, slapstick humor and made it work. Series “hero” Serge A. Storms never grows, but has amassed a following that will, no doubt, continue with “The Riptide Ultra-Glide,” the 16th in the Tampa author's series.

“The Riptide Ultra-Glide” is, like Dorsey's previous Serge novels, simply fun. No social issues, no in-depth characters, no scintillating dialogue; yet, Dorsey hooks the reader with his unabashed enthusiasm and devotion to all things Florida. Here, Serge wants to have his own reality show, but on his way to fame has to deal with bullies, those who extort the elderly, pain clinics and a Wisconsin couple who picked the wrong hotel.

Oline H. Cogdill is a staff writer for the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).

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