It feels like “crazy Florida comedies” is its own genre. In addition to Tim Dorsey, Carl Hiaasen also writes in this genre. Tim’s home is The Tampa Tribune while Carl hails from The Miami Herald. Key to this genre is the serious issues presented within the hilarity. The current book deals with asset forfeiture, elder fraud, and unscrupulous landlords.
Other targets include psychopaths, as in CEOs are often psychopaths, lotteries, and reality TV.
The main characters are:
- Two lawyers: Brook Campanella – a high-power lawyer who has decided to give away her services to the underserved, and Jacklyn Lopez – a self-defense instructor, who is also a lawyer.
- Reevis Tom – A dedicate news reports who is forced to work with reality TV producers at FCN, Florida Cable Network.
- Serge and Coleman – crazy and stoned.
Always, in the background is Florida, as when the pizza delivery guy is interviewed by the police.
“Did you notice anything unusual?”
“Not really.”
“Do you recall what they were wearing?”
“The thin one had a beauty contest sash, the chubby guy was in a panda head, and the dude tied up in the chair wore an orange safety cone on his head.”
“And all this seemed normal to you?”
“You must be new in town,” said the driver.
If you would like to laugh at Florida and enjoy broad comedy with a side of muckraking, Clownfish Blues by Tim Dorsey is the book for you.
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