Storms an unlikely hero in Dorsey’s latest

Tim Dorsey’s perennial character Serge A. Storms has been called many things: stupid, violent, unfeeling, anti-social. But never has Serge been called a hero, as he is in “No Sunscreen for the Dead.”

In this 22nd outing, serial killer Serge finds a new obsession – senior citizens and angry war veterans.

Serge’s avocation has been to target – and dispatch – those who disrespect Florida or who dismiss the Sunshine State’s history. This time he is out to target – and dispatch – those who disrespect or prey upon the elderly.

And he finds no lack of despicable people who take advantage of the aging population. Scammers, salesmen who sell unneeded and unworkable household appliances, and more are subject to the wrath of Serge – and it’s not pretty.

Dorsey’s comic series, which relies on slapstick humor, shouldn’t work, and yet it does, as usual. Like his other novels, “No Sunscreen for the Dead” stalls in the middle. Dorsey knows humor, but not every joke is a pearl.

But it’s a delight to see Serge accepted by people, bonding with them over a screening of “Cocoon.”

Serge as an avenging angel – who would have guessed!

Meet the author

Tim Dorsey’s book events are known for being laugh riots. His discussion about “No Sunscreen for the Dead” should continue his tradition. Dorsey’s events are:

■ Jan. 28, 4 p.m. at the Jupiter Library, 705 Military Trail, Jupiter, 561-744-2301

■ Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens Library,

11303 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, 561- 626-6133

■ Jan. 29, 7 p.m. at Murder on the Beach, 273 Pineapple Grove Way, Delray Beach,

561-279-7790, murderonthebeach.com

■ Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 591 S. University Drive, Plantation, 954-723-0489

■ Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, 305-442-4408

Dorsey