Tropic of Stupid

by Tim Dorsey

Part of Serge Storms, book 24

First published 2021

Serge Storms decides to explore his ancestry through one of those late-night TV DNA services. The devoted Florida history buff hits the road with his sidekick Coleman to meet his newly discovered relatives. Serge plans to visit the state's parks along the way, collecting stamps for his park passport while Coleman learns about local flora and fauna. The journey takes an unexpected turn when Serge discovers he might be related to a serial killer who has terrorized Florida for twenty years without capture. He becomes determined to hunt down this dangerous relative with help from his newfound family members. Meanwhile, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigator pursues the same killer. In the state's mysterious swamps, Serge befriends a park ranger who also seeks family connections. But this new friendship may prove deadly as appearances deceive. The DNA quest teaches Serge about the true importance of family bonds, and he will do anything to help those he cares about.

Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, contemporary, thriller

Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: found-family, investigation

Setting: Florida, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Period: Present Day

355 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow

Content warnings: violence

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