Orange Crush (novel)

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Orange Crush
The cover of the US edition of Orange Crush
Author Tim Dorsey
Country United States
Language English
Genre(s) Crime novel
Publisher William Morrow
Publication date July 2001
Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages 292 pp
ISBN ISBN 0-06-018577-5
Preceded by Hammerhead Ranch Motel
Followed by Triggerfish Twist

Orange Crush is Tim Dorsey's third novel, and the first not to star his central character, Serge A. Storms. It is a frequently dark spoof of the politics of Florida and the United States' involvement in the Balkans.

[edit] Plot summary

Marlon Conrad, a spoiled "rich kid", enters the political arena in a career carefully managed by his wealthy father. He becomes the lieutenant governor of Florida, a plush job he can exploit mercilessly. When the elected governor dies in a plane crash, however, Marlon automatically assumes the office. Marlon is apathetic and corrupt, riding in the pockets of special interest groups. During his tenure, he is suddenly recruited into active duty during the Kosovo War and a bureaucratic tangle prevents him from ducking his responsibility as expected. His experiences in the military change his outlook, his fundamental character, and even his political views. He returns to Florida, determined to make a difference in the state. But first, Marlon faces a reelection battle against dim-witted Democratic candidate Gomer Tatum, the state House Speaker.

Serge Storms, Dorsey's main character, appears in Orange Crush, but in a relatively small part compared to the other novels in the series.