Orange Crush (novel)
 The cover of the US edition of Orange Crush | |
| Author | Tim Dorsey |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Crime novel |
| Publisher | William Morrow |
Publication date | July 2001 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 292 pp |
| ISBN | 0-06-018577-5 |
| OCLC | 45700678 |
| 813/.54 21 | |
| LC Class | PS3554.O719 O73 2001 |
| Preceded by | Hammerhead Ranch Motel |
| Followed by | Triggerfish Twist |
Orange Crush is Tim Dorsey's third novel, and the first not to star Serge A. Storms as the main character. It is a frequently dark spoof of the politics of Florida and the United States' involvement in the Balkans.
Plot summary
Marlon Conrad, an archetypal "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, Marlon automatically assumes the office. At the outset of his tenure, Marlon is apathetic and corrupt, riding in the pockets of special interest groups.
However, 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.