# Basket Case

By Carl Hiaasen

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/basket-case-3d79835e/

Jack Tagger used to investigate stories. Now he writes obituaries, until rock singer Jimmy Stoma dies in a suspicious diving accident. Jack sees a chance to get back into real reporting, provided he can get past the people managing the dead man's story.

## What makes it funny?

Jack reached the obituary desk by insulting the paper's owner in front of shareholders. His new subject's widow, a pop singer, treats bereavement as a useful moment to promote her own career.

### The comedy at work

Everyone wants something from Jimmy's death. Jack wants a way back to the front page; the widow wants publicity. Their competing ambitions give the investigation its bite, alongside the newspaper owner's concern for profit.

### Try this if…

A murder puzzle with sharp digs at corporate newspapers and the music business. Jack's damaged career gives readers more to follow than the identity of a killer.

### Good to know

Kirkus found laughs throughout but considered the detective story more conventional than Hiaasen's wilder farces.

## What to expect

- Genre: Crime & thriller · Mystery
- On the shelf: Amateur sleuth
- Kind of humor: Satire
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2002

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/79536/basket-case-by-carl-hiaasen)
- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/carl-hiaasen/basket-case)