On the HahaFiction shelf
Basket Case
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.
From the publisher’s blurb
“A rollicking and hilarious novel”Read the full description at Vintage publisher description
Paid link · We earn commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases. Affiliate disclosure
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.
More funny amateur sleuth
Sources & further reading
- Publisher
Publisher
- Kirkus review
Review
Something we should correct? Let us know.
