Basket Case wasn't as uproariously hilarious as my previous adventure with Hiaasen's work, namely Lucky You. However, it is still highly entertaining.

This author truly excels in creating female characters. One standout in Basket Case is the sister of the murder victim. She earns her living by impersonating a police officer on a webcam, catering to men with authority fantasies. It's a unique and rather interesting character trait.

Emma, the heroine who is Jack Taggert's boss, also proves to be more complex and appealing than she initially seems. As the story unfolds, we discover more layers to her personality.

I happened to be reading Basket Case simultaneously with a very dark Sara Paretsky mystery. The contrast between the two was quite remarkable. Basket Case provided an excellent balance to the intense and somber nature of the Paretsky novel. It was a refreshing change of pace, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying both reads for different reasons.

This book doesn't possess some of the absurdity that is characteristic of Hiaasen's other novels. However, it was still quite good.

The relationships presented in the story are all very believable. You can really feel the authenticity and depth of the connections between the characters.

As the story progresses, I ended up liking Jack quite a bit. His character development is well-done, and you can't help but root for him.

The conclusion of the mystery is also quite satisfying. It ties up all the loose ends and provides a sense of closure. You won't be left hanging or disappointed.

Overall, this book is a great read. It may not have the same level of absurdity as some of Hiaasen's other works, but it makes up for it with its engaging story, believable characters, and satisfying conclusion.

I am a die-hard fan of Mr. Hiaasen. However, I have to admit that I was quite disappointed with Basket Case. It took me more than two years to finish reading this book, mainly because I just couldn't bring myself to care. It became the kind of book that I would pick up and read a few pages here and there in between reading other things. The characters in this book simply weren't as engaging as those in Hiaasen's previous works. The humor, which usually has me laughing out loud, seemed rather weak this time around. Additionally, Basket Case lacked the pro-environmental undertones that he has become famous for.

This is the first novel by Hiaasen that I have read which uses the first-person point of view, and I'm not sure if that's what made this one so ordinary. It's a challenging perspective to handle, and perhaps it didn't work as well in this case.

Skinny Dip is next on my reading list, and I'm still looking forward to it. But I have to say that since reading Basket Case, my anticipation for the next Hiaasen book isn't as high as it used to be.

I hope that Skinny Dip will be able to recapture the magic and charm that I've come to expect from Hiaasen's writing. Maybe it will have more interesting characters, stronger humor, and a more prominent environmental message. Only time will tell.

Jack Tagger never expected to be stuck writing obituaries at this stage of his life. However, it's partly his own fault. He was once a reporter for the South Florida daily newspaper until he made a mess of things. Now, he's completely obsessed with death. Keeping track of the death dates of famous people has Jack constantly fretting about his own demise. When Jimmie Stoma, the former lead singer of the Slut Puppies, dies, Jack sees it as a potential opportunity to regain his old job. Suspecting that there might have been foul play in Jimmie's death, Jack decides to investigate, hoping that this will be the story that will break him out of the obituary rut.

His editor, Ellen, warns him not to get involved. Jimmie's widow, Cloe, doesn't seem overly grief-stricken, especially at the funeral. Jimmie's sister, Janet, suspects Cloe of murdering her brother. The recording studio sessions in Exuma that Jimmie was working on when he died are being kept quiet. What is the big secret? What exactly happened during those sessions? As a long-time fan, Jack believes he has a duty to uncover the truth. But getting the newspaper to support his investigation proves to be a difficult task.

Humor and absurdities are plentiful, as is always the case in Carl Hiaasen's witty writing. The characters are an eccentric bunch, and their oddities make us smile. By the end, I feel as if I know them all very well, and I'm sad to see them go.

The only Carl Hiaasen book that I did not like and simply couldn't finish is an extremely rare occurrence for me, as I almost always manage to complete a book.

Hiaasen chose to write this particular work in the first person, and I truly don't believe that this narrative style suits him.

Perhaps it's because his usual writing prowess, which shines through in his other books, seems to be somewhat diminished when presented from a first-person perspective.

The story didn't draw me in as his others have, and I found myself losing interest and struggling to continue.

It's a shame, really, because I have such high regard for Hiaasen's writing, but this one just didn't click for me.

Nonetheless, I'll continue to explore his other works, hoping to find the magic that I know he is capable of creating.

2.5 stars

Forty-six-year-old Jack Tagger, once a respected investigative journalist, now finds himself banished to the obituary page. This demotion followed his public insult of the newspaper's publisher. Jack, however, still dreams of making it back to the front page. His chance seems to come when former rock star Jimmy Stoma, the lead singer of the Slut Puppies, dies while scuba diving in the Bahamas. Jack becomes immediately suspicious. There is no autopsy, the cremation is shockingly quick, and Jimmy's wife, Cleo Rio, an up-and-coming singer, tells conflicting stories about Jimmy's last day. Determined to uncover a great story, Jack decides to investigate Jimmy's death.

Soon, chaos ensues. Various people in Jimmy's circle are threatened, their homes are trashed, and more members of the Slut Puppies turn up dead. It becomes clear that someone is searching for something, and by a stroke of luck, Jack discovers a computer hard drive. The bad guys are desperate to get their hands on it and will stop at nothing. Jack now has to figure out who might have wanted to kill Jimmy and how the hard drive fits into the puzzle.

During his investigation, Jack seeks pop culture advice from Carla, the 17-year-old daughter of his ex-girlfriend. Strangely, Carla has her own apartment and frequents bars. He also gets help from his fellow journalist Juan Rodriguez, who has many girlfriends and a secret. Jack develops a crush on his 27-year-old editor after his journalistic antics drive her to take sedatives. Additionally, he gets acquainted with Jimmy's sister, who has an unusual online business posing as a stripping meter maid/SWAT team member. Jack even finds a good use for the large, frozen lizard in his freezer.

I've read several other books by Carl Hiassen, and his stories are always filled with funny and eccentric characters. In this book, Jack spouts a dictionary's worth of amusing quips. As an obituary writer, he becomes obsessed with the ages at which famous people and animals died. Whenever he learns someone's age, a list of worthies who died at that age runs through his mind and onto the page. However, this book isn't entirely successful. The mystery at the heart of the story isn't very compelling, and the plot sometimes drags and becomes boring. Jack also comes across as too much of a smart aleck. Moreover, his pursuit of the young editor is rather creepy, and it's difficult to understand what she sees in him.

Although this book earns only 2.5 stars from me, I would still read other books by Hiassen. His unique writing style and ability to create interesting characters make his books worth exploring.

This book likely merits a rating of around 4.5. However, a 5 might be a touch excessive.

It is thoroughly engaging, boasting an uncomplicated writing style and a humorous tone. The moment one finishes this book, they are left with an immediate desire to embark on another one.

The author has managed to create a captivating narrative that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The use of humor adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a light and enjoyable read.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a book to pass the time, this one is definitely worth checking out. It's not perfect, but it comes pretty close, and it's sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with a bit of humor thrown in. It's a great addition to any bookshelf and one that you'll likely find yourself coming back to again and again.

Classic Hiassen

I have always had a penchant for reading Hiassen novels. In the past, I would devour them as if they were popcorn, one after another. However, at a certain juncture, I inexplicably stopped. To this day, I can't fathom the reason behind it.

Despite the fact that this particular novel may have some technology references that are a bit outdated, it still provides an incredibly enjoyable experience. The story is filled with Hiassen's trademark wit, humor, and engaging characters. It takes the reader on a wild ride through a world that is both familiar and yet full of surprises.

Even though the technology may have advanced since the novel was written, the essence of the story and the entertainment value it offers remain as strong as ever. It serves as a reminder of why I fell in love with Hiassen's work in the first place and makes me eager to pick up another one of his novels and resume my former reading habit.

His books are always an absolute delight to read!

They are filled with engaging stories, unique characters, and imaginative plots that keep you hooked from the very first page.

Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, his writing style has the ability to transport you to different worlds and make you feel as if you are a part of the story.

Not only are his books entertaining, but they are also worth reading for the valuable lessons and insights they offer.

You'll find yourself laughing out loud one moment and reflecting deeply the next.

So, if you're looking for a great read that will both entertain and enrich your mind, look no further than his books!

They are truly a literary treasure trove that you won't want to miss.

Our bookclub has an unwavering love for Carl Hiassen and his remarkable Florida-based mystery/thriller novels.

Carl Hiassen has a unique talent for crafting stories that are not only filled with thrilling plot twists but also richly descriptive of the vibrant and sometimes wild Florida setting. His novels take readers on a journey through the state's diverse landscapes, from the bustling cities to the secluded swamps.

I wholeheartedly challenge you to give just one of his novels a try. Once you do, you might find yourself completely hooked. The engaging characters, the suspenseful storylines, and the vivid portrayal of Florida will draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

So, pick up a Carl Hiassen novel today and discover the captivating world of mystery and thriller that awaits you. You won't be disappointed.

Jack Tagger, a 46-year-old who writes death notices for a South Florida daily newspaper, is already death-obsessed due to the nature of his business. When Jimmy Stoma, the front man of a once-popular rock group, dies in a diving accident in the Bahamas, Jack writes the death notice based on incorrect information provided by the rocker's widow, Cleo Rio. However, Jack suspects foul play and is determined to uncover the truth behind Jimmy Stoma's death.

With the help of Emma, the young and ambitious editor, Juan, a close friend and sports writer, and Janet Thrush, Jimmy Stoma's sister, Jack Tagger may finally become the reporter he once was.

This is my first encounter with the works of author Carl Hiaasen. As I am also from South Florida, I found great familiarity in his writing. Hiaasen has been a journalist for the Miami Herald for the past 25 years, and it seems that his character Jack Tagger was easily developed from his own experiences in the newspaper industry.

Hiaasen's writing style is truly unique. He has a realistic-sarcasm that I thoroughly enjoyed. For example, "The club is lit with fruity-colored strobes that dice up the cigarette haze like a psychedelic SaladShooter. A Nordic-looking DJ in unlikely rasta garb is in command of the synthesized dance music, thumping as tediously as a cardiac monitor." This is just a small sample of the精彩 writings of Carl Hiaasen.

With a southern setting in Florida, I initially thought the story sounded quite interesting. So, I decided to give it a try. However, as I delved deeper into it, I found that it was filled with seedy and sleazy characters. This type of content really isn't my cup of tea. I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. The atmosphere and the nature of the characters made it rather unappealing to me. I prefer stories that have more depth and characters that I can relate to or at least find some redeeming qualities in. But in this case, it was just not to my taste.