"A comical mystery that rocks"
Though he knew better than to harangue the owner of the
Union-Register, investigative reporter Jack Tagger still
ripped him in front of shareholders. Thus, the forty-six
year old journalist now works the obituary column. When
Jack learns that James Bradley Stomarti died in a drowning
accident in the Bahamas, he thinks he has a story worth
more than the twelve inches his editor Emma wants to give
to the deceased rabbi. Stomarti was better known as punk
rocker Jimmy Stoma, lead singer of the once popular Slut
Puppies. Emma never heard of the has-been or his group,
but reluctantly allows Jack to investigate the death just
in case. Jack calls James' sister who sends him to the spouse of
the deceased, Cleo Rio. Her tale is inconsistent viz a viz
the sibling's story leading Jack to question whether a
murder occurred. As he digs deeper, attempts are made on
Jack's life, but if he is to escape the "mortuary" he knows
he must risk becoming an obit entry by continuing his
inquiries. Though not quite as crazy as some of his previous
Florida mysteries BASKET CASE is a satirical tale that
pokes fun at the newspaper industry through Jack's first
person account. Jack sees life as whimsical, which enables
him to torture the serious Emma even if he believes she
will either sleep with him, fire his butt, or both. The
investigation is humorous, crazy, but engaging as Carl
Hiaasen sans Skink furnishes his fans with a wild whimsical
winner. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted December 28, 2001
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