Rating: 
Summary: Weak
Review: I first ran into Hiaasen's books in an airport news stand. I've read them all and for the first time I am disappointed. The characters are weak, the story line is weak and the humor is weak. Skin Tight and Double Whammy are more indicative of Hiaasen's talent
Rating: 
Summary: Hiassen is Back!
Review: For those devoted to the wonderful twisted world of south Florida as told by Carl Hiaasen, run, don't walk and get this newest gem. Demented journalists, bizarre characters and Hiassen's sharp and witty prose ensure a fun and twisted read. Fasten your seat belts, and get ready to enjoy. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Yet another hit for Hiaasen
Review: Once I picked up this book (after buying it the day it came out) I could not put it down. The plot is typical Hiaasen -fast paced, lots of twists, plenty of shady (and funny) characters. But the book is actually different than previous Hiaasen books in two respects: First, it is written from a first person, narrative, perspective, unlike all of his previous 8 novels. Secondly, it is a little more serious, and a little less twisted, than previous books. It has a more realistic feel (with the exception of a hilarious scene involving a frozen lizard); there aren't any dead animals hanging off characters arms (Double Whammy, Lucky You); or weed whackers (Skin Tight).
There are lots of rock-n-roll references which I found entertaing, and the main character-obituary writer Jack Tagger-is a likable, flawed individual, that is easy to root for. Overall, I'd definetly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Obit Worthy.
Review: Like many Nelson DeMille novels, Carl Hiaasen writes his "Basket Case" from the first person viewpoint. And like many of DeMille's protagonists, obit writer Jack Tagger tells us the story with a smart-assed dialogue. Dead is James Bradley Stomarti, also know as, Jimmy Stoma. You know. The Jimmy Stoma, lead singer in his band, Jimmy and the Slut Puppies. The Slut Puppies were famous for the hit single "Basket Case" from the "Floating Hospice" album. That Jimmy Stoma. Anyway, to bring you up to date, he died. It seems that Jimmy was a regular rocker too. Like many of his peers he was into alcohol, drugs, and had a rap sheet longer than his Fender guitar. He'd been arrested on a regular basis for such things as; indecent exposure, (he was caught wearing a rubber Pat Robinson mask and a day-glow condom), he crashed his SeaDoo in to the SS Norway, gets popped for whizzing on Englebert Humperdink's limo, got busted for stealing a bundt cake, you name it. All in all, this makes for a very interesting and "obit worthy" character. According to Jack Tagger, anyway. Jimmy's death may not have been an accident, and so the mystery begins. Jack, the obit writer, has his suspicions. While Jack's editor, Emma, has the "hots" for Jack. This is where the sexual tension weaves its way into the storyline. I mention Emma because Carl Hiaasen is a master of great dialogue and great characterization. Taggar describes Emma: "Emma has the bearing of an exotic falcon." Those eight words told me everything that I needed to know about Emma. This one is five stars and highly recommended. I know you will enjoy "Basket Case" as much as I did. Cammy Diaz, lawyer.
Rating:
Summary: ANOTHER HIGH 5 FOR HIAASEN!
Review: Another high five to Hiaasen for his ninth and latest Florida based thriller, "Basket Case." Popular novelist and columnist for the Miami Herald, this prolific author has been garnering fans since his debut novel, "Tourist Season" (1986) through Strip Tease, Stormy Weather, etc. He lives up to his file of praise press with this hilarious and highly entertaining take on a down-on-his-luck investigative reporter. Forty-six-year-old Jack Tagger has been reduced to penning obits for a South Florida paper under the watchful eyes of his editor "the impossible Emma." Ever hopeful, Jack is wishing for a hot story to revive his standstill career. It may be his lucky day when he notes the death of James Bradley Stomarti. Bells don't ring but cogs slip into place, when after a few clicks of his computer, he discovers that the recently departed is known to many as Jimmy Stoma, lead singer for Jimmy and the Slut Puppies. Seems that Jimmy went to his reward via a diving accident. Jack doesn't think so. He's off to discover the truth. Truth is a hard to come by commodity without the blessings of his editor, to say nothing of the blocks put up by Jimmy's non-grieving widow and the greedy, aggrieved owner of the newspaper whom Jack once had the poor judgment to insult in public. As always, Hiiasen takes readers on a merry chase and full throttle ride to a fantastic finish. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: Totally teriffic
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: The one, the only
Review: I've only read one other writer/book that took me by storm the way Hiassen did: McCrae with his "Bark of the Dogwood." But even he can't compare to Hiassen. "Basket Case" is not as boisterous as many of Haissen's previous books, but it has its hilarious moments. Many of the previous books expose over-development of the Florida landscape. Basket Case has serious points to make too - about the current state of the newspaper wing of the 4th Estate. Haissen, a longtime newspaperman himself, knows wherefrom he speaks. There is only one Carl Hiaasen. Sure there are a few pretenders out there but he is the master of the Florida landscape and it's peculiar brand of weirdoes, corrupt officials and sunseekers. Also recommed: Sick puppy and Lucky you.
Rating:
Summary: Quality writing
Review: I made the note in a prior review about how a certain author didn't need to create a new Hannibal Lector every time he wrote a new thriller book, my point was that, unlike some authors, Patterson comes to mind, since I just finished reading a few of his series of cop thriller books (some of which have been made into movies), a good writer doesn't need to create an over the top villian and a over the top plot to create a good story.
All that verbage is to say that this novel is based upon a simple story, murder and greed as discovered by a newspaper journalist. Nothing over the top except the characters which are done that way on purpose for comic relief, not to make up for mediocre writing.
Good writing should contain some humor, but humor based writing is often so stupid and dull as to not be worth reading, this writing is both funny and serious and is wrapped up in a decent engaging story, so, that said, I recommend this to any that enjoy well written fiction. It's only my second by Hiaasen (the other one I read was Sick Puppy, also a good read).
This isn't earth shattering life changing fiction here, it's just very good writing, and that in itself, is reason to pick it up.
Rating:
Summary: Rock 'n' rolling fun
Review: This was my first Hiaasen book and it surely will not be the last one I read. Not only is the author hilariously funny, but his view of the world of journalism is dead on target. As a reporter myself, I was amazed at how well Hiaasen describes the office politics, the infighting, the incompetence, and the odd love/hate relationship that journalists have with their profession.
The mystery is a good one, although fairly easy to figure out, but it's the method in which he tells it that makes "Basket Case" worth reading. He creates a vivid portrait of the current rock scene, and leaves a bit of nostalgia for the rock 'n' rollers of days gone by.
Read it when you're down; it's bound to pick you and get you laughing.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, But Fair Share Of Distractions
Review: I guess I enjoyed this enough, what with some entertaining side characters (L'Oreal and his golden mane comes to mind) and some screaming plot turns (a bludgeoning with a frozen lizard!!!). Hiaason is an easy-going storyteller with a healthy streak of black humor, so I would call this a page-turner. This book would've been great if not for two major distractions:
1. Present Tense. Most novels are written in past tense, and to hear Jack Tagger go "She says such-and-such and I walk out of the room" constantly took me out of the story. In my opinion, writing a novel in present tense should be a no-go.
2. Unbelievable Characters. Emma has no cause to fall for Jack. What Jack did would've gotten him fired, not demoted to obits. Nearly none of Jack's obits are fit to print (speaking here as an ex-newspaper employee myself). The Slut Puppies would've never gone platinum and won multiple Grammys. A plot twist near the end involving Jimmy Stroma's body never could've happened in real life.
Like I said, it's an enjoyable read that is hampered by some style problems. Guess I'll have to read "Sick Puppy" before I totally write off Hiaason as a low-rent Elmore Leonard.
| 
