Basket Case
Carl Hiaasen
Hiaasen's books have moved upmarket in cover terms recently, this
book being an example. Some of his earlier books had very
"lowbrow" covers. Doreen described the author as hilarious and
very entertaining - he's a Florida newspaper journalist with axes
to grind, a particular axe in much need of grinding being
tourists in Florida. Which he grinds enthusiastically.
However, with his latest books - including this one - Hiaasen
seems to be recycling old material. Further, Doreen's favourite
Hiaasen character did not even appear. That said, he does the
recycling very well.
Some of the characters were less memorable, and although
Hiaasen appears to have gone off the boil a bit the book is still
a good read.
Doreen 21/4/02
It was similar to previous books by the same author, who seems to
specialise in grotesque retribution. In this case, a frozen
lizard is involved. He has good comic timing and excellent
characters. An ageing rocker dies in a diving accident: the death
is investigated by the main character, a news reporter demoted to
the obituaries. Very entertaining.
Andrew 30/6/02
By the same author
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.