Crossword Genius

Savage taking too many drugs in comic novel (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

whodunit

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'novel' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'savage taking too many drugs in comic' is the wordplay.
'savage' becomes 'hun' (I've seen this in another clue).
'taking' indicates putting letters inside.
'too many drugs' becomes 'OD' (abbreviation for overdose).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'comic' becomes 'wit' (a witty person).
'hun' placed around 'od' is 'hodun'.
'hodun' put within 'wit' is 'WHODUNIT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for whodunit that I've seen before include "Crime story (colloq.)" , "'A crime novel, colloquially (8)'" , "Crime mystery novel, play or film" , "American-style murder story" , "Question commonly posed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app