Book Review: The Chase by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg

The Chase
Author: Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg
Series: Fox and O'Hare (Book 2)
Publication: Bantam; First Edition edition (February 25, 2014)

Description: Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, bestselling authors of The Heist, return in this action-packed, exciting adventure featuring master con artist Nicolas Fox and die-hard FBI agent Kate O’Hare. And this time around, things go from hot to nuclear when government secrets are on the line.

Internationally renowned thief and con artist Nicolas Fox is famous for running elaborate and daring scams. His greatest con of all: convincing the FBI to team him up with the only person who has ever caught him, and the only woman to ever capture his attention, Special Agent Kate O’Hare. Together they’ll go undercover to swindle and catch the world’s most wanted—and untouchable—criminals.

Their newest target is Carter Grove, a former White House chief of staff and the ruthless leader of a private security agency. Grove has stolen a rare Chinese artifact from the Smithsonian, a crime that will torpedo U.S. relations with China if it ever becomes public. Nick and Kate must work under the radar—and against the clock—to devise a plan to steal the piece back. Confronting Grove’s elite assassins, Nick and Kate rely on the skills of their ragtag crew, including a flamboyant actor, a Geek Squad techie, and a band of AARP-card-carrying mercenaries led by none other than Kate’s dad.

A daring heist and a deadly chase lead Nick and Kate from Washington, D.C., to Shanghai, from the highlands of Scotland to the underbelly of Montreal. But it’ll take more than death threats, trained henchmen, sleepless nights, and the fate of a dynasty’s priceless heirloom to outsmart Fox and O’Hare.

My Thoughts: THE CHASE was an entertaining heist story with many quirky side characters. The main characters are FBI Agent Kate O'Hare and Number Ten on the FBI's most wanted list Nicholas Fox. Kate finally captured Nick after a long chase and now he is working undercover along with Kate for the FBI.

Their current assignment is to break into the Smithsonian and steal a forged artifact that is supposed to be turned back to the Chinese who were the original owners. Of course, that the artifact is a forgery is a secret that would embarrass the US if it were revealed.

Kate and Nick have to recover the original from a former Chief of Staff who now runs the premier mercenary organization for black ops in the world. He has quite a collection of stolen art. They need to bread into his very posh and very technologically current new mansion, find the artifact, and get away with it.

Naturally, there is a time crunch...

I loved the dialog and the sexual tension between Nick and Kate. I loved the fast pace of the story. I loved the quirky side characters who provided quite a bit of humor in the story. 

Favorite Quote:

"We want you to break into the Smithsonian."

"Always a pleasure," Nick said.

Kate raised an eyebrow at Nick. "You've done it before?"

Nick shrugged. "Nobody goes to D.C. without visiting the Smithsonian."

"Most people go when it's open."

"I don't like crowds."

I bought this one June 25, 2014. You can buy your copy here.