Friday Memes: The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich

 Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:

Gabriela Rose was standing in a small clearing that led to a rope-and-board footbridge. The narrow bridge spanned a gorge that was a hundred feet deep and almost as wide. Rapids roared over enormous boulders at the bottom of the gorge, but Gabriela couldn't see the river because it was raining buckets and visibility was limited. 

Friday 56:

"When was the diary with the clues written?" Pepe asked.

"The sixteenth century," Gabriela said.

"Chances of those candles still being here aren't good," Pepe said. "The wild pigs would eat them."

This week I am spotlighting The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich. I heard a lot about this book. So, when it was on sale for my Kindle, I bought a copy. Here is the description from Amazon:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich returns with the launch of a blockbuster new series that blends wild adventure, hugely appealing characters, and pitch-perfect humor, proving once again why she’s “the most popular mystery writer alive” (The New York Times)

Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast.

Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Lima. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him.

Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it.

The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page.

Audiobook Review: A Justified Murder by Jude Deveraux

A Justified Murder
Author: Jude Deveraux
Narrator: Susan Bennett
Series: A Medlar Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: MIRA; Original edition (February 26, 2019); Recorded Books (February 26, 2019)
Length: 334 p.; 10 hours and 31 minutes

Description: New York Times bestselling romance author Jude Deveraux continues her breakout Medlar Mystery series with a twisted tale of guilt and revenge...

The small town of Lachlan, Florida, was rocked last year when two bodies were uncovered in the roots of a fallen tree. Despite their lack of investigative experience, Sara Medlar; her niece, Kate; and Jack Wyatt found themselves at the center of the mystery, working together to reveal the truth behind a decades-old secret in the sleepy town. After a narrow escape, they vowed to never again involve themselves in something so dangerous—until Janet Beeson is murdered.

When Janet’s body is discovered, everyone is shocked by the violence of the attack. The sweet little old woman has been shot, stabbed and poisoned, but no one can imagine who would want to harm one of the town’s kindest, most helpful residents.

Sara, Kate and Jack are determined to leave this case to the professionals. But they are soon bombarded by townspeople eager to tell their stories and clear their names with the trio who solved the Morris murders. Even the sheriff is hoping they’ll lend their skills to a crime that seems to have no explanation and no motive. And once the town gets talking, they begin to see that there are more secrets buried in quiet Lachlan than anyone could have imagined…

My Thoughts: I listened to this second case for the Medlars, but think it would have been better had I read it with my eyes. The narrator didn't make the voices distinct for me. I was often wondering who was doing the talking. It was even harder because parts of the story were told in flashbacks which give one or two of the current suspects motives. 

The story concerns the death of a woman who was described as sweet and forgiving. Her manner of death - shot, stabbed, and poisoned - seems to indicate that she wasn't as nice as first look told. 

Bestselling author Sara Medlin, her real estate saleswoman niece Kate, and adopted grandson Jack Wyatt were successful in their first case. But they have decided that it was too dangerous and wish people would quit coming to tell them about Janet. Even the Sheriff wants them to investigate. 

As they begin looking into Janet's life, they find a number of people who wanted her dead. The suspects range from the woman who sold Janet her house to teenage mean girls to Jack's foreman who is worried about losing custody of his son. There were others too. 

Sara, Kate, and Jack soon learn that Janet was never satisfied until she got revenge for even the smallest slight. The woman who beat her in a crocheting contest had her sheshed burned down. The beautician who accidentally dyed her hair green had Janet put her out of business by establishing a competitor next door. 

I liked the byplay between Jack and Kate and wonder if she's really as clueless about how much he likes her as she seems. 

It was a nice mystery with a sort of surprising ending. I just think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it with my eyes.

Favorite Quote:

Janet Beeson had a gunshot in her head and a large knife sticking out of her chest. Green vomit was on her chin and down the front of her shirt. Poison, maybe?

Sheriff Flynn recovered first. "Somebody really, really wanted her dead," he managed to say.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Book Review: Kris Longknife: Defiant by Mike Shepherd

Kris Longknife: Defiant
Author: Mike Shepherd
Series: Kris Longknife (Book 3)
Publication: Ace (October 25, 2005)

Description: As part of an agenda to oust her father from his political position, Kris Longknife is relieved of command. But when an alien enemy launches an invasion, she defies both government and military authority to lead a rag-tag fleet against the threat.

My Thoughts: Lieutenant Kris Longknife finds herself assigned to small, experimental ships designed to protect individual planets and made of the semi-smart metal that was used in an assassination attempt against her. The ships have all sorts of problems from equipment failures to the sheer impossibility of small ships taking on battlecruisers. 

Before the problems can be solved, but with some hope in sight, Kris is pulled from the ship and arrested for dereliction of duty. This is a put-up case because her father's enemies have found a way to get him out of power and are using Kris's earlier mission as a way to keep him out. 

While awaiting her court martial, her Great-grandfather King Ray sends her on a diplomatic mission to sit with one of his old comrades who is dying and, incidentally, convince her planet to join the United Sentients. She has a fight on her hands when off planet agitators attempt their own takeover of the planet. 

Then, when returned home to Wardhaven, Kris learns that the planet's defense fleet have been sent to another potential member planet of the United Sentients just when a battle fleet of unknown origin comes to Wardhaven.

With the new government burying its head in the sand, it is up to Kris and quite a few co-conspirators to get her twelve ships functional and find a way to defeat the invading armada. Luckily, she isn't alone. Her Grandpa Al opens his space repair facilities to her, and she gets help from his crew along with private yacht captains, space tugs, the Army, the Navy, and even the local flying clubs. It is up to twenty-three-year-old Princess Kristine Longknife to meld all these elements together into a cohesive fighting force if she wants her planet to survive. 

I enjoyed the planning, conniving, space battles, and soul-searching even while hating the losses of friends that were the inevitable result of the battle.

Favorite Quote:

"Battles aren't so much won by the brilliant choices of the winner as lost by the dumb mistakes of the losers."

***

"Eighty years of peace create a certain way of thinking."

"Yes, Father. And those who don't break it may very soon find it listed as their cause of death."

I bought this one before 2008. You can buy your copy here.

Book Review: When We Met by Susan Mallery

When We Met
Author: Susan Mallery
Series: Fool's Gold (Book 13)
Publication: HQN; Original edition (April 29, 2014)

Description: New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool's Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed in this uplifting opposites attract romance…

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can't be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool's Gold, California, he's cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he's not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe after the devastating loss he's experienced.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe-to-toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

My Thoughts: This was another entertaining Fool's Gold romance. Taryn Crawford is still adjusting to life in Fool's Gold after her former football player partners vote to move the business from LA. She's high fashion and high heels and isn't sure she likes all the friendliness.

Angel Whittaker is a partner in the bodyguard school after a career in Special Forces. He's dealing with the deaths of his wife and son in a car accident. He feels guilty that he wasn't there to protect him. 

Angel and Taryn are attracted to each other, but neither is looking for a committed relationship. An affair suits them since neither is willing to risk their heart. 

I enjoyed this story. I liked that Angel got roped into being a troop leader for seven-year-old girls and that Taryn helped him with that. I liked that Taryn had a great group of female friends. 

This was an excellent addition to this long-running series. 

Favorite Quote:

They were a couple of broken souls, she thought, passing him the spare ribs. A man who had loved and lost and a woman who didn't believe in romantic love at all. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Devouring Darkness by Chloe Neill

Devouring Darkness
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Heirs of Chicagoland (Book 4)
Publication: Berkley (September 20, 2022)

Description: In the newest installment of the USA Today bestselling Heirs of Chicagoland series, vampire Elisa Sullivan unearths an ancient grudge, with potentially devastating consequences.

As the only vampire ever born, and the daughter of two very powerful Chicago vampires, Elisa Sullivan knew her life was going to be…unusual. But she wanted to make her own way in the world, preferably away from her famous family. Then supernatural politics—and perhaps a bit of destiny—intervened, and Elisa had to steady her nerves and sharpen her steel to fight for the city of Chicago. Luckily, Connor Keene, son of the North American Central Pack’s Apex wolf, is right by her side.

When Elisa and her Ombudsman colleagues agree to escort a vulnerable supernatural to Chicago, they inadvertently set in motion a scheme of long-awaited magical vengeance. The city may pay an arcane price it can’t afford unless Elisa and her allies rise to the challenge.

My Thoughts: In this episode of the Heirs of Chicagoland series, Elisa and her colleagues have to find and capture a chaos demon who has damaged one of the wards built in 1872 which allowed her entrance.

While Elisa is busy dealing with the chaos demon, the Pack is dealing with interlopers from out of town who have come to lodge complaints. Connor is pulled between helping Elisa and helping with the pack. 

Things get much worse when the demon causes Cadogan House to disappear just before Elisa and Connor arrive for a brainstorming session about removing the demon from Chicago. Trapped in the house are Elisa's parents, Connor's parents and Lulu Bell's parents along with the head of one of the other vampire houses and all the vampires who were at home when Cadogan House was removed. 

Elisa and her team now have to figure things out on their own without the help of older vampires and the extensive library at Cadogan House. Lulu is so angry that she decides that she has to share a secret she's been keeping for ten years about her reasons for not using her magic.

The story was fast-paced and filled with action. I enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the worldbuilding in a Chicago with a variety of supernaturals. Fans of the series won't want to miss this latest episode.

Favorite Quote:

"So if this demon made it into Chicago, in order to stop her, we have to figure out her sigil, which only she knows. We have to find her, and we have to use metaphysical magic in order to lock her down again."

"Correct."

I blew out a breath. The world had just gotten very, very complicated.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Book Review: Kris Longknife: Deserter by Mike Shepherd

Kris Longknife: Deserter
Author: Mike Shepherd
Series: Kris Longknife (Book 2)
Publication: Ace; 1st Printing edition (November 30, 2004)

Description: A search for her lost friend leads the female space warrior into a galactic hellhole with no way out.

My Thoughts: This second book in the Kris Longknife series has Lieutenant JG Kris Longknife assigned to a ship which is testing the new smart metal. 

When she gets a distress call from her friend Tom, she uses some leave time to travel to Taurantic to try to rescue him. She is traveling with her bodyguard Jack and a new maid hired by her mother whose name is Abby. Not to mention Kris's computer Nelly who has just gotten a new upgrade and who is analyzing an artifact left by the Three which might or might not be influencing Kris.

Rescuing Tom is not beyond her small team's capabilities especially with the addition of another Navy Lieutenant named Penny. But the rescue was a trap set by Kris's old enemy Cal Sandfire. Sandfire wants Kris dead but she's only one small part of his bigger plan. 

With Kris stuck on Taurantic because of an Ebola outbreak and a strangely coincidental failure of the Comm System, Kris finds herself using her role of Princess Longknife to find out what is going on on the planet. She finds that Sandfire is building a space fleet using merchant hulls. The question is whether he is working on his own or at the direction of Henry Smythe-Peterwald the Twelfth.

Kris has met Hank Peterwald the Thirteenth who is her agemate and someone she should have a lot in common with considering that each has a trust fund hovering around a trillion and powerful parents. But a series of accidents whenever he's around leaves Kris uncertain about whether Hank is a villain or a dupe.

The story was filled with action and intrigue. I really like Kris's new maid who seems to have lots and lots of secrets and some really strange competencies. I like that Kris is smart and creative and driven to make things better for those around her. 

This is an entertaining series with great worldbuilding and great characters. 

Favorite Quote:

No question about it, excitement was something horrible happening to someone else as far away from your own thin and delicate skin as possible.

I bought this one back in 2004. You can buy your copy here.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (September 19, 2022)

 It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Want to See What I Added to My Stack? links to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene at Reading Reality.

Other Than Reading...

This was a quiet week with lots of reading, lots of baseball games as the season draws to a close, and lots of watching ceremonies surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Monday, I'll be up early (4:30 AM my time) to watch the funeral services and processions. 

Just when I thought I was getting a handle on my tall stack of October releases, I added two more to the pile. One is a novella, but still... However, nine read and eight to go.

This coming week will be spent catching up on the sleep I'm losing by getting up so very early and reading down my stack of October releases. I also hope to continue listening to my current audiobook. 

I haven't any appointments to take me away from home and likely won't leave the house. 

Read Last Week

If you can't wait until the review shows up on my blog, reviews are posted to LibraryThing and Goodreads as soon as I write them (usually right after I finish reading a book.)

• Treachery on Tenth Street by Kate Belli (Review; October 11) -- Another interesting mystery in the Gilded Gotham series. My review will be posted on October 4.
• The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal (Review; October 11) -- This science fiction mystery takes place on a starship heading to Mars. It has great characters and engaging worldbuilding. My review will be posted on October 4.
• A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril (Review; October 11) -- Culinary cozy mystery stars twin sisters who own a bookstore/chocolate store in a small town in Montana. Nice mystery with recipes for more accomplished cooks than I am. My review will be posted on October 5.

• Blind Faith by Alicia Beckman (Review; October 11) -- Excellent mystery which weaves three or four time periods and three viewpoint characters. I really liked it. My review will be posted on October 6.
• Canter with a Killer by Amber Camp (Review; October 11) -- Entertaining cozy mystery with a great setting and interesting characters. My review will be posted on October 6.

Currently

• Changeling by Molly Harper (Mine; Audiobook)
• Under a Veiled Moon by Karen Odden (Review; October 11)

Next Week

• Kris Longknife: Resolute by Mike Shepherd (Mine since 2008)
• Muzzled by David Rosenfelt (Kindle)
• The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews (Review; October 11)

• Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosefelt (Review. October 11)
• Dashing Through the Snowbirds by Donna Andrews (October 11)
• Built to Last by Erin Hahn (October 18)

Reviews Posted

• Sweetwater & the Witch by Jayne Castle
• Murder with Puffins by Donna Andrews
• The Silent Witness by Carolyn Arnold

• Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower
• Desperation in Death by J. D. Robb
• The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:

• Bone Deep by Kendra Elliot (October 18)
• Vanishing Hour by Laura Griffin (October 25)

• The Devil You Know by P. J. Tracy (January 17)
• What Have We Done by Alex Finlay (March 7)

Bought:

• The Polly O'Keefe Quartet by Madeleine L'Engle (Book Bub, $2.99)
• Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (Kindle)

• Highfire by Eoin Colfer (BookBub, $1.99)
• Play Dead by David Rosenfelt (BookBub, $1.99)
• The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow (Kindle Daily Deal, $2.99)

• Fledgling by Molly Harper (Kindle & Audiobook)
• Calling by Molly Harper (Kindle & Audiobook)

What was your week like?