Let's Get Down to (Wicked) Business

I've been in a bit of a reading funk lately, but what better to pull me out of it than a continuation of a great series?  Janet Evanovich's Wicked Business was released this past month, and I could hardly wait to get my hands on it. A cupcake baking, sleuthing heroine in a supernatural farce, what's not to love?

The Basics
Evanovich, Janet. Wicked Business. New York: Bantam Books, 2012. Print.

Wicked Business is the follow-up novel to Evanovich's Wicked Appetite, published in 2010.  This is the second book in a relatively new series that follows pastry chef Lizzy Tucker as her partner, Diesel, drags her further down the rabbit hole.  The two are part of a select group of people with special abilities, which they must use to track down the SALIGIA stones.  These stones represent each of the 7 deadly sins, and this time they're after Lust. Sound goofy? Yeah, Lizzy thinks so, too.

The Book
I enjoyed this book every bit as much as the first one.  It picked up right where the last one left off, and didn't have too much recap information in there.  That was refreshing.  So many series feel the need to endlessly remind readers of what happened previously or, worse, the basics of the universe in which the book is set.  Given that this is only the second book, I could have excused any recap of basics (it's books that are 11-12 books in and still doing it that bug me). But, Evanovich keeps that stuff to the bare minimum of bare essentials.  She makes the connection between the series clear and gets down to business. I love the seamlessness of it.

I also enjoy the farcical nature of this particular series. It both pokes fun at and celebrates the supernatural mystery genre.  Carl, the pet monkey, who eats at the table, tags along on capers, and knows a few obscene hand gestures, is a favorite.  Or Lizzy's inept cohort, Glo, who constantly gets spells wrong by ignoring instructions and mixing up words, she's fun, too.  In this installment, she casts a spell on the villainous Gerwulf's minion, but botches it so that he winds up with perpetual gas. These moments are completely ridiculous (and laugh out loud funny), but they also fit so well with the overall story that the story itself succeeds and does not feel stupid.  It's an interesting - and fun! - balance that Evanovich strikes skillfully.

The story of Wicked Business itself is great; I almost like it better than the first one (too hard to tell for sure, though).  This one felt like it had a bit more mystery to it than the first one.  You're not too sure how and where Lizzy and Diesel are going to find the stone. You're also not entirely certain who the bad guy really is or how things'll turn out.  This book hits the ground running, with Lizzy and Diesel immediately heading to a murder scene to search for clues.  There's also a little bit more mischief involved in this book, since Lizzy and Diesel are forced to go to some interesting lengths on their quest to locate the stone.

Fans of other Evanovich novels will definitely love this one. And if you're not a fan yet, pick this series up and you soon will be.  Both novels are engaging and quick reads that won't fail to delight.

Extras
I've done several Evanovich books now, so my extras list is running a bit thin, but here ya go:

• Here's a nice interview with Evanovich, in which she talks a bit about the premise of the Wicked series and Wicked Business in particular.  
• You can also visit the book's official webpage on Evanovich's site. 
• From there, you can get to an excerpt of the novel.

   

Sate Your Wicked Appetite

So, I was looking for a book that would be a nice quick read this week.  I wanted to post on something other than the October Daye series, lest you guys get bored. I figured, "I'll go with a nice mystery, something by Janet Evanovich," who I've been meaning to read for a while now.  I darted over to the shelf while there were no patrons around and snatched up a copy of Wicked Appetite, because I'd heard its a) good and b) the start of a new series (you know I like my series).  While I succeeded in locating a quick read (we're talking under 24 hours here), I'm afraid I did not completely avoid the supernatural (sorry! *dodges tomatoes*).

The Basics
Evanovich, Janet. Wicked Appetite. New York: St. Martin's, 2010. Print.

Janet Evanovich began her authorial life writing romance novels under the pseudonym Steffie Hall.  However, she quickly realized the full force of her awesomeness and began writing under her own name. After a (pretty decent) number of romances, Evanovich transitioned into mystery writing, and aren't we all glad she did?  This move resulted in the creation of the light-hearted and ever-popular Stephanie Plum (keep her away from your car. No, really) a good 18 novels, and movie deal.

Wicked Appetite is one of Evanovich's more recent novels and is the first installment in her new Wicked series.  The book introduces a new heroine, Lizzy Tucker, and features an old friend, Diesel (who appeared in the Stephanie Plum between the numbers novellas).  The book continues Evanovich's trademark style mix of light-hearted chick-lit, mystery, kooky sidekicks, and outrageous humor as Lizzy and Diesel work together to track down the 7 SALAGIA stones that correspond with the seven deadly sins (and that's every bit as delightfully ridiculous as it sounds).

The Book
I loved this book and I have no difficulty in pinning down why: it was hilarious.  This novel was literally laugh-out-loud funny, something I rarely come across in my reading life.  I liked that it took me outside of my normal range of amusement, too; rather than the witty sarcasm I typically gravitate towards, Evanovich leans more toward straightforward and blatantly hilarious.  I can't begin to count the number of times she had me practically cackling aloud with glee (and incidentally, my boyfriend looking at me like I was a crazy person). I think a few examples are in order, yesh? To start, the opening of the novel and Lizzy's comparison of life to lumpy gravy (cause, you know, it's not all smooth) had me at hello. How can I resist a good food metaphor? (I can't, just fyi). Another favorite part: when Lizzy's Dad drops in for a visit and tells the monkey to "be a man... eat your potatoes!" Hilarious! (and I swear, it makes total sense when your reading the book).  This novel was a farcical bit of fun that had me grinning throughout and laughing through much.

And then, of course, there's Lizzy.  I love her.  She makes cupcakes. The end. Just kidding (about the end part, anyway; you're not getting rid of me that easy).  In addition to being a superb cook with a fabulous cookbook idea, Lizzy manages to be funny without being ditzy, which I love. I'd hate her if I thought she was stupid.  Instead she comes off as intelligent and relatable, and carries off the weirder moments with a grace and humor most ladies I know would kill to have.  And really, what's not to love about a girl who can laugh about falling off a toilet and breaking her nose by pointing out the bright side of getting a perfect schnoz out of the resulting corrective procedures? Another, favorite character: Lizzy's sidekick with witchy aspirations, Glo. She's a hoot.

I also enjoyed how speedy this read was. This is not because the book is overly simple, but rather due to Evanovich's snappy writing style.  She grabs readers' attention and doesn't let go; the book is so action packed and fast paced that you can't fail to be caught up in the whirlwind. I also think a lot of my absorption was due to the farcical style of the mystery; even the serious bits poke fun at themselves. There's an entire group of people that call themselves "Unmentionables" for crying out loud. I think if readers aren't expecting that or (worse) if that style of humor doesn't appeal, then they won't like the book at all, but I sure loved it.  There's so much to prasie, a blog post just can't contain it; I can't wait for the sequel.

Extras 

• As always, I must point you to the author's website (gotta show the authors plenty of love. It's a rule. I know these things), including her nice bio.
• Don't forget her page for Wicked Appetite, which includes a link to read the first chapter if you want a taste ahead of time.
• For a glimpse at the sequel (see it's awesome cover!?), try the Wicked Business page. There's not much there yet, but there will be. Out June 19, 2012! (what? Excited? Me?).

   Pin It