The Job by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

The Job Series: Fox and O'Hare #3
on November 18, 2014
Genres: Crime Fiction
Length: 7 hrs 5 mins
Format: Audiobook
Purchase at Bookshop.org or Audible
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He’s a charming con man and she’s a dedicated FBI agent, and they’re about to drive each other crazy . . . again!

The FBI had one demand when they secretly teamed up Special Agent Kate O’Hare with charming con man Nicolas Fox—bring down the world’s most-wanted and untouchable felons. This time it’s the brutal leader of a global drug-smuggling empire.  The FBI doesn’t know what their target looks like, where he is, or how to find him, but Nick Fox has a few tricks up his sleeve to roust this particular Knipschildt chocolate–loving drug lord.

From the streets of Nashville to the back alleys of Lisbon, from the rooftops of Istanbul to the middle of the Thames, Nick and Kate chase their mark. When they find themselves pitted against a psychopathic bodyguard and a Portuguese enforcer who gets advice from a pickled head, they decide it’s time to enlist some special talent—talent like a machete-wielding Somali pirate, a self-absorbed actor, an Oscar-winning special effects artist, and Kate’s father Jake, a retired Special Forces operative. Together they could help make this Fox and O’Hare’s biggest win yet . . . if they survive.

I think I mentioned yesterday that I enjoy a little predictability and The Job fits with that. Sometimes I don’t want character growth, I don’t want change. This is one of those series. It’s funny and, if you’ve read the prior installments, you know the broad outline of how it’s going to go. Nick and Kate are the same as they were in #1. He’s a bad guy, but working for the good guys at the moment. He’s brilliant and sneaky, has a great sense of humor and is just rather sexy. Kate is no-nonsense, tough as nails and could kill you with a straw. And together they are perfect. The are, of course, attracted to each other and the flirtation is a great addition to the story, but I hate to admit that I’m glad they’re still in the flirting stage. I don’t know that I want to see them have a “real” relationship. I like them as they are.

The Job is like a movie, a romantically charged crime caper, a bit of adventure, a bit of romantic tension, and totally over-the-top, in a good way. I love the recurring set of characters – Nick’s crew. They each have their quirks and their talents, and it’s just a blast to read. Or listen to, as I did. Scott Brick does a great job as narrator. He gets across the sense of humor. His voice goes with the action, allows it to be bordering on the ridiculous and aware of it, but keeping it fun.

Yes, there are probably holes in the plot, but I truly enjoyed the story, the characters, the absurdity of some of the situations, like when Kate’s dad “took a chocolate for her.” You’ve got boats, a secluded, plush compound, art heists and faux underwater treasure.  It’s entertainment, pure and simple.

I think I’ll have to go back and read the two short story prequels.