Book Review: Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton



Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

  As a literary reviewer I am always receiving copies of books in advance for an honest review. Several months ago I was sent the preview edition of Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton by Netgalley, in association with Random House Books. I began reading the book, and thoroughly enjoyed what I was reading. Then I heard that Lorelei King was set to narrate the audio book, and I decided to wait to finish this novel with King's amazing voice to bring the story alive.

  Fast forward to now, and I am very happy that I waited. 

  

 Curious Minds continues the genius collaboration between Janet Evanovich and screenwriter, Phoef Sutton. Their previous work, Wicked Charms, was one of my top reads and most-read review this year. I find their work together is fast-paced, often funny, and definitely dynamic. Set in Washington, D.C.,  Curious Minds introduces readers to a new mystery-solving duo, Knight and Moon.

    Emerson Knight is a reclusive; and filthy-rich man with a rather off-putting array of social skills. He is tall, good looking, and lives in a tent in the library of his mansion, Mysterioso Manor. To him if he asks for something it should be done. He is a recluse for a reason, since he does not care too much for social interaction. He lives in the mansion with his Aunt Myra, and has scared away many of his staff with his bizarre zoo of animals that roam the mansion and grounds.

 Riley Moon is a Harvard graduate who lands a job at a prestigious banking firm, Blane-Grunwald. She has spent her adult life trying to squeeze into a successful career, which even includes buying a Mini-Cooper to fit into her pathetic parking spot at the bank. She wakes up, works, and sleeps. To her it is semi-worth it, since her college debt...I mean degree.. has given her a job in her field. Her personality can be as fiery as her red hair. And being the daughter of Texas law enforcement officer, she is a great shot.

  When Riley is asked by her employers to visit Emerson as a bank emissary, she assumes that it will be a routine visit. But upon arrival she realizes that it will be anything but routine. Emerson has gold. Emerson wants to visit his gold. And Emerson will take no for an answer. Relenting, Riley drives them back to the bank to meet with the bank's CEO, Werner Grunwald. She explains that Emerson cannot just see the gold, he must make an appointment first. To Emerson this is preposterous, if he owns something he should be able to see it anytime. As Grunwald continues to quote bank policies to Emerson, it is revealed that Gunter, Werner's brother, has disappeared and has not been heard from for quite some time.

  Riley is puzzled by this, due to the fact she interned with Gunter, and this seems out of the ordinary for his personality. Emerson is intrigued by the man's disappearance, and decides to investigate Gunter's whereabouts. Of course he will need an amanuensis, which automatically nominates Riley (much to her chagrin).  Their investigation lands the duo in the middle of a conspiracy unlike anything they could have imagined. Pursued by dangerous agents and the men Riley works for, Moon and Knight must use their curious minds to think fast if they ever want to get out alive.

  This novel was a fun, page-turning adventure loaded with wit and charm. The story was extremely entertaining, benefiting from Janet Evanovich's incredible knack for writing quirky and unique characters. And the pacing was swift, benefiting from Phoef Sutton's screenwriting background, which includes Boston Legal. The novel takes us on an adventure that maps out the United States. There are several twists in the story that you do not see coming. And the chemistry between Knight and Moon is very enjoyable to witness. Out of all of Janet Evanovich's novels, I would have to say that this is my new favorite.

  And then there is the audio book, which was entertaining to listen to. Lorelei King delivered a solid performance of Curious Minds. She was given a new cast of characters that thankfully encouraged her to reach into her arsenal of character voices. And with King, there are many voices that make her one of the most versatile voice-over actors working today. I absolutely adore her work.

  All-in-all this for me was a five out of five stars read.


 Have fun reading this week. Let me know in the comments below what you are reading.
 
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  Because there is always time to read,
   Xepherus3 








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