Deliciously Funny: Wicked Appetite

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

Reviewed by Doris

I used to love Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books. The first seven or so make me laugh out loud. Stephanie’s adventures as a “bail enforcement agent” were funny, the characters appealing, and the back and forth she does between Joe and Ranger made for good reading. Then, it became rather stale and repetitive. Now Evanovich has a new series featuring Diesel, a new heroine named Lizzy Tucker, a monkey named Carl who has appeared in other Evanovich books, and a ninja cat. Throw in a couple of secondary characters who are definitely off-beat, a setting that includes Salem where they had the witch trials, and the giggles are back. There’s even a belly laugh or two!

Evanovich has had a couple of other books featuring Diesel. He is a supernatural “unmentionable” with a number of talents. He works for the Board of Unmentionable Marshalls--aka BUM-- and his current assignment is to retrieve some ancient stones that represent the Seven Sins. The relics when all brought to together will give the person possessing them world-changing powers. Just to refresh your memory the seven sins are gluttony, envy, anger, lust, greed, sloth, and pride. The first set of stones deal with gluttony which leads to some rather humorous and cunning scenarios. The lust stone also adds a little spice to the menu.

Lizzy creates scrumptious cupcakes. Suddenly Diesel turns up in her house needing her help. Diesel must retrieve the stones or chaos will ensue. Also after the stones is Diesel’s cousin Wulf-- dark, tall, and smelling of just a hint of sulphur--and he is unafraid to use deadly force. Thus begins one of Evanovich’s classic romps with improbable happenings, a bit of magic, trashed cars, silly sidekicks, a touch of sex, and a bunch of laughs. Lizzy is very appealing and Diesel and Wulf add the right blend sexy. Then there’s Carl the monkey who has a way with gestures, Lizzy’s ninja cat who saves the day, and various characters who are just funny. This book is a perfect read for a rainy afternoon or a lazy day when you just want to be amused and relax. Great literature it is not, but it is great fun.

Wicked Appetite is available at both Main and Avoca at F EVA. Main also has an audio version, CD F EVA.