The Job by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Poor Kate O'Hare. As an expert FBI agent, she caught the infamous Nick Fox. He's such a good thief the FBI decided to let him escape if he agreed to help capture other thieves. And Kate has to be his partner.

In this novel, someone impersonates Nick to get his attention. It turns out to be an old thieving partner of his, Serena. She wants Nick to take down the powerful drug lord, Menendez. Serena's brother had performed plastic surgery on Menendez, altering his appearance so he could not be identified. Then Menendez had the doctor killed. Serena wants revenge. Rather than death, she wants Nick to bring the global drug lord to ruin.

Nick has a plan. Kate recruits her dad, the ex-government operative who taught her how to defend herself with a straw and a sandwich bag when she was a grade-schooler. He brings along his senior citizen friends. They may be old but they've still got what it takes.

There are quirky characters from a previous novel, like Wilma “Willie” Owens who thinks she can drive anything, and almost can. And Boyd Capwell who thinks he can act his way into or out of any situation. And Tom, who can build just about any structure Nick might need. There's a new character, special effects wizard Rodney.

They all like adventure and there is plenty of it. A hundred and fifty foot tub of a boat is transformed into a research vessel attracting the treasure greedy Menendez.

While this series is not as overtly funny as the Stephanie Plum novels, there are plenty of laughs. There are also the exotic locations, the outlandish adventures, an intricately devised con, and a frisson of romance between Kate and Nick (well, mostly Nick). They all add up to a fun novel.

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series as well as others. Find out more at www.evanivich.com.

Lee Goldberg is a screenwriter, TV producer and author of several books, including the Monk series of mysteries. Find out more at www.leegoldberg.com.

Bantam Books, 304 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.