Review of The King’s Ransom (The Recovery Agent, #2)
Oh, how I love a good treasure hunt, especially when it comes wrapped in the snappy writing of Janet Evanovich! When I stumbled upon The King’s Ransom, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar thrill—treasure, intrigue, and a dash of romance all mingling within the pages. As I dove back into Gabriela Rose’s world, I was eager to see how this budding recovery agent would navigate through adventures that are almost too bonkers to believe!
In this latest installment, Gabriela’s journey kicks off quite unexpectedly when her ex-husband Rafer and his quirky brother Harley crash into her NYC apartment. Suddenly, she’s tangled in a web of missing priceless artifacts—think Rosetta Stone and a golden Egyptian coffin—resulting in a globe-trotting escapade that takes us from London’s bustling streets to the treasures of Cairo and beyond. What’s more intriguing is how the stakes escalate not just for the artifacts but for Rafer’s life, adding a personal touch to the high-octane action.
Evanovich constructs a delightful plot intertwined with red herrings that keep you guessing. I found myself invested in the thrill of the chase, although there were moments the narrative slowed down, lingering in conversation. Yet, around the two-thirds mark, the pace shifted into overdrive, with twists that had me cracking a smile and flipping pages frantically. Gabriela, known best for her adventurous spirit, shines during moments of her quirky detective work—it’s a joy to see her strategizing in the shadow of museums and old ruins, although a part of me craved a bit more of her physical prowess. Yes, I wanted more of those exhilarating fence-climbs and throat-punching episodes!
What really sets this book apart is its vibrant cast of side characters. As I read, the quirky friends Gabriela meets reminded me so much of Stephanie Plum’s world. Each character has their own charm—Harley is particularly endearing in his bank president awkwardness! Although I doubt we’ll see much of them again, they certainly add a rich layer to the narrative I thoroughly enjoyed. My favorite had to be Jim, the Egyptian Uber driver. His witty commentary and local knowledge had me chuckling throughout.
Evanovich doesn’t shy away from intertwining a hint of romantic tension between Gabriela and Rafer, but the spotlight remains firmly on the plot. While I’d love to excavate deeper into their dynamic in future installments, I appreciated the focus on the adventures themselves. After all, it’s clear we’re in the early days of this series, and I’m hopeful for more character development next time around.
To wrap it up, The King’s Ransom is the perfect read for lovers of adventure, light mystery, and colorful characters. If you’re a fan of escapades that blend humor with heart (and maybe even a little cheeky mischief), this is a book you can easily devour while lounging on the beach, or, in my case, curled up in your favorite armchair. Evanovich has gifted us another fun romp that’s nothing short of a literary treasure hunt in itself.
And a little whisper of a hope—I’d love to hear Lorelei King’s voice narrating this thrilling chase!
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advance copy. Set your calendars; The King’s Ransom will be available on November 11, 2025!
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