Janet Evanovich

#1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich returns with the launch of a blockbuster new series that blends wild adventure, hugely appealing characters, and pitch-perfect humor, proving once again why she’s “the most popular mystery writer alive” (The New York Times). Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast. Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him. Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it. The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page.

A Novel

The Recovery Agent

The ending drug on a little bit, and I would have liked more treasure hunt, but I'd watch it if they made a movie.

Michelle Hruby

*A story written to be popular: easy to read and mindlessly entertaining – well, slightly entertaining*

I hung on as a Janet Evanovich fan for many years as she put decreasing effort into her books. But it’s gotten harder and harder to bother reading her books. I knew I should have steered clear of 

 as soon as I saw the story opened with the main character, Gabriela, hiking through the Amazon jungle in La Perla underwear. I can suspend believe on a lot of things in fiction, but a supposed professional recovery agent wearing $400 lingerie in the jungle is not one of them. And the brand name dropping continued throughout the book. I can't stand when authors thrown in brand names like that. Unless it is truly relevant, leave it out. Maybe getting company kickbacks is another way Evanovich has sold out.

The story is a recycled version of Stephanie Plum only with less going for it. It didn't even manage to deliver on the humor.

The love interest (who happens to be the main character’s ex-husband) was kind of a sleazeball. Their constant bickering felt toxic not entertaining or endearing. 

There is a difference between banter and bickering.

 Rafer (yeah, that’s his name) was smooth talking, full of machismo, and lazy with no respect for boundaries.

There was an absolutely cartoonish villain that made the story too hard to get invested in. There was never any tension or sense of actual danger. It was just corny. I’m all for fun action and adventure stories, but there needs to be some substance to the plot or the characters. Instead, this book was full of half-baked rehashed versions of Evanovich’s other characters. And the plot jumped around between subplots and locations without ever sticking to one thing. It was the “everything and kitchen sink” type of story. It’s fine. 

But it’s the bare minimum type of fine that is utterly forgettable.

 It’s probably a good vacation read when you just want some brain candy. But I still wanted more effort.

I stuck by Evanovich for many years while her writing got increasingly lazy, but I think I'm done giving her chances now. 

This book had all the effort of someone buying a last minute Christmas present for their in-laws out of seer obligation.

 If Evanovich is going to put so little effort into writing them, I'm not going to bother reading them. I’m sure her book sales will be just fine without me.

Characters and Character Development: 2 Stars

Colleen

3 Stars

*A story written to be popular: easy to read and mindlessly entertaining – well, slightly entertaining*


I hung on as a Janet Evanovich fan for many years as she put decreasing effort into her books. But it’s gotten harder and harder to bother reading her books. I knew I should have steered clear of The Recovery Agent as soon as I saw the story opened with the main character, Gabriela, hiking through the Amazon jungle in La Perla underwear. I can suspend believe on a lot of things in fiction, but a supposed professional recovery agent wearing $400 lingerie in the jungle is not one of them. And the brand name dropping continued throughout the book. I can't stand when authors thrown in brand names like that. Unless it is truly relevant, leave it out. Maybe getting company kickbacks is another way Evanovich has sold out.

The story is a recycled version of Stephanie Plum only with less going for it. It didn't even manage to deliver on the humor.

The love interest (who happens to be the main character’s ex-husband) was kind of a sleazeball. Their constant bickering felt toxic not entertaining or endearing. There is a difference between banter and bickering. Rafer (yeah, that’s his name) was smooth talking, full of machismo, and lazy with no respect for boundaries.

There was an absolutely cartoonish villain that made the story too hard to get invested in. There was never any tension or sense of actual danger. It was just corny. I’m all for fun action and adventure stories, but there needs to be some substance to the plot or the characters. Instead, this book was full of half-baked rehashed versions of Evanovich’s other characters. And the plot jumped around between subplots and locations without ever sticking to one thing. It was the “everything and kitchen sink” type of story. It’s fine. But it’s the bare minimum type of fine that is utterly forgettable. It’s probably a good vacation read when you just want some brain candy. But I still wanted more effort.

I stuck by Evanovich for many years while her writing got increasingly lazy, but I think I'm done giving her chances now. This book had all the effort of someone buying a last minute Christmas present for their in-laws out of seer obligation. If Evanovich is going to put so little effort into writing them, I'm not going to bother reading them. I’m sure her book sales will be just fine without me.


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 2 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars

Melissa Palmer

First in a new series. A good, quick, fun read. This series centers on Gabriela, a recovery agent of treasures etc. Her hometown is in severe financial troubles and she goes on a treasure hunt to try to save the town. She enlists her ex-husband and a cast of colorful characters to help her. I enjoyed it.

Lane Hokanson

To be honest, I thought this would just be a quick, fun listen/read. I was right, but it was significantly more delightful than I anticipated. Fabulous narration by Lorelei King, fun and witty banter, and some serious Indiana Jones energy. 10/10 recommend.

Emily Perkovich

I was going to give this 4 stars when I was at about 75% through, but the last quarter really tanked for me. The beginning was a little fun and playful and then the whole end felt like a mess. Then I saw that people who actually read Evanovich were disappointed in this, and I felt less bad about giving a 3. I felt like she couldn’t decide when she wanted to end the book and was like oh wait! I’ll write another ending. Oh wait! This is good too! Ok! Just one more! And they just kept losing quality as they went.

Very Laura Croft Tomb-Raider-esque adventure kind of story. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters Raf and Gabriela. It was an easy and purely entertaining read. Lots of action and treasure hunting experience!

Great quick book if you just need a break or while traveling. 

Tace

Very Laura Croft Tomb-Raider-esque adventure kind of story. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters Raf and Gabriela. It was an easy and purely entertaining read. Lots of action and treasure hunting experience!

Great quick book if you just need a break or while traveling. 

Lynn Braden

Gabriella Rose, former insurance investigator, has gone independent and now take cases of all kinds involving the discovery and recovery of anything a client wants her to find.  On a visit home, she realizes that the devastation from a recent hurricane is going to break her town.  Millions of dollars will be required to bring it back to life, so Gabriella sets out to find a valuable artifact and use the money to refurbish the town.  Tagging along is her ex-husband, Rafer who has the documents needed to find the artifact, but forces stand in their way that will send Gabriella and Rafer on the adventure of a lifetime.

The Recovery Agent requires the suspension of disbelief, but the story itself is exciting, fun, and filled with adventure.  The characters are not well developed but it isn't really a necessity in the telling of this story.  The plot is a cross between Romancing the Stone and Raiders of the Lost Ark with Gabriella portraying the character of Indiana Jones.  Instead of being an archaeologist, Gabriella is a recovery agent as the title suggests.  Some parts of the story do slow down a bit too much, but overall, The Recovery Agent is a rollicking good time and a very enjoyable read.

Ana V. 

Got this Arc copy with Goodreads Giveaway. Nothing but the story, world, and characters influenced my opinion.

I was drawn to the cover that built my expectation as a Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones fan.
This is my first contact with author Janet Evanovich's novels and it was quite entertaining. 

A great adventure to read when you're traveling or relaxing and need a break. 
Super fast-paced, focused on sassy humorous dialogue that leaves no space for puzzles or introspection. This is not the type of book for that. You'll get action, action, adventure, thrill, and more action. 

The main is the coolest adrenaline seeker who carries a Glock.38 and lip gloss in her pocket. The author is fast with her plot but we don't get confused. We get the picture. As a recovery agent, it's the MC's job to find, solve mysteries and be in danger. This takes her to different locations seeking a ring. Her motivations are focused on her family. She pairs with her ex-husband and their flirty relationship can be fun. 

Has lots of pop culture references and it's interesting it refers to the DuckTales. The villain seems to have the same mood as this beloved series. 

My favorite concept was the character, Annie.

Somya Verma

Brian Wikene

Gwyn Dill

Abbe Castillo

Rosie Yakob 

Jessica Deaner

Courtney Gendreau

#1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich returns with the launch of a blockbuster new series that blends wild adventure, hugely appealing characters, and pitch-perfect humour, proving once again why she's 'the most popular mystery writer alive' (New York Times). Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she's hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She's reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela's latest job isn't for some bamboozled billionaire, it's for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can't come up with a lot of money fast. Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it - Gabriela's ex-husband, Rafer. It's Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he's not about to let Gabriela find it without him. Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime's experience getting under his ex-wife's skin. But when they aren't bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it's going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn't mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it. The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page. Praise for Janet Evanovich: 'All the easy class and wit that you expect to find in the best American TV comedy, but too rarely find in modern fiction' GQ 'Hooray for Janet Evanovich who continues to enliven the literary crime scene'Sunday Telegraph 'Pithy, witty and fast-paced'Sunday Times 'As smart and sassy as high-gloss wet paint' Time Out 'Crime writing at its funniest . . . classic black comedy' Big Issue 'One of the rising stars of American crime fiction' Daily Telegraph 'The funniest, sassiest crime writer going' The Good Book Guide 'A classic screwball comedy that is also a genuinely taut thriller' Frances Fyfield, Daily Mail

The Recovery Agent A Novel

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