Wicked Business.

Title/Author: Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich.

Read by: Lorelai King.

Genre:  Paranormal Romance.

Publisher:  William Morrow.

Source:  Library.

Synopsis: When Harvard University English professor and dyed-in-the-wool romantic Gilbert Reedy is mysteriously murderedand thrown off his fourth floor balcony, Lizzy and Diesel take up his twenty-year quest for the Luxuria Stone, an ancient relic believed by some to be infused with the power of lust.  

Following clues contained in a cryptic nineteenth-century book of sonnets, Lizzy and Diesel tear through Boston catacombs, government building, and multimillion-dollar residences, leaving a trail of robbed graves, public disturbances, and spontaneous seduction.  ~Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:  Wicked Business is like an adult Scooby Doo.  There are comical villains, kooky characters, a mystery and lots of hijinks.  The adult part is the sexual escapades and language, although it is pretty tame.

I didn't realize this was the 2nd book of the "Lizzie and Diesel Adventures," until I was pretty much into it already.  Although yes, there are some things I wasn't clear on, Wicked Business is still easy to follow and the fact that it was the second book didn't ruin any enjoyment.  

Although the plot was a bit confusing and lacking for me, what made up for it were the hysterical characters throughout, including a humorous counter girl always looking for love, an evil villain who is quite comical, and a monkey named Carl that flips people off just to name a few.  

Lizzie is the main female character in this wacky story and from what I could understand she has a power to sense power...whether an object is magical.  Diesel is her male counterpart and has other powers and talents of his own.  Unfortunately, they can't get together because if they get physical it would be like a bad spontaneous combustion. So there is sexual tension, flirting and some nuzzling but that's it.  Their relationship is cute and I like both of them.  I'm not sure I'll continue reading this series, but I'm rooting for them just the same.

They go through some investigating and puzzles, search old buildings and even caverns to solve the murder mystery and to find the elusive and mystical Luxuria Stone.  There is some subterfuge and doublecrossing and help from unlikely sources.

Narration:  Lorelai King was great.  There were a lot of different characters and it was easy to distinguish who is speaking in a conversation. Once in a while, the dialogue seemed a bit forced, but the energy was up the whole time.  I really think she took this story from a travesty to a comedy.  If a less dynamic narrator had tackled this, I think it would have come off really poorly.  I also don't know if I would have had the patience to read this in print.

Wrap up:  A cute and very light read.  If you're in the mood for a silly, paranormal story, this one fits the bill, just don't expect much substance.

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