March 26th 2019 ∙ G.P. Putnam’s Sons ∙ 320 pages
Dear Reader,
The Big Kahuna is full of Evanovich’s iconic situational comedy and is one more laugh-out-loud story by the master of the comedy-mystery genre. This novel offers a much-needed break from real life for readers – beginning with a flash mob organized by former criminal Nick Fox and taking us through his determination to be an influencer of social media influencers, and on to find out who stole critical technology that could be weaponized. It does not disappoint.
What I Like About This Novel
The Humor – Evanovich uses a combination of situational, slap-stick humor and tongue-in-cheek humor (based largely on stereotypes) much as a stand-up comedian would. The result is what draws me to her books each time she publishes a new one. They make me laugh, and I appreciate that skill in that which she has honed to perfection.
The Creativity – I can imagine coming up with the antics if given a setting, but when I think about how Evanovich must develop the setting as well as the antics, it makes me appreciate her creativity that much more. What makes the Fox and O’Hare books stand out from the rest is the main characters’ many schemes to get what they are after. It is what makes the book so fast-paced and the plot tight. It is their relationship, their job, and our wonderful read.
Nick and Kate – The pair have that cool Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibe that leaves readers wanting them to get together and stay as they are at the same time. They work well together and have a chemistry that comes through the page, but part of the fun is the will they or won’t they that underlies the plot in each book.
What I Wish About This Novel
Kate and Nick would grow and develop throughout the series. I have talked to numerous people who were once fans of Evanovich’s books but have since stopped reading them because they feel like it is the same story repeatedly. If the main characters would grow and subtly change as real people do, I believe that the stories would take on a different quality that readers would appreciate. Since the characters never change, it is essentially the same story repeatedly.
There was a bigger conflict that ran through each novel in the series. The books in the series have nothing holding them together except the main characters. As I was thinking about what I wanted to write in this review, I found myself contemplating the impact of a bigger conflict that each novel was a small part leading to resolution. Perhaps an enemy that wanted to take the pair out of commission, and with each novel, through the course of the pair solving the problem in that is the novel’s focus, brush up against this bigger threat. It is not an uncommon plot device because it works very well towards creating a cohesiveness, allowing for growth, and keeping the reader coming back for more. There was a bigger conflict that ran through each novel in the series. The books in the series have nothing holding them together except the main characters.
A vacation package would be developed that followed Nick and Kates journey. One of the many fun things about this series is all the places they go and how they go there in style. It would be fun to take a vacation based on one or more of the novels – without any of the danger.
To Read Or Not To Read
It is a book you don’t want to miss, especially as you are enjoying your summer vacation!
Tessa Talks Books 