THE SCAM - Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

On the surface, it would appear that FBI agent Kate O'Hare is hot on the trail of con man Nicolas Fox. The truth, however, is that the pair are working together to bring down some of the biggest criminals in the crime business - people who are untouchable by standard, legal means. People like Evan Trace - the casino magnate know for his welcoming of the wealthiest patrons who like taking risks, but also known for his brutality.

To infiltrate Trace's kingdom, Fox and O'Hare will have to get Trace's interest and an invitation to gamble 'off-the-record' - which is part of his major money-laundering operation. And to do that, they'll have to look and act the part of a couple of billionaires just looking to have a good time, even if it means losing a few million on some gambling. And to do that ... well, the FBI won't miss a few million dollars if it gets put back in time, right?

Fox and O'Hare will be pit against some of the world's most dangerous mobsters and dictators in the back alleys of Macau with Kate's father and an old Somali pirate as their backup. That's just another day at work for Kate O'Hare. The toughest part of her day is brushing of Fox's constant sexual advances. Tough, because there's a part of her that doesn't want to.

This was just fun.  A bit goofy. A bit over the top. And almost always unbelievable. But still fun.  Evanovich and Goldberg know how to move a story along quickly, keeping the action high and the anticipation exciting. The dialog almost always feels straight out of the 1960's Batman TV series - snarky, witty, with an element of "Don't believe me? I dare you to try me."

This is the fourth book in the Fox and O'Hare series but what's nice is that I never felt like I was missing anything important in order to enjoy this book. Clearly there was history here, and some names tossed out as if I should know them, but I was filled in on everything I needed to know to enjoy the escapade - knowing more of the history would fill in gaps in the characters, but not the story. (Take note, writers who write incomplete books!)

The one thing that brought this down a notch for me was the constant barrage of sexual innuendo from Fox toward O'Hare.  We got it. He's horny as all get out for her. I felt it actually cheapened the character, making him feel less like a suave con-man, and more like a cheap bar Lothario. He didn't strike me as someone who could con his way to getting a free beer, much less getting 'in' with one of the world's most powerful casino owners.

It is this kind of book that makes for a great beach read. Lots of action, some hints of sex, fast paced, and nothing that will take too much brain power from the reader.

Looking for a good book? The Scam, a Fox and O'Hare novel (book number 4) by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, is a fast-paced, goofy (but fun) thrill ride.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

* * * * * *

The Scam

authors: Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

series: Fox and O'Hare #4

publisher: Bantam

ISBN: 9780345543165

hardcover, 286 pages
 

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