What do you think?
Rate this book
Erica Jewell #2
Monkey Business
Fast-paced, funny and totally engaging, Monkey Business blends adventure and romance in an irresistible, laugh-out-loud read.
Erica Jewell thinks being a part-time vigilante is stressful enough without the added pressures of a demanding day job, annoying family and bossy cat. Now her mysterious lover has gone off on some clandestine mission, without leaving a forwarding address. Erica reckons that’s typical of handsome hired gun Jack Jones – he’d rather risk his life than his heart.
Then Erica discovers with a shock that Jack is missing-in-action on the jungle-infested island of Saint Sebastian. When no-one will help or even acknowledge Jack’s existence, Erica knows she’s his only chance. But negotiating her way around lawless and sweltering Sebastian, where monkey business abounds, proves far more dangerous than expected.
Praise for Rough Diamond
'If you like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, you'll love this new heroine Erica Jewell from Melbourne author Ledson. In this debut . . . the heroine becomes involved with a team of vigilantes, with hilarious results.' Sunday Telegraph
'Fans of Stephanie Plum rejoice. There's a new undercover angel in town.' Marie Claire
'Blends romantic escapism and adventure. Ledson captivates her readers with characters that are memorable and real and refreshingly Australian. Reading her novel is akin to chatting to a very likeable friend.' West Australian
'Sexual tension and a thrilling ride.' Daily Telegraph
'Funny and thrilling.' Cleo
'This lively tale provides a good mixture of romantic escapism and thrills that is sure to appeal to fans of Stephanie Plum.' Canberra Times
'A witty, action-packed debut novel . . . a really fun Australian mystery with a loveable heroine and a mysterious hero.' Australian Bookshelf
'Delightfully funny, light-hearted and fast-paced . . . Move over Stephanie Plum – Erica Jewell is in the house!' Book Muster Down Under
'A terrific first novel that women everywhere are going to find hard not to love . . . an irresistibly entertaining read. Kathryn Ledson is indeed a real, rare and rather polished diamond.' Australian Women Online
'A rollicking tale with fabulous characters, lots of laughs and an exciting plot. A new star on the rise in Australian romantic fiction!' Shesaid.com.au
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2014
About the author
Kathryn Ledson
3 books35 followersIn 2006, I had a hissy fit and divorced the world of business where I’d worked mostly as a PA, and mostly in Melbourne. There were some exciting snippets during that 25 year career, including time in the late 80s spent on Hayman Island working for its PR department. And where I made life-long friends and met an array of fascinating folk – rich and famous ones – and saw things the paparazzi would envy me for. From there I travelled throughout Europe for the required 12 month period, returning to a job offer as Peter Ustinov’s PA for his 1990 Australian tour. One thing led to another and I found myself on the road again soon after, this time with rock bands Dire Straits and AC/DC (more paparazzi envy).
So, 2006, back to school where I completed a writing and editing diploma, assuming I’d resume my corporate life but this time as a writer. I dabbled in various bits and pieces – poetry, short stories, some corporate and travel writing (all unpublished) – and discovered a natural ability for editing, the perfect outlet for a pedantic scrabble-meister. I did love that – the editing – especially fiction and I do take on the occasional project if time allows.
I tried to be sensible, tried to set a new career in motion, either as a freelancer or back in an office, earning a salary. But instead came Erica Jewell, the lead character in my debut novel Rough Diamond. Erica’s will and need to exist were so powerful, I was forced to abandon all other writing and editing efforts, much to my hubby’s dismay. The reward for our stubbornness (mine and Erica’s), however, was a publishing deal with Penguin Australia. Today I’m working on the second in a planned Erica Jewell series, and I’m fascinated by the things Erica thinks she can do.
So, 2006, back to school where I completed a writing and editing diploma, assuming I’d resume my corporate life but this time as a writer. I dabbled in various bits and pieces – poetry, short stories, some corporate and travel writing (all unpublished) – and discovered a natural ability for editing, the perfect outlet for a pedantic scrabble-meister. I did love that – the editing – especially fiction and I do take on the occasional project if time allows.
I tried to be sensible, tried to set a new career in motion, either as a freelancer or back in an office, earning a salary. But instead came Erica Jewell, the lead character in my debut novel Rough Diamond. Erica’s will and need to exist were so powerful, I was forced to abandon all other writing and editing efforts, much to my hubby’s dismay. The reward for our stubbornness (mine and Erica’s), however, was a publishing deal with Penguin Australia. Today I’m working on the second in a planned Erica Jewell series, and I’m fascinated by the things Erica thinks she can do.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 18, 2014
Monkey Businessis the second novel by Kathryn Ledson continuing the story of her accidental heroine Erica Jewell and picks up a few months after Rough Diamond ended.
Erica is now Jack’s girlfriend and, while he doesn’t seem to be aware of this fact, she is herself trying to work out exactly what their relationship is! Unfortunately with him being an undercover operative, often away from home, it seems like seriously hard work, but even more so when she drunkenly confesses her “luff” for him after which he disappears. When she receives a garbled called from Joe (another member of The Team) informing her that Jack has gone MIA on the island of St Sebastian and it becomes clear that no-one wishes to help her find him, she doesn't hesitate to intervene.
Setting out for St Sebastian via Darwin, she befriends people like Duane, a rather enigmatic but gorgeous Brad Pitt look-alike with something to hide and “Bruce Willis”, a rip-off taxi driver who always appears to be in the wrong place at the right time - or is that the right place at the wrong time!
St Sebastian is a dangerous place where lawlessness and corruption rule the day, but when the Australian Embassy refuses to help her locate Jack, she almost aimlessly wanders around the island, frequenting places like the Bum Crack Bar, asking a multitude of questions (and not really getting any answers), whilst unwittingly uncovering a ring of Tupperware thieves and unintentionally implicating her mother’s limited edition lettuce crisper into the bargain! It’s in a moment of sheer desperation when it dawns on her that a little piece of retro plastic could well be the only hope she has of getting Jack out alive but it’s the series of events that follow which will have you both biting your nails in anticipation and laughing out loud at the sheer folly of the world she has become entangled in!
As most of you are aware, I’ve had a bit of a book review hiatus while I’ve been doing some studying, but this didn’t stop me getting some much needed reading in - call me a bookworm through and through. In any event, when this novel found its way to me via the wonderful publicity department at Penguin Australia, I couldn’t wait to read it, knowing that Kathryn Ledson was going to lead me on another hilariously quirky adventure with Erica.
Erica’s adventures are written from her POV, which works very well as, in doing so, Kathryn gives us a view into the mind of this accidental heroine and how her life experiences have affected both her emotions and actions. She still has a few insecurities, not the least of which is her self-worth, thanks to her adulterous ex-husband Dan, and of course, she’s as ditzy as ever but it becomes obvious that there has been some growth in her character since Rough Diamond because she’s not merely taking people at face-value anymore and has begun trying to assert herself in the face of bossy behaviour!
By no means "deep" reading, the Erica Jewell series does require some suspension of disbelief (which is not a bad thing) as the situations that the inexperienced Erica gets herself into can be somewhat unbelievable. Monkey Business is an easy to read book with Ms Ledson writing well and using simple language and the reader is easily drawn into the story as Kathryn takes the time to briefly reintroduce her main characters, thus creating a necessary backstory. Her characters are easy to get to know, the romantic tension between Erica and Jack adds a bit of depth and the short and snappy dialogue in the action scenes move the story forward.
Kathryn writes true escapism and I’ve no doubt that she will continue to grow Erica’s idiosyncratic character in future stories, so if you have a great sense of humour, enjoy a bit of simmering romance and an eccentric cast of characters with heaps of fast-paced adventure, Monkey Business is sure to delight you. Hang on to your seats for another wacky ride with Erica Jewell!
Erica is now Jack’s girlfriend and, while he doesn’t seem to be aware of this fact, she is herself trying to work out exactly what their relationship is! Unfortunately with him being an undercover operative, often away from home, it seems like seriously hard work, but even more so when she drunkenly confesses her “luff” for him after which he disappears. When she receives a garbled called from Joe (another member of The Team) informing her that Jack has gone MIA on the island of St Sebastian and it becomes clear that no-one wishes to help her find him, she doesn't hesitate to intervene.
Setting out for St Sebastian via Darwin, she befriends people like Duane, a rather enigmatic but gorgeous Brad Pitt look-alike with something to hide and “Bruce Willis”, a rip-off taxi driver who always appears to be in the wrong place at the right time - or is that the right place at the wrong time!
St Sebastian is a dangerous place where lawlessness and corruption rule the day, but when the Australian Embassy refuses to help her locate Jack, she almost aimlessly wanders around the island, frequenting places like the Bum Crack Bar, asking a multitude of questions (and not really getting any answers), whilst unwittingly uncovering a ring of Tupperware thieves and unintentionally implicating her mother’s limited edition lettuce crisper into the bargain! It’s in a moment of sheer desperation when it dawns on her that a little piece of retro plastic could well be the only hope she has of getting Jack out alive but it’s the series of events that follow which will have you both biting your nails in anticipation and laughing out loud at the sheer folly of the world she has become entangled in!
As most of you are aware, I’ve had a bit of a book review hiatus while I’ve been doing some studying, but this didn’t stop me getting some much needed reading in - call me a bookworm through and through. In any event, when this novel found its way to me via the wonderful publicity department at Penguin Australia, I couldn’t wait to read it, knowing that Kathryn Ledson was going to lead me on another hilariously quirky adventure with Erica.
Erica’s adventures are written from her POV, which works very well as, in doing so, Kathryn gives us a view into the mind of this accidental heroine and how her life experiences have affected both her emotions and actions. She still has a few insecurities, not the least of which is her self-worth, thanks to her adulterous ex-husband Dan, and of course, she’s as ditzy as ever but it becomes obvious that there has been some growth in her character since Rough Diamond because she’s not merely taking people at face-value anymore and has begun trying to assert herself in the face of bossy behaviour!
By no means "deep" reading, the Erica Jewell series does require some suspension of disbelief (which is not a bad thing) as the situations that the inexperienced Erica gets herself into can be somewhat unbelievable. Monkey Business is an easy to read book with Ms Ledson writing well and using simple language and the reader is easily drawn into the story as Kathryn takes the time to briefly reintroduce her main characters, thus creating a necessary backstory. Her characters are easy to get to know, the romantic tension between Erica and Jack adds a bit of depth and the short and snappy dialogue in the action scenes move the story forward.
Kathryn writes true escapism and I’ve no doubt that she will continue to grow Erica’s idiosyncratic character in future stories, so if you have a great sense of humour, enjoy a bit of simmering romance and an eccentric cast of characters with heaps of fast-paced adventure, Monkey Business is sure to delight you. Hang on to your seats for another wacky ride with Erica Jewell!
November 25, 2019
Monkey Business is book two in the Erica Jewell Series by Kathryn Ledson. With a handsome boyfriend, Jack Jones, part-time vigilante Erica Jewell thought her life was pretty good. However, that was not the case. Jack Jones went missing in action, and no one was looking for him, so Erica was his only hope. The readers of Monkey Business will continue to follow Erica to find out what happens.
Monkey Business is an excellent addition to this fantastic series. I love the way Kathryn Ledson portrayed her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. Monkey Business was well written and researched by Kathryn Ledson. I like Kathryn Ledson description of her settings. However, at times, I had to laugh with the characters while reading Monkey Business. The readers of Monkey Business learn about being a part-time vigilante.
I recommend this book.
Monkey Business is an excellent addition to this fantastic series. I love the way Kathryn Ledson portrayed her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. Monkey Business was well written and researched by Kathryn Ledson. I like Kathryn Ledson description of her settings. However, at times, I had to laugh with the characters while reading Monkey Business. The readers of Monkey Business learn about being a part-time vigilante.
I recommend this book.
April 5, 2014
I LOVED the first book in the series - Rough Diamond - an impressive, rollicking good fun debut novel set in my home town of Melbourne. In fact, I was rather surprised at how much I enjoyed it considering I've never been attracted to stories set in Australia before.
So I was eager to read the follow up book, Monkey Business , wondering if it would be half as good as the first. It turned out to be even better and twice as much fun, which is high praise indeed.
Aussie PR executive turned intrepid heroine, Erica Jewell, navigates her way through a web of intrigue and brave exploits when she ventures into hostile territory on a mysterious island looking for her elusive lover Jack, who's officially MIA on one of his covert missions.
She's confronted by a cast of crazy characters and deadly critters who are so well drawn, and her misadventures so well written, that you feel like you're travelling around the island right alongside her wondering what on earth is going to happen to her next.
Once again the dialogue and prose is witty and easy to read with plenty of laugh out loud moments and constant chuckles between the pages. This is another light-hearted, breezy romp that'll keep you absorbed and entertained. You'll find yourself turning the pages with trepidation and rooting for Erica to triumph as she steps in and out of one dangerous situation after another, desperate to save her man from the clutches of the bad guys.
The story was a real trip, literally and figuratively. It was so much fun to read I didn't want it to end and hope there's more to come from this hilarious and imaginative author.
So I was eager to read the follow up book, Monkey Business , wondering if it would be half as good as the first. It turned out to be even better and twice as much fun, which is high praise indeed.
Aussie PR executive turned intrepid heroine, Erica Jewell, navigates her way through a web of intrigue and brave exploits when she ventures into hostile territory on a mysterious island looking for her elusive lover Jack, who's officially MIA on one of his covert missions.
She's confronted by a cast of crazy characters and deadly critters who are so well drawn, and her misadventures so well written, that you feel like you're travelling around the island right alongside her wondering what on earth is going to happen to her next.
Once again the dialogue and prose is witty and easy to read with plenty of laugh out loud moments and constant chuckles between the pages. This is another light-hearted, breezy romp that'll keep you absorbed and entertained. You'll find yourself turning the pages with trepidation and rooting for Erica to triumph as she steps in and out of one dangerous situation after another, desperate to save her man from the clutches of the bad guys.
The story was a real trip, literally and figuratively. It was so much fun to read I didn't want it to end and hope there's more to come from this hilarious and imaginative author.
January 23, 2014
My View:
A delicious snack of fun and laughter.
I really enjoyed this easy reading, fast paced piece of escapist writing; for several hours I laughed to myself and got lost and involved in the madcap world of Erica Jewell. This is perfect read for on the train, plane or beach or when you need cheering up – light, engaging, funny and all action completed with an authentic Australian voice.
There is something about this novel that is so engaging – maybe it is its Australianness – the characters and the narrative do not take themselves seriously, there is a glorious sense of fun and madness that the author does not try to justify – it just is what it is – fun, light, entertaining. The characters and settings are familiar and memorable - who doesn’t know of Tupperware parties, of standing in queues at night clubs, of exotic overseas holiday destinations (not), handsome heroes , demanding mothers, true good friends and mysteries galore – what isn’t there to love about this book? Ledson strikes the right balance of fun and adventure, danger and romance. A great entertaining read.
A delicious snack of fun and laughter.
I really enjoyed this easy reading, fast paced piece of escapist writing; for several hours I laughed to myself and got lost and involved in the madcap world of Erica Jewell. This is perfect read for on the train, plane or beach or when you need cheering up – light, engaging, funny and all action completed with an authentic Australian voice.
There is something about this novel that is so engaging – maybe it is its Australianness – the characters and the narrative do not take themselves seriously, there is a glorious sense of fun and madness that the author does not try to justify – it just is what it is – fun, light, entertaining. The characters and settings are familiar and memorable - who doesn’t know of Tupperware parties, of standing in queues at night clubs, of exotic overseas holiday destinations (not), handsome heroes , demanding mothers, true good friends and mysteries galore – what isn’t there to love about this book? Ledson strikes the right balance of fun and adventure, danger and romance. A great entertaining read.
February 13, 2019
I hate heroines who are a) needy and b) stupid. This one is both. Our hero treats her as an occasional fuck buddy, he calls with little notice, takes her someplace nice and pays, and is conflicted about it, so she's fine with that. Then, when he goes missing, she jumps on a plane having done no research on the area (to prevent malaria, start tablets at least two days before you go), booked no accomodation, and with no plan. She then chats to random people in bars, and follows them when they're doing criminal things (Duck down, they will only see the TAXI!) She was meant to be quirky and fun, but was just jaw-droppingly stupid. NOT indicative of actual Melbourne girls.
February 13, 2014
Loads of light hearted fun. Laugh out loud moments. Leave your serious self behind and enter the silly world of masturbating monkeys and bad guys with top knots. Erica Jewell is a quirky cross between sassy secret agent and sooky scaredy cat. Not my usual read but I really enjoyed the escape with this adventure. Australian Women Writers challenge #3.
January 12, 2014
This was fantastic.... stayed up into the wee hours coz I could NOT put the book down. Kathryn certainly has a sense of humour and I will never look at my Tupperware the same ever again.
March 18, 2019
Book 2 in the trilogy finds Jack and Joe away on a secret mission. Erica doesn't have any idea where or why they are gone. However when she gets a brief call from Joe saying Jack has been captured and he can't locate him, she goes into a full blown panic. When she gets no help from the team leader regarding sending someone over to find Jack, she decides to take matters into her own hands and find him herself. Once she finds the general location she goes off on a search and rescue mission half cocked. Of course it makes for a lot of laughs along the way! And when she finally gets to the island where Jack and Joe are missing, she has a lot of complications like a horrible hotel, a taxi driver who is constantly saying one thing (free today) and then over charging her anyway. Add to that a dive bar and making friends with an older gent (picture a butt crack showing wildly bearded and unkempt man) and hearing about a Tupperwear scam, Erica had me alternately laughing and biting my nails.
This was another good mystery and story about loyalty and friendship-as well as jungles and all the poisonous creatures who live in it. The author did a good job of keeping the story-line going in Melbourne as well as where Erica traveled. She also has a knack of having people turn up unexpectedly and you think certainly nothing bad will happen, but you would be wrong time after time.
I especially liked how a Tupperwear crisis could be in Melbourne and in the northern most jungles as well. The author has a creative mind! I thoroughly enjoyed this second book and again recommend it highly. I confess I immediately started reading the third book within minutes of finishing this one...they are that addicting!
This was another good mystery and story about loyalty and friendship-as well as jungles and all the poisonous creatures who live in it. The author did a good job of keeping the story-line going in Melbourne as well as where Erica traveled. She also has a knack of having people turn up unexpectedly and you think certainly nothing bad will happen, but you would be wrong time after time.
I especially liked how a Tupperwear crisis could be in Melbourne and in the northern most jungles as well. The author has a creative mind! I thoroughly enjoyed this second book and again recommend it highly. I confess I immediately started reading the third book within minutes of finishing this one...they are that addicting!
January 26, 2019
Hmm...
So I liked the overall storyline. It was interesting and I truly felt the horrors of being in the jungle and how disgusting the Koala Bear Hotel was. However, I really don’t like Erica. She’s annoying, she’s whiny, and she cries too much. She was getting slightly better in this book, but then she had to go ruin it with how desperate she was with Jack and literally telling everyone everything and telling everyone that Jack is her boyfriend. It’s really annoying how she keeps telling jack she’s ok not being in a relationship with him but she’s making up an engagement to her mother, telling everyone that he’s her boyfriend, etc. etc. she literally has no chill and it’s not cool to lie to the guy who really hasn’t gotten over his past demons to move onto a relationship with her. Also why is she so stupid to be so trusting of everyone? Didn’t she learn anything the last go around?
I really can’t stand Erica’s parents and honestly don’t see what point they even serve in the books. Furthermore, every criminal wanting to rape Erica needs to end. It’s just creepy and icky to read about. The first book it made sense. This one it didn’t.
I want to like these books because they are entertaining to read, but Erica really drives me insane. The woman needs to stop being such a desperate and needy psycho.
I’ll definitely be giving the third one a chance.
So I liked the overall storyline. It was interesting and I truly felt the horrors of being in the jungle and how disgusting the Koala Bear Hotel was. However, I really don’t like Erica. She’s annoying, she’s whiny, and she cries too much. She was getting slightly better in this book, but then she had to go ruin it with how desperate she was with Jack and literally telling everyone everything and telling everyone that Jack is her boyfriend. It’s really annoying how she keeps telling jack she’s ok not being in a relationship with him but she’s making up an engagement to her mother, telling everyone that he’s her boyfriend, etc. etc. she literally has no chill and it’s not cool to lie to the guy who really hasn’t gotten over his past demons to move onto a relationship with her. Also why is she so stupid to be so trusting of everyone? Didn’t she learn anything the last go around?
I really can’t stand Erica’s parents and honestly don’t see what point they even serve in the books. Furthermore, every criminal wanting to rape Erica needs to end. It’s just creepy and icky to read about. The first book it made sense. This one it didn’t.
I want to like these books because they are entertaining to read, but Erica really drives me insane. The woman needs to stop being such a desperate and needy psycho.
I’ll definitely be giving the third one a chance.
January 7, 2014
Her first mission with the mysterious outfit known as the Team is over and Erica Jewell is in a state of limbo – in more ways than one. Life has mostly returned to normal now other than the fact that she’s not really sure what’s going on between her and the enigmatic Jack Jones. Jack has already suffered a painful loss in his life and he’s not willing to get close to anyone again, in case that puts them in danger. And so Erica wonders exactly where they stand.
Jack has a mission he needs to go on – he won’t say much but Erica gets the feeling it’s quite a dangerous one. And then she receives a garbled call from Joe, Jack’s right hand man that suggests that Jack has gone missing in action. With the Team turning a blind eye, Erica decides that if anyone is going to rescue Jack, it’s going to have to be her. Jack is on the Indonesian island of St Sebastian, a small jungle-infested hot mess of instability and corruption. Erica takes some personal leave and makes her way there without a clue of what Jack was up to or how to find him. At best all she can do is stumble around asking questions and hope that she hits on someone that has an idea what she’s talking about – and might be willing to help her.
Monkey Business is the follow up to Kathryn Ledson’s debut novel Rough Diamond which was published last year. Rough Diamond introduced us to Erica Jewell who was working in a boring job to pay off her former husband’s debts when she discovered the bleeding Jack Jones in her garden. An operative for an elite and privately funded unit, Jack recruited Erica to do some of the more mundane work for the job he was on, countering terrorism attacks on Australian soil. Now Erica works casually for the same operation when required and although there’s an obvious attraction with Jack, nothing concrete has been established. Erica knows that he will have dangerous missions to complete and probably often be away.
I enjoyed the first book but I had some reservations and a few things didn’t work for me and the same can probably be said of this installment. There are some things that I think are quite interesting and I do feel that firstly, Erica does undergo some development of character here. In the first book she’s an average person with no idea about units such as the Team but in this one she has knowledge and she has determination. When Jack goes missing, there was never any chance that she wouldn’t go after him personally, once it became obvious to her that the leader of the Team was going to deny any knowledge/responsibility. It seems to work similar to the CIA – if you get caught, you don’t exist. So she books a flight to Darwin and from there to ‘St Sebastian’, an island covered in jungle. She really has no idea what she’s doing but a fortuitous meeting in Darwin with a former university friend at least gives her one contact to make on the island. Mostly she just wanders around asking anyone if they’ve seen Jack and being driven by a taxi driver who is a master at the game of ripping people off.
For me, the first half of this book unfolds rather slowly with a lot of seemingly unnecessary scenes: the football scene at the MCG, which serves to only give Erica’s insecurity about her status with Jack yet another voice, the drunken scene at her friend Lucy’s place where Erica writes herself off for no apparent reason at a Tupperware party and there are probably several others. There’s also a lot of ridiculous stuff involving Tupperware that I’m not really going to get into because it’s partially a spoiler and also because it just….seemed silly. I understand these sorts of books often contain over the top humour that verges into the crazy and you need to check reality at the door upon reading it but apparently I have more difficulty doing that than I imagined.
Fortunately, the second half of the book is much stronger, once Erica actually locates Jack and then they have to get off the island. They have a lot of things to contend with and there is a huge emotional factor as well – Jack isn’t pleased that a) Joe rang Erica to tell her that he was missing and b) that Erica took it upon herself to come here and put herself in deliberate danger for him. Jack has a bit of a problem with Erica being a target for danger but all I can say about that is well buddy, maybe you shouldn’t have nearly bled to death in her front yard and then involved her in the Team. You’ve only got yourself to blame for that one! However I kind of like the way he is expresses his frustration and disappointment about finding Erica in the jungle mixed with the fact that he’s glad to see her in a way as well. At the times the two of them have a really nice dynamic and it seems at the moment that it’s not going to be a forever are-they-or-aren’t-they type of relationship, which is rather refreshing because we all know that can go on way too long…
All in all, Monkey Business is a bit of a mixed bag for me. There were parts I liked and as I mentioned, the second half of the book is quite good. But a lot of the first part of the book had my attention wandering a lot and most of the story didn’t really work for me. There’s a third Erica Jewell book in the works and I am still interested to see where it goes. I’d like to see more of the Team and what they do, rather than have Erica mostly isolated from them, if the Team is going to be a part of the books.
Jack has a mission he needs to go on – he won’t say much but Erica gets the feeling it’s quite a dangerous one. And then she receives a garbled call from Joe, Jack’s right hand man that suggests that Jack has gone missing in action. With the Team turning a blind eye, Erica decides that if anyone is going to rescue Jack, it’s going to have to be her. Jack is on the Indonesian island of St Sebastian, a small jungle-infested hot mess of instability and corruption. Erica takes some personal leave and makes her way there without a clue of what Jack was up to or how to find him. At best all she can do is stumble around asking questions and hope that she hits on someone that has an idea what she’s talking about – and might be willing to help her.
Monkey Business is the follow up to Kathryn Ledson’s debut novel Rough Diamond which was published last year. Rough Diamond introduced us to Erica Jewell who was working in a boring job to pay off her former husband’s debts when she discovered the bleeding Jack Jones in her garden. An operative for an elite and privately funded unit, Jack recruited Erica to do some of the more mundane work for the job he was on, countering terrorism attacks on Australian soil. Now Erica works casually for the same operation when required and although there’s an obvious attraction with Jack, nothing concrete has been established. Erica knows that he will have dangerous missions to complete and probably often be away.
I enjoyed the first book but I had some reservations and a few things didn’t work for me and the same can probably be said of this installment. There are some things that I think are quite interesting and I do feel that firstly, Erica does undergo some development of character here. In the first book she’s an average person with no idea about units such as the Team but in this one she has knowledge and she has determination. When Jack goes missing, there was never any chance that she wouldn’t go after him personally, once it became obvious to her that the leader of the Team was going to deny any knowledge/responsibility. It seems to work similar to the CIA – if you get caught, you don’t exist. So she books a flight to Darwin and from there to ‘St Sebastian’, an island covered in jungle. She really has no idea what she’s doing but a fortuitous meeting in Darwin with a former university friend at least gives her one contact to make on the island. Mostly she just wanders around asking anyone if they’ve seen Jack and being driven by a taxi driver who is a master at the game of ripping people off.
For me, the first half of this book unfolds rather slowly with a lot of seemingly unnecessary scenes: the football scene at the MCG, which serves to only give Erica’s insecurity about her status with Jack yet another voice, the drunken scene at her friend Lucy’s place where Erica writes herself off for no apparent reason at a Tupperware party and there are probably several others. There’s also a lot of ridiculous stuff involving Tupperware that I’m not really going to get into because it’s partially a spoiler and also because it just….seemed silly. I understand these sorts of books often contain over the top humour that verges into the crazy and you need to check reality at the door upon reading it but apparently I have more difficulty doing that than I imagined.
Fortunately, the second half of the book is much stronger, once Erica actually locates Jack and then they have to get off the island. They have a lot of things to contend with and there is a huge emotional factor as well – Jack isn’t pleased that a) Joe rang Erica to tell her that he was missing and b) that Erica took it upon herself to come here and put herself in deliberate danger for him. Jack has a bit of a problem with Erica being a target for danger but all I can say about that is well buddy, maybe you shouldn’t have nearly bled to death in her front yard and then involved her in the Team. You’ve only got yourself to blame for that one! However I kind of like the way he is expresses his frustration and disappointment about finding Erica in the jungle mixed with the fact that he’s glad to see her in a way as well. At the times the two of them have a really nice dynamic and it seems at the moment that it’s not going to be a forever are-they-or-aren’t-they type of relationship, which is rather refreshing because we all know that can go on way too long…
All in all, Monkey Business is a bit of a mixed bag for me. There were parts I liked and as I mentioned, the second half of the book is quite good. But a lot of the first part of the book had my attention wandering a lot and most of the story didn’t really work for me. There’s a third Erica Jewell book in the works and I am still interested to see where it goes. I’d like to see more of the Team and what they do, rather than have Erica mostly isolated from them, if the Team is going to be a part of the books.
October 26, 2021
Was loaned this book by my boyfriend's mum, she said I'd probably love it.... And she was right.
While I didn't realise that this is the second book in the series, it could very well be read as a standalone....I finished it in just a couple of hours. Would definitely recommend!
While I didn't realise that this is the second book in the series, it could very well be read as a standalone....I finished it in just a couple of hours. Would definitely recommend!
November 9, 2021
Was not a big fan of book one in the series, with the heroine making a series of dumb decisions. Same is true here and the hero is a bit of an ass but the ‘Bruce Willis’ taxi driver character cracks me up….
December 24, 2016
A quirky plot and feisty heroine - but somehow I just couldn't get into this book. It may that I am time poor at present and reading in a fragmented way didn't do the book justice.
March 8, 2019
Loved it.
Another good one. Loved it. Can't wait for the next to see what trouble she gets into next. And of course her relationship with Jack.
Another good one. Loved it. Can't wait for the next to see what trouble she gets into next. And of course her relationship with Jack.
November 2, 2019
This was funny and light! Not bad for a $4 op shop special! (I would actually not mind reading the other Erica Jewell books.)
February 12, 2019
Hmm...
So I liked the overall storyline. It was interesting and I truly felt the horrors of being in the jungle and how disgusting the Koala Bear Hotel was. However, I really don’t like Erica. She’s annoying, she’s whiny, and she cries too much. She was getting slightly better in this book, but then she had to go ruin it with how desperate she was with Jack and literally telling everyone everything and telling everyone that Jack is her boyfriend. It’s really annoying how she keeps telling jack she’s ok not being in a relationship with him but she’s making up an engagement to her mother, telling everyone that he’s her boyfriend, etc. etc. she literally has no chill and it’s not cool to lie to the guy who really hasn’t gotten over his past demons to move onto a relationship with her. Also why is she so stupid to be so trusting of everyone? Didn’t she learn anything the last go around?
I really can’t stand Erica’s parents and honestly don’t see what point they even serve in the books. Furthermore, every criminal wanting to rape Erica needs to end. It’s just creepy and icky to read about. The first book it made sense. This one it didn’t.
I want to like these books because they are entertaining to read, but Erica really drives me insane. The woman needs to stop being such a desperate and needy psycho.
I’ll definitely be giving the third one a chance.
So I liked the overall storyline. It was interesting and I truly felt the horrors of being in the jungle and how disgusting the Koala Bear Hotel was. However, I really don’t like Erica. She’s annoying, she’s whiny, and she cries too much. She was getting slightly better in this book, but then she had to go ruin it with how desperate she was with Jack and literally telling everyone everything and telling everyone that Jack is her boyfriend. It’s really annoying how she keeps telling jack she’s ok not being in a relationship with him but she’s making up an engagement to her mother, telling everyone that he’s her boyfriend, etc. etc. she literally has no chill and it’s not cool to lie to the guy who really hasn’t gotten over his past demons to move onto a relationship with her. Also why is she so stupid to be so trusting of everyone? Didn’t she learn anything the last go around?
I really can’t stand Erica’s parents and honestly don’t see what point they even serve in the books. Furthermore, every criminal wanting to rape Erica needs to end. It’s just creepy and icky to read about. The first book it made sense. This one it didn’t.
I want to like these books because they are entertaining to read, but Erica really drives me insane. The woman needs to stop being such a desperate and needy psycho.
I’ll definitely be giving the third one a chance.
August 13, 2016
I decided to give this book a try as part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge.
This is the second book in Ledson’s Erica Jewell series and if you have not read the first book (I have not) you can read this novel as a standalone without any problems.
Erica Jewell is a part-time vigilante and her on again/off again boyfriend Jack and his partner Joe have gone M.I.A on the island of Saint Sebastian. It is up to Erica to try and find them and bring them home but along the way she meets some colourful characters, a whole stack of danger and an international black market in Tupperware.
Ledson’s writing is sharp, with great pace and she creates an interesting world. The descriptions of places such as Darwin were on the whole accurate and gave a great feel to novel. The book is easy to read because Ledson has a great way of making you feel the story is aimed directly at you. The writing keeps you going but to be honest the story was lacking.
I have no problem suspending disbelief, when I read a book that is what I want. I want the fantastical, the humour, the over top the situations that just do not seem plausible in real life. You get a lot of that in this book and that may have been part of the problem as to why it does not work. There were too many over the top situations that bogged the narrative down. It was great to read Australian Football references, even if it was the dreaded Collingwood! Yet I was wondering why this was included and the zoo picnic. I kept expecting it to be part of some secret mission but no, just an excuse for Erica to go on about Jack.
I really struggled to connect with the main character Erica Jewell. I realised I had made chapter 8 and all I had read was the he loves/loves me not. In fact Erica seemed to be only able to do a couple of things really well and they were having wet dreams about Jack naked, overthink their relationship status and cry. Far out Erica can cry she must break down and have a good bawl every four or five pages. Then when she finally gets motivated to go and find Jack and his partner, well I started to wonder just what, if any skills she had. Erica pretty much stumbles around asks dumb questions, blunders into danger and trusts everyone. Having said I did like Erica’s attitude to life and her zany approach.
The love of Erica’s life is of course Jack and he is the strong and ever so silent type. There is enough chemistry between them on the page but I really did not feel emotionally invested as to whether they ended up together or not.
I did take issue with Erica early on was a throw away abut Jack’s former wife. It actually comes across as quite heartless when she explains Jack was late for breakfast with his parents and wife who were at the World Trade Towers on 11 September. Erica says she was personally glad he had missed the appointment. I know she was happy to have him but at the loss of three people seems a bit cruel.
This is a fun read and Erica has a great deal of promise as a main character. Do not get into the Stephanie Plum comparisons as Erica is her own woman.
This is the second book in Ledson’s Erica Jewell series and if you have not read the first book (I have not) you can read this novel as a standalone without any problems.
Erica Jewell is a part-time vigilante and her on again/off again boyfriend Jack and his partner Joe have gone M.I.A on the island of Saint Sebastian. It is up to Erica to try and find them and bring them home but along the way she meets some colourful characters, a whole stack of danger and an international black market in Tupperware.
Ledson’s writing is sharp, with great pace and she creates an interesting world. The descriptions of places such as Darwin were on the whole accurate and gave a great feel to novel. The book is easy to read because Ledson has a great way of making you feel the story is aimed directly at you. The writing keeps you going but to be honest the story was lacking.
I have no problem suspending disbelief, when I read a book that is what I want. I want the fantastical, the humour, the over top the situations that just do not seem plausible in real life. You get a lot of that in this book and that may have been part of the problem as to why it does not work. There were too many over the top situations that bogged the narrative down. It was great to read Australian Football references, even if it was the dreaded Collingwood! Yet I was wondering why this was included and the zoo picnic. I kept expecting it to be part of some secret mission but no, just an excuse for Erica to go on about Jack.
I really struggled to connect with the main character Erica Jewell. I realised I had made chapter 8 and all I had read was the he loves/loves me not. In fact Erica seemed to be only able to do a couple of things really well and they were having wet dreams about Jack naked, overthink their relationship status and cry. Far out Erica can cry she must break down and have a good bawl every four or five pages. Then when she finally gets motivated to go and find Jack and his partner, well I started to wonder just what, if any skills she had. Erica pretty much stumbles around asks dumb questions, blunders into danger and trusts everyone. Having said I did like Erica’s attitude to life and her zany approach.
The love of Erica’s life is of course Jack and he is the strong and ever so silent type. There is enough chemistry between them on the page but I really did not feel emotionally invested as to whether they ended up together or not.
I did take issue with Erica early on was a throw away abut Jack’s former wife. It actually comes across as quite heartless when she explains Jack was late for breakfast with his parents and wife who were at the World Trade Towers on 11 September. Erica says she was personally glad he had missed the appointment. I know she was happy to have him but at the loss of three people seems a bit cruel.
This is a fun read and Erica has a great deal of promise as a main character. Do not get into the Stephanie Plum comparisons as Erica is her own woman.
February 8, 2014
Romance only appears to work for me when it includes a hefty dose of comedy. Having enjoyed the first book in this series - Rough Diamond - it felt like no trial to be back in the company of Erica Jewell. Probably because she's just ever so slightly bats (in a good way), brave (in a bats way) and free spirited (in the only possible way).
For those that haven't read the first book, Jack Jones is the love / lust interest in these stories, although the relationship status is incredibly vague, to say nothing of the work status. Jewell works for the company of a man who funds the vigilante activities of Jones' crack team. Who in this case have headed off an a clandestine mission in the tropics, only to effectively disappear. Which sends Jewell off on a particularly knee jerk rescue mission, via Darwin and a trip to the hairdressers, with only the able assistance of a dodgy taxi driver.
If you're looking for sensible, well rounded believable plots then that door is off to your left somewhere. MONKEY BUSINESS is nothing if not a bit odd. Even the biggest fan of Ledson's characters would be hard pressed to suggest that Jewell has much of a plan on how she's going to execute this particular mission, and there are points where it's significantly more about good luck than even the slightest hint of management. If you don't have an allergy to anything slightly madcap than MONKEY BUSINESS definitely delivers on the fun. And a bit of steamy longing, lust, romance, jealousy and the occasional bare-chested gorgeous hero.
And besides, who knew Tupperware was a high value black market item. Even made ME regret the occasional Tupperware party back in the 70's and 80's that I missed due to that pesky bout of Ebola, or hair-washing or having my leg chopped off...
Definitely a book for those looking for a bit of escapist reading, MONKEY BUSINESS made me laugh. Sure, it might have a plot that's a bit dodgy at points, but there's nothing at all dodgy about Erica Jewell. She's an all-Australian hero, with a mad mum, a very cute cat and an inspirationally delusional denial system.
----
ps - Being Kathryn's website manager meant that I was lucky enough to get a no obligations / no guarantees copy of Monkey Business. The above is my own opinion, and Kathryn won't even know I've had one until she's read this (if she does :) )
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
For those that haven't read the first book, Jack Jones is the love / lust interest in these stories, although the relationship status is incredibly vague, to say nothing of the work status. Jewell works for the company of a man who funds the vigilante activities of Jones' crack team. Who in this case have headed off an a clandestine mission in the tropics, only to effectively disappear. Which sends Jewell off on a particularly knee jerk rescue mission, via Darwin and a trip to the hairdressers, with only the able assistance of a dodgy taxi driver.
If you're looking for sensible, well rounded believable plots then that door is off to your left somewhere. MONKEY BUSINESS is nothing if not a bit odd. Even the biggest fan of Ledson's characters would be hard pressed to suggest that Jewell has much of a plan on how she's going to execute this particular mission, and there are points where it's significantly more about good luck than even the slightest hint of management. If you don't have an allergy to anything slightly madcap than MONKEY BUSINESS definitely delivers on the fun. And a bit of steamy longing, lust, romance, jealousy and the occasional bare-chested gorgeous hero.
And besides, who knew Tupperware was a high value black market item. Even made ME regret the occasional Tupperware party back in the 70's and 80's that I missed due to that pesky bout of Ebola, or hair-washing or having my leg chopped off...
Definitely a book for those looking for a bit of escapist reading, MONKEY BUSINESS made me laugh. Sure, it might have a plot that's a bit dodgy at points, but there's nothing at all dodgy about Erica Jewell. She's an all-Australian hero, with a mad mum, a very cute cat and an inspirationally delusional denial system.
----
ps - Being Kathryn's website manager meant that I was lucky enough to get a no obligations / no guarantees copy of Monkey Business. The above is my own opinion, and Kathryn won't even know I've had one until she's read this (if she does :) )
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
January 7, 2014
A sequel to Ledson's debut novel, Rough Diamond, Monkey Business sees Jack Jones heading out on another clandestine mission while Erica agonises over the status of their relationship and grows increasingly restless when he fails to return. When Erica realises Jack, and Joe, are actually missing-in-action and no one is willing to help him, she decides to go after him, flying to the troubled island of St Sebastian, where she quickly becomes entangled in some dangerous monkey business.
While I enjoyed the improbable but vaguely plausible plot in the first book this adventure didn't quite work for me. Despite braving the trip to St Sebastian to rescue Jack, once there, Erica mainly wanders around aimlessly, asking random questions and being tortured by a cheerful taxi driver. I would have preferred Erica to be more active in her efforts to find Jack and while she eventually proves herself resourceful, in the depths of the jungle it has more to do with luck than good management.
I did giggle at the idea of black market Tupperware, the stuff is now so horrendously expensive that I am in fear of losing a piece of the 1970-80's collection I liberated from my mother (including that lettuce crisper and the beetroot container).
Though not as strong as the first book for me, Monkey Business is a fast, easy read, offering plenty of laughs and I am hoping Erica Jewell will be back.
January 24, 2017
This is the second book in Kathryn Ledson in the Rough Diamond Series. Erica Jewell was recruited by the team through Jack Jones and the big boss JD DegrSaves in the first book. Now with that mission over Erica is now at loose ends back at work while Jack is on a secret mission with Joes until she gets a call that he is M.I.A (Missing In Action) when she goes to her boss to send help he says no but finds out where the mission is in Saint Sebastian a war-torn country and rough.
Erica sets on her own to find Jack and bring back home. Erica finds herself involved with dangerous men in order to find Jack the man she also loves even though he recruited her.
Jack has lost people he once loved in the 911 attacks and is afraid of falling in love again and committing to another woman. Jack does not want Erica involved in this mission.
Erica finds that there is a Tapaware stealing ring and finds out popular it is to steal. Erica has to go through Jungle do things she never thought she could do along the way.
Jack ends up seriously hurt and with help of good friend Lucy again they save his life again.
The book is a great read I laughed, it had drama which made want to read it more and the relationship of Erica with Jack and people in her life. Can't wait to read book 3.
Erica sets on her own to find Jack and bring back home. Erica finds herself involved with dangerous men in order to find Jack the man she also loves even though he recruited her.
Jack has lost people he once loved in the 911 attacks and is afraid of falling in love again and committing to another woman. Jack does not want Erica involved in this mission.
Erica finds that there is a Tapaware stealing ring and finds out popular it is to steal. Erica has to go through Jungle do things she never thought she could do along the way.
Jack ends up seriously hurt and with help of good friend Lucy again they save his life again.
The book is a great read I laughed, it had drama which made want to read it more and the relationship of Erica with Jack and people in her life. Can't wait to read book 3.
February 19, 2014
3.5 stars from me...
I recently joined the Aussie readers group here on Goodreads and came across this book which looked rather appealing with its striking cover and to be a lighthearted read. I didn't have the benefit of reading Kathryn's first book 'Rough Diamond' featuring her heroine Erica Jewell but I think this book stands up pretty well on its own.
I really like Kathryn's writing style. Erica is a very spirited Aussie chick and she's actually quite engaging in a wacko sort of way. Erica spends a lot of time lusting over hunky Jack Jones who by all accounts is action man supreme both in bed and out of it and the scenes between them are entertaining with good banter.
I didn't think the plot was the greatest and in some parts it was a bit thin bordering on unrealistic but for all that this book is a rollicking good read and this would be a great book to spend a relaxing few hours reading while on holiday on the beach etc... Well, it is written by an Australian who'd know all about sunshine and sand.
I aim to read Rough Diamond when I have the time and will look out for more of Kathryn's books.
I recently joined the Aussie readers group here on Goodreads and came across this book which looked rather appealing with its striking cover and to be a lighthearted read. I didn't have the benefit of reading Kathryn's first book 'Rough Diamond' featuring her heroine Erica Jewell but I think this book stands up pretty well on its own.
I really like Kathryn's writing style. Erica is a very spirited Aussie chick and she's actually quite engaging in a wacko sort of way. Erica spends a lot of time lusting over hunky Jack Jones who by all accounts is action man supreme both in bed and out of it and the scenes between them are entertaining with good banter.
I didn't think the plot was the greatest and in some parts it was a bit thin bordering on unrealistic but for all that this book is a rollicking good read and this would be a great book to spend a relaxing few hours reading while on holiday on the beach etc... Well, it is written by an Australian who'd know all about sunshine and sand.
I aim to read Rough Diamond when I have the time and will look out for more of Kathryn's books.
August 31, 2015
Monkey business is the second book in the Erica Jewell series and I must say is fantastically funny, witty and a darn good story. This series can stand on it's own two feet, its fresh, it's funny and Kathryn can write a damm good story. Get into Jack and Erica, two great characters.
Once again we meet Erica and Jack Jones, this time Jack and Joe are MIA on a mission and Erica decides to save the day. so many good one liners. The scene in the Jungle is pant wetting coffee snorting funny.
Kathryn will be one to watch out for. Put the kettle on and just enjoy the ride. I love Erica, Jack and Co and was so sad to leave them behind in this book, but book 3 will be released In Jan 2016 and I am sure Kathryn will take us on another brilliant ride.
Love this style of writing, life is way to short to always be serious.
Get into Erica and Jack, you wont regret it.
Once again we meet Erica and Jack Jones, this time Jack and Joe are MIA on a mission and Erica decides to save the day. so many good one liners. The scene in the Jungle is pant wetting coffee snorting funny.
Kathryn will be one to watch out for. Put the kettle on and just enjoy the ride. I love Erica, Jack and Co and was so sad to leave them behind in this book, but book 3 will be released In Jan 2016 and I am sure Kathryn will take us on another brilliant ride.
Love this style of writing, life is way to short to always be serious.
Get into Erica and Jack, you wont regret it.
July 24, 2014
A fun read tho a bit crazy and a little disjointed. The author indicates in an interview at the back that she was floundering a bit and you certainly get a feeling for this throughout the book. But never mind -it was funny and the main character is zany and also madly brave or just mad?:) She sets off to a tropical island that is full of corruption and crime in order to rescue her sort of boyfriend. Along the way she meets up with hookers, insane taxi drivers, criminals and assorted loonies. Anyway she does the hero thing and rescues Jack and everyone else in spite of the odds. I am looking forward to the next one tho if you are expecting high level excitement and thrills you may not find it here as it tends to be a bit funny, a bit mad and a bit sexy/romantic.
August 5, 2016
A great follow-up from the fantastic 'Rough Diamond', with more of Erica's tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and sizzling sexual tension with Jack.
This time Erica (suburban trash talker) has to save Jack (military commando) - yeah, like that's going to go well. There is a prostitue whose help is dangerous, hot Tupperware and loads of quirky characters that'll have you in stitches. It's amazing what a woman will do for her decidely hunky man and how mean she can get when there's another woman sniffing around. Watch out bad guys! Great fun and adventure in this story.
This time Erica (suburban trash talker) has to save Jack (military commando) - yeah, like that's going to go well. There is a prostitue whose help is dangerous, hot Tupperware and loads of quirky characters that'll have you in stitches. It's amazing what a woman will do for her decidely hunky man and how mean she can get when there's another woman sniffing around. Watch out bad guys! Great fun and adventure in this story.
April 6, 2014
Once again Kathryn Ledson has written a fun story with engaging characters. I love Erica and her determination to get things done, even if she deviates along the way (in fact, the diversions are what makes the story so much fun!). If you're looking for a great read by an Aussie author who is funny and writes very well, then you can't go past any of Kathryn Ledson's books, including Monkey Business.
December 30, 2013
I haven't read the first in this series, but there were enough dots joined that it wasn't really that necessary. The protagonist is a fun, neurotic, normal girl who happens to have either incredibly good luck or great spying skills. Fans of Janet Evanovich will enjoy this novel, with the addition of a really Australian flavour.
January 23, 2014
Monkey Business is great for a bit of no need to think Australian fiction. Erica Jewell is a regular person with no annoying personality hang-ups. There are a few Janet Evanovich / Stephanie Plum parallels, but it's still a good read (and the idea of an international Tuppaware syndicate made me laugh)
December 27, 2013
I enjoyed this over-the-top and far-fetched read. It's one of those books you can't take seriously, but it's a fun read that leaves you shaking your head and laughing at the same time. Erica Jewell has just the right amount of zaniness for me :)
January 4, 2014
I really wanted to like this book more - I love the characters and far-fetched humour...but I just couldn't warm to the ridiculousness of the storyline. I'll look out for the next Erica Jewell novel though - I'm interested to see where the author takes this series to next.
August 14, 2016
I'm just going to straight up tell you that this #ericajewell series is 5 star.
Kathryn Ledson is an Australian author and this is book two in her series which began with Rough Diamond. It's a bit like Janet Evanovichs #stephanieplum. Go read!!
Kathryn Ledson is an Australian author and this is book two in her series which began with Rough Diamond. It's a bit like Janet Evanovichs #stephanieplum. Go read!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews