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Fox and O'Hare #7
The Bounty
FBI agent Kate O’Hare and charming con man Nick Fox race against time to uncover a buried train filled with Nazi gold.
Straight as an arrow special agent Kate O’Hare and international con man Nick Fox have brought down some of the biggest criminals out there. But now they face their most dangerous foe yet—a vast, shadowy international organization known only as the Brotherhood.
Directly descended from the Vatican Bank priests who served Hitler during World War II, the Brotherhood is on a frantic search for a lost train loaded with $30 billion in Nazi gold, untouched for over seventy-five years somewhere in the mountains of Eastern Europe.
Kate and Nick know that there is only one man who can find the fortune and bring down the Brotherhood—the same man who taught Nick everything he knows—his father, Quentin. As the stakes get higher, they must also rely on Kate’s own father, Jake, who shares his daughter’s grit and stubbornness. Too bad they can never agree on anything.
From a remote monastery in the Swiss Alps to the lawless desert of the Western Sahara, Kate, Nick, and the two men who made them who they are today must crisscross the world in a desperate scramble to stop their deadliest foe in the biggest adventure of their lives.
Straight as an arrow special agent Kate O’Hare and international con man Nick Fox have brought down some of the biggest criminals out there. But now they face their most dangerous foe yet—a vast, shadowy international organization known only as the Brotherhood.
Directly descended from the Vatican Bank priests who served Hitler during World War II, the Brotherhood is on a frantic search for a lost train loaded with $30 billion in Nazi gold, untouched for over seventy-five years somewhere in the mountains of Eastern Europe.
Kate and Nick know that there is only one man who can find the fortune and bring down the Brotherhood—the same man who taught Nick everything he knows—his father, Quentin. As the stakes get higher, they must also rely on Kate’s own father, Jake, who shares his daughter’s grit and stubbornness. Too bad they can never agree on anything.
From a remote monastery in the Swiss Alps to the lawless desert of the Western Sahara, Kate, Nick, and the two men who made them who they are today must crisscross the world in a desperate scramble to stop their deadliest foe in the biggest adventure of their lives.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2021
1894 people are currently reading
10014 people want to read
About the author
Janet Evanovich
332 books41k followersJanet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.
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July 29, 2020All I can say is I think the lot of us would be happy if Lee took back control of these characters. I think it's fairly clear from the last book and the blurb for this one, Evanovich doesn't know how to capture the essence of Nick et al.
August 4, 2023
I don't understand why they are doing this, why they are trying to forcefully resurrect this series, which clearly ended with Goldberg's departure after the fifth book. I mean, I know why they do it, for the money. But after the failure of the sixth book, they should mercifully end the suffering of this series and stop publishing any more books against better judgment.
This is not a bad book. Steve Hamilton did what he could, and it's obvious that he is the author of this story. It is also increasingly apparent that the first five books in this series were mainly written by Goldberg. Unfortunately, while it's not a bad book, it's not really a book in the Kate and Nick series. Of course, that's what the main characters are called, but the tone and style of writing are completely different.
Fortunately, this is no longer the silly comedy from the sixth book, but sadly it turned out that this last story used all the humor provided for both of those books, and there wasn't enough left for the seventh one. Still, this book at least has a storyline. It is quite mediocre and boring at times, but at least there is some. It's a pity this is not the plot about the scam we know well from the first five books. The storyline of this book is more like National Treasure than Ocean's Eleven, but at least it stopped resembling the failed sequel to Bridget Jones, and this is some progress. There are also many more scenes of fighting and violence than we've seen so far in this series.
In this book, we meet Nick’s father. Sorry, but for me, missing family members we've never heard of mean there's no idea what to do next, and the series is basically going nowhere. And this is my main problem with the last two books; I feel there is no vision for the future of this series. Characters don't evolve. I mean, in the sixth book, they were completely different characters, so there's really nothing to talk about. But in the seventh book, they're also not exactly the Nick and Kate we know and love. Nor do I think this book has developed their personalities or even their relationship in any way. Though a point for Hamilton for a return towards their romantic relationship. And Kate's father is himself again, although maybe he seems a little faded (however, after the madness in the sixth book, it's even a nice change).
As I said, the plot is not based on the traditional scam scheme. Instead, they use the story of the “golden train” with Nazi gold, which has been quite popular in Poland in the last decade (so much so that foreign press wrote about it, and yes, there is a whole group of people who are looking for it, although they are rather avid historians looking for adventures than post-Nazi brotherhood). Overall, the plot is not that bad, but it is not particularly memorable.
If you miss Kate and Nick desperately and have already reread all the first five books, skip the sixth one, which adds nothing to the series anyway, and read this one. But be prepared that it won't be a book in the well-known convention of the series. Steve Hamilton did what he could; it's not his fault he isn't Goldberg. Hopefully, this is the last book in this series, because at this stage, we can't possibly count on Goldberg coming back.
This is not a bad book. Steve Hamilton did what he could, and it's obvious that he is the author of this story. It is also increasingly apparent that the first five books in this series were mainly written by Goldberg. Unfortunately, while it's not a bad book, it's not really a book in the Kate and Nick series. Of course, that's what the main characters are called, but the tone and style of writing are completely different.
Fortunately, this is no longer the silly comedy from the sixth book, but sadly it turned out that this last story used all the humor provided for both of those books, and there wasn't enough left for the seventh one. Still, this book at least has a storyline. It is quite mediocre and boring at times, but at least there is some. It's a pity this is not the plot about the scam we know well from the first five books. The storyline of this book is more like National Treasure than Ocean's Eleven, but at least it stopped resembling the failed sequel to Bridget Jones, and this is some progress. There are also many more scenes of fighting and violence than we've seen so far in this series.
In this book, we meet Nick’s father. Sorry, but for me, missing family members we've never heard of mean there's no idea what to do next, and the series is basically going nowhere. And this is my main problem with the last two books; I feel there is no vision for the future of this series. Characters don't evolve. I mean, in the sixth book, they were completely different characters, so there's really nothing to talk about. But in the seventh book, they're also not exactly the Nick and Kate we know and love. Nor do I think this book has developed their personalities or even their relationship in any way. Though a point for Hamilton for a return towards their romantic relationship. And Kate's father is himself again, although maybe he seems a little faded (however, after the madness in the sixth book, it's even a nice change).
As I said, the plot is not based on the traditional scam scheme. Instead, they use the story of the “golden train” with Nazi gold, which has been quite popular in Poland in the last decade (so much so that foreign press wrote about it, and yes, there is a whole group of people who are looking for it, although they are rather avid historians looking for adventures than post-Nazi brotherhood). Overall, the plot is not that bad, but it is not particularly memorable.
If you miss Kate and Nick desperately and have already reread all the first five books, skip the sixth one, which adds nothing to the series anyway, and read this one. But be prepared that it won't be a book in the well-known convention of the series. Steve Hamilton did what he could; it's not his fault he isn't Goldberg. Hopefully, this is the last book in this series, because at this stage, we can't possibly count on Goldberg coming back.
June 12, 2021
There's a lot of action in this complex escapade. As the team races to find the Raubgold treasure, there are the requisite obstacles and villainous characters to deal with along the way, and as this is an Evanovich novel, the obstacles and villains are of course of the fantastically unbelievable sort. A light and fast read that was passable, but it lacks the style and humor of the earliest books in the series.
October 13, 2024
I have enjoyed the Fox and O'Hare series since its inception. What has made it such a standout for me is Kate and Nick's riotous verbal sparring. It's impossible not to look forward with great anticipation to their back and forth flirtatious bantering and riotous zingers as they work their high intensity cases.
The Bounty had much less comedy because this episode tackled some very serious subjects and objectives. Kate and Nick's fathers' meet for the first time when circumstance and chance happens to bring them together. They end up teaming up on the case as both bring valued skill sets to the table. It was intriguing hearing how they all interacted and got along, with a noticeable change to Fox and O'Hare's character dynamics. Sadly, I was quite disappointed to discover the humor and lightheartedness I have come to relish and look forward to with each new episode was sadly lacking. Sigh.
On a positive note, Scott Brick never disappoints, and (true to form) delivers a pause-resisting, lively, and flawless performance as the solo narrative voice for each and every (nationality) of the multiple (male, female) characters.
The Bounty had much less comedy because this episode tackled some very serious subjects and objectives. Kate and Nick's fathers' meet for the first time when circumstance and chance happens to bring them together. They end up teaming up on the case as both bring valued skill sets to the table. It was intriguing hearing how they all interacted and got along, with a noticeable change to Fox and O'Hare's character dynamics. Sadly, I was quite disappointed to discover the humor and lightheartedness I have come to relish and look forward to with each new episode was sadly lacking. Sigh.
On a positive note, Scott Brick never disappoints, and (true to form) delivers a pause-resisting, lively, and flawless performance as the solo narrative voice for each and every (nationality) of the multiple (male, female) characters.
April 13, 2021
2.5 ⭐
An improvement from disaster book #6 by Peter Evanovich. Without Lee Goldberg, I guess it'll never be the same. This one with international treasure hunt plot, Nazi's lost gold. Not a bad thriller, but not the reason I read Evanovich books. What make this series stand out are the characters, Fox and O'Hare. Conman and FBI agent. Their chemistry was gold. Now? Lacking... 😥
An improvement from disaster book #6 by Peter Evanovich. Without Lee Goldberg, I guess it'll never be the same. This one with international treasure hunt plot, Nazi's lost gold. Not a bad thriller, but not the reason I read Evanovich books. What make this series stand out are the characters, Fox and O'Hare. Conman and FBI agent. Their chemistry was gold. Now? Lacking... 😥
February 4, 2021
A previous reviewer has said this book has been cancelled by the publisher and all I can say "Damn, that was a close one!"
As soon as I read the description I was horrified. Seriously? Nazi gold? Seriously?! And Nick's dad, who apparently taught him everything, which has never been mentioned before?
The real kicker though was "Jake is her gruff straight laced dad and they don't ever get along". Since when? He helped her parachute into a secluded monastery illegally in the first damn book. They are two peas in the same rocket launcher!
Update: Reviewer Francesca helpfully added this truly horrifying news https://deadline.com/2020/03/janet-ev...
For me Fox & O'Hare are #ForeverAtNo5
Update #2 02/03/21: There is now a new co-author attached to the project. Steve Hamilton will be taking over for Peter Evanovich which could be good news except for the fact that the book description remains exactly the same. So it's still about Nazi gold, Nick's never before mentioned Dad, and a weird new Jake O'Hare who doesn't get along with Kate. Not sure Steve Hamilton is enough to make me want to re think #ForverAtNo5
As soon as I read the description I was horrified. Seriously? Nazi gold? Seriously?! And Nick's dad, who apparently taught him everything, which has never been mentioned before?
The real kicker though was "Jake is her gruff straight laced dad and they don't ever get along". Since when? He helped her parachute into a secluded monastery illegally in the first damn book. They are two peas in the same rocket launcher!
Update: Reviewer Francesca helpfully added this truly horrifying news https://deadline.com/2020/03/janet-ev...
For me Fox & O'Hare are #ForeverAtNo5
Update #2 02/03/21: There is now a new co-author attached to the project. Steve Hamilton will be taking over for Peter Evanovich which could be good news except for the fact that the book description remains exactly the same. So it's still about Nazi gold, Nick's never before mentioned Dad, and a weird new Jake O'Hare who doesn't get along with Kate. Not sure Steve Hamilton is enough to make me want to re think #ForverAtNo5
May 26, 2021
I jumped into this series with book 7, and I loved it! I’ve read a few Stephanie Plum books over the years. They are comfort reads, making me laugh and filled with fun characters. The Fox and O’Hare series is so much fun, too!
Kate O’Hare is an FBI agent and Nick Fox is a con artist. And they work together. Yes, they do! This time they are looking for a buried train filled with gold from the Nazis. $30 million in gold. Of course, other people, unsavory people, are on the hunt, too. Will Kate and Nick get there first?
The settings were so fun- the Alps, the Sahara! There was tension, adventure, witty banter, and some great twists, too. I definitely plan to read more of this series and Stephanie Plum as well!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Kate O’Hare is an FBI agent and Nick Fox is a con artist. And they work together. Yes, they do! This time they are looking for a buried train filled with gold from the Nazis. $30 million in gold. Of course, other people, unsavory people, are on the hunt, too. Will Kate and Nick get there first?
The settings were so fun- the Alps, the Sahara! There was tension, adventure, witty banter, and some great twists, too. I definitely plan to read more of this series and Stephanie Plum as well!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 13, 2021
This author collaboration is one that could have been done without. The plot should have been flushed out better and the course along the way is not strong. 4 of 10 stars
January 19, 2022
The main characters were interesting, but the plot was rather far-fetched. I'm not familiar with these characters or this series. It was a freebie though, so it's all good.
August 6, 2021
4.5 Stars for The Bounty: Fox and O’Hare Series, Book 7 (audiobook) by Janet Evanovich and Steve Hamilton read by Scott Brick.
This is such a fun series. The characters are great and I love all of the great locations that the never ending action is set in. And then there is the voice of Scott Brick. There is nobody better at narrating these action adventure stories.
This is such a fun series. The characters are great and I love all of the great locations that the never ending action is set in. And then there is the voice of Scott Brick. There is nobody better at narrating these action adventure stories.
April 2, 2021
After the mess that was The Big Kahuna, the expectations for this book were super low, but surprise surprise, it still failed to compare to Lee Goldberg’s previous books....shocking, right?
I mean, when you have one liners like this one: “I’m saying, if you’re thinking like a thief, you take the easy score that’s right in front of you. This guy didn’t do that.”, you know what kind of rollercoaster into hell you’re about to ride.
While The Big Kahuna seemed almost like a parody thanks to its silly tones, over the top characters, and penchant for drama (which are the key elements to every single Stephanie Plum book), The Bounty had a more “serious” tone and the characters felt more grounded....too much I would say tho, resulting in monotone narrative, and stiff and robotic personalities like Nick, who lost all his charme, and Kate who was reduced to a two bit act, or Jake who was stripped of all his sense of humor and affability. Basically, all the main characters we’ve got to know and fall in love with were shredded and replaced with two dimensional opposite versions of what they used to be.....which pissed me off to no end. 😠
As far as Nick’s dad, Quentin, his very existence was an insult to everything the first five books built upon, and while I wanted to give the guy a chance, the writing and his personality made it very hard to like him.
And the plot! Oh, how bad it was! Once again, the core of the series (cons and heists) was thrown out of the window and we instead got a boring treasure hunting adventure across Europe searching for a train of Nazi gold.
We went from Ocean’s to bootleg Indiana Jones.
HOW?! How can you screw up so bad? The only thing I’ll give to Hamilton is that he at least tried to acknowledge the first five books by quoting some tidbits we learned along the way...with some mixed results (like this bit: “Never thought we’d both get back to Germany at the same time,” Jake said. “How long has it been?”
“I was just a kid”...Yeah, except in book 5 both Jake and Kate are in Germany blowing up a castle)....so yeah, you tried, Hamilton.
And the thing is, this book could’ve been easily been written as an heist!
Goldberg’s Nick would’ve come up with a genius and daring heist, he would’ve assembled a crew and him and Kate would’ve succeeded in getting the gold and putting behind bars the baddy.
This book was very much doomed, we have Nick Fox (one of the most wanted criminals) openly collaborating with the Interpol (which, on a side note, I’m not even sure if the FBI’s jurisdiction allows that kind of partnership) with Kate (again, what tf happened to the whole key point of the series which is that Nick is technically considered a fugitive and Kate has to pretend she’s still chasing him?!?!), their relationship is just a few degrees above frosting (I guess we’re continuing with The Big Kahuna’s trend of ignoring all the development of the first 5 books, huh?), thank Christ the drama between Jake and Kate the synopsis hinted at wasn’t that bad, and Jake and Nick went from being best buds to casual acquaintances.
IN CONCLUSION, I wish this book didn’t exist, I wish Evanovich had took the hint from Big Kahuna and left this series alone....I can’t even say these last two books should considered as reboots because there’s not even enough consistency between them to tie them together!
I guess if you’re the kind of reader that doesn’t give a flying fuck about any kind of continuity than these two books will be amazing...but yeah, I’m sticking with the fact that the first 5 books are the true canon of this series and the last two are the result of a really bad LSD trip.
§§§§§§§
UPDATE 2: WTF....just...what!? 😤🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
https://deadline.com/2020/03/janet-ev...
§§§§§§§§
UPDATE: Book got canceled by the publisher...thank god for small mercies.
§§§§§§§§
I don’t even know where to begin. What kind of plot is that?! Nick’s dad?!?! Kate and Jake butting heads?! Train full of gold?! Is this the plot for the next Indiana Jones movie?! This is so fucking idiotic. Please leave this series alone!
I mean, when you have one liners like this one: “I’m saying, if you’re thinking like a thief, you take the easy score that’s right in front of you. This guy didn’t do that.”, you know what kind of rollercoaster into hell you’re about to ride.
While The Big Kahuna seemed almost like a parody thanks to its silly tones, over the top characters, and penchant for drama (which are the key elements to every single Stephanie Plum book), The Bounty had a more “serious” tone and the characters felt more grounded....too much I would say tho, resulting in monotone narrative, and stiff and robotic personalities like Nick, who lost all his charme, and Kate who was reduced to a two bit act, or Jake who was stripped of all his sense of humor and affability. Basically, all the main characters we’ve got to know and fall in love with were shredded and replaced with two dimensional opposite versions of what they used to be.....which pissed me off to no end. 😠
As far as Nick’s dad, Quentin, his very existence was an insult to everything the first five books built upon, and while I wanted to give the guy a chance, the writing and his personality made it very hard to like him.
And the plot! Oh, how bad it was! Once again, the core of the series (cons and heists) was thrown out of the window and we instead got a boring treasure hunting adventure across Europe searching for a train of Nazi gold.
We went from Ocean’s to bootleg Indiana Jones.
HOW?! How can you screw up so bad? The only thing I’ll give to Hamilton is that he at least tried to acknowledge the first five books by quoting some tidbits we learned along the way...with some mixed results (like this bit: “Never thought we’d both get back to Germany at the same time,” Jake said. “How long has it been?”
“I was just a kid”...Yeah, except in book 5 both Jake and Kate are in Germany blowing up a castle)....so yeah, you tried, Hamilton.
And the thing is, this book could’ve been easily been written as an heist!
Goldberg’s Nick would’ve come up with a genius and daring heist, he would’ve assembled a crew and him and Kate would’ve succeeded in getting the gold and putting behind bars the baddy.
This book was very much doomed, we have Nick Fox (one of the most wanted criminals) openly collaborating with the Interpol (which, on a side note, I’m not even sure if the FBI’s jurisdiction allows that kind of partnership) with Kate (again, what tf happened to the whole key point of the series which is that Nick is technically considered a fugitive and Kate has to pretend she’s still chasing him?!?!), their relationship is just a few degrees above frosting (I guess we’re continuing with The Big Kahuna’s trend of ignoring all the development of the first 5 books, huh?), thank Christ the drama between Jake and Kate the synopsis hinted at wasn’t that bad, and Jake and Nick went from being best buds to casual acquaintances.
IN CONCLUSION, I wish this book didn’t exist, I wish Evanovich had took the hint from Big Kahuna and left this series alone....I can’t even say these last two books should considered as reboots because there’s not even enough consistency between them to tie them together!
I guess if you’re the kind of reader that doesn’t give a flying fuck about any kind of continuity than these two books will be amazing...but yeah, I’m sticking with the fact that the first 5 books are the true canon of this series and the last two are the result of a really bad LSD trip.
§§§§§§§
UPDATE 2: WTF....just...what!? 😤🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
https://deadline.com/2020/03/janet-ev...
§§§§§§§§
UPDATE: Book got canceled by the publisher...thank god for small mercies.
§§§§§§§§
I don’t even know where to begin. What kind of plot is that?! Nick’s dad?!?! Kate and Jake butting heads?! Train full of gold?! Is this the plot for the next Indiana Jones movie?! This is so fucking idiotic. Please leave this series alone!
January 1, 2025
Enjoyable. A bit far fetched. Otherwise a fun, thrill filled globe trotting adventure on the trail of hidden Nazi gold.
April 5, 2021
YES........REDEMPTION.
I am giving this story 5 stars because the previous book was so awful. This story should have been #6 as it flowed with the progression of the characters of the series. I love Kate and Nick and the Dads.
This story was a reminder of why this series works. The witty banter, the tension, the chase, and the fearlessness. What an enjoyable, unputdownable read!!
I am giving this story 5 stars because the previous book was so awful. This story should have been #6 as it flowed with the progression of the characters of the series. I love Kate and Nick and the Dads.
This story was a reminder of why this series works. The witty banter, the tension, the chase, and the fearlessness. What an enjoyable, unputdownable read!!
March 8, 2021
A great improvement over books #5 and #6. I am glad I stuck with the series. Kate and Nick find themselves on an epic treasure hunt with both of their dads. Jake has always been one of my favorite characters and Nick's dad Quentin was a great addition to the team. This bunch travels from the Vatican, to the Eiffel Tower, to Neuschwanstein Castle, to a zoo in Vienna, and more. They are gathering pieces of a treasure map to beat a Neo-Nazi group to find massive stash of gold bars that was confiscated by Hitler's cronies during WW II and hidden in a super secret location. Lots of action, team camaraderie, and a satisfying conclusion. I do miss some of the quirky characters from the first few books like Willie. Guess those people were Lee Goldberg creations.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2021
FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare is paired with consultant Nick Fox, a repurposed con man and thief to thwart a theft at the Vatican, when the culprit steals a partial map, instead of the jewels they were expecting. The thief is none other than Nick's father gone bad, which Nick refuses to accept. Ignoring a direct order, Kate joins Nick in a compulsive race to find a hidden cache of Nazi gold, worth $30 billion, fighting true believers seeking the Fourth Reich, known as the Brotherhood. They traipse all over Europe and North Africa following clues, dodging death at every turn. The good news is that Steve Hamilton is a much better writer than Peter Evanovich, but still not as good as Janet's original co-author, Lee Goldberg.
March 6, 2021
I was really hoping that The Bounty by Janet Evanovich and Steve Hamilton would be a five star read, but I spent about 10 minutes trying to decide if I would give it two or three stars. I settled on three, but maybe by the end of writing this review it’ll be down to two.
First, I have to say, I use to enjoy Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, Lean Mean Thirteen is a hoot!, but I stopped reading around book 20 because they just weren’t laugh out loud funny any more and I couldn’t handle the love triangle. So going into The Bounty I wanted to find a series by her to love again. (And I just sighed….)
The Bounty started out fantastic, at least chapter one. And then chapter two felt like it was switched off to the next author and they didn’t really read chapter one. Then it was non-stop action, which normally is great. But the action went like this; they go to a place, they do something insane, the bad guys come in the middle of it, they fight off the bad guys, they go to the next place, repeat, repeat, repeat.
As for how unbelievable most of it is, I can totally overlook that because it’s fiction. But I can’t overlook the same formula repeated every few chapters, the lack of funny in the book (that many of the big name reviewers keep mentioning), and the chemistry between Fox and O’Hare that has developed over the previous six books fell flat in book seven.
Whelp, looks like I’m changing that three star rating to two.
First, I have to say, I use to enjoy Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, Lean Mean Thirteen is a hoot!, but I stopped reading around book 20 because they just weren’t laugh out loud funny any more and I couldn’t handle the love triangle. So going into The Bounty I wanted to find a series by her to love again. (And I just sighed….)
The Bounty started out fantastic, at least chapter one. And then chapter two felt like it was switched off to the next author and they didn’t really read chapter one. Then it was non-stop action, which normally is great. But the action went like this; they go to a place, they do something insane, the bad guys come in the middle of it, they fight off the bad guys, they go to the next place, repeat, repeat, repeat.
As for how unbelievable most of it is, I can totally overlook that because it’s fiction. But I can’t overlook the same formula repeated every few chapters, the lack of funny in the book (that many of the big name reviewers keep mentioning), and the chemistry between Fox and O’Hare that has developed over the previous six books fell flat in book seven.
Whelp, looks like I’m changing that three star rating to two.
March 21, 2021
*3.5 stars rounded up. FBI Agent Kate O'Hare and con-man consultant Nick Fox get involved in a modern-day treasure hunt to find hidden Nazi gold. This light, easy read is pure escapism, very reminiscent of Indiana Jones movies --in fact, both their dads get involved, along with a tweed-clad professor who helps them decipher the clues. Put aside your skepticism of the plot line and enjoy a thrill a minute!
This book was available as a 'Read Now' from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It is the 7th book in the series but the first where Evanovich has teamed up with fellow mystery writer, Steve Hamilton. I made a point of reading two short story prequels since I was jumping into the series here and I notice a lot of the Stephanie Plum-type silliness of those earlier stories is gone in this one.
This book was available as a 'Read Now' from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It is the 7th book in the series but the first where Evanovich has teamed up with fellow mystery writer, Steve Hamilton. I made a point of reading two short story prequels since I was jumping into the series here and I notice a lot of the Stephanie Plum-type silliness of those earlier stories is gone in this one.
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August 17, 2021So I listened to the book and I Scot Brick provides a continuity that threads the series together.
If you were reading this book as a stand-alone, I guess it was ok. I didn't love it and I won't be reading it again or buying it.
This book is a different flavour from the others and I think I don't like the new direction the series.
So, if you read it as a stand-alone book, you might enjoy it.
If you read it as part of the series, then is lacking the elements of the first five books.
Update: The Publisher said that Kate and Jake don't get along, how is that possible? He's helped her every step of the way!
Did the Editors or the writers read the first books? Why are they changing the relationship now?
Are we reading the same series? Did Lee Goldberg took all good characters and plot lines?
I am frustrated, because I love this series so much! I thought book five was a great way to end it, they read like a movie.
The Big Kahuna was disappointing, I miss the old gang!
Yes I might seem over invested, but is because I've gotten to know these characters and I felt a connection with them. Isn't that what good writers do? Which goes to tell you that the've done a good job up-to now.
No, I haven't read this book and I am gun-shy about reading it because I am not change the relationship I had with the first five books.
If you were reading this book as a stand-alone, I guess it was ok. I didn't love it and I won't be reading it again or buying it.
This book is a different flavour from the others and I think I don't like the new direction the series.
So, if you read it as a stand-alone book, you might enjoy it.
If you read it as part of the series, then is lacking the elements of the first five books.
Update: The Publisher said that Kate and Jake don't get along, how is that possible? He's helped her every step of the way!
Did the Editors or the writers read the first books? Why are they changing the relationship now?
Are we reading the same series? Did Lee Goldberg took all good characters and plot lines?
I am frustrated, because I love this series so much! I thought book five was a great way to end it, they read like a movie.
The Big Kahuna was disappointing, I miss the old gang!
Yes I might seem over invested, but is because I've gotten to know these characters and I felt a connection with them. Isn't that what good writers do? Which goes to tell you that the've done a good job up-to now.
No, I haven't read this book and I am gun-shy about reading it because I am not change the relationship I had with the first five books.
February 5, 2024
Awesome
February 5, 2021
From the first page to the last, I kept thinking that this would make a terrific action-packed motion picture. As for the book? Well, it would make a terrific action-packed movie.
Mind you, I haven't read any of the six preceding books in this series that feature FBI Special Agent Kate O'Hare and professional con man Nick Fox. But I'm intimately acquainted with virtually all of author Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books and am a big fan of author Lee Goldberg, who co-wrote the first five in this series. And, I've read and enjoyed two books by the co-author of this one. So when I got the chance to read and review a pre-release copy, I was delighted.
Now that I've finished, though, I'm a little less enthused; the whole thing struck me as a bit shallow. To be sure, the action never stops (think Indiana Jones on steroids) which, generally speaking, is a good thing - certainly in a movie. In written form, though, it just seemed to be too much, too fast. Beyond that, the limited conversation among the various characters - especially between O'Hare and Fox, despite a few humorous and sexually suggestive one-liners - failed to give me any real insights into their characters or entice me to develop anything close to camaradarie with any of them.
The plot itself is intriguing; it begins at the Vatican Museum, as Kate and Nick try to thwart a robbery in progress. They're told the target is a priceless diamond-encrusted ring; but turns out it was a very old map which, rumor has it, leads to $30 billion in gold supposedly hidden after World War II by a group of Nazis called the Brotherhood. As it also turns out, the thief - who gets away in fine James Bond fettle - is someone very familiar to Nick.
The resulting chase takes Nick and Kate - who also gets help from a familiar figure - to historic locations in several countries, each adventure fraught with almost unimaginable danger. In fact, what impressed me most about the book is the attention to detail with regard to their surroundings at each new venue; clearly, effort was put into research and making those parts very interesting (at least to me). At each spot, the goal is to find the next piece of the map - hopefully leading to the final piece and, of course, the gold.
Was anyone harmed in the process? Several (but my lips are sealed). Did the gold really exist and did they find it? Still not talking. Overall, it's a thrill-a-minute adventure that most likely will be enjoyed most by those who read the previous books. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for this one.
Now when can we expect that movie? I've got a few ideas for casting (hint: call me).
Mind you, I haven't read any of the six preceding books in this series that feature FBI Special Agent Kate O'Hare and professional con man Nick Fox. But I'm intimately acquainted with virtually all of author Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books and am a big fan of author Lee Goldberg, who co-wrote the first five in this series. And, I've read and enjoyed two books by the co-author of this one. So when I got the chance to read and review a pre-release copy, I was delighted.
Now that I've finished, though, I'm a little less enthused; the whole thing struck me as a bit shallow. To be sure, the action never stops (think Indiana Jones on steroids) which, generally speaking, is a good thing - certainly in a movie. In written form, though, it just seemed to be too much, too fast. Beyond that, the limited conversation among the various characters - especially between O'Hare and Fox, despite a few humorous and sexually suggestive one-liners - failed to give me any real insights into their characters or entice me to develop anything close to camaradarie with any of them.
The plot itself is intriguing; it begins at the Vatican Museum, as Kate and Nick try to thwart a robbery in progress. They're told the target is a priceless diamond-encrusted ring; but turns out it was a very old map which, rumor has it, leads to $30 billion in gold supposedly hidden after World War II by a group of Nazis called the Brotherhood. As it also turns out, the thief - who gets away in fine James Bond fettle - is someone very familiar to Nick.
The resulting chase takes Nick and Kate - who also gets help from a familiar figure - to historic locations in several countries, each adventure fraught with almost unimaginable danger. In fact, what impressed me most about the book is the attention to detail with regard to their surroundings at each new venue; clearly, effort was put into research and making those parts very interesting (at least to me). At each spot, the goal is to find the next piece of the map - hopefully leading to the final piece and, of course, the gold.
Was anyone harmed in the process? Several (but my lips are sealed). Did the gold really exist and did they find it? Still not talking. Overall, it's a thrill-a-minute adventure that most likely will be enjoyed most by those who read the previous books. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for this one.
Now when can we expect that movie? I've got a few ideas for casting (hint: call me).
March 23, 2021
I have read a few of the books in this series and enjoyed them. I could hear Ms. Evanovichs' 'voice' with no problems. With this book, I lost her 'voice' completely and didn't enjoy it as much as I had the past ones.
This is a fast read, and if this is the first book you've picked up in this series, you will have no problems because the authors do put in enough back-story so that you can keep up. We also get to meet Nicholas's father. And Kate's father is along for the whole ride again!
As a matter of fact, the stunts in this book just got to be a bit over-blown and a tad ridiculous in some parts. I found no humor in this book and any sort of romance seems to have been missing.
I hate to say this, but this seems to be more of a man's book than one that all sexes will truly enjoy. A TON of action---for instance, mountain climbing! And, of course, the bad guys can't be stopped!
Although this is a rather short book, at times, the pressures of what this team has to face make it seem slow going.
I liked it quite a bit-I didn't love it.
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
This is a fast read, and if this is the first book you've picked up in this series, you will have no problems because the authors do put in enough back-story so that you can keep up. We also get to meet Nicholas's father. And Kate's father is along for the whole ride again!
As a matter of fact, the stunts in this book just got to be a bit over-blown and a tad ridiculous in some parts. I found no humor in this book and any sort of romance seems to have been missing.
I hate to say this, but this seems to be more of a man's book than one that all sexes will truly enjoy. A TON of action---for instance, mountain climbing! And, of course, the bad guys can't be stopped!
Although this is a rather short book, at times, the pressures of what this team has to face make it seem slow going.
I liked it quite a bit-I didn't love it.
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
March 23, 2021
The earlier partnership with Lee Goldberg was a dream. Despite those dopey-looking covers, I was hooked! The charm of Remington Steele, the loved up twist of any good '80s love-hate turned dreamy relationship (David Addison & Maddie Hayes, Sam & Dianne, etc.), the Mission Impossible + A-Team adventure -- but waaay funnier is how I would describe the early Fox and O'Hare... then the magic was gone without Goldberg.
Anyone who thinks writing great chemistry is a piece of cake is completely wrong. As much as this new writing partnership tried to bring up some of that magic, it just wasn't the same. All the work was on Nick's character and it didn't have the same zing. I'm hopeful things get back on track and we start getting the same magic we had in earlier books.
Anyone who thinks writing great chemistry is a piece of cake is completely wrong. As much as this new writing partnership tried to bring up some of that magic, it just wasn't the same. All the work was on Nick's character and it didn't have the same zing. I'm hopeful things get back on track and we start getting the same magic we had in earlier books.
February 4, 2022
So sad this series is done!!
July 2, 2021
FBI Agent Kate O'Hare and Nick Fox, known more his international criminal activity. have run into some really, really bad guys.
They're dealing with a shadowy international organization called the Brotherhood. Directly descended from the Vatican Bank priests who served Hitler during World War II, the Brotherhood is on a frantic search for a lost train loaded with $30 billion in Nazi gold, untouched for over seventy-five years somewhere in the mountains of Eastern Europe.
In order to beat the Brotherhood at their own game, Kate and Nick bring in two men. The first is Quentin, Nick's father who taught him everything he knows. The other is Jake, Kate's father. They have a contentious relationship and can agree on anything.
Book Blurb: From a remote monastery in the Swiss Alps to the lawless desert of the Western Sahara, Kate, Nick, and the two men who made them who they are today must crisscross the world in a desperate scramble to stop their deadliest foe in the biggest adventure of their lives.
The suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level of mystery throughout. There's plenty of action, a real page turner. The characters are deftly drawn. Although 7th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, I recommend reading in order. The backstories are amazing.
Many thanks to the authors / Atria Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
They're dealing with a shadowy international organization called the Brotherhood. Directly descended from the Vatican Bank priests who served Hitler during World War II, the Brotherhood is on a frantic search for a lost train loaded with $30 billion in Nazi gold, untouched for over seventy-five years somewhere in the mountains of Eastern Europe.
In order to beat the Brotherhood at their own game, Kate and Nick bring in two men. The first is Quentin, Nick's father who taught him everything he knows. The other is Jake, Kate's father. They have a contentious relationship and can agree on anything.
Book Blurb: From a remote monastery in the Swiss Alps to the lawless desert of the Western Sahara, Kate, Nick, and the two men who made them who they are today must crisscross the world in a desperate scramble to stop their deadliest foe in the biggest adventure of their lives.
The suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level of mystery throughout. There's plenty of action, a real page turner. The characters are deftly drawn. Although 7th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, I recommend reading in order. The backstories are amazing.
Many thanks to the authors / Atria Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 9, 2021
Series: Fox and O’Hare #7
Publication Date: 3/23/21
Number of Pages: 320
This is an exciting, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, thrilling, can’t-put-it-down read. It was so engrossing I read it through in one sitting – boy did I pay for that the next day – but it was worth it! Steve Hamilton is the third co-author in this series, so I wondered how that was going to work. I definitely enjoyed the first five stories when Lee Goldberg was the co-author. I wasn’t as thrilled with the sixth one co-authored by Peter Evanovich, but this one with Steve Hamilton is good. There are definitely changes in Nick’s character though – they are subtle, but they are there. Nick isn’t as smooth and polished (think Remington Steele or Neil Caffrey from White Collar Crime) as he was in the beginning. Kate, however, is just as tough-as-nails as she ever was.
Kate and Nick are working with Interpol to track down an organization called The Brotherhood. In order to expand their organization and fund their efforts to bring a Fourth Reich to power, the Brotherhood wants to find billions of dollars’ worth of gold bullion that was buried by the Nazis just before WWII ended. In the opening scenes, Interpol knows someone is going to rob the Vatican and they assume the target is a valuable ring from the Pope’s collection. They are all set – all of the police organizations are in place – security is so tight that a flea couldn’t get through. Until – someone does get through. He definitely has world-class skills and when Nick almost catches him, he is absolutely shocked at the thief’s identity.
As they investigate and learn more and more, their ‘team’ grows to include both Kate and Nick’s fathers along with a mild-mannered professor and a former British SAS member. While they race around the countries that made up the former Axis countries, the Brotherhood is right on their heels. We travel all across those countries and back again looking for maps that contain clues to the location of the treasure. The maps are hidden in some of the most gosh-awful places – even polar bear habitats – and they contain cryptic and obscure clues. Our intrepid crew performs some death-defying stunts before they come to the end of the case. There are lots of twists and turns before the bad guys get their comeuppance and the whole thing will keep you holding your breath.
I’ll also point out that the blurb is misleading in regards to Nick and Kate’s fathers. Nick’s father didn’t teach him everything he knows – at least not how to be a world-class thief and con man. I’m not sure his father even knew about his career as a criminal. Nick’s father had done some ‘off the books’ work for the CIA and sort of lead a double life in that respect. When Nick learned of it, he and his father basically became estranged. Nick and his father share a great many talents – but they were mostly on different sides of the law. Kate and her father don’t disagree about everything. He does his best to protect her as any father would, but he listens to her, he helps her, and they collaborate on most things.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope you will as well. If you haven’t read the first five books in the series, I highly recommend those to you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 3/23/21
Number of Pages: 320
This is an exciting, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, thrilling, can’t-put-it-down read. It was so engrossing I read it through in one sitting – boy did I pay for that the next day – but it was worth it! Steve Hamilton is the third co-author in this series, so I wondered how that was going to work. I definitely enjoyed the first five stories when Lee Goldberg was the co-author. I wasn’t as thrilled with the sixth one co-authored by Peter Evanovich, but this one with Steve Hamilton is good. There are definitely changes in Nick’s character though – they are subtle, but they are there. Nick isn’t as smooth and polished (think Remington Steele or Neil Caffrey from White Collar Crime) as he was in the beginning. Kate, however, is just as tough-as-nails as she ever was.
Kate and Nick are working with Interpol to track down an organization called The Brotherhood. In order to expand their organization and fund their efforts to bring a Fourth Reich to power, the Brotherhood wants to find billions of dollars’ worth of gold bullion that was buried by the Nazis just before WWII ended. In the opening scenes, Interpol knows someone is going to rob the Vatican and they assume the target is a valuable ring from the Pope’s collection. They are all set – all of the police organizations are in place – security is so tight that a flea couldn’t get through. Until – someone does get through. He definitely has world-class skills and when Nick almost catches him, he is absolutely shocked at the thief’s identity.
As they investigate and learn more and more, their ‘team’ grows to include both Kate and Nick’s fathers along with a mild-mannered professor and a former British SAS member. While they race around the countries that made up the former Axis countries, the Brotherhood is right on their heels. We travel all across those countries and back again looking for maps that contain clues to the location of the treasure. The maps are hidden in some of the most gosh-awful places – even polar bear habitats – and they contain cryptic and obscure clues. Our intrepid crew performs some death-defying stunts before they come to the end of the case. There are lots of twists and turns before the bad guys get their comeuppance and the whole thing will keep you holding your breath.
I’ll also point out that the blurb is misleading in regards to Nick and Kate’s fathers. Nick’s father didn’t teach him everything he knows – at least not how to be a world-class thief and con man. I’m not sure his father even knew about his career as a criminal. Nick’s father had done some ‘off the books’ work for the CIA and sort of lead a double life in that respect. When Nick learned of it, he and his father basically became estranged. Nick and his father share a great many talents – but they were mostly on different sides of the law. Kate and her father don’t disagree about everything. He does his best to protect her as any father would, but he listens to her, he helps her, and they collaborate on most things.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope you will as well. If you haven’t read the first five books in the series, I highly recommend those to you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 5, 2021
I really, really, really did not like this book.
It reads like Fox and O'Hare fan fiction, and not in a good way. It truly feels like the author got the free copy of Uncharted from Sony's PlayAtHome quarantine PS4 promotion and decided to write a fan-fic mashup of Nick Drake's adventures with the adventures of Nick and Kate. It really didn't work.
Don't get me wrong, I was so excited to see a new Fox and O'Hare book - I wasn't crazy about the last madcap adventure to Hawaii, but that's okay, I still love Kate, Nick, Jack, and the rest of Kate's crazy family! Nick and Kate are fun together and Jack reminds me of a one-man A-Team (I can picture him with a cigar saying, "I love it when a plan comes together!").
But this book. It started with an interesting premise - we get to meet Nick's dad who is also a master thief! There's a treasure map! Adventure!
But the writing is just terrible. We change perspective from the four main characters virtually every paragraph, sometimes even changing inside the same paragraph. We go from Nick thinking in the first person
> "La la la... I know about steam engines," Nick thought
to experiencing Kate's life:
> "I need to shoot all my bullets at these guys so Nick can save the day," Kate mused.
And don't get me started about the construction: "Jack knew that the Nazis blah blah blah...."
I'm about 80% of the way done about five days into it. It's a slog. Every Fox and O'Hare book previously was a one day read. I couldn't get enough. Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg had something special!
Peter Evanovich did a passable job in Big Kahuna. I gave it a "meh" maybe next time grade.
I really wish Steve Hamilton didn't write this book.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest (if unflattering) review.
It reads like Fox and O'Hare fan fiction, and not in a good way. It truly feels like the author got the free copy of Uncharted from Sony's PlayAtHome quarantine PS4 promotion and decided to write a fan-fic mashup of Nick Drake's adventures with the adventures of Nick and Kate. It really didn't work.
Don't get me wrong, I was so excited to see a new Fox and O'Hare book - I wasn't crazy about the last madcap adventure to Hawaii, but that's okay, I still love Kate, Nick, Jack, and the rest of Kate's crazy family! Nick and Kate are fun together and Jack reminds me of a one-man A-Team (I can picture him with a cigar saying, "I love it when a plan comes together!").
But this book. It started with an interesting premise - we get to meet Nick's dad who is also a master thief! There's a treasure map! Adventure!
But the writing is just terrible. We change perspective from the four main characters virtually every paragraph, sometimes even changing inside the same paragraph. We go from Nick thinking in the first person
> "La la la... I know about steam engines," Nick thought
to experiencing Kate's life:
> "I need to shoot all my bullets at these guys so Nick can save the day," Kate mused.
And don't get me started about the construction: "Jack knew that the Nazis blah blah blah...."
I'm about 80% of the way done about five days into it. It's a slog. Every Fox and O'Hare book previously was a one day read. I couldn't get enough. Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg had something special!
Peter Evanovich did a passable job in Big Kahuna. I gave it a "meh" maybe next time grade.
I really wish Steve Hamilton didn't write this book.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest (if unflattering) review.
March 26, 2021
This is book 7 in the Fox and O'Hare series. The first five books in this series with co-author Lee Goldberg were fun and enjoyable. Then #6 was a train wreck because instead of Lee Goldberg as co-author, we got Janet Evanovich's son. Now with #7 we get Steve Hamilton.
This was a slight step up from #6, but the story here was all over the place. I liked the idea of the treasure hunt, but this one wobbled a lot as far as plot and character development went. I guess it was more of a disappointment than anything else. I expected what this series used to be.
This was not quite 3 stars for me, but I love the narrator, Scott Brick. So I'll round up because I could listen to him all day.
This was a slight step up from #6, but the story here was all over the place. I liked the idea of the treasure hunt, but this one wobbled a lot as far as plot and character development went. I guess it was more of a disappointment than anything else. I expected what this series used to be.
This was not quite 3 stars for me, but I love the narrator, Scott Brick. So I'll round up because I could listen to him all day.
December 10, 2021
Truly enjoyable!
March 23, 2021
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I am an unabashed Janet Evanovich fan. I love everything she has written, everything. In recent years she has . . . branched out, I guess you would call it. These books, written with co-authors, have taken a slightly different route than the highly humorous and sometimes silly Stephanie Plum Series books. The all have Janet's trademark humor and the bent to insane situations, but they lean a lot more to the suspense/adventure area. The Bounty is a non-stop adventure from beginning to end and it is a rollercoaster of a read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I definitely see the influence of her co-author, Steve Hamilton, in the continuous action that is a constant part of the plot. Having been to many of the places where the action takes place was just another reason why I loved this book.
When FBI Agent Kate O'Hare and con man thief turned FBI Consultant Nick Fox are tasked with advising Interpol regarding an impending thief at the Vatican, it starts a non-stop chase across the globe to recover 30 billion in gold looted by the Nazis and lost in the seas of time. They have some very nasty baddies, the Brotherhood, dogging their every step, but with the help of their fathers, Jake O'Hare and Quentin Fox, they make a formidable team.
If you life the puzzles and maps of Dan Brown, but without the political and religious overtones of those books, you should really enjoy "The Bounty".
I am an unabashed Janet Evanovich fan. I love everything she has written, everything. In recent years she has . . . branched out, I guess you would call it. These books, written with co-authors, have taken a slightly different route than the highly humorous and sometimes silly Stephanie Plum Series books. The all have Janet's trademark humor and the bent to insane situations, but they lean a lot more to the suspense/adventure area. The Bounty is a non-stop adventure from beginning to end and it is a rollercoaster of a read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I definitely see the influence of her co-author, Steve Hamilton, in the continuous action that is a constant part of the plot. Having been to many of the places where the action takes place was just another reason why I loved this book.
When FBI Agent Kate O'Hare and con man thief turned FBI Consultant Nick Fox are tasked with advising Interpol regarding an impending thief at the Vatican, it starts a non-stop chase across the globe to recover 30 billion in gold looted by the Nazis and lost in the seas of time. They have some very nasty baddies, the Brotherhood, dogging their every step, but with the help of their fathers, Jake O'Hare and Quentin Fox, they make a formidable team.
If you life the puzzles and maps of Dan Brown, but without the political and religious overtones of those books, you should really enjoy "The Bounty".
April 2, 2023
Yes, this book was different than the others, which is to be expected as it's from a new co-author. I still enjoyed it, though. I hope they continue the series, as the end of this book was hinting. If they do continue, I'd love a return to the previous, more comedic format. Please bring back the old crew! I miss Willie, Boyd, Tom, etc.
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