Troublemaker 2

Alex Barnaby #4

by Joëlle Jones, Alex Evanovich,, Joëlle Jones (Illustrator)

NASCAR spotter Alex, her boyfriend driver Hooker, cigar-rollers Rosa, Felicia, their boss Percy, Beans the St. Bernard, miss Hooker's boat, taken by black magic voodoo priest Nitro. He wants wooden statue of Baron Samedi in skull under top hat and tails. Ransom notes, snakes, live chicken in car -- only safe place for Baron is with Candace, Hooker's mom.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Humor, Chick Lit, Comics

109 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

About the author

Joëlle Jones is an American comic book artist based in Los Angeles.
Jones attended the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland and has worked with a number of comics publishers, including DC, Marvel, Boom, Oni Press. She wrote and drew her own series Lady Killer, published by Dark Horse comics.
Jones has also provided illustration work for a number of clients, including Prada and the New York Times.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good thing I like Janet's take on the lead male and female in her stories because she has one archetype that she uses and changes what they do for a living. Hooker and Barnaby is just Stephanie and Marelli all over again. The art is cheery and fun. The voodoo priestess is a nice touch, a new character for her. Janet knows what works and she does it over and over again. It was a nice ending for a story of sorts. I'm generous with my 3 stars.

I'm glad this was a quick read.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read and listened to nearly all of Evanovich’s books. I find them to be light and relaxing quick reads. I don’t care for the graphic novel format. It took two novel to cover the story. Transitions could be awkward. I felt the story was dumbed down because of the format.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of entertaining fluff for a quiet evening after a busy day. The story is light and the graphics good. Barnaby and Hooker have to find a wooden body to go with the wooden hand they found in the last Troublemaker graphic novel. Lots of silliness and a little voodoo add up to a mindless read.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to the story. Very funny! Loved the comics.

[Vidya · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

NASCAR racer Sam Hooker and his mechanic, the cute and sassy Alex Barnaby, continue their most current mystery, which is the first to be set in a graphic format. For those who didn't read the first volume, the Happy Hooker, Sam's hard earned boat has disappeared and the ransom note left behind makes it clear that the people are not fooling around. The note was actually left by a local mobster looking to get control of Baron Samedi, a life-sized wooden voodoo idol that connects this world to the afterworld, and that mobster thinks Hooker knows where the idol is.

Of course, he got that idea because Baron Samedi's hand ended up being in the possession of one of Hooker's friends in the hopes of using it to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. To make matters worse, said friend also has the rest of the idol, and they now need to get it to the designated place to trade off the boat for the idol ... in the swamps near Miami. The question is whether they will survive to that point as Hooker, Barnaby, and the gang are confronted with rabid chickens, snarling snakes in bags, and gang members.

This is a very quick and fun read that really should have been included with the previous volume in a single book. Neither of them is very long, and the only reason to separate them is to increase the amount of money that could be asked for them. With that said, the book is truly fun, filled with action and humor. The comic illustrations really capture the characters and keep the story moving at an easy pace.

I have never really liked the Barnaby books as much as I love Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, but I really found that the graphic format really works well for this cast of characters. I would definitely suggest this for anyone who likes light and humorous reads. Don't get me wrong, there is danger, but it is really a fun read.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 2 out of 5]

This graphic novel is the second half of the story started in the first book, picking up with what happens after Barnaby and Hooker rescue Rosa from Nitro’s men in the swamp. In retaliation Nitro steals Hooker’s 64 foot yacht, the Happy Hooker (no lie). He wants Baron Samedi’s hand and Rosa in return for the boat.

In the meantime, they find Walter, Rosa’s boss, who originally removed Baron Samedi’s hand from the statue and they find out why everyone wants it. After talking with Freda, the voudinne at the botanica, they get an idea of what they’re up against. Nitro is a bokor, a voo doo practioner and he is not a nice one.

Between snakes, swamps, the bokor’s foot soldiers, angry chickens and dubious help from Rosa and Felicia, Barnaby and Hooker have their work cut out for them. This ended the story and honestly, if they come out with more Barnaby and Hooker graphic novels, I probably wouldn’t chase them down. The art is good but those two aren’t particularly bright and the humor, along with the plot, were fairly weak. And at 18$ for it, I’m glad I got it at the library because it surely isn’t worth that price unless you’re a die hard Evanovich fan. I’m a die hard graphic novel fan but I wasn’t impressed.

[Kevin Magpoc · Rating 1 out of 5]

Most of what I said in my review of Troublemaker #1 continues to apply here, especially my bafflement over why Alex spends any time outside of work with Sam since she, as far as both graphic novels show us, obviously has no 0% interest in him either as a lover or even as a friend (and let's just say this makes the final panel especially wince-worthy). Unless she's just using him for transportation purposes, or something?
I'm still not sure what to make of it, as one story in a pair of books. The Voodoo themes and its exposition-y history don't really pay off well since everything gets wrapped up rather abruptly (I was expecting a To Be Continued for a third book near the end, but nope) and any intended sense of danger is undercut by an unfunny, uninteresting and unoriginal side-plot about Sam's mother dating after her divorce. It wouldn't bother me as much if there was any purpose at all to it (What if, say, the guy she was dating ended up helping them out in the end?).
Benefit of the doubt: Maybe establish Barnaby & Hooker fans would appreciate this more than someone like me who had never been introduced to the characters before. But otherwise the graphic novels of Troublemaker don't hold up well on their own.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Volume One, I wasn't as impressed as I would be, by Volume Two... the characters were catchy, and the art was good- but I didn't have a sense of where it was all GOING yet.

Volume Two- now that carries us deep into the mystery and resolves it- all in one volume only as thick as the first one was... but with a HECK of a lot more excitement!

I really enjoyed this story- not only for the reasons already mentioned, but because it touches on New Orleans style Voodoo, and does it RIGHT. This is pretty much the 'classic' genre stuff for that, and they don't make so many glaring errors as to spoil it, like some folks do. They recognized the difference between the white and black, and used all the right words for things- it didn't get too technical, so we'll forgive everything else. ;)

Even so, it was a rollicking rampage of amusement and enjoyment, so I gave it a four out of five. You have to read Volume One to GET Volume Two, alas... else i'd suggest skipping right to the point. Hrmf.

[Gwnhwyfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had tried One for the Money ages ago, but barely got through a dozen pages before I gave it up.

Fast forward, and I picked volume 1 and 2 of Troublemaker up on a whim at the library. I find graphic novel versions/stories by "regular" authors are a good way (for me) to get a feel for their books (though not always, especially when the art is crap - I refuse to read Christine Feehan for that reason). So I decided to give Evanovich a second chance.

Instead, I found a fun, colourful romp, with a light mystery and almost non-stop action. More importantly, the graphics suited the story and I liked them a lot (though there was one point where Hooker looked like a bobble-head doll...).

I enjoyed them so much, I've picked up Metro Girl...

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoops. I didn't realize until I read the bit at the end about the author that these two graphic novels are actually a continuation in a series of regular novels. I suppose I may make time to go back and read the first two works in the series. If they're anything like the graphic novels, they'll be funny and good for light, relaxing reads. Reading the graphic novels without reading the first novels in the series didn't cause an issue of understanding. Even though they're part of a bigger picture, I'd say they do just fine as a separate, stand-alone mini-series type of thing.
I've only read one other work by Janet Evanovich, the first installment in her Stephanie Plum series. I enjoyed it pretty well, and I'd say that this work is on the same level. It's not meant to be taken too seriously - it's funny, with pretty normal, relatively static characters and a zany but nothing-too-extraordinary plot. Definitely nice for a quick, amusing break from reality.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex "Barney" Barnaby, Hooker, his St Bernard Beans, toss out voodoo doll when their pal cigar-roller Rosa is kidnapped. Her boss Walter Percy has been missing too, when they check out his place. Trashed except for laptop computer, where email asks Walter to meet Nitro. They reply as if they are Walter, have to avoid voodoo doll, Candice Hooker's mom, race-car driver fans, and dress up to check out classy club. In his mailbox, they find wooden hand, and show Freda, owner of voodoo store. Nitro aka Armando Dupoint brings along Rosa, mistaken for Walter's girlfriend, chases after Hooker's two-seater after Rosa climbs in. Rosa saw Walter in Florida Keys with statue stolen from Armando. Next - boat trip.

Illustrations are as funny, high-top Texas hair and heels, as I imagined. Except boyfriend is skinnier, goofier; Hooker climbs on her shoulders to look in window p 74. Art is so intensive, I have trouble following plot.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God I found this copy at my library because when researching my library online catalogue, this book apparently does not exist! This is book 2 continuation of Troublemaker and I enjoyed the second part way more for its action pack adventure and incorporate all the important characters into the story.

Before reading this graphic novel series, I didn't realize that this was already a spinoff series for Janet Evanovich and I didn't suffer any misunderstanding or past references when reading this book. I realize this book is really meant for kids because overall it lacked certain details or explanations and wrapped up pretty quickly but I will give this 5 stars because I love the illustrations, humor, and the characters.

[Billie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the first two Barnaby-Hooker novels so I grabbed both volumes of this graphic novel from the library.

I'm not a fan of comics/graphic novels, but I was open to trying these since I loved the characters so much. Plus, the library is free...I was out nothing.

The story itself was alright, there was an okay mystery/case, but I feel like it could have been explored so much better as a regular novel. There are details, conversations, and the witty, heat between the leads that was completely missing here. It felt like an outline that someone slapped pictures on. It made me sad, guess I'll stick with Metro Girl and Motormouth rereads (someday).

I have no idea why JE decided to switch formats with this series, but let's hope she never does it again.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was Part 2 of 2 in the Barney and Hooker series for this story in graphic novel format. It continues the duo's efforts to find a mysterious statue of a well-known voodoo "king" of sorts that has disappeared along with Rosa's boss. In the first installment, Rosa was kidnapped and held in exchange for the statue of the Baron. When she was rescued by Barney and Hooker, Sam's boat was stolen by Nitro, the villain in the story, and held for an exchange for the statue. There are angry chickens, Mama Freda and her botanical shop, bags of snakes, and Hooker's mother to contend with as the crew travels around South Florida for this adventure. Many funny situations and the authors do a good job of adapting the tale to the graphic format.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

The library where my wife works had this, and since I'd read the first half, I figured I'd go ahead and read the second. I wish I hadn't. It tries to be a lighthearted romp, but it's the cheesiest attempts to be funny. It also means there's never an air of real danger, because none of the characters take any of it seriously so how can we? I love Joelle Jones, but her art here seems really rushed. And there's really no reason why these two books couldn't have been one, other than greed on the part of Evanovich.

[Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Public library copy.
My wife is a big fan of nearly everything Janet Evanovich has written even the first prose book on which these comic book feature new adventures of the same characters. I know she didn't like the Troublemaker comic books either. The art was fine and made no impression as whether or not I liked the story, but the premise and mystery weren't at all interesting. As a matter of personal preference any stories that involve Voodoo (or settings that exist in New Orleans, with the exception of Anne Rice novels) typically never excite us.

[bookme4life · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second part of the story, this further reinforces my feelings about the first part of the story -- nothing to write home about. I've seen worse forays by major authors into the graphic novel world. This one doesn't fall into many of the common pitfalls (examples include terrible artwork or too much reliance on text and not enough on images), so that gives the full third star on an otherwise two star story.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I still don't understand why this needed to be two separate graphic novels. Both are so short! Anyway, it had been forever since I read part 1, so I didn't remember a lot of what was going on. The story ended and overall was pretty meh. I think the idea is really cool but to be successful I'd combine the two and maybe even still make them longer.

I will say though that the drawings were amazing! I was very impressed by them!

[Temperance · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read book one and book two in less than one afternoon. I enjoyed the first novel, Metro Girl. I thought the second novel, Motor Mouth, was not as good as the first. I'm not a graphic novel fan. The illustrations are good, IMHO, but the story is very weak. I bought these books when they first came out and just got around to reading them. I wish I could get my money back. Disappointed in Evanovich, she has done better.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish these graphic novels had art that was less like an Archie comic crossed with manga big eyed characters . . . it's so annoying I can hardly enjoy the story! And the story is funny - worth better art (my apologies to Joelle Jones, who is probably giving the editors exactly what they want - there is no lack of skill, it is the style I don't care for!)

[aCupcakeBlonde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first. I found myself a bit bored, and this is where all the action should have taken place. Also, it seemed the flirtatious nature of Barney and Hooker's relationship took a nosedive, and that was such fun to read! All in all I was not that impressed with how things worked out, seemed to neat and tidy for me.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork, by Joelle Jones, is brilliant but the second part of this story was truncated to the point of being a little lackluster. Its sad really because Hooker and Barney are my favorite characters in the Evanovich canon. Maybe there will be a new novel in the future. But I'll keep an eye out for Joelle's next project for sure.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuation of the previous story. It wrapped up really well. Loved the artwork, as I did with the first part. But the arrogance of Hooker, and the stereotyping of Felicia and Rosa, was just so annoying! I don't ever see myself picking up anything by Evanovich in the future. Her stories and formulas just do not appeal to me.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like any Evanovich book, with whatever characters-----Stephanie, Lulu, Ranger, and Morelli----Lizzie and Diesel and Wulf----Fox and O'Hare---and even Barnaby and Hooker. I think the reason this book was "OKAY" is that it is a graphic novel, and I just not into comics anymore. That's my issue, not that of the author.

I liked the storyline though. Evanovich does make you laugh!

[amber_reads_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a whim after picking up Troublemaker. I wasn't completely sure that I would enjoy either of these books, so I was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed them as much as I did. Both of these books were short, sweet, easy reads. They both had moments that made be smile and laugh out loud. I'm happy that I gave these books a chance.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Cute graphic novel. I haven't found a graphic novel I really like yet.
This completes the story that began in Troublemaker 1.

I read this for Book Tube-A-Thon 2017, challenges of "read in one day" "read 7 books" and "a person on the front"
Most of the books I'm reading for the challenges meet several. 👍

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have to say I was very disappointed in these graphic novels. The art was barely tolerable and not enough detail to the story. Would have probably been better as an actual novel. She should stick to watch she know and stay off the every one else is doing it popular band wagon.

[Jodi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am just not a fan of graphic novels at all. I absolutely loved the Motor Mouth and Metro Girl books so I've made myself read both the Troublemaker graphic novels. I don't think I'll bother with trying another one. I just can't get into them and don't find them enjoyable to read at all.

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one may have put the final nail in the coffin!

Ms. Evanovich, you have to do better than this if you want me to be a fan of yours. Sincerely, Me.

I waste of ink, trees, time...I could go on. Sheesh.