Troublemaker, Book 1 (Alex Barnaby Series)
Janet Evanovich, the New York Times #1 best-selling author of Finger Lickin' Fifteen, brings Alexandra Barnaby and Sam Hooker, from the hit Barnaby novels Metro Girl and Motor Mouth, to Dark Horse Comics with her debut graphic novel - Troublemaker!\ Alex Barnaby and Sam Hooker are back together and fighting crime the only way they know how - by leaving a trail of chaos, panic, and disorder. Alex, an auto mechanic and spotter for racecar driver Sam Hooker, is drawn to trouble like a giant...
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Janet Evanovich, the New York Times #1 best-selling author of Finger Lickin' Fifteen, brings Alexandra Barnaby and Sam Hooker, from the hit Barnaby novels Metro Girl and Motor Mouth, to Dark Horse Comics with her debut graphic novel - Troublemaker!Alex Barnaby and Sam Hooker are back together and fighting crime the only way they know how - by leaving a trail of chaos, panic, and disorder. Alex, an auto mechanic and spotter for racecar driver Sam Hooker, is drawn to trouble like a giant palmetto bug to a day-old taco. Unfortunately, she's also drawn to Hooker in the same fashion. There's no steering clear of trouble or Hooker when friends Rosa and Felicia call for help. A man has gone missing, and in order to find him Barnaby and Hooker will have to go deep into the underbelly of Miami and south Florida, surviving Petro Voodoo, explosions, gift- wrapped body parts, a deadly swamp chase, and Hooker's mom.Publishers WeeklyBestselling author Evanovich continues her Barnaby series (Metro Girl, Motor Mouth) in graphic novel form with the help of her co-writer daughter and artist Jones (You Have Killed Me). No need to know about the previous adventures of Alex Barnaby and NASCAR driver Sam Hooker, since everyone is clearly introduced for new readers. Old friend Felicia has summoned Alex to Florida because their mutual friend Rosa has been kidnapped by someone practicing voodoo. The art is direct and simply laid out, with no more than four panels to a page and the pictures supporting dialogue and caption exposition. That makes for an easy-to-read starting point for those unfamiliar with comics. The attractive figures and detailed settings also help, and Dan Jackson’s bright colors capture the sun-soaked feel of Miami. Jones gives Barnaby wide-open eyes and an adorable pug nose that makes her appear young and approachable. She’s cute, and that plays well in the action-packed romantic comedy/thriller that follows (including outdated cougar jokes). Jones is also good with the dog, Beans, a slobbery St. Bernard, providing comic relief. For those not already Evanovich fans, it’s rather like a grown-up Scooby Doo; the story’s conclusion is due in Book Two in November. (July)
\ Publishers WeeklyBestselling author Evanovich continues her Barnaby series (Metro Girl, Motor Mouth) in graphic novel form with the help of her co-writer daughter and artist Jones (You Have Killed Me). No need to know about the previous adventures of Alex Barnaby and NASCAR driver Sam Hooker, since everyone is clearly introduced for new readers. Old friend Felicia has summoned Alex to Florida because their mutual friend Rosa has been kidnapped by someone practicing voodoo. The art is direct and simply laid out, with no more than four panels to a page and the pictures supporting dialogue and caption exposition. That makes for an easy-to-read starting point for those unfamiliar with comics. The attractive figures and detailed settings also help, and Dan Jackson’s bright colors capture the sun-soaked feel of Miami. Jones gives Barnaby wide-open eyes and an adorable pug nose that makes her appear young and approachable. She’s cute, and that plays well in the action-packed romantic comedy/thriller that follows (including outdated cougar jokes). Jones is also good with the dog, Beans, a slobbery St. Bernard, providing comic relief. For those not already Evanovich fans, it’s rather like a grown-up Scooby Doo; the story’s conclusion is due in Book Two in November. (July)\ \ \ \ \ VOYA - Jennifer Rummel\ The Troublemaker stories feature Barnaby and Hooker from Evanovich's previous books, Metro Girl (HarperTorch, 2004) and Motor Mouth (HarperCollins, 2006). Alex Barnaby, a mechanic for NASCAR driver, Sam Hooker, discovers a ransom note for her friend, Felicia, along with a voodoo doll. Barnaby immediately wants to call the police. Instead, she is manipulated into looking for Felicia with Hooker. Trouble follows them as they are chased by people in boats and cars, while also escaping bombings and deadly snakes. Amidst the danger, they uncover clues to Felicia's whereabouts. The first book ends on a cliff-hanger but the second installment picks up the story immediately. Set in New Orleans, the setting of Troublemaker Book 1 rings true through swamp exploits, voodoo experts, and the city's well known nightlife. Troublemaker Book 2 takes place in Florida and New Orleans. The colorful, engaging art compliments the text and adds depth and humor to the story. The panels are easy to follow, making it accessible for adults unaccustomed to reading graphic novels. For teens not familiar with Evanovich's work, these will be a great introduction to her novels. As with Evanovich's novels, action and danger fuel the story, with humor and a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. Reviewer: Jennifer Rummel\ \ \ Library JournalFans of Metro Girl and Motor Mouth can now find Evanovich's disaster-prone duo in comics. Alexandra Barnaby ("Barney") and Sam Hooker don't drink martinis as invitingly as The Thin Man's Nick and Nora, but they do fight funny. Sam's a NASCAR racer and Barney his mechanic and spotter, so chase scenes figure prominently in these lighthearted tangles of repartee and rotten villains. This time, Barney's friend Rosa has been taken hostage by a voodoo cult. Off scurry Barney and Hooker to rescue her, and we're in for a diverting mix featuring a swamp chase, breaking and entering, a botanica proprietress, and a meddling cougar of a mother. Jones's art gets the goofball frenetics just right, but there's not nearly as much story or hormonal zing as in the novels, especially without book two yet. VERDICT Comics aficionados may be entertained, but prose-inclined fans won't get much of a fix, and everybody will kvetch about getting fewer pages and less story than they should in one volume. Purchase with caution. The light innuendos make this teen-safe but likely less appealing to Evanovich's original audience.—M.C.\ \
