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Knight and Moon #1
Curious Minds
A New York Times bestseller
CURIOUS MINDS by No. 1 bestselling author Janet Evanovich and screenwriter Phoef Sutton is a must-read thriller for fans of the Stephanie Plum mysteries including ONE FOR THE MONEY and TRICKY TWENTY-TWO.
They couldn't be less compatible, but they make a great team...
Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little-to-no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he's also brilliant, rich and (some people might say) handsome.
Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard. Her assertive (some people might say aggressive) spitfire attitude has helped land a dream job at Blane-Grunwald bank. At least, Riley Moon thinks it's her dream job until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight.
An inquiry about missing Knight money leads to a missing man, missing gold and a life-and-death race across the country. Through the streets of Washington D.C., and down into the underground vault of the Federal Reserve in New York City, an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon could hope to stop it...
CURIOUS MINDS by No. 1 bestselling author Janet Evanovich and screenwriter Phoef Sutton is a must-read thriller for fans of the Stephanie Plum mysteries including ONE FOR THE MONEY and TRICKY TWENTY-TWO.
They couldn't be less compatible, but they make a great team...
Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little-to-no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he's also brilliant, rich and (some people might say) handsome.
Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard. Her assertive (some people might say aggressive) spitfire attitude has helped land a dream job at Blane-Grunwald bank. At least, Riley Moon thinks it's her dream job until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight.
An inquiry about missing Knight money leads to a missing man, missing gold and a life-and-death race across the country. Through the streets of Washington D.C., and down into the underground vault of the Federal Reserve in New York City, an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon could hope to stop it...
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First published August 16, 2016
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About the author
Janet Evanovich
330 books41.2k 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,826 reviews
July 7, 2019
This is the first in a new mystery series starring Riley Moon and Emerson Knight. Riley is a young woman who has graduated from Harvard and is anxious to prove herself at the Blane-Grunwald bank.
However, thanks to her boss, Riley suddenly finds herself babysitting an important and extremely wealthy client called Emerson Knight. Emerson is a man who appears to be unable to communicate effectively with others, and though he’s something of an introvert, he’s extremely intelligent, and he’s actually quite likeable.
Riley, should be proving her worth as a reliable and loyal worker for her new employers, but she becomes involved in a search for some missing gold. Knight’s gold to be exact.
Suddenly, Riley, instead of showing what she is made of in a steady nine to five job, becomes involved in a life-and -death race across the country with a man who she thinks may be rather more insane than just a bit eccentric. But fortunately, he is not dangerous; at least, not as dangerous as those who are trying to kill them.
Evanovich and Sutton have written an excellent novel. It’s funny in parts although there are some moments of real danger where you are left a little breathless thinking something really terrible is going to happen to our two new heroes. The banter between Knight and Moon is sharp, witty , and downright belly-laugh funny at times. The plot may require you to suspend disbelief but there is no doubt that this is a fun read. I really enjoyed it and would be happy to see what these two get up to in the future.
However, thanks to her boss, Riley suddenly finds herself babysitting an important and extremely wealthy client called Emerson Knight. Emerson is a man who appears to be unable to communicate effectively with others, and though he’s something of an introvert, he’s extremely intelligent, and he’s actually quite likeable.
Riley, should be proving her worth as a reliable and loyal worker for her new employers, but she becomes involved in a search for some missing gold. Knight’s gold to be exact.
Suddenly, Riley, instead of showing what she is made of in a steady nine to five job, becomes involved in a life-and -death race across the country with a man who she thinks may be rather more insane than just a bit eccentric. But fortunately, he is not dangerous; at least, not as dangerous as those who are trying to kill them.
Evanovich and Sutton have written an excellent novel. It’s funny in parts although there are some moments of real danger where you are left a little breathless thinking something really terrible is going to happen to our two new heroes. The banter between Knight and Moon is sharp, witty , and downright belly-laugh funny at times. The plot may require you to suspend disbelief but there is no doubt that this is a fun read. I really enjoyed it and would be happy to see what these two get up to in the future.
June 28, 2016
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Also known as a new series from Janet Evanovich . . . maybe. At this point it appears she may officially be pulling a James Patterson and much like a sports arena simply be selling naming rights for book covers . . .
There’s not a whole lot to say about this one. Although a backdoor to the Lizzy and Diesel storyline was left open with several artifacts left to find, Knight and Moon debuted instead of book 4 in that series. The premise of this one is that Emerson Knight has come into a lot of money – in the form of gold bars – and he wants to take a gander at it. Enter Riley Moon, the newest associate at the superbank which holds Knight’s money, who has been assigned to tell him that’s not how things work. In typical Evanovich fashion things go from simple to complicated leading the duo on a real caper.
So obviously Riley was the equivalent of Stephanie (or Kate or Lizzie). The only difference is Riley lived in an old Victorian rather than an apartment complex full of old fogies and she managed to go the duration without getting her car blown up . . . which wasn’t nearly as entertaining. I thought Aunt Myrna would be the counterpart to Grandma Mazur, but she ended up being a cardboard cutout instead. There was no Lula, which left a gaping hole and the leading male? He may have had a physical description like the posterboy for the cover of a porny book, but the only person I could picture when he spoke was Sheldon Cooper . . .
I know, right? Obviously there was no morning dew to be found in this ladygarden.
I’d love to say that this book made me grow a pair and I will be able to resist clicking the request button for further Evanovich selections, but who the hell am I kidding? I’m already on hold at the library for the newest Fox and O’Hare (thanks Goodreads and your incessant flipping advertisements) and I probably won’t be able to stop myself from reading more of this stinking pile either. I’m a real Chip Diller : (
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Also known as a new series from Janet Evanovich . . . maybe. At this point it appears she may officially be pulling a James Patterson and much like a sports arena simply be selling naming rights for book covers . . .
There’s not a whole lot to say about this one. Although a backdoor to the Lizzy and Diesel storyline was left open with several artifacts left to find, Knight and Moon debuted instead of book 4 in that series. The premise of this one is that Emerson Knight has come into a lot of money – in the form of gold bars – and he wants to take a gander at it. Enter Riley Moon, the newest associate at the superbank which holds Knight’s money, who has been assigned to tell him that’s not how things work. In typical Evanovich fashion things go from simple to complicated leading the duo on a real caper.
So obviously Riley was the equivalent of Stephanie (or Kate or Lizzie). The only difference is Riley lived in an old Victorian rather than an apartment complex full of old fogies and she managed to go the duration without getting her car blown up . . . which wasn’t nearly as entertaining. I thought Aunt Myrna would be the counterpart to Grandma Mazur, but she ended up being a cardboard cutout instead. There was no Lula, which left a gaping hole and the leading male? He may have had a physical description like the posterboy for the cover of a porny book, but the only person I could picture when he spoke was Sheldon Cooper . . .
I know, right? Obviously there was no morning dew to be found in this ladygarden.
I’d love to say that this book made me grow a pair and I will be able to resist clicking the request button for further Evanovich selections, but who the hell am I kidding? I’m already on hold at the library for the newest Fox and O’Hare (thanks Goodreads and your incessant flipping advertisements) and I probably won’t be able to stop myself from reading more of this stinking pile either. I’m a real Chip Diller : (
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
June 5, 2016
I love Janet Evanovich and this new series she is writing with another author, Phoef Sutton is hilarious!
Riley Moon got a job as a junior analyst for the big company, Blane-Grunwald. Riley is sent to see about one of their clients needs and this would be Emerson Knight! He's funny, quirky and very smart. For some reason he kept reminding me of a cross between Sherlock and Matt Smith, don't ask, I don't know.
I wanted to excerpt the whole freaking book with the one liners and what not but I will leave all of those for you guys to enjoy. I will sneak in a few. Lol. Riley and Emerson go on this hunt to find one of the banks missing partners, Gunter Grunwald. There are other things amiss at the bank as well and sending Riley in to keep Emerson occupied didn't seem to help. Riley and Emerson decide to go on a little hunt themselves, or I should say Emerson dragged Riley along.
When Riley met Emerson it was a definite fun time what with the wild animals running around the house and estate grounds, a tent in the office area. It's just great!
--->EXCERPT<---
Riley turned away from the tent and bumped into Emerson Knight, spearing his foot with her spike heel.
"Crap on a cracker!" she said, jumping away.
"That's an interesting exclamation," he said. "Is that regional to Texas? You have a definite Texas accent."
Whoa, Riley thought. The man was gorgeous. He was about six two and lean. He was wearing loose-fitting gray cords, brown Converse All Star sneakers, and a gray T-shirt that was loose enough to be comfortable and tight enough for Riley to see he was ripped. He had a lot of wavy black hair, and dark eyes that could only be described as smoldering. He looked like the cover of a romance novel come to life. This was a complete surprise, as it wasn't in the bio she'd been given. She'd expected Emerson Knight to look like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory."
Oh and did I mention that Emerson is rich above and beyond the call of richness. Is that a thing?
Emerson wants Riley to drive him everywhere, but he's not fond of her Mini Cooper so they end up taking one of many, many vintage and muscle cars Emerson inherited from this father. Along with the zoo animals and other such things.
--->EXCERPT<---
Riley reached in and cleared the passenger seat of a folder containing random legal documents, a pair of running shoes, a fast-food bag that had held her breakfast sandwich, and a couple of crumpled candy wrappers. She was almost sure that her suit skirt was long enough to cover her hoo-ha when she bent over, but she gave the skirt a subtle tug just to be sure.
"Cute,"Emerson said.
Riley straightened. "You meant the car, right?"
"What else would I mean?"
"You never know," she said. "Please get in. And watch your head."
I really wish I could have seen that collection of cars. A few of them that Riley got to drive and of course just stare at were:
68 GT Fastback, 39 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Cabriolet, 65 Shelby Mustang, etc and so on. I mean I have to mention the cars! I love old cars!
I love Emerson's aunt Myra as well, she can pack a punch :-D She helps take care of Emerson's home and animals, but she also helps Em and Riley with a few things. They both end up driving all over the freaking place trying to stop crooks and getting shot at by freaks. It's so much fun and I loved every minute of it. There is not one part of this book that is boring. Emerson and Riley are getting into to0 much stuff for it to be boring. I also thought it was a very good case they were working on and the outcome as well. This is going to be a series which I'm so excited about and I'm not sure how many books but I think with this team there should be a good bit of them! But that is my opinion!
*I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Riley Moon got a job as a junior analyst for the big company, Blane-Grunwald. Riley is sent to see about one of their clients needs and this would be Emerson Knight! He's funny, quirky and very smart. For some reason he kept reminding me of a cross between Sherlock and Matt Smith, don't ask, I don't know.
I wanted to excerpt the whole freaking book with the one liners and what not but I will leave all of those for you guys to enjoy. I will sneak in a few. Lol. Riley and Emerson go on this hunt to find one of the banks missing partners, Gunter Grunwald. There are other things amiss at the bank as well and sending Riley in to keep Emerson occupied didn't seem to help. Riley and Emerson decide to go on a little hunt themselves, or I should say Emerson dragged Riley along.
When Riley met Emerson it was a definite fun time what with the wild animals running around the house and estate grounds, a tent in the office area. It's just great!
--->EXCERPT<---
Riley turned away from the tent and bumped into Emerson Knight, spearing his foot with her spike heel.
"Crap on a cracker!" she said, jumping away.
"That's an interesting exclamation," he said. "Is that regional to Texas? You have a definite Texas accent."
Whoa, Riley thought. The man was gorgeous. He was about six two and lean. He was wearing loose-fitting gray cords, brown Converse All Star sneakers, and a gray T-shirt that was loose enough to be comfortable and tight enough for Riley to see he was ripped. He had a lot of wavy black hair, and dark eyes that could only be described as smoldering. He looked like the cover of a romance novel come to life. This was a complete surprise, as it wasn't in the bio she'd been given. She'd expected Emerson Knight to look like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory."
Oh and did I mention that Emerson is rich above and beyond the call of richness. Is that a thing?
Emerson wants Riley to drive him everywhere, but he's not fond of her Mini Cooper so they end up taking one of many, many vintage and muscle cars Emerson inherited from this father. Along with the zoo animals and other such things.
--->EXCERPT<---
Riley reached in and cleared the passenger seat of a folder containing random legal documents, a pair of running shoes, a fast-food bag that had held her breakfast sandwich, and a couple of crumpled candy wrappers. She was almost sure that her suit skirt was long enough to cover her hoo-ha when she bent over, but she gave the skirt a subtle tug just to be sure.
"Cute,"Emerson said.
Riley straightened. "You meant the car, right?"
"What else would I mean?"
"You never know," she said. "Please get in. And watch your head."
I really wish I could have seen that collection of cars. A few of them that Riley got to drive and of course just stare at were:
68 GT Fastback, 39 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Cabriolet, 65 Shelby Mustang, etc and so on. I mean I have to mention the cars! I love old cars!
I love Emerson's aunt Myra as well, she can pack a punch :-D She helps take care of Emerson's home and animals, but she also helps Em and Riley with a few things. They both end up driving all over the freaking place trying to stop crooks and getting shot at by freaks. It's so much fun and I loved every minute of it. There is not one part of this book that is boring. Emerson and Riley are getting into to0 much stuff for it to be boring. I also thought it was a very good case they were working on and the outcome as well. This is going to be a series which I'm so excited about and I'm not sure how many books but I think with this team there should be a good bit of them! But that is my opinion!
*I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
May 25, 2021
This is the first book in Janet Evanovich's new comical mystery series, written with Phoef Sutton, about Emerson Knight and Riley Moon - an oddball billionaire and junior financial analyst who solve crimes together.
*****
With degrees from Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School, 28-year-old Riley Moon - who just started working at the Blane-Grunwald Bank in Washington DC - hopes to climb the corporate ladder.
The huge bank, which has international clients and substantial gold reserves, is owned by the Grunwald family. Of the four Grunwald brothers, two work at the bank: Werner Grunwald is the director and Günter Grunwald is an account manager.
Günter was scheduled to call on eccentric billionaire Emerson Knight, to discuss Knight's newly inherited assets, but the banker hasn't been seen or heard from for weeks. Thus, Riley - a junior analyst - is dispatched to Knight's home, Mysterioso Manor.
When Riley arrives at the enormous residence, which looks like it was designed by wealthy fairy tale witches, she sees an irate cleaning lady rushing off, yelling "You’re all whacko. And I’m not cleaning up after no damn armadillo.”
Soon afterwards, Riley observes said armadillo trotting down the mansion's hallway; meets 'Emmie's' Aunt Myra - who looks like a disheveled refugee from the Dust Bowl; and encounters the billionaire himself - a strikingly handsome man who listens to 1970s go-go funk (“I feel like bustin’ loose. Bustin’ loose!”), and claims he can 'cloud people's minds.' Riley decides that Emerson is "physically a ten, but intellectually a certifiable fruit basket."
When Riley brings up Emerson's assets, the billionaire expresses concern about Günter's disappearance, and grave doubts about the management and security of his assets. Riley assures Emerson that his money is in good hands, but the tycoon insists that he wants to withdraw his holdings.....in gold. Emerson accompanies Riley back to the bank, and insists he AT LEAST wants to SEE his gold. Emerson also declares that he's going to search for the missing Günter.
Bank director Werner Grunwald assigns Riley to 'babysit' Knight as the billionaire begins his dual quest, and she reluctantly complies. (Riley didn't go to Harvard to be a nanny!)
The tycoon turns out to be more savvy than Riley thought, and he soon uncovers a vast conspiracy to steal the nation's gold reserves. Emerson is determined to expose the culprits, and - to further that goal - he and Riley rush around to the country's gold vaults, in Washington DC, New York, and Nevada.
The duo meet an interesting array of characters along the way, including: bank officials from Mauritius, who provide valuable help; a dental hygienist called Xandy - who's familiar with Nevada's Area 51 and lives in fear of being probed by aliens; and an assortment of dastardly villains, some VERY high in government circles, who want to kill them.
Emerson and Riley have a fun dynamic: the tycoon teases Riley about her Texas accent and favorite exclamation, "Crap on a cracker" and the analyst makes fun of Emerson's alleged 'supernatural powers.' As the story unfolds, they become an effective team, and I can see a possible romance developing as the series continues.
The book is entertaining, but lacks the outright hilarity of Evanovich's popular 'Stephanie Plum' series - which has REALLY wacky characters. Still, the story is amusing and I'd recommend it to fans of humorous mysteries.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 14, 2018
A new series with quirky characters. A light and fast read but I like her Stephanie Plum and Fox and O'Hare series better. I will read the next one to see if the characters grow on me.
April 5, 2020
I might be in the minority, but I like some of the other series Janet has started. The only problem is she doesn't keep them going. I love the 7 deadly sins series she had and she isn't going to finish it. I feel its better than Stephanie Plum. Speaking of. Stephanie is getting long in the tooth and I do enjoy this series quite a bit, but there are only two of them.
Emerson is like Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory only with a sex drive. I think he makes a great character and I enjoy him. Riley (isn't this a boys name?) is the new Stephanie Plum character. She lives in DC and works in finance. Emerson is wealthy beyond belief and he's good at finding things. They make a great team and I like how they play off each other.
It's a great idea for a mystery. I'm impressed. This is all about the gold reserve and it makes for a great mystery, especially with all the thieving going on in the government now days. This book isn't far off the mark.
I like the new characters and I only wish that Janet would keep up with her series. If you start it, then gives us a few. On the other hand, the woman is in her 70s and she can do what she wants, really.
She has developed such a distinctive voice for comedy and how she writes so anything I have read of hers feels like the Plum series because of the distinct quality. How her characters play off each other works, but it also makes it feel like the same thing no matter how different the story. It's a double edged sword.
I'm in for the next one and I will also read Fox and O'hare.
Emerson is like Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory only with a sex drive. I think he makes a great character and I enjoy him. Riley (isn't this a boys name?) is the new Stephanie Plum character. She lives in DC and works in finance. Emerson is wealthy beyond belief and he's good at finding things. They make a great team and I like how they play off each other.
It's a great idea for a mystery. I'm impressed. This is all about the gold reserve and it makes for a great mystery, especially with all the thieving going on in the government now days. This book isn't far off the mark.
I like the new characters and I only wish that Janet would keep up with her series. If you start it, then gives us a few. On the other hand, the woman is in her 70s and she can do what she wants, really.
She has developed such a distinctive voice for comedy and how she writes so anything I have read of hers feels like the Plum series because of the distinct quality. How her characters play off each other works, but it also makes it feel like the same thing no matter how different the story. It's a double edged sword.
I'm in for the next one and I will also read Fox and O'hare.
August 12, 2016
I hadn't read any books by Janet Evanovich prior to this one. So I was really excited when I received an ARC of her latest. Such an experienced author and the book is co-authored by Phoef Sutton, who used to write for and produce Cheers. Now, Cheers was kind of funny. Curious Minds wasn't. I was expecting a clever mystery interlaced with some humor. There was no mystery. It was all totally straightforward right from the start. There was an utterly silly plot about stolen gold and a world takeover by some baddie bankers.
The main characters for this new series, Emerson Knight and Riley Moon, were as flat as the salt flats their investigation took them to. Emerson is some caricature of 50% Sherlock Holmes and 50% Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, but unfortunately not in an attractive, quirky way. I think there is meant to be some chemistry between him and Riley, but I didn't feel that either.
I'm filing this away under not-a-book-for-me.
There are plenty of very positive reviews for this one, and if you are after a quick, superficial action sit-com with some mad-cap antics (flipping zebras, really??), give this a try.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters for this new series, Emerson Knight and Riley Moon, were as flat as the salt flats their investigation took them to. Emerson is some caricature of 50% Sherlock Holmes and 50% Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, but unfortunately not in an attractive, quirky way. I think there is meant to be some chemistry between him and Riley, but I didn't feel that either.
I'm filing this away under not-a-book-for-me.
There are plenty of very positive reviews for this one, and if you are after a quick, superficial action sit-com with some mad-cap antics (flipping zebras, really??), give this a try.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2016
Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton is a 2016 Bantam Dell publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eccentric billionaire, Emerson Knight meets Riley Moon, a recent Harvard graduate, when her boss sends her to assure Emerson that all is well with his money. But, Emerson turns the tables on her by insisting she take him to visit his gold. Soon the bank is scrambling to explain missing funds, gold, and other employees who have suddenly vanished.
Determined to locate his missing money manager and his gold, Emerson enlists Riley to help him as they travel through Washington, D.C. all the way to New York, uncovering a mind blowing diabolical plot.
This book is intended to be fun and zany, so if you simply sit back and relax and allow yourself to enjoy the show, you will find this bit of super light entertainment will have you smiling and having a pretty good time.
Emerson’s lack of social skills stands out, but is what makes him so charming and sweet. You just have to know how to take him. Riley’s character is like playing the straight man, and she is often taken aback by Emerson’s bluntness, and lack of emotion under duress. The adventure is fun, but nothing all that deep or complicated, which is fine since I was mainly tuning in for the characterization, humor, and banter.
This is book one in the series, so we’ll see how things progress from here, but while this story is charming, fast paced, and evoked a few chuckles, it will need to firm up a great deal if it is to succeed in the long run. But, for now, we’re off to a decent start here, so I’m cautiously optimistic about the future of the series.
Overall, this book will appeal to fans of Evanovich and I think cozy mystery readers might find this one up their alley too, since it’s very tame, lacking graphic violence and is pretty clean as far as sexual content and harsh language.
Taken at face value, this is an enjoyable read, full of amusement and adventure.
3.5 rounded to 4
Eccentric billionaire, Emerson Knight meets Riley Moon, a recent Harvard graduate, when her boss sends her to assure Emerson that all is well with his money. But, Emerson turns the tables on her by insisting she take him to visit his gold. Soon the bank is scrambling to explain missing funds, gold, and other employees who have suddenly vanished.
Determined to locate his missing money manager and his gold, Emerson enlists Riley to help him as they travel through Washington, D.C. all the way to New York, uncovering a mind blowing diabolical plot.
This book is intended to be fun and zany, so if you simply sit back and relax and allow yourself to enjoy the show, you will find this bit of super light entertainment will have you smiling and having a pretty good time.
Emerson’s lack of social skills stands out, but is what makes him so charming and sweet. You just have to know how to take him. Riley’s character is like playing the straight man, and she is often taken aback by Emerson’s bluntness, and lack of emotion under duress. The adventure is fun, but nothing all that deep or complicated, which is fine since I was mainly tuning in for the characterization, humor, and banter.
This is book one in the series, so we’ll see how things progress from here, but while this story is charming, fast paced, and evoked a few chuckles, it will need to firm up a great deal if it is to succeed in the long run. But, for now, we’re off to a decent start here, so I’m cautiously optimistic about the future of the series.
Overall, this book will appeal to fans of Evanovich and I think cozy mystery readers might find this one up their alley too, since it’s very tame, lacking graphic violence and is pretty clean as far as sexual content and harsh language.
Taken at face value, this is an enjoyable read, full of amusement and adventure.
3.5 rounded to 4
August 27, 2021
Moonbeam
This book should have been called “Curious Mind” instead of "Curious Minds." This was a story about a quirky genius billionaire hobby detective, Emerson, and his lovely assistant… Moonbeam.
Moonbeam, Riley Moon, beams about as bright as the moon on an overcast night.
Riley supposedly has a BA, an MBA, and a law degree from Harvard, but doesn’t know the slightest about the international financial system or the Federal Reserve. Riley claims to be a career-ladder climber, but breaks every rule in business etiquette, the written and the unwritten.
She strikes me more like a clueless intern undergraduate or recent graduate (BA maximum). If she were, I would have no problem with her role in this story. But as it is written, Riley is an insult to smart women with advanced degrees everywhere.
My impression is that Riley is just an accessory – she doesn’t add much to the equation. She seems to be just there to serve the function of giving Emerson someone to talk to so that the readers can understand his thought process (to a degree, because he does a lot of the math in his head, but then shares some of his methods with us later).
And… just when I thought they couldn’t make Moonbeam any dumber, they did!
“What can you tell me about the Federal Reserve vault?”
“Not much. I skipped that course when I was at Harvard.”
At first I thought Riley is being sarcastic, but then as Emerson goes on to give her a lesson on the Federal Reserve, I realize she is not.
You skipped that course, Riley? Excuse me?!!! You have a fricken’ MBA! There is not just one course on the Federal Reserve; the Federal Reserve is in all of your courses! I’m beginning to think that you skipped all your courses. Actually I’m beginning to think you bought your MBA from a shady back-street dealer in Romania.
Come on! Can you insult our intelligence any more, Ms. Evanovich and Mr. Sutton? Is it too much to ask that a female lead with not only a BA from one of the best universities in the world, but also an MBA and a Law Degree from said university know a little about the fields she studied? A minuscule bit? Anyone who took Microeconomics 101 at Community College knows more than Moonbeam here.
I would be much happier with the situation if Riley weren't written to be this super-smart woman (because she's not) with all these advanced degrees (she doesn't even know basic undergrad information on international monetary systems), and a self-proclaimed career-ladder climber (because in real life she wouldn't stand a chance if she behaved like she does here).
Even better would be if Riley actually had a clever, interesting, and amusing personality. She is only amusing in the sense that Emerson keeps saying that she is, when in actuality, she is not.
Plot
I figured out who the bad guys were a third into the book and just about half-way through, I guessed the “twist” ending. So, not much suspense.
I was in danger of pulling all my hair out due to all the plot weaknesses and inconsistencies.
Riley has been given an NSA cell phone. So Emerson has her call Rollo, the NSA guy, and tell him that she is going one place and then she goes to another. I don’t know if our heroes know anything about the NSA, but Riley doesn’t need to call in and tell the Rollo where she’s going. He already knows. He can trace the phone’s GPS. And even if they turn off the location services, which they didn’t, the internal GPS is still traceable. Now if they were trying to send a message to the NSA (or whoever Rollo is really working for) that Riley is not to be trusted, then they did a good job. Only Emerson’s explanation leads me to believe that he was trying to do just the opposite – create an alibi for Riley and lead Rollo to thinking she is still to be trusted. Of course it is absolutely possible that Rollo is not NSA, but is working for Werner – even more reason for Emerson to let him think Riley is also still working for Werner (and prevent Riley from getting killed like Maxine). And you can bet Werner has access to technology that can trace that phone.
We find out the next day that Emerson was smart enough to know that Rollo would be able to track them by use of the phone, but Ditzy Riley, of course, is yet again clueless to the workings of the world. This means, however, that Emerson, by having Riley lie about going to the cinema on the previous day, willingly put Riley’s life in danger by causing whoever Rollo is working for (NSA or Werner) to doubt Riley’s loyalty. Not cool, Emerson.
Later Emerson and Riley are going to enter a vault with a quarter of the world’s gold supply disguised as security personnel. Surprisingly (shockingly?) Varnet, the guard at the vault, does not request to see IDs and passports at the door. If he had requested them, would Riley have had a Mauritian passport? We don’t know. Not only is no ID required, but Varnet gives them a tour. Convenient.
After escaping the vault, Emerson decides to go “under the radar,” but 3-time Harvard grad, Riley, doesn’t see the necessity to go under the radar herself. Two women have been killed because they knew what Riley has just discovered. Günter went into hiding because this knowledge has given him reason to fear for his life. But dumb-as-a-doorknob Riley decides it would be safe to go in to the office to get a family picture (essentially quitting her job, but she didn't have anything to pick up but the picture). Huh? I was stumped. I was beyond stumped. Why doesn’t Riley demand to go under the radar with Emerson? Why doesn’t she at least try to get in contact with some authorities? Or in the worst-case scenario, why doesn’t she run? It’s true Werner and Hans have long-reaching influence, but she can’t just do nothing. Clearing her desk is the absolute dumbest thing she could do. Quitting her job shows her loyalties have clearly shifted and could get her killed. So why do it? I have no clue. Unless she really is just that dumb.
Later that day we discover that, yes, Riley is just that dumb.
Moonbeam Quiz
Two women have been killed because they knew what Riley has recently discovered, there’s a thug out in the yard coming for her, so what does Riley do?
a.) Call someone. Anyone.
b.) Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
c.) Hide.
d.) Eat lunch and pretend everything is back to normal.
If you chose a, b, or c, you're in for a big surprise...
But, friends, the plot incoherencies get even more ridiculous! So now Emerson offers to hire Riley. His separating from her the day before served no purpose.
And it took Riley's almost being killed for her to realize that she might not have a job anymore and that she might be in danger… Um. She rescued Emerson from the Federal Reserve, so ya. Werner and Hans pretty much already know her loyalties have shifted. And Riley knows that Rollo is working for Werner and Hans and that he tortured Emerson. It doesn’t take a Harvard diploma to do the math.
Riley and Emerson should have stuck together from the moment they came out of the Federal Reserve and both of them should have suggested it. Riley needs Emerson – his money and his smarts – if she wants to go into hiding, and Emerson pulled Riley into this, so the least he can do is help make sure she doesn’t get killed.
So why did they separate? The gods of good story writing shrug their shoulders.
Then Lo and Behold, two-thirds of the way in Riley finally demands to be included in the decision-making process. Yay!
She was in whatever this was up to her armpits and she wasn’t being included in the decision-making process. Not acceptable.
“We need a word,” Riley said to Emerson.
Finally! Riley is finally going to demand answers. And she is going to demand that she be included in the decision-making process… Relief overwhelmed me… but… wait a minute… Does she demand answers? Does she demand to be included in the decision making process. Nope. She rants about Emerson ruining her life and then lets Vernon lead Emerson away to give him a lesson about girls. In the mean time, Riley chats with Aunt Myra about Emerson’s family. If you thought Riley’s character was finally going to get interesting, feisty, take control… False alarm. You are going to be deeply disappointed, as was I.
I am happy to report that there are some entertaining exchanges and some action in the final third -- and Riley has proven to be an awesome driver... kudos!
In the midst of a tense chase seen, however, Günter seems to have an awful long time to explain the whole history of the gold scandal. All this explaining cuts right into the suspense and allows it to dwindle off... too bad. I was finally getting into it (three-fourths of the way through).
Concluding Thoughts
I was expecting more from Janet Evanovich. I expected a snarky, witty, and halfway intelligent female main character, but I was gravely disappointed. (Riley does say “crap on a cracker” a couple of times, but one phrase does not snarky make).
Emerson is the main character, and he is interesting. Unlike Moonbeam, we don’t know if Emerson has any advanced degrees at all, but he is smart and he knows stuff. But why pretend that Riley is anything more than a decoration? An accessory? Someone for Emerson to express his brilliant ideas to? Riley doesn't add anything to the equation.
I don't understand why the authors gave Riley 3 degrees (2 advanced degrees) from one of the best universities in the world, and then didn't give her an intelligent line, or an intelligent thought, or an intelligent action. She keeps insinuating that she is a career-climber, but I can tell you, she will not make the cut (unless her good looks and her driving skills take her further than her wit).
Curious Minds is like a 1950s detective story, in which the woman is a beautiful decoration to the male detective's brilliance.
I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BUDDY READ: Mystery/Crime > Curious Minds (Knight and Moon #1) by Janet Evanovich -- Starting July 25th 2016
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
This book should have been called “Curious Mind” instead of "Curious Minds." This was a story about a quirky genius billionaire hobby detective, Emerson, and his lovely assistant… Moonbeam.
Moonbeam, Riley Moon, beams about as bright as the moon on an overcast night.
Riley supposedly has a BA, an MBA, and a law degree from Harvard, but doesn’t know the slightest about the international financial system or the Federal Reserve. Riley claims to be a career-ladder climber, but breaks every rule in business etiquette, the written and the unwritten.
She strikes me more like a clueless intern undergraduate or recent graduate (BA maximum). If she were, I would have no problem with her role in this story. But as it is written, Riley is an insult to smart women with advanced degrees everywhere.
My impression is that Riley is just an accessory – she doesn’t add much to the equation. She seems to be just there to serve the function of giving Emerson someone to talk to so that the readers can understand his thought process (to a degree, because he does a lot of the math in his head, but then shares some of his methods with us later).
And… just when I thought they couldn’t make Moonbeam any dumber, they did!
“What can you tell me about the Federal Reserve vault?”
“Not much. I skipped that course when I was at Harvard.”
At first I thought Riley is being sarcastic, but then as Emerson goes on to give her a lesson on the Federal Reserve, I realize she is not.
You skipped that course, Riley? Excuse me?!!! You have a fricken’ MBA! There is not just one course on the Federal Reserve; the Federal Reserve is in all of your courses! I’m beginning to think that you skipped all your courses. Actually I’m beginning to think you bought your MBA from a shady back-street dealer in Romania.
Come on! Can you insult our intelligence any more, Ms. Evanovich and Mr. Sutton? Is it too much to ask that a female lead with not only a BA from one of the best universities in the world, but also an MBA and a Law Degree from said university know a little about the fields she studied? A minuscule bit? Anyone who took Microeconomics 101 at Community College knows more than Moonbeam here.
I would be much happier with the situation if Riley weren't written to be this super-smart woman (because she's not) with all these advanced degrees (she doesn't even know basic undergrad information on international monetary systems), and a self-proclaimed career-ladder climber (because in real life she wouldn't stand a chance if she behaved like she does here).
Even better would be if Riley actually had a clever, interesting, and amusing personality. She is only amusing in the sense that Emerson keeps saying that she is, when in actuality, she is not.
Plot
I figured out who the bad guys were a third into the book and just about half-way through, I guessed the “twist” ending. So, not much suspense.
I was in danger of pulling all my hair out due to all the plot weaknesses and inconsistencies.
Riley has been given an NSA cell phone. So Emerson has her call Rollo, the NSA guy, and tell him that she is going one place and then she goes to another. I don’t know if our heroes know anything about the NSA, but Riley doesn’t need to call in and tell the Rollo where she’s going. He already knows. He can trace the phone’s GPS. And even if they turn off the location services, which they didn’t, the internal GPS is still traceable. Now if they were trying to send a message to the NSA (or whoever Rollo is really working for) that Riley is not to be trusted, then they did a good job. Only Emerson’s explanation leads me to believe that he was trying to do just the opposite – create an alibi for Riley and lead Rollo to thinking she is still to be trusted. Of course it is absolutely possible that Rollo is not NSA, but is working for Werner – even more reason for Emerson to let him think Riley is also still working for Werner (and prevent Riley from getting killed like Maxine). And you can bet Werner has access to technology that can trace that phone.
We find out the next day that Emerson was smart enough to know that Rollo would be able to track them by use of the phone, but Ditzy Riley, of course, is yet again clueless to the workings of the world. This means, however, that Emerson, by having Riley lie about going to the cinema on the previous day, willingly put Riley’s life in danger by causing whoever Rollo is working for (NSA or Werner) to doubt Riley’s loyalty. Not cool, Emerson.
Later Emerson and Riley are going to enter a vault with a quarter of the world’s gold supply disguised as security personnel. Surprisingly (shockingly?) Varnet, the guard at the vault, does not request to see IDs and passports at the door. If he had requested them, would Riley have had a Mauritian passport? We don’t know. Not only is no ID required, but Varnet gives them a tour. Convenient.
After escaping the vault, Emerson decides to go “under the radar,” but 3-time Harvard grad, Riley, doesn’t see the necessity to go under the radar herself. Two women have been killed because they knew what Riley has just discovered. Günter went into hiding because this knowledge has given him reason to fear for his life. But dumb-as-a-doorknob Riley decides it would be safe to go in to the office to get a family picture (essentially quitting her job, but she didn't have anything to pick up but the picture). Huh? I was stumped. I was beyond stumped. Why doesn’t Riley demand to go under the radar with Emerson? Why doesn’t she at least try to get in contact with some authorities? Or in the worst-case scenario, why doesn’t she run? It’s true Werner and Hans have long-reaching influence, but she can’t just do nothing. Clearing her desk is the absolute dumbest thing she could do. Quitting her job shows her loyalties have clearly shifted and could get her killed. So why do it? I have no clue. Unless she really is just that dumb.
Later that day we discover that, yes, Riley is just that dumb.
Moonbeam Quiz
Two women have been killed because they knew what Riley has recently discovered, there’s a thug out in the yard coming for her, so what does Riley do?
a.) Call someone. Anyone.
b.) Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
c.) Hide.
d.) Eat lunch and pretend everything is back to normal.
If you chose a, b, or c, you're in for a big surprise...
But, friends, the plot incoherencies get even more ridiculous! So now Emerson offers to hire Riley. His separating from her the day before served no purpose.
And it took Riley's almost being killed for her to realize that she might not have a job anymore and that she might be in danger… Um. She rescued Emerson from the Federal Reserve, so ya. Werner and Hans pretty much already know her loyalties have shifted. And Riley knows that Rollo is working for Werner and Hans and that he tortured Emerson. It doesn’t take a Harvard diploma to do the math.
Riley and Emerson should have stuck together from the moment they came out of the Federal Reserve and both of them should have suggested it. Riley needs Emerson – his money and his smarts – if she wants to go into hiding, and Emerson pulled Riley into this, so the least he can do is help make sure she doesn’t get killed.
So why did they separate? The gods of good story writing shrug their shoulders.
Then Lo and Behold, two-thirds of the way in Riley finally demands to be included in the decision-making process. Yay!
She was in whatever this was up to her armpits and she wasn’t being included in the decision-making process. Not acceptable.
“We need a word,” Riley said to Emerson.
Finally! Riley is finally going to demand answers. And she is going to demand that she be included in the decision-making process… Relief overwhelmed me… but… wait a minute… Does she demand answers? Does she demand to be included in the decision making process. Nope. She rants about Emerson ruining her life and then lets Vernon lead Emerson away to give him a lesson about girls. In the mean time, Riley chats with Aunt Myra about Emerson’s family. If you thought Riley’s character was finally going to get interesting, feisty, take control… False alarm. You are going to be deeply disappointed, as was I.
I am happy to report that there are some entertaining exchanges and some action in the final third -- and Riley has proven to be an awesome driver... kudos!
In the midst of a tense chase seen, however, Günter seems to have an awful long time to explain the whole history of the gold scandal. All this explaining cuts right into the suspense and allows it to dwindle off... too bad. I was finally getting into it (three-fourths of the way through).
Concluding Thoughts
I was expecting more from Janet Evanovich. I expected a snarky, witty, and halfway intelligent female main character, but I was gravely disappointed. (Riley does say “crap on a cracker” a couple of times, but one phrase does not snarky make).
Emerson is the main character, and he is interesting. Unlike Moonbeam, we don’t know if Emerson has any advanced degrees at all, but he is smart and he knows stuff. But why pretend that Riley is anything more than a decoration? An accessory? Someone for Emerson to express his brilliant ideas to? Riley doesn't add anything to the equation.
I don't understand why the authors gave Riley 3 degrees (2 advanced degrees) from one of the best universities in the world, and then didn't give her an intelligent line, or an intelligent thought, or an intelligent action. She keeps insinuating that she is a career-climber, but I can tell you, she will not make the cut (unless her good looks and her driving skills take her further than her wit).
Curious Minds is like a 1950s detective story, in which the woman is a beautiful decoration to the male detective's brilliance.
I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BUDDY READ: Mystery/Crime > Curious Minds (Knight and Moon #1) by Janet Evanovich -- Starting July 25th 2016
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
October 2, 2016
Riley Moon has just started work at a prestigious bank, Blane-Grunwald. She was an intern at the bank while attending Harvard, and was happy to join onto the team once she graduated. Her first assignment is to meet with Emerson Knight, a very important (read rich) client of the bank. She is warned that he is ver eccentric and to calm him down and reassure him that his portfolio is in good hands. Eccentric does not even begin to describe Emerson. He lives in a mansion that is part Hansel and Gretel and part The Adams Family. He also has a variety of exotic pets, including but not limited to, zebras, an armadillo, and a capybara. He communes with his shaman and meditates and believes he can cloud people's minds. Fortunately, he is total eye-candy. Riley tries to reassure him, as she has been told to do, but Emerson wants to see his gold. Actually, physically see it. When she takes him to see her boss, she is assigned to him while he looks for Günter, the missing Grunwald brother whom he has been dealing with. With the two of them together, and Emerson in the lead, their trouble has only just begun!
This book was fun. The banter between Knight and Moon was laugh out loud funny. Some of the situations were a little farcical, but I actually really liked that. It was goofy, silly fun. There was some romantic ideas mentioned for future books between our leads, but I don't think it will kill the chemistry. The side characters were a little bit to exaggerated, but they were fun because it was like a cartoon mixed with James Bond. You probably cannot imagine that, but if you read this book you will totally get it. Read the book, it is a great laugh!
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
This book was fun. The banter between Knight and Moon was laugh out loud funny. Some of the situations were a little farcical, but I actually really liked that. It was goofy, silly fun. There was some romantic ideas mentioned for future books between our leads, but I don't think it will kill the chemistry. The side characters were a little bit to exaggerated, but they were fun because it was like a cartoon mixed with James Bond. You probably cannot imagine that, but if you read this book you will totally get it. Read the book, it is a great laugh!
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
May 10, 2017
Author Janet Evanovich is the author of the successful Stephanie Plum series and teams up with writer Phoef Sutton for a brand-new series of thrillers featuring the invincible and incompatible pairing of Knight and Moon.
This book promised a lot but failed in my opinion to deliver the killer blow. It didn't get anywhere near reaching the heights of the Stephanie Plum series and didn't leave me wanting to read more of this series. I didn't connect with the main characters and couldn't get excited about the plot but I suppose we are all entitled to an off day.
This book promised a lot but failed in my opinion to deliver the killer blow. It didn't get anywhere near reaching the heights of the Stephanie Plum series and didn't leave me wanting to read more of this series. I didn't connect with the main characters and couldn't get excited about the plot but I suppose we are all entitled to an off day.
July 8, 2016
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine/Bantam.
Hmm, so Janet Evanovich allowed her name to be used in connection with this book. Well, there she goes off my list of auto-buy authors. From now on I will allow others to take the chances.
Do you by chance remember the cartoon and comic book character Richy Rich? Well, he's in here. How about if Nancy Drew grew up, went to Harvard Business School and then Harvard Law School and lost her common sense along the way? Yep, she's here. Remember the Marx Brothers films where they do all the pratfalls and come up laughing? Yes, lots of that too. Is it high on your list to read about exotic animals and their "pooh"? Well, you need to get ready for that because one of these authors is really fascinated with the word pooh. The book reads like a comedy script with the yuck-yuck jokes flying thick and fast. What it does not read like is a serious murder mystery.
I have no objection to lighter moments being included in a mystery novel, however, this level of comedy makes a mockery of the fact that there are murders committed. Murder as in killed, dead, no longer alive. And to make it even worse there isn't even a good mystery to be solved. Everything is handed to the reader on a plate. There are two reasons for my one star rating: 1) Phoef Sutton got a book published and I never have; 2) it was as low as I am allowed to go.
Hmm, so Janet Evanovich allowed her name to be used in connection with this book. Well, there she goes off my list of auto-buy authors. From now on I will allow others to take the chances.
Do you by chance remember the cartoon and comic book character Richy Rich? Well, he's in here. How about if Nancy Drew grew up, went to Harvard Business School and then Harvard Law School and lost her common sense along the way? Yep, she's here. Remember the Marx Brothers films where they do all the pratfalls and come up laughing? Yes, lots of that too. Is it high on your list to read about exotic animals and their "pooh"? Well, you need to get ready for that because one of these authors is really fascinated with the word pooh. The book reads like a comedy script with the yuck-yuck jokes flying thick and fast. What it does not read like is a serious murder mystery.
I have no objection to lighter moments being included in a mystery novel, however, this level of comedy makes a mockery of the fact that there are murders committed. Murder as in killed, dead, no longer alive. And to make it even worse there isn't even a good mystery to be solved. Everything is handed to the reader on a plate. There are two reasons for my one star rating: 1) Phoef Sutton got a book published and I never have; 2) it was as low as I am allowed to go.
August 6, 2016
Janet Evanovich is my go-to author for a funny, relaxing reading experience. I’ve been known to laugh like a lunatic while reading one of her books, sometimes loudly, and sometimes even in public (which I suppose explains my lack of social life). Her books are often plotted and executed like episodes of Looney Tunes, some more than others. Curious Minds follows the nonsensical path when it comes to character interactions, and sometimes even the plot. It’s precisely what one might expect from Evanovich, which unfortunately makes it a story we’ve all read before.
After only a day on her new job as junior analyst at Blane-Grunwald, Riley is sent to appease the multimillionaire Emerson Knight, who suddenly wants to see his gold in the company’s vault. Instead of diverting him from his course, Riley gets tangled in his plan to uncover a massive conspiracy that extends to the highest levels of the US government. She gets dragged along from one insane plan to the next and she does very little but follow Emerson’s insane instructions. The seemingly endless dialogue between them is sometimes funny, but sometimes seems a bit forced.
Riley Moon is just like every other Evanovich’s heroine. In fact, I often couldn’t differentiate between her and Lizzy from the Lizzy & Diesel series. Aside from the few superficial things like education and profession, they really acted like one and the same. Emerson and Diesel also share many similarities, mostly in behavior. They come up with hare-brained schemes and plans that work only because they miraculously seem to be a step ahead of everyone else. They are both eccentric, charming and they own strange animals, including monkeys. Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton co-authored the third Lizzy & Diesel book, and then they co-authored this, so some similarities were to be expected. Still, these characters were carbon-copies of each other and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was reading yet another Wicked book, minus the paranormal element.
Like with the Lizzy & Diesel series, we’ll likely be teased about the romance for at least two more books. There is some light tension between Riley and Emerson and a whole lot of teasing, but nothing actually happens, and I doubt anything will. It’s fairly standard for Evanovich and Sutton, and I suppose I’m a bit tired of it. Nevertheless, readers who are new to their books will find plenty to love in Curious Minds. For them, it will be fresh and hilariously funny, and the characters will be endlessly entertaining. Older readers might find themselves struggling through several parts, but then again, maybe that’s just me.
After only a day on her new job as junior analyst at Blane-Grunwald, Riley is sent to appease the multimillionaire Emerson Knight, who suddenly wants to see his gold in the company’s vault. Instead of diverting him from his course, Riley gets tangled in his plan to uncover a massive conspiracy that extends to the highest levels of the US government. She gets dragged along from one insane plan to the next and she does very little but follow Emerson’s insane instructions. The seemingly endless dialogue between them is sometimes funny, but sometimes seems a bit forced.
Riley Moon is just like every other Evanovich’s heroine. In fact, I often couldn’t differentiate between her and Lizzy from the Lizzy & Diesel series. Aside from the few superficial things like education and profession, they really acted like one and the same. Emerson and Diesel also share many similarities, mostly in behavior. They come up with hare-brained schemes and plans that work only because they miraculously seem to be a step ahead of everyone else. They are both eccentric, charming and they own strange animals, including monkeys. Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton co-authored the third Lizzy & Diesel book, and then they co-authored this, so some similarities were to be expected. Still, these characters were carbon-copies of each other and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was reading yet another Wicked book, minus the paranormal element.
Like with the Lizzy & Diesel series, we’ll likely be teased about the romance for at least two more books. There is some light tension between Riley and Emerson and a whole lot of teasing, but nothing actually happens, and I doubt anything will. It’s fairly standard for Evanovich and Sutton, and I suppose I’m a bit tired of it. Nevertheless, readers who are new to their books will find plenty to love in Curious Minds. For them, it will be fresh and hilariously funny, and the characters will be endlessly entertaining. Older readers might find themselves struggling through several parts, but then again, maybe that’s just me.
July 31, 2016
Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law and started what she thought was going to be her dream job, that is until she ends up working with Emerson Knight. Emerson is rather introverted and eccentric and when he's denied the chance of actually seeing the gold that Riley's bank is storing for him he inquires about some missing funds and a disappearance and decides he needs Riley to assist him in an investigation.
Well, "crap on a cracker" I didn't expect this one to be as funny as it was but Curious Minds was an absolutely hilarious read from start to finish for me. As soon as Riley and Emerson teamed up I just couldn't stop laughing, mostly at Emerson. But I rather enjoyed both characters as they ventured on their journey.
Riley is supposed to be a graduate from Harvard but reminds me a bit more of the Elle Woods version of a Harvard graduate, more concerned with her outfit and how she looks than actual business going on. Emerson is one of those socially awkward but incredibly smart characters that will have you laughing.
The plot to the book though could often seem a bit far fetched when it comes to a mystery/thriller read. Perhaps it was just finding the characters quite humorous that I would often think of the bad guys in here twirling mustaches and giving their evil villain laugh and things seeming a bit too over the top. But regardless I still enjoyed the story due to liking the main characters.
Overall, a more humorous mystery/thriller read. The humor is what really made me enjoy the story more than the plot.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Well, "crap on a cracker" I didn't expect this one to be as funny as it was but Curious Minds was an absolutely hilarious read from start to finish for me. As soon as Riley and Emerson teamed up I just couldn't stop laughing, mostly at Emerson. But I rather enjoyed both characters as they ventured on their journey.
Riley is supposed to be a graduate from Harvard but reminds me a bit more of the Elle Woods version of a Harvard graduate, more concerned with her outfit and how she looks than actual business going on. Emerson is one of those socially awkward but incredibly smart characters that will have you laughing.
The plot to the book though could often seem a bit far fetched when it comes to a mystery/thriller read. Perhaps it was just finding the characters quite humorous that I would often think of the bad guys in here twirling mustaches and giving their evil villain laugh and things seeming a bit too over the top. But regardless I still enjoyed the story due to liking the main characters.
Overall, a more humorous mystery/thriller read. The humor is what really made me enjoy the story more than the plot.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
November 6, 2025
A modern day billionaire, eccentric genius, social inept, Sherlock Holmes type character, Emerson Knight, drags a young, successful banking lawyer, Riley Moon, in to his machinations to uncover a plot to unset the national treasury.
Evanovich brings us hysterical antics, amazing twists, unexpected turns, diverse, interesting characters all in a series that will be devoured by her Stephanie Plum fans.
I can't wait for more of both Riley and Emerson.
I received this ARC copy of Curious Minds from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 16, 2016.
Evanovich brings us hysterical antics, amazing twists, unexpected turns, diverse, interesting characters all in a series that will be devoured by her Stephanie Plum fans.
I can't wait for more of both Riley and Emerson.
I received this ARC copy of Curious Minds from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 16, 2016.
December 18, 2016
Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton is such a terrific novel of mystery, intrigue, humor, and suspense but somehow they make it lighthearted at the same time, weird I know! I loved the Stephanie Plum novels and giggled my way through all of them so I jumped at the chance for this book. I didn't disappoint at all! It is fast paced, humorous, witty dialogue, plot with so many twists and surprises it keeps you guessing constantly. The characters are colorful, exciting, and complex. There is suspense and it IS suspenseful and the book balances it with the witty, and crazy banter between the characters. It is a fun read that will draw many new fans to these great authors. Loved it. A fun ride. Crime fighting never seemed so exciting! The male main character seemed to be a more sensitive (slightly) Sherlock Holmes from the PBS series. Loved it. Received this book from NetGalley for a honest review. Thanks NetGalley!
June 19, 2018
Take a Texas girl with two degrees from Harvard and a dry sense of humor mix with an eccentric, rich and handsome guy who is unknowingly funny and you have an absolutely terrific book. I love these characters! And all their side characters are hilarious, too. Even the bad guys are kinda funny. 🤣
February 10, 2017
My Thoughts
Okay Janet Evanovich can do no wrong!! Well to me she can't haha.
I absolutely adore her Stephanie Plum series!
And this series is looking like it will be just as delightful!
The characters in this book, whilst they have their flaws, are fun, quirky and easy to love.
Emerson Knight is the rich, eccentric introvert who is on a mission to see his gold.
Riley Moon is fresh out of Harvard and her first assignment is to look after Knight.
It is clearly a recipe for disaster, hijinks and mayhem.
The story is a classic Janet Evanovich plot. But I still find them fun and irresistible.
Missing people, missing gold, amateur sleuths and a life and death race across the country. Seriously though what more can you ask for!!
Overall the book was a fun, fast read and I can't wait to see what Emerson and Riley get up to next!
I would recommend this, or any Janet Evanovich, book to people who love a good fun. easy to read mystery.
I would like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Okay Janet Evanovich can do no wrong!! Well to me she can't haha.
I absolutely adore her Stephanie Plum series!
And this series is looking like it will be just as delightful!
The characters in this book, whilst they have their flaws, are fun, quirky and easy to love.
Emerson Knight is the rich, eccentric introvert who is on a mission to see his gold.
Riley Moon is fresh out of Harvard and her first assignment is to look after Knight.
It is clearly a recipe for disaster, hijinks and mayhem.
The story is a classic Janet Evanovich plot. But I still find them fun and irresistible.
Missing people, missing gold, amateur sleuths and a life and death race across the country. Seriously though what more can you ask for!!
Overall the book was a fun, fast read and I can't wait to see what Emerson and Riley get up to next!
I would recommend this, or any Janet Evanovich, book to people who love a good fun. easy to read mystery.
I would like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
July 29, 2016
2.5 star
I'm sure it's meant to be a little goofy, but it just came across as a little silly and shallow. There wasn't enough humor to counteract the weird, and the mystery wasn't good enough to counteract the superficiality of the characters. It's like each one was given "a thing", ostensibly to make them unique and three-dimensional, but really just serving to highlight how little character development there was. Even Riley's only splash of color seemed to be her choice of a Mini and the token car fetish, though I did appreciate her refreshing directness.
There was no real mystery, but at least you'll learn something about gold. And if you've read other books by Janet Evanovich, you'll recognize Lula and Grandma Mazur among other elements from the Stephanie Plum series .
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sure it's meant to be a little goofy, but it just came across as a little silly and shallow. There wasn't enough humor to counteract the weird, and the mystery wasn't good enough to counteract the superficiality of the characters. It's like each one was given "a thing", ostensibly to make them unique and three-dimensional, but really just serving to highlight how little character development there was. Even Riley's only splash of color seemed to be her choice of a Mini and the token car fetish, though I did appreciate her refreshing directness.
There was no real mystery, but at least you'll learn something about gold. And if you've read other books by Janet Evanovich, you'll recognize Lula and Grandma Mazur among other elements from the Stephanie Plum series .
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2016
“Curious Minds” was a fun, quick read that featured all of the humor and wit for which Janet Evanovich is known. She and Phoef Sutton make a great writing team.
The new characters of Emerson Knight and Riley Moon are quite a bit different from others we have seen in previous series. The quirkiness of Emerson is especially intriguing, and I can’t wait to read more about him. They play well off of one another. The plot moved fast and it can easily be read in a sitting or two. There were a few sputters in character development, with few detailed background characters, but all of those can easily be fixed and filled in with the next installment.
I can easily recommend “Curious Minds” for any Janet Evanovich fan or for someone looking for a new humorous mystery series to enjoy.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
The new characters of Emerson Knight and Riley Moon are quite a bit different from others we have seen in previous series. The quirkiness of Emerson is especially intriguing, and I can’t wait to read more about him. They play well off of one another. The plot moved fast and it can easily be read in a sitting or two. There were a few sputters in character development, with few detailed background characters, but all of those can easily be fixed and filled in with the next installment.
I can easily recommend “Curious Minds” for any Janet Evanovich fan or for someone looking for a new humorous mystery series to enjoy.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
December 31, 2016
I loved this first book of Emerson Knight and Riley Moon series. It is like the Fox and O'Hara series on steroids! Very entertaining and enjoyable. Looking forward to release of the second book in this series.
August 17, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book reminds me of JE's old screwball romance Full Tilt. That book had an eccentric, rich, smart, hero with a cool factor who got involved with the heroine to solve a mystery. Emerson from Curious Minds is an eccentric, rich, smart hero who is a real nerd. When I first read the description I thought it would be a caper book with a nerd for the hero. I was half right. We definitely get a nerd for the hero, but no caper, only a conspiracy worthy of coverage by all the overnight talk jocks. It is fun, no doubt about that and entertaining too. The plot does not have much substance, but like I said, it is entertaining. I've found it is a waste of brain time asking for more than that from Janet Evanovich. Deeper issues and growth of character are not elements to be found in her books. That doesn't bother me at all. I love her because she makes me laugh.
Riley is a recent grad from Harvard with degree from the business school and a law degree, and, a ton of student debt. She has landed her dream job at Blane-Grunwald and her first assignment is to appease a very wealthy client. (Just suspend reality and go with it.) Emerson is concerned about his holdings and their ability to support his charitable interests and he wants to see, with his own eyes, his gold. He owns a lot of gold and it is in the vaults of Blane-Grunwald. From this relatively simple request a whole lot of very nasty things start to come to light and Riley and Emerson are off on a quest to find the gold.
Riley at first thinks Emerson is just a loony eccentric millionaire, but the deeper she gets involved, the more he starts to make sense. There is also a lot of flirting and some sexual innuendo going on too. My favorite plot is one where the hero and heroine work together and here they do, very well.
This book reminds me of JE's old screwball romance Full Tilt. That book had an eccentric, rich, smart, hero with a cool factor who got involved with the heroine to solve a mystery. Emerson from Curious Minds is an eccentric, rich, smart hero who is a real nerd. When I first read the description I thought it would be a caper book with a nerd for the hero. I was half right. We definitely get a nerd for the hero, but no caper, only a conspiracy worthy of coverage by all the overnight talk jocks. It is fun, no doubt about that and entertaining too. The plot does not have much substance, but like I said, it is entertaining. I've found it is a waste of brain time asking for more than that from Janet Evanovich. Deeper issues and growth of character are not elements to be found in her books. That doesn't bother me at all. I love her because she makes me laugh.
Riley is a recent grad from Harvard with degree from the business school and a law degree, and, a ton of student debt. She has landed her dream job at Blane-Grunwald and her first assignment is to appease a very wealthy client. (Just suspend reality and go with it.) Emerson is concerned about his holdings and their ability to support his charitable interests and he wants to see, with his own eyes, his gold. He owns a lot of gold and it is in the vaults of Blane-Grunwald. From this relatively simple request a whole lot of very nasty things start to come to light and Riley and Emerson are off on a quest to find the gold.
Riley at first thinks Emerson is just a loony eccentric millionaire, but the deeper she gets involved, the more he starts to make sense. There is also a lot of flirting and some sexual innuendo going on too. My favorite plot is one where the hero and heroine work together and here they do, very well.
June 13, 2016
No one is ever going to mistake a Janet Evanovich book with fine literature. But the Stephanie Plum series was fun and clever. Not so much the first book of this series. Yes, it's light and fast paced. But I never got the sense that I knew Riley Moon or really cared about her, one way or the other. Emerson is just flat out unbelievable. Ditto with the plot. It started out ok but went down quickly. Can’t recommend this one.
My thanks to netgalley for proving an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2016
You can't go wrong with a Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton combo, right? RIGHT! Loved it! From page one, I found the characters to be funny, quirky, and totally engaging. Emerson Knight & Riley Moon is a partnership that I'd follow anywhere. A thoroughly entertaining read that I'm looking forward to more of!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review
*ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review
August 14, 2016
Janet Evanovich books are always great fun and this one, co-written with Phoef Sutton, won’t let you down.
Riley Moon is a young eager Harvard Law/Business graduate who has just landed her dream job at Blane-Grunwald, a major banking firm. However when she is asked to look after one of their wealthiest customers, Emerson Knight that everything starts to go wrong. Emerson is handsome, eccentric, adventurous, completely lacking in social skills, but sweetly charming. He leads Riley off on a mad chase across country investigating major bank fraud and a dastardly plot. Plenty of action and humour in this first of a promising new series.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Headline for a digital copy of the book to read and review.
Riley Moon is a young eager Harvard Law/Business graduate who has just landed her dream job at Blane-Grunwald, a major banking firm. However when she is asked to look after one of their wealthiest customers, Emerson Knight that everything starts to go wrong. Emerson is handsome, eccentric, adventurous, completely lacking in social skills, but sweetly charming. He leads Riley off on a mad chase across country investigating major bank fraud and a dastardly plot. Plenty of action and humour in this first of a promising new series.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Headline for a digital copy of the book to read and review.
September 14, 2016
As I started reading this, I decided that the authors had decided to make a parody of a Thriller, because surely such experienced and well known writers wouldn't write something like this seriously. Would they?
As a parody it is lots of fun. There are the evil henchmen that can't die, the evil family plot to take over the world (bwaaa-haaa-haaa), "top secret government installations", and amateur detectives who figure everything out and are the only ones who can save us from "the new world order".
So for a book I could laugh with (or is that at?) I gave it 3 stars. If you are after an actual thriller, then you may be best to move on.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a parody it is lots of fun. There are the evil henchmen that can't die, the evil family plot to take over the world (bwaaa-haaa-haaa), "top secret government installations", and amateur detectives who figure everything out and are the only ones who can save us from "the new world order".
So for a book I could laugh with (or is that at?) I gave it 3 stars. If you are after an actual thriller, then you may be best to move on.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2018
What a quirky book. Riley right out of law school working for a Wall Street company is assigned to watch over Emerson who one her companies oldest client has come to the office because he wants to see his gold. Riley's boss goes missing at the time that Emerson comes to the office looking for his gold. Emerson volunteers himself to look for Gunter but when Emerson starts getting to the truth Riley's boss wants to know where Riley's loyalties lie so they take her off the case. Well this is when all the interesting stuff starts to happen. Breaking into the Federal Reserve and area 51 is just a few of things they go through. Fast pace laugh out loud book.
I absolutely loved the character Emerson. Who says super rich guys don't have sense of humor.
I absolutely loved the character Emerson. Who says super rich guys don't have sense of humor.
August 21, 2016
I loved this book! I wasn't sure what the author was going to come up with or if this is going to replace Stephanie Plum, but you could easily get hooked on Emerson Knight and Riley Moon. This book is full of surprises, the characters are fun and easy to like. Emerson's quest to find his gold is fun to read. I'm looking forward to reading Book 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballentine - Bantam for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballentine - Bantam for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 28, 2017
If you have ever read anything by Janet Evanovich, you know her mysteries are funny, quirky and usually a little over the top. That is what I expected when I picked this book up and that is what I got. I enjoyed this first book in this new series by Janet Evanovich and Phoeff Sutton.
Emerson Knight is an eccentric billionaire who just wants to see his gold. Riley Moon works for mega-bank Blane-Grunwald, is a country girl from a small town in Texas who went to Harvard. They call her Moonbeam at the bank where she is a junior analyst and has only worked for a week. Emerson and Riley make quite a pair. He is rich, handsome, has no social skills and a crazy life style. He lives in a mansion, with a menagerie, can't keep help due to the messes they make in the house, and is known as Mr. Mysterioso. His Aunt Myra lives with him and is a force to be reckoned with herself, and his cousin lives in an RV in front of the house. Riley does not know what she is in for. She is a smart, Harvard grad who just wants to make it big in her chosen field.
When Riley is sent to find out what Emerson wants from the bank she is in for a surprise. All he wants to to see his gold, but that is not as easy as it sounds. When she is told to follow him and report back to the company about his actions, she thinks she has a bit of a babysitting job, little does she know. As they investigate more and more on the whereabouts of his gold, they find out that the Grunwald family are up to their necks in espionage. Can they stay alive long enough to find Emerson's gold?
There were times, well, more than once - where the situations that Knight and Moon got into were -as I said before - over the top-.... but- I went into reading this book with that in mind.
This is a quick enjoyable read with several humorous situations as well as over the top exploits. Go in with that expectation and you will enjoy the story, root for Emerson and Riley as well as laugh at their experiences. I am looking forward to the next on in the series.
Emerson Knight is an eccentric billionaire who just wants to see his gold. Riley Moon works for mega-bank Blane-Grunwald, is a country girl from a small town in Texas who went to Harvard. They call her Moonbeam at the bank where she is a junior analyst and has only worked for a week. Emerson and Riley make quite a pair. He is rich, handsome, has no social skills and a crazy life style. He lives in a mansion, with a menagerie, can't keep help due to the messes they make in the house, and is known as Mr. Mysterioso. His Aunt Myra lives with him and is a force to be reckoned with herself, and his cousin lives in an RV in front of the house. Riley does not know what she is in for. She is a smart, Harvard grad who just wants to make it big in her chosen field.
When Riley is sent to find out what Emerson wants from the bank she is in for a surprise. All he wants to to see his gold, but that is not as easy as it sounds. When she is told to follow him and report back to the company about his actions, she thinks she has a bit of a babysitting job, little does she know. As they investigate more and more on the whereabouts of his gold, they find out that the Grunwald family are up to their necks in espionage. Can they stay alive long enough to find Emerson's gold?
There were times, well, more than once - where the situations that Knight and Moon got into were -as I said before - over the top-.... but- I went into reading this book with that in mind.
This is a quick enjoyable read with several humorous situations as well as over the top exploits. Go in with that expectation and you will enjoy the story, root for Emerson and Riley as well as laugh at their experiences. I am looking forward to the next on in the series.
February 7, 2017
3 stars for the book and I am adding 1 more star for all the potential that it has!
I really enjoyed this new series. Quirky, Funny, and at times over the top! I wouldn't expect anything else from Janet Evanovich!
This new series about a brilliant but eccentric billionaire Emerson Knight and Texas country girl who-went-to-Harvard, Riley Moon. Emerson Knight has so much potential as a character! To be honest, I really liked him and his crazy eccentric ways. He is this rich, handsome guy with no social skills and a crazy life style - He has an Armadillo, Zebras, and tons of other exotic animals for pets. He lives in a mansion, but sleeps in a tent! His Aunt and cousin are also a hoot. Riley Moon is super smart having multiple degrees from Harvard, but at heart is a small town Texas girl.
There were times, well, more than once - where the situations that Knight and Moon got into were -as I said before - over the top-.... but- I went into reading this book with that in mind.
Enjoy the ride, go in with an open mind and just have some fun! I did and I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
I really enjoyed this new series. Quirky, Funny, and at times over the top! I wouldn't expect anything else from Janet Evanovich!
This new series about a brilliant but eccentric billionaire Emerson Knight and Texas country girl who-went-to-Harvard, Riley Moon. Emerson Knight has so much potential as a character! To be honest, I really liked him and his crazy eccentric ways. He is this rich, handsome guy with no social skills and a crazy life style - He has an Armadillo, Zebras, and tons of other exotic animals for pets. He lives in a mansion, but sleeps in a tent! His Aunt and cousin are also a hoot. Riley Moon is super smart having multiple degrees from Harvard, but at heart is a small town Texas girl.
There were times, well, more than once - where the situations that Knight and Moon got into were -as I said before - over the top-.... but- I went into reading this book with that in mind.
Enjoy the ride, go in with an open mind and just have some fun! I did and I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
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