Wicked Charms (Lizzy and Diesel #3)

By Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

Rating: 3/5 Stairs

If you’ve been on my blog before, you may have seen some of my (oh let’s face it, they’re unfavorable) Stephanie Plum novel reviews. I really enjoyed the beginning of the Plum series, but with zero character growth, Ms. Evanovich simply recycles plot points as she continues to pump those novels out. Same shtick, different day.

I’ve seen some complaints regarding the Lizzy and Diesel novels – mainly that these are just carbon copies of Stephanie Plum. I see the point here – there is a good argument that Lizzy, Diesel, and Wulf are simply Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger in a new setting. BUT I happen to enjoy the Lizzy & Diesel novels. At least at this point in the series. In comparison with Plum, the hijinks are not as ridiculous, and the magic aspect works in the Salem setting. And we’re not bogged down with the love triangle.

For those unfamiliar with this series, Lizzy and Diesel are Unmentionables. They have special abilities – for the purpose of this series these abilities help them locate the seven missing SALIGIA stones. Each stone represents one of the seven deadly sins.

If these stones fall into the wrong hands, all hell will, quite literally, break loose.

Of course bad guys Wulf and Hatchet are after the stones too. Throw in friends wanna-be witch Glo and bakery boss Clara, and the cast is complete. The first two books hit gluttony and lust. This third one is greed. You don’t have to have read the first two books to enjoy this one.

Ms. Evanovich brought a co-author in for this third installment. I think that was a smart move to help keep the series from becoming too repetitive. The novel stays in line with the first two in the series, but Carl (the monkey who likes to give the finger) and Hatchet (and his farts) are seen minimally. By toning down these hijinks,the story and characters stayed interesting. This book accepts the magic premise better than the first two. The lines are witty and the banter fresh. Frankly, I think this third outing is the best in this series so far.

Side note – These books remind me of an episode of the TV show Charmed, where the seven deadly sins are released upon unsuspecting mortals in San Francisco. Of course the three Halliwell sisters are infected (lust, gluttony, and pride), along with Piper’s husband (sloth). Hijinks ensue. Maybe my love of the Halliwell sisters helps with my enjoyment of the Lizzy and Diesel series…

I do feel the need to start a list for standard events that happen in each Lizzy and Diesel book. As new ones come out, we can revisit and make sure that these things keep happening. Because you know they will. 😉

1. Glo casts a spell that goes awry.
2. Hatchet farts.
3. Diesel ends up naked in Lizzy’s bed. She doesn’t protest too much.
4. Wulf mysteriously appears and disappears.
5. Hatchet kidnapps Lizzy.
6. Carl gives the finger.
7. Lizzy bakes a gazillion cupcakes over the course of the book. Okay, maybe not a gazillion. But a lot.

Overall, a fun summer read. Poolside? Probably even better.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.