Beth Ciotta, Everybody Loves Evie

Everybody Loves Evie

Beth Ciotta

Harlequin HQN, Feb 2008, $6.99

ISBN: 9780373772988

After the role of a lifetime as a Chameleon undercover agent in Vegas (see 'All About Evie'), the boss Milo Beckett hires fortyish character actress Evie Parish because he sees she has the 'gift' needed to expose charlatans and grifts. Her bank president brother Christopher calls Evie to tell her the family needs her as their sexagenarian mom is acting strange with dance lessons and cashing in her war bonds worth six grand; especially since she don't need the money; he thinks she has a boyfriend who is hitting on her for cash in a 'sweetheart scam'.

Milo says he is working on a senatorial scenario in nearby Hammond so they can kill two birds with one stone as he will join her in the mommy caper. Arch Reese who enjoyed being Evie's husband in Vegas and the after play follows Milo and Evie to Indiana as he feels protective of the newcomer and besides wants more action with her. In the Hoosier State, the triangle becomes involved with her estrange parents, the dance instructor and the senator and his wife as stings seem everywhere

The newest Evie underground caper is a lighthearted romp starring a spirited heroine and an eccentric support cast that seem to come out of Eerie, Indiana. Evie is terrific holding the zany plot together from the demands of the extended family, the senatorial scam, and her own sweetheart issues as she ponders Milo, Arch or both. Fans who appreciate a fun amusing frolic will appreciate Evie proving you can't go home without scamming the locals.

Harriet Klausner