Troublemaker, Book 1 (Alex Barnaby Series) » (Graphic Novel)

Over a decade ago, Janet Evanovich tossed aside a career as a romantic novelist in favor of a wacky world populated by thugs, crooks, hookers, and a certain sexy little bounty hunter named Stephanie Plum and the world of modern mystery fiction hasn t been the same since.

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 Weekly

Bestselling 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 She’s cute, and that plays well in the action-packed romantic comedy/thriller that follows (including outdated cougar jokes).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)