“The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.”
— Stephanie Plum reflecting on her chaotic life, often a mantra she tries to live by.
Archivist's Choice
Wicked Business
Janet Evanovich (2012)
Genre
Fantasy / Mystery / Romance
Reading Time
250 min
Key Themes
See below
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A pastry chef with an inconvenient attraction to her supernatural partner must navigate Boston's hidden depths, ancient riddles, and a dangerous family feud to find a lust-infused relic before sinister forces unleash chaos.
Synopsis
Pastry chef Lizzy Tucker's life in Salem, Massachusetts, changes when she and the mysterious, supernaturally gifted Diesel are tasked with solving the murder of Harvard professor Gilbert Reedy. Their investigation quickly leads them into Reedy's two-decade search for the Luxuria Stone, an old artifact said to hold the power of lust. Following clues in a 19th-century book of sonnets, Lizzy and Diesel travel through Boston's catacombs, government buildings, and grand estates, leaving chaos behind them.
Complicating their quest are two adversaries: Diesel's cousin, Gerwulf Grimoire, who wants the Stone for his own dark reasons, and the elusive Anarchy, who loves chaos. As Lizzy feels increasingly drawn to Diesel, she also becomes a target for Grimoire, who develops an unsettling interest in her. The race for the Luxuria Stone turns into a game of riddles and hide-and-seek, where lust appears in unexpected ways, and Lizzy and Diesel must outsmart their dangerous opponents to get the Stone and uncover its secrets.
Reading time
250 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Humorous, Adventurous, Romantic, Lighthearted
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy mysteries with a dash of romance, quirky characters, and a good amount of humor.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer hard fantasy, serious mysteries without supernatural elements, or dislike romantic subplots in your action-adventures.
Plot Summary
The Professor's Fall
The story begins with the mysterious death of Harvard University English professor, Gilbert Reedy, who falls from his fourth-floor balcony. His death is not ordinary; it quickly connects to his long search for the Luxuria Stone, an old artifact said to hold the power of lust. Lizzy Tucker, a pastry chef with a knack for finding things, and Diesel, her equally talented but mysterious partner, join the investigation. Diesel senses a 'wicked' presence related to the murder, indicating a supernatural element. They must continue Reedy's search for the Stone, which he thought would bring a missing person back to him, but its true power remains a mystery. Their first visit to Reedy's apartment reveals the initial clues the professor left behind.
The Book of Sonnets and Initial Clues
After Professor Reedy's murder, Lizzy and Diesel start their investigation by checking his apartment. They find a peculiar 19th-century book of sonnets, which Reedy had carefully annotated. These notes, at first seeming random, are actually complex riddles and coded messages pointing to the Luxuria Stone's location. Lizzy's ability to connect with objects and sense their history, along with Diesel's more intuitive and often physical approach to finding clues, helps them begin to solve the professor's puzzle. They soon realize Reedy was not just a scholar, but an almost obsessive seeker of the Stone, leaving a trail for someone to follow.
Enter Gerwulf Grimoire and Hatchet
As Lizzy and Diesel go deeper into the hunt for the Luxuria Stone, they meet their main opponents: Gerwulf Grimoire and his minion, Hatchet. Grimoire is Diesel's 'black sheep' cousin, equally gifted but with a sinister plan. He is also looking for the Luxuria Stone, not for good reasons, but for his own bad purposes, which he keeps secret. Hatchet, a brutal, medieval-looking enforcer, acts as Grimoire's muscle, often stopping Lizzy and Diesel with aggression. Their first direct fight sets a dangerous tone, showing that the hunt for the Stone is a high-stakes game with dangerous players, and Lizzy quickly realizes she has become a target for Grimoire's growing interest.
Boston Catacombs and Robbed Graves
The clues from Reedy's sonnet book lead Lizzy and Diesel to the old and eerie catacombs under Boston. This underground maze, full of old tombs, is an important spot in the hunt for the Luxuria Stone. However, their exploration reveals a disturbing sight: several graves have been defiled, showing that Grimoire or another party is also searching and will go to great lengths. The catacombs feel uneasy and historical, and Lizzy's senses are overwhelmed by the past. The experience confirms the dangerous nature of their quest, highlighting the desperation of those seeking the Stone and the sacrilegious acts they will commit.
Anarchy's Introduction
Just when Lizzy and Diesel think they understand their enemies, a new, more threatening figure appears: Anarchy. This person, whose identity is unknown, loves lawlessness and chaos, and their methods are far more extreme and destructive than Grimoire's. Anarchy's presence increases the danger, turning the hunt for the Luxuria Stone into a three-way race where the stakes keep rising. Anarchy doesn't seem to care about the Stone's power like the others; they seem driven by a desire for widespread disruption. Their appearance forces Lizzy and Diesel to be even more careful, as Anarchy's unpredictable nature makes them a terrifying foe.
Public Disturbances and Mayhem
As Lizzy and Diesel continue their frantic search for the Luxuria Stone, their actions, often by accident, cause public disturbances and mayhem across Boston. Their encounters with Grimoire, Hatchet, and Anarchy often result in property damage, near misses, and unwanted attention from police and the public. Whether it's a chase through a crowded market, a fight in a government building, or an unexpected explosion, their quest leaves a trail of chaos. Lizzy, at first a quiet pastry chef, constantly finds herself in intense situations, far from her old life, as the pursuit of the Stone becomes more destructive and public.
The Power of Lust Manifests
Throughout their journey, the subtle, and sometimes obvious, influence of the Luxuria Stone's power of lust begins to show. This power is not just about sexual desire; it makes desires, obsessions, and attractions stronger, often leading to irrational behavior. Lizzy and Diesel feel its pull, experiencing heightened emotions and a growing, clear attraction to each other, despite Diesel's usual distance and Lizzy's resistance. The Stone's power also affects those around them, stirring up hidden desires and causing characters to act impulsively. This theme of lust and desire, both romantic and otherwise, becomes a central force in the story and affects how characters interact.
The Hunt for the Final Clues
With Grimoire and Anarchy close behind, Lizzy and Diesel work harder to solve the remaining clues from Professor Reedy's book. The clues become more complex, leading them to various historical landmarks and hidden places in Boston, including expensive homes and forgotten archives. Lizzy's ability to 'feel' the history of objects and places is very helpful in putting together the final puzzle pieces. Diesel's talents for observation and his almost supernatural sense of direction complete her abilities, forming an effective, if unusual, team. They know they are in a race against time, as Grimoire and Anarchy are getting closer, each with their own bad plans for the Luxuria Stone.
Grimoire's Growing Obsession
As the hunt for the Luxuria Stone continues, Gerwulf Grimoire's interest in Lizzy Tucker changes from rivalry to a dark, increasingly possessive obsession. He sees something unique in Lizzy, perhaps recognizing a similar 'finder' talent or simply drawn to her unusual nature. His actions become more focused on Lizzy, often trying to capture her or get her to join him. This personal vendetta adds another layer of danger for Lizzy, making her not just a participant in the hunt, but a specific target. Diesel, sensing Grimoire's growing fixation, becomes even more protective of Lizzy, further complicating their already intense and unspoken attraction.
Confrontation and the Stone's Reveal
The hunt ends in a chaotic confrontation as all parties meet at the Luxuria Stone's final hidden location. Lizzy and Diesel, having finally solved the last of Reedy's clues, arrive to find Grimoire, Hatchet, and Anarchy already there or quickly appearing. The scene is a mix of supernatural abilities, physical fighting, and strategic moves. The Luxuria Stone's power, now fully revealed, affects the atmosphere, amplifying the desires and intentions of those present. Lizzy and Diesel must use all their combined talents, both ordinary and extraordinary, to outsmart their dangerous opponents and get the Stone, or at least stop it from falling into the wrong hands.
The Aftermath and Loose Ends
After the intense fight for the Luxuria Stone, the immediate aftermath leaves several unanswered questions. While the Stone's main threat is stopped or at least contained for now, the full effects of its power and the reasons of Anarchy and Grimoire are not fully resolved. The encounter gives Lizzy and Diesel a clearer understanding of their own abilities and the dangerous world they live in. Their attraction to each other, made stronger by the Stone's influence, is clear but still complicated. The story ends with a sense that while one 'wicked business' is over, the larger supernatural world still holds many mysteries and dangers, suggesting that Lizzy's life as a normal pastry chef is a distant memory.
Principal Figures
Lizzy Tucker
The Protagonist
Lizzy transforms from a reluctant participant to a more confident and capable finder, embracing her powers and her connection with Diesel.
Diesel
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Diesel's usually guarded demeanor softens slightly around Lizzy, hinting at deeper emotions and a growing reliance on their partnership.
Gerwulf Grimoire
The Antagonist
Grimoire's obsession with Lizzy and the Stone intensifies, solidifying his role as a primary, recurring threat.
Hatchet
The Supporting
Hatchet remains a steadfast, if unthinking, instrument of Grimoire's will, showing no significant personal development.
Anarchy
The Antagonist
Anarchy remains an enigmatic force of chaos, their ultimate goals remaining largely obscure, serving as an external, destructive threat.
Gilbert Reedy
The Mentioned
Reedy's arc is completed before the story begins, but his legacy drives the plot.
Wulf
The Supporting
Wulf remains a reliable, if eccentric, ally, a stable presence in the chaotic world.
Glo
The Supporting
Glo remains a constant, quirky friend, largely unaffected by the supernatural events swirling around Lizzy.
Themes & Insights
The Power of Desire and Obsession
The Luxuria Stone naturally embodies desire and obsession. Characters pursue the Stone for different kinds of lust – for power (Grimoire, Anarchy), for love and reunion (Professor Reedy), and even the growing romantic and physical attraction between Lizzy and Diesel. The Stone amplifies these desires, often leading to irrational choices, dangerous actions, and strong emotions. Reedy's twenty-year quest shows the power of obsession, while Grimoire's increasing interest in Lizzy shows a darker, more possessive desire. The close connection between Lizzy and Diesel is also fueled by this powerful force, making it a central emotional part of the story.
“There's no business like Wicked Business.”
The Conflict Between Order and Chaos
This theme appears through the various 'finders' and their reasons. Diesel and Lizzy, though unusual, mostly aim for balance and protecting innocent lives. Anarchy, in contrast, actively tries to create lawlessness and destruction, representing pure chaos. Grimoire represents a more selfish, manipulative disorder, bending rules for personal gain. The pursuit of the Luxuria Stone becomes a battleground for these opposing forces, with the Stone itself being a catalyst that could shift the balance. The constant mayhem and public disturbances caused by the chase highlight how disruptive unchecked power can be and the struggle to keep order.
“Some things are just wicked. And some people are drawn to the wicked.”
The Acceptance of the Extraordinary
Lizzy Tucker's journey is about accepting her unique abilities and the extraordinary world she has entered. At first a normal pastry chef, she resists the supernatural, preferring a regular life. However, as the quest for the Luxuria Stone unfolds, she must face and use her 'finder' gifts. Her transformation involves not just understanding her powers, but also embracing her partnership with Diesel and recognizing a hidden, magical reality. The theme explores the tension between the ordinary and the magical, and how one adapts when their view of reality changes. Her ability to connect with objects and sense history becomes key to solving the mystery.
“My normal life as a pastry chef in Salem, Massachusetts, turns upside down.”
The Nature of Good and Evil
The book explores the range of good and evil through its characters. Diesel, a protagonist, often works in morally gray areas, using unusual methods for what he believes is right. Grimoire is clearly evil, driven by selfish desires and willing to commit bad acts. Anarchy embodies pure, random malice. Lizzy, on the other hand, represents a more traditional sense of morality, often questioning Diesel's methods but trusting his intentions. The story does not always present clear heroes and villains, but rather individuals with varying levels of ethical compromise, all wanting control over a powerful, morally neutral artifact.
“His motives are far from pure, and what he plans on doing with the treasure, no one knows...”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The MacGuffin (Luxuria Stone)
An ancient relic believed to be infused with the power of lust, driving the entire plot.
The Luxuria Stone functions as the primary MacGuffin of the story. It is an ancient, powerful relic whose exact nature and full capabilities remain somewhat mysterious, but it is known to possess the power of lust, influencing desires and attractions. Its pursuit is the central driving force for all major characters – Professor Reedy sought it for love, Grimoire for power, Anarchy for chaos, and Lizzy and Diesel to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. The Stone's allure and unknown potential create urgency and conflict, propelling the narrative forward without necessarily needing to be fully understood by the audience.
Cryptic Clues and Riddles
Professor Reedy's annotated book of sonnets provides the intricate roadmap for the quest.
The cryptic clues and riddles found within Professor Gilbert Reedy's 19th-century book of sonnets serve as the primary navigational tool for Lizzy and Diesel. These clues are not straightforward but require interpretation, often referencing historical locations, literary allusions, and coded messages. This device engages the reader in the detective work and highlights Lizzy's unique 'finder' abilities as she deciphers the professor's intricate puzzle. The challenge of unraveling these riddles creates suspense and allows for a structured progression through various locations and encounters, ensuring the plot unfolds in a methodical yet exciting manner.
The 'Finder' Abilities
Supernatural gifts possessed by Lizzy, Diesel, and Grimoire, enabling them to locate objects and sense presences.
The 'finder' abilities are a central plot device, granting certain characters supernatural talents essential to the quest. Lizzy can sense the history and presence of objects and locations, often receiving flashes of insight or emotional echoes. Diesel possesses more refined and varied abilities, including teleportation, enhanced senses, and an intuitive understanding of the 'wicked.' Grimoire also shares these talents, albeit used for sinister purposes. These powers are not just convenient plot movers; they define the characters' roles, create unique challenges, and differentiate them from ordinary people, establishing the supernatural framework of the story and enabling the extraordinary events that unfold.
The Love/Hate Dynamic
The intense, complicated, and often frustrating romantic tension between Lizzy and Diesel.
The love/hate dynamic between Lizzy and Diesel is a significant plot device that adds both romance and conflict to the narrative. Their undeniable attraction is constantly at odds with their contrasting personalities, Diesel's mysterious nature, and the dangerous situations they find themselves in. This tension is often played for humor, but it also serves to deepen their bond and drive their interactions. The Luxuria Stone's influence further amplifies this dynamic, making their mutual desire undeniable. This device keeps the reader invested in their personal journey alongside the main plot, providing emotional stakes and character development through their evolving relationship.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Being a bounty hunter was a lot like being a circus performer. You never knew what kind of animal you'd be wrestling next.”
— Stephanie comparing her job to a circus, highlighting the unpredictable nature of her work.
“Some days it felt like my entire life was a giant game of whack-a-mole, and I was always the mole.”
— Stephanie feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of problems and dangers.
“There's nothing quite like a good explosion to clear your head.”
— After a car or other object explodes, a recurring theme in Stephanie's adventures.
“You can't fix stupid, but you can certainly try to avoid it.”
— Stephanie's exasperated observation about some of the people she encounters.
“My life was a perpetual state of almost, but never quite.”
— Stephanie's internal monologue about her relationships and career.
“When in doubt, run. Or, if you can't run, at least scream really loud.”
— Stephanie's practical, if not always heroic, advice for dangerous situations.
“It wasn't that I was looking for trouble; trouble just seemed to have my address on speed dial.”
— Stephanie's constant run-ins with dangerous situations and people.
“Family. Can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em.”
— Stephanie reflecting on the antics of her eccentric family members.
“Sometimes you just have to embrace the crazy.”
— Stephanie accepting the bizarre circumstances of her life and the people around her.
“There are two kinds of people in this world: those who run towards danger and those who run screaming in the opposite direction. I'm usually the latter.”
— Stephanie describing her natural inclination to avoid danger, despite her job.
“Being a bounty hunter was like having a permanent target on your back, only the target moved and sometimes shot back.”
— Stephanie explaining the inherent risks of her profession.
“My conscience was a small, annoying voice that usually got drowned out by the sound of my stomach rumbling.”
— Stephanie's humorous take on her internal moral compass.
“Life wasn't a fairy tale. It was more like a really bad reality show with explosions.”
— Stephanie's cynical yet humorous view of her everyday existence.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Lizzy and Diesel are investigating the murder of Harvard professor Gilbert Reedy, who was thrown from his balcony. Their investigation quickly leads them to take up Reedy's twenty-year quest for the Luxuria Stone, an ancient relic believed to possess the power of lust, following clues hidden in a cryptic 19th-century book of sonnets.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
