Evanovich, Janet

Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum Novels)

Average customer rating:

Yawn ....
Very Lean Mean Thirteen
Still Lean and Mean.....
like threadbare jeans or an old, much-washed, almost-translucent t-shirt
LMT - Lame, Mediocre Thirteen

Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum Novels)
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312349491
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Book Description

Mark your calendars! Janet Evanovich will be in Toronto on June 25 and 26 for book signings and media to promote Lean Mean Thirteen. Event Details: IndigoBay Bloor (55 Bloor Street West) Monday, June 25 at 7:00 PM From coast to coast and around the world, Janet Evanovichs Stephanie Plum novels continue to make bestselling history each summer. Her legions of fans catapult her books to the top of every list. In the thirteenth book in the series, the stakes are raised even higher as Stephanie Plum finds herself in her most dangerous, hilarious and hottest chase yet. With her loveably offbeat family along for the ride (as well as a few new faces), theres no doubt that the Stephanie Plum novels put the fun in dysfunctional, and its clear to see why theyre called Hot Stuff by the New York Times and why Evanovich herself is called the master.

Customer Reviews:

Yawn ...........2007-06-26

I am a devoted Stephanie Plum reader and look forward to the new book(s) in the series, however, this is the worse one. In previous books, Stephanie's mother's name is Ellen, in this one it's Helen!? C'mon Janet! There was no Valerie, Kloughn, the girls, even Vinnie wasn't in this one. Sorry Janet, I hate to break rank, but this book was not up to par .... at all. I'll re-read Hot Six!

Very Lean Mean Thirteen.......2007-06-25

I did look forward to reading this and must admit that I am a "cupcake girl" but even I was bored by this book. The formula is beyond predictable and the triangle is tiresome and old. Ranger is so different from the beginning of the series that he no longer makes any sense to me. Joe, who used to be funny and very cool has lost a lot. These characters have not grown at all.

The only thing that moved slightly was Stephanie keeping Ranger a bit at arms length. Honestly, how long can someone be in a commited relationship and keep another guy on the side? It just makes her look bad. I have no sympathy for her. If Joe were behaving in this way she would never put up with it.

I miss Terry Gilman, Morelli's mom and grandmother and some of the cops that were usually good for a few laughs.

I was disappointed with this installment and hope that she will somehow bring the series back to a more interesting place. There is no drama in it anymore and I find myself not caring what happens to the players.

Still Lean and Mean............2007-06-25

I LOVE the Stephanie Plum novels. ALL of them. In fact, if I could be ANY literary character...I'd want to be Stephanie Plum: petite, klutzy, torn between two lovers, accident prone, strange family life and all.

Lean Mean Thirteen is like visiting an old friend. There are SO many episodes that are just "laugh-out-loud funny" (and I seldom even chuckle while reading).

For the critics that say "this was same ol' stuff" - I say "make up your mind." Everyone was clamoring in the last book about how Stephanie was such a sl*t because she was with both Joe and Ranger. This time the attraction was only hinted at, which was a major bummer for me since I'm totally a Ranger's gal. But the book was still DELIGHTFUL. Frankly, I hope that she never chooses....although it would be nice if Stephanie could get a little bit of a makeover in the next book.

Rex makes an appearance again, which was a treat. We hadn't heard about him much in the last few books. I figured it was because he had gone to Hampster Heaven, but I'm glad that THIS Rex is endowed with super hamster longevity. (I bought ALL the equipment, cage, etc, for a hampster before learning that they only live about 2 years. I figured I couldn't deal with so many Hampster Funerals and decided I wouldn't be the best Hampster Owner after that....)

The Beaver Bombs were HILARIOUS. Janet Evanovich - you ROCK! Some readers are NEVER satisfied. Lean Mean Thirteen is GREAT.

like threadbare jeans or an old, much-washed, almost-translucent t-shirt.......2007-06-25

This book is filled with the same comforting formula most Evanovich readers look forward to.

The dialogue is consistent with what you'd find in every other Plum novel. Monosyllabic Ranger ("babe," varied with relative newcomers like "dude" for Morelli), bawdy Lula ('ho speak, as always), etc. The exchanges are typically short and funny.

The # of disasters/chapter ratio is consistent also. If you're looking for car disasters--here you go. Lots of stuff in Steph's hair (and this time, the hair of others)? You need look no further than this book. At least there's a wee bit of variety, what with exploding rodents and all.

The number of times Steph gets in trouble? Consistent. How many times she needs help from Ranger or his men, or from Morelli, to get out of said trouble? Consistent.

Steph's inability to make a choice when it comes to Ranger and Morelli? No news on that front. She's as conflicted as ever, almost annoyingly so.

Overall, this book is like that pair of jeans or t-shirt I mentioned. You love wearing them because they're just so comfy, suited to your body, etc. But you know you're gonna have to toss them or turn them into wipe rags for your car/counters/whatever pretty darn soon because they're just so. . .thin.

LMT - Lame, Mediocre Thirteen.......2007-06-25

I have been a die-hard fan since #3 came out, but I seriously think Janet just copied bits from all the old books and threw them into this one. Nothing new, totally forgetable. I always buy these the day they come out, but I will seriously think about it next year for 14.

Average customer rating:

Best read I've had in a while
A Sweet Sexy Delight...PLUM FUN!
Just Not Up to Par Without Other Characters
Plum Slummin'
Plum Lovin'

Plum Lovin' (A Stephanie Plum Novel)
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312306342
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Book Description

Watch your back Look both ways Because love is in the air And that means big trouble! Mysterious men have a way of showing up in Stephanie Plum's apartment. When the shadowy Diesel appears, he has a task for Stephanie -- and he's not taking no for an answer. Annie Hart is a "relationship expert" who is wanted for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Stephanie needs to find her, fast. Diesel knows where she is. So they make a deal: He'll help her get Annie if Stephanie plays matchmaker to several of Annie's most difficult clients. But someone wants to find Annie even more than Diesel and Stephanie. Someone with a nasty temper. And someone with "unmentionable" skills. Does Diesel know more that he's saying about Annie Hart? Does Diesel have secrets he's keeping from Stephanie and the two men in her life -- Ranger and Morelli? With Stephanie Plum in over her head, things are sure to get a little dicey and a little explosive, Jersey style!

Customer Reviews:

Best read I've had in a while.......2007-06-21

Plum Lovin'
Janet Evanovich

In her newest Stephanie Plum novel, author Janet Evanovich deals with the most interesting subject of love. Stephanie is a bonds enforcement agent in New Jersey's Trenton area. This novel is the "between the numbers" and absolutely hysterical. The already established character of Stephanie from her other novels takes on a whole new realm of bounty hunting.

Stephanie is in her kitchen and the next thing she knows there is Diesel. He informs her that he needs her help on a case that he is working. Diesel is what they call an Unmentionable, someone who has sixth sense powers, and is also a bounty hunter. He is dealing with a very sticky situation this time and needs the help of the ever ready woman. Stephanie is roped in to help since who she is after on bond is being held up by Diesel, and he says that he will turn her over once Stephanie helps him.

Due to her desperately needing to get her bond, Stephanie agrees to help Diesel. She finds that what he needs her to do is play matchmaker for a relationship expert. Stephanie and Diesel then begin a whirlwind operation the weekend before Valentine's Day.

I would strongly recommend the Stephanie Plum novels to any red blooded American who likes to laugh at a good story. There is love, laughter, tears, emotions (real ones not just mushy lovey dovey stuff), cussing, and the normal semi-dysfunctional family that we all have. I started with Plum Lovin', but I am going to read all of the novels in the series now. Janet Evanovich has me hooked, and I cannot wait to read all of her novels, even the ones that aren't Stephanie Plum.

A Sweet Sexy Delight...PLUM FUN!.......2007-06-19

This is a little gem of a book form the bestselling author Janet Evanovich...that features favorite character Stephanie Plum who is a bounty hunter. The author tips the tables and Plum shows she really has heart as she takes over for a 'relationship expert' Annie Hart who is wanted for an armed robbery (trust me it all makes sense in the end). The shadowy Diesel from a previous Plum novel appears and offers eye candy and maybe more as he sets this adventure in play. SOMEONE really wants to find Annie and it's an exposive maze of days and nights for Diesel and Stephanie....Her two main squeezes from the past Morelli and Danger take a back seat for this dazzler. Full disclosure...this is my first Evanovich novel...yes, I've never met Stephanie Plum before...what charmed me was that it's a fast weekend read and has the feeling of a romance novel/crossed with a TV Thriller...a bit like a LIFETIME MOVIE...oops I bet someone is optioning it as I speak...a sweet treat....and Diesel...well he can put his slippers by the side of my bed anyday -- or night! ENJOY

Just Not Up to Par Without Other Characters.......2007-06-18

If you are a big Stephanie Plum fan, then you will and should read this book. If you are not a big fan or have never read a Stephanie Plum book, try any of the other 12 (On June 19, 2007 it will be 13) "numbered" novels.

To the Stephanie Plum fans, I simply say this: This book does not have Joe Morelli, this book does not have Ranger (but a small small part) and this book does not even have a bounty hunt. Other missing persons include Grandma Mazur, Mrs. Plum (each has a bit - but nothing of great consequence). In this book, Lula has a little to offer and cousin Vinnie is off on vacation. Even Vinnie's secretary's part is limited to a phone call - nothing more. For consolation, there is a bit about Lula and Tank -- and it brings in the bond office -- but it is too little to save the novel. By now, if you are a fan, you'll know this is not like the "numbered" books.

And, are they replaced by anything of their equal? No, instead we are introduced to a lascivious blond built like Tank, who thinks about Stephanie in a manner like Morelli does and is as mysterious as Ranger. And, like the typical off-the-books-self-employed guys she knows, he has a strange name - Diesel. No last name, no middle name - just Diesel.

In a nutshell, Diesel is no replacement for the regulars. In a nutshell, the dysfunctional family and madhouse antics of the bond office cannot be matched by Diesel and their joint escapades. The home and office are sorely missed in this very short (164 pages) novelette.

This is not Evanovich in her A game. Or B game, for that matter. In television, we now commonly assert that a show has lost its touch when it "Jumps the Shark" - a reference to a fat Fonzie's failed jumping escapade in the beginning-of-the-end to "Happy Days." This may be the novel in which Evanovich jumped the shark. But, I seriously hope not. Instead, I tell myself that this was a novel that she had ghost written while she was busy doing "other things." Oh, how I hope it is so.

So, fans of Stephanie - read it. There are funny parts and the main theme is the same. But, do not start thinking this is like the "numbered" novels. It is called "between the numbers" for good reason. We only ask: May she return to the numbers with her old flair.

Plum Slummin'.......2007-06-05

As a devoted Evanovich reader, I was aghast how bad this is. I'm giving her three (more than this deserves) because when you are an alcoholic, a whiff of the barmaid's apron is better than nothing.
Actually, the Lula/Tank storyline is the saving grace here, otherwise this would get a 1.
I am addicted to Stephanie but both she and her creator are plainly slumming here in a plot - or lack thereof - that might have been decent if had been worked on.
I see why it's a novella, because our gal Janet must have run out of gas and the publishers must have nixed these mixed results as a full-fleged series book.
The afore-mentioned flimsy plot is ridiculous to a fault.
Yet another studly bloke mysteriously shows up in Stephanie's kitchen. Does she run for the gun in her cookie barrel? Does she karate chop him in the larynx?
Nope...she orders pizza and they argue over the remote.
Oooookay...please bring back Ranger and Joe.
And in the meantime, get this from the library and save your hard-earned $$$$.

Plum Lovin'.......2007-05-28

This book had the same expected humor as all the Stephanie Plum novels. It was fun reading, but a little short and not as many humorous situations and sexual encounters. Still entertaining, though.

Average customer rating:

Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephanie
Fantastic Well Read Audio CD
Ahhhhhhh, Evanovich, take me away!
Sharp It Is
Stephanie gets serious

Twelve Sharp (Stephanie Plum Novels)
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312349483
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Book Description

Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, where bounty hunter Stephanie Plums life is about to implode. FIRST A STRANGER APPEARS While chasing down the usual cast of miscreants and weirdos Stephanie discovers that a crazed woman is stalking her. THEN THE STRANGER REVEALS HER SECRETS The woman dresses in black, carries a 9mm Glock, and has a bad attitude and a mysterious connection to dark and dangerous Carlos Manoso....street name, Ranger. NEXT, SOMEBODY DIES The action turns deadly serious, and Stephanie goes from hunting skips to hunting a murderer. SOON, THE CHASE IS ON Ranger needs Stephanie for more reasons than he can say. And now, the two are working together to find a killer, rescue a missing child, and stop a lunatic from raising the body count. When Stephanie Plum and Ranger get too close for comfort, vice cop Joe Morelli (her on-again, off-again boyfriend) steps in. Will the ticking clock stop at the stroke of twelve, or will a stranger in the wind find a way to stop Stephanie Plum....forever? Filled with Janet Evanovichs trademark action, nonstop adventure, and sharp humor, Twelve Sharp is Janet Evanovich's wildest, hottest novel yet!

Customer Reviews:

Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephanie.......2007-06-21

You can't go wrong with a Stephanie Plum novel. If you try to read them all in a row, the background information will get a bit repetative. Otherwise, it's not stop laughing and gasping as Stephanie tries to solve another case. The end is a real cliffhanger, but wraps up nicely. The real question is: Are you a Ranger girl or a Morelli girl?

Fantastic Well Read Audio CD .......2007-06-17

This 'book' was my first Stephanie Plum novel, and also my first audio CD of a book. I was a little aprehensive on both counts, but was very pleased. The story itself was engaging, fast paced, and kept me interested, and even better I didn't feel like I stepped into the middle of a story, like some book series feel, for not having read any of the previous 11. As for the audio CD, I mainly tried it so that I could listen while working out. It was great. The reader, Lorilai King, (sp), was very engaging, and really brought the characters to life, keeping me from feeling confused if it wasn't necessarily specified which character was speaking. I am now hooked on the book listening experience!

Ahhhhhhh, Evanovich, take me away! .......2007-06-07

What a wonderful escape, to leave it all behind and go bounty hunting with Stephanie for a while. Ms. Evanovich knows just how to keep a plot going, and simmer the romantic stew a little at the same time. This is a very funny and interesting book, as usual.

Sharp It Is.......2007-06-01

Another wonderful book with my favorite Bounty Hunter. I love it when a book makes me laugh outloud. I can't wait to read 13!

Stephanie gets serious.......2007-05-29

It's time for another romp in Central New Jersey with Stephanie Plum and her cohort of misfits. Stephanie is having a hard time making ends meet and so she must go off on several bounty hunter assignments with her buddy Lula. She is also still trying to make up her mind between Joe and Ranger with the added proviso that she has the hots for both of them. As one who loves the series would expect, lots of mayhem and hilarious situations should ensue.

But, here comes the downer. Janet Evanovich went almost all serious on us. First of all, the real crime in this story is of a psychotic who decides to impersonate Ranger and manages to kidnap Ranger's daughter in the process. Oh, by the way, he also wants to have Stephanie as his "wife" and the hint is that they will all die together. As if that is not enough, Stephanie realizes that she cannot keep playing with both Ranger and Joe and should really make up her mind - and does!

The normal hoots and hollers are mainly absent from this volume: I can only recall laughing out loud once - when Grandma Mazur joins Sally Sweet in a rehearsal for the band in the Plum house - This volume was significant in that not one of Stephanie's cars got blown up; Bob did not upchuck on anyone; and even Joyce Bernhardt makes an appearance but does not get too unhinged. So, what's up with all the seriousness?

I am hoping that this is a one-time diversion from the formula that has worked so well for so long. I am looking forward to number thirteen! But, this one, is just so-so.

Average customer rating:

Who wrote this?
Recycle, rehash, remake
typical janet evanovich
Janet Evanovich is Hot Stuff!
The Formula Works Again

Hot Stuff
Janet Evanovich , and Leanne Banks
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Perfectly Plum: An Unauthorized Celebration of the Life, Loves and Other Disasters of Stephanie Plum, Trenton Bounty Hunter (Smart Pop series)

ASIN: 0312941463
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Book Description

Dear Reader,

If you like hot men, hot action and hot attraction you’re going to love this HOT new series! HOT STUFF introduces Cate Madigan, a Boston native from a large and crazy Irish family. Cate has far too much going on to get involved in extracurricular activities, like men and marriage. She spends all day in school, earning her teaching degree, and all night working as a bartender in Boston’s South End. Ex-cop Kellen McBride has decided to make Cate’s bar his nightly haunt. He likes Cate’s sassy Irish spirit and wild red hair. He also has an ulterior motive for getting close to her. Cate has sworn off all things romantic, but when she comes home to a ransacked apartment, a roommate who has flown the coop, and a sleeping bullmastiff named Beast, Cate has no choice but to ask Kellen for help. Can Kate resist the charming Kellen McBride while keeping herself out of danger? Or will Kellen turn up the heat on Cate and everything in her life?

We know you’ll have a blast with HOT STUFF!

Janet & Leanne

Customer Reviews:

Who wrote this?.......2007-06-06

Does anyone else find it strange that most of these reviews mention Evanovich but fail to mention her co-author? Maybe that's because the co-author seems to be missing in action. This book is fairly typical Evanovich fluff with no apparent contribution by Ms. Banks. Not only that, the print is huge and I'd say the word count was probably only about 55K words -- the size of a short contemporary category romance. Yet this book had a $7.99 price tag on it. Can you say highway robbery?

Shame on the authors. Shame on St. Martin's. The high placement on the NY Times listing is due only to the Evanovich name on the cover, not the quality of the writing. I guess that explains the 132 used copies on here. Mine's going straight to the used book store. It's a waste of tree pulp and won't be taking up space on my keeper shelf.

Recycle, rehash, remake.......2007-05-30

Cate is Megan Murphy from Thanksgiving (both Irish feists), Kellen is Joe (both cops), Beast is Bob the dog (both slobbering monster couch-eaters), Julie is Lula (both large women, southern vernacular, smart-mouths), the family and the dinner table are soooo familiar, the real estate lady is Connie, and Marty is Sally Sweet. Did we miss anybody? Add new title, shake and pour.

typical janet evanovich.......2007-05-21

Using the same recipes as Stephanie Plum novels, Janet etal, introduces enjoyable characters that are unique yet lovable. Thoroughly enjoyable, easily readable with laughable moments.

Janet Evanovich is Hot Stuff! .......2007-05-17

I love this author. Her books always inspire plenty of 'laugh out loud' moments, which can be disconcerting to the stranger next to you on the plane! Janet Evanovich provides light entertainment in her books, which are easy to read, fun to follow, and always have a great ending.

Hot Stuff keeps to Janet's usual style which is a fun combination of romance, humour and crime. Her characters are normal people with the usual problems in their lives, but with enough luck thrown in to get them out of difficult situations.

If you like your crime with a dash of romance, this book is for you.

The Formula Works Again.......2007-05-17

I am a HUGE Janet Evanovich fan. I definitely like some of her stories more than others, they all follow a particular formula, and sometimes it works and other times it falls flat. This time, I thought it worked. I liked the quirky characters and the mystery plot line. It kept my attention and I didn't want to put the book down. That's what a good book does for the reader, right?

Visions of Sugar Plums (A Stephanie Plum Holiday Novel)

Average customer rating:

I was disappointed
Pretty Good Read
Spreading a little holiday cheer
Fantasy in the Burg...
A Stephanie Plum Holiday Novel (Visions of Sugar Plums)

Visions of Sugar Plums (A Stephanie Plum Holiday Novel)
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312986343
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Amazon.com

Christmas in bounty hunter Stephanie Plum's world isn't quite like Christmas in Whoville. With only four days to go before December 25, she doesn't have a decorated tree in her apartment or any presents bought. Plus she's chasing an elusive bail-jumper named Sandy Claws; a hunky guy named Diesel is literally popping in and out of her apartment; and a mob of manic elves is threatening to assault her with cookies. The end result is that Stephanie is feeling a tad stressed over the holiday season. Life isn't any calmer over at her parents' home in the Burg, where Grandma Mazur is dating a new octogenarian stud muffin; sister Valerie is wailing over some unwelcome news; and Stephanie's mother is coping by belting back tumblers of Red Roses in the kitchen. Just where is the elusive Mr. Claws hiding, and why? What's causing the power blackouts all over Trenton? And what about the mysterious villain, Mr. Ring? Is all of this real, or is Stephanie just having a very bad dream?

Janet Evanovich's mysteries are eagerly awaited by fans everywhere and this holiday installment won't disappoint. With a returning cast of entertaining, quirky characters and a rock-solid setting in New Jersey wrapped around an intriguing mystery, Evanovich delivers yet another hilarious adventure featuring irrepressible bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. --Lois Faye Dyer

Book Description

It's five days before Christmas and things are not looking merry for Fugitive Apprehension Agent Stephanie Plum. She hasn't got a tree. She hasn't bought any presents. The malls are jam-packed with staggering shoppers. There's not a twinkle light anywhere to be seen in her apartment-and there's a strange man in her kitchen.Sure, this has happened to Stephanie Plum before. But this guy is different. He's mysterious, sexy-and has his own agenda. His name is Diesel, and he's on a mission. The question is, what does he want with her? Can he help her find a little old toy maker who has skipped out on his bail right before Christmas? Can he survive the Plum family holiday dinner? Can he get Stephanie a tree that doesn't look like it was grown next to a nuclear power plant? These questions and more are keeping Stephanie awake at night. Not to mention the fact that she needs to find a bunch of nasty elves, her sister Valerie has a Christmas "surprise" for the Plums, her niece Mary Alice doesn't believe in Santa anymore, and Grandma Mazur has a new stud muffin. So bring out the plastic reindeer, strap on your jingle bells, and get ready to celebrate the holidays-Jersey style.

Customer Reviews:

I was disappointed.......2007-05-24

I love the Stephanie Plum books but I didn't like this one enough to finish it. I'll stick to the number books and pass on the specials from now on. I didn't like the Thanksgiving one either.

Pretty Good Read.......2007-05-06

Janet Evanovich is a great Author. I was disappointed in this Christmas book, however. It seemed that she had rushed to meet the deadline or something. Just not as good as all the others. I did however enjoy reading another book from one of my favorite authors.

Spreading a little holiday cheer.......2007-04-05

This is a 'Stephanie Plum' story but not part of the regular series. In this novella (not full length novel) Stephanie is surprised to find a strange man in her apartment, one who can apparently get through locked doors and is rather coy about his true identity. Stephanie is really not happy about his arrival since it is four days before Christmas and she has been too busy working on a case to get anything done. So while tracking down the elusive 'Sandy Claws' Stephanie is also trying to locate a Christmas tree, presents for her family and friends, and decorate her apartment - all while dragging her new shadow, Diesel, along. Her family also gets into the act giving Stephanie more problems to deal with.

This happened to be the first Stephanie Plum book I have read and it is definitely not a good place to start. A fan of the series might enjoy this much more but it frankly reminded me of fan fiction.

Fantasy in the Burg..........2007-03-20

I recently read all 12 of the Stephanie Plum series in a row and loved them, can't wait for the next one. I realized I had missed the novellas and read Visions of Sugar Plums last night. It isn't as good as the other Plum adventures, and you have to open up your imagination for this one. Think maybe of the Santa Clause movies, where you suspend reality and then you can enjoy the story line. Do that for this book and it is entertaining.

A Stephanie Plum Holiday Novel (Visions of Sugar Plums).......2007-03-19

I usually enjoy the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich but I did not like this one at all. It was simply not up to par with the past stories about Stephanie Plum.

Average customer rating:

narrator review
Another Good One
The worst narrator ever- read the paperback, don't listen to the book
Love this Gal!
The Best

Four To Score (A Stephanie Plum Novel)
Janet Evanovich
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ASIN: 0312966970

Amazon.com

Stephanie Plum, the trash-talking New Jersey bail bondswoman of this popular series, is tracking Maxine Nowicki, who's wanted for skipping out on a car-theft charge lodged by her ex-boyfriend. Now the ex-boyfriend's very interested in getting back the love letters he supposedly wrote to Maxine. But what he's really looking for is the secret on which Evanovich hangs her screwball cast of colorful minor characters, including Sally Sweet, a cross-dressing drag queen; Lula, the 250-pound ex-hooker who works for Steph's boss; Cousin Vinnie, the bail bondsman; Grandma Mazur, who packs a Glock and is always looking for a little action; and Joyce, a wannabe bounty hunter who's been cramping Steph's style since she played pass the salami with Steph's ex-husband. The action doesn't get much farther from Trenton than the Jersey Shore, but when Steph's apartment and car are blown up by the others on Maxine's trail and she moves in with Joe Morelli, the handsome, arrogant cop she's been hung up on since high school, it gets hotter than the craps table in Atlantic City. Plum's fans won't be disappointed in this fourth outing in the series, and they're likely to be even more interested in the snappy patter and sexy shenanigans than in the mystery that holds it all together. --Jane Adams

Book Description

Stephanie Plum, Trenton, New Jersey's favorite pistol-packing, condom-carrying bounty hunter, is back--and on the trail of a revenge-seeking waitress who's skipped bail. With then help of 73-year-old Grandma Mazur, ex-hooker Lula, a transvestite musician named Sally Sweet, and the all-too-hospitable, all-too-sexy Joe Morelli, Stephanie might just catch her woman. Then again, with more mishaps than there are exits on the Jersey Turnpike--including murders, firebombs, and Stephanie's arch-rival bounty hunter chasing after the same fugative--Stephanie better watch her back big-time if she wants to live to crack this case.

Customer Reviews:

narrator review.......2007-06-14

I'm confused. The first half dozen or so Evanovich books were read well. Then suddenly around "Eight..." they started to sound bland. I miss the old Grandma.

Another Good One.......2007-05-23

In this book Steph is on the trail of a woman who stole her boyfriends car and leads Steph and Lula on a merry chase to the shore. Danger has Steph moving in with her sometimes boyfriend Morelli. This book introduces Morelli's grandma who can put the hex on people and she see's visions of kids in Steph and Joe's future.

This is another great book in the Plum series. I love them all and can't wait for more.

The worst narrator ever- read the paperback, don't listen to the book.......2007-03-27

This is the only Stephanie Plum audiobook narrated by CJ Critt. She is the worst Stephanie Plum ever. Read this book...don't try to listen to it. The other Stephanie Plum novels are narrated by Lorelei King who is good, or Lori Petty, who is even better.

Love this Gal!.......2007-03-11

These are by best one of the funniest books that I've read in a long time. I have laughed so hard that I woke up the sleeping kids! They are a light read yet full of mystery. Would highly recommend the whole Stephanie Plum series!

The Best.......2007-03-11

I don't really know what to write just that they are a great read. And a smooth read.

Average customer rating:

Got as gift - my brother loved it
Finally the Ranger we've been waiting for!
Hard Eight - on audio
Like a Tastykake, but Without the Fat and Calories
Hard Eight

Hard Eight: A Stephanie Plum Novel
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312983867
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Amazon.com

In Hard Eight, Stephanie Plum picks up a case a little nastier than anything the wisecracking bounty hunter's seen before. Evelyn Soder and her young daughter have gone on the run, leaving an angry ex-husband who's planning to collect on a child custody bond that will leave Evelyn's grandmother homeless. Stephanie's first clue that there's more to it than that comes in the form of Eddie Abruzzi, a shady local businessman who warns her to butt out of the case. Stephanie doesn't scare easily, but when Abruzzi's henchmen leave a bag of snakes on her doorknob and tarantulas in her car, she has no choice but to call Ranger, the hunky man of mystery whom she already owes too many favors. Steph knows that Ranger will soon be calling in his marker, but with her ex- fiancé Joe Morelli out of the picture, that should be OK--shouldn't it? In the meantime, she's got other fugitives to catch, aided by the usual band of misfits, plus a bumbling correspondence-school lawyer who's developed the hots for Stephanie's sister, Valerie. And Steph's in for a surprise from her mother, who proves she's not above wielding a dangerous weapon to save her daughter's life.

Author Janet Evanovich has made a bold move in using a soupçon of child jeopardy to pull this series out of the comfortable but formulaic pattern it was threatening to fall into. It's still funny, and yes, some cars are destroyed, but now there's a real edge of darkness under the humor. Fans needn't fear, though: Jersey girl Stephanie is still full of sass and Tastykakes. --Barrie Trinkle

Book Description

Hard UpFugitive Apprehension Agent Stephanie Plum has a big problem on her hands: Seven-year-old Annie Soder and her mother, Evelyn, have disappeared. Evelyn's estranged husband, Steven, a shady owner of a seedy bar, is not at all happy. Finding a kidnapped child is not an assignment for a bounty hunter. But Evelyn's grandmother lives next door to Stephanie's parents, so Stephanie follows the trail left by Annie and Evelyn-and finds a lot more than she bargained for.Hard RiskSteven Soder is somehow linked with a very scary Eddie Abruzzi. Trenton cop and on-again, off-again fianceacute; Joe Morelli and Stephanie's mentor and tormentor, Ranger, warn Stephanie about Abruzzi, but it's Abruzzi's eyes and mannerisms that frighten Stephanie most. Stephanie needs Ranger's savvy and expertise, and she's willing to accept his help to find Annie even though it might mean getting too involved with Ranger. Stephanie, Ranger, Lula (who's not going to miss riding with Ranger), and Evelyn's lawyer/Laundromat manager set out to find Annie. The search turns out to be a race among Stephanie's posse, the True Blue Bonds' agent-a Rangerette known as Jeanne Ellen Burrows-and the Abruzzi crew. Plus, there's a killer rabbit on the loose!Hard EightStrap on your helmet and get ready for the ride of your life! Hard Eight. The world of Stephanie Plum has never been wilder.

Customer Reviews:

Got as gift - my brother loved it.......2007-06-08

He's been hooked on the series - wonder how high the numbers will go?

Finally the Ranger we've been waiting for!.......2007-05-01

In Hard Eight, Stephanie has the usual problems - people trying to do her in, Lula wanting to shoot everyone in sight and a new woman - Jeanne Ellen who has some secret background with Ranger. But Ranger, oh Ranger - who finally gets Stephanie in bed and totally ruins her for any other man or so she thinks. She's still in love with Joe - handsome cop, good guy, protector, but Ranger.....hot, dark, sensitive, listens to classical music for heaven's sake is hot for Stephanie but has told her he's not the marrying kind. I say use Ranger for all he's worth and go back to Joe when you're ready to settle down. We could all use a Ranger in our lives!

Hard Eight - on audio.......2007-04-12

I have listened to the majority of the Stephanie Plum series on audio, narrated by talented voice actress C.J. Critt. Ms. Critt does a fantastic job with the voice characterizations, but even she could not make this a truly good story. I found this book a little "darker" and less humorous than the previous seven in the series. Stephanie began to get on my nerves in places. I enjoyed getting to know Ranger better and he has an even bigger share of this book than Joe Morelli. This is not a bad book and I will keep reading the series; however, this story is not as clever as some of the other Evanovich books.

Like a Tastykake, but Without the Fat and Calories.......2007-04-07

Janet E's Stephanie Plum series is one of my guilty reading pleasures. I brought Hard Eight with me on a six hour flight and it entertained me the entire way (wish I could same the same of the airline...). This particular offering doesn't really break any new ground - Stephanie is still the bad luck bounty hunter with an attraction for blown up cars and dangerous men. The regular cast of characters is out in full force - Lula, Grandma Mazur, Joe Morelli, Ranger, and Cousin Vinnie - as Stephanie tries to find a missing woman and child on the run from a mobster and capture a few bond hearing deadbeats (always amusing). The dialog is sarcastic and snappy, but in a few scenes it felt a bit overdone and contrived - no matter though, it's still an entertaining and fun read. I always wondered why they haven't turned any of these stories into a film or TV series - it could really be a great combination of comedy and action/adventure.

Hard Eight.......2007-03-12

I have read all of Janet Evanovitch's novels about Stephanie Plum and they are always funny and great!

Average customer rating:

HOT SIX
As usual, very funny, but starting to sound the same
Hot Book
Cracks Me Up
FUN AND LAUGHTER!

Hot Six: A Stephanie Plum Novel
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312976275
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Amazon.com

Never mind who did the deed with New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum at the end of High Five. Five months later, that night's only a dim, cherished memory, and Stephanie's freezing her butt off on a Trenton bridge trying to keep her friend Carol--caught shoplifting some crotchless panties she was too embarrassed to buy--from committing suicide. <blockquote>Truth is, I didn't for a minute think she'd jump. For one thing, she was wearing a four-hundred-dollar jacket from Wilson Leather. You just don't jump off a bridge in a four-hundred-dollar jacket. It isn't done. The jacket would get ruined. Carol was from the Chambersburg section of Trenton, just like me, and in the Burg you gave the jacket to your sister, then you jumped off the bridge.</blockquote> When Stephanie finally talks Carol down and makes it in to work at Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, it's only to find that her libido-boosting pal Ranger, the professional bounty hunter and sometime hit man, has disappeared. A building owned by black-market arms dealer Alexander Ramos has burned down, with Ramos's son Homer lying inside, dead from a gunshot wound. Ranger, who was caught on film there by video cameras, is wanted for questioning. Stephanie's boss Vinnie wants her to find him, but Stephanie, who knows she won't find Ranger if he doesn't want to be found, refuses. Soon everyone, from her cop boyfriend Joe Morelli to the two Laurel and Hardy wannabes who suddenly start following her around Trenton in a badass black Lincoln, thinks she's hot on Ranger's trail.

And Stephanie's got other things to worry about. For one thing, Grandma Mazur's moved in with her, and so has Bob, a golden retriever who's only partly house trained. Then Ranger starts popping up at odd times of the night, with instructions for Stephanie to keep an eye on another Ramos son, Hannibal. Add to that one homicidal maniac, a couple more dead bodies, Stephanie's usual bad car karma, and the zit from hell, and you've got yourself one fine Stephanie Plum adventure. Will Stephanie triumph? You can bet a jelly doughnut on it. And there's another great cliffhanger waiting at the end. --Barrie Trinkle

Book Description

Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is faced with her most daunting task yet: bring in the mysterious former Special Forces agent Carlos Manoso (aka Ranger). He's the man who taught her everything about fugitive apprehension, and Stephanie knows she will be testing her skills against the master. But even if she does catch him, she's not so sure she could turn in her friend-even if he is wanted for murder....And if this isn't enough to keep her up at night, Grandma Mazur is crimping her sex life by moving in with her and keeping her from getting any action from her cop boyfriend, Joe Morelli. Now, with her love life messing with her head, two threatening goons on her tail, and three corpses-so far-it's getting a little too hot for Stephanie whose search for Ranger is bringing her dangerously close to the wrong side of the law....AUTHORBIO: Bestselling author JANET EVANOVICH is the recipient of the Crime Writers Association's John Creasey Memorial, Last Laugh, and Silver Dagger awards, as well as the Left Coast Crime's Lefty award, and is the two-time recipient of the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association's Dilys award. She lives in New Hampshire, where she is at work on her next Stephanie Plum adventure.

Customer Reviews:

HOT SIX.......2007-06-01

This is the sixth part in the Stephanie Plum series. None of these short, easy reads should be taken seriously, and if you are looking for a book to build brain cells, keep looking. You will enjoy this series more if you know what to expect out of the books and can read them for what they are: silly, fun, sexy, and full of giggles. All six, for me, have been light and funny, all six having the same flavor. But like eating six - not so good for you - yet, tasty potato chips, you tend to want another with a sense of mindless habitual consumption.

As usual, very funny, but starting to sound the same.......2007-04-30

This is book six in the Stephanie Plum series, but you maybe figured that out already. Stephanie is a bounty hunter for her cousin Vinnie, a profession she picked up after being sacked from her job selling lingerie in a department store. She lives in Trenton, which seems to have a high concentration of people who, if rich, would be called eccentric. She always gets a job that sounds super-easy but turns out to be full of intrigue and complications. Extreme silliness ensues.

I enjoyed this book, as I have the five Stephanie Plum books before it, but some scenarios are starting to sound familiar. I mean, how many people are going to break into her apartment? She might as well just leave the door open. And as for cars, well, she should clearly stick with the Buick, because it's the only one that hasn't blown up or gotten crushed. More forgetting the gun at home, not being able to fish her pepper spray out of her purse, being mad at/hot for Joe Morelli, recounting Grandma Mazur's madcap adventures, mooching dinner from her mother...

As I said, I did enjoy this book, and being a compulsive person, I'll probably keep reading them until the series plays out, but they're all sort of starting to sound alike to me.

Hot Book.......2006-11-23

Leaves you wanting more. Satisfies ones hunger for Plum. Great read. Can't wait to read get a sip of "Seven Up."

Cracks Me Up.......2006-11-20

I started reading these books this past summer on vacation. When I came back to civilization I headed straight to the book store to find some more of them. For some reason, these books just crack me up. They are laugh out loud funny to me... Being from California, I guess the setting has a stong appeal - hard to believe that people actually live in New Jersey. Plus Stephanie is really a goof ball, very silly and mostly not very "Sherlock Holmes-like" at all. The plot is sort of secondary to the very well drawn characterizations and locations. I love her family and all the bad guys are really really slimy. Just a hoot.

FUN AND LAUGHTER!.......2006-11-11

UNLESS A PERSON IS REALLY STOGGY AND PRUDISH, THEY HAVE TO ENJOY THE STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES. I LAUGHED MY WAY THROUGH THEM. WE HAD A HEAT WAVE IN JULY, AND THEY COMPLETYLY SUSTAINED ME FOR THE MONTH. I WOULD HAVE TO COMPARE THEM TO A DELICIOUS SNACK OR MRS. PLUM'S LEFTOVERS IN A CARE PACKAGE. I KNOW 60 AND 70 YEAR OLD WOMEN WHO FELT THE SAME AS ME AND EVEN READ THEM A SECOND TIME. THERE IS GREAT LOCAL COLOR OF NEW JERSEY, DOUGLASS COLLEGE, AND EVEN GIRL SCOUT CAMP SACAJAWEA (I WENT THERE!)
I RECOMMEND ALL 12 BOOKS AND HOPE THAT JANET EVANOVICH WRITES MORE WITH THE SAME KOOKY CHARACTERS.

Average customer rating:

Loved it
high speed ride in the murder truck!!
Evanovich
Entertaining read-not hard core novel-but thats ok.
Annoying and disappointing

Motor Mouth
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060584033
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Book Description

Miami is still freakin' humid. The nights are even hotter. And there's a body on ice. And that's just the beginning of this adrenaline-rush of a hot-wired ride from phenomenal number one New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich. </p>

A woman with a taste for speed and a talent for breaking the rules, Barney also knows a little too much about cheating. First there was Hooker and that salesclerk. Now she's convinced one of the competitors is up to no good on the track. Snooping to find evidence, Hooker and Barney "borrow" a NASCAR hauler. Turns out, the hauler is carrying two race cars and a dead guy. It looks like Barney and Hooker are facing multiple counts of grand theft auto and homicide. </p>

So buckle up as Barney, Hooker, a 150-pound bundle of Saint Bernard love named Beans, and the Super Cigar Ladies Felicia and Rosa shift into gear on a wild race around South Florida and Concord, North Carolina. </p>

Everything you always wanted to know about righteous indignation, stealing an eighteen-wheeler, and sex in the fast lane. </p>

Customer Reviews:

Loved it.......2007-06-14

I always enjoy Janet Evanovich's books they are always funny and entertaining to read.

high speed ride in the murder truck!!.......2007-05-25

Janet Evanovich takes us on a high speed ride on the NASCAR circuit. All the stops are pulled out and the wild ride begins...!!
A dead body turns up in an unlikely location leading to speculation about who the murderer is! AS wild accusations fly Barney and Hooker are most concerned about not getting caught and in order to do that they must uncover the truth about the murder, the murderer and how does it all tie into the racing world. How do Barney and Hooker untie themselves from a dangerous situation that pits them against a family of criminals who seem to have no second thoughts about getting rid of witnesses at any price!
You can pick up a lot of basic facts about life on the circuit for NASCAR families, but more important,you will enjoy this story fraught with danger, rewards and a huge dog names Beans!!!

Evanovich.......2007-05-12

Love any and all of Janet Evanovich books. Read both of these that are connected. Arrived when promised.

Entertaining read-not hard core novel-but thats ok........2007-04-14

There have been quite a few negative reviews on this book. And as a reader of Evonovich books, both her early romances and the number novels, I must contradict.

If you are quite particular about your opinions and feelings towards a book not living up to hard core novel standards...then you will find issue with this book (as you can see from previous reviews).

But the thing about Evonovich's books is that they are not meant to be serious novels. So they do not have to live up to those intense standards used to critique serious adventure mystery books. Sometimes a book's sole purpose is to be entertaining. To have a crazy adventure and laughs for great jokes and silly situations, to laugh at the cliché or the ridiculous makes this book worth reading, or to listen to. The characters and the situations are meant to be outrageous and oddball, and yes there is another dog. But that dog, as often as Evonovich uses canines, has a purpose in showing aspects of other characters, by their relationship with the dog, as well as connecting aspects of the plot. So it's a simple way to do it, that's ok. Its still a great book. The reason for 4 stars, rather than 5, is for a slightly slow start with the character Gobbles. But the dialogue was ridiculously funny so it manages to bring some entertainment to that slow part.

So the bottom line here is that if you like to have a book that you can just sit back and read in an afternoon, or listen to in the car if you go for the audio version(highly recommended), than this is the perfect book for you. It's a good book. Funny and exciting. You never know what the heck they are going to do and the dialogue is just great.

So, dear prospective customer of a copy of Evonovich's 'Motor Mouth', think not on the negative reviews by those who took the book too seriously. Proceed with your purchase, and enjoy.

Annoying and disappointing .......2007-04-06

I've been a Stephanie Plum fan from the get go, all of them in hardback, even though the last few were basically the same old same old and the Morelli/Ranger 'dilemma' is just toooooo boring for words. So I read Metro Girl eagerly anticipating a fresh new series. Well, I quite enjoyed it, although found it too similar to SP and the 'hero' not really up to standard but I hoped for improvement as JE got into her stride.

Motor Mouth was just one big disappointment and - even worse - the previously cool Barney actually ended up sleeping with the guy who'd cheated on her. Why??? Post-traumatic stress syndrome? Latent insanity? Writer's need to distract from a weak plot? Only JE knows and judging by the majority of the previous reviews(if she even bothers reading them)she must know, too, that she has alienated a good chunk of her loyal readership with this mistaken plot development.

Also the stupid dog/poop thing got very old very fast. Can't she lose the cheating boyfriend and the dog and get a parrot or something instead? Probably more intelligent and colorful(although JE shouldn't bother writing another book in this series until she's knitted Barney a backbone when it comes to men).

The NASCAR background was ok, but then I know nothing about it and to me much of the detail was just padding out the word count.

Sadly, it appears to me that the writing is on (or, in this case, off) the wall and a favorite author looks to be on the downward slide and maybe getting burn out. We'll see, but I for one won't be buying her books unless and until the reviews are good again or Barney gets another, better, boyfriend.

Stephanie Plum must also make up her mind, if JE wants to keep me reading. That series has enough great characters to go on without the stale 'love' triangle.

Here's hoping...

Average customer rating:

Highly entertaining
High Five -- the fun's still alive!
Stephanie rules!
Would love to meet her
Hilarious

High Five (A Stephanie Plum Novel)
Janet Evanovich
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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Hard Eight: A Stephanie Plum Novel

ASIN: 0312971346

Amazon.com

"Uncle Fred was someone I saw at weddings and funerals and once in a while at Giovichinni's Meat Market, ordering a quarter pound of olive loaf. Eddie Such, the butcher, would have the olive loaf on the scale and Uncle Fred would say, 'You've got the olive loaf on a piece of waxed paper. How much does that piece of waxed paper weigh? You're not gonna charge me for that waxed paper, are you? I want some money off for the waxed paper.'"

The speaker is Stephanie Plum, the glamorous if slightly ditzy bounty hunter from Trenton, New Jersey, and one of the most original creations in recent mystery fiction.

In this fifth entry in Janet Evanovich's increasingly popular series, Stephanie's problems are many and varied. She's not making enough money picking up FTAs (Failures to Appear) for her cousin Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds; her red-hot love affair with Detective Joe Morelli has cooled off; and her giant extended family is no help at all. For instance, Uncle Fred the cheapskate has disappeared, leaving behind some suspicious photographs of body parts in garbage bags and links to some really dangerous people.

When Stephanie turns to her friend and mentor, Ranger, for financial advice, he gets her involved in a gang of toughs doing instant evictions for landlords. (She complains to Ranger about the job and its dangers, prompting one of the hired thug to say, "Man, you don't like to get shot. You don't like to get arrested. You don't know how to have fun at all.")

Most of Stephanie's charm, of course, comes from her attitude--a combination of the brazen bravado that turns a failed lingerie model into a bounty hunter in the first place and the normal fears of a person in over her head.

Other Plums in paperback, by the numbers: One for the Money, Two for the Dough, Three to Get Deadly, and Four to Score. --Dick Adler

Book Description

In her fifth high-octane thriller, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum sets out to find her missing uncle-- and along the way smacks slam-bang into: a dead body, a nasty bookie, her stun-gun-toting grandmother, two very sexy men, an angry little man who won't leave her apartment, and a Mafia wedding....Jersey's favorite bounty hunter has never been better! With high hair, street smarts and plenty of attitude, Steph's sure to nail this case-- or risk life and spandex-clad limb trying....A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.A People Magazine Beach Book of the Week.

Customer Reviews:

Highly entertaining.......2007-04-22

This was the first book I read (well, listened to) by Janet Evanovich, and more will follow. I think I got a different female reader (C.J. something?), but the voice fitted the characters very well. I laughed out loud quite a few times. ( "stick a fork in me, I'm done!") and as a bonus there was an interview with the author at the end.

High Five -- the fun's still alive!.......2007-03-28

I've been giggling my way through the Stephanie Plum series of mysteries, and while I've enjoyed each one (and had to explain many times to my husband what I was laughing at), I started to find with the third and fourth books that maybe I was getting a little tired of the series. They started to seem the same, with the characters all stalled where they were in the previous book.

But I see that they are in fact growing and evolving, sometimes in surprising ways! Lula is really getting into her some-time role as bounty hunter's assistant (which gets her out of the bail bond office, where she files). Grandma Mazur is crazy as ever, but has added to her arsenal. Sparks fly between Stephanie and Ranger (and Stephanie and Morelli, which makes things even more interesting). And most importantly, Stephanie seems to be starting to get the hang of this bounty hunter thing. I wasn't sure I could stomach 11(+?) books of her bumbling around all the time.

I don't think I need to worry. This book was a rollicking good time: fun characters, decent plot, snappy dialogue, and much craziness. Sometimes you just need something fun to read. I'm glad I have at least six more of these books to supply that need!

Stephanie rules!.......2007-03-21

I've grown to love this series and have had many laugh out loud moments in my car while listening to the audio CDs. Stephanie, Lula, Joe, Ranger, Grandma Mazur, and gang are forever entertaining. Hmmmm - there's a twist in the love interest in this story. I'm rusing out to get Hot Six!

Would love to meet her.......2007-03-11

I love her books so much I've sent them over seas. I woud love to meet Ms. Evanovich and tell her as I'm sure everyone else has.

Hilarious.......2007-03-08

Janet Evanovich is amazing. The Stephanie Plum Novels are very entertaining and hilarious mysteries. They are my escape from reality! Its a must read!

Authors:

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