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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
As episodic and slightly formulaic as these books are, Evanovich never disappoints. Another insanely fun romp.
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I waited to get this book from the library because anticipation is part of it all, right? I love Stephanie Plum and the whole cast of characters -- they make me laugh -- Grandma Mazur and Lulu in particular make me laugh out loud. It took me a while to start appreciating this series, but now I'm up to date. The only thing about this book is twice I felt Stephanie was out of character -- really? She stun-gunned him out of pleasure? That doesn't seem like her, seems like Lulu -- there were two episodes like this, both where it was addressed later that she felt "guilt" but it still didn't ring true to me. Looking forward to the next one, easy relaxing read.
I am a relative newcomer to the Stephanie Plum series. I have been able to read the books relatively quickly, back to back.
In the beginning I enjoyed the series immensely, the character were fresh and funny. But lately I am finding myself disappointed, the characters are stagnating, and there are the same jokes over and over again. I get it! Lula is “fat”, and eats a lot of doughnuts and chicken. (I find it hard sometimes to not take issue with the blatant stereotyping of overweight women; however, I understand it is meant for the laugh factor not as a commentary on society. At least it better not be.) Stephanie can’t keep a car to save her life; she must have a very understanding insurance provider.
I don’t know where I fall on the Ranger vs. Morelli spectrum. I myself far prefer Ranger, but it seems at this point Evanovich will make Plum take issue with the fact he doesn’t want to marry, when Plum clearly has commitment issues as well. The reader seems to be led to prefer Morelli, however, I find his tums-popping, high anxiety over Stephanie’s job, alpha male gig to be a little old. He doesn’t accept, or support, the life that Stephanie has chosen, albeit sometimes only by default. But at the same time he clearly cares for her. I still want her to end up with Ranger, so sue me. Ultimately, I have to remind myself the books are mental fluff, intended for entertainment, and that I shouldn’t become so invested in the characters (though that is bound to happen after 17 books).
I will continue to read the series, as I am currently about to begin book 18, and will probably end up getting any future books at the library (or Costco if they are cheap enough). But my expectations are greatly lowered, and I don’t see an end in sight for any of the characters, by Evanovich’s own admission. Hopefully this doesn’t turn into another over done series that should have ended 10 books ago… oh wait... nevermind.
In the beginning I enjoyed the series immensely, the character were fresh and funny. But lately I am finding myself disappointed, the characters are stagnating, and there are the same jokes over and over again. I get it! Lula is “fat”, and eats a lot of doughnuts and chicken. (I find it hard sometimes to not take issue with the blatant stereotyping of overweight women; however, I understand it is meant for the laugh factor not as a commentary on society. At least it better not be.) Stephanie can’t keep a car to save her life; she must have a very understanding insurance provider.
I don’t know where I fall on the Ranger vs. Morelli spectrum. I myself far prefer Ranger, but it seems at this point Evanovich will make Plum take issue with the fact he doesn’t want to marry, when Plum clearly has commitment issues as well. The reader seems to be led to prefer Morelli, however, I find his tums-popping, high anxiety over Stephanie’s job, alpha male gig to be a little old. He doesn’t accept, or support, the life that Stephanie has chosen, albeit sometimes only by default. But at the same time he clearly cares for her. I still want her to end up with Ranger, so sue me. Ultimately, I have to remind myself the books are mental fluff, intended for entertainment, and that I shouldn’t become so invested in the characters (though that is bound to happen after 17 books).
I will continue to read the series, as I am currently about to begin book 18, and will probably end up getting any future books at the library (or Costco if they are cheap enough). But my expectations are greatly lowered, and I don’t see an end in sight for any of the characters, by Evanovich’s own admission. Hopefully this doesn’t turn into another over done series that should have ended 10 books ago… oh wait... nevermind.
These books are really starting to drag and the comedy is being forced. I feel like I am reading them just to finish the series.
Exactly what you would expect from a Stephanie Plum novel even if you could see who the bad guy was from Chapter 1. I wish Stephanie would just make up her mind about Ranger and Morelli-her indecision has gone on for too many books.
Also everyone who has read the Stephanie Plum books loves supporting characters like Lula, Grandma Mazur, etc. but even the supporting cast seemed a bit bland in this title.
Come on Janet-give us a Plum book with some real plot progression and characters who do more than mimic what they did in the previous books.
Also everyone who has read the Stephanie Plum books loves supporting characters like Lula, Grandma Mazur, etc. but even the supporting cast seemed a bit bland in this title.
Come on Janet-give us a Plum book with some real plot progression and characters who do more than mimic what they did in the previous books.
Sorry to say but I think Ms Evanovich is resting in her laurels. This book was so predictable I knew who the bad guy was before page 50. The rest is just tired rehash of old jokes used far to many times. Yes the books did have it's moments but those totaled about 5 pages. So Janet are you going for the Guinness record of most books written in series because all this book represents is one more step to a worthless record.
Always fun to read these... great summer books. Love the fact that it had stickers in the back of the book... Like Stephanie, I just can't decide: Ranger or Morelli...
Review posted at Hesperia Loves Books
It is hard to put into words how utterly disappointed in this series that I am. When I first started reading Stephanie Plum, I was immediately sucked in by her & the world in which she lives. Each book was so hilariously funny and outrageous that it quickly became a 'go-to' read for me when I needed a pick me up, escape or just good tear-streaming laughter. Now I just feel like I'm watching a really bad episode of Jersey Shore and can't stop saying 'WTF'!! This series has now earned it's spot on my do-not buy list, I will not continue to spend my $ on a product that is just being recycled from one book to the next. I would like to say that I'm never going to read the series again, but I honestly can't. After investing my time in reading the previous books, I have to know how the series ends. Hopefully, Ms. Evanovich you will end it soon!
I would take the time to discuss the plot of the book, but, once you've read one book, the story pretty much never differs. Stephanie is after skips, Stephanie takes Grandma Mazur to visitation @ the funeral home, someone is out to kill Stephanie, Stephanie is torn between Joe & Ranger, Stephanie goes through cars like underwear & she is just as clueless and just as big of an idiot in book 17 as she was in book 1. In the beginning it was funny, now it's just painful to read.
My biggest complaint with this book is this: In the past Stephanie has always made a very diligent effort to not cheat. If she was with Morelli, no matter how strong her attraction was to Ranger, she never gave into it. Now all of a sudden, she has no problems with sleeping with either of them and even back-to-back! Don't even get me started on the Porsche 'beep-beep' back alley sex, professional much?! It's like she used the curse Grandma Bella gave (which she says she doesn't believe in) to give her free license! Now, I know that her & Joe agreed to an 'open' relationship but if she found out that Joe was sleeping with Joyce or Terri, how would she react? Would she consider that cheating? You bet your ass she would! Morelli & Ranger are two very alpha males, and I honestly don't understand why they keep hanging around for whatever Stephanie decides to give them. Stephanie perceives them as commitment phobic men but has she ever considered that maybe her actions are what makes them not want to commit!
I ended my Sizzling Sixteen with "God, I hope the next one is better." I've learned my lesson unlike Stephanie :/
It is hard to put into words how utterly disappointed in this series that I am. When I first started reading Stephanie Plum, I was immediately sucked in by her & the world in which she lives. Each book was so hilariously funny and outrageous that it quickly became a 'go-to' read for me when I needed a pick me up, escape or just good tear-streaming laughter. Now I just feel like I'm watching a really bad episode of Jersey Shore and can't stop saying 'WTF'!! This series has now earned it's spot on my do-not buy list, I will not continue to spend my $ on a product that is just being recycled from one book to the next. I would like to say that I'm never going to read the series again, but I honestly can't. After investing my time in reading the previous books, I have to know how the series ends. Hopefully, Ms. Evanovich you will end it soon!
I would take the time to discuss the plot of the book, but, once you've read one book, the story pretty much never differs. Stephanie is after skips, Stephanie takes Grandma Mazur to visitation @ the funeral home, someone is out to kill Stephanie, Stephanie is torn between Joe & Ranger, Stephanie goes through cars like underwear & she is just as clueless and just as big of an idiot in book 17 as she was in book 1. In the beginning it was funny, now it's just painful to read.
My biggest complaint with this book is this: In the past Stephanie has always made a very diligent effort to not cheat. If she was with Morelli, no matter how strong her attraction was to Ranger, she never gave into it. Now all of a sudden, she has no problems with sleeping with either of them and even back-to-back! Don't even get me started on the Porsche 'beep-beep' back alley sex, professional much?! It's like she used the curse Grandma Bella gave (which she says she doesn't believe in) to give her free license! Now, I know that her & Joe agreed to an 'open' relationship but if she found out that Joe was sleeping with Joyce or Terri, how would she react? Would she consider that cheating? You bet your ass she would! Morelli & Ranger are two very alpha males, and I honestly don't understand why they keep hanging around for whatever Stephanie decides to give them. Stephanie perceives them as commitment phobic men but has she ever considered that maybe her actions are what makes them not want to commit!
I ended my Sizzling Sixteen with "God, I hope the next one is better." I've learned my lesson unlike Stephanie :/