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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
Initially, I didn't think I would like this book so much. The author always uses the same kind of story lines and I have to admit they become predictable. Somehow, this one was different. This one was funny, interesting and the ending was unpredictable, even though it might have been a little bit unrealistic. I think the giraffe added a lot of humor into the book.
I also like the fact that Stephanie is starting to make up her mind about who she wants to be with, or at least trying to.
I also like the fact that Stephanie is starting to make up her mind about who she wants to be with, or at least trying to.
I feel the same way about all the Stephanie Plum books. When a new one comes out all I need is a couple hours and a box of twinkles! Just plain fun
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars, but went with three purely because there's a giraffe on the loose throughout the book, and giraffes always make a book better.
There's not much else to say about the book, or the series. Pretty much everything that usually happens in previous books happens in this one though there are minor variations. One of Ranger's cars gets destroyed, but this time it gets flattened by a fire truck rather than blown up (it was still Stephanie's fault, the fire truck was responding to a fire that she accidently started). Stephanie nearly died not once but twice and she nearly gets Grandma killed as well. Lula gets called a fat 'ho several times (but she also calls herself fat, even if it is just to annoy someone). Stephanie still can't make her mind up between Joe and Ranger. She is still the planet's worst ever bounty hunter, but even she now acknowledges this to the point where she quits the job and tries something else.
One odd thing did annoy me, and I'm not sure whether this happens in every book, but Stephanie describes everybody and everything as if they are new to us. It's like the author is thinking that there may be new readers who needs a run down on who all these people are and what they all do. As if anyone is going to start on book 20 in a series. Either that or her regular readers have lost so many brain cells they can no longer remember who anyone is without a crib sheet, or the books are so unmemorable that you forget it as soon as you've read it.
Sorry, what book was I reviewing again?
There's not much else to say about the book, or the series. Pretty much everything that usually happens in previous books happens in this one though there are minor variations. One of Ranger's cars gets destroyed, but this time it gets flattened by a fire truck rather than blown up (it was still Stephanie's fault, the fire truck was responding to a fire that she accidently started). Stephanie nearly died not once but twice and she nearly gets Grandma killed as well. Lula gets called a fat 'ho several times (but she also calls herself fat, even if it is just to annoy someone). Stephanie still can't make her mind up between Joe and Ranger. She is still the planet's worst ever bounty hunter, but even she now acknowledges this to the point where she quits the job and tries something else.
One odd thing did annoy me, and I'm not sure whether this happens in every book, but Stephanie describes everybody and everything as if they are new to us. It's like the author is thinking that there may be new readers who needs a run down on who all these people are and what they all do. As if anyone is going to start on book 20 in a series. Either that or her regular readers have lost so many brain cells they can no longer remember who anyone is without a crib sheet, or the books are so unmemorable that you forget it as soon as you've read it.
Sorry, what book was I reviewing again?
I really enjoyed this book. This is one of my favorite series of all times. But I'm learning quickly that even my favorite series will have flaws. Due to a couple of names in this book, I feel like maybe the author is running out of names for the characters. To be fair, there are a lot of characters in this series. Also, two of the "main" characters are kind of losing consistency. They were fun and vibrant at the beginning of the series. Now they kind of fade to the background and when they are in it they are a little dull compared to how they were. I still absolutely love this series. I'll be reading every single book. I'll probably even read them again in the future.
Not my favorite of the series so far, but still an enjoyable read!
Two chapters in and Lula and Stephanie have fallen down the stairs, Morelli hinted marriage, Ranger asked her out on a work date, Grandma Bell put the Eye on her. And she's the only one noticing a giraffe running through the streets of Trenton. I'm done. I understand not wanting to kill your cash cow, but at least do your readers the favor of not being so obvious that you are phoning it in. I visualize this book being written the week before it's due at the publisher. Pathetic effort.
I wish these took longer to read, but let's be honest, the amount of time it takes to read one is probably commensurate with the time it takes her to write one, these days.
This series has been going on for a long time. Twenty books is a very long time for a series. I have stayed with Stephanie Plum through all the good and the bad. I probably will continue to read, mainly because some of the side characters really make me laugh.
My biggest complaint is that the characters haven't seen a whole lot of growth. Stephanie has been a bounty hunter for a long time, not to mention the time she has done some security work for Ranger. You would think she would have developed some skill at what she does. Instead she still refuses to use a gun, and spends more time running from her fugitives than actually picking them up. Either running or having Ranger save the day again.
I do not understand why Ranger continues to spend so much time and money on Stephanie. She can't seem to make up her mind on what their relationship is, but yet he consistently pulls her ass out of hot water, provides her with expensive vehicles and gives her backup when needed. He gets nothing in return but a few stolen kisses and says a lot of "Babe". I think I'm losing a bit of respect for him. You would think he would have given up a long time ago. Seriously, is Stephanie THAT good in bed that he'd put forth that much effort? I doubt it. She's clumsy I life, I can't imagine her being any more smooth in bed. But then, Joe is pretty consistently after her ass too, so maybe there is one area in her life she excels!
"Morelli gave me a kiss on the forehead and handed me over to Ranger to take home"
The back and forth continues. Will it ever stop? Stephanie really walks the line between them in that this is almost one of those books where she spends time in bed with both. The triangle has become frustrating and tiresome, as has Stephanie's lack of progress as a skilled bounty hunter. The light however, is that Stephanie is getting tired of all of it too, so maybe we will see some changes in the next book.
As usual, our side characters totally carry the book. I found I was laughing out loud at Lula's antics. There was quite a bit of Grandma Mazur in Takedown Twenty and although I feel that her antics were pushed just a bit far, she is still pretty funny. I am questioning the whole giraffe storyline in this book. I didn't find it funny, and couldn't really see the purpose in it at all.
I will read Top Secret Twenty-one: A Stephanie Plum Novel, coming out in June, despite giving this one such a low rating. I cannot help myself. I will do it for the amusement of Lula & Grandma Mazur as well as to see if Stephanie finally makes some firm decisions in her life. I will read it even if I end up banging my head against a wall. Call me a sucker for punishment.
Originally posted at
My biggest complaint is that the characters haven't seen a whole lot of growth. Stephanie has been a bounty hunter for a long time, not to mention the time she has done some security work for Ranger. You would think she would have developed some skill at what she does. Instead she still refuses to use a gun, and spends more time running from her fugitives than actually picking them up. Either running or having Ranger save the day again.
I do not understand why Ranger continues to spend so much time and money on Stephanie. She can't seem to make up her mind on what their relationship is, but yet he consistently pulls her ass out of hot water, provides her with expensive vehicles and gives her backup when needed. He gets nothing in return but a few stolen kisses and says a lot of "Babe". I think I'm losing a bit of respect for him. You would think he would have given up a long time ago. Seriously, is Stephanie THAT good in bed that he'd put forth that much effort? I doubt it. She's clumsy I life, I can't imagine her being any more smooth in bed. But then, Joe is pretty consistently after her ass too, so maybe there is one area in her life she excels!
"Morelli gave me a kiss on the forehead and handed me over to Ranger to take home"
The back and forth continues. Will it ever stop? Stephanie really walks the line between them in that this is almost one of those books where she spends time in bed with both. The triangle has become frustrating and tiresome, as has Stephanie's lack of progress as a skilled bounty hunter. The light however, is that Stephanie is getting tired of all of it too, so maybe we will see some changes in the next book.
As usual, our side characters totally carry the book. I found I was laughing out loud at Lula's antics. There was quite a bit of Grandma Mazur in Takedown Twenty and although I feel that her antics were pushed just a bit far, she is still pretty funny. I am questioning the whole giraffe storyline in this book. I didn't find it funny, and couldn't really see the purpose in it at all.
I will read Top Secret Twenty-one: A Stephanie Plum Novel, coming out in June, despite giving this one such a low rating. I cannot help myself. I will do it for the amusement of Lula & Grandma Mazur as well as to see if Stephanie finally makes some firm decisions in her life. I will read it even if I end up banging my head against a wall. Call me a sucker for punishment.
Originally posted at
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes