4.05

2

Jun 12, 2013

After Reading:

The only reason I gave this book two stars instead of one was because there was a giraffe in it. Giraffes are my favorite animals and therefore a star is earned. The book itself? Just as I figured. Stephanie cannot choose between Ranger or Morelli. Stephanie has klutzy moments and bad things happen to her. Stephanie nearly gets killed. Stephanie gets the eye on her again. Lula is still is tight clothes but no strange diets. Grandma doesn't shoot anyone but she is still involved. After Reading:

The only reason I gave this book two stars instead of one was because there was a giraffe in it. Giraffes are my favorite animals and therefore a star is earned. The book itself? Just as I figured. Stephanie cannot choose between Ranger or Morelli. Stephanie has klutzy moments and bad things happen to her. Stephanie nearly gets killed. Stephanie gets the eye on her again. Lula is still is tight clothes but no strange diets. Grandma doesn't shoot anyone but she is still involved. Basically if you read books 1-19 you know what happens in this book. Different murder scenario, different killer, Stephanie somehow saves the day and there is a giraffe and bingo. This series officially died for me about five books ago.

I am unsurprisingly supremely disappointed.




Before Reading:

Please let this book be the last in the series and PLEASE let it end on a high note! The last five books were all pretty much the same and I'd hate for this to drag out too much longer.

7/15/13 EDIT: Oooh we have a cover! Interesting. ...more

1

Nov 13, 2013

I don't think I've ever rated a book one star. I'm so disappointed in where the Plum series has gone. The series still has potential to be something different, something good, but I swear since book 16 it has been the same thing over and over. How many times is Stephanie's car going to break down or get shot at? How many times are they going to go to the funeral home? How many times is Stephanie going to get the eye? How many times is she going to take down the murderer without actually taking I don't think I've ever rated a book one star. I'm so disappointed in where the Plum series has gone. The series still has potential to be something different, something good, but I swear since book 16 it has been the same thing over and over. How many times is Stephanie's car going to break down or get shot at? How many times are they going to go to the funeral home? How many times is Stephanie going to get the eye? How many times is she going to take down the murderer without actually taking down the murderer? In this book Stephanie even said "we've done this before." It's become repetitive and is no longer entertaining. I'm also disappointed in who Stephanie is as a character. One minute she's kissing Ranger and the next she's with Morelli. It was fine for a few books to have her confused, but now she's just acting slutty. The choices of this character make her look worthless and cause me to not want to read about who she is and what she is doing. I will not waste the obscene amount of money it costs to read a Plum novel again. These novels are what got me into reading. I'm disappointed that they have gone on far to long with no character or story development just the same scenarios over and over again. ...more

4

Nov 25, 2018

The Stephanie Plum series is like your regular Saturday evening movie... there are always some good moments, often you'll encounter a few repetitive things, and occasionally exists the chance you might wet yourself! In Janet Evanovich's latest installment (for me, I'm behind a few books) -- #20, Takedown Twenty, here's what you need to know: (a) a giraffe is wandering around Trenton, NJ, (b) a sicko is strangling elderly women, (c) you get attacked if you attend BINGO, (d) Stephanie's guaranteed The Stephanie Plum series is like your regular Saturday evening movie... there are always some good moments, often you'll encounter a few repetitive things, and occasionally exists the chance you might wet yourself! In Janet Evanovich's latest installment (for me, I'm behind a few books) -- #20, Takedown Twenty, here's what you need to know: (a) a giraffe is wandering around Trenton, NJ, (b) a sicko is strangling elderly women, (c) you get attacked if you attend BINGO, (d) Stephanie's guaranteed to be shot at nearly 10 times and her car stolen at least a handful more, and (e) you'll want to kick Evanovich's butt if she doesn't give us another hot Ranger / Stephanie sex scene. Stop teasing me, Woman! (said in a very humorous way and not in a negative way!)

Some think the series has gotten old and tiresome. Others see it as too repetitive. As a stand-alone book, forgetting about any of the others, it's a solid story worth 4+ star. I pull back a little with the shiners because it is a little too formulaic. I don't mind some similarities but we're approaching duplicate mode in some scenes even within the same book. Her car was stolen 4 times if I counted properly. I can take twice. Maybe a third if I've been drinking and forgot the first time. But 4's pushing me, and I'm a forgiving reader.

That said, it's still laugh out loud hilarious. And if I could find a new occupation just because I want to tell people what I do, it would be to act like Lula and say I'm a reformed 'ho. I'm not sure I could pull off the sass, but it's worth a try, right? I'm gonna do some research. I'll be back with #21 next month. ...more

5

Nov 23, 2013

I am a true plum fan! Some say this book was predictable and they tired of the same thing. I understand however I still love these books. Stephanie is making small steps forward. I do think she needs to make a decision a between Ranger or Joe. I think it should be Ranger as he excepts her for who she is, asks for her help knowing she has knowledge too, shares info with her no matter what, helps her when she's over her head, protects her, loves her, does not ask her to be something she's not, and I am a true plum fan! Some say this book was predictable and they tired of the same thing. I understand however I still love these books. Stephanie is making small steps forward. I do think she needs to make a decision a between Ranger or Joe. I think it should be Ranger as he excepts her for who she is, asks for her help knowing she has knowledge too, shares info with her no matter what, helps her when she's over her head, protects her, loves her, does not ask her to be something she's not, and I do think he is ready to settle down. Yes we have to wait for her to come to this conclusion, and maybe Evanovich won't come to the same convulsion as me. But I think they deserve a chance. Let Joe see he should include her things. In 20 they are together and has a family game night and Stephanie comes over, and he's like oh didn't think you would want to come, hell he going to family dinner with her all the time and he doesn't extend the invite at all, that's crap. I think it's time Stephanie meets Rangers mother. It's time for them to get together, especially after the bridge incident, Ranger does not just want sex. ...more

1

Sep 01, 2013

After reading the first two chapters today, I think I am done with the series. Spoilers::: It picks up the day after book 19 ends. In 19 Steph had 2 huge bonds with what the totals should have been She should have $$$$$ yet she is driving a POS rusted out white taurus. Morelli was shot in the last book and is back to work the next day,. OH and there is a Giraffe running around Trenton. Really enough with the stupid animals in the books too.. I really wonder if JE is actually writing these After reading the first two chapters today, I think I am done with the series. Spoilers::: It picks up the day after book 19 ends. In 19 Steph had 2 huge bonds with what the totals should have been She should have $$$$$ yet she is driving a POS rusted out white taurus. Morelli was shot in the last book and is back to work the next day,. OH and there is a Giraffe running around Trenton. Really enough with the stupid animals in the books too.. I really wonder if JE is actually writing these anymore or if she has a team of writers she has hired to just type these things out.


WASTE OF TIME felt like 90% of the book was just copy and pasted from other books.. with new lines thrown in here and there... ...more

1

Nov 19, 2013

As much as it pains me to admit it, I'm breaking up with Morelli and Ranger. While I love them both, I can no longer go on reading this garbage being thrown at us by Janet Evanovich. I'm not sure if she's going senile or if she's having someone else write these books, but the last 4 books have been complete garbage, and this one is no exception.

There is a giraffe on the loose in Trenton, New Jersey. A giraffe. Lula decided to name it Kevin. It just gets dumber from there. There were no laughs, As much as it pains me to admit it, I'm breaking up with Morelli and Ranger. While I love them both, I can no longer go on reading this garbage being thrown at us by Janet Evanovich. I'm not sure if she's going senile or if she's having someone else write these books, but the last 4 books have been complete garbage, and this one is no exception.

There is a giraffe on the loose in Trenton, New Jersey. A giraffe. Lula decided to name it Kevin. It just gets dumber from there. There were no laughs, Grandma Mozur was more creepy than funny and Stephanie still can't make a decision about her love life. I'm incredibly bored and incredibly done. Don't waste your time on this one. ...more

4

Dec 01, 2013

I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this novel, the last few of this series have felt very stuck in a rut. I've seen reviews that felt the same was true for this one, but I saw subtle things that made me feel like Janet Evanovich is finally moving things forward in some small way.

The men:

This is one of the largest areas of frustration for a lot of readers. Nothing ever really happens. To some extent I can see why Stephanie is stuck. She thinks Joe is the one. Others think she should settle I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this novel, the last few of this series have felt very stuck in a rut. I've seen reviews that felt the same was true for this one, but I saw subtle things that made me feel like Janet Evanovich is finally moving things forward in some small way.

The men:

This is one of the largest areas of frustration for a lot of readers. Nothing ever really happens. To some extent I can see why Stephanie is stuck. She thinks Joe is the one. Others think she should settle down with him. She is quasi committed to him, loves him and has great sex with him. Should be easy, right? Not for Stephanie.

Joe wants her, but he also wants everything she's not, a domestic housewife. So most of the books are about him wanting her to change in some way. Part of her wants that change, as we are finally seeing in this book with the crockpot/vacuum mentions, however we are also seeing how not natural that is to her. Microwave explosion incident anyone?

However I am seeing less in this book of Joe trying to change her and being a bit more accepting of her. Yet I'm also seeing how not a part of his family she is, how much she doesn't fit at this point. To me this is small movement, setting up them potentially getting together or deciding it will never work. It's growth in them in some small way.

The biggest problem for them right now, however, is Ranger (I will clarify I am totally team Ranger). Stephanie is torn between her quasi commitment to Joe and her curiosity and attraction to Ranger (that man has the patience of a saint with her).

I don't see her happily committing to Joe as long as the question of Ranger remains, yet how does she explore what she feels, the attraction to Ranger without hurting Joe and potentially loosing him? In this book I saw a lot less of Stephanie resisting Ranger and a lot more of her wanting him while situations kept then apart. To me that is movement. I think Ranger sees it much the same way.

In this book I finally saw Ranger acknowledging the potential of being in a relationship, even while brushing it off. Ranger wants her, protects her and is willing to wait for her. He is patient beyond what a man who only wants sex ever is. He likes Stephanie just as Stephanie is. However he really needs to decide if he can give her what she wants/needs.

He is showing signs of that when he point blank says to Stephanie she needs to make a choice. Acknowledging there is a question and he wants to be a choice. Her response of I keep making a choice shows how much she wants it to be simple, but it just isn't for her. Again movement.

All of these this are subtle shifts setting up a situation where Stephanie will either have to commit fully to Joe, loosing Ranger or give it a shot with Ranger and risk loosing Joe. While Ranger has been patient, no man can wait forever.

Career:

I finally saw real consideration of what she wants. She has briefly contemplated it before, even looked before, but never have I seen as much of it considered as seriously as she did in this one, going as far as quitting. I also saw a more competent Stephanie, showing some ability in the detective work/side of things in helping Ranger. A potential HEA work solution with less risk and potentially more reward.

Overall the story was very Stephanie Plum: car destruction; mayhem and mishaps; close sexual calls with Ranger while being with Joe; zany happenings that somehow belong in the end. Some say that's getting boring, repetitive, I say that's a Stephanie Plum novel. Without them it's something else entirely.

I actually felt a bit of a shift in this book, towards the end? Towards a choice? Not sure but it has been actually looking forward to the next novel and hoping for more. ...more

0

Sep 13, 2013

I really hope they don't change Loreli King as the narrator in the audio. She has truly defined these characters through her narration.

3

May 26, 2016

The thing about having a love triangle for 20 books is that people are pretty firmly planted on one team by now. This makes the book reading experience something along the lines of:

Reading along... where's my book boyfriend?



Book boyfriend makes appearance... Omg! He's the best ever! Wait, let me re-read what he said again. Now, I'm going to analyze it and think of all the reasons she should pick him.



OTHER guy shows up.... Sigh! Oh brother, I just hate him so much. Look at him acting like an ass The thing about having a love triangle for 20 books is that people are pretty firmly planted on one team by now. This makes the book reading experience something along the lines of:

Reading along... where's my book boyfriend?



Book boyfriend makes appearance... Omg! He's the best ever! Wait, let me re-read what he said again. Now, I'm going to analyze it and think of all the reasons she should pick him.



OTHER guy shows up.... Sigh! Oh brother, I just hate him so much. Look at him acting like an ass and thinking he's all that. What a dick!



Unresolved triangle continues on.... I swear, if she doesn't pick my guy I'm going to freak out and start hurting people!!




Yeah, so that's my review. Go Team Ranger!
...more

3

Nov 16, 2016

Now that I'm on the road a lot, I've become a big fan of audiobooks. But I'm a little like Goldilocks with my set of requirements, nothing too complicated, nothing too deep. The Stephanie Plum series is the perfect mindless, fun entertainment for a long car ride. I've only read about dozen and this is the first I've listened to. They're formulaic in the extreme. Each book has the same themes - Stephanie as a lousy bail bondsman, Lula as a comic foil, sexual tension with Ranger and inability to
Now that I'm on the road a lot, I've become a big fan of audiobooks. But I'm a little like Goldilocks with my set of requirements, nothing too complicated, nothing too deep. The Stephanie Plum series is the perfect mindless, fun entertainment for a long car ride. I've only read about ½ dozen and this is the first I've listened to. They're formulaic in the extreme. Each book has the same themes - Stephanie as a lousy bail bondsman, Lula as a comic foil, sexual tension with Ranger and inability to commit with Morelli. They are the empty calories of the book world. But as long as you don't make a steady diet of them, they are enjoyable and good fun.

The narrator does a good job here, other than her voice for Ranger sounding Russian to me.

...more

1

Nov 20, 2013

If you have read the last 6-7 books in the series, then you don't need to waste your time. Just seems to be a "copy and paste". This series stopped being funny around book 13; why did I even bother? Seriously, how can you word the same descriptions and scenarios differently after 20 books...the answer: You can't; and Evanovich doesn't. Time to really shake things up with this series or retire it. I believe at this point I could give the "plot line" to my Saint Bernard and he could write a more If you have read the last 6-7 books in the series, then you don't need to waste your time. Just seems to be a "copy and paste". This series stopped being funny around book 13; why did I even bother? Seriously, how can you word the same descriptions and scenarios differently after 20 books...the answer: You can't; and Evanovich doesn't. Time to really shake things up with this series or retire it. I believe at this point I could give the "plot line" to my Saint Bernard and he could write a more entertaining book. Seriously, is she even writing these? I used to love Evanovich and her humor; now I feel cheated out of the money spent buying the book. ...more

4

Oct 30, 2013

In this 20th book in the 'Stephanie Plum' series, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is helping hunt down a killer. All the books in the series can be read as standalones.

*****

Stephanie Plum is trying to accomplish two goals: nab the mobster "Uncle Sunny" for skipping out on his bail and help Ranger find out who's killing elderly women and throwing them in dumpsters.



As usual Stephanie and her sidekick Lula are hilarious. Stephanie can't go a couple of days without starting a fire, getting some cars
In this 20th book in the 'Stephanie Plum' series, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is helping hunt down a killer. All the books in the series can be read as standalones.

*****

Stephanie Plum is trying to accomplish two goals: nab the mobster "Uncle Sunny" for skipping out on his bail and help Ranger find out who's killing elderly women and throwing them in dumpsters.



As usual Stephanie and her sidekick Lula are hilarious. Stephanie can't go a couple of days without starting a fire, getting some cars wrecked, and having killers pursue her. And Lula is in fine form as she pursues her goal of acquiring a genuine designer handbag.



Add in Grandma Mazur and Kevin the Giraffe and this is a great, fun mystery.



You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.... ...more

1

Nov 19, 2013

I thought it was lousy. I can't put it any clearer than that. Morelli and Ranger were cardboard cutouts, spouting their predictable lines, and Stephanie just seemed to be going through the motions. Completely unbelievable, no character depth whatsoever. Won't be reading another installment of this series. I want the old days, when the characters were fleshed out and three dimensional. This whole triangle thing has gone on so long that it's tired and weak. Nobody would have stuck around as part I thought it was lousy. I can't put it any clearer than that. Morelli and Ranger were cardboard cutouts, spouting their predictable lines, and Stephanie just seemed to be going through the motions. Completely unbelievable, no character depth whatsoever. Won't be reading another installment of this series. I want the old days, when the characters were fleshed out and three dimensional. This whole triangle thing has gone on so long that it's tired and weak. Nobody would have stuck around as part of this triangle for this long, and no guy is going to foist his girlfriend off on the competition, as Morelli keeps doing. ...more

3

Nov 25, 2013

Did I ever tell you how much I've enjoyed and liked all of Janet Evanovich's books?!?! (except the romances, read a few but not really into those). I wait every year with baited breath for the next Stephanie Plum book to come out. But the last few I've been more and more disappointed in each time.

Takedown Twenty, Janet Evanovich's latest book in the Stephanie Plum series is here....and boy I'm I glad I won it and didn't pay for it. I would be looking for a refund!
Is Ms. Evanovich writing too Did I ever tell you how much I've enjoyed and liked all of Janet Evanovich's books?!?! (except the romances, read a few but not really into those). I wait every year with baited breath for the next Stephanie Plum book to come out. But the last few I've been more and more disappointed in each time.

Takedown Twenty, Janet Evanovich's latest book in the Stephanie Plum series is here....and boy I'm I glad I won it and didn't pay for it. I would be looking for a refund!
Is Ms. Evanovich writing too many series with other authors now? As the last few books seem to either; a) have been written by someone else, b) called in from vacation, or c) copy and pasted parts from other books in the series.

(view spoiler)[ Storyline: big local mobster, who just happens to be boyfriend and a detective cop Joe Morelli's real life godfather and nephew of his crazy grandmother Bella's nephew, has a Failed to Appear (FTA) on him and Stephanie is suppose to pick him up to save the bond. Twice she tracks him down only to end up with broken fingers, and getting the evil eye from grandma Bella and general Steph mishaps.
Seems to me that a real cop detective (boyfriend Joe) would be helping in this search not just staying out of it because it's family and he doesn't want to upset his mom or grandma Bella. I've never heard of a cop doing that? Perhaps a few do or most like hand the case over to someone else, but not even to help his girlfriend does he get involved.
I don't get it???

Steph's other case is to pick up the local gang leader Antwan, who appears to be more trouble than he's worth to pick up but in the end she bummbling gets her man.

Meanwhile old grannys are ending up dead in dumpsters and Ranger has asked Stephanie to look into it and see if she can go to funeral wakes, bingo etc. with her grandma to see if she can pick up any clues.

Then Lula and Steph keep spotting a giraffe??? and Lula is thinking she can communicate with the giraffe she's named "Kevin", still wearing her too tight clothes and thinking she's the best looking large sized woman, former "ho" around.
I will admit, Ranger and Lula always give me great laughs, but I found I was getting annoyed just chapters into this book.

When is Stephanie going to see the writing on the wall with Joe?? I thought she started to when all Joe's family including the wicked grandma Bella came over to watch the ball game and that he liked cattle tongue and blood sausage like the rest of his family. This showing he and Steph have less and less in common.... and she said "never mind" to having a further relationship talk with Joe.

When Lula calls the cops, fire dept. and Ranger to save Steph and her grandma in the end, after an initial hug Joe hands off Steph to Ranger to take home...which he did a couple of times in this book.

Ah take a clue Steph, Ranger is the one rescuing you from being thrown over a bridge and gives you cars no matter how many get destroyed, as he said in a previous book, he writes them off under "entertainment" as every time she has his whole crew in the office crack up and run pool on how many days each car will last. Why isn't Joe taking care of you? except after she broke her finger and even then he was hoping for some sex not just there to take care of her. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry Janet, it's time for Steph to dump Joe and get together with Ranger and enjoy an exciting if she wants, good life. Ranger finally said he was changing his mind towards relationships.... jump at it for sure!
Seems to me the books are getting shorter and shorter with the same story; Steph, gets hurt one way or another, cars of hers get wrecked, and there is either a weird stranger or animal involved, and she still can't pick which guy is the best for her.

Can we have the characters develop some and get a clue??? It's time to wrap up the series and let Steph grow up and pick the real man for her, or move onto someone new. ...more

4

Feb 02, 2017

This just gets crazier and crazier with every book. What now, you ask?
THERE'S A FREAKING GIRAFFE ON THE LOOSE IN TRENTON!

Say whaa?

Weird thing is, people of Trenton are not talking about it. It's like that big proverbial elephant in the room (elephants/giraffes, whatever), everybody knows it's there and everybody ignores it.
"You don't seem to be very disturbed by it all."
"I have people trying to kill me. A giraffe is low on my list of disturbances."
"That's where we differ," Ranger said. "I'm This just gets crazier and crazier with every book. What now, you ask?
THERE'S A FREAKING GIRAFFE ON THE LOOSE IN TRENTON!

Say whaa?

Weird thing is, people of Trenton are not talking about it. It's like that big proverbial elephant in the room (elephants/giraffes, whatever), everybody knows it's there and everybody ignores it.
"You don't seem to be very disturbed by it all."
"I have people trying to kill me. A giraffe is low on my list of disturbances."
"That's where we differ," Ranger said. "I'm used to people trying to kill me, but it's not every day I'm almost run over by a giraffe."
Ranger. He's just getting better and better. He's always there to save the day and melt all the panties in the process. I swear, the minute he desides he's ready for a real relationship, Steph is gonna drop Morelli like a hot potato, never to be picked up again. In this book we've seen what Morelli's idillic family life looks like and I just don't see Steph fitting happily into that picture. She tried to quit her crazy job, it didn't stick. I say she should embrace the crazy, ride her enchanted Big Blue and let Ranger rock her world on a regular basis.

Over and out ...more

5

May 23, 2015

Loved this book, as usual. Actually was surprised who the murderer was. I think, if I was Stephanie, I would get away from Morelli. He's hot, but his family is nuts. He never even tries to keep his crazy Grandma from trying to hurt her. His baggage makes hers look like a carry-on. She has a job he doesn't like, he has a past that involves almost every woman she knows. Right now I like Ranger much better.


Reread June 2016. Dear Ms. Plum, Although, I admire your plans for self improvement, you are Loved this book, as usual. Actually was surprised who the murderer was. I think, if I was Stephanie, I would get away from Morelli. He's hot, but his family is nuts. He never even tries to keep his crazy Grandma from trying to hurt her. His baggage makes hers look like a carry-on. She has a job he doesn't like, he has a past that involves almost every woman she knows. Right now I like Ranger much better.


Reread June 2016. Dear Ms. Plum, Although, I admire your plans for self improvement, you are good just as you are. Life is a a roller coaster; when you are climbing up, it's slow, and, the way down is fast. Just hang on, sweetie, it's a wild ride!
Best Wishes, Cyndi. P.S. Please put the watch that Ranger gave you back on.

Reread June 2018 — now that I have read this a few times I wonder at how long it took for us (the characters and myself) to figure out who the killer was. It was so obvious! I cringed every time they mentioned him. Also Grandma Bella is evil! ???? ...more

3

Jun 19, 2013

Can't wait to read this rehash of the previous stories with only minor details changed and a slightly more obvious leaning toward Morelli as Stephanie's HEA. Sarcasm aside, I will be reading this and I doubt I will be disappointed with the expectations I have for this installment.

ETA: Yeah, I totally called it.

1

Dec 03, 2013

(Spoiler alert-though nothing that can spoil it worse than already achieved by the author)

I am begging my GoodReads friends to de-friend me, if I ever buy another Janet Evanovich book again.

As an aspiring crime author, I cannot begin to imagine what Ms Evanovich thinks of her readers. Especially the loyal ones who started way back with One for the Money. Does she no longer care about us or does she think of us as 'fans' who will take any amount of "steaming sacks of horse jobbies" to quote (Spoiler alert-though nothing that can spoil it worse than already achieved by the author)

I am begging my GoodReads friends to de-friend me, if I ever buy another Janet Evanovich book again.

As an aspiring crime author, I cannot begin to imagine what Ms Evanovich thinks of her readers. Especially the loyal ones who started way back with One for the Money. Does she no longer care about us or does she think of us as 'fans' who will take any amount of "steaming sacks of horse jobbies" to quote author Stuart Macbride. Spare me the dicking giraffe running around Trenton that no-one sees except the two idiots we are supposed to love as the lead characters.

Stephanie! Spare me Rangers adolescent desire to bonk this idiot, and Morelli's giving a rats arse about her marrying him! For Pete's sake! Where did the story line about Morellis grandmas curse peter out to? Her line 'Liar liar pants on fire.' oh puhleeese! One minute she is putting an ancient curse on her and the next talking like a four year old! The giraffe no-one sees or cares about...casually explained away in a few lines at the end of the book?

Here's the thing, we are supposed to buy this character as a klutzy loveable and harumph mostly successful bounty hunter, but we never get anything that redeems her. I am sick of her puritanical attitude to sex, disguised in childish girlie language, I am sick of her totaling new vehicles in the most tediously predictable or lame manner (garbage truck?) I am sick of her scarfing down excessive amounts of rubbish food that only make Lula fatter and I am sick of her dithering about Morelli and marriage. Oh yawn. In translation, I am sick of Ms Evanovich' lazy writing - as a fan I AM DONE.

I don't care if Steph ever gets another root from Ranger in his Bvgari scented appartment, or if Bob ever scarfs up hotdogs on her couch again, and I can't wait that long for Morelli to realise she would make a terrible wife and for Grandma Mazur to shoot her at the Funeral Home while viewing the body and stealing cookies.

Janet, please try to honor the readers who have paid beaucoup bucks ($30AU per book=$600) in the hope you haven't lost the wonderful humor you had at the beginning. The original readers are 20 years older and want the stories to actually move forward.

No I know, you're saying...'say what you really think'...arent you? :-)

(If you have recently come to this series and love it well great, go on reading, but from me and the people I recommend books to in my bookstore its byeee.) ...more

3

Jul 30, 2013

Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

Seriously? A synopsis? It’s the 20th book in the series. You know what it's about. The only difference is this one has a character we haven’t seen before . . .


Einstein once said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. After the twentieth edition of Stephanie Plum getting kidnapped, shot at, blown up (for some reason that doesn’t happen this time around), burned up, broken down and busted Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

Seriously? A synopsis? It’s the 20th book in the series. You know what it's about. The only difference is this one has a character we haven’t seen before . . .


Einstein once said insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. After the twentieth edition of Stephanie Plum getting kidnapped, shot at, blown up (for some reason that doesn’t happen this time around), burned up, broken down and busted in one way, shape or form – as well as the twentieth time I sat down and read all of the aforementioned misadventures, I figure we are both insane.

What can I say about book #20. It’s more than a little stale and the laughs came less frequently. Can I really say I expect anything else from a series that has been dragging on for 20 years? (Seriously - One for the Money originally came out TWENTY years ago.) Twenty years of our indecisive little Stephanie bumbling around with skips and bumbling around trying to figure out if Ranger or Joe is the man for her. I have no idea how long Janet E. plans to keep Plum going, but I’m a glutton for punishment, so I’m sure I’ll be right there ready to read them (and at some point start hating them) – however many there are.

Me =

...more

5

Jul 28, 2013

This is one of the best books out of the Plum series. Is it fresh and new? No, Stephanie is still looking for some unlawful soul that missed court that ends up being way more than she bargained for. If you are wanting a new story line for this series then you should probably stop at book 3 or so. The charm to these books for me is the attitudes of the characters. Lula is beyond hilarious with her ideas that she is classy and sophisticated. The things she says makes me laugh right out of my seat. This is one of the best books out of the Plum series. Is it fresh and new? No, Stephanie is still looking for some unlawful soul that missed court that ends up being way more than she bargained for. If you are wanting a new story line for this series then you should probably stop at book 3 or so. The charm to these books for me is the attitudes of the characters. Lula is beyond hilarious with her ideas that she is classy and sophisticated. The things she says makes me laugh right out of my seat. Stephanie just goes with the flow and whatever happens she comes up with an out clause. Morelli is just MAN and Ranger is...well Ranger. That is the reason I read these books. I love Evanovich's writing and I love the story and I love the comfy, happy feeling these books give me. I also think Lorelei King gets better each time she narrates these books.

I hope that this series last forever because I have yet to find another series to replace the feelings I get when I listen the Stephanie and Lula spin their tales. ...more

3

Nov 21, 2013

Just fun, pure silliness, something I just need ever once in a while. After all they do say laughing relieves stress, something everyone could use as we are fast approaching the holiday season. Disliked the last in the series, but this one is more true to form.

Answering the important questions: Why is there a giraffe running down the street and where does he disappear too. Did Grandma Bella really put the evil eye on Stephanie? Will Stephanie continue to be addicted to Bingo? Will Lola go back Just fun, pure silliness, something I just need ever once in a while. After all they do say laughing relieves stress, something everyone could use as we are fast approaching the holiday season. Disliked the last in the series, but this one is more true to form.

Answering the important questions: Why is there a giraffe running down the street and where does he disappear too. Did Grandma Bella really put the evil eye on Stephanie? Will Stephanie continue to be addicted to Bingo? Will Lola go back to being a ho? Will Stephanie ever pick between Ranger and Moreno?

With both grandma's involved, Stephanie's mom hitting the bottle and rolling her eyes, how could this miss. ...more

1

Jul 30, 2013

I would have probably gone two stars, but I feel the need to offset the 4 and 5 star ratings this book is getting. I liked this book better the first time I read it...as Three To Get Deadly! I think JE even references the fact they are so similar. When? In this book, Stephanie is trying to apprehend Uncle Sunny, Joe's Godfather, and someone so beloved by people that no one wants to help her and everyone is mad at her? Sound familiar?? At one point, she knocks Sunny unconscious and as he comes I would have probably gone two stars, but I feel the need to offset the 4 and 5 star ratings this book is getting. I liked this book better the first time I read it...as Three To Get Deadly! I think JE even references the fact they are so similar. When? In this book, Stephanie is trying to apprehend Uncle Sunny, Joe's Godfather, and someone so beloved by people that no one wants to help her and everyone is mad at her? Sound familiar?? At one point, she knocks Sunny unconscious and as he comes around he mumbles 'chocolate ice cream'. In Three to Get Deadly, her beloved skip she's trying to get owns the ice cream parlor in town. Coincidence?? You decide.

Overall, same stuff different book. Is it funny to read? Sure. However, I have the same complaint I've had for several books now. No forward movement. I hate that Stephanie is Joe's girlfriend, but is messing around with Ranger. At least she didn't sleep with both of them in this book - there's an improvement. If JE is just going to continue to recycle stories from her better, earlier books, then just end the series. Either move the characters and story forward or stick a fork in it. At the very least, put some thought into the books and give the characters some depth along with a new storyline. These just feel phoned in. I'm starting to put her in the same category as James Patterson - does she even write these anymore or is it her and some other author and it's the other author that probably does the most writing. What made me love the Plum books in the beginning just doesn't seem to exist in the books anymore.

I enjoyed this series through book 14 (some argue 12 was the last good one, but I loved 13 and 14 too). So, if you're in a Plum mood, go back to the beginning and read the earlier ones. They are great re-reads and better than what is being put out now. ...more

3

Nov 23, 2013

I'm a big Stephanie Plum fan, but if you read my review for Notorious Nineteen then you know I was not thrilled with the direction that book was taking Stephanie, Lula, and her mom.

I'm happy that this book has taken a step back to the original Stephanie who is torn between two men, bumbles her way through every bounty hunter job, and has a crazy family and outrageous bff. Unlike Notorious Nineteen, I didn't feel that Stephanie came across as slutty nor did I feel the sexual references were out I'm a big Stephanie Plum fan, but if you read my review for Notorious Nineteen then you know I was not thrilled with the direction that book was taking Stephanie, Lula, and her mom.

I'm happy that this book has taken a step back to the original Stephanie who is torn between two men, bumbles her way through every bounty hunter job, and has a crazy family and outrageous bff. Unlike Notorious Nineteen, I didn't feel that Stephanie came across as slutty nor did I feel the sexual references were out of character and too raunchy for the series. And I'm glad to report that the references to Stephanie's mom's drinking were not overdone. Grandma Mazur factors into this story a bit more than usual, and picturing her on a date (and what she does on the date) is hilarious but also caused my eyeballs to twitch. A giraffe loose in the city adds to the antics as well.

And, of course, just when Stephanie is ready to talk long term commitment with Morelli, his insane family prompts her to hold back. (not that I wouldn't think twice after reading those descriptions!)

I wonder how many more the author has planned. As much as I love the series, it's time to retire Ranger, Morelli, Stephanie, and Lula. I can't imagine my life without the yearly dose of Trenton, New Jersey, but I'd like to think the author will offer me a new series to enjoy. ...more

1

Dec 15, 2013

I think I'm done with Janet Evanovich. At least until she wises up and realizes that her characters need to GROW. Every book is *exactly* like the one before, and by book twenty, those same old jokes aren't funny anymore.

4

Dec 01, 2013

I almost didn't read this book. I wasn't happy with the previous few--Stephanie's adventures were getting far too ridiculous (remember One for the Money? That one was actually pretty dark given where this series ended up.), Janet Evanovich's writing style was drifting beyond lazy towards phoning-it-in, and the plots were so disposable that I forgot what the original problem was by the resolution. I'm glad I did give in, though, because Takedown Twenty is closer to what I want from a Stephanie I almost didn't read this book. I wasn't happy with the previous few--Stephanie's adventures were getting far too ridiculous (remember One for the Money? That one was actually pretty dark given where this series ended up.), Janet Evanovich's writing style was drifting beyond lazy towards phoning-it-in, and the plots were so disposable that I forgot what the original problem was by the resolution. I'm glad I did give in, though, because Takedown Twenty is closer to what I want from a Stephanie Plum novel. The plot is relatively tight, I could remember who all the secondary characters were, the villain wasn't too ridiculous to be taken seriously, the writing is a definite improvement, and I even enjoyed Kevin the disappearing giraffe. Stephanie's misadventures in this one are zany without veering into the annoying outlandishness of some of the previous offerings. Also, I love that Stephanie uses her Bingo-won crockpot as a temporary hamster sanctuary while Rex's cage is being cleaned. ...more