Book Review for Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich #bookreview #stephanieplum #janetevanovich

Book Review for: Sizzling Sixteen

Written by: Janet Evanovich

St. Martin's Press

ISBN: 978-0-312-38330-5

I read: the hardback

4 Stars

A Plum Full o' Trouble!

Evanovich pens a rousing, entertaining installment of the Stephanie Plum series with "Sizzling Sixteen." Cousin Vinnie has put the bail bonds office in danger. His gambling debts are high and he's been writing bad bonds to cover them. Now Vinnie's missing and if Connie, Stephanie, and Lula can't come up with the ransom in time, Vinnie will be toast and the bonds office will have to shut down for good. What's a Plum to do?

Things are more complicated than they appear. Vinnie's debt has landed him in the middle of a gang war. Stephanie has to step up her game to find him. With help from Connie and her stink bombs along with Ranger's security team, can she get her cousin out of his pickle?

Evanovich's writing style is witty and easy to read. The pacing is well balanced, allowing the reader to catch their breath before accelerating again. The plot highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Stephanie's character. She's a loyal friend and determined, but also indecisive when it comes to the men in her life.

The supporting cast adds laughter and levity to the story. A Plum novel always has surprises, like Vinnie's rescue, which I didn't expect when it came, however the suspense and tension fell a bit flat due to the remoteness of the bad guys to the characters.

"Sizzling Sixteen" is a cozy mystery. The plot is engaging and will keep the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. I recommend this story for 14 years on up. This novel is a fun read!

Question: Who is your favorite Stephanie Plum character? 

Book Review: Fearless 14 by Janet Evanovich

Book Review for: Fearless Fourteen

Writen by: Janet Evanovich

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 978-0312349516

Avail: Ebook, paperback, hardback

3.5 Stars

Funny and Suspenseful

Evanovich brings her unique brand of humor and nail-biting suspense to Stephanie Plum’s latest adventure in Fearless Fourteen. Dom Rizzi robbed a bank and hid the money which was never found. Now that he’s out, people are coming out of the woodwork looking for a dollar or two from the stashed loot.

When Dom’s sister, Loretta, a skip Stephanie is helping out, is kidnapped, Steph’s stuck with Loretta’s teenage son, Zook. She takes the teenager to Morelli’s house, but soon people are breaking into Morelli’s house looking for the money Dom hid.

When Dom’s associates start to show up dead, Stephanie realizes time is running out to find Loretta. As she gets closer to the kidnapper and money, Dom goes missing and the kidnappers start sending Morelli body parts. Can Stephanie find Loretta and the money before more people die?

Evanovich’s writing is crisp and easy to read. The story has a nice blend of action and characterization. The supporting cast continues to entertain, especially as Lula plans her wedding to Tank. If anything, the Morelli/Loretta angle is a bit unsettling, and it felt like Evanovich was reaching for a twist that wasn’t really needed.

“Fearless Fourteen” is a cozy mystery that offers laughter, suspense, and will the keep the reader turning the pages to find out if Steph and Morelli can find the money and save Loretta before the bad guys can.

Question: Who is your favorite supporting character in the Stephanie Plum series? 

Book Review: Lean Mean 13 by Janet Evanovich

Book Review for: Lean Mean Thirteen

Written by: Janet Evanovich

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 978-0-312-34950-0

Avail in ebook and in print

4 Stars

“Suspenseful to the end!”

Evanovich remains fresh with another tale full of suspense that will you guessing with “Lean Mean Thirteen.” When Ranger asks Stephanie to plant a bug on her ex-husband, Dickie, trouble follows her everywhere.

Stephanie goes to Dickie’s office to plant Ranger’s bug and loses her cool. She chokes Dickie and takes Aunt Tootsie’s clock back before leaving. Next thing she knows, Dickie’s missing, blood is everywhere, and she’s the main suspect!

To clear her good name, Stephanie becomes more involved in Ranger’s investigation. She soon learns that Dickie’s partners deal drugs, sell weapons, and use the business to launder money. As Stephanie is drawn deeper into Dickie’s problems, she becomes a target, and the weapon of choice is a flamethrower! There’s plenty of twists and surprises, but can Morelli and Ranger keep her safe?

Evanovich’s writing is crisp, sharp, and witty. The supporting cast still entertains. Lula and Grandma Mazur are back, along with Coglin, an FTA who can’t get any service from the cable company. Evanovich maybe 13  books into the series, but each story’s plot is still creative and original.

“Lean Mean Thirteen” is a cozy mystery. There are unexpected twists and a couple of surprises that will keep you on your toes. If you enjoy a good “whodunit” with lots of laughs, you’ll enjoy this book.

Question for you: Who is your favorite character in the series?