Book Review: Takedown Twenty

Book Review for:  Takedown Twenty

Written by: Janet Evanovich

Published by: Bantam Books

ISBN: 978-0-345-54288-5

 

I read: the Hardback

 

4 Stars

 

Exciting, but could do without the giraffe.

 

Evanovich pens another interesting cozy mystery with “Takedown Twenty.” Morelli’s uncle, Sal Sunucch, jumps bond and Stephanie’s been tasked to rebond him. Uncle Sunny has a lot of friends, and no one want to turn him in. Stephanie is also helping Ranger to find out who’s been killing the old ladies who like to play bingo and get discounts at the local store. 

 

The cherry on the top is that there is a giraffe running wild on Stark Street that only Lula and Stephanie see. Stephanie comes close to taking down Uncle Sunny a couple of times, but breaks her finger, her nose, and gets thrown into the river. As the danger amps up, Stephanie gets cold feet, throws in the towel, and goes to work for a butcher. Can Stephanie catch Uncle Sunny and figure out who is targeting the old ladies at Bingo before her grandmother is next? 

 

Evanovich’s writing style easily draws the reader in and keeps them interested. The Uncle Sunny plot has readers engaged and curious. The giraffe subplot feels forced and only served as an unneeded distraction. 

 

The characters were entertaining as usual, and readers will find themselves among old friends. The ending sneaks up on the reader. 

 

Overall, Takedown Twenty is a fun read with old friends and new challenges. If you’re looking for a cozy read to pass the time or to catch up with friends, this one for you. 

*****

Check out my story, Young Witchcraft:

Blurb:Rachel’s secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She’s been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can’t stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic on him, but he’s got his own problems. It’s not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil’s constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and a little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have the years of Phil’s bullying ruined their relationship for good?

Buy Young Witchcraft

Book Review: Explosive 18 by Janet Ivanovich

Book Review for: Explosive Eighteen

Written by: Janet Evanovich

Bantam Books

ISBN:  978-0-345-52771-4

4 Stars

I read:  The hardback

An explosive “whodunit”

Recommended for readers 13 years or older

Evanovich pens a crafty tale full of suspense, danger, with a pinch of cozy mystery with “Explosive Eighteen.” 

On the way back from Hawaii, Stephanie picks up a coded photograph. Not thinking much of it, she throws it out. Then the fun begins. The FBI, the fake FBI, a hairdresser named Brenda, and a crazy hitman called “Razzle Dazzle” wants it.  Stephanie still has skips to catch so she can pay the bills. Lula drinks a love potion and falls in love with one of the skips. Then there’s Joyce – Stephanie’s evil nemesis, who insists on staying with Stephanie when she’s convinced someone is out to get her. Complicating matters are Ranger and Morelli. The vordu may be gone, but both men want her. Can Stephanie avoid the fake FBI, elude Razzle Dazzle, and get the info she needs from Brenda the hairdresser before her car, her home, or her life blow up again?

Evanovich’s writing style is easy to read. Her characterization is spot on with a great supporting cast that includes Lula, Connie, and Grandma Mazur. It’s the people around Stephanie who give the story heart. The plot builds nicely, but the reveal is a bit convoluted, and I was left saying ‘what just happened?’

Overall, “Explosive Eighteen” is an entertaining story that will make the reader laugh, groan in frustration, and keep them turning the pages to find out what happens next.

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

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 Tuesday: Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich #bookreview #stephanieplum #janetevanovich

Book Review for: Finger Lickin' Fifteen

Written by: Janet Evanovich

St. Martin's Press

ISBN: 978-0-312-38328-2

I read: the hardback

4 stars

Entertaining!

Evanovich pens a fun, character driven, totally entertaining cozy mystery with "Finger Lickin' Fifteen." Lula, Stephanie's plus sized friend, is a witness to a gruesome murder and the only police officer she trusts is Joe Morelli. Unfortunately, Stephanie and Joe are 'off.' The cherry on the top? Ranger, who runs a security company, has asked Stephanie to help him find out who is breaking into his clients' homes. Stephanie has her hands full with catching her own skips, Ranger's job, and keeping Lula safe.

Stephanie and Lula soon learn the murder victim is Stanley Chipotle, a world's famous chef who was entered into a local BBQ contest. Lula decides the only way to catch the killers is to enter into the BBQ contest herself, but she's got no idea how to cook BBQ. She enlists the help of Stephanie's grandma, and Larry the fireman, who has a side job as the "Cluck-in-the-Bucket" chicken.

The stakes get higher when Joe identifies Marco the Maniac as Chipotle's killer. Marco is after Lula, too. Can Lula and Stephanie capture Chipotle's killer without losing their own heads and burning the BBQ?

This effort was much better than "Plum Spooky." The writing is easy to read and instinctively makes the reader feel like a fly on the wall watching the events unfold.

The characters are likable and engaging, driving most of the action. There are plenty of laughs as Lula and Grandma attempt to perfect their BBQ. This was a very entertaining installment of the Stephanie Plum series. It reads fine as a stand alone and I was biting my nails up until the very end. This is a great book to curl up with next to the fireplace on a rainy weekend.

Question: Who's your favorite Stephanie Plum series character?