Whenever I need a laugh, I turn to Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. My best friend first introduced me to the series a couple of years ago. I quickly read the first eleven books and then stopped over a year ago as I didn’t want them to end! J. Kaye’s wonderful Stephanie Plum Reading Challenge is perfectly designed for me to finally get into gear and finish this series!I listened to an audiobook version of Twelve Sharp read by Lorelei King. Ms. King did an excellent job of putting a unique voice to each character. I loved out loud several times while listening to this book! At the end of the audiobook there is a great interview with Janet Evanovich. I love the bonus!
In Twelve Sharp, Stephanie’s life is complicated when Mrs. Ranger shows up ready to shoot her. When Ranger’s daughter is also kidnapped and Ranger is on the run, Stephanie has to determine what is going on as well as try to bring in some FTAs to pay her rent. Soon she finds herself running for her life.
I love the colorful secondary characters, such as Melvin Pickle. I love the name, especially as he is a “pervert.” This alone made me laugh. Other returning characters such as Lula and Grandma are hilarious.
Of course I have to mention my favorite part, the love triangle between Stephanie, Ranger, and Joe Morelli. Stephanie finds herself in love with both men, and I feel for her. I love in this novel that we get more detail about Ranger. I love a good love triangle, but after twelve books, I just want her to pick one!
Overall, a quick, funny action story with a great mystery that kept me entertained throughout. If you haven’t read any Evanovich, I highly recommend One For the Money.
This is my first item in the Stephanie Plum Reading Challenge.
Audiobook Source: The Kewaunee Public Library
Isn't this an excellent series to listen to? I like this series too, but I was ready for her to pick and settle a bit, at least, by number 10. Is Stephanie going to be in her 80's in the nursing home, solving crimes like who stole the skim-covered pudding from the cafeteria and trying to pick between her cane holding boyfriends??
ReplyDeleteOh well, I agree that her books are really funny though and filled with great characters. I guess I'll take what I can get, a commitment phobic New Jerseyite for the good and the bad.
Great review!
I have read the first two books and have loved them. I am not certain I can stick with the series though as Stephanie's indecisiveness I think will grate on my nerves. I shall see...
ReplyDeleteGlad to know that you like the audiobook. I think I will give the audio version a try. My only problem is that it seems audible.com carries more of the abridged versions. These books are not long to begin with so I can only imagine the abridged versions not being that good.
Oh well, I will search out the unabridged audios. Thanks for recommending them.
I will keep this one in mind. Thanks, Laura!
ReplyDeleteTruthfully, I think that the fact that I don't read them back-to-back has helped me to overcome Stephanie's indecisive nature. I would really love her to pick one though!!
ReplyDeleteLula - You are hilarious!!! In the interview, Evanovich said that Stephanie has not aged at all through the series and is still about 30. She is kind of like Nancy Drew . . . eternally 30. If only the rest of us could stay that way!
I love the Stephanie Plum books but I mete them at one at a time when I need something that's sure to be quick and fun!
ReplyDeleteIf you like Janet Evanovich (which I do) you might like "Moonlighting in Vermont" by Kate George. New writer; old friend; good read! I'll bet you like it!
ReplyDeleteOh I completely agree. I just listened to it too and laughed out loud several times. I love Lulu and Grandma Mazer.
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