Things are pretty much the same in Trenton New Jersey for Stephanie Plum. She is still a bail bondsman at her cousin Vinnie’s place. She is still hanging around with Lulu, the over sized woman in the undersized clothes, and she is still attracted to two men – Morelli the cop, and Ranger the dark and mysterious bounty hunter who runs Rangeman Inc. And of course, cars in her care tend to blow up.
In Finger Lickin’ Fifteen Lulu is witness to a beheading and subsequently becomes the murderer’s targeted witness. As Stephanie does what she can to protect her friend Lulu, even letting her take over her own apartment therefore forcing her to stay at Ranger’s (is it forced? Even Stephanie is unsure…).
When Lulu decides the best way to catch the killers is by drawing them out in the open at a barbecue Competition that the victim was supposed to be promoting – things get spicy and sticky. Lulu with the help of Stephanie’s Granda Muzur decide to try their hand at making a winning barbecue sauce that proves to be more than anyone could have anticipated.
many years ago I discovered Janet Evanovich with One For The Money. The story was funny, quirky and for the most part I liked the characters. I proceeded to follow this series, anxiously awaiting the next book along with a few members of my book club. We devoured these books all the way up to Twelve Sharp. At that point, the story line took a turn for the worse (in my opinion) and at that point I stopped reading the series.
Recently while I was in my local library I found this audio on the shelves and I had a twinge of the things I remember liking about the series. Errr….. mainly Morelli and Ranger.
Ok… Ok…..
Ranger.
I scooped up this audio and brought it home.
The verdict?
The Stephanie Plum books could be compared to a soap opera. You could miss a few years of episodes (in this case books) and see a new one and fall right back in where you left off. Stephanie is as I remember her. Lulu and Grandma Muzur too. Her parents? The same. Her office? The same. Even the two leading men have not changed nor has their relationship with Stephanie.
While I did enjoy a few chuckles throughout this audio, and a few scowls as well as sometimes the language annoys me…. I did not get the felling I was missing much by letting this series go. This book was much like all the others just a different crime to solve.
It was a nice series to revisit, I enjoyed catching up… but now I am ready to move on.
Amazon rating
The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map has been updated to include Finger Lickin’ Fifteen
This is an audio borrowed from my local library
Book Journey 
Yeah, I’m kind of over this series too. I think Stephanie needs to pick between Joe and Ranger and move on.
Thats where I am too Kathy – too many books … same scenario……
LOL! I got this book signed by the author. Boy was that a crazy night in Barnes and Noble.
That had to be a crazy night! 😀 I bet Janet Evanovich is a fun author to meet in person!
I’ve only read a couple of books in this series…I do have another book by this author that is not in the series—Wicked Appetite. I’m curious to read it. Soon….
I read one other book by her Laurel – I cant remember what it was called – it was just a light small read – like a cozy.
I’m no longer in a hurry to read each one as it comes out. I grab them at the library when I see them but no longer worry about when I get to them. They usually amuse me enough and read really fast. Good summary of this one.
It was a fun revisit Jill but I am good if I never read another one. It would be fun to see who she winds up with but at this point I am not even sure if that matters. 🙂
I just stumbled upon your blog by way of http://lifeinthethumb.blogspot.com/. I am an immediate fan – I feel exactly the same way about this series. I used to be all over it, and Ranger- now, I am just kind of, meh. Good quick reads, but not really on my radar anymore.
Hi Erin – welcome! 😀
It was just too drawn out to keep me interested…. it was a good thing but I thing Evanovoch really just needs to wrap it up and move on.
I have read several of Berg’s books and never been disappointed by any of them. I checked out your blog about choosing audio books and can highly recommend:
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Soulless by Gail Carringer
and all of the Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness
Also I agree with not changing a writer’s work to be politically correct in our era.
Have a great week!
Thanks Jan!
I love this series. No, there is no character development. No, the relationships don’t change. No, there are no redeeming literary qualities. Do I still love it? You bet the Route 1 traffic heading up to New Brunswick I do!
This series is like brain candy – pure pleasure.
I’m also a Jersey girl, so it’s fun for me to read about the places I know so well…and the PEOPLE I know so well. I can hear these voices in my head, and *get* these people. It’s like going to a high school reunion.
LOL – Alison! I have two girls in my book club who would completely agree with you! They wait for each new book to come out and but on release day! 😀
We both liked “the Art Of Racing In the Rain”–very good! Here’s the link to our review of it if you are interested: http://ourstack.blogspot.com/2010/07/art-of-racing-in-rain-by-garth-stein.html
I am currently reading “Perfect Chemistry”, a teen fiction book and Gerard is reading the “Lock Artist” (something like that). We’ll have our teasers up tomorrow on these.
I really want to read Perfect Chemistry!
This was the last one I read and then I decided no more because they are all the same!