Book Review of “Lean Mean Thirteen” By Janet Evanovich

Lean Mean Thirteen

By Janet Evanovich

So the story is about Stephanie Plum’s ex-husband’s disappearance. Dickie Orr, an attorney, mysteriously disappears that too soon after she has attacked him in his office. So evidently, she becomes the prime suspect. There’s more tension because Dickie has left behind an estate worth $40 million and of course many people are after it and hence on Stephanie’s trail. The prime one being Joyce, Dickie’s girlfriend and Stephanie’s nemesis. Then there are Dickie’s (illegal) former partners who wouldn’t hesitate a bit to apply a flamethrower to anyone getting in their way. So while Stephanie is still trying to assort her FTAs and Joe under cover, it’s Ranger’s task to keep her protected at all times.

The whole drama of finding Dickie brings in the entertainment bit in the book.

Lots of laughter, lots of funny situations – who really cares for the story then eh?!

Maybe this is what Janet thought while penning Lean Mean Thirteen.

Stephanie still unable to decide between Joe Morelli and Ranger; Lula still in her weird best; quirky Grandma Mazur bringing in craziness to the whole plot; Stephanie destroying car(s); etc.

No real character development here, but quite a few hilarious intances that actually get you laughing out loud!

 

Book Review of “Fearless Fourteen” by Janet Evanovich

Fearless Fourteen

By Janet Evanovich

 

I mite be biased towards the author and her writing, maybe ‘coz for long she has entertained me too much to criticize any of her work.

In Fearless Fourteen, Plum is babysitting a teenager, Zook, Loretta’s avid internet gamer son.

Plum also is trying to keep Brenda (an aging singer who acts like a diva) away from falling into trouble, but she follows Plum around in quest of a reality show plot. Apparently there’s an unsolved nine million dollar robbery (for which Dom has done time and now released) and the money appears to be somewhere in Joe Morelli’s house. Loretta has been kidnapped and the kidnapper sends “toes” to stress the grim situation asking for the nine million dollars as ransom. Loretta, Dom and Joe are cousins.

Grandma Mazur seems to be enthralled by Zook’s internet game and is bent on forming her own gang of overage crooks.

Lula on the other hand is engaged to Tank (her boyfriend) and keeps driving Plum crazy with her wedding plans.

Too many things happening at the same time for Plum make for the usual madness that reflects in Evanovichs’ writing.

Evanovich tastefully describes life in Trenton, NJ. She has the knack of creating witty situations and comments. It has a good dose of humor and laughter with Stephanie Plum, Ranger, Joe, Lula, Grandma Mazur, entertaining the readers throughout.

Some places the writing seems to have dived head-on crashing into the depths of monotony. The flow of the story that should’ve been natural seemed a bit pushy and forced. The characters somewhere seem to have lost their charm.

Overall, funny and entertaining, Fearless Fourteen makes for a one time read.

 

Book Review of “Plum Spooky” By Janet Evanovich

Plum Spooky

By Janet Evanovich

 

This was definitely like a breath of fresh air – utterly lengthy but highly entertaining and hilarious.

You get to see more of Carl (the monkey), Diesel, Grandma Mazur – all who crack you up time and again.

So this one has Stephanie trying to trace Martin Munch, a wiz kid who wants to the run the world by teaming up with Wulf (Gerwulf Grimoire). Of course what follows is a series of trouble and cuss words throughout the wild and wacky adventure (what a trip!). The most appealing thing about Stephanie is her character – as human as it could be – with a good heart and soul and relatable flaws.

This book is too much of fun.
Carl shows more intelligence than a regular monkey giving Stephanie a hard time; Lulu and Tank argue and fight over everything possible; Ranger’s smile (finally!); Joe Morelli’s concern for his brother Anthony; all in all – good fun read!