Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich (2010) – BR00112 (2017) – 🐸🐸🐸⚪⚪

The PolyBlog

September 29 2017

Plot or Premise

Vinnie has gambling debts, and if he doesn’t cough up $800K, he’s toast. Which would put Connie, Lulu and Stephanie out of work, so they pitch in to help. If they can keep him safe that long.

What I Liked

The various options to get money to save Vinnie were varied, fun and creative. And the plot involving the Bulgarian was decent.

What I Didn’t Like

It takes a LONG time to get to the solution, and the Hobbit ending was a bit over the top.

The Bottom Line

Still an enjoyable read, but the plot was thin.

Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich (2009) – BR00111 (2017) – 🐸🐸🐸⚪⚪

The PolyBlog

September 29 2017

Plot or Premise

Stephanie is back working at RangeMan undercover to help Ranger track down the cause of some recent break-ins at his clients’ homes. Meanwhile, Lulu wants to either find who whacked a BBQ chef or win the BBQ sauce context, she’s flexible.

What I Liked

The varying combinations of BBQ attempts are epic, as are the gaseous results. 

What I Didn’t Like

The story behind the chef is so-so, and the resolution of the break-ins is almost happenstance. Yawn.

The Bottom Line

Readable, funny, but not compelling.

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich (2008) – BR00110 (2017) – 🐸🐸🐸⚪⚪

The PolyBlog

September 28 2017

Plot or Premise

Morelli’s cousin committed a robbery years ago and the money was never found. Now people think it is hidden in Morelli’s house and everybody wants some of it.

What I Liked

The story generally revolves around providing security for an aging country star, and it’s an interesting diversion. In addition, Stephanie is looking after a teenager that may or may not be Morelli’s illegitimate son.

What I Didn’t Like

There’s a stalker running around the story, which everyone thinks is funny, not sure why.

The Bottom Line

Good story, not the most compelling.

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich (2007) – BR00109 (2017) – 🐸🐸🐸🐸⚪

The PolyBlog

September 27 2017

Plot or Premise

Ranger needs Stephanie to find out what’s going on with Dickie Orr, her ex-husband. Which she does, in normal Stephanie fashion – she brings the crazy.

What I Liked

Dickie going missing is no big deal, but at least it’s the basis for a decent plot. Sort of, anyway. But the exploding taxidermy makes up for it. Plus everyone’s views on the cable company.

What I Didn’t Like

Very little — even Joyce and Dickie were okay this go around. The flamethrower was a bit over the top though.

The Bottom Line

Good addition with lots of extra but useful characters.

Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich (2006) – BR00108 (2017) – 🐸🐸🐸🐸⚪

The PolyBlog

September 27 2017

Plot or Premise

Ranger’s daughter is kidnapped and Stephanie wants to help. Of course, the arrival of Ranger’s supposed wife puts a small crimp in their relationship. And there’s a fake extra Ranger running around!

What I Liked

The extra help around the office is fun, as is the interviewing of extra bounty hunters. And Ranger is acting very un-Ranger-like, very off-balance which is interesting.

What I Didn’t Like

The whole extra storyline with Lulu, Sweet, Grandma and a band was pretty extraneous.

The Bottom Line

A little different from the norm, not a bad thing.