Tag Archives: novel

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich (2011) – BR00116 (2018) – 🐸🐸🐸🐸⚪

The PolyBlog
July 22 2018

Plot or Premise

While on a flight back from a trip to Hawaii with both Ranger and Morelli (it’s complicated), Stephanie’s seatmate gets whacked during a layover and everyone thinks Stephanie knows something.

What I Liked

While the lighter side of the Plum series is the main draw, it is nice to see that once in awhile it goes a bit darker. Stephanie has real bruises and knife nickmarks, and Morelli and Ranger had a knock-down drag-out fight, with Stephanie doing the dragging (it is only told as a past event, but still good even if you don’t actually “see it”).

What I Didn’t Like

As always, there are a few too many incompetents running around, and too many coincidences.

The Bottom Line

A little darker than usual.

Smoking Seventeen by Janet Evanovich (2011) – BR00113 (2017) – 🐸🐸🐸⚪⚪

The PolyBlog
September 30 2017

Plot or Premise

Bodies are popping up on the construction lot for the new bonds office, and somehow it all connects to Stephanie.

What I Liked

While figuring out who is using the site as a body farm, they also get to arrest an old vampire, deal with a culinary matchmaking option, a bear, and Stephanie’s libido in overdrive.

What I Didn’t Like

Yet again, the premise is that creepy stalker dudes are amusing. And a solution that relies on the killer revealing all.

The Bottom Line

Another fun read, but not that amazing of a plot.

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.