Takedown Twenty

Title: Takedown Twenty

Author: Janet Evanovich [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Bantam Books

Series: Stephanie Plum, Bk 20 (not counting the In-Betweens)

ISBN: 9780345542885

Length: 295 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the next book in the Stephanie Plum series.

Comments:

There isn't all that much I can say about this.

I read it pretty quickly.  It has many of the same elements of other Stephanie Plum books... Stephanie and Lula try to catch bonds and mostly fail.  There is shooting and fires and other dangerous elements.  There are strange elements (in this case a giraffe - Kevin).  There's the romantic triangle... Stephanie wants both Morelli and Ranger and can't have both, but she's pushing that angle 'til the end.

These are the elements that cause such criticism in many reviews, but make this an easy read for me.  Takedown Twenty fell right in my comfort zone (though a different kind of comfort zone than with Jayne Ann Krentz and Nora Roberts).  I'll keep reading the series.  However, I've decided I don't need to collect these anymore, and I won't be re-reading them.

Trailer:

Audio Sample:

Notorious Nineteen

Title: Notorious Nineteen

Author: Janet Evanovich

Publisher: Bantam Books

Series: Stephanie Plum, Bk 19 (23rd story including Between-the-Numbers)

ISBN: 9780345527745

Pages: 302

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

This is the first Stephanie Plum book I've read since I saw the One for the Money movie, so throughout the beginning of the book I kept seeing the actors instead of my usual imagined characters.  That was annoying as I'm not a huge fan of the movie (I was so excited to see it, but I believe it was poorly done).

Beyond that I really enjoyed the book.  I definitely prefer the Stephanie Plum series to the Lizzy and Diesel books.  I zipped through the book in one day (Christmas day after family functions and whatnot).  It had the fun and humorous moments I look forward to, and I was interested in the mysteries behind Stephanie's big money skip and the side security thing with Ranger.  Plus she's in a decent relationship with Morelli in this one, which suits my preferences.

Every time I read reviews of the more recent Plum books I see the same complaints... repetitive, blah, blah, blah.  I don't get it.  Stop expecting a sudden change and stop reading the series if this is an issue for you.  That's what I do with a series once I've deemed it not for me.  Personally, I have no problem with repetition so long as it flows and is fun.  I like my reading comfort zone.  (You may see me complain about repetitiveness if it doesn't fit the comfort zone qualification.)

So depending on where you fall in this repetition thing OR the ongoing Morelli vs Ranger thing, you may or may not enjoy this book.  I intend to read book 20 (or the next Between-the-Numbers book, whichever comes next).

Wicked Business

Title: Wicked Business

Author: Janet Evanovich

Publisher: Bantam Books

Series: Lizzy and Diesel aka Wicked, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780345527776

Pages: 299

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

Everyone is on the chase for another of the Stones of SALIGIA (seven deadly sin stones).  This time they've got a lead on lust (or possibly true love).  There is some fire and falling from buildings and kidnapping and whatnot.  And there's a trail of cryptic clues, fumbled spell casting, and Carl the monkey.

It took me a full week to read this book.  Perhaps I should make allowances for everything that was going on during that week.  But I think part of what took me so long is I just can't connect with Lizzy and Diesel the way I can with Stephanie Plum or even Alex Barnaby.  I've never been a big Diesel fan, and Lizzy doesn't have anything about her that especially draws me in.

Despite some amusing parts, I felt bored overall.  The story picked up some toward the end, but not enough to make a difference.   I think I'll be discontinuing this series.

A pinch of this, a dash of that...

The Shadow Killer (3rd story featuring late-night radio host Charlie D) by Gail Bowen (library copy) -

I've talked about how much I enjoy this series (both Rapid Reads and Charlie D) before.  This particular story was just as intense as the others before it.  It centered on Father's Day, and while Charlie D's take on fathers is vastly different than my own, I found the numerous father quotes (and the way certain songs were mixed in) interesting.  The only problem was how abrupt the ending was.  You go on this scary ride that stops just at the edge of a cliff.  Then calmly walk back home (or wherever) as if nothing happened.  Nevertheless, I remain a Charlie D fan and hope to read more about him in the future.

Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly (library copy) -

When I heard there was going to be a new Janet Evanovich romance (not a reprint) and it was a first in series (not one I have to catch up to read) I was excited.  Here's the thing... It was nice, but it lacked that special something that usually draws me to Evanovich's books.  I don't regret reading it, but I won't be getting a personal copy (i.e. Explosive Eighteen was a library copy, but I've kept it on my PaperBackSwap Wish List so I'll get a keeper copy eventually).

The Demon's Parchment (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 3) by Jeri Westerson (library HB copy) -

This passage through Crispin's life had some interesting turns.  Certain attitudes during that time (like those towards Jews) are one thing to recognize as history.  But when the character you like and are following agrees with those attitudes... it's realistic but frustrating.  I did like that Crispin eventually uses his head more than mindlessly following what he's been told, but even then, prejudice is a hard thing to break.  The case he's working on is horrifying (stomach-turning).  The most fascinating (and still horrible) part is in the afterword when the author tells you it's based on a true medieval serial killer, in addition to a lot of other interesting bits of information relating to happenings in the story.  Anyway, the trailer I saw with a review of the 4th book in this series, Troubled Bones, is what got me started on this series so I certainly look forward to reading that.

Grave Witch (Alex Craft, Bk 1) by Kalayna Price (ILL copy) -

I decided to try this after reading a review at Babbling Book Reviews.  I enjoyed it.  I like Alex.  I also like Falin, and Death, and Roy... it's always a good sign for me when I like not only the protag but also multiple supporting characters.  I found the different types of magic, and especially Alex's grave magic, interesting.  I look forward to reading book 2, Grave Dance.  At the least it should be another ILL.  Or maybe my library will decide to purchase it.  We'll see...

Beware of the Frog by William Bee (library copy) -

I read this awhile ago, and my nephews and niece (especially my niece) loved it. So I had to mention it before I returned it (I've had it out for 6 weeks).  It's seems like it's just going to be a nice read, and surprise!... it turns funny.  But the end is the REAL surprise... Hilarious.  Plus it has literary pluses... descriptive words, and other things about fonts and patterns that I don't really remember from my early literacy class.

Charms, Explosives, and Thorns, Oh, My!

Pleating for Mercy (Magical Dressmaking Mystery, Bk 1) by Melissa Bourbon aka Misa Ramirez aka Melissa Ramirez (personal copy - through PaperBackSwap) -

I had already gotten this through PBS when I read review at Mysteries and My Musings prompting me to move it up on my list.  I enjoyed the story.  I thought the paranormal aspect was more prominent then I had expected from the aforementioned review, but I enjoy the paranormal aspect.  Just not so much of it as is currently flooding the market.  Anyway, some of the characters surprised me, which I guess is a good thing.  I did like Harlow.  I look forward to reading book 2, A Fitting End.

Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) by Janet Evanovich (library copy) -

I pretty much always enjoy the Stephanie Plum books; they always have plenty of humor and are quick reads.  This one was no different, but it did have a couple little things that weren't as great.  Not knowing what happened in Hawaii forever and a day drove me nuts, and then when it was finally explained it didn't seem as big a deal as it had been made out to be.  For a Plum book with Explosive in the title I would have expected more explosions than just the one.  I think there were more explosions in her earlier books.  And I saw less of the characters I love in this book.  Nevertheless, I still found it fun and look forward to the next.

Serpent in the Thorns (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 2) by Jeri Westerson (library HB copy) -

Crispin Guest is a character with a lot of honor.  This may seem contradictory with his past treason, but it's all a matter of perspective.  I appreciate his holding his honor close.  I also like the way he supports and/or cares for his friends.  (Speaking of which, he's obviously passing on this loyalty to Jack, because Jack rocked in this book.)  As for the story... I guessed who the bad guy was early on.  I didn't have any idea as far as motive goes, but one line made me ultra suspicious.  I do not, however, blame Crispin for not suspecting.  He had a lot of emotional turmoil and whatnot going on in this book to distract him.  Anyway, I have the third book, The Demon's Parchment, already checked out so I should be reading that soon.

Traipsing through my readings... (Can you tell I'm running out of titles?)

Flipped Out (Do-It-Yourself Mystery, Bk 5) by Jennie Bentley (library copy) - This was another enjoyable DIY book despite Derek sometimes being dense to the point of annoying.  I'm looking forward to whatever comes next in the series.

Handbags and Homicide (Haley Randolph Mystery, Bk 1) by Dorothy Howell (library copy) - I was really worried about this book.  I didn't think I'd be able to connect with Haley and her shallowness.  Somehow, though, I not only liked her (and she certainly can be shallow - not to mention LAZY and a bit arrogant), I couldn't wait to read the next installment.

Purses and Poison (Haley Randolph Mystery, Bk 2) by Dorothy Howell (library copy) - I was eager to read more of Haley's story.  At times in this one I thought she was delusional about her "somewhat' boyfriend.  And as for the mystery, she should have been more forthright from the beginning (of course, then the story wouldn't have been what it was).  I look forward to more.  I should be getting the 3rd book, Shoulder Bags and Shootings, as soon as it's returned and I already have book 4, Clutches and Curses, checked out and waiting.

Lost and Fondue (Cheese Shop Mystery, Bk 2) by Avery Aames (library copy) - I liked this one better than the first in the series.  I have absolutely no interest in the cheese part of these, but I am interested in what will happen next with the characters.

Cat Sitter Among the Pigeons (Dixie Hemingway Mystery, Bk 6) by Blaize Clement (library copy) - I like this series, but Blaize Clement always had to include something to irritate me.  This time it was Dixie's dreamworld in which everyone drank water with birth control chemicals until she approved of them and gave the antidote.  Grrr.  Otherwise, it was an enjoyable book with a decent amount of suspense.

Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich (personal copy) - This was the first romance I've read by Janet Evanovich.  It was a quick, light read.  I liked the main characters.  Some of the smaller characters made an appearance then were shoved off until needed later.  And the ending was somewhat abrupt, but okay.  Overall, I enjoyed it.

"The Clever Detective" by Linsey Lanier (free e-book short story through Sony ReaderStore [also available through Smashwords]) - Very cute, very fun.  I'm definitely going to have to read more by Linsey Lanier.

Tempest in the Tea Leaves (Fortune Teller Mystery, Bk 1) by Kari Lee Townsend (library copy) - I was cautious going in this because books with psychic protagonists can be preachy, and I don't care to be pushed when I'm trying to enjoy a book.  Fortunately, that wasn't a problem with this book.  Sunny could be a bit air-headed (blurting out details in front of people she's trying to get information from and giggling way too much), but she was still likable.  I didn't like the lead detective as much, but he wasn't bad.  Sunny's parents were annoying, but took huge breaks between scenes, so tolerable.  In fact, my only real complaint would be the nickname Detective Mitch Stone gives Sunny - Tink.  Tink is what Derek calls Avery in the DIY cozy mystery series.  I would have preferred a more original nickname be used for Sunny (if any).

Wicked Appetite

Title: Wicked Appetite

Author: Janet Evanovich

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: September 2010

ISBN: 9780312652913

Pages: 313

Series: 1st in the Diesel & Tucker Series (related to the Stephanie Plum series)

Book Description (from the inside cover):

Seven Stones of Power.
No one knows when they were created
or by whom, each said to represent one
of the Seven Deadly Sins.

For centuries, treasure hunters have been eager to possess the stones, undeterred by their corrupting nature. The list is long — Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, to name a few. Now the Stones have found their way to Salem, Massachusetts, and so has Gerwulf Grimoire, adding himself to this rogues' gallery of power seekers. He's an uncommonly dangerous man, with a hunger for the forbidden, and a set of abilities that are way beyond ordinary. Abilities that he feels entitle him to possess anything he might desire.

That would include Elizabeth Tucker, the woman he needs to find the Stones. She's freshly transplanted from New York City to Boston's North Shore. With a new job as pastry chef at Dazzle's bakery and an old house inherited from her Aunt Ophelia, her life is pretty much on track ... until it's suddenly derailed by a guy named Diesel, a rude monkey, and a ninja cat.

Lizzy can handle the monkey and the cat. She's not sure about Diesel. He's offering up his own set of unusual talents, promising to protect her from Grimoire. The kind of protection that Lizzy suspects might involve guarding her body day and night.

The Seven Deadly Sins are pride, greed, lust, envy wrath, sloth and gluttony. That pretty much covers everything that is wicked. Diesel thinks it also pretty much covers everything that's fun. And Lizzy thinks Diesel and the Seven Deadly Sins cover everything her mother warned her about.

Comments:

So this is the first of the Deisel and Tuker series, but Deisel has been in all of the Between-the-Numbers Stephanie Plum books (or as I tend to think of them, the holiday Plum books). I didn't really know what to expect, though I had hopes of something entertaining. What I got was a light and fun (as usual) story filled with wild running around chasing bad guys. The usual Janet Evanovich book. Also filled with crazy characters, including Carl the monkey (also found in the Stephanie Plum books). And while, as the first in a new series, reading the Plum books isn't necessary, I kinda wish I had read them more recently... just to refresh my memory on Deisel and Carl's last appearances.

Regarding Lizzy Tucker... She's a good character, not nearly as prone to accidents as Stephanie Plum (which is good, I was glad too find she had her own personality). But while she may not be as accident prone, she still managed to get herself dragged into a mess of chaos — hence the fun story.

Now, I've read some other reviews of this book, and most seemed to find the book "so-so", too similar to the Plum books, and with too much Carl time. I might have agreed with the first, except I was looking for quick and light, and that's what I got... which means I found it satisfied my mood. As for the second, it was a spin-off, so I'm not surprised about the similarity. For third, I kinda have to agree. It would have been nice if, instead of having Carl join the scene, there was a new wacky animal character. But Carl seems to be the type of chracter that just butts in whenever he feels like it, so again, not surprised.

Stephanie Plum Challenge Wrap Up

The Stephanie Plum Challenge is hosted by J. Kaye...

You can check out the rules and who else is participating/participated by checking out the Sign Up Page.

You can see reviews (some of my own and other participants) of books read for this challenge here.

And you can see more about those who have completed this challenge here.

I read 4 books and 1 short story for this challenge.

I read:

***Short Story*** "The Last Peep"
Plum Lucky (2008)
Fearless Fourteen (2008)
Plum Spooky (2009)
Finger Lickin' Fifteen (2009)

Bold means I had never read it before the beginning of this challenge (7/23/09). I had already started re-reading this series prior to that, but temporarily misplaced my copy of "The Last Peep" ... hence, its presence on this list.

Finger Lickin' Fifteen

Title: Finger Lickin' Fifteen

Author: Janet Evanovich

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: July 2009 (BC Edition)

ISBN: 9780312383282

Pages: 308

Series: Including the one short story and the Between-the-Number books, this is the 20th Stephanie Plum story.

Book Description (from dust jacket):

UNBUCKLE YOUR BELT AND PULL UP A CHAIR. IT'S THE SPICIEST, SAUCIEST, MOST RIB STICKING PLUM YET.

Recipe for disaster:
Celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle comes to Trenton to participate in a barbecue cook-off and loses his head — literally.

Throw in some spice:
Bail bonds office worker Lula is a witness to the crime, and the only one she'll talk to is Trenton cop Joe Morelli.

Pump up the heat:
Chipotle's sponser is offering a million-dollar reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of the killers.

Stir the pot:
Lula recruits bounty hunter Stephanie Plum to help her find the killers and collect the moolah.

Add a secret ingredient:
Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur. Enough said.

Bring to a boil:
Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office at night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, aka Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, and five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, and solve Ranger's problems and not jump his bones?

Warning:
Habanero hot. So good you'll want seconds.

Comments:

First, since food was a big topic from the last Plum book. Finger Lickin' Fifteen is all about the food. Luckily for me, the food in question is barbecue — not a favorite ... which helped avoid some of the cravings.

Anyway, this one had a very dramatic start. I was glad Evanovich managed to keep the humor, because I rather felt a certain murderer had a striking creepy laugh similarity to a certain sicko who brought Lula into the Plum books and Stephanie's life.

Stephanie and Morelli are in an off stage of their "on and off" relationship, which, of course, means more Ranger. (Since it seems so many people are Ranger fans — I'm more for Morelli myself — I'm sure this made many readers happy.)

I'm looking forward to the next Plum book... (Which, from the FAQs on Evanovich's website, will probably happen in June. ::sigh::)

Plum Spooky

Title: Plum Spooky

Author: Janet Evanovich

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Copyright Date: 2008

Print Date: January 2009

ISBN: 9780312383329

Pages: 309

Series: Including the one short story and the Between-the-Number books, this is the 19th Stephanie Plum story.

Book Description (from dust jacket):

Turn on all the lights and check under your bed. Things are about to get spooky in Trenton, New Jersey.

According to legend, the Jersey Devil prowls the Pine Barrens and soars above the treetops in the dark of night. As eerie as this might seem, there are things in the Barrens that are even more frightening and dangerous. And there are monkeys. Lots of monkeys.

Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He's chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as his new business partner, and he's chosen the Barrens as his new playground.

Munch received his doctorate degree in quantum physics when he was twenty-two. Now he's twenty-four, and while his brain is large, his body hasn't made it out of the boys' department at Macy's. Anyone who says good things come in small packages hasn't met Munch. Wulf Grimoire is looking for world domination. Martin Munch would be happy if he could just get a woman naked and tied to a tree.

Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has Munch on her most-wanted list for failure to appear in court. Plum is the all-American girl stuck in an uncomfortable job, succeeding on luck and tenacity. Usually she gets her man. This time she gets a monkey. She also gets a big guy named Diesel.

Diesel pops in and out of Plum's life like birthday cake — delicious to look at and taste, not especially healthy as a steady diet, gone by the end of the week if not sooner. He's an über bounty hunter with special skills when it comes to tracking men and pleasing women. He's after Grimoire, and now he's also after Munch. And if truth were told, he wouldn't mind setting Stephanie Plum in his crosshairs.

Diesel and Plum hunt down Munch and Grimoire, following them into the Barrens, surviving cranberry bogs, the Jersey Devil, a hair-raising experience, sand in their underwear, and, of course . . . monkeys.

Comments:

I tend to prefer the regular Stephanie Plum books to the Between-the-Number books. However, I still enjoy these. This one was fun though not as funny. Carl the monkey was a highlight. Lula made her appearance, and the story of her relationship (or perhaps fiasco is a better word for it) w/ Tank continued.

I have to say, the one thing that drives me nuts in these books is how Stephanie is always taking about — and eating — food. Donuts, fast food, her mother's roast beef, etc. Talk about food that, more often then not, makes me want some. And I can't afford to eat like that, both in terms of weight and money.

Fearless Fourteen

Title: Fearless Fourteen

Author: Janet Evanovich

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Copyright Date: 2008

Print Date: June 2008 (BC Edition)

ISBN: 9780312349516

Pages: 310

Series: Including the one short story and the Between-the-Number books, this is the 18th Stephanie Plum book.

Book Description (from dust jacket):

Personal vendettas, hidden treasure, and a monkey named Carl will send bounty hunter Stephanie Plum on her most explosive adventure yet.

THE CRIME: Armed robbery to the tune of nine million dollars

Dom Rizzi robbed a bank, stashed the money, and did the time. His family couldn't be more proud. He always was the smart one.

THE COUSIN: Joe Morelli

Joe Morelli, Dom Rizzi, and Dom's sister, Loretta, are cousins. Morelli is a cop, Rizzi robs banks, and Loretta is a single mother waiting tables at the firehouse. The all-American family.

THE COMPLICATIONS: Murder, kidnapping, destruction of personal property, and acid reflux

Less than a week after Dom's release from prison, Joe Morelli has shadowy figures breaking into his house and dying in his basement. He's getting threatening messages, Loretta is kidnapped, and Dom is missing.

THE CATASTROPHE: Moonman

Morelli hires Walter "Mooner" Dunphy, stoner and "inventor" turned crime fighter, to protect his house. Morelli can't afford a lot on a cop's salary, and Mooner will work for potatoes.

THE CUPCAKE: Stephanie Plum

Stephanie and Morelli have a long-standing relationship that involves sex, affection, and driving each other nuts. She's a bond enforcement agent with more luck than talent, and she's involved in this bank-robbery-gone-bad disaster from day one.

THE CRISIS: A favor for Ranger

Security expert Carlos Manoso, street name Ranger, has a job for Stephanie that will involve night work. Morelli has his own ideas regarding Stephanie's evening activities.

THE CONCLUSION: Only the fearless should read Fourteen.

Thrills, chills, and incontinence may result.

Comments:

I enjoy the Evanovich books for their humor and the way Stephanie collects friends - usually misfits and often crazy - but friends that stick around (maybe more than she likes). The books have come a ways from the beeper and car phone days, but they remain fun, light reads. Fearless Fourteen did not fail to keep me smiling. And there was less of the hard language than usual (possibly because Sally Sweet didn't make any appearances), which is a plus from my perspective.

I've 'heard' others say the Plum books have become more predictable, but that isn't the sort of thing I tend to pay much (if any) attention to...or at least not in the middle of a series or with a familiar author. (Just like I've heard of some people who have trouble reading several books from the same series, by the same author, or even of the same genre in a row. That will never be a problem I have.)

Revisiting Stephanie, Morelli, Bob and Rex, Ranger, Grandma Mazur, Lula and Tank, and Mooner as well as meeting Gary and Zook was a pleasure. One I'm looking forward to enjoying again when I read Plum Spooky.

Stephanie Plum Challenge

The Stephanie Plum Challenge is hosted by J. Kaye (@ http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/) ... You can sign up (or check out who else is participating) by checking out the Sign Up Page.

I'm glad I caught this. I started re-reading the earlier Plum books in July and read books Seven Up through Plum Lucky this month. (If you hadn't noticed by my last couple Teaser Tuesdays.)


Anyway per the rules.

The series consists of (so far):

• One for the Money (1994)
• Two for the Dough (1995)
• Three to Get Deadly (1997)
• Four to Score (1998)
• High Five (1999)
• ***Short Story*** "The Last Peep"
• Hot Six (2000)
• Seven Up (2001)
• Hard Eight (2002)
• Visions of Sugar Plums (2002)
• To the Nines (2003)
• Ten Big Ones (2004)
• Eleven on Top (2005)
• Twelve Sharp (2006)
• Plum Lovin' (2007)
• Lean Mean Thirteen (2007)
• Plum Lucky (2008)
• Fearless Fourteen (2008)
• Plum Spooky (2009)
• Finger Lickin' Fifteen (2009)

I had not read the bolded books before 7/23/09. Blue means I read it after 7/23/09. Red means I haven't read it at all yet. [Update: I'm finished!!!  Wrap-up post coming soon...]