5 comments about Visions of Sugar Plums: A Stephanie Plum Holiday Novel (Stephanie Plum Novels).

1. The character's names are the same, the writing is different. The writing is stilted, forced. The characters are flat. The story is stupid. It lacks the maturity and flow of the numbered books. It reads like it is written by a completely different author, someone who is trying too hard. Perhaps a college student. This book is a complete disappointment. I kept hoping Stephanie would wake up at the end and realize it was all a bad dream because that is what this book is.



2. Another wonderful book about Stephanie Plum. A new man wandering through her life! or is he just a man?



3. The book was great! I like her entire series of Plum by the numbers, but never read how the character Diesel started. The book starts you at the beginning, and explaining his character. I now love the 'between the number' series as well. I hope she continues to write more, in fact I'm waiting for the next ones to come out.



4. I love the Plum novels and when I got them as a set, I was also given this book. I thought wow great. The book was a mixture of feelings for me, mostly disappointing. I love the character and that mixture of familiarity is what caused dismay. The book is a flight of fantasy and though I love fantasy I was disappointed. It took a character I loved out of contex and made me feel disjointed. I am glad I read the numbered series first, so that I will continue to read them as they appear. I have the between books as well and am actually dreading get through them....I hope I do. I feel having a book and not reading it is such a waste and have forced myself to read other books like that. I hope the 'between' books don't end up like that or heaven forbid ruin the other Plum books for me.



5. Visions of Sugar Plums will stretch your imagination to its limits. Evanovich's characters are always a joy, but this is a bit outside even her usual freaky creations. The addition of a supernatural element will surprise even the biggest Stephanie Plum fan, but in her world, why not? Considering everything else this beloved character has experienced, it's almost believable. Hurry for Evanovich!!!!!

5 comments about One for the Money (Stephanie Plum, No. 1).

1. One For The Money was such a delightful book, that we had to purchase five more titles in this series.. we will then have to find the remaining Number books in this series.
   I recommend that you start with One For The Money and then proceed without haste to finish the series. I'm planning on doing this.



2. Ok, I'm hooked! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read them all!!! Stephanie Plum and all of the characters are hilarious!!!! Loved it!



3. After having this book recommended to me by, well, everyone, I decided to give it a chance. I must admit, I wasn't very interested with the description of the book (I'm not for the cute heroine-types) but I found the book to be very interesting. Despite what many of the reviews on here say, there actually is a plot, and something seems to be happening in every chapter that makes it such a page-turner.
   
   The disrespect towards women that some reviewers describe is definitely there (and upsetting) but isn't that what books are supposed to do? Give us a look into what can truly exist? Though Plum isn't the smartest lady, she does pretty well for the situation she is in and it's clear that she wants to learn as much as she can.
   
   I started book two right after I finished one, and am looking forward to reading more. The best thing about this book is that there is a series to continue to enjoy! :)



4. I liked the wise-cracking main character and I'm very happy that I started reading this series from the beginning. I definitely look forward to reading the entire series. One aspect of the book that's interesting reading in 2008, the book was written in 1994, is that you can anticipate the growth in the story-lines as Stephanie (the main character) incorporates more technology and modern conventions in her crime solving.
   
   As for the book I really enjoyed the writing style and story-line. Although there were quite a few implausible plot-points they didn't detract from the entertainment value of this book at all. I was surprised at the number of times that I caught myself laughing out loud at the reactions that Stephanie has to the different situations that she's in from family matters to being poor to learning how to be a bounty hunter. I would recommend this to anyone who wanted a fun, quick read with a good story attached to it.



5. I wonder what hasn't already been said in over 500 previous reviews, but here's my cent-and-a-half: This is my first exposure to this author and I found myself quite involved with the story by the time I got 75 % of the book read. Stephanie Plum is a very down-to-earth, likable character, and Janet Evanovich seems to have quite a knack for steering the reader's affection for the other characters as she chooses, thereby setting up an effective who-dunnit.
   This book was very interesting and fun to read. By appealing to the reader's desire for a just and orderly world, Janet wraps up the story with an appetizing dessert. The story is comical, occasionally absurd, and easy to follow. If you're searching for deep philosophical messages, however, look elsewhere.

5 comments about Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, No. 7).

1. I've listened to the first six Stephanie Plum books and absolutely loved the reader and laughed out loud while listening. Unfortunately, the reader for this book is just horrid, not a speck of the same characters in the voice as in the first six books. I hope this reader, Tanya Eby doesn't do anymore Stephanie Plum novels. Please give us the original reader back!



2. Skip this audiobook. The reader is terrible. She tries to do a Jersey accent that comes off sounding like she has a speech impediment and a lisp. Bad!!



3. After I read the sixth book in the Plum series, I started thinking they were all sounding the same: Stephanie flubs yet another apparent slam-dunk apprehension, gets shot at, can't find her pepper spray, on-again/off-again with Joe Morelli, sees black spots before her eyes -- please. I just want her to develop some -- get better at her job, give it up, organize her purse -- anything!
   
   And there's more of the same in this seventh book, too. For the uninitiated, Stephanie Plum is a reluctant bounty hunter in Trenton, New Jersey, and the wackiest things always happen to her as she's trying to bring in her FTAs (failed-to-appear). Surrounded by a cast of characters out of Central Jersey Casting (crazy grandma, grumbly dad, nervous mom, prostitute-turned-assistant...), she fumbles her way into the most improbable situations. Her cars get trashed; her apartment gets broken into. You get the idea.
   
   But a funny thing happened to me with this book: I just sat back and read and enjoyed the darned thing, formula and all. Ms. Evanovich is just a funny writer, and this book was just a fun speed read (it was due the next day at the library). I will continue with the series, even if (or maybe especially if) Stephanie stays the same. She's finally kind of growing on me.



4. I loved the first 6 Stephanie Plum novels on CD, but the reader of #7 is horrible. Her delivery is v-e-r-y s-l-o-w. It ruins the pace of the book. Also, she gives really strong accents (which are really bad, by the way) to everyone. Everyone EXCEPT Stephanie, the quintessintial Jersey girl. Stephanie sounds like a 50 year old midwestern matron.



5. This is one of the better books in an already excellent series. Most of the good points of the series is played up in this title, while many of the bad parts are missing, making for an overall good read.
   
   The thing that makes Plum books good, beyond Stephanie herself, are the side characters. Seven Up has introductions of some of the more interesting and enjoyable characters, including Moony and Doug "the Dealer", both of whom you instantly like. Even the one shot characters like Benny and Ziggy are enjoyable.
   
   The one character I have a problem with is Joyce. She is one note, and that note has been played. I wish Evanovich would move away from that character. Of course, the big thing in this book is her deal with Ranger. It is nice to see their relationship move forward, as it was starting to feel a bit stalled.
   
   The story is what you can expect from a Plum novel. A mystery that is not overly complex but that does have enough twists and turns to keep things interesting.
   
   If you are a fan of the series, this is a must have. You will not regret it.

3 comments about Smitten CD.

1. This is a good example of the author's humor and good character development. Not as substantial as some of her other work, but nevertheless good summer reading.



2. I think Janet Evanovich's books are really great to read. This book will keep you laughting though most of it. I encourage anyone who likes funny entertainment to read this. The'll love you.



3. Smitten wouldn't be at the top of my favorites list but it is a fun audiobook. I liked the story of the single Mom trying to make a living and a new life for herself and her children... and finding romance at the same time. The flasher storyline was interesting at first but the character sort of fizzled at the end. This is a nice audiobook that plays out quickly and has lots of action.

5 comments about Twelve Sharp (Stephanie Plum, No. 12).

1. Twelve Sharp is the best of the series. It's full of raw emotion, colorful characters and a plot that grabs you from the first page and won't let you stop until you read the last word. This truly is Janet Evanovich's masterpiece. If you love mystery, intrigue, comedy, all rolled up into one, then this is the book for you. Don't miss out on this one. I bought ten copies myself!!! What better way to hook a friend on your favorite series then giving them a book about Ranger!



2. Janet's tight writing, outstanding plot and creepy villain will keep you riveted to your seat as you ignore all outside disturbances because you simply can't put this book down. The sexual tension between Ranger and Steph and Joe is at an all-time high, and both the men are at their sexy best. A strange woman shows up in Trenton with a disturbing story about Ranger, but that's only the subplot to this engaging story that takes off like a shot and never slows down.
   
   The great characters that JE is famous for return, along with a couple of new ones - one I especially liked was the multiplex-dwelling Melvin. Carolyn of Pleasure Treasures will make you laugh out loud, but the scene where Ranger checks out the flavor of the massage oil Steph bought will bring a different type of smile to your face.



3. Janet Evanovich is one of my favorite authors.
   Tweleve Sharp is about Ranger and someone is pretending to be him. The 'second Ranger' has kidnapped Ranger's daughter, and Ranger is wanted. And 'of course' Ranger's goes to Stephanie house for help.
   
   This is one of my favorites of the Plum series because it shows you more of Ranger. ***I'm a totally Ranger fan.***
   Stephenie had some 'close' encounters with Ranger in this novel. Stephanie did 'almost' have sex with Ranger. again.
   
   Mortelli moving in with Stephanie when Ranger was there was funny, and when Ranger threatened to kill Mortelli if Stephanie slept with him, while he was there. Priceless.
   
   When Tank got kicked in the balls, and fell down. WaS so hilarious. This is when him and Lula kind of began as a couple.
   
   I loved this novel.



4. The return of Stephanie Plum, New Jersey's sassy and sexy bounty hunter in Twelve Sharp is a climax in the series. Stephanie is back to her fast filled FTA retrieval days when she gets a strange visitor, Carmen Manoso. Carmen is outfitted in head to toe black and carries a loaded gun, but her claim that she is married to Ranger is what really sets Stephanie off. Startled, Stephanie tries in vain to reach Ranger, but he is out of town. When Carmen is discovered executed and Ranger's daughter is kidnapped from Miami, Stephanie is at a complete loss. To make matters worse, Stephanie's archenemy Joyce Barnhardt has joined Vincent Plum Bail Bonds to help pick up some of the criminals at large. Stephanie is worried about Ranger, until he finally shows up at her door and they discover that someone is attempting to steal Rangers identity. Working together and living together with Ranger to try and catch a crazy man on the loose, helps provide some sexy moments. That is until the other man in Stephanie's life, Joe Morelli moves in as well. Trying to help rescue Ranger's daughter and control the tension in her life, Stephanie becomes bait for a killer. The suspense and action will have you panting until the very end, not to mention the sexy scenes. Janet Evanovich, as always also adds some laugh till you cry moments with some of our favorite characters. The storyline is one of the best, filled with the action and suspense yet perfectly paired with comic relief. Twelve Sharp is by far one of the best novels in the series. Valerie Jones [...]



5. Stephanie Plum is back at it again. Sitting in the office at her cousin Vinnie's Bail Enforcement Agency, she is faced with a mountain of skips that need to be tracked down. Finally admitting that they might need some help, they decide to post a job offer to see if they can get another bounty hunter. Vinnie is off at a convention and Ranger has left to take care of his own business, leaving Stephanie and Lula, the ex-prostitute, to take over the slack.
   
   
   Stephanie's life gets even more complicated when a woman claiming to be Ranger's wife shows up, waving a 9mm at Stephanie. Not sure how she feels about this new woman, Stephanie is determined to get to the bottom of this.
   
   
   It seems that Ranger needs her now more than ever. He is being accused of a crime he didn't commit and needs Stephanie to help him track down the real culprit. Ranger's daughter has been kidnapped, and a man impersonating him is out to worm his way into Ranger's life, including his relationship with Stephanie. Just when things start to heat up with Ranger, Joe Morelli, Stephanie's on-again, off-again boyfriend decides to move in to her apartment to keep a closer eye on her.
   
   
   Stephanie is a great character; she knows that nothing solves a problem quite like a dozen doughnuts! All of my favourite characters make an appearance in this latest in the Stephanie Plum novels. Sally Sweet is back in all his drag queen glory, and Grandma Mazur is out to terrorize the new owners of Stiva's Funeral Parlor. Add in the crazy antics of Stephanie and Lula as they chase down a variety of skips, including a man accused of whacking off in the movie theatre and a 70 year-old woman who works at an adult toy store and this is another crazy Plum adventure. Joe and Ranger are so very different and yet so very appealing, it is no wonder Stephanie has trouble choosing between them. A word of warning: If you don't want some very strange looks as you belly laugh and clutch your sides at the funny parts, you might want to read Twelve Sharp inside!! Add in some very steamy dialogue and this is a fantastic new addition from Janet Evanovich.
   
   Shannon
   reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

5 comments about Wife for Hire CD.

1. Wife For Hire is one of Janet Evanovich's lighter books. At the same time it is side splitting funny in spots. A great read.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down! It's fun and light reading.



3. A friend recommended I read Janet E's book. I was reluctant, simply because she's so overrated (too commercial, I thought). Boy was I happily surpirsed! A fan for life!



4. Janet Evanovich books are so much fun to read. Wife for Hire is so funny, and can be read so quickly it feels as though you have just watched a little television show. She is quickly becoming my favorite author. Highly reccomend.



5. Amusing, lightweight fun. Almost a novella, but the printer and publisher have stretched it to book size. If it had a bit more depth or plot to it, I would have given it another star.
   
   Local bad boy Hank inherits an apple orchard and wants to turn over a new leaf. In order to realize his dream and go organic he needs a loan, but the whole town knows his history and he can't raise the funds. He wants to look responsible, he needs to be taken seriously...he needs a wife! Not a real one of course, just to get the loan, so he hires Maggie from New Jersey as a "pretend wife" for six months. She wants time to write a book from her aunt's diaries, so it seems the perfect business arrangement. Of course, they fall madly in love, but she isn't sure if she wants to stay at the end of the agreed term. It is all terribly predictable. In essence, a bit more of a teenage novel than one written for adults. It also seems a bit dated. Hank needs to grow up and take responsibility for his actions to be taken seriously, so who would think he had achieved stability just because he pulled a wife out of the hat? Okay, it is a ludicrous plot, so you have to disregard that to enjoy the juvenile, slip on a banana skin, style fun.
   
   In the characters you can see the prototypes for later Evanovich stalwarts - Elsie Hawkins is definitely Grandma Mazur, packing a gun, after a hunk (all about 80+ and dying from the excitement) and she even drives the same car as Grandma Mazur later inherited from a relative in one of the Plum books.
   
   A couple of weeks after reading it, I am finding it hard to recall much of the story and the names of some of the characters, which says quite a bit about it.
   
   Janet Evanovich's work all has a similar feel to it. That is not necessarily bad, but it means it doesn't matter if you skip a book or two because you will get pretty much the same dialog and situations in another book. This was originally written for a publisher of Romance books, so of course it has the predictable happy ending, which you knew from page one.
   
   You'll read it in a couple of hours, tops. There are a few laughs in it, and it is not nearly as contrived as the later books in the Plum series, but nor is it up to the standard of the first few Plums. These early Evanovich books are being republished as there is money to be made from the Evanovich name. Janet has her whole family employed at Evanovich Inc, which means she has to squeeze everything she can from her back catalog and current publications. If people are prepared to buy it why not? It probably also accounts for the tacky merchandise she hawks as well.
   
   To be honest, if it had been written by an unknown author it would have never have been republished. Fans of Evanovich will probably buy it, and although it is an okay book, I doubt if anyone else would, and she wouldn't get new fans on the back of this book. I wouldn't pay the publisher's list price for it.

5 comments about Three Plums in One Gift Set.

1. IT is exactly as they said and exactly what I expected. It arrived in a timely manner and I am very pleased.



2. No one can make you laugh like Janet Evanovich! What a hoot! Love her Plum novels...



3. The Stephanie Plum series is a riot to read - If you like to laugh you'll love these books!!



4. This is a great series. The writer has a wonderful sense of humor. One of the few times I've ever laughed out loud while reading a book. I had to read the funny parts to my husband.



5. I ordered a book that was supposed to be in good condition. I was very disappointed when it arrived. It was soiled, some of the pages stuck together, the spine broken and pages loose. It even smelled bad. I sent it back within a week in April. I hadn't heard from them by the middle of June so emailed them and they finally credited my account. Bad experience all around.

5 comments about Plum Lucky (Stephanie Plum Novels).

1. I love the Stephanie plum series, even the "between the numbers" books. Evanovich just keeps it going. I would love it if she kept it going on forever!!! A definite must read.



2. ok so this was bought before I started reading the 'between' books, what can I say. When I like a series I get them all and start reading. Also the first two 'between' novellas came as freebies with a collection I bought. I have no excuse for buying this one. Granted this one has less of the whimsy of the first two, until the very end. I like the familiarity of the characters from the series and that really is the only good part of them, except of course for that fact that they are short. I would not waste my money on the between series anymore, now that I have read them. Thank heaven 2 of them were free, because now it is only my time that I have wasted.



3. Janet Evanovich keeps you wondering what Grandma will get into next and can let forget reality for awhile and use your laugh muscles! I really enjoy her writing.



4. Super I have already read this one
   Arrived on time and in perfect condition
   Thank You



5. What initially got me hooked on Stephanie Plum's novels was Grandma Mazur - she is a hoot! I found myself laughing uncontrollably more than once and there are very few books I can say this about.
   This book is short and funny and a perfect way to while away a summer afternoon. But I have to warn you there is very little of Morelli and the Rangerman...can't have it all!

5 comments about Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 13).

1. I love the Plum Series but this book just didn't do it for me at all. It was still funny in some parts but not as witty as the past editions. I used to laugh out loud with the other books but this one was sub par. I have heard that "14" is even worse. Not impressed.



2. Janet Evanovich is back to the humor between the characters that was missing from the 12th book of this series. I have gotten tired of most writers switching to murder/mystery. After you have read so many, you can guess who did it before the end. That's why I like this authors books.
   
   If you want to be entertained, you like characters that are funny, then you should enjoy reading Lean Mean Thirteen.



3. I have never had a problem with Amazon products before and since I do alot of long distance driving, decided to try audio books. WHAT A MESS!!!
   Disc 1 is really 5, 3 duplicates on 6, and so on.
   I will be returning this product.



4. I really enjoyed this book. I received this book in a very timely manner.



5. Once again, Evanovich had me laughing out loud. I love her characters. I "know" those people.
   
   Strongly recommend this and the next one!

5 comments about Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 14).

1. Another great book by Evanovich. The saga of Stephanie Plum continues, she finds trouble but always finds a way out. Her crazy family never fails to make you laugh. Cant wait to see what happens next.



2. Another great installment in the Stephanie Plum series. Lots of humor and suspense, I couldn't put it down!! Can't wait to continue the saga!



3. I love Janet Evanovich and the Stephanie Plum series, but like most other reviewers have said, the content is getting old. While there may not be any exploding cars in this one (opposed to the other 13), it's still farily predictable. Although the material was a little stale, it was still a fun read. I'd get it from the library and read it at the pool...not purchase it or activley make time to read it.



4. I don't get why these people are so critical of this book! It's Stephanie Plum for crying out loud! It's a fun, laugh out loud kind of series. And I did just that; lol!!!!! I can't wait till every summer to see what Stephanie's up to. And Grandma Mazur, too. If you want something deep, try reading Jane Austin, etc.



5. I THROUGHLY ENJOY ALL "STEPHANIE PLUM" STORIES! STEPHANIE'S BOYFRIENDS, HER FAMILY, GIRLFRIENDS ARE DELIGHTFUL! THE SITUATIONS SHE FINDS HERSELF IN ARE HILARIOUS, I WOULD NOT WILLINGLY MISS ONE OF THESE NOVELS....THANK YOU JANET EVANOVICH!!
   B. IOSUE