"Plum Lucky" is a Stephanie Plum Between the Numbers novel. I look forward to reading these because they are shorter and lighter than the numbered novels. Janet Evanovich is able to mix things up a bit with the Between the Numbers books too. Diesel, an Unmentionable, is a recurring character in these books. He pops in and out of Stephanie's life without much explanation. The plot is usually simpler too.
In "Plum Lucky", Stephanie finds herself dealing with a guy who thinks he's a leprechaun, the horse that talks to him, and the crazy mobster that is after them for stealing his money. Thankfully Diesel is there to help out-as well as to make things interesting.
The story line was a bit predictable, but enjoyable. I laughed a lot and the cat looked at me like I was crazy when I did. There wasn't a lot of extra tension because of Morelli and Ranger since they weren't major players in this novel, either. It's just a light, quick read. Great for a short flight!
My second book for 2012 is another Stephanie Plum Novel: Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich. In this installment, Stephanie has another run-in with her ex-husband, Dickie Orr. After she goes after him-again-he disappears and she is a suspect in his disappearance. Then, Joyce Barnhardt is after Stephanie because of Dickie's disappearance. Oh, and don't forget about Ranger and Morelli. They're involved too.
Stephanie has some hilarious things happen to her, which I've been missing for a while. "Thirteen" had me laughing out loud again. Exploding taxidermied animals, dinner with a stuffed cat, and everybody's reaction to the cable company were some of my favorites in this book.
Fun to read, I really recommend this book in the series. My neighbor probably wonders what I'm doing up here with all the laughing!
I'm trying to get through the Stephanie Plum series before the movie, One For The Money, comes out later this month. My latest read in the series is a "Between The Numbers" novella. Janet Evanovich wrote a few of these shorter, lighter books to fit in between the numbered books.
"Plum Lovin'" is set near Valentine's Day and Stephanie is once again visited by Diesel, an Unmentionable who pops in and out of her life, literally. There isn't a good explanation as to how he appears, but we know that he's a human with special qualities. This time, Diesel needs Stephanie's help and she ends up taking over some cases for a matchmaker. Her skills as a relationship expert closely match her skills as a bounty hunter. She's luckier than she is good.
I really enjoyed "Plum Lovin'." It is a short, quick, fun read. It doesn't have all the excitement and explosions you find in the numbered series, but it still has the humor. I recommend this book to fans of the series as well as to those unfamiliar with it.
My goal for 2011 was to read 35 books and I ended up reading 36 books. Makes me feel like I can increase my goal again this year, so I will. My goal for reading this year is 40 books. Can I do it? I guess we'll see!
My short-term goal at the moment is to finish the Stephanie Plum series before the movie comes out in a few weeks. That should be easy enough to accomplish since I love the series and I'm over halfway through it already.
I'll be starting some new series this year as well, including the Cheese Shop Mystery series. What could be better than cheese and books?
Feel free to send me any recommendations you may have and let me know what you think of any of the books I read and review. I love feedback!
I began "Cat Lover's Daily Companion" on January 1, 2011 and planned to read each day's entry. Of course, I would get behind and end up reading a week's worth at a time.
I kept the book by my bed all year and loved the variety of entries it offered. Every day (or week) I could look forward to a different topic. Mondays would be about practical information regarding cats. Tuesdays were probably my favorite, as they discussed felines in history, literature, and art. Wednesdays dealt with health and wellness. Thursdays were the ones I would find myself sometimes skimming, as those topics were about crafts and decor. Fridays introduced a different breed every week and was very informative. Saturdays and Sundays were lumped together for the weekend and were focused on bonding and relationship building between a cat and their human.
The fact that there were different topics for different days kept the book interesting. I learned quite a bit and plan to keep the book handy so I can look back through when I have a question about something. It's a wonderful guide for both new cat owners and experienced pet parents. This would make a great gift any time, but especially as a welcome home gift for a new cat. There is even a spot on the cover to add your cat's picture. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book at my bookstore!
I hit my goal of 35 books read in 2011 with another of the Stephanie Plum novels. "Twelve Sharp" by Janet Evanovich was a hit, as they always are.
In "Twelve Sharp" Stephanie is back working for Vinnie at the bonds office. She has quite a mystery on her hands, but it doesn't have to do with one of her skips. This time it's all about Ranger. She has to come to his rescue and help him out, while he is once again watching out for her. And don't forget, Morelli is always there too. In this novel, Stephanie and Morelli reach a new level in their relationship.
For some reason, this book had a different feel than the others. I never could put my finger on it. The only thing that stood out to me was that the language Stephanie used seemed to be a bit harsher at times (although that didn't bother me). It wasn't as laugh-out-loud funny as previous books had been, but the great plot and mystery made up for it. I didn't want to put the book down!
I think Ms. Evanovich did a great job keeping the storyline fresh this far into the series. Most of the time the books stand alone, but at this point in the series I think it's best to have some background on the characters. I not only recommend this book, but I recommend the entire series.
My 34th book of the year was another installment of the Stephanie Plum series, "Eleven On Top" by Janet Evanovich. In the eleventh novel of the series, Stephanie has quit her job as a bounty hunter and has decided to get a "normal" job. Unfortunately, she still ends up being stalked by a maniac who seems to want to blow her up. And yes, there are car explosions in this book!
It was a nice change to the series to have Stephanie trying different career paths while trying to stay alive. Lula still comes around to have Stephanie assist with some apprehensions, but that isn't the focus. Morelli and Ranger are still in her life as well, keeping things hot and complicated.
"Eleven On Top" was funny, as always and left me excited to read the twelfth book in the series. I wonder if Stephanie will go back to work for Vinnie or stay with the job she has. I'll have to read the next one right away to find out!
"Plum Lucky" is a Stephanie Plum Between the Numbers novel. I look forward to reading these because they are shorter and lighter than the numbered novels. Janet Evanovich is able to mix things up a bit with the Between the Numbers books too. Diesel, an Unmentionable, is a recurring character in these books. He pops in and out of Stephanie's life without much explanation. The plot is usually simpler too.
