I’ve read so many of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, they’re all starting to run together. During a couple of the books, I wrote things down that I liked and disliked – maybe I should do that for all of them. I just finished the book last night and I forget a lot of what happened.

From the get go, Stephanie thinks Spiro is back – so, from the get go, I hate it. I hated Spiro the first time, hated him this time.

This book stressed me out a little bit. I know I have a lot to look forward to when Mikey and I start planning our wedding, but Valerie and the Klaughn’s wedding stressed me out. If Mikey starts getting sloshed and staying at work, maybe we won’t get married either. Yikes.

I’m glad Stephanie finally decided to trade in her stun gun. Yes, I thought it was cool that she was a bounty hunter, but I really don’t want her to get killed. Ends up, crazier stuff happens when she has a desk job than when she was chasing the bad guys. Imagine that.

One thing I can’t stop thinking about, Mama Macaroni. She still scares me … and her mole, I keep dreaming about Moley Moley Moley! Not cool!

I need something huge to happen and stick in my mind in the next couple of books. They’re good, but they’re all running together. So, for that reason, I only give Eleven on Top 2 bookmarks. ( )

I think I've reached my limit on Stephanie Plum. Someone is trying to kill her AGAIN. She blows up several cars AGAIN. And it was not her fault AGAIN. She can't make up her mind between Ranger and Joe STILL. Her whacky antics with Lula gave me a few laughs but I'm ready for a little growth from Stephanie and it's just not happening. I'm not sure I will try the next one or not. Unless I hear that there is something different I'll probably just pass on it. (Grade: C) ( )

This is like bounty hunter meets Lucy Ricardo. I just love all the Stephanie Plum Novels, and this one is no exeption. Ranger is still sexy and flirty; Morelli is still gorgeous and yummy, Stephanie is still inexperienced...professionally. Luckly she has these two tough guys on her side...romantically and professionally. ( )

Stephanie Plum is tired of her bounty hunter job. She's had enough of chasing after criminals, being shot at, her apartment always being broken into, and having her car blown up, so she quits her job. She has no problem finding a job, several jobs, in fact, but keeping them is a problem, as she manages to get fired as quickly as she is hired. Finally, Ranger hires her to work for him and she hopes her life will have some stability. But one of her past cases comes back to haunt her. Someone keeps blowing up her cars (again!) and leaving her threatening notes. She's not sure who's doing it, but she thinks it might be linked to some men missing from the `burg. And as if that wasn't enough, she has to get through her sister Val's wedding in a dress that makes her look like an eggplant!

This was a much better book than the last one if the Stephanie Plum series, the disappointing "Ten Big Ones". All the old favorite characters are here: Joe Morelli, Ranger, Grandma Mazur, Lula, and Albert Kloughn. There are many humorous scenes; especially funny is the confrontation between Stephanie's Grandma Mazur and Joe's Grandma (at a wake, naturally!); a scene featuring a missing facial mole; and a scene involving Stephanie, her mother, Grandma Mazur and a wedding cake, which causes Stephanie to give up sugar, causing Joe much suffering. Stephanie's attempts at her various short term jobs are equally hilarious.

What I liked about this book is how the characters have matured. Having Stephanie quit her job as a bounty hunter was a good move, opening up new storylines and forcing Evanovich to write something else besides the somewhat tired routines of Stephanie and Lula trying to catch FTA's. Evanovich does throw in a couple of bounty hunting scenes that easily could have been left out of the book, but perhaps she thought readers would be disappointed if they were to disappear altogether. Stephanie and Joe's relationship is also maturing, which I liked, even if it does lessen the sexual tension between Stephanie and Ranger. There was a real mystery as part of the plot. And, while some might find the blowing up of cars a bit old, I found some of the scenes funny, especially the attempt to blow up the Buick.

One last thought. While it's nice that Evanovich has a contest to let her readers name the next book in the series, I hate the "numbers" theme of these titles. The first three or four titles were somewhat amusing, but using numbers in each title is restricting and the titles have nothing to do with the books, which I find annoying.

Aside from that, I loved this book and highly recommend it. ( )

The bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, concludes that she needs and wants a job with a little less excitement, so she pursues other avenues of employment. While seeking out job opportunities, Stephanie is harassed by an old client. All the familiar characters in Stephanie's life are present and accounted for in this typical light and fun, adventurous read.

Even though one knows exactly what to expect from a Stephanie Plum escapade, it still has its moments of just plain, silly fun. When in need of a light mystery, intertwined with some goofy antics, this is a perfect choice. (3.5/5)

Originally posted on: "Thoughts of Joy..." ( )