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Stephanie Plum #16
Sizzling Sixteen
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346 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,435 reviews
July 3, 2011
Haha I love how critical people are about these. They are what they are, people. Janet Evanovich is not going to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Here's what's going to happen: Stephanie is going to bungle some stuff, Lula is going to wear ridiculous outfits and get in everyone's way, Ranger is going to be sexy and mysterious, Morelli is going to be a frat boy, Grandma Mazur is going to cause a scene at a funeral home, at least one car is going to be destroyed, and a lot of Cluck-in-a-Bucket is going to be consumed. Yes, the series is very formulaic. But if you're reading it for something other than that formula, then you're an idiot. By number sixteen you probably should have figured this out on your own.
Now, back to tradition. In lieu of a review, here's one of my favorite passages, in which Lula is speculating about what Vinnie (who has been kidnapped) is up to:
"He could be in the morgue."
Connie shook her head. "All the cops know Vinnie. He'd get ID'd if he showed up dead."
"Then they must have shot Vinnie full of holes like Swiss cheese and weighted him down with cement boots and thrown him off the bridge into the Delaware. Or they could have taken him to a butcher shop and chopped him up into little pieces and put him into the meat grinder," Lula said. "I'm gonna eat this jelly doughnut next. I love jelly doughnuts."
Now, back to tradition. In lieu of a review, here's one of my favorite passages, in which Lula is speculating about what Vinnie (who has been kidnapped) is up to:
"He could be in the morgue."
Connie shook her head. "All the cops know Vinnie. He'd get ID'd if he showed up dead."
"Then they must have shot Vinnie full of holes like Swiss cheese and weighted him down with cement boots and thrown him off the bridge into the Delaware. Or they could have taken him to a butcher shop and chopped him up into little pieces and put him into the meat grinder," Lula said. "I'm gonna eat this jelly doughnut next. I love jelly doughnuts."
April 30, 2023
Book Review
3 of 5 stars to Sizzling Sixteen, the 16th mystery in the Stephanie Plum series, published in 2009 and written by Janet Evanovich. I've come to expect laughs and kooky characters in these books, and this one is full of them. But other than that, it wasn't as good as the rest. I'd even say this is my least favorite of the bunch. The laughs are wonderful, but the substance is declining due to the rush to put them in the stores and on the market. That said, I won't focus on all the negatives... if you love the series, stick with it... you know what to expect. But I would like things to step up more. This one revolved around getting money in order for cousin Vinny to stay in business. Vinny's not my favorite character either. I read one more after this one and then took a hiatus from the series around 2011. I'll go back later this year, only because they do make me laugh.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
3 of 5 stars to Sizzling Sixteen, the 16th mystery in the Stephanie Plum series, published in 2009 and written by Janet Evanovich. I've come to expect laughs and kooky characters in these books, and this one is full of them. But other than that, it wasn't as good as the rest. I'd even say this is my least favorite of the bunch. The laughs are wonderful, but the substance is declining due to the rush to put them in the stores and on the market. That said, I won't focus on all the negatives... if you love the series, stick with it... you know what to expect. But I would like things to step up more. This one revolved around getting money in order for cousin Vinny to stay in business. Vinny's not my favorite character either. I read one more after this one and then took a hiatus from the series around 2011. I'll go back later this year, only because they do make me laugh.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
July 26, 2010
frankly, i don't know why i'm putting myself through this. masochistic urge to see if evanovich will finally put us out of our misery? i swear, if she goes all the way to 20 i'm going to start writing her hate mail.
**
turned out the audiobook gods didn't want me to put myself through this either, a few tracks in the 2nd disc squelched to a halt and i'm letting myself off the hook. here's what happened before i quit:
1. lula eats donuts
2. lula shoots at people for no reason
3. lula eats more donuts
4. lula shoots at someone else for no reason
4. ranger rescues stephanie & lula
5. grandma mazur causes a ruckus at a funeral
it's like she lifted paragraphs out of her other books and just kind of rearranged them. i'm so finished with this series.
**
turned out the audiobook gods didn't want me to put myself through this either, a few tracks in the 2nd disc squelched to a halt and i'm letting myself off the hook. here's what happened before i quit:
1. lula eats donuts
2. lula shoots at people for no reason
3. lula eats more donuts
4. lula shoots at someone else for no reason
4. ranger rescues stephanie & lula
5. grandma mazur causes a ruckus at a funeral
it's like she lifted paragraphs out of her other books and just kind of rearranged them. i'm so finished with this series.
September 22, 2023
Sizzling Sixteen (Stephanie Plum, #16) by Janet Evanovich
Synopsis /
Trenton, New Jersey. Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a 'lucky' bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn't specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck... Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, owes a gambling debt to mobster Bobby Sunflower. It's up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs. Saving the business means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a Turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr Jingles. The job comes with perks in the guise of Trenton's hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip's lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky - the only question is...with whom?
My Thoughts /
Okay, so I'll make this quick. You all know that I'm a sucker for Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. It's my go-2 series - guaranteed to pick-me-up, make me laugh, make me smile, and Sizzling Sixteen delivered just that. If you want to read a serious novel - this is not for you. If you want to read about real life - this is not for you. If you want to read about true crime - this is not for you.
However, if you want to read something light-hearted, funny, ridiculously implausible; if you can suspend your disbelief for the sake of an entertaining read - then Stephanie Plum will do that for you. Let's look at some of the finer points in this series:
• There is NEVER a loaded gun (it's always at the bottom of the cookie jar).
• There is NEVER a book that finishes without a car being torched or blown up.
• There is (almost) ALWAYS a funeral viewing.
• There is ALWAYS donuts (and what's more these donuts NEVER make you put on weight).
• There is ALWAYS cluck-in-a-bucket chicken (and, calories?, no NEVER).
• And spandex, there is ALWAYS lots and lots of spandex!
MY UNCLE PIP died and left me his lucky bottle. I suppose I’m fortunate, because he left my Grandma Mazur his false teeth.
Is the myth of Uncle Pip's 'lucky' bottle true?
If it is, there's never a better time to be bequeathed such a legacy. Stephanie's cousin, Vinnie, gets kidnapped by Bobby Sunflower. Why? Well, it turns out Vinnie's gambling has him owing Bobby's boss an eye-watering $786,000.00. Without Vinnie, there will be no bail bonds business and, without the business, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie will be without a job. Without a job, Lula won't be able to afford food and well, that thought is just too terrible to imagine!!!
But rescuing Vinnie means going up against Bobby Sunflower and his 'goons', hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, catching a toilet paper bandit, getting past a pet alligator called Mr Jingles, and coming up with $786,000 to pay off Vinnie's debts (that could buy a whole lot of chicken!).
So if you ever get the urge - the urge to be frivolous, self-indulgent and carefree, come on over and visit with Stephanie, Lula and Connie (like the Three Stooges at Camp Commando) - it's a great way to manage your stress!
Synopsis /
Trenton, New Jersey. Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a 'lucky' bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn't specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck... Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, owes a gambling debt to mobster Bobby Sunflower. It's up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs. Saving the business means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a Turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr Jingles. The job comes with perks in the guise of Trenton's hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip's lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky - the only question is...with whom?
My Thoughts /
Okay, so I'll make this quick. You all know that I'm a sucker for Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. It's my go-2 series - guaranteed to pick-me-up, make me laugh, make me smile, and Sizzling Sixteen delivered just that. If you want to read a serious novel - this is not for you. If you want to read about real life - this is not for you. If you want to read about true crime - this is not for you.
However, if you want to read something light-hearted, funny, ridiculously implausible; if you can suspend your disbelief for the sake of an entertaining read - then Stephanie Plum will do that for you. Let's look at some of the finer points in this series:
• There is NEVER a loaded gun (it's always at the bottom of the cookie jar).
• There is NEVER a book that finishes without a car being torched or blown up.
• There is (almost) ALWAYS a funeral viewing.
• There is ALWAYS donuts (and what's more these donuts NEVER make you put on weight).
• There is ALWAYS cluck-in-a-bucket chicken (and, calories?, no NEVER).
• And spandex, there is ALWAYS lots and lots of spandex!
MY UNCLE PIP died and left me his lucky bottle. I suppose I’m fortunate, because he left my Grandma Mazur his false teeth.
Is the myth of Uncle Pip's 'lucky' bottle true?
If it is, there's never a better time to be bequeathed such a legacy. Stephanie's cousin, Vinnie, gets kidnapped by Bobby Sunflower. Why? Well, it turns out Vinnie's gambling has him owing Bobby's boss an eye-watering $786,000.00. Without Vinnie, there will be no bail bonds business and, without the business, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie will be without a job. Without a job, Lula won't be able to afford food and well, that thought is just too terrible to imagine!!!
But rescuing Vinnie means going up against Bobby Sunflower and his 'goons', hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, catching a toilet paper bandit, getting past a pet alligator called Mr Jingles, and coming up with $786,000 to pay off Vinnie's debts (that could buy a whole lot of chicken!).
So if you ever get the urge - the urge to be frivolous, self-indulgent and carefree, come on over and visit with Stephanie, Lula and Connie (like the Three Stooges at Camp Commando) - it's a great way to manage your stress!
July 27, 2010
Worse than the last book. Don't waste your time. Not that you'll spend a lot of time reading--the book was printed with large margins & big print to disguise the fact that there isn't much book. Took me 90 minutes to read it. Nor is there much of a plot. Vinnie's been kidnapped. Hard to believe anyone would want to save a sleazebag but Stephanie, Connie, & Lula do & it's the same-old, same-old. Ditto with Stephanie's relationships with Ranger & Morelli. Even the usual car crash is tired & old. After the car crash, Hal says to Stephanie, "No disrespect but you've done better."
The same can be said to Janet Evanovich about this book.
It has been suggested by other reviewers that this book was ghostwritten. I could believe it. Also it appears that the copy was not proofed before printing. Bookeeping?? Come on!
Also, one incident mentioned on the book jacket flap, where Vinnie is "running up pay-per-view porn charges in...Ranger's apartment", does not even show up in the story itself. Again, bad proofing?
Save your money--if you absolutely have to read the book because it's next in the series, borrow it from the library!
The same can be said to Janet Evanovich about this book.
It has been suggested by other reviewers that this book was ghostwritten. I could believe it. Also it appears that the copy was not proofed before printing. Bookeeping?? Come on!
Also, one incident mentioned on the book jacket flap, where Vinnie is "running up pay-per-view porn charges in...Ranger's apartment", does not even show up in the story itself. Again, bad proofing?
Save your money--if you absolutely have to read the book because it's next in the series, borrow it from the library!
July 21, 2010
I know I'll read this because I've read all of them, but I read the first 2 chapters online last weekend and I was not impressed. I've read so much better stuff from people who can't get published that this reheated mix from Evanovich seems especially unfair. Hopefully I'll feel differently after I've read the whole book.
Well, I didn't. Same ol' stuff. I know I used to like Stephanie and care about her. Now it just seems like nothing happens. There was a point where she was in a car, thinking that she should screw Ranger and then marry Morelli, and all I could think was "Fine! Do it! Do something! Make a decision!"
I'm sure there will be 17 but this might be my last one.
Well, I didn't. Same ol' stuff. I know I used to like Stephanie and care about her. Now it just seems like nothing happens. There was a point where she was in a car, thinking that she should screw Ranger and then marry Morelli, and all I could think was "Fine! Do it! Do something! Make a decision!"
I'm sure there will be 17 but this might be my last one.
July 3, 2010
Much Better then the last book! I went and re-read the Plum series before starting this book. I wanted to go back and remember why I loved this series so much. This book was so much better then #15. It had the laughs the intense scenes with Ranger, and of course Morelli. But it's the Ranger that sells this book for me. It also makes me want to throw it at a wall too. It's been since Hard Eight and I've been biting my nails and starting to hate the series. I know many are Morelli fan's but there is something there with Ranger that Steph needs to explore before she walks or in Janet's case, keeps dragging it on forever with no satisfaction. Back to the current book. This one has a interesting plot and many laughs. Steph has her usual I hate my job and I don't know what I want to do with my life, melt downs, and constantly ponders over what she should do with the two men in her life. Playing with Ranger while sleeping with Morelli, is still the way she feels is the best way to handle the problem. I had hope for the ending, but big sigh.
September 11, 2011
Yes, I just gave all 16 of these books 3 stars. No, I didn't just read them all in a row. I just read the 16th one while on a plane (er, I forget which one, I've been on a lot of planes this week - 8, including one transcon). It took me about an hour. I really like these books even though they all have exactly the same plot:
-Stephanie is super cute and hot (despite eating only donuts and fried chicken) and all the guys want her, even though she thinks she is mostly average
-Although she is the worst bond agent ever, keeps her gun in her cookie jar, and loses every skip she goes after, she somehow manages to always save the day and only sometimes has to call one of her two boyfriends to help her
-Her two boyfriends are both dreamy but totally different from each other. Whatever will she do?
-Lula is very sassy. And is no longer a prostitute. Grandma Plum is also very sassy. She totally wishes she had a checkered prostitute past.
When I just want a fast, escapist read, I know exactly what I'll be getting into. I won't look for some light comedy to distract me from the stress and the being 40k feet in the air and end up with a Confederacy of Dunces. Sort of like seeing a Starbucks early in the morning in a foreign country. You do in fact want to try all of the random and exotic coffees, but mostly you need some guaranteed caffeine first.
-Stephanie is super cute and hot (despite eating only donuts and fried chicken) and all the guys want her, even though she thinks she is mostly average
-Although she is the worst bond agent ever, keeps her gun in her cookie jar, and loses every skip she goes after, she somehow manages to always save the day and only sometimes has to call one of her two boyfriends to help her
-Her two boyfriends are both dreamy but totally different from each other. Whatever will she do?
-Lula is very sassy. And is no longer a prostitute. Grandma Plum is also very sassy. She totally wishes she had a checkered prostitute past.
When I just want a fast, escapist read, I know exactly what I'll be getting into. I won't look for some light comedy to distract me from the stress and the being 40k feet in the air and end up with a Confederacy of Dunces. Sort of like seeing a Starbucks early in the morning in a foreign country. You do in fact want to try all of the random and exotic coffees, but mostly you need some guaranteed caffeine first.
June 23, 2010
I saw another reader use this word to describe the book and it's exactly how I felt after I finished it - meh. I do realize that the Stephanie books are supposed to be fun, easy, light reads, and maybe I’m too hard on this series and expect a lot more than I should, but the past few books have been big letdowns. The “mystery” of this book lacked any depth and left me not caring at all about how it would turn out. Comedic bits and circumstances Steph finds herself in are being repeated. How many time can she fall off a fire escape and have it still be funny? Worked the first time around, not so much this time.
I enjoy her supporting characters, but there was too much Lula. This happened in 15 as well, and a little of Lula goes a long way.
I truly don’t know what to think about Steph and the triangle anymore. I’m a Joe fan, have been since book 1 (doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a hot Ranger scene or two or 10) and I have a hard time understanding why these 2 guys keep hanging around while Steph is her usual undecided self.
Personally, I think the series has run its course, and there seemed to be a little foreshadowing of this with Steph really thinking about how tired she is of her job. However, I’ve been with Steph, Morelli and the gang for 16 books, and I’ll keep reading until the end.
I enjoy her supporting characters, but there was too much Lula. This happened in 15 as well, and a little of Lula goes a long way.
I truly don’t know what to think about Steph and the triangle anymore. I’m a Joe fan, have been since book 1 (doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a hot Ranger scene or two or 10) and I have a hard time understanding why these 2 guys keep hanging around while Steph is her usual undecided self.
Personally, I think the series has run its course, and there seemed to be a little foreshadowing of this with Steph really thinking about how tired she is of her job. However, I’ve been with Steph, Morelli and the gang for 16 books, and I’ll keep reading until the end.
May 22, 2016
I read the reviews on this before I picked it up, so I wasn't expecting much. I was thinking I would just get through it in order to know what's going on for the next book. And, I have to say that the negative reviews were right:
it was boring, with tired old jokes and a love triangle that is getting really old.
And, is Stephanie actually getting dumber? I know Lula has, but I swear that Stephanie is regressing.
But, on the good side, there were a few good moments towards the end of the book, and I made my way through it pretty quickly.
Ranger will always keep me coming back. I have to keep up hope for him.
it was boring, with tired old jokes and a love triangle that is getting really old.
And, is Stephanie actually getting dumber? I know Lula has, but I swear that Stephanie is regressing.
But, on the good side, there were a few good moments towards the end of the book, and I made my way through it pretty quickly.
Ranger will always keep me coming back. I have to keep up hope for him.
May 19, 2022
Donuts for every occasion seems to be the recipe, a fast paced hilarious 16th instalment with hobbits and a pet alligator.
I think it's high time Stephanie relives that one epic night with Ranger 🤩 let's hope it happens soon!
I think it's high time Stephanie relives that one epic night with Ranger 🤩 let's hope it happens soon!
September 3, 2020
I can always depend on Stephanie Plum to lift my spirits, especially after several disappointing reads. Taking a Stephanie break from heavier reading is fun too. It reminds me that I love books on the lighter side. This installment is no different than the others. Formula all the way, but a winning formula it is. Take Stephanie, destroy a car or two, throw in a mystery and some sexual innuendo and you have a great escape from anything that bothers you.
Vinnie Plum, Stephanie's cousin and manager of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has been abducted and is being held until he pays his delinquent gambling debt and it is up to Stephanie, Connie and Lula to find the money and save Vinnie. Not that having Vinnie back is something they all want, but having jobs is.
Laying hands on over a million dollars is going to be a problem and the ladies have to think outside to box in order to come up with the money. Their plans to rescue Vinnie hit a snag when they can't even find him. Then the alligator chases Stephanie and Lula. Then Ranger rescues Stephanie. Then things get a little smelly. Then Vinnie disappears, again. Then . . . well, you get the idea. By the time Stephanie finally gets it all figured out, it could be to late.
Vinnie Plum, Stephanie's cousin and manager of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has been abducted and is being held until he pays his delinquent gambling debt and it is up to Stephanie, Connie and Lula to find the money and save Vinnie. Not that having Vinnie back is something they all want, but having jobs is.
Laying hands on over a million dollars is going to be a problem and the ladies have to think outside to box in order to come up with the money. Their plans to rescue Vinnie hit a snag when they can't even find him. Then the alligator chases Stephanie and Lula. Then Ranger rescues Stephanie. Then things get a little smelly. Then Vinnie disappears, again. Then . . . well, you get the idea. By the time Stephanie finally gets it all figured out, it could be to late.
April 22, 2017
This one was a little weirder than usual. It was like we traveled to some alternate universe where Lula's Firebird somehow survived a bomb from previous book, Stephanie/Lula/Connie somehow made a decent burglars, and Lula actualy had something wise to say. Weird! Not bad weird but weird all the same. Maybe it was the lucky bottle.
So, we finally found out why Stephanie and Joe broke up.
I can buy my own condoms, thankyouverymuch
Now you see why I love Ranger. You would never hear something like that from him. He takes Steph as she is and doesn't try to Stepford the heck out of her.
This time it's Vinnie who needs help. He got kidnapped by very bad people who demand a very big ransom. Now, if it was me I'd let them keep Vinnie and his perv ass for themselves, but Steph is sentimental about such things, he's family and all that. Also she'd be out of job so there's that. Connie and Lula volunteer to help out, and together they devise a plan to rob the guy that got Vinnie and return the money in exchange for his safe return. Uhm, yeah. I still can't believe they pulled that off.
As you can imagine, not everything with that plan went smoothly. That's ok, hobbits saved the day. Did I forget to mention hobbits were there too? They had capes.
Mind boggled.
Over and out
So, we finally found out why Stephanie and Joe broke up.
"Do you remember why we broke up?" Morelli asked.
"You needed space."
"I needed toast. You ate the last piece of bread, and you didn't get more."
"I was busy. I forgot."
"You're a woman."
"I'm supposed to remember toast?"
"Yes."
"What about you? What are you supposed to remember?"
"Condoms."
I can buy my own condoms, thankyouverymuch
Now you see why I love Ranger. You would never hear something like that from him. He takes Steph as she is and doesn't try to Stepford the heck out of her.
"You're very calm," he said.
"It's easy to be calm when I'm with you. I feel protected."
"I try," Ranger said. "You don't always cooperate."
This time it's Vinnie who needs help. He got kidnapped by very bad people who demand a very big ransom. Now, if it was me I'd let them keep Vinnie and his perv ass for themselves, but Steph is sentimental about such things, he's family and all that. Also she'd be out of job so there's that. Connie and Lula volunteer to help out, and together they devise a plan to rob the guy that got Vinnie and return the money in exchange for his safe return. Uhm, yeah. I still can't believe they pulled that off.
"I got my gun, my pepper spray, my flashlight," Lula said. "And then I got my other gun and a bread knife."
"I have an Uzi and the stink bombs," Connie said. They looked at me. I had hairspray and a nail file, but it didn't stack up next to guns and stink bombs.
As you can imagine, not everything with that plan went smoothly. That's ok, hobbits saved the day. Did I forget to mention hobbits were there too? They had capes.
Mind boggled.
Over and out
October 28, 2017
I will continue to love this series, silly love triangle (of sorts) or not because it never ceases to make me laugh out loud and have a good time.
April 11, 2017
Loved it! This whole series is fantastic and I can't get enough of it. For me, it never gets old!
July 9, 2010
Just awful. I didn't care for even a moment about what was going on. The story is so shallow, there's no emotion, no suspense, nothing interesting. The women wander around, describing every building, street, turn, and calorie (eaten or craved). Lula's diet covers more words in the book than the search for Vinnie. She's the real star of the book, but it's all one liners. If Evanovich has realized that Lula is the draw, write a story that showcases her in a substantive way instead of just a barrage of dumb jokes. Some were funny the first time, or the third time, but not ad nauseum.
And Stephanie is completely stalled, her life is exactly the same in every book now. It's boring, I want to read about a real woman, not a sketch of a character who never grows or changes. Her lines in this book, her encounters with Morelli, Ranger, her parents, Lula and Connie, Grandma Mazur, all could have just been copied from previous books. Nothing new happened. Fine, she can't choose between Morelli and Ranger. So be a writer and introduce a new man. Give Steph another crazy job to try for a while. Do something, anything, to make the book more than a retread of every other book, but continually more boring and insubstantial.
And don't forget the stuff that's just absurd. Running jokes from previous books are usually fun, but out of context and taken to the extreme, it's just rediculous. By page 23 Lula had been involved in 2 incidents where she unloaded her gun, once shooting 6 bullets at guys who came on too strong, and soon after unloading the rest of the clip at a guy who stole her doughnuts. And the cops could care less; the ladies just continue on about their day. Why is that funny or interesting? Lula has been turned into a total clown. She had a lot more depth in early books, and potential to be a great long-term character. The humor wasn't always, and doesn't have to be, her entire representation. Now she's just one long joke. What a waste.
But the book is supposed to be about Stephanie, right? But there's nothing new to say, everything is completely status quo with her. Same old, same old.
Finally, once again the book is printed in large print, with double spacing, huge margins and full pages between chapters (which start half way down the page). It's a 140 page book masquerading as 309 pages. Great disguise, I bet it would have fooled Stephanie.
And Stephanie is completely stalled, her life is exactly the same in every book now. It's boring, I want to read about a real woman, not a sketch of a character who never grows or changes. Her lines in this book, her encounters with Morelli, Ranger, her parents, Lula and Connie, Grandma Mazur, all could have just been copied from previous books. Nothing new happened. Fine, she can't choose between Morelli and Ranger. So be a writer and introduce a new man. Give Steph another crazy job to try for a while. Do something, anything, to make the book more than a retread of every other book, but continually more boring and insubstantial.
And don't forget the stuff that's just absurd. Running jokes from previous books are usually fun, but out of context and taken to the extreme, it's just rediculous. By page 23 Lula had been involved in 2 incidents where she unloaded her gun, once shooting 6 bullets at guys who came on too strong, and soon after unloading the rest of the clip at a guy who stole her doughnuts. And the cops could care less; the ladies just continue on about their day. Why is that funny or interesting? Lula has been turned into a total clown. She had a lot more depth in early books, and potential to be a great long-term character. The humor wasn't always, and doesn't have to be, her entire representation. Now she's just one long joke. What a waste.
But the book is supposed to be about Stephanie, right? But there's nothing new to say, everything is completely status quo with her. Same old, same old.
Finally, once again the book is printed in large print, with double spacing, huge margins and full pages between chapters (which start half way down the page). It's a 140 page book masquerading as 309 pages. Great disguise, I bet it would have fooled Stephanie.
June 1, 2018
The last time I read this book, I wasn't all that keen on it, but, this time, I loved it!! How many writers get the fun of saying Hobbits are related to Munchkins?
And, Connie, who gets some of the best lines in this book, "I want to rescue Vinnie so I can kick his perverted ass all the way from the bond's office to the hospital." Hilarious! Then there's Mooner back, and this time with Hobbits, add a yard sale with dynamite and pot brownies, it's one ridiculously funny thing after another. Oh, and did I mention the alligator? (Tee hee) Excuse me while I go check out some yard sales. I'm looking for 'baked' goods.
Reread May 2018 — still loving this book and still looking for a yard sale with Mooner brownies! 😎
And, Connie, who gets some of the best lines in this book, "I want to rescue Vinnie so I can kick his perverted ass all the way from the bond's office to the hospital." Hilarious! Then there's Mooner back, and this time with Hobbits, add a yard sale with dynamite and pot brownies, it's one ridiculously funny thing after another. Oh, and did I mention the alligator? (Tee hee) Excuse me while I go check out some yard sales. I'm looking for 'baked' goods.
Reread May 2018 — still loving this book and still looking for a yard sale with Mooner brownies! 😎
January 27, 2024
So this makes the nineteenth Stephanie Plum novel I’ve read (I read 20 and 24 out of order way back when). But that still leaves me eleven short, not including the “tweenies”! I wanna be all caught up, so that when 31 comes out (at Janet Evanovich’s rate, that’ll be next week) I can say I have them all completed. What to do?
So, here’s the beauty of it: most of the audiobooks are available at the library. And you can generally find a used paperback version somewhere. They’re fun to read, and voiced expertly by the great Lorelei King. And I have a good hour’s commute. Perfect!
Good premise for this one: Vinny gets kidnapped for too many bad bets. He’s a dirtbag, but he’s a halfway decent bondsman, and without him, Steph, Lula, and Connie are out of work. Not to mention, Grandma Mazur won’t be happy if he gets whacked. So, the ladies set out on a stink-bomb fueled raid on the hideout of one Bobby Sunflower, noted gangster and illicit entrepreneur.
Steph and her crew engage in some maneuvers that skirt the law, just out of the eye of Morelli. She gets a helping hand from Ranger, or more often his Rangeman staff, since he’s out of town for part of it. Again, she’s attracted to both guys, and there’s a little spice here and there, especially toward the end (though sometimes I’d like what I’d seen from the earlier novels; seems to be toned down after number 10 or so).
The story unfolds well. Steph’s a little more competent, and her skips seem to blend into the main plot nicely. And the animal kingdom shows up: gators and cows and hamsters, oh my!
Here’s a thing: whenever Steph gets captured, drugged, tied up or handcuffed by the bad guys…I get so nervous. It feels so tense, even as I know she’s gonna get rescued in some clever way and show up for the next novel. To the Nines or maybe the original (One for the Money) have the best endings, but this was cute and funny, too.
Onto Explosive Eighteen (number 17 was read out of order). It’s already queued into my phone!
So, here’s the beauty of it: most of the audiobooks are available at the library. And you can generally find a used paperback version somewhere. They’re fun to read, and voiced expertly by the great Lorelei King. And I have a good hour’s commute. Perfect!
Good premise for this one: Vinny gets kidnapped for too many bad bets. He’s a dirtbag, but he’s a halfway decent bondsman, and without him, Steph, Lula, and Connie are out of work. Not to mention, Grandma Mazur won’t be happy if he gets whacked. So, the ladies set out on a stink-bomb fueled raid on the hideout of one Bobby Sunflower, noted gangster and illicit entrepreneur.
Steph and her crew engage in some maneuvers that skirt the law, just out of the eye of Morelli. She gets a helping hand from Ranger, or more often his Rangeman staff, since he’s out of town for part of it. Again, she’s attracted to both guys, and there’s a little spice here and there, especially toward the end (though sometimes I’d like what I’d seen from the earlier novels; seems to be toned down after number 10 or so).
The story unfolds well. Steph’s a little more competent, and her skips seem to blend into the main plot nicely. And the animal kingdom shows up: gators and cows and hamsters, oh my!
Here’s a thing: whenever Steph gets captured, drugged, tied up or handcuffed by the bad guys…I get so nervous. It feels so tense, even as I know she’s gonna get rescued in some clever way and show up for the next novel. To the Nines or maybe the original (One for the Money) have the best endings, but this was cute and funny, too.
Onto Explosive Eighteen (number 17 was read out of order). It’s already queued into my phone!
April 14, 2011
I loved this book so much. I have read books from this series before but I think I love this one the best. The characters were so sidesplitting funny. It was so easy to imagine them. Like Lulu with her tightfitting clothes and ample bosom, with sequins or glitter on her shoes.
The dialogue was priceless with every character having their own style of talking that went right along with their unique style of dressing.
The situations were so crazy too, I won't tell you about that because it would spoil your fun.
This story seems like an incredible ride through ridiculous situation, one after another. I would say, the kind that makes you want to hold onto your hat.
This particular book didn't have any steamy love scene in it, it was on the verge several times. I didn't really miss that though. Try not to visualize the scenes with Vinnie, Stephanie's employer who was kidnapped. Instead concentrate on Ranger or Morelli.
I noticed that this story has received lower reviews than normal so I checked out why. The reviewers were all comparing this book to the others in this series. If that is the case then I have a real treat in store as I read the rest. The reader was wonderful too, she really captured the each of the characters wonderfully.
This is not fiction that teaches you much, it is just fiction that lets you relax and have some fun. Think of it as a funny fantasy of a mystery!
I recommend this for all the Janet Evanovitch fans and anyone who wants to add little enjoyment to their life.
The dialogue was priceless with every character having their own style of talking that went right along with their unique style of dressing.
The situations were so crazy too, I won't tell you about that because it would spoil your fun.
This story seems like an incredible ride through ridiculous situation, one after another. I would say, the kind that makes you want to hold onto your hat.
This particular book didn't have any steamy love scene in it, it was on the verge several times. I didn't really miss that though. Try not to visualize the scenes with Vinnie, Stephanie's employer who was kidnapped. Instead concentrate on Ranger or Morelli.
I noticed that this story has received lower reviews than normal so I checked out why. The reviewers were all comparing this book to the others in this series. If that is the case then I have a real treat in store as I read the rest. The reader was wonderful too, she really captured the each of the characters wonderfully.
This is not fiction that teaches you much, it is just fiction that lets you relax and have some fun. Think of it as a funny fantasy of a mystery!
I recommend this for all the Janet Evanovitch fans and anyone who wants to add little enjoyment to their life.
July 24, 2010
I don't know why I keep reading this series. I loved it when it first started, but now, at 16 books strong (they're bestsellers), I am getting tired of the SAMENESS of them all.
Stephanie Plum is crappy at her job as a bonds agent. She usually finds of her targets, often captures them with the help of Ranger, a hot security consultant, and even more regularly ends up in some kind of embarrassing escapade. She is torn between Joe Morelli, her cop boyfriend, and super-sexy mystery man Ranger. She wrecks one or two cars.
This happens in EVERY BOOK.
At some point, it would be nice if Stephanie Plum grew up and matured. Or changed. Or if her hamster even died. I'm very against animal cruelty, but come on, how long do hamsters live, anyway?
The Stephanie Plum books evidently happen in some kind of weird alternative world in which time moves, but never forward or backward. It just kind of goes, and no one ever ages. Or learns from their mistakes.
Or hires a copyeditor, I guess, given that these books are beginning to feel as though they're written in a hurry, what with all the typos and poor writing. Seriously, in every book, there are at least 5 instances of someone "cutting their eyes" at another person.
These are great books to read if there's nothing else at the library. At the very least, it will make time pass. Which is more than what happens in the actual books.
Stephanie Plum is crappy at her job as a bonds agent. She usually finds of her targets, often captures them with the help of Ranger, a hot security consultant, and even more regularly ends up in some kind of embarrassing escapade. She is torn between Joe Morelli, her cop boyfriend, and super-sexy mystery man Ranger. She wrecks one or two cars.
This happens in EVERY BOOK.
At some point, it would be nice if Stephanie Plum grew up and matured. Or changed. Or if her hamster even died. I'm very against animal cruelty, but come on, how long do hamsters live, anyway?
The Stephanie Plum books evidently happen in some kind of weird alternative world in which time moves, but never forward or backward. It just kind of goes, and no one ever ages. Or learns from their mistakes.
Or hires a copyeditor, I guess, given that these books are beginning to feel as though they're written in a hurry, what with all the typos and poor writing. Seriously, in every book, there are at least 5 instances of someone "cutting their eyes" at another person.
These are great books to read if there's nothing else at the library. At the very least, it will make time pass. Which is more than what happens in the actual books.
July 13, 2010
Every time I finish a Stephanie Plum book, I tell myself I'll never read another one, but here I am, with the newest one. At least it's a quick read.
June 26, 2010
I really don’t know where to begin this one. I enjoy these novels for so many different reasons. It is hard for me to narrow down a specific piece or element of Janet Evanovich’s work with the Stephanie Plum series that I can start with as my number one. So I am going to be bold and different today and just list the top 16 reasons why I, Giovanni Gelati of Gelati’s Scoops, don’t just enjoy, but love Sizzling Sixteen and Janet Evanovich’s style: ( without including spoilers)
Number 16: The ending, I thought it was the most complete one yet.
Number15: I can safely say that this is a great summer read for the beach or at poolside
Number14: Mooner, Mooner, Mooner- need I say more dude or dudette.
Number13: I can actually share this novel with almost all my daughters (all except my 11 year old)
Number 12: When I read her novels and laugh out loud my wife doesn’t look at me funny; she actually understands.
Number 11: When I get one of her novels, I am all of a sudden my daughters’ favorite dad and receive much more attention than usual.
Number 10: The place of my birth, Saint Francis Hospital gets another mention for their great care and ability in the area of knife and gunshot wounds. I again feel proud of my birthplace.
Number 9: LuLu’s fashion statements, gotta luv ‘em. I have spoken up and suggested Queen Latifa to play her in the movie, what do you think?
Number 8: I love the mention of the different streets in the Burg as most of my Italian relatives lived in the area and it brings back many memories.
Number 7: I live in Bucks County and can identify with all the locations she mentions. What ever happened to Italian Peoples Bakery though?
Number 6: You gotta love characters that are loose cannons and also carry them. Chicks with Uzi’s , fire, stun guns, leopard pattern spandex, mayhem and disaster. Basically everything a guy looks for in the girl you want to take home to Mom & Dad.
Number 5: Grandma Mazur, everybody should have one of these, at least every funeral home. Pass the cookies please.
Number 4: Morelli/Ranger, Morelli/ Ranger, Morelli / Ranger, you decide. Would the novels be the same without this dynamic. I liken it to the best years of Moonlighting. Do you really want her to settle down?
Number 3: The diets LuLu tries in each novel, they are well, novel. Maybe Biggest Loser can use a product placement.
Number 2: One must certainly enjoy a novel where your main character has cars blow up and burn, buildings burn, her best buddy gets her Glock out of her Coach purse and shoots at anything and everything, borrows cars and those she borrows cars from don’t expect them back in one piece, the police asks her boyfriend cop if it is the mayhem at hand is work of his girlfriend again, constantly gets things stuck in her Jersey girl hair, and it seems in each novel, she must chase someone with erectile dysfunction.
Number 1: I have OCD and I have read everything she has written, how can I stop now?
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Number 16: The ending, I thought it was the most complete one yet.
Number15: I can safely say that this is a great summer read for the beach or at poolside
Number14: Mooner, Mooner, Mooner- need I say more dude or dudette.
Number13: I can actually share this novel with almost all my daughters (all except my 11 year old)
Number 12: When I read her novels and laugh out loud my wife doesn’t look at me funny; she actually understands.
Number 11: When I get one of her novels, I am all of a sudden my daughters’ favorite dad and receive much more attention than usual.
Number 10: The place of my birth, Saint Francis Hospital gets another mention for their great care and ability in the area of knife and gunshot wounds. I again feel proud of my birthplace.
Number 9: LuLu’s fashion statements, gotta luv ‘em. I have spoken up and suggested Queen Latifa to play her in the movie, what do you think?
Number 8: I love the mention of the different streets in the Burg as most of my Italian relatives lived in the area and it brings back many memories.
Number 7: I live in Bucks County and can identify with all the locations she mentions. What ever happened to Italian Peoples Bakery though?
Number 6: You gotta love characters that are loose cannons and also carry them. Chicks with Uzi’s , fire, stun guns, leopard pattern spandex, mayhem and disaster. Basically everything a guy looks for in the girl you want to take home to Mom & Dad.
Number 5: Grandma Mazur, everybody should have one of these, at least every funeral home. Pass the cookies please.
Number 4: Morelli/Ranger, Morelli/ Ranger, Morelli / Ranger, you decide. Would the novels be the same without this dynamic. I liken it to the best years of Moonlighting. Do you really want her to settle down?
Number 3: The diets LuLu tries in each novel, they are well, novel. Maybe Biggest Loser can use a product placement.
Number 2: One must certainly enjoy a novel where your main character has cars blow up and burn, buildings burn, her best buddy gets her Glock out of her Coach purse and shoots at anything and everything, borrows cars and those she borrows cars from don’t expect them back in one piece, the police asks her boyfriend cop if it is the mayhem at hand is work of his girlfriend again, constantly gets things stuck in her Jersey girl hair, and it seems in each novel, she must chase someone with erectile dysfunction.
Number 1: I have OCD and I have read everything she has written, how can I stop now?
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and also look for our posts on Amazon. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day
January 25, 2011
Dear Stephanie Plum,
I've devoted a number of years to your exploits. I have come to love you as a real woman in my life so it pains me to say that after reading this, your sixteenth tale of er...adventure, I feel our relationship is coming to an end.
Let me explain a few facts of life to you.
Something needs to happen in a story apart from witty dialogue and a lot of driving around.
After sixteen books, I'd just like to see you apprehend a felon once. Just once will do.
As for the two men in your life, I've decided someone needs to tell you the truth.
The real reason Morelli and Ranger don't pressure you for sex is that they are diddling each other.
Yes!
Girlfriend, while you were busy eating (you do that constantly, BTW. How do you stay skinny with your scary intake of doughnuts and subs?) with Morelli, he got a call and had to run. He said it was business.
Yeah, funny business.
I still think it's not too late to salvage your smart, sassy world. Let your creator know the gig is up and you want a real story with meat on its bones...oops...now I'm getting hungry.
Let Morelli and Ranger go off to their shared bliss and get yourself a hot new romance with some actual sex and no whiny discussions about toast in Book 17.
Please.
Love,
AJ.
I've devoted a number of years to your exploits. I have come to love you as a real woman in my life so it pains me to say that after reading this, your sixteenth tale of er...adventure, I feel our relationship is coming to an end.
Let me explain a few facts of life to you.
Something needs to happen in a story apart from witty dialogue and a lot of driving around.
After sixteen books, I'd just like to see you apprehend a felon once. Just once will do.
As for the two men in your life, I've decided someone needs to tell you the truth.
The real reason Morelli and Ranger don't pressure you for sex is that they are diddling each other.
Yes!
Girlfriend, while you were busy eating (you do that constantly, BTW. How do you stay skinny with your scary intake of doughnuts and subs?) with Morelli, he got a call and had to run. He said it was business.
Yeah, funny business.
I still think it's not too late to salvage your smart, sassy world. Let your creator know the gig is up and you want a real story with meat on its bones...oops...now I'm getting hungry.
Let Morelli and Ranger go off to their shared bliss and get yourself a hot new romance with some actual sex and no whiny discussions about toast in Book 17.
Please.
Love,
AJ.
July 9, 2010
Yes, it's a little embarrassing to admit that I've read all of the SP series (but not the between the numbers books). They make me laugh and it reminds me of reading a comic book when I was a kid, without the pictures. The new book comes out every year around June 21 which is my wedding anniversary and coincides with a trip we take each year at that time that cries out for summer reading. SP is a guilty pleasure.
After reading: this is my last investment in this series. Each one keeps getting worse and more repetitive. The first 5 or so were funny and light and silly, but still a little mystery. Now they are just boring and I just can't wait to be done with them. It's kind of like eating a box of cookies that are slowly going stale...they were fresh and tasty when you opened the box but now not so much.
After reading: this is my last investment in this series. Each one keeps getting worse and more repetitive. The first 5 or so were funny and light and silly, but still a little mystery. Now they are just boring and I just can't wait to be done with them. It's kind of like eating a box of cookies that are slowly going stale...they were fresh and tasty when you opened the box but now not so much.
September 18, 2015
Stephanie Plum, Lula, Grandma Mazur, and the rest of the gang are back in a brand new adventure. When Vinnie is captured by some mobsters who he owes money to, it is up to Stephanie, Lula, Connie, and Ranger's team to track him down and save him. Can they raise the money to get him out and will their attempts be successful or will it all go up in flames? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a great installment of the Stephanie Plum series. Though there were no exploding cars this book, there were other explosions along with tons of action and comedy galore. If you like those type of things, definitely check this series out. I'll get back to books 13, 15, and the rest of the series at a later time. You can find this book and the rest of this series starting with One for the Money at your local library and wherever books are sold.
This was a great installment of the Stephanie Plum series. Though there were no exploding cars this book, there were other explosions along with tons of action and comedy galore. If you like those type of things, definitely check this series out. I'll get back to books 13, 15, and the rest of the series at a later time. You can find this book and the rest of this series starting with One for the Money at your local library and wherever books are sold.
July 7, 2017
I found this to be a solid installment in the Stephanie Plum series. We do see many of the same plot points as the other books i.e. bungling attempts to apprehend criminals, destroyed vehicles, bombed buildings, etc.
What I also noticed is the solid contribution of Connie in all the action -- more so than any previous book. The relationship between Ranger and Stephanie continues to grow and become more defined while her hold on Morrelli also stays strong. I don't know how Evanovich keeps the tension going through so many books. Bravo!
Grandma Mazur, Lulu and Mooner (he's back) along with other supporting characters continue to add their own flavor to the story. Looking forward to seeing what happens in #17 after reading thru to the end of this one.
What I also noticed is the solid contribution of Connie in all the action -- more so than any previous book. The relationship between Ranger and Stephanie continues to grow and become more defined while her hold on Morrelli also stays strong. I don't know how Evanovich keeps the tension going through so many books. Bravo!
Grandma Mazur, Lulu and Mooner (he's back) along with other supporting characters continue to add their own flavor to the story. Looking forward to seeing what happens in #17 after reading thru to the end of this one.
May 22, 2022
This was a fairly middle of the road Plum novel for most of the book but was saved from mediocrity by any scene with Vinnie and the last chapter which was hilariously amazing.
May 15, 2021
Another brilliant installment in the Stephanie Plum series! Some real laugh out loud moments, and I liked the fact that it didn't have the speech from Stephanie's mum that seems to be in every book, 'so and so's daughter has a normal job'. The little twist at the end had me laughing.
June 26, 2010
I hate so say this more than you know, but I was SOO disappointed in "Sizzling Sixteen." If you read the liner notes, Vinnie was supposedly staying with Ranger, but got kicked out due to "overextending" himself on pay-per-view porn, and that didn't happen in the book. If it had, that had a lot of potential to be really funny. But sadly, there wasn't anything too funny in the whole book.
Also, I am over Stephanie being such a dolt at being a bounty hunter. Given so many screw-ups, you'd think she'd learn, but she never seems to.
Also, let's get it on with Ranger already. I didn't say she had to marry him, but if he were real, I would want to! :-)
I also think that ignoring -- for the most part -- Stephanie's family was a real shame. These "people" helped make me laugh out loud. Sadly, I did none of this while reading "Sizzling Sixteen."
Also, I am over Stephanie being such a dolt at being a bounty hunter. Given so many screw-ups, you'd think she'd learn, but she never seems to.
Also, let's get it on with Ranger already. I didn't say she had to marry him, but if he were real, I would want to! :-)
I also think that ignoring -- for the most part -- Stephanie's family was a real shame. These "people" helped make me laugh out loud. Sadly, I did none of this while reading "Sizzling Sixteen."
June 26, 2011
Yes I'm reviewing the book before I'm finished but that's only because I accidentally saw some of the negative reviews and feel I have to say something. When reading these types of books you have to expect that it's not going to be Jane Austen literature. Books like these are meant for pure entertainment...like watching a sitcom instead of a drama. Lighten up. If you're looking for Stephanie to finally make a committment to Morelli or Ranger than you are missing the point of the books and you should stop reading them.
Crap I just became an online ranter...
Just finished. It was as expected. I think I have read it before.
Crap I just became an online ranter...
Just finished. It was as expected. I think I have read it before.
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