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Stephanie Plum #30
Dirty Thirty
🎧1 audiobook file (8 parts), 8 hours 7 minutes 46 seconds
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Stephanie Plum, Trenton’s hardest working, most underappreciated bounty hunter, is offered a freelance assignment that seems simple enough. Local jeweler Martin Rabner wants her to locate his former security guard, Andy Manley (a.k.a. Nutsy), who he is convinced stole a fortune in diamonds out of his safe. Stephanie is also looking for another troubled man, Duncan Dugan, a fugitive from justice arrested for robbing the same jewelry store on the same day.
With her boyfriend Morelli away in Miami on police business, Stephanie is taking care of Bob, Morelli’s giant orange dog who will devour anything, from Stephanie’s stray donuts to the upholstery in her car. Morelli’s absence also means the inscrutable, irresistible security expert Ranger is front and center in Stephanie’s life when things inevitably go sideways. And he seems determined to stay there.
To complicate matters, her best friend Lula is convinced she is being stalked by a mythological demon hell-bent on relieving her of her wardrobe. An overnight stakeout with Stephanie’s mother and Grandma Mazur reveals three generations of women with nerves of steel and driving skills worthy of NASCAR champions.
As the body count rises and witnesses start to disappear, it won’t be easy for Stephanie to keep herself clean when everyone else is playing dirty. It’s a good thing Stephanie isn’t afraid of getting a little dirty, too.
_______________
Stephanie Plum, Trenton’s hardest working, most underappreciated bounty hunter, is offered a freelance assignment that seems simple enough. Local jeweler Martin Rabner wants her to locate his former security guard, Andy Manley (a.k.a. Nutsy), who he is convinced stole a fortune in diamonds out of his safe. Stephanie is also looking for another troubled man, Duncan Dugan, a fugitive from justice arrested for robbing the same jewelry store on the same day.
With her boyfriend Morelli away in Miami on police business, Stephanie is taking care of Bob, Morelli’s giant orange dog who will devour anything, from Stephanie’s stray donuts to the upholstery in her car. Morelli’s absence also means the inscrutable, irresistible security expert Ranger is front and center in Stephanie’s life when things inevitably go sideways. And he seems determined to stay there.
To complicate matters, her best friend Lula is convinced she is being stalked by a mythological demon hell-bent on relieving her of her wardrobe. An overnight stakeout with Stephanie’s mother and Grandma Mazur reveals three generations of women with nerves of steel and driving skills worthy of NASCAR champions.
As the body count rises and witnesses start to disappear, it won’t be easy for Stephanie to keep herself clean when everyone else is playing dirty. It’s a good thing Stephanie isn’t afraid of getting a little dirty, too.
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 31, 2023
6279 people are currently reading
21783 people want to read
About the author
Janet Evanovich
330 books41.2k followersJanet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,145 reviews
November 2, 2023
Stephanie is back! After the last terrible book (someone else clearly wrote it), the write character details and language is on point! Stephanie and Lula had me in stitches, and the grave digging experiences are just part of their norm now, like cars and apartments being blown up. The mystery had more than usual to it, and Stephanie's grandma is always a maniacal laugh. the ending, moving the three-part relationship forward between Ranger and Morelli hits a new high, and honestly, I can't see there being another book after this next one. She has to make a decision, and it's time to move on... and it better be Ranger!
December 30, 2023
My thanks to Atria books, Janet Evanovich and Netgalley.
I gave up on these wonderful books back at 12 Sharp. I had just had enough!
But, if you've ever read this series then you know that it's a difficult thing to let go of!
My frustration wasn't with the humor or really much of anything important. I was frustrated with Stephanie's inability to pick a mate/man.
I'm team Ranger....
So, it's a wee bit funny that when I decided to pick the series back up, to see what was going on and what had changed.........what had changed? Not a single damned thing.
It's been at least 15 years since I read book 12. Not a single thing is different. Nothing.
I did still laugh, chuckle and get slightly hot and bothered by Ranger! Oh, looky there. Just the thought of Ranger made me lose my train of thought!
Anyhow, the way this book ended? I'm thinking that I'll have to read the next.
Will Stephanie actually choose? I'll wait for the review's! I loved, loved, loved how this ended!
Also, much love to Lula! My second favorite ex-ho! She'd have been first, but I have a friend who was once a ho! She'd get onery if she thought someone else was a better ex-ho!
I'm glad I read this and will be carrying on to the next books, for a while at least.
I gave up on these wonderful books back at 12 Sharp. I had just had enough!
But, if you've ever read this series then you know that it's a difficult thing to let go of!
My frustration wasn't with the humor or really much of anything important. I was frustrated with Stephanie's inability to pick a mate/man.
I'm team Ranger....
So, it's a wee bit funny that when I decided to pick the series back up, to see what was going on and what had changed.........what had changed? Not a single damned thing.
It's been at least 15 years since I read book 12. Not a single thing is different. Nothing.
I did still laugh, chuckle and get slightly hot and bothered by Ranger! Oh, looky there. Just the thought of Ranger made me lose my train of thought!
Anyhow, the way this book ended? I'm thinking that I'll have to read the next.
Will Stephanie actually choose? I'll wait for the review's! I loved, loved, loved how this ended!
Also, much love to Lula! My second favorite ex-ho! She'd have been first, but I have a friend who was once a ho! She'd get onery if she thought someone else was a better ex-ho!
I'm glad I read this and will be carrying on to the next books, for a while at least.
November 6, 2023
Gotta love Bob.
This book couldn't have come at a better time. After reading a super depressing Christmas book (how are those two things even in the same sentence?) I needed a good old dose of Stephanie and crew.
In this installment, Joe is out of town and so Stephanie is doggy sitting Bob. He is so goofy and hilarious, eating things he's not supposed to and being his generally lovable self--that is, until Stephanie is threatened and then Bob becomes super protector dog.
There are the requisite court skippers that Stephanie and Lula search for, and an overarching mystery involving a jewelry heist and missing people surrounding that. And you can't forget many doughnuts, ruined cars, sexual tension with Ranger, and some all around good fun.
I left this reading with a huge smile on my face and can't wait to see what comes next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This book couldn't have come at a better time. After reading a super depressing Christmas book (how are those two things even in the same sentence?) I needed a good old dose of Stephanie and crew.
In this installment, Joe is out of town and so Stephanie is doggy sitting Bob. He is so goofy and hilarious, eating things he's not supposed to and being his generally lovable self--that is, until Stephanie is threatened and then Bob becomes super protector dog.
There are the requisite court skippers that Stephanie and Lula search for, and an overarching mystery involving a jewelry heist and missing people surrounding that. And you can't forget many doughnuts, ruined cars, sexual tension with Ranger, and some all around good fun.
I left this reading with a huge smile on my face and can't wait to see what comes next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 15, 2024
eenie, meenie, miney, moe
And when I thought ...FINALLY, YES!... 😼
This is a pretty standard Stephanie Plum novel. The characters are the gem and Bob the dog adds extra humor. Book #30 includes author/readers' favorite 30 quotes, one from each book. I personally love Lula's and the guys' quotes are naughty but hilarious.
And when I thought ...FINALLY, YES!... 😼
This is a pretty standard Stephanie Plum novel. The characters are the gem and Bob the dog adds extra humor. Book #30 includes author/readers' favorite 30 quotes, one from each book. I personally love Lula's and the guys' quotes are naughty but hilarious.
December 31, 2023
Janet Evanovich never fails to entertain. Her quirky characters, and even their less than common names, are so unlike anyone I've ever known. Throw in some unusual settings or happenings and another Stephanie Plum adventure takes shape.
The latest finds Stephanie working with an additional sidekick, Bob the dog, as she hunts down two crooks who, in separate and accompanying incidents, have stolen jewelry from Plover's jewelry store. Lula has her own offender to track down as a mysterious Grendel figure haunts her while she sleeps. Is he real? Is she seeing someone or is at all her vivid imagination?
Another fun escapist read that frivolously entertains and even surprises with a couple of thrills near the end.
The latest finds Stephanie working with an additional sidekick, Bob the dog, as she hunts down two crooks who, in separate and accompanying incidents, have stolen jewelry from Plover's jewelry store. Lula has her own offender to track down as a mysterious Grendel figure haunts her while she sleeps. Is he real? Is she seeing someone or is at all her vivid imagination?
Another fun escapist read that frivolously entertains and even surprises with a couple of thrills near the end.
August 21, 2023
The Stephanie Plum series is my go-to comfort read. I know they are silly and somewhat predictable, but that's part of what I love about them. The newest addition to this series (#30) is my favorite in several years. There's a lot of girl power in this one - Stephanie, Grandma Mazur and Lula all get plenty of action. There's a nice bonus at the end of the book of 30 quotes to commemorate the 30th book.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced reader's copy.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced reader's copy.
November 10, 2023
3.5 stars
In this 30th book in the comical 'Stephanie Plum' cozy mystery series, the bail enforcement agent is hired to find a diamond thief. The book works as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a big bonus.
****
Stephanie Plum works as a bounty hunter for her cousin Vinnie's bail bond business in Trenton, New Jersey.
Stephanie and her sidekick Lula - a voluptuous former ho - are comically inept at picking up bail jumpers, but usually get the job done in the end.
As the cozy mystery opens, Stephanie needs extra cash, so she takes a freelance job from jewelry store owner Martin Rabner.
According to Rabner, he was robbed twice in the same day. First a bail skip named Duncan Dugan robbed the jewelry store's display cases.
Then the store's security guard, Andy Manley (aka Nutsy) absconded with the diamonds in the safe. Rabner offers Stephanie $1,000 to track down Nutsy, and Stephanie agrees.
Stephanie and Lula set out to round up bail jumper Duncan and security guard Nutsy, but things are more complicated than usual. Stephanie's boyfriend, Joe Morelli - a handsome Italian cop she's known since childhood - is out of town, and Stephanie is babysitting Joe's BIG orange dog Bob.
Bob eats furniture and car seats if he's left alone, so Stephanie takes the dog everywhere with her.....even when she's chasing down criminals.
There are suspicions that security guard Nutsy's diamond heist was connected to the mob, so - as usual when Stephanie needs extra help - she calls Ranger.
Ranger is a gorgeous Cuban-American hottie who runs a security service called Rangeman. Stephanie thinks of Morelli as her REAL boyfriend, but she's also very attracted to Ranger, and she's always waffling between the two men.
While Stephanie is looking for Duncan she comes across his friend Sissy, who has a soft spot for the inept bail jumper;
and Stephanie's pursuit of Nutsy leads to his mother Celia, a nice woman who has a house full of foster cats.
As the story unfolds, there are hospital escapades; veterinarian visits; trips out of town; cozy times with Ranger; attempts to catch bail skips; canine Bob's hijinks; and more. And as always, Stephanie gets her car wrecked; gets her house bombed; and gets a gun pointed at her.
As all this is going on, Lula becomes convinced she's being stalked by Grendel - a demon and man-eater who sneaks into her bedroom and steals her clothes. Stephanie's hilarious family makes an appearance as well. Grandma Mazur and Stephanie's mother - who drives a car like a Nascar champion - help Stephanie chase Nutsy on a motorcycle.
It's also fun when grave robber Simon Diggory tries to help Stephanie find the body of a murdered man.....in an 'unconventional grave' of course.
To add to the revelry, there's plenty of tasty food in the book, such as chicken salad on croissants; egg potato salad; chocolate cake; donuts; smoked salmon; deviled eggs; bagels; pastrami sandwiches; organic beef-flavored kibble; and more.
This a good addition to the series, a must read for Stephanie Plum fans.
Thanks to Netgalley, Janet Evanovich, and Atria Books for a copy of the manuscript.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
December 30, 2023
Oh my gosh is Stephanie Plum and Ranger finally going to get married? But what about Morelli?
Oh no…
Am I jumping ahead of myself?
Oh…
Can we read these books as a stand-alone?
Yes and no. Yes, you can to some extent, but you will miss out on the nuances of who is who. (Or if it has been a while since you have read them {like me}, you might be a bit forgetful.)
So…
It really is best to stick to reading the series in order, and close together, as best you can.
On to the review…
Stephanie is hired to find the person who the jeweler hired as his security who he believed stole the jewels in the robbery of his store, who is now missing.
But…
Is that really the “truth” of what happened?
And…
In the course of all of this…
She gets to take care of her boyfriend Joe Morelli’s dog, Bob, who is a hoot.
And…
Then there is Lula.
Are you following me?
Well…
This is a typical Evanovich story, and that is what happens.
So…
Hold on tight, and plan on twists, and away you go for this little cozy.
And…
Plan on a sweet little surprise on the very last page…
Which means…
Book 31 has a lot of explaining to do! Thanks a lot Janet!
August 22, 2023
Terribly terribly boring and formulaic. Please stop at 30!! Nothing moves forward storywise ever!! Joe, Ranger, Grandma…. On and on and no forward movement. Thanks NetGalley for the chance to read this but it’s a hard “NO” for me. I’m officially done with Stephanie and Janet.💤💤💤💤💤💤
October 31, 2023
I have got to say, I love Janet Evanovich. This book, not so much. It really pains me to say that as I wait impatiently for each new addition to this series. I have always been able to count on Stephanie and the gang to make me laugh and take me away from everyday live. Not this time. From the first chapters when Evanovich recited Stephanie's life and her world in a narrative that was so boring, I think reading the phone book would have been more exciting. And then there's Lula. Talk about a dialogue hog. At 50% into the book, I had officially hit my Lula limit. In fact, I was coming real close to hitting my limit for the whole book. Lucky for me, the second half was a lot better. Not enough to redeem the book, but close. Then the end. All I can say is wow.
Martin Rabner is a well-loved jeweler in Trenton who had the misfortune to be robbed twice in the same day. Vinnie bonded out the first robber who emptied the display cases and made off with a big bag of loot. Duncan Dugan went FTA and Stephanie is trying to find him. Martin has accused his security guard of emptying his safe and disappearing. Martin wants Stephanie to find Andy Manley and will pay well when she does. Stephanie remembers Andy from High School where he earned the nickname, Nutsy. Throw in a few other FTAs and Stephanie has plenty to occupy her time while Joe is in Miami on police business. Oh, Stephanie is Bobsitting while Morelli is away. Bob turns out to be a pretty good companion for Stephanie as she peels back the layers on the jewelry heist, gets herself is all kinds of danger and finds the truth. Then she has to face her own personal truth.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Martin Rabner is a well-loved jeweler in Trenton who had the misfortune to be robbed twice in the same day. Vinnie bonded out the first robber who emptied the display cases and made off with a big bag of loot. Duncan Dugan went FTA and Stephanie is trying to find him. Martin has accused his security guard of emptying his safe and disappearing. Martin wants Stephanie to find Andy Manley and will pay well when she does. Stephanie remembers Andy from High School where he earned the nickname, Nutsy. Throw in a few other FTAs and Stephanie has plenty to occupy her time while Joe is in Miami on police business. Oh, Stephanie is Bobsitting while Morelli is away. Bob turns out to be a pretty good companion for Stephanie as she peels back the layers on the jewelry heist, gets herself is all kinds of danger and finds the truth. Then she has to face her own personal truth.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
August 19, 2023
As the title indicates, this is number 30 in the adventures of hapless recovery agent, Stephanie Plum of Trenton, NJ. It starts with a simple jewelry store robbery, but when is anything ever simple for Stephanie? Whatever you think can go wrong in Stephanie’s pursuits, does, and things you can’t even imagine go awry. All of the familiar characters are here; Lula, Connie, hunky Ranger, and my favorite, Grandma Mazur. Morelli, Plum’s on and off boyfriend, is mostly MIA, literally, for he is in Miami for a trial. Bob, his dog, has a major role in this story and is responsible for an incident near the end that made me literally LOL. All I will say is it involves a baptismal font.
Yes, the Stephanie Plum novels can be silly, but I really enjoy them. The ridiculous situations and the colorful characters are all very entertaining. Maybe it's the Jersey (I’m a Jersey girl at heart) setting/jokes/lifestyle that gets to me. This series is just plain fun. These books are always good for a quick, amusing read. I almost don't care about the plot...its the characters I enjoy. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the book ends with a dilemma for Plum.
Although I have probably read all of the books in the series, this can work as a standalone…but it would be so much more fun to go back and read some of the priors and gain a fuller picture of these classic characters.
Thanks to #netgalley and @atriabooks for the ARC
Yes, the Stephanie Plum novels can be silly, but I really enjoy them. The ridiculous situations and the colorful characters are all very entertaining. Maybe it's the Jersey (I’m a Jersey girl at heart) setting/jokes/lifestyle that gets to me. This series is just plain fun. These books are always good for a quick, amusing read. I almost don't care about the plot...its the characters I enjoy. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the book ends with a dilemma for Plum.
Although I have probably read all of the books in the series, this can work as a standalone…but it would be so much more fun to go back and read some of the priors and gain a fuller picture of these classic characters.
Thanks to #netgalley and @atriabooks for the ARC
August 1, 2023
Stephanie and Lula are back with a new adventure. Lula is convinced that she is being stalked by an ogre, probably Grendel. Stephanie is hired by a jeweler to find a former employee, Nutsy, that he says robbed him, but of course there is more to that story. After a series of unbelievable events, Lula and Nutsy move into Stephanie's apartment, and it gets pretty crowded, since she is also babysitting Morelli's badly behaved dog, Bob. Yes, people get shot, stunned, and handcuffed, but everything turns out OK. Amazingly after #30, this series is still fun, and there are surprises at the end. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
February 20, 2024
I actually had been an avid reader of this series once upon a time, but quit reading several books ago. Just found myself getting frustrated with the whole Ranger, Morelli indecision. I decided to read this one to find out if things had progressed along this front. Had forgotten how gosh darned funny Lulu is definitely a story asset. Plus, with Stephanie's job, all the goofy characters we meet along the way. Enjoy Morellis dog, Bob and his contribution to the story. This a a fast reading, quickly moving series.
As for the romantic triangle, things have progressed, but in a very unexpected way.
As for the romantic triangle, things have progressed, but in a very unexpected way.
November 11, 2023
Dirty Thirty is the 30th book in the Stephanie Plum series. I have read this series from the beginning and have enjoyed everyone of the books. Stephanie Plum is the main character and works as a bounty hunter for her cousin, Vincent (Vinnie), who owns Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. She lives in the town of Trenton, NJ. Lula is her good friend who works with her. Connie is Vinnie's manager. Her boyfriend, Joseph Morelli is a police detective in Trenton. Carlos Manoso (Ranger) owns a high-end security company. He is also in Stephanie's life and is Morelli's worst nightmare. Stephanie's parents live in the burg, a residential area in South Trenton along with her Grandma Mazur who lives with her parents. The other characters add to the story in a humorous way.
Martin Rabner, who owns a jewelry store calls and asks Stephanie to come to his store. He has a job that he wants her to do for him. He wants her to find his ex-security guard, Andy Manley (Nutsy) who stole his diamonds out of his safe. He was robbed twice. Duncan Dugan was the first robber who was later arrested. She takes the assignment.
Morelli has to go to Florida on police business and leaves his dog, Bob, for Stephanie to take care of while he is away. This is where the story takes off on an hilarious adventure which I will leave to the reader to enjoy. The ending is a surprise and I look forward to finding out what Stephanie does in her next adventure in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon Schuster for this ARC.
Martin Rabner, who owns a jewelry store calls and asks Stephanie to come to his store. He has a job that he wants her to do for him. He wants her to find his ex-security guard, Andy Manley (Nutsy) who stole his diamonds out of his safe. He was robbed twice. Duncan Dugan was the first robber who was later arrested. She takes the assignment.
Morelli has to go to Florida on police business and leaves his dog, Bob, for Stephanie to take care of while he is away. This is where the story takes off on an hilarious adventure which I will leave to the reader to enjoy. The ending is a surprise and I look forward to finding out what Stephanie does in her next adventure in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon Schuster for this ARC.
November 18, 2023
5 Stars for Dirty Thirty: Stephanie Plum, Book 30 (audiobook) by Janet Evanovich read by Lorelei King.
Stephanie is on a freelance job trying to track down a jewelry thief and Morelli is out of town. She’s watching his dog and still trying to bring in fugitives with Lula’s help. She ends up staying at Rangers place and ultimately things turn more serious between them. And then Morelli comes home with similar feelings.
Stephanie is on a freelance job trying to track down a jewelry thief and Morelli is out of town. She’s watching his dog and still trying to bring in fugitives with Lula’s help. She ends up staying at Rangers place and ultimately things turn more serious between them. And then Morelli comes home with similar feelings.
November 13, 2023
I loved the start of this series...then it got repetitive and stagnant. However, this one was reminiscent of earlier books in this series. It was funny. I didn't realize how much I missed that. It reminded me of one of the biggest reasons I liked this series.
The story line was creative and it shined as it took center stage. Stephanie was still the star but I liked how the story wrapped around the mystery at hand and not Stephanie's stagnation. There were also a few unexpected twists and turns.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. So 4 stars.
The story line was creative and it shined as it took center stage. Stephanie was still the star but I liked how the story wrapped around the mystery at hand and not Stephanie's stagnation. There were also a few unexpected twists and turns.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. So 4 stars.
July 12, 2024
Great read and audiobook! I can always rely on humor in this series. This book is number 30 in a series! Sadly I have only read book 28 and book 30. I have seen the movie and I think it's based on book 1. I planned to one day I will go back to read this series from the beginning. Despite being a long series, I like that I can read each book as a standalone even though I'm sure reading the series from beginning to end would be a lot better because I would get to see Stephanie Plum change over time.
The end of this audiobook is cool because the author shared a quote from each of the book readers loved.
In this book, Stephanie Plum, once again, a bail bondsman so her job is to find bad guys. In this book, she was to find this one guy but he threatened to jump because he didn't want to go to jail. Then he accidentally fall and ended up in the hospital. He was badly injured so she cut him some slack and didn't cuff him right away. When she came back for him the next day, he was gone, either helped or kidnapped. Someone else came to her service asking her to find another guy because he might have stolen a lot of jewelries from him. Stephanie knew the guy because she went to school with him before. After investigating, she calculated that the two bad guys might be working together and their crimes might be connected.
In between chasing bad guys, Stephanie has a fun time with Lula, her coworker and friend, Bob the dog which belongs to her boyfriend who is out of town and fighting off her attraction for Ranger who's constant flirting was not helping when her boyfriend is out of town.
There were some twists and turns I didn't see coming. A lot going on packed in one book!
Thank you Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review. I listened to an audiobook via Simon Audio and Libby App.
The end of this audiobook is cool because the author shared a quote from each of the book readers loved.
In this book, Stephanie Plum, once again, a bail bondsman so her job is to find bad guys. In this book, she was to find this one guy but he threatened to jump because he didn't want to go to jail. Then he accidentally fall and ended up in the hospital. He was badly injured so she cut him some slack and didn't cuff him right away. When she came back for him the next day, he was gone, either helped or kidnapped. Someone else came to her service asking her to find another guy because he might have stolen a lot of jewelries from him. Stephanie knew the guy because she went to school with him before. After investigating, she calculated that the two bad guys might be working together and their crimes might be connected.
In between chasing bad guys, Stephanie has a fun time with Lula, her coworker and friend, Bob the dog which belongs to her boyfriend who is out of town and fighting off her attraction for Ranger who's constant flirting was not helping when her boyfriend is out of town.
There were some twists and turns I didn't see coming. A lot going on packed in one book!
Thank you Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review. I listened to an audiobook via Simon Audio and Libby App.
November 6, 2023
Another fun Stephanie Plum novel.
Bob definitely stole the show.
Morelli wasn’t present much.
There were two surprise parts in this novel,
but I won’t give them away.
Also, the bonus material at the end was fun -
a favorite quote from each book in the series.
I can’t wait to read the next Stephanie Plum novel.
I highly recommend this book!
Bob definitely stole the show.
Morelli wasn’t present much.
There were two surprise parts in this novel,
but I won’t give them away.
Also, the bonus material at the end was fun -
a favorite quote from each book in the series.
I can’t wait to read the next Stephanie Plum novel.
I highly recommend this book!
January 11, 2025
__________________
"Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example." – François de La Rochefoucauld
Janet Evanovich never listens to me. I've told her in my reviews that she really needs a new plot for her Stephanie Plum books. She has been using the same old plot for 30 books now. Her literary vehicle's tires are bald, its axles are arthritic, its rear end is out of line, and its exhaust pipe droops. I have suggested that if she can't afford a new plot, I would be willing to start a GoFundMe page to help her get a new one. But she won't listen. She never listens.
🤣😂😁😀 Stars. The problem is that Janet Evanovich makes me laugh. I can't quit her Plum books; I just can't.
"Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example." – François de La Rochefoucauld
Janet Evanovich never listens to me. I've told her in my reviews that she really needs a new plot for her Stephanie Plum books. She has been using the same old plot for 30 books now. Her literary vehicle's tires are bald, its axles are arthritic, its rear end is out of line, and its exhaust pipe droops. I have suggested that if she can't afford a new plot, I would be willing to start a GoFundMe page to help her get a new one. But she won't listen. She never listens.
🤣😂😁😀 Stars. The problem is that Janet Evanovich makes me laugh. I can't quit her Plum books; I just can't.
February 1, 2024
I’ve read all of the Stephanie plum books and there are parts of them I love. I really can’t stand how Stephanie is constantly cheating on joe with Ranger. She has been leading these two men on for way to long. And she knows it. She even said in this book she doesn’t want to be a slut by cheating but the last time I checked making out and staying the night with a man that isn’t ur boyfriend is cheating. Why is this ok? The end of this book made me so mad. She has lead joe on for years and was going to break his heart because ranger proposed to her. I don’t like people that cheat and I don’t like how this book condones it. What happened to honesty and trust? Joe probably wouldn’t want anything to do with her if he really knew what she does with Ranger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2024
Every book in the series is essentially the same. But they make for some fun, escapist reads. You can always count on an off the wall mystery and unique characters.
April 21, 2024
4.5 rounded up. Dirty Thirty is the 30th book in the Stephanie Plum series, and I have now read them all that have been published so far. This book finds Stephanie employed by the owner of a Jewelry store to find someone. It ties into an apprehension she is working one. A man who needs to be rebonded was arrested for stealing a bag of jewellery from the store. He tries to kill himself by jumping off a building, but survives, although he is badly injured. The person Stephanie has been hired to find was the security guard at the store, and the owner is sure that he took advantage of the chaos to steal a tray of diamonds from his safe, so he is looking for him. Stephanie finds them both, but it seems things are not as straight forward as the owner would like. There is a murder, a missing body, missing gems, a missing homeless man and now someone after Stephanie. What did she get herself into?
This was a great story. Morelli is out of town for a case, so Stephanie has Bob, his large dog who will eat anything. He has to go with Stephanie everywhere, and that is a hoot. He even goes to a viewing and Stephanie tells everyone he is a "Bereavement Dog". When Lula's house is firebombed, she moves in with Stephanie into her 1 bedroom apartment. Then she has the ex-security guard move in as he is in hiding from people who want to kill him. Throw Bob into the mix and she needs to find a place to live. She ends up moving into RangeMan headquarters with Ranger, and boy does that complicate things. With more things being blown up and set on fire, Stephanie needs to solve this case sooner rather than later. Once again Grandma Mazure and a viewing play a part in the case and that always adds amusement to the story. With Morelli out of the picture, Ranger has to provide support to Stephanie to keep her safe. I thought maybe this would be the last book in the series, but with that ending, there better be at least one more. As always, Lorelei King brings the story to life for me, especially with the voices of Stephanie and Lula.
This was a great story. Morelli is out of town for a case, so Stephanie has Bob, his large dog who will eat anything. He has to go with Stephanie everywhere, and that is a hoot. He even goes to a viewing and Stephanie tells everyone he is a "Bereavement Dog". When Lula's house is firebombed, she moves in with Stephanie into her 1 bedroom apartment. Then she has the ex-security guard move in as he is in hiding from people who want to kill him. Throw Bob into the mix and she needs to find a place to live. She ends up moving into RangeMan headquarters with Ranger, and boy does that complicate things. With more things being blown up and set on fire, Stephanie needs to solve this case sooner rather than later. Once again Grandma Mazure and a viewing play a part in the case and that always adds amusement to the story. With Morelli out of the picture, Ranger has to provide support to Stephanie to keep her safe. I thought maybe this would be the last book in the series, but with that ending, there better be at least one more. As always, Lorelei King brings the story to life for me, especially with the voices of Stephanie and Lula.
December 18, 2023
After thirty years of “Stephanie Plum” books, readers and fans of Janet Evanovich know what exactly what they are getting. An independent, pretty girl, a couple of hunky guys – Moretti and Ranger - to team up with, and an adventure full of mystery and silly zaniness. Solving the mystery usually involves visiting different locations, lots of overwhelmingly crazy characters (especially Grandma Mazur), and comical situations throughout the quest. There is lots of teasing and innuendo between the Stephanie and the hunky guys as they work together, but in the end the mystery will be resolved whether on purpose or by accident in about 300 pages or so of reading.
This describes Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series and pretty much everything else she’s written. You may think it sounds fairly formula-matic, and that’s true. The formula is the same, tried and true. However, in all honesty, nobody else has been better at writing this type of sarcastic humor and risqué laden banter than anyone else. Evanovich gets you to chuckle at least once every other page and laugh out loud at least once a chapter. At least that was the case with the first 15 – 18 books in the series, and unfortunately, less the case in the last 10 -12 outings, which seem to be wearing the formula out and then sum.
This time, in Plum’s big 30th anniversary adventure, “Dirty Thirty” beings with our less-than-superhero bounty hunter, Stephanie, receives an offer from Martin Plover, owner of Plover’s Jewelry. Martin wants her to find his former security guard, Andy “Nutsy” Manley who provided security, but disappeared the very day the Jewelry store was robbed of a tray of diamonds worth close to a million dollars. Martin believes that Nutsy assisted the robber, Duncan Dugan, who is currently a fugitive from justice and Stephanie’s next bond assignment.
Stephanie accepts the offer to find Nutsy while also hunting for Duncan. She also finds herself down a resource when her boyfriend Morelli is sent away to Miami testifying in court, leaving her to take care of Bob, the humungous dog who eats everything from donuts to furniture to vehicle upholstery. While Morelli is away, Stephanie finds herself having to lean on Ranger, owner of Rangeman Security and her personal hunkster of a mentor. The problem is he seems to want Stephanie to be in his personal life as much as Morelli does, which creates friction and some personal angst for Stephanie.
To make matters worse, Stephanie’s best friend, Lulu, believes she is being stalked at night by Graendel, a mythological demon that is terrorizing her in her sleep and stealing her favorite clothes. It doesn’t help that Lulu and her are having a hard time lately trying to collect on their recent FTA’s and the rent is due.
Before she knows it, Stephanie’s hunt for Nutsy and Duncan becomes more dangerous than she ever expected. Someone is willing to go to great lengths to stop Stephanie from completing her work, including car bombing, rear-ending, and bombing her apartment to remove her completely. And this time, Ranger may not be enough to save her. Stephanie may find herself having to play dirty if she wants to survive…
I have been pretty consistent in my reviews of Evanovich last six or seven Stephanie Plum books because after 30 outings with the same script, it has become repetitive, and a bit tiresome at times. There are only so many times that Stephanie chases an FTA and they get away from her or she destroys a vehicle (usually on of Ranger’s) that she’s driving… The black-clad Ranger whispering, “Babe…” over and over again...
There are still some good things in this outing. The basic mystery wasn’t bad (with a lot of filler) and there were some creative moments (especially involving Bob the dog). It’s also nice to see Stephanie graduate from being an inept bounty hunter who fails with every capture and needs help from Ranger to be successful. She’s not a master bounty hunter by any means, but at least she comes across smarter and demonstrates a basic level of competency that is refreshing and nice. I especially appreciated Stephanie’s ability to physically defend herself better when fighting with her bigger male FTA’s.
There were some also entertaining and memorable moments in this one, including what is intended to be a big cliffhanger at the end of the book that echoes back to the end of book five - “High Five” – earlier in the series which left you literally hanging on Stephanie’s decision. Although I will not give anything away or ruin it for those who have not read this book yet, most readers will see what’s coming because of the way Evanovich sets things up, as well as this being the 30th book so something extra is expected.
Unfortunately, I already have a pretty good idea of how I think Stephanie will get out of this cliffhanger predicament unscathed and things will remain the same in the end. Sorry to pessimistic about it, but there has been a certain pattern in these books that I will be shocked if Evanovich actually ventures outside the structured box that she has established and maintained for such a long time.
Which leads me into my next thought, and that is the good news is pretty much the same as the bad news. As I mentioned previously, the good news is that you know what you get with a Stephanie Plum book, and you can count on it. At the same time, that is also the bad news. You know what you’re getting. The tried-and-true formula that repeats itself over and over again. And I find myself struggling with nobody changing or growing or developing. Thirty books later, we are still where we were at the beginning. It seems s like the only development in all that time has been Stephanie’s small improvement as a bounty hunter. I challenge anyone to name another…
Overall, is “Dirty thirty” an enjoyable read? Yes, it’s a pleasant and has moments of creative humor, and it’s hard not to like and enjoy these oddball characters that we’ve all come to love and care about. However, at the same time it is becoming quite nostalgic, as if the best moments have passed us by. I am sure that most of Evanovich’s readers will love this book just as much as they adore the heck out of this series. And I don’t blame them if they do. However, for me, I am finding myself conflicted and wanting something more, which I realize is not likely to happen…
I’ll leave it at that and quote my inner-Ranger… “Babe” …
This describes Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series and pretty much everything else she’s written. You may think it sounds fairly formula-matic, and that’s true. The formula is the same, tried and true. However, in all honesty, nobody else has been better at writing this type of sarcastic humor and risqué laden banter than anyone else. Evanovich gets you to chuckle at least once every other page and laugh out loud at least once a chapter. At least that was the case with the first 15 – 18 books in the series, and unfortunately, less the case in the last 10 -12 outings, which seem to be wearing the formula out and then sum.
This time, in Plum’s big 30th anniversary adventure, “Dirty Thirty” beings with our less-than-superhero bounty hunter, Stephanie, receives an offer from Martin Plover, owner of Plover’s Jewelry. Martin wants her to find his former security guard, Andy “Nutsy” Manley who provided security, but disappeared the very day the Jewelry store was robbed of a tray of diamonds worth close to a million dollars. Martin believes that Nutsy assisted the robber, Duncan Dugan, who is currently a fugitive from justice and Stephanie’s next bond assignment.
Stephanie accepts the offer to find Nutsy while also hunting for Duncan. She also finds herself down a resource when her boyfriend Morelli is sent away to Miami testifying in court, leaving her to take care of Bob, the humungous dog who eats everything from donuts to furniture to vehicle upholstery. While Morelli is away, Stephanie finds herself having to lean on Ranger, owner of Rangeman Security and her personal hunkster of a mentor. The problem is he seems to want Stephanie to be in his personal life as much as Morelli does, which creates friction and some personal angst for Stephanie.
To make matters worse, Stephanie’s best friend, Lulu, believes she is being stalked at night by Graendel, a mythological demon that is terrorizing her in her sleep and stealing her favorite clothes. It doesn’t help that Lulu and her are having a hard time lately trying to collect on their recent FTA’s and the rent is due.
Before she knows it, Stephanie’s hunt for Nutsy and Duncan becomes more dangerous than she ever expected. Someone is willing to go to great lengths to stop Stephanie from completing her work, including car bombing, rear-ending, and bombing her apartment to remove her completely. And this time, Ranger may not be enough to save her. Stephanie may find herself having to play dirty if she wants to survive…
I have been pretty consistent in my reviews of Evanovich last six or seven Stephanie Plum books because after 30 outings with the same script, it has become repetitive, and a bit tiresome at times. There are only so many times that Stephanie chases an FTA and they get away from her or she destroys a vehicle (usually on of Ranger’s) that she’s driving… The black-clad Ranger whispering, “Babe…” over and over again...
There are still some good things in this outing. The basic mystery wasn’t bad (with a lot of filler) and there were some creative moments (especially involving Bob the dog). It’s also nice to see Stephanie graduate from being an inept bounty hunter who fails with every capture and needs help from Ranger to be successful. She’s not a master bounty hunter by any means, but at least she comes across smarter and demonstrates a basic level of competency that is refreshing and nice. I especially appreciated Stephanie’s ability to physically defend herself better when fighting with her bigger male FTA’s.
There were some also entertaining and memorable moments in this one, including what is intended to be a big cliffhanger at the end of the book that echoes back to the end of book five - “High Five” – earlier in the series which left you literally hanging on Stephanie’s decision. Although I will not give anything away or ruin it for those who have not read this book yet, most readers will see what’s coming because of the way Evanovich sets things up, as well as this being the 30th book so something extra is expected.
Unfortunately, I already have a pretty good idea of how I think Stephanie will get out of this cliffhanger predicament unscathed and things will remain the same in the end. Sorry to pessimistic about it, but there has been a certain pattern in these books that I will be shocked if Evanovich actually ventures outside the structured box that she has established and maintained for such a long time.
Which leads me into my next thought, and that is the good news is pretty much the same as the bad news. As I mentioned previously, the good news is that you know what you get with a Stephanie Plum book, and you can count on it. At the same time, that is also the bad news. You know what you’re getting. The tried-and-true formula that repeats itself over and over again. And I find myself struggling with nobody changing or growing or developing. Thirty books later, we are still where we were at the beginning. It seems s like the only development in all that time has been Stephanie’s small improvement as a bounty hunter. I challenge anyone to name another…
Overall, is “Dirty thirty” an enjoyable read? Yes, it’s a pleasant and has moments of creative humor, and it’s hard not to like and enjoy these oddball characters that we’ve all come to love and care about. However, at the same time it is becoming quite nostalgic, as if the best moments have passed us by. I am sure that most of Evanovich’s readers will love this book just as much as they adore the heck out of this series. And I don’t blame them if they do. However, for me, I am finding myself conflicted and wanting something more, which I realize is not likely to happen…
I’ll leave it at that and quote my inner-Ranger… “Babe” …
October 13, 2023
I loved this series in the early days. Then I lost track quite a few years ago, and I thought it would be fun to jump back in and see what was new in Stephanie Plum's life.
Turns out nothing is new. Nothing at all.
We STILL have a love triangle with Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger. Seriously, WTF? Stephanie is committed to Morelli, except when she isn't because she's lusting after and making out with Ranger. Apparently Morelli has zero self-respect, since he's been enduring this triangle for many years. And Stephanie hasn't gotten over her hormonal teenager phase, because she can't control herself.
Over the course of 30 books, there has been virtually no character growth.
The snarky quips I found entertaining in early books took over the story here. The constant immature dialogue grated on me.
The mystery itself is formulaic. I didn't care who did what or why.
I won't be revisiting Stephanie Plum, but I do hope she grows up and sorts out her relationship status.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free download.*
Turns out nothing is new. Nothing at all.
We STILL have a love triangle with Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger. Seriously, WTF? Stephanie is committed to Morelli, except when she isn't because she's lusting after and making out with Ranger. Apparently Morelli has zero self-respect, since he's been enduring this triangle for many years. And Stephanie hasn't gotten over her hormonal teenager phase, because she can't control herself.
Over the course of 30 books, there has been virtually no character growth.
The snarky quips I found entertaining in early books took over the story here. The constant immature dialogue grated on me.
The mystery itself is formulaic. I didn't care who did what or why.
I won't be revisiting Stephanie Plum, but I do hope she grows up and sorts out her relationship status.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free download.*
November 8, 2023
I think it is time for this series to come to an end. Predictable and not funny anymore. She had decided to marry Morelli a few books back but didn’t work out now Ranger. It’s getting old. Just don’t care for it anymore. It is a shame.
August 15, 2023
As the title says this is the 30th adventure for Stephanie Plum. If you’re a fan of the series this is an easy book to recommend. Cases include finding a former security guard who may have stolen diamonds from a jeweler, while she also hunts a fugitive wanted for robbing the same store. Lulu and Grandma Mazur are there to lend a hand. Boyfriend Morelli is out of town but Stephanie is taking care of his chew everything giant dog. This is funny with twists and turns. I started the series in the middle of the books so you can join at any time. If you want you can always go back and read previous adventures. The author of course leaves you waiting for her next book.
November 15, 2023
Well, I think it is way past time to end my relationship with Stephanie Plum books. As a loyal Stephanie fan I have read them all. The first several books were side splitting funny after that not so much. At 30 books it is long overdo to make a choice between Joe and Ranger. If Janet is looking to end this series then have her choose handsome but predictable Joe. Choosing Ranger can move Janet’s characters in a different direction full of interesting possible scenarios and spicy romance! Just my opinion. As a suggestion, if you have become as bored as I have with Stephanie Plum try checking out Jana Deleon’s Miss Fortune series. So enjoyable!
October 31, 2023
Can you believe it? Janet Evanovich's latest book Dirty Thirty and is the 30th book in her long running Stephanie Plum series!
The Plum books are my choice for some escapist, light hearted, comfort listening that doesn't take itself serious at all. Familiarity is another draw for me - I know who, and what, I'm going to find.
Our lead character Stephanie works as a bounty hunter for her cousin Vinny in Trenton, New Jersey. This time around, Stephanie is tracking down two possible jewelry thieves.
Stephanie is easy to like, with a good sense of humor. The supporting cast includes sidekick Lula, a big hearted former hooker. The banter between Stephanie and Lula is always fun. Lula has taken a bigger role in later books and has a case of her own to settle. Stephanie's Grandma Mazur (my fave) is often involved in whatever is going on.
The real question though, is who Stephanie will settle down with! For thirty books she has vacillated between Trenton police detective or private security firm owner Ranger. There may be an answer this time - or maybe not. (I will definitely be picking up #31 to see what happens next!)
I chose to listen to Dirty Thirty. I'm so happy that Lorelei King is again the reader. She's been the voice of this series for many years. The continuity is wonderful as it feels like jumping right back into life in the 'Burg'. King has a very versatile and expressive voice. She has created different voices for the characters and it's quite easy to know who is speaking. The voice for Stephanie is pretty calm, no matter what's going on. Lula however is always big and loud. Grandma Mazur's has a perpetually happy voice, always seeing the bright side. Each of the love interests have distinct voices as well. Babe. There's many more and they all fit the mental images I've created for all the players. King speaks clearly, she is easy to understand and her pace of delivery is just right. She brings the action, emotions and calamities of the plot to life with her voice, changing up the tenor and tone to match what's going on. A great performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Dirty Thirty.
(PS. The cases are usually pretty light hearted, but I do have to say I didn't find the 'dog house situation' funny.)
The Plum books are my choice for some escapist, light hearted, comfort listening that doesn't take itself serious at all. Familiarity is another draw for me - I know who, and what, I'm going to find.
Our lead character Stephanie works as a bounty hunter for her cousin Vinny in Trenton, New Jersey. This time around, Stephanie is tracking down two possible jewelry thieves.
Stephanie is easy to like, with a good sense of humor. The supporting cast includes sidekick Lula, a big hearted former hooker. The banter between Stephanie and Lula is always fun. Lula has taken a bigger role in later books and has a case of her own to settle. Stephanie's Grandma Mazur (my fave) is often involved in whatever is going on.
The real question though, is who Stephanie will settle down with! For thirty books she has vacillated between Trenton police detective or private security firm owner Ranger. There may be an answer this time - or maybe not. (I will definitely be picking up #31 to see what happens next!)
I chose to listen to Dirty Thirty. I'm so happy that Lorelei King is again the reader. She's been the voice of this series for many years. The continuity is wonderful as it feels like jumping right back into life in the 'Burg'. King has a very versatile and expressive voice. She has created different voices for the characters and it's quite easy to know who is speaking. The voice for Stephanie is pretty calm, no matter what's going on. Lula however is always big and loud. Grandma Mazur's has a perpetually happy voice, always seeing the bright side. Each of the love interests have distinct voices as well. Babe. There's many more and they all fit the mental images I've created for all the players. King speaks clearly, she is easy to understand and her pace of delivery is just right. She brings the action, emotions and calamities of the plot to life with her voice, changing up the tenor and tone to match what's going on. A great performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Dirty Thirty.
(PS. The cases are usually pretty light hearted, but I do have to say I didn't find the 'dog house situation' funny.)
August 3, 2024
An Open Letter to Janet Evanovich, Author of the Stephanie Plum Series
Dear Ms. Evanovich,
I admit it. I started this journey for the most pathetic of reasons. But given your seeming affinity for the common woman/man, I think you’ll understand.
I got it for free.
Yes, I needed something to read, and I was on a budget. I went to the library and got the ebook. (Does it help that I’m saving for my daughter’s college tuition?)
Of course, I’d heard about a young Trenton woman who bumbled her way into a job as a bounty hunter. I was on the hunt for a new series of books, having completed and loved the D’Artagnan Romances (Alexandre Dumas) some time before.
Stephanie Plum won me over from the very first page. I’d been there: broke (or close to it), scared, at wit’s end. I’d started a career that was way over my head.
That’s what drew me in. Steph was me. Or, she was who I wanted to be. I wanted the danger, the risk, the romance. I made things happen with mostly luck and my friends’ help, and a small spot of bravado. Her stories were what I aspire to write: accessible, down-to-earth, fun. I kept coming back, whenever the books came off the library queue.
The characters became like family. Their quirks and habits became familiar. I could name them and say what they might do. They felt like friends: Lula, Connie, Vinnie, Mooner, Klaughn, Grandma Mazur, Diggery.
And Trenton became like home. The bonds office, the funeral home, the bakery, Stark Street. The Burg. I felt like I could wander into the Plum house and get a plate of roast chicken and a slice of pineapple upside down cake.
And the Ranger/Morelli debate. Stephanie loves them both, and with good reason. They’ve helped her, they’ve teased her, they’ve…provided the spice. What do I think? Who should she choose?
I say: Keep her choosing.
Because if she can’t choose, the story keeps going. Looks like I’ve reached the end (sort of) but thank goodness there’s more to come. Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run comes out in November, and I’ve already ordered my copy. And I’m DYING to know what the outcome of the best cliffhanger in the series (from Dirty Thirty) will be.
All of this is the mark of a great writer: she tells a great story, she creates lovable characters, she writes it on my level, she keeps me wanting more. Please keep bringing Stephanie back, year after year, as long as you can.
Also, please keep bringing back Stephanie’s voice, Lorelei King. She’s like an old friend by now. She’s enhanced dozens of long runs and so many otherwise dreary commutes. No one does it better. Thank you, Lorelei.
You’ve forced me to forsake my cheapskate ways and actually buy the books. I have about five left to complete the collection. That’s how much it means to me. I hope one day you’ll sign one or two.
Thank you so much for thirty years of joy. I hope to enjoy thirty more.
Sincerely,
Chris
@chrisdropsthebooks
Dear Ms. Evanovich,
I admit it. I started this journey for the most pathetic of reasons. But given your seeming affinity for the common woman/man, I think you’ll understand.
I got it for free.
Yes, I needed something to read, and I was on a budget. I went to the library and got the ebook. (Does it help that I’m saving for my daughter’s college tuition?)
Of course, I’d heard about a young Trenton woman who bumbled her way into a job as a bounty hunter. I was on the hunt for a new series of books, having completed and loved the D’Artagnan Romances (Alexandre Dumas) some time before.
Stephanie Plum won me over from the very first page. I’d been there: broke (or close to it), scared, at wit’s end. I’d started a career that was way over my head.
That’s what drew me in. Steph was me. Or, she was who I wanted to be. I wanted the danger, the risk, the romance. I made things happen with mostly luck and my friends’ help, and a small spot of bravado. Her stories were what I aspire to write: accessible, down-to-earth, fun. I kept coming back, whenever the books came off the library queue.
The characters became like family. Their quirks and habits became familiar. I could name them and say what they might do. They felt like friends: Lula, Connie, Vinnie, Mooner, Klaughn, Grandma Mazur, Diggery.
And Trenton became like home. The bonds office, the funeral home, the bakery, Stark Street. The Burg. I felt like I could wander into the Plum house and get a plate of roast chicken and a slice of pineapple upside down cake.
And the Ranger/Morelli debate. Stephanie loves them both, and with good reason. They’ve helped her, they’ve teased her, they’ve…provided the spice. What do I think? Who should she choose?
I say: Keep her choosing.
Because if she can’t choose, the story keeps going. Looks like I’ve reached the end (sort of) but thank goodness there’s more to come. Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run comes out in November, and I’ve already ordered my copy. And I’m DYING to know what the outcome of the best cliffhanger in the series (from Dirty Thirty) will be.
All of this is the mark of a great writer: she tells a great story, she creates lovable characters, she writes it on my level, she keeps me wanting more. Please keep bringing Stephanie back, year after year, as long as you can.
Also, please keep bringing back Stephanie’s voice, Lorelei King. She’s like an old friend by now. She’s enhanced dozens of long runs and so many otherwise dreary commutes. No one does it better. Thank you, Lorelei.
You’ve forced me to forsake my cheapskate ways and actually buy the books. I have about five left to complete the collection. That’s how much it means to me. I hope one day you’ll sign one or two.
Thank you so much for thirty years of joy. I hope to enjoy thirty more.
Sincerely,
Chris
@chrisdropsthebooks
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