Lean Mean Thirteen

Stephanie Plum #13

by Janet Evanovich

New secrets, old flames, and hidden agendas are about to send bounty hunter Stephanie Plum on her most outrageous adventure yet!

MISTAKE #1
Dickie Orr. Stephanie was married to him for about fifteen minutes before she caught him cheating on her with her arch-nemesis Joyce Barnhardt. Another fifteen minutes after that Stephanie filed for divorce, hoping to never see either one of them again.

MISTAKE #2
Doing favors for super bounty hunter Carlos Manoso (a.k.a. Ranger). Ranger needs her to meet with Dickie and find out if he's doing something shady. Turns out, he is. Turns out, he's also back to doing Joyce Barnhardt. And it turns out Ranger's favors always come with a price...

MISTAKE #3
Going completely nutso while doing the favor for Ranger, and trying to apply bodily injury to Dickie in front of the entire office.
Now Dickie has disappeared and Stephanie is the natural suspect in his disappearance. Is Dickie dead? Can he be found? And can she stay one step ahead in this new, dangerous game? Joe Morelli, the hottest cop in Trenton, NJ is also keeping Stephanie on her toes--and he may know more than lets on about her...It's a cat-and-mouse game for Stephanie Plum, where the ultimate prize might be her life.

With Janet Evanovich's flair for hilarious situations, breathtaking action, and unforgettable characters, Lean Mean Thirteen shows why no one can beat Evanovich for blockbuster entertainment.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Chick Lit, Romance, Crime, Audiobook

330 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 19, 2007

About the author

Janet 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.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Few things in this world are as consistent as a Janet Evanovich novel featuring Stephanie Plum. You know that the following will happen at some point in the story: you will laugh out loud at least three times (often more), Stephanie will have hot sex with Joe Morelli, Stephanie will think about the possibility of hot sex with Ranger, Stephanie and Lulu will find themselves in some embarrassing situations while trying to apprehend a bail skip (this 13th installment involves exploding taxidermy and a gravedigger who does taxes on the side), Grandma Mazur will either pack serious heat or get her hair dyed a color not found in nature, Stephanie will destroy a car (maybe two), Stephanie will feel torn between the two men in her life, the phrase "Ranger will kill me if something happens to you" will be uttered by at least one character (and maybe more), and no matter how crazy and dangerous things become, it will all turn out right in the end. In this crazy and inconsistent world, there is something comforting about this series which is why I've stuck with it for thirteen books. Though I will probably forget the plot of this latest installment in a few weeks (maybe sooner), that's not the point. The point is an hour or two of laughter and embarrassed recognition. Whether we live close to New Jersey or far away, we all have a bit of the Stephanie Plum in us. (Or maybe it's just me.)

[Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was already the thirteenth book and Stephanie and her antics never cease to amaze me. XD

I have no idea how Janet Evanovich does it but I still love this series and I still can’t decide if I’d like to tousle Morelli’s nice hair or if I’d rather tousle Ranger’s bed sheets doing the nasty with him. *LOL*

Well, I guess that’s exactly what Janet is aiming for and she’s doing it more than just well. ;-)
(Can’t help but wonder if Stephanie is going to decide for one of them in the next 11 books though…)

Anyway!
My biggest love is still Grandma Mazur! *lol* That woman just rocks my socks!
Once I turn into an old hag I aspire to be exactly like her. XD
She’s the coolest Grandma ever! <3

And to all of you who wonder what “Lean Mean Thirteen” is about. To say it with Lula’s words:

”I swear, you’re a crazy person. You go around up to your eyeballs in snakes and dead people and exploding beavers. It’s just not normal. Even when I was a ‘ho, my life wasn’t that freaky. Only thing normal about you is your hot boyfriend, and you don’t know what the heck to do with him. To make matters worse, you got that spook Ranger sniffing after you. Not that anyone wouldn’t want him sniffing after them. I mean, he is finer than fine. But he’s not normal.”

Happy Reading! ;-P

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review
3+ out of 5 stars for Lean Mean Thirteen, the 13th book in the "Stephanie Plum" mystery series, written in 2007 by Janet Evanovich. What can you say about a girl who is half in love and half in lust with two different men, only to have one of her ex-husbands show up, then be killed. And she's the chief suspect! But she's a bounty hunter on the good side of the law. How is that possible? Well, it seems anything is in NJ! Another good book in the series, full of the hilarious antics, mistakes and luck Stephanie Plum faces in her job tracking criminals down. Full of the normal supporting cast, this one puts Stephanie's skills to the test, especially when she needs to clear her own good name. And of course, stay out of every man's bed she meets. While not quite that bad, this girl is always hot for someone. Good for her... life's short, gotta enjoy it. Just like the series of books... at this point, we're well into formula zone, but they do make you laugh. So if you're good throwing away 4 hours of your life on fun little cozy-type mysteries where you will have some humor, romance and intrigue, go for it. If you want major substance, hold off.

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.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum #13) by Janet Evanovich

Synopsis /

Stephanie Plum is used to dealing with crimes in the neighbourhood, but she's not used to being accused of committing the crimes. Her no-good ex-husband, Dickie, has gone missing the day after Stephanie was seen having an argument with him, threatening bodily harm. Now Stephanie is suspect number one.

Stephanie is going to have to find Dickie, and fast, to clear her name. Hot cop Joe Morelli can't tell her anything, and mentor Ranger is offering to help...for a price that doesn't involve money.

My Thoughts /

I'm going to the brutally honest with you all and say, Lean Mean Thirteen was not Janet Evanovich at her best. Yes, I said it - even though I never thought I would! However, I'm just so totally invested in this series, that Evanovich could have Stephanie and Lula fighting over who has rights to that last stale donut, and I'd read it. Maybe that says a lot more about me than I'd care to admit! However, it wasn't all mediocre, there were many laugh out loud moments and eye rolling chuckles with your favourite characters. I don't mind that you can go into each book probably guessing (rightly) the plot - bounty hunter chasing FTAs - said FTAs giving bounty hunter the slip - cars exploding - funeral viewings - roast dinners being eaten - I don't mind any of those things. But I would like to see some character development, ANY character development, with each new instalment. The love triangle between Plum, Morelli and Ranger is getting a little stale by book thirteen and seems to be firmly in the category of "unresolved" - to which I've made my peace. Having said that, the cast of zany and "out there" characters and the wacky situations they find themselves in keeps me coming back time after time.

The story opens with Stephanie, about to do something I knew I shouldn't do. In an attempt to repay a favour to Ranger on one of his security projects, he's asked her to plant a bug on Dickie Orr, Stephanie's lawyer ex-husband. It seems that Dickie has (let's hope) unknowingly, aligned himself with some rather unscrupulous characters. To plan is, to get close enough to Dickie to plant the bug in the pocket of his jacket. What Stephanie didn't foresee was that her plan - which involved creating a loud 'scene' which was witnessed by several people, would backfire on her when, the next day, Dickie goes missing - leaving behind a wrecked apartment and traces of blood and Stephanie is now the main suspect.

On again, off again - but currently on-again boyfriend and cop, Joe Morelli, tells her not to worry about it. Unfortunately, Joe's not going to be much help looking for Orr, because he's tied up babysitting a witness. So, Morelli enlists the services of Ranger to help. Y'all remember Ranger…..

He’s Cuban American with dark skin and dark eyes and dark brown hair recently cut short. He’s half a head taller than I am, and two months older. I’ve seen him naked, and when I say every part of him is perfect you can take it to the bank. He was Special Forces, and while he’s no longer military, he’s still got the skills and the muscle. He owns a security company named RangeMan now. Plus, he does the high-bond skips for Vinnie. He’s a hot guy, and there are strong feelings between us, but I try to keep some distance. Ranger plays by his own set of rules, and I don’t have a complete copy.

The other side story sees Stephanie chasing down three new skips, one being returning character, Simon Diggery. Diggery was, among other things, a (professional) grave robber and the last time they met, Stephanie chased him all over the cemetery.

Connie Rosolli and Lula are back in this episode, as is Lula's red Firebird and just as 'out there' fashion sense. Today, she was wearing big fake-fur Sasquatch boots, and her ass was packed into poison-green Spandex pants. Her pink sweatshirt had 'Love Goddess' spelled out in sequins across her boobs.

Other returning characters include: Joyce Barnhardt; Grandma Mazur; Stephanie's mum and dad; and you can't have a Plum novel without Bob and the cheerio loving Rex.

Now for something a little different, to test your knowledge, and you are all invited to play along. Let's play a game of 'guess which character said this'. Good Luck! (the answers are in the spoiler below):-

(a) "A tree fell on it. It was totalled."

(b) "I suppose, but if I see that snake, I'm outta there. I hate snakes. I don't care if that snake wraps itself around your neck, I'm telling you right now, I'm not staying to help."

(c) "Babe".

(d) "I want to make the early viewing at the funeral parlour. Milton Buzick is laid out, and I hear you wouldn't even recognise him".

(a) Stephanie Plum
(b) Lula
(c) Ranger
(d) Grandma Mazur

How did you go? 😊

[thefourthvine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Janet Evanovich,

I stopped reading you a while back, when it seemed like you were floundering and had no clue what to do with your series and it was really getting pretty embarrassing. But this week I've needed something that was all candy, no brain, and you were there. And - well. It seems like you've found something to do with your series. But it's obvious that you don't understand what that is.

I know! I know it can be hard to pay attention to all the subtleties, the subtext of what you're writing. I know it's easy to miss things. That's why we have friends who read our books and help us see the things we don't.

Except apparently you don't have very observant friends. So I'm going to help you out.

Here's the thing: I know you think you're writing a protracted love triangle, but in fact, you are writing a threesome. There. Doesn't that make more sense?

It's totally understandable that you got to this point. It's hard to write an extended love triangle; for one thing, after about the first three books, your readers tend to be snapping, "Oh my god, would you just CHOOSE?" at the character who is in the middle, or else, "Oh my god, GET OVER IT" at everyone (or both!). Also, in your case, you had two choices: either you could take the route that ends up with Morelli and Ranger killing each other (hint: not really appropriate for your neck of the genre) or you could take the route that ends up with Morelli and Ranger kind of buddies. Except then they start working together. To protect Stephanie. And also spending a lot of time, you know, bonding. Over their mutual craziness, to be all het up over a woman who is, frankly, a walking Bermuda Triangle with a strange addiction to pastry. (I mean, she's funny, no doubt, but more in the oh-my-god-no way.) And then they're sort of handing off Stephanie and negotiating the boundaries of their relationships with her and - do you see where this is headed?

Maybe you don't! Maybe you totally don't. So I will help out. This is another one of those decision points, and here you can go one of four routes:

1. Kill either Ranger or Morelli. (Hint: not really appropriate for your neck of the genre.)

2. Have Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger come to an arrangement, which would probably look something like: Stephanie lives with Morelli but sleeps over at Ranger's occasionally and what happens there in no way counts as cheating.

3. Have Stephanie choose Morelli, which I think is where you're trying to go, except you've written yourself into a corner on this one. Ranger is a big part of her life, and she's demonstrated many times she can't be around him and not want him, so that kind of leaves you nowhere.

4. Have Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger hop into bed with each other and see how it goes. (Hint: it will be hot. Also, you're obviously really tired of writing het sex scenes now; this will give you many new avenues to explore.)

I myself would go for option 4. You could also consider option 2, although I think there's less opportunity for a) hilarity and b) hotness there.

Hope this is helpful!
<3,
thefourthvine

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's official - everyone hates the cable company! It turns out that the guy Stephanie is trying to catch for missing his court date can't leave his house because the cable company is supposed to appear sometime between now and the Apocalypse and he needs to be at home. (Of course, the minute you go to the bathroom they show up, knock once, and then leave a note on the door and take off like they are fleeing a crime scene.) The guy knows how this works. His neighbor needed his cable fixed and it took five months of waiting.

"And he stayed home for five months?" I asked Coglin.

"Yes, you have to. It's the rule. He lost his job, but he got his cable fixed."

"I hate those fuckers," Lula said.

We all do, Lula. We all do.


They are pure evil...

In the meantime Stephanie is looking for her slimeball ex-husband, Dickie, because he's missing and everyone thinks she might have killed him. Just because she had been in his office earlier in the day choking him on the floor doesn't mean she had anything to do with it. Some people are so suspicious! To make things worse, Stephanie's arch-enemy, Joyce, is causing a lot of trouble and is also looking for Dickie.

"Why do you care?" I asked Joyce.

"I love him."

I burst out laughing and Joyce cracked a smile.

"Okay, even I couldn't keep a straight face on that one," Joyce said.

With Morelli being a cop, he tells Stephanie to enlist Ranger for help. They are seriously tag-team boyfriends at this point. I wouldn't mind seeing a little threesome here. They might as well. She's never going to choose just one of them.

Ranger: "I'm heading out," he said to Morelli. "She's on your watch. Next week she's mine."

I'm okay with her not choosing either of them yet. I'm still on Team Ranger, but I am hoping Morelli dumps her on her ass first. She does an awful lot of cheating on him. And, Morelli is a nice guy. He's just never going to be as hot as Ranger.


I googled "Stephanie Plum Ranger" and this is what I got... I guess I'm not the only one who thinks Ranger is a hottie!

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It truly is hard not to fall in love with this series. It is so outrageous so chaotic, and so much darn fun.

With a cast of crazy laugh out loud lovable characters and danger and mayhem lurking around every corner, this series is my go to series when I need out of a book funk or just plain and simply need a good hearty laugh.

Stephanie has a way of getting herself into trouble regardless of the situation and why it is ridiculous, it also can't help being hilarious at the same time. And the best part is, she has a crazy cast of friends to help her through it all not to mention two hunky guys vying for her attention.

And while most books with a love triangle drive me crazy, this one some how seems to work for me and manages to add something to the series that probably wouldn't be the same without it.

Laughs, danger, great friends and co workers, and a mystery that is always fun, this is a series that anyone that loves to laugh and still get some depth, will enjoy.

[Wendyb · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I learned from this book is that if you have a million dollar book contract, you can pretty much just list junk food, articles of clothing, and expensive cars and call it a book. I don't ask for a great plot from a Stephanie Plum adventure or I never would have got past the 5th book in the series. I read these books because Stephanie is funny and eats the way most people over 14 can only dream of eating. Some of the previous books have been thinner and less satisfying than others, but this one takes [or rather, doesn't take] the cake. As usual, there's very little plot, which I could live with. The difference is, the joke is over. Stephanie isn't funny anymore, she's obnoxious. How long is she going to continue the stupid flirtation with Ranger?? The tension between them is nonexistent and by the end of the book, I wanted to call Joe Morelli myself and tell him to dump her. Lula and GRandma, usually the two people you can count on for at least one or two good laugh, make appearances are so superfluous that even if they WERE funny, you wouldn't be able to laugh for cringing at how sad it all has become.

Sigh. Thirteen is definitely an unlucky number in this series.

[Kimmylongtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night I couldn’t sleep so I folded all my laundry and did some light reading !! As always I have so much fun reading anything by this author. I found this series about 21 years later than most but better late than never.
For those of you who have read the series know that Stephanie is a bail bonds agent who is living job to job and will pretty much do anything to put a little food in her fridge. The antics Stephanie finds herself in is mostly due to the fact that she isn’t the best at protecting herself, her vehicles or her hair which has been charred quite a few times.

On another note I loved, loved, loved it. There were bombs and Stephanie fighting Dickey so it was :) fabulously funny.

As always Happy reading everyone 😍😍😘🥰!!

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I pick up a Stephanie Plum novel I cannot put it down and this book is no exception! Any violence is surreal and Stephanie always eventually either gets rescued or makes it on her own. And still the suspense between Joe Morelli (her on again off again boyfriend) and Ranger - her mystery man Cuban/American mentor in her early days of bounty hunting with a body to die for!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say, I NEVER thought I'd give a novel 5 stars. My friend Alisa bought the first book in this series for me about 2 years ago. I was visiting home and she and I were out having fun and stopped into a bookstore and she said, "Have you read these? They're good - I think you'd like her writing style." Um, right. I'm thinking no way will I like some chick lit novel. BUT... Alisa has known me just about forever and knows me very well...

Then Alisa said, "You need something to read on the plane home and you could read the whole thing on the plane with no problem." Hmm... ok, that sounds good....

Alisa bought the book for me, "I'm going to buy it for you and get you started." Ok! Sold!

Next thing I know, I've read the book on the plane, loved it and gone home and ordered all the next ones in the series. Now, I have to wait a year for each new one and I love Alisa for introducing me to the world of Stephanie Plum (main character in the books) but hate her for my new addiction. Waiting a year is TORTURE!

If you're looking for a fun, quick, fluffy read this is a good series. It's chick lit, but with a heroine that can hold her own. She seems believable.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lula is the best. She makes me SOL. You know, snort out loud.😂

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was yet another entertaining Stephanie Plum adventure. Her ex is back and we get to see just how obnoxious he can be. Grandma Mazur gives another boyfriend a test run and Lulu continues to be sweet on Tank. Stephanie finds new ways to get herself and those around her into hot water. She and Lulu are like the Lucy and Ethel of the mystery series. A really fun read. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm listening to Lean Mean Thirteen on cd at work. Twice today I burst into laughter and had to fake a coughing fit to disguise my inappropriate behavior. The line "I stapled him in the balls." completely undid me.
Finished it. Liked it. Laughed a lot. However...I'm getting a little tired of all the Ranger-calls-her-Babe stuff. I mean, is it really necessary for her to have two hot guys battling for her attention? I'd like it better if Ranger fell heavy in love with someone else and he and Steph became just the best of friends...they always have each others' backs, but the flirting is so tired.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first one of these books I've read. After reading it, one can see why the mob runs New Jersey!

Incompetent bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum gets to go after her louse of an ex-husband. She beats him up a little. The husband disappears. Stephanie is the prime suspect. Top cop Joe Morelli helps her out a little, even though like all cops in these types of books, he couldn't catch a cold. She does a favor for uber-bounty hunter Ranger (who is a former SEAL. Why is a SEAL going by the name Ranger, which is an army designation?) Ranger CAN catch a cold, but probably not pneumonia.

After much carrying on, things work out in the end.

I rolled my eyes a lot.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

:: 5 Pretty Little Stars ::

Janet Evanovich NEVER lets me down with her Stephanie Plum novels. For me, they could never get old. Whenever I am looking for something light, funny, and known for its entertainment value I pick up a Plum novel. I know some people think that her work in terms of this series is getting old, but if she stopped publishing these novels I think people would miss them. For all I care she can write 100 of them and I will read them all!

Clearly, I really enjoyed this installment of the series. Will I be picking up the rest BASED on this one? You bet I will! For anyone who hasn't read this series YOU NEED TOO! They are so much fun! Start with One for the Money and continue on from there. Read these books in order as well!

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, as always. In this book we get to know Stephanie's ex-husband. What a jerk! Explains her commitment issues. After some time with him I would have been committed...to an asylum. Or maybe just arrested for manslaughter. It's so relaxing when an author makes the characters so easily defined. No redeeming traits makes the real jerks so much easier to smack around.

Reread May 2018 — Ok. Although I still love this book and I still love Steph and the gang, I’m still ticked off at Morelli. How could he have kept the Dickie info from Steph? He knew what she was going through as Ranger helped her find the man. She forgave him a whole hell of a lot faster than I would have.

[Brooke ♥booklife4life♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic Info

Format: Audio
Pages/Length: 6rhs and 43mins
Genre: Mystery

At A Glance

Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsession?: Triangle.
Cliff Hanger: eh
Triggers: n/a
Rating: 3 Stars

Score Sheet
All out of ten

Cover: 8
Plot: 6
Characters: 7
World Building: 7
Flow: 6
Series Congruity: 8
Writing: 7
Ending: 7

Total: 6

In Dept

Best Part: It was short.
Worst Part: I got bored.
Thoughts Had: oh no!; ugh.

Conclusion

Continuing the Series: yes
Recommending: yes

Short Review: Welp, this one fell a bit flat for me. It could have been way better, Plum was accused of killing Dickie! Come on, there should be tons of action and adventure, but i was bored. Luckily it's on the shorter side. I'm still reading these crazy out of order but doesn't seem to matter so i'll keep having at it. I needed wayyy more Lula.

Misc.

Book Boyfriend: Ranger!
Best Friend Material: Lula!

Review in GIF Form:

[Aoibhínn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephanie Plum's ex-husband, Dickie Orr, has disappeared and Stephanie is the prime suspect in his disappearance. Is Dickie dead? Can he be found? And can Stephanie stay one step ahead in this new, dangerous game? Joe Morelli, the hottest cop in Trenton, New Jersey, is also keeping Stephanie on her toes and he may know more than he's saying about many things in Stephanie's life. It's a cat-and-mouse game for Stephanie Plum and the ultimate prize might be her life....

I enjoyed this book but I didn't think it was anywhere near as good as the previous instalment, Twelve Sharp. The plot was predictable and virtually nothing happened in it to develop the characters further. I'm getting tired of the love triangle with Joe Morelli and Ranger and I wish Stephanie would finally choose one of them or else dump them both and date someone new! Janet Evanovich has let this go on for far too long and now there's no sexual tension left between the characters.

That being said, I will still continue to read the series. The series still gives me a laugh and I actually had a fun couple of hours reading it and that's one of the main reasons why I read it! It's my guilty pleasure, after all.


3 Stars!

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Stephanie Plum series is definitely in decline. While this novel has a promising plot (Stephanie's ex-husband disappears, and she's a suspect), the storyline is just plain flat, mainly because the author insists on borrowing scenes and dialogues from her previous Plum books.

I didn't even have much interest in the main characters, who have had virtually no character development in the last several books.

I'm really starting to feel as though Evanovich is just phoning it in these days. Sad. This used to be a series that had me breathlessly waiting at the bookstore for each new installment.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a humor/cozy mystery/chick-lit, and this is the 13th book in the Stephanie Plum series. I have listen to this whole series on audiobooks, and the narrator of the audiobooks does a great job on this book. All the books in this series will make you laugh so much, and I will say the way to read these books is by audiobooks. All the characters are so fun and developed. I love this series so much. Stephanie Plum always gets into big messes, and she will make you laugh so much. (*)

[Alexw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evanovich NEVER disappoints and the only thing betteer than her witty banter dialogue is the situations that her characters find themslves in. If you need a good laugh--pick up any of the Stephanie Plum books by Evanovich and ENJOY !!

[Darcy (Daydreamingofbookdragons) · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.25)

I'm liking the direction Janet Evanovich is taking these books, changing around the main formula for how the mysteries take place. Also this was a laugh out loud funny book and I believe had the least problematic content to date! That being said, I'm not going to continue on with this series after this book.

I've been pushing myself through this series for nearly two years now and I'm only on the thirteenth book. I really do enjoy these books and find them hilarious, but I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself to finish or at least catch up and the payoff just isn't worth it. I've been holding on for one reason mainly, and I finally gave in and spoiled myself for the future books to see if what I'm wanting from these books ever happens. Reading an interview that came out after the 25th book... it still hasn't. I frankly can't be arsed to continue on if the same repetitive subplot is just going to be played out again and again and again and again in every book. I was done with it after the fifth book, so fourteen more books of it just isn't appealing.

If you're curious what I'm talking about, I mean the love triangle between Morelli and Ranger. I actually really like the dynamic between all three, but I've read 10 books of it at this point and there's only so much I can take of Stephanie breaking up and getting back together with Morelli, all the while snogging Ranger whenever they have a quiet moment together. I don't know if the actual love triangle is still going on by book 25, but as far as I could tell Stephanie hasn't settled on either character, and as a huge romance lover I just want the payoff of her finally being with at least one (but really Joe) of them.

Maybe I will come back to this series at some point in the future and pick up where I left off, because these books really are funny and I do love a good mystery once in a while, but for now I'm done.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich is the 13th book in the Stephanie Plum mystery series. Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum plants a listening bug on her exhusband Dickie on Rangers instructions only to have him go missing and his law partners atart getting killed. Another funny and very entertaining book. These books always leave you feeling good. I love the back and forth between Ranger and Morelli and how they are both there looking out for Stephanie.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery relationship listening 🐕

This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 13 of 31

Stephanie Plum is once again involved in a adventure mystery. Ranger and Joe Morelli are involved in protecting Stephanie. Morelli is also baby sitting a witness protection. They are trying to track down $40. Million dollars. It all comes together with a happy ending 😏

I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventures mystery novels 🤓🙂 2025 🤔🎶

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie does a favor for Ranger that put her in the middle of . . . something. Love these books on audio. The narriation is wonderful and as an added bonus Janet Evanovich does and interview at the end of the audio book. That just makes it that much better - getting inside the mind of one of my favorite authors.

Ranger just asked for a simple favor and since he has done so much for her, Stephanie could hardly refuse, even if it meant getting up close and personal with her scumbag ex, Dickie Orr. When Lula and Connie tag alone the scene is just priceless. But, even though the job went off without much of a hitch, Dickie turns up missing and Stephanie is the logical prime suspect.

Since we all know that Stephanie didn't off Dickie, the question is Who and more importantly, Why? When they come after Stephanie, Ranger lets her stay at Rangeman. Not much temptation, NOT! Still, Ranger is all business, not counting the sexy, hot suggestions he keeps dropping to Stephanie.

If Dickie isn't dead, where is he? And, who would want to kill Dickie anyway? Peeling back the layers of Dickhead's business partnership reveals a whole lot of nasty Stephanie really didn't want to know about. But, because she wants to stay alive, she has to figure what Dickie did and figure out how to make the baddies go away, and since Joe is on protective detail, she is going to have to do it herself.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorites in the series. It has the same great cast and characters. The section in which everyone has the same reaction about their cable company is priceless. Of course it's the same opinion and probably the same as we all feel about ours, ha! One of the FTA's that Stephanie tries to capture is a taxidermist. If you've read previous books in the series you can probably surmise that things will get a little hairy. Never fear, after the repeated stunnings that Joyce Barnhart has given Stephanie, Stephanie does turn the table on Joyce, maybe one of the funniest parts in any of the books so far. It is amazing how I never tire of these books. I will continue on with the series.

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploding Taxidermy! 3.5/5. More serious, yet more entertaining than the last few in the series mostly due to the toning down of the sex/love triangle subplot.

[Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud amusing silliness and full action is what you always get from all the Stephanie Plum novels. Easy, fun, thrilling and funny. When real life gets too heavy and you need a break, grab any of these novels for a needed vacation from whatever ails you. Works for me!

[Angels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story that made me laugh throughout the entire story.Love the interview at the very end with the author it was a nice touch.