Stephanie Plum faces the toughest puzzle of her career in the twenty-fifth entry in Janet Evanovich’s #1 New York Times-bestselling series. There’s nothing like a good deli, and the Red River Deli in Trenton is one of the best. World-famous for its pastrami, cole slaw, and for its disappearing managers. Over the last month, three have vanished from the face of the earth, and the only clue in each … earth, and the only clue in each case is one shoe that’s been left behind. The police are baffled. Lula is convinced that it’s a case of alien abduction. Whatever it is, they’d better figure out what’s going on before they lose their new manager, Ms. Stephanie Plum.
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Meh! I really have not enjoyed the last several Stephanie Plum books. This one was a little more interesting and I did have a few moment while listening to the audiobook where I chuckled. But for the most part, the books are just the same thing over and over and have become too raunchy.
I was definitely not willing to spend my money on a book so borrowed the audiobook from my library. If I had paid to read or listen to the book, I would have been very unhappy.
I appreciate the effort that Janet Evanovich puts into her books, but she needs to start something new and that goes back to the way things were at the beginning of Stephanie Plum #1. Those were the days when I laughed nonstop when I read the book and I had people stopping me to ask me what I was reading that was so funny. I probably helped sell a bunch of copies because I was her best advertisement wherever I went. I’m sorry that I can’t be the biggest cheerleader any more.
LOVE this series!!
I use to be a die hard Stephanie Plum fan, pre-ordered the books and devoured them in one sitting. They were exciting, action packed and funny. That was about ten books ago. The last five books I have borrowed from the local library rather than spend the money on them. I feel like I have invested a lot of time in this series, I don’t want to give up on it. I keep hoping that the stories will once again showcase the Stephanie Plum and friends that we have come to know and love. I honestly hate to give a bad review, but I had to force myself to get through this one. Maybe it is time for Stephanie to pick her man and live happily ever after or be in one of her vehicles when it blows up and put the series to rest. There may be many readers out there that liked this book, this is just my opinion.
It really was a good and funny series, but unfortunately there is no progress in the characters anymore. I only listened to the audiobook, because I have a library card and was able to borrow it for free. That I will not pay for more books of this series was clear after book #24.
Typical Stephanie Plum book. Can’t decide between ranger or morelli
I have read all of Janet’s books and love them, this one was good, but not as good as I had hoped. Still liked it, and will look for any future books written by Janet Evanovich.
2.5
Book source ~ Library
Stephanie Plum is a bond enforcement agent for her cousin Vinnie’s agency, but now she has to also manage a deli that the agency has acquired through the collateral on a bond skip. A deli that she finds out has had three managers go missing in the last month and all that was left behind was one shoe. Yikes. Never fear though because Lula is going to help her. *cue eye roll*
This series is so stale I want to slap myself for continuing to read it. At least I get the books from the library now and have for some time. The best thing I can say is it’s an easy-to-read brainless fluff book for when you just need to unwind with something completely predictable and uncomplicated. Grandma Mazur is barely in this one, but Lula is there for nearly all of it. Stephanie *still* can’t decide between Morelli and Ranger and I’m sick of her shit. Each book she’s on again, off again with Morelli who she isn’t ready to marry and apparently neither is he. But her one excuse for not considering Ranger is he isn’t looking to get married. What the actual fuck?! That makes zero sense. Plus, in this book she’s macking on Ranger while she’s still in a sort of relationship with Morelli. Ok, that’s cheating full out. At least all the other (few) times she hooked up with Ranger she and Morelli were off again. I can accept that. But this? No. Just, no. I’m not sure I can keep doing this to myself, but I probably will only because I love Ranger. He deserves so much better than Stephanie.
For awhile all of the Stephanie Blum books were starting to be the same. this one has better plot line and the characters are more interesting. just wish she would make up her mind about Joe!
Too much Ranger/Morelli equivocation. Becoming formulaic
I love all of the books in this series
Not as interesting or captivating as the other books in the series but it was still enjoyable. Stephanie showed herself and everyone else that she’s not good at much but she does her best and gets the job done. Still don’t see her and Joe getting married anytime soon (yay) but I’m not sure how I feel about the Ranger not marrying her either. What will Ms. Evanovich have in store for us next?
Stephanie and Lula are back. This time they get caught up in a crazy kidnapping situation that has Ranger and Morelli taking turns watching over Stephanie 24/7. Not only are Stephanie and Lula tracking down some colorful FTAs, they also have to manage a deli for Vinnie. Things get crazy and a little out of hand – basically what I’ve come to 3expect and love in this series.
However, there were a couple of things missing in this book. Stephanie’s family was notably absent except for one quick dinner. I missed her Grandma and mother. No car was destroyed either. Finally, the story actually ended with a “cliff-hanger”. I kind of felt like the author was trying out a new direction for this series. I’m not sure it totally worked. The humor and craziness are what bring me back each time. For me, #25 was just ok. Hoping for a strong return in the next one!
Recommended if you like reading about Stephanie. Not as much fun as some of her others. I kept waiting for Stephanie to get into trouble. I missed her family’s presence in this one.
Not up to her usual performance. Not as humorous as the other books.
I like the book. But love triangle has got old Stephanie needs to choose Ranger or Joe.
Love the cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next book
Loved it! Some Ranger, some Morelli, some Lula, Stephanie, a mystery and lots of laughs. A light read that’s entertaining, not meant to be taken seriously, and is pure enjoyment! I can’t wait for the next book!
An entertaining read with the continuing characters from the Stephanie Plum series.
Love Stephanie Plum. Have read most if not all books in her series. Love the humor! Fast reading & entertaining.
A bit disappointed that there wasn’t more of her family especially grandma in this book. Still had some great laugh out loud moments. I have read all books in this series and will continue to wait for the next one