msmorvay's Full Review: Janet Evanovich - Finger Lickin' Fifteen
I love Janet Evanovich's by the numbers series. Once I finish reading one I am always anxiously looking forward to the next one. Well the most recent book in the series Finger Licken' Fifteen was recently released, and I snatched it up rather quickly. In fact I had a copy reserved so that I would get one of the first ones to come to my local bookstore.
The Series
Since Finger Lickin' Fifteen is part of a series a brief explanation of the series is in order. The number series is a series of books based on the main character Stephanie Plum. Stephanie Plum is a female bounty hunter. She is not the best bounty hunter and in fact always makes silly mistakes and does silly things that make the books really funny. But despite her imperfections she always tries her hardest, never gives up and usually solves the crime. She usually gets help from LuLa a former Ho who started working at Stephanie's bail bonds office as a file clerk who started accompanying Stephanie when she went out to catch her skips or FTA's (failure to appear), she even sometimes gets assistance from the office manager Connie, and sometimes her spunky trouble making grandma Mazure accompanies them.
Stephanie has an on again off again romance with Trenton police detective Joe Morelli and a lust again off again relationship with a hot bounty hunter and security company owner Ranger. You can also pretty much bet that Stephanie's family will be part of the story as well at some point in each book.
Finger Lickin' Fifteen
Fans of Lula will be happy to know that she has a bigger role in this book.
Lula has witnessed a murder. She just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when she sees two men decapitating another. she gets away with her life, but unfortunately they know who she is and they are not out to get her. Unfortunately the only cop she will talk to about this crime is Stephanie's current ex boyfriend Joe Morelli.
The headless guy turns out to be celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle, who was in town to be a judge at a BBQ cook-off. Lula decides that the best way to join the killers is to become a contestant at the cook-off. Unfortunately Lula can't cook, and when she brings grandma Mazur on as her assistant chef you know this can only lead to trouble. Lula also becomes a bit of a burden on Stephanie when she has to stay with her because the killers know where she lives. Fortunately for her the killers are kind of stupid.
Lula also finds herself and interesting new guy to date. Which adds even further to the hilarity of this book.
Ranger also has a problem. Several of the customers of his security form have had break ins, and it seems his security systems are not holding up. He fears it is an inside job. So he hires Stephanie to investigate by pretending to work there doing computer work. While seeking out the traitor in Ranger's company.
My Thoughts
As you can see Stephanie really has her hands full in finger Lickin' Fifteen. I can also guarantee you many laughs with this particular book in the series. This book is also has its share of scary moments and excitement. This is one of the funniest books in the series yet. Lots of Lula antics combined with lots of grandma Mazur antics and two stupid killers, how could it not be funny? I can't even count how many times LuLa asked for a donut in this book. But she always asks for donuts in the books and that is one of the reasons I love her character.
Stephanies family also plays a role in this book and I have to say her dad really had me cracking up in this one. I'm really surprised Stephanie's parents have not packed up and left town by now.
This is a great mood bursting mystery. Very entertaining and highly recommended to those with a good sense of humor.
The next Stephanie Plum novel, in which complications arise, loyalties are tested, cliffhangers are resolved, and donuts are eaten.More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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