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Stephanie Plum #23
Turbo Twenty-Three
In the heart of Trenton, N.J., a killer is out to make sure someone gets his just desserts.
Larry Virgil skipped out on his latest court date after he was arrested for hijacking an eighteen-wheeler full of premium bourbon. Fortunately for bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, Larry is just stupid enough to attempt almost the exact same crime again. Only this time he flees the scene, leaving behind a freezer truck loaded with Bogart ice cream and a dead body—frozen solid and covered in chocolate and chopped pecans.
As fate would have it, Stephanie’s mentor and occasional employer, Ranger, needs her to go undercover at the Bogart factory to find out who’s putting their employees on ice and sabotaging the business. It’s going to be hard for Stephanie to keep her hands off all that ice cream, and even harder for her to keep her hands off Ranger. It’s also going to be hard to explain to Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, why she is spending late nights with Ranger, late nights with Lula and Randy Briggs—who are naked and afraid—and late nights keeping tabs on Grandma Mazur and her new fella. Stephanie Plum has a lot on her plate, but for a girl who claims to have “virtually no marketable skills,” these are the kinds of sweet assignments she does best.
Larry Virgil skipped out on his latest court date after he was arrested for hijacking an eighteen-wheeler full of premium bourbon. Fortunately for bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, Larry is just stupid enough to attempt almost the exact same crime again. Only this time he flees the scene, leaving behind a freezer truck loaded with Bogart ice cream and a dead body—frozen solid and covered in chocolate and chopped pecans.
As fate would have it, Stephanie’s mentor and occasional employer, Ranger, needs her to go undercover at the Bogart factory to find out who’s putting their employees on ice and sabotaging the business. It’s going to be hard for Stephanie to keep her hands off all that ice cream, and even harder for her to keep her hands off Ranger. It’s also going to be hard to explain to Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, why she is spending late nights with Ranger, late nights with Lula and Randy Briggs—who are naked and afraid—and late nights keeping tabs on Grandma Mazur and her new fella. Stephanie Plum has a lot on her plate, but for a girl who claims to have “virtually no marketable skills,” these are the kinds of sweet assignments she does best.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2016
About the author
Janet Evanovich
267 books39k 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 4,426 reviews
November 16, 2016
Because, apparently I hate myself.
Let us all join in on the Stephanie Plum prayer (that hasn't worked over the last five* years): Please, dear God, let this be the last book. Let her choose; or not. Just let it be over.
*possibly (probably) longer.
Edited to add 11/16/2016 (after reading):
My prayers went unanswered. In fact, any growth we've seen over the last few books (which was minimal) was completely undone. The men are just caricatures of the guys we liked so much. The feeling of frustration when Stephanie is still in her life-threatening situation that happens at the end of every single book and there are fewer than ten pages left in the whole book is such a bitter one. Because you realize there will be no resolution. Possibly ever. And you also know that you will continue to be fooled into reading one of these books every year because surely it has to end at some point, right? RIGHT?!?
Let us all join in on the Stephanie Plum prayer (that hasn't worked over the last five* years): Please, dear God, let this be the last book. Let her choose; or not. Just let it be over.
*possibly (probably) longer.
Edited to add 11/16/2016 (after reading):
My prayers went unanswered. In fact, any growth we've seen over the last few books (which was minimal) was completely undone. The men are just caricatures of the guys we liked so much. The feeling of frustration when Stephanie is still in her life-threatening situation that happens at the end of every single book and there are fewer than ten pages left in the whole book is such a bitter one. Because you realize there will be no resolution. Possibly ever. And you also know that you will continue to be fooled into reading one of these books every year because surely it has to end at some point, right? RIGHT?!?
July 24, 2024
Reread 07/24/24 - Still love this one. Ranger makes a point about Joe: Joe has been stringing her along since she was five years old. Really made her think about some other things Joe has done, but Stephanie is very conflicted. Ranger and Stephanie take a trip to Disney World, and it was definitely the "Magic Kingdom" for these two. Stephanie realizes that on the one hand, Stephanie's inner Tinker Bell is all over Ranger. On the other hand, Stephanie's inner Wendy is afraid to fly.
11/21/2016 - For the record, I am Team Ranger. I have no expectations that: 1) Stephanie will age; 2) Stephanie will choose Joe or Ranger and live happily ever after; 3) Stephanie will mature in any way. I do expect that this book will have a mystery to solve and that Stephanie will be right in the middle of it. That is more than enough for me.
This book fulfilled my expectations and I enjoyed it very much. I love these books for what they are and not what everyone expects them to be. You cozy fans may be offended as there is a lot of foul language and several sexual situations, but nothing explicit. Stephanie doesn't age; Stephanie doesn't choose Joe or Ranger; Stephanie does show slight signs of a tiny bit of mature growth, but nothing to be concerned about. She does wreck another car and begins and ends with Joe. But, the middle.....
Stephanie finds herself with a frozen dead body covered with chocolate and nuts which tumbles out of the back of an 18 wheeler. Ranger is overhauling the security for the ice cream factory and needs Stephanie's eye for detail to help find out who is trying to sabotage the plant. Working closely with Ranger has Stephanie in a quandary, the same one she has been in for the last 22 books: Joe or Ranger? Joe is steady and, more or less, settled. Ranger is every dark fantasy, but not at all permanent commitment material. She and Joe are engaged to be engaged, but Ranger still lights a fire for her.
11/21/2016 - For the record, I am Team Ranger. I have no expectations that: 1) Stephanie will age; 2) Stephanie will choose Joe or Ranger and live happily ever after; 3) Stephanie will mature in any way. I do expect that this book will have a mystery to solve and that Stephanie will be right in the middle of it. That is more than enough for me.
This book fulfilled my expectations and I enjoyed it very much. I love these books for what they are and not what everyone expects them to be. You cozy fans may be offended as there is a lot of foul language and several sexual situations, but nothing explicit. Stephanie doesn't age; Stephanie doesn't choose Joe or Ranger; Stephanie does show slight signs of a tiny bit of mature growth, but nothing to be concerned about. She does wreck another car and begins and ends with Joe. But, the middle.....
Stephanie finds herself with a frozen dead body covered with chocolate and nuts which tumbles out of the back of an 18 wheeler. Ranger is overhauling the security for the ice cream factory and needs Stephanie's eye for detail to help find out who is trying to sabotage the plant. Working closely with Ranger has Stephanie in a quandary, the same one she has been in for the last 22 books: Joe or Ranger? Joe is steady and, more or less, settled. Ranger is every dark fantasy, but not at all permanent commitment material. She and Joe are engaged to be engaged, but Ranger still lights a fire for her.
March 26, 2017
Team Ranger or Team Morelli?
This is like watching a train wreck. You want the series to stop, but still you can't look away (or add it to your wishlist for that matter). Probably repetitive like the previous one, though.
This is like watching a train wreck. You want the series to stop, but still you can't look away (or add it to your wishlist for that matter). Probably repetitive like the previous one, though.
March 8, 2017
3.5 stars!
Always a fun, easy and comical read!
Always a fun, easy and comical read!
February 6, 2017
I saw it coming.
After reviewing her last two two books I knew another one was more than likely going to be published.
Sigh.
At least in her last book there was a SMIDGEN of a hope for some character development. I just hope Turbo Twenty-Three continues in this vein and does not leave the main character in an endless loop that has plagued the previous six or seven books.
Make a decision. Do something different.
Janet Evanovich, please, throw us long time readers a bone here!!!
I will be getting my copy from the library as I cannot make myself buy any of them after the first 15. They have just been too similar.
-------------------------------------
After reading:
Exactly as I feared. The love triangle still bothers me, even when you add in a trip to Disney world. Her "revelation" also annoyed me. I just want this series to end on a high note. Something big and awesome and unexpected. Maybe by book 25?? Or it will just go on and on and on with no character growth and similar plot lines.
After reviewing her last two two books I knew another one was more than likely going to be published.
Sigh.
At least in her last book there was a SMIDGEN of a hope for some character development. I just hope Turbo Twenty-Three continues in this vein and does not leave the main character in an endless loop that has plagued the previous six or seven books.
Make a decision. Do something different.
Janet Evanovich, please, throw us long time readers a bone here!!!
I will be getting my copy from the library as I cannot make myself buy any of them after the first 15. They have just been too similar.
-------------------------------------
After reading:
Exactly as I feared. The love triangle still bothers me, even when you add in a trip to Disney world. Her "revelation" also annoyed me. I just want this series to end on a high note. Something big and awesome and unexpected. Maybe by book 25?? Or it will just go on and on and on with no character growth and similar plot lines.
Read
January 8, 2017TURBO TWENTY-THREE
-------------------------------
If none of the characters are going to grow, at the very least, Stephanie should find Rex, the hamster, dead.
As the Methuselah of hamsters, his time has probably come.
December 2, 2016
Reading Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series is a little like going to McDonald's. Quick, serves a purpose and consistency, you know exactly what you are going to get. Grandma Mazur and her very funny antics, Lulu wearing clothes she has to squeeze in to, trying to help Stephanie but usually making things worse, fires, wrecked cars, and either Morelli or Ranger coming to the rescue. The cases may change but not much else does. Choosing between Morelli and Ranger been the big hook with these, well that and the humor of course. Not much changes, but I think I have. For many years these have served their purpose admirably, during times of stress, less concentration or just for a shot of ridiculousness. But now alas, I fear we must part, I have actually reached my limit, become impatient with the sameness, the lack of growth and have lost interest in the question of whom she picks, or rather no longer care. Still it was a good ride, fun while it lasted. My three rating reflects the fact that I knew exactly what I was getting,, it is not the books fault that I no longer find it filling.
July 28, 2020
I am almost current with the Stephanie Plum series written by Janet Evanovich. I just finished Turbo Twenty-Three and there are two left to be fully caught up. I should get to them both next month... it's been an exciting and fun ride. While always humorous and page-turning treats, this one left me a little bored by the mystery hence the 3 rating. It has all the normal adventures and comical moments, but I felt like half the mystery was missing, and the parts kept in the book were disconnected and way too simple.
For the most part, the culprit was known from the beginning. Although there was an extra level added, it didn't happen until about 90% thru, and it wasn't someone we'd even gotten to know well. I felt a bit cheated by this story, but that said, I couldn't sit still from the laughter at all the normal antics. Between the ice cream, geese, and change in the Ranger / Morelli dynamic, it was wonderful. No one does crazy-try-to-kick-ass-but-fail-epically better than Evanovich. I would love to have someone like Lula or Stephanie in my life. When Lula and Briggs do a demo tape for 'Naked and Afraid,' I wasn't sure whether to get sick or be the first to sign up to watch their nutty adventures.
Here's the thing about these books... they're meant to just make us laugh. It's not about solving a mystery. It's not about choosing between two guys. It's not about learning anything. It's all about throwing people together in crazy scenes and seeing what happens. I'm good with it. I know what it's for. I just wish there was a little better balance in this one to keep the interest on all levels with a common theme throughout the book. Onward I go to get #24 to read next.
For the most part, the culprit was known from the beginning. Although there was an extra level added, it didn't happen until about 90% thru, and it wasn't someone we'd even gotten to know well. I felt a bit cheated by this story, but that said, I couldn't sit still from the laughter at all the normal antics. Between the ice cream, geese, and change in the Ranger / Morelli dynamic, it was wonderful. No one does crazy-try-to-kick-ass-but-fail-epically better than Evanovich. I would love to have someone like Lula or Stephanie in my life. When Lula and Briggs do a demo tape for 'Naked and Afraid,' I wasn't sure whether to get sick or be the first to sign up to watch their nutty adventures.
Here's the thing about these books... they're meant to just make us laugh. It's not about solving a mystery. It's not about choosing between two guys. It's not about learning anything. It's all about throwing people together in crazy scenes and seeing what happens. I'm good with it. I know what it's for. I just wish there was a little better balance in this one to keep the interest on all levels with a common theme throughout the book. Onward I go to get #24 to read next.
March 10, 2017
It was fine.
Nothing has changed. It's like the Simpsons where the kids never grow up and everything goes right back to the start each week. Sure, you might smile a couple of times through it, but it isn't going to stick with you, give you strong feels, or make you think.
poor kid probably has a raging case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by now.
There aren't even sex scenes, and that would be fine if you could actually feel chemistry and romance between Stephanie and her two boyfriends. I mean, Ranger sends out sparks, but Stephanie seems to just go along with having sex with two men. I don't get it. Maybe it's her diet of continual junk food. Maybe she has constant indigestion or something and that's why she doesn't seem to care about the sex. She's trying not to burp the whole time or something.
Stephanie must be very hipster then. She'll be able to wear these if she keeps eating like she does
Speaking of which, doesn't it bother anyone else that she is in a committed relationship with Morelli, but is still kissing Ranger constantly and having sex with him occasionally? If Morelli was having sex with someone else on the side, we would all hate him for being a cheater. But, Stephanie is totally screwing him over and it's like it's no big deal.
poor kitty!
So, there are a few chuckles, but this series is not progressing in any way. If you've read one of these books, you will find nothing new here.
Oh, and Rex is still alive. This is the oldest hamster in history. And yet, she doesn't even get him a decent house. He lives in a soup can. I'm thinking that this magical hamster deserves better after living longer than even a sea turtle lives. He's obviously immortal. It's time to provide him with a nicer lifestyle.
Oh, okay then. Never mind.
Nothing has changed. It's like the Simpsons where the kids never grow up and everything goes right back to the start each week. Sure, you might smile a couple of times through it, but it isn't going to stick with you, give you strong feels, or make you think.
poor kid probably has a raging case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by now.
There aren't even sex scenes, and that would be fine if you could actually feel chemistry and romance between Stephanie and her two boyfriends. I mean, Ranger sends out sparks, but Stephanie seems to just go along with having sex with two men. I don't get it. Maybe it's her diet of continual junk food. Maybe she has constant indigestion or something and that's why she doesn't seem to care about the sex. She's trying not to burp the whole time or something.
Stephanie must be very hipster then. She'll be able to wear these if she keeps eating like she does
Speaking of which, doesn't it bother anyone else that she is in a committed relationship with Morelli, but is still kissing Ranger constantly and having sex with him occasionally? If Morelli was having sex with someone else on the side, we would all hate him for being a cheater. But, Stephanie is totally screwing him over and it's like it's no big deal.
poor kitty!
So, there are a few chuckles, but this series is not progressing in any way. If you've read one of these books, you will find nothing new here.
Oh, and Rex is still alive. This is the oldest hamster in history. And yet, she doesn't even get him a decent house. He lives in a soup can. I'm thinking that this magical hamster deserves better after living longer than even a sea turtle lives. He's obviously immortal. It's time to provide him with a nicer lifestyle.
Oh, okay then. Never mind.
November 25, 2016
TGIF (or, Thank God I've Finished). My rating of 3 stars is rounded up to the generous side from a "real" 2.5, but only because a few lines made me chuckle. Alas, the rest of this one came across as just plain silly.
And I'm truly bummed. I haven't missed reading very many in this series featuring bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. And while I admit the last two or three weren't as stellar as the others - how old must Stephanie get before she grows up and stops making goo-goo eyes at possible husband and cop Joe Morelli and the hunky, mysterious Ranger, for instance - the story itself and the fairly frequent yuk-yuks were sufficient to keep them enjoyable.
Not so here. When it comes to her love life, Stephanie's stuck at 30-something going on 14 (still annoying even though I long since resigned myself to the fact that this will never change). Her offbeat agency colleague and former streetworker, Lulu, has lowered her jokes gutter level, and other attempts at humor never get much beyond something that would make a fourth-grader giggle. Passing gas? Pooping in the street? People who don't look good fully dressed going naked in public? Spare me. Even the antics of Stephanie's Grandma Mazur, who's usually a shoe-in for a few belly laughs, fell flat this time.
The plot itself doesn't fare a whole lot better. Stephanie is called in to capture Larry Virgil, who missed a court date. Then he hijacks an ice cream treat-maker's freezer truck and is stopped, after which he takes off. When the truck doors are opened, out falls a dead guy, who is frozen and (wait for it!) covered with chocolate and chopped nuts. Conveniently, Ranger has been hired by the truck company's owner; it seems someone is sabotaging the business. So, he brings Stephanie in to help. Meanwhile, Lulu and her height-challenged friend Randy are trying to break into nude reality TV (who knew?) and Grandma - when she's not crashing funeral wakes - is getting down and dirty with a new boyfriend. Ah, will the action never stop?
Finally, it did - but from where I sat behind my Kindle, not quite soon enough. I can't believe I'm saying this because it's like saying goodbye to an old friend, but I think I've had my fill of this series. Over and out.
And I'm truly bummed. I haven't missed reading very many in this series featuring bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. And while I admit the last two or three weren't as stellar as the others - how old must Stephanie get before she grows up and stops making goo-goo eyes at possible husband and cop Joe Morelli and the hunky, mysterious Ranger, for instance - the story itself and the fairly frequent yuk-yuks were sufficient to keep them enjoyable.
Not so here. When it comes to her love life, Stephanie's stuck at 30-something going on 14 (still annoying even though I long since resigned myself to the fact that this will never change). Her offbeat agency colleague and former streetworker, Lulu, has lowered her jokes gutter level, and other attempts at humor never get much beyond something that would make a fourth-grader giggle. Passing gas? Pooping in the street? People who don't look good fully dressed going naked in public? Spare me. Even the antics of Stephanie's Grandma Mazur, who's usually a shoe-in for a few belly laughs, fell flat this time.
The plot itself doesn't fare a whole lot better. Stephanie is called in to capture Larry Virgil, who missed a court date. Then he hijacks an ice cream treat-maker's freezer truck and is stopped, after which he takes off. When the truck doors are opened, out falls a dead guy, who is frozen and (wait for it!) covered with chocolate and chopped nuts. Conveniently, Ranger has been hired by the truck company's owner; it seems someone is sabotaging the business. So, he brings Stephanie in to help. Meanwhile, Lulu and her height-challenged friend Randy are trying to break into nude reality TV (who knew?) and Grandma - when she's not crashing funeral wakes - is getting down and dirty with a new boyfriend. Ah, will the action never stop?
Finally, it did - but from where I sat behind my Kindle, not quite soon enough. I can't believe I'm saying this because it's like saying goodbye to an old friend, but I think I've had my fill of this series. Over and out.
November 6, 2021
In this 23rd book in the 'Stephanie Plum' mystery series, the bounty hunter goes undercover in an ice cream factory. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
In this book a frozen corpse covered with chocolate and nuts may be the falllout from a 'war' between ice cream companies.
Former bounty hunter Ranger's security firm has been hired to protect the Bogart ice cream factory.....and to expose a possible saboteur. Needing an undercover operative, Ranger hires Stephanie to pose as an ice cream factory worker. So, in addition to her usual job as a bounty hunter, Stephanie lends Ranger a hand.
All this leads to some fun scenes where a conveyor belt spews ice cream everywhere ("there's no big red button!"); Stephanie dresses as a clown to sell Bogart bars; and she gets covered with cooking oil redolent of bacon and fried chicken.
You know what to expect with this series, and the story contains the usual comic and romantic elements: Stephanie and her sidekick Lula - a flamboyant former 'ho' who carries a big gun - create havoc in New Jersey.
Vehicles crash and blow up; Grandma Mazur snags an elderly motorcycle-riding boyfriend.....and hops aboard in her pink pantsuit and white sneakers; Stephanie's mom compulsively irons and has a few nips; Stephanie gets cozy with both her boyfriend Joe Morelli......
.....and her 'friend' Ranger; and so on.
In addition, in an attempt to land a reality TV gig, Lula and Briggs (a whiny little person) make videos called 'naked and afraid' and 'naked bungee jumping.' (Now that's something you'd never be able to unsee! LOL)
It turns out the ice cream business is pretty dangerous, and more people turn up dead or missing. In fact, before the perp is snagged Stephanie almost becomes a popsicle herself!
The book is entertaining - and I got a few smiles - but it's not as laugh out loud funny as previous entries in the series. I'd like to see Stephanie, Lula, and Grandma Mazur go a little more 'over the top' in future books. If you need a break from serious fare the Stephanie Plum books are fine 'go-to' choices.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
November 27, 2016
I read these knowing just what they are and I think that's why I love them so much. They are just great entertainment for me and a fast read. I like that I know how it is going to go with Stephanie getting in the middle of a mystery, losing a handcuffed FTA, wrecking a car, something getting blown up, G-ma going to a viewing, Lula being outrageous,a little Rex and Bob and no decision being made between Morelli and Ranger (definitely Ranger for me). I had lots of laughs in this one and there were some references to pop culture. The mystery took place in an ice cream factory and was ok, but it didn't matter because it provided the opportunity for more Ranger and that can never be a bad thing. Is it a literary masterpiece? No, but it isn't supposed to be. It is what it is and to me that is a fun and hilarious read. A 5 star recommendation to any fan of the series.
January 15, 2020
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com
3.5 Stars
Einstein once said “insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.” To that I say . . . . .
Good to know I’m 100% not nuts then because the entire reason behind me reading TWENTY-THREE books in this series is that the formula of Stephanie and Lula, Stephanie and Morelli, Stephanie and Ranger, Stephanie and Rex (the oldest hamster in the history of the universe), Stephanie and her blown up cars, Stephanie and her gun in the cookie jar, Stephanie and her inability to successfully take down a skip, Stephanie and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie and etc., etc., etc. all work for me and I absolutely want the same results every single time. It appears I read #22 about this time last year and I guarantee I’ll get around to 24 (and 25, 26, 27) eventually. These make for a great buffer if I’m suffering from a book hangover and only take a couple of hours to plough through. The “quality” (don’t judge – I’m well aware these aren’t Pulitzer nominees) went down for a while somewhere in the late teens and it really felt like Evanovich was just phoning it in, but these past couple have been reminiscent of why Stephanie Plum has remained a go-to-gal for me for the past decade.
3.5 Stars
Einstein once said “insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.” To that I say . . . . .
Good to know I’m 100% not nuts then because the entire reason behind me reading TWENTY-THREE books in this series is that the formula of Stephanie and Lula, Stephanie and Morelli, Stephanie and Ranger, Stephanie and Rex (the oldest hamster in the history of the universe), Stephanie and her blown up cars, Stephanie and her gun in the cookie jar, Stephanie and her inability to successfully take down a skip, Stephanie and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie and etc., etc., etc. all work for me and I absolutely want the same results every single time. It appears I read #22 about this time last year and I guarantee I’ll get around to 24 (and 25, 26, 27) eventually. These make for a great buffer if I’m suffering from a book hangover and only take a couple of hours to plough through. The “quality” (don’t judge – I’m well aware these aren’t Pulitzer nominees) went down for a while somewhere in the late teens and it really felt like Evanovich was just phoning it in, but these past couple have been reminiscent of why Stephanie Plum has remained a go-to-gal for me for the past decade.
April 24, 2018
Usually, these books make me laugh. I found very few laughs in this book. Maybe it is too stale and all the same. Even Grandma Mazur is wearing thin and she is the best character. I was entertained, but I wasn't tickled pink either.
PLEASE, PLEASE Janet, please end this series. You can't keep drawing it out. It needs a decent ending. This is the worst one I've read and it's not bad, there are simply 22 others like it.
This had ice cream and all the other troupes. I'm too weak not to go on with this. I want some sort of an ending. I plead with you Janet, give us a decent ending! Focus on wicked series which is wonderful and fresh. 4 more deadly sins to go.
PLEASE, PLEASE Janet, please end this series. You can't keep drawing it out. It needs a decent ending. This is the worst one I've read and it's not bad, there are simply 22 others like it.
This had ice cream and all the other troupes. I'm too weak not to go on with this. I want some sort of an ending. I plead with you Janet, give us a decent ending! Focus on wicked series which is wonderful and fresh. 4 more deadly sins to go.
June 2, 2016
always a quick fun read
December 3, 2016
I have enjoyed this series. This book is the 23rd book in the Stephanie Plum series and I've read them all....in order. But unfortunately, this is my least favorite and the sad thing is, is that I was so looking forward to reading this one. I'm disappointed. Stephanie, as an MC, is lost and she is losing even more ground. There was no progression in this one for anyone. The dialogue was also trite. It felt like it was only adding to word count. I'm losing interest and I I don't know if I need to slap myself for continuing to hang on and hoping for the best, or to slap the author for letting this go stale.
April 22, 2017
Another fun, laugh-out-loud installment in the series of bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. Not much has changed in Stephanie's eventful and humorous life.
Her sidekick Lula is forever hungry and there are a lot of descriptions of the foods she is craving, be it hotdogs, snickers, donuts, fried chicken - I always find myself wanting to eat when I read these books...
Stephanie is still torn between the mysterious Ranger and potential husband Joe Morelli and luckily they are both still keen to rescue her from her sometimes disastrous encounters!
Her sidekick Lula is forever hungry and there are a lot of descriptions of the foods she is craving, be it hotdogs, snickers, donuts, fried chicken - I always find myself wanting to eat when I read these books...
Stephanie is still torn between the mysterious Ranger and potential husband Joe Morelli and luckily they are both still keen to rescue her from her sometimes disastrous encounters!
February 10, 2017
Now, why would you do that for? Making an ice cream bar out of a corpse is just icky and wrong and ugh!!!
I still ate ice cream today so I don't know what that says about me.
I was dreading reading this book, 'cause it's the last one until the next one. You know what I mean. When the series have 20+ books and you think you still have a bulk of them left, and then that last one creeps in and you're like "Damn, is this it? I'm in the waiting game, again?" Yeah, I'm rambling, moving on.
There are people in this world who for some reason are afraid of clowns. I'm not one of them. I neither like or dislike clowns, I just think the whole idea of them is weird. Also, I think people who work as clowns are not happy people. Think about it, if you had to spend your whole day with a painted smile on your face and act all happy and bubbly, you'd want to shoot someone pretty soon. Right? "Fake it til you make it" don't work on clowns. It's sad really. So I wasn't surprised to find a killer clown in a book about ice cream related murders.
What I was surprised to find here is an actual method to quit smoking. And from Lula!
I wonder what's her solution for men would intale, hmm...
Leave it to Lula to say something crazy and weird, and still by the end of it it somehow makes sense.
Over and out
I still ate ice cream today so I don't know what that says about me.
I was dreading reading this book, 'cause it's the last one until the next one. You know what I mean. When the series have 20+ books and you think you still have a bulk of them left, and then that last one creeps in and you're like "Damn, is this it? I'm in the waiting game, again?" Yeah, I'm rambling, moving on.
There are people in this world who for some reason are afraid of clowns. I'm not one of them. I neither like or dislike clowns, I just think the whole idea of them is weird. Also, I think people who work as clowns are not happy people. Think about it, if you had to spend your whole day with a painted smile on your face and act all happy and bubbly, you'd want to shoot someone pretty soon. Right? "Fake it til you make it" don't work on clowns. It's sad really. So I wasn't surprised to find a killer clown in a book about ice cream related murders.
What I was surprised to find here is an actual method to quit smoking. And from Lula!
"Were you a smoker?"
"Hell, yeah. I was a big smoker, but I'm not stupid. I got this beautiful chocolate skin and I'm not going all crone with it because of smoking."
"How did you quit?"
"I traded in my cigarettes for a vibrator. I got a dandy little battery job that I carry in my purse, and when I feel the urge to light up I just stick this thing against my lady parts and buzz myself into relaxation and happiness. Personally I don't get the whole e-cigarette thing. I mean, if you're going mechanical wouldn't you rather put those batteries to work on your pleasure bean?"
I wonder what's her solution for men would intale, hmm...
Leave it to Lula to say something crazy and weird, and still by the end of it it somehow makes sense.
Over and out
November 17, 2016
Does skimming count as reading? With this series, that's a big, fat yes. I haven't read a book in this series since maybe #17, so when I saw it come up on my library rental list, I thought what the hell, I'll get it and flip through, see if anything's changed. NOPE. Seriously, save your money. I skimmed through it in about 10 minutes and came away so ragey, I'm done, DONE with Stephanie.
Nevermind the crazy plot she finds herself in the middle of (same ol', same ol' there), whatever. But Stephanie is with Joe and has sex with Ranger. What. The. Fuck. She's with Joe, but wants a night of fun and has sex with another guy.
Now yes yes, this horrid triangle has been going on and on for years now. Trust me, I get it. It's the main reason I quit the series about 7 books ago. But how can anyone root for and get behind a heroine who does that? The character of Stephanie went from a fun loving, hilarious, sweet woman (books 1-5, maybe) and has been turned into a ridiculous, laughing stock. I'm done. Not even a free library rental will ever sway me to open up another book in this series again.
So, yeah. I guess I had some pent up anger to get out about this series haha! I just hate seeing a series go from one that I really enjoyed to one that needed to end about 10 years ago.
Nevermind the crazy plot she finds herself in the middle of (same ol', same ol' there), whatever. But Stephanie is with Joe and has sex with Ranger. What. The. Fuck. She's with Joe, but wants a night of fun and has sex with another guy.
Now yes yes, this horrid triangle has been going on and on for years now. Trust me, I get it. It's the main reason I quit the series about 7 books ago. But how can anyone root for and get behind a heroine who does that? The character of Stephanie went from a fun loving, hilarious, sweet woman (books 1-5, maybe) and has been turned into a ridiculous, laughing stock. I'm done. Not even a free library rental will ever sway me to open up another book in this series again.
So, yeah. I guess I had some pent up anger to get out about this series haha! I just hate seeing a series go from one that I really enjoyed to one that needed to end about 10 years ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2017
This was a light, fun read. Stephanie Plum, bail bond enforcement agent, is still going back and forth between the two men in her life, Ranger and Morelli, which is getting a little old. She is still doing undercover work for Ranger while apprehending fugitives. Her assistant, Lula, is a former 'ho, who prefers spandex mini skirts and low cut blouses.
Some quotes
Stephanie: "At first glance it might appear that I'm lacking in moral character by by bouncing men like this, but it's only two men." "These guys are both twelve on a scale of one to ten. And I might only be an eight on a good day."
Lula on smoking: "I traded in my cigarettes for a vibrator."
There are laugh out loud lines in this book. I read it in one day.
This was a library book.
I rate it 3.5 out 5 stars(rounded up to 4)
Some quotes
Stephanie: "At first glance it might appear that I'm lacking in moral character by by bouncing men like this, but it's only two men." "These guys are both twelve on a scale of one to ten. And I might only be an eight on a good day."
Lula on smoking: "I traded in my cigarettes for a vibrator."
There are laugh out loud lines in this book. I read it in one day.
This was a library book.
I rate it 3.5 out 5 stars(rounded up to 4)
November 16, 2016
Hilarious and Fun!
What a great book. Stephanie Plum is back at it. I really liked this one, absolutely hilarious. Briggs is back to help Lula become famous by shooting a movie based on Naked and Afraid. OMG! Ranger and Stephanie are working together closely to figure out the problems at an ice cream factory. Stephanie has to go undercover and work there. Think Willy Wonka on drugs but instead of chocolate it's ice cream and Killer Clowns. Ranger to the rescue! Love him.
As for the love triangle between Stephanie, Ranger, and Morelli well that is still going on. While in Florida working on the case with Ranger Stephanie has an epiphany. A very good one! Now if Ranger could have one,that would be great. Stephanie needs to embrace her inner Tinkerbell and set the men straight. Morelli is the friend with benefits. Someone you love and hangout with. Ranger is the one Stephanie is in love with, the one she wishes for. Maybe Tank or Hal can help him have his own epiphany.
I gave this five stars because it definitely is if I could give it more I would. Terrific book
What a great book. Stephanie Plum is back at it. I really liked this one, absolutely hilarious. Briggs is back to help Lula become famous by shooting a movie based on Naked and Afraid. OMG! Ranger and Stephanie are working together closely to figure out the problems at an ice cream factory. Stephanie has to go undercover and work there. Think Willy Wonka on drugs but instead of chocolate it's ice cream and Killer Clowns. Ranger to the rescue! Love him.
As for the love triangle between Stephanie, Ranger, and Morelli well that is still going on. While in Florida working on the case with Ranger Stephanie has an epiphany. A very good one! Now if Ranger could have one,that would be great. Stephanie needs to embrace her inner Tinkerbell and set the men straight. Morelli is the friend with benefits. Someone you love and hangout with. Ranger is the one Stephanie is in love with, the one she wishes for. Maybe Tank or Hal can help him have his own epiphany.
I gave this five stars because it definitely is if I could give it more I would. Terrific book
December 30, 2016
I don't read series. Yet somehow I've read all twenty-three of these Stephanie Plum mysteries. How to explain that? It's the characters. I'm crazy about Grandma Mazur and Lulu and Ranger and Stephanie's parents and all the bad guys Stephanie encounters in the course of her work as a bounty hunter. As long as Janet Evanovich keeps writing 'em I'll keep reading 'em.
December 11, 2016
“Turbo Twenty-Three” is another funny and endearing novel in the Stephanie Plum series. I found myself laughing quite a bit and thrilled at some plot threads that were explored. My only issue with it is that it feels like the author knows things need a bit of a shake-up after all this time, and began to go down the road, only to chicken out rather abruptly at the end. I hope she takes some chances on the next one.
June 9, 2018
I still love these books!! Steph has to go undercover in an ice cream factory. The whole time she was working the conveyor belt I kept thinking, "when does the Lucy scene start? Remember, "I Love Lucy" working in the candy factory? She starts eating them when it gets out of hand? As a kid I kept thinking, "what a great job!"
Reread June 2018– I never thought going to DisneyWorld sounded all that great, but Steph makes it sound magical! Or maybe it was Ranger that made it magical. 🤔
Reread June 2018– I never thought going to DisneyWorld sounded all that great, but Steph makes it sound magical! Or maybe it was Ranger that made it magical. 🤔
April 12, 2024
The 23-skiddoo entry into the Stephanie Plum romances opens with our heroine and her sidekick Lula behind the wheel of a truck originally hijacked by a high-bond FTA. For once, it’s Lula that wrecks a car: she plows into the blue-and-white belonging to Officer Carl Costanza. Carl and his partner decide to open the trailer of the stolen truck…and it’s a bad idea. Because what pops out freezes everyone in their tracks: an iced corpse covered in chocolate and nuts. Shaped and styled like everyone’s favorite childhood treat, the Bogart Bar. As a result, ice cream magnate Harry Bogart hires Ranger for his security services, who in turn hires Steph as an in-house spy of sorts. Meanwhile, Morelli searches both for the killer and for reasons to avoid popping the question.
Yeah, another itsy-bitsy shark jump, as Steph and Ranger head to Disney World to investigate / protect Mr. Bogart. And while the ice-cream murder is a little weird, you gotta give points for creativity.
Nonetheless, I’m really enjoying Steph’s increased role with Rangeman. James Bond or Lisbeth Salander she’ll never be (probably), but she’s learning, getting smarter and savvier. Sure, the usual Plum luck intervenes, but I like how she’s handling the danger.
And while I’m not up to date on the series yet, something tells me we won’t see Steph and Morelli walk down the aisle. She’ll sneak kisses (and maybe a little more) with the mysterious Ranger and spend the evening lounging (and definitely more) in Morelli’s inherited house.
But you know what? Tom never gets Jerry. Elmer Fudd never gets Bugs (or Daffy). The Knicks never beat Jordan. Yeah, we all dream about the day when it happens, maybe even pine for it. Keep dreaming, folks.
Me? I like the dance. I enjoy the action, the intrigue, the will-they-or-won’t-they. The suspense is better than the resolution. I mean, when the Cubs / Red Sox won the World Series, didn’t we lose a little romance? And who’d wanna watch Tom eat Jerry, anyway? We’d rather see him get his little buddy in his maw…then get brained by an anvil. Isn’t that more fun?
I read 24 outta sequence. So up next is Look Alive Twenty-Five. Get your extra-crispy Cluck-in-a-Bucket and join me!
Thanks again to Lorelei King for being the signature voice of our favorite bounty hunter!
Yeah, another itsy-bitsy shark jump, as Steph and Ranger head to Disney World to investigate / protect Mr. Bogart. And while the ice-cream murder is a little weird, you gotta give points for creativity.
Nonetheless, I’m really enjoying Steph’s increased role with Rangeman. James Bond or Lisbeth Salander she’ll never be (probably), but she’s learning, getting smarter and savvier. Sure, the usual Plum luck intervenes, but I like how she’s handling the danger.
And while I’m not up to date on the series yet, something tells me we won’t see Steph and Morelli walk down the aisle. She’ll sneak kisses (and maybe a little more) with the mysterious Ranger and spend the evening lounging (and definitely more) in Morelli’s inherited house.
But you know what? Tom never gets Jerry. Elmer Fudd never gets Bugs (or Daffy). The Knicks never beat Jordan. Yeah, we all dream about the day when it happens, maybe even pine for it. Keep dreaming, folks.
Me? I like the dance. I enjoy the action, the intrigue, the will-they-or-won’t-they. The suspense is better than the resolution. I mean, when the Cubs / Red Sox won the World Series, didn’t we lose a little romance? And who’d wanna watch Tom eat Jerry, anyway? We’d rather see him get his little buddy in his maw…then get brained by an anvil. Isn’t that more fun?
I read 24 outta sequence. So up next is Look Alive Twenty-Five. Get your extra-crispy Cluck-in-a-Bucket and join me!
Thanks again to Lorelei King for being the signature voice of our favorite bounty hunter!
January 29, 2024
3.5 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series will never get old to me. Yes, you know exactly what you’re getting when you pick up a Stephanie Plum book, but who cares? They are laugh out loud funny!
I read a lot of reviews from people saying it’s the “same old blah blah blah” with Stephanie Plum and her sidekicks. However, can you really complain when a book makes you snort and cry laughing? I don’t think so. The high jinks and scenarios these characters get themselves is pure entertainment!
It’s been a minute since I read Tricky Twenty-Two. When I saw one of my GR friends had just read it, it inspired me to jump back in. Glad I did. Never a dull moment with Stephanie Plum, Grandma Mazur and especially Lula!
Keep ‘em coming Evanovich!
This series will never get old to me. Yes, you know exactly what you’re getting when you pick up a Stephanie Plum book, but who cares? They are laugh out loud funny!
I read a lot of reviews from people saying it’s the “same old blah blah blah” with Stephanie Plum and her sidekicks. However, can you really complain when a book makes you snort and cry laughing? I don’t think so. The high jinks and scenarios these characters get themselves is pure entertainment!
It’s been a minute since I read Tricky Twenty-Two. When I saw one of my GR friends had just read it, it inspired me to jump back in. Glad I did. Never a dull moment with Stephanie Plum, Grandma Mazur and especially Lula!
Keep ‘em coming Evanovich!
September 7, 2020
Another funny Stephanie Plum novel!
December 14, 2016
Pretty weak effort. Usual Stephanie Plum messes. Lula driving/crashing a semi was pretty funny. Why Ranger thinks Stephanie can help him solve security problems for his Rangeman business is one of the great mysteries of the universe, but he is always there to save her. This books is ostensibly about two warring local ice cream makers, one of which seems to be really down on his luck. Meanwhile Stephanie tries with varying degrees of success to bring in various people who her boss Vinnie has bonded. Oh, and Lula's reality television ideas are modestly amusing.
November 18, 2016
Picked this up today at my local library and finished it a few minutes ago. Once again I found myself laughing out loud at the shenanigans of the regular crew. Once again Ms Plum is still caught between two men as the saga will continue. Now the long wait for #24.
September 4, 2019
Never ceases to make me laugh even if after all this time, the love triangles is a bit frustrating at times.
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