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One for the Money - Book Review |
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Book Reviews -
Women's Fiction
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Written by DivaTribe Member Lara
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 Stephanie Plum Mysteries, by Janet Evanovich
I started off downloading these novels as eBooks while I was taking breaks at work. I was quickly caught up in the intrigues of Stephanie Plum, Janet Evanovich's, heroine who became a bond enforcement agent (bounty hunter) to pay her rent.
The stories are set in middle/low class New Jersey where crime's a-plenty and the hilarious antics of Stephanie and her random crew of friends was enough to make me buy the whole series (in eBook version and then later to paperback version).
One thing I like about these books is that there are romantic, sexual undertones but the books did not quickly become a romantic mystery where the female, who used to be independent, now has to surrender her life over to the big, bad, protecting soul mate. Stephanie stays on the edge of her independence and female awareness. She doesn't slow her life down for romance and doesn't always listen to the 'protecting' men around her.
It is refreshing!
The books themselves are classified as 'beach reads' or 'airport' novels, many themes are repeated and many antics become a little unbelievable after the 3rd or 4th story but I enjoy Evanovich's way of tying the reader back in with new and fresh ideas. Stephanie Plum becomes a loveable character, with a self depreciating humor that will make readers laugh out loud. Underneath all the excitement you can really start to see Stephanie's sympathy and goodwill develop. She really has a heart of gold with very no haughty ideas on how she should act or who she should associate with. She continues on with her life without many cares as to how her society will view her.
She is at best a 'decent bounty hunter' and although she took the job when times were rough she has now become addicted to the excitement and unorthodox way of living. Her methods of apprehending bail-ees who skip their court dates are a hilarious jumble of luck. Her family and friends continue to encourage her to get a more stable and safe job but Stephanie has other plans for her life. She is a strong character and although there are not many psychological aspects to the book you can quickly read between the lines and see a role model for yourself and young women to stand up for their beliefs, obey your intuition and live life to the fullest.
The Stephanie Plum Series:
This review is available for reprint.
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