We really, really, hope there are more than 1 or 2 more books in this Stephanie Plum series. I know this series has been around for years and it appears some readers are growing frustrated at the suspense between Stephanie, Joe and Ranger but choice or no choice We truly do hope the series will continue for many more episodes/years. If more than one book per year were written I would like it, and read them. We personally think there is enough material/many characters that can be highlighted, for example, Jeanne Ellen's relationship with Ranger, the former mud wrestler or others (could cause some heat and raise the excitement level a few notches). He is too sexual a character to have no one but Stephanie in his life for how many years? Joe and his many past flames (some surely were a bit more important than others), Connie and her mob connections, Ranger could reveal more about his past, Grandma Mazur, Grandma Bella, Terri Gillman, more about Stephanie liking what she does (maybe she's more the career type than mother?), etc. Look at how many cop type shows are on television. We truly find the books humorous and appreciate the laughs. Some books have more laugh out loud moments than others, Notorious Nineteen didn't have as many of those moments for me but that's the way it goes. Maybe the abundance of comments had/have an influence. We agree with other reviewers/commentor's that this book seemed a bit different or off. The more competent/mature Stephanie may have made the story less humorous. No mention of the love potion Joe drank and the end of 18. Ranger certainly seems to be accepting that Stephanie has chosen (many times Joe over him). And Joe is leveling out to working cop/boyfriend. We would like to read about more relationship and funny/exciting stuff... Stephanie getting in more serious trouble or Lula or Connie or Vinnie. Glad Steph finally admitted she liked being a bounty hunter. Does she really want to get married? Is her mother really that big an influence? She seems to be her own person.
It also seemed there seemed to be strain between Stephanie and Ranger, Ranger didn't notice/comment on cut on Stephanie's arm which he normally would, no mention from Steph that she could feel Rangers energy when near, and Rangers line that he was "fond" of Stephanie (has said a couple times that he loved her) was of a downer since we are Ranger fans (though Joe's solid too). But then if Stephanie is moving on and choosing Joe which consistently seems the case, then that makes some sense. Ranger accepts the choice obviously. Ghost writer or not, we hope the series continues, I will be reading and enjoying.
Some of the lines that referenced prior conversations, prior books, seemed wrong (inconsistent, closer review/quality control could help) but we did not do a book by book analysis. In any event this book was enjoyed. There always seems to be leaps/gaps from one book to another. Devil is in the detail as they say, guess it is challenging to include more detail though it would be great to read it.
I and my friends who read this series would like to read more about how Ranger is "magic". Joe in love with Stephanie for 10 years? Why is it not a good idea for Ranger and Steph to be together (book 8). Never enough detail about the mystery man. We would prefer to read this detail than the often repeated information describing Joe's house, the exit of Grandpa Mazur... and the cases.
Most likely will not run out to purchase, read and get involved with new series with one book per year, with relationships taking 10 plus years to develop (unless Ranger ... and Stephanie are in it). Neither my friends nor I were Monk fans. I also tend to lose interest when a relationship is developed quickly (thinking of another authors series with woman detective and rich husband that she married in book 3).
Like another reviewer, we were unhappy that the kindle version (my preferred format though I sometimes share paperbacks with friends) of the book was as expensive and the print version. Though I am loyal to this specific series (hooked actually), read a few others by JE but didn't enjoy as much, the pricing could likely influence my (not sure about friends) purchasing behavior in the future.
Kristina
Kathy C
Karen
Patto