Plum Lovin' is the latest release from best-selling mystery writer, Janet Evanovich. At 164 pages, it's really more of a novella or a short story than a novel -- the latest in what seems to be a growing trend among popular novelists.
Most women have trouble finding one man. Evanovich protagonist and lingerie salesperson turned bondsman, Stephanie Plum, seems to have more than her share -- of men that is. Plum Lovin' begins with Plum finding with shadowy -- but hot -- Diesel, who Plum readers will remember from Evanovich's Visions of Sugarplums (2004), suddenly appearing in Plum's apartment. It seems he has a job for her, not that she was looking for one. Plum is looking for Annie Hart, who skipped out on her bond. Diesel knows where she is, but will only tell her if she takes over Hart's caseload as a "relationship specialist."
What exactly is a "relationship specialist?" It seems that Hart tries to find matches for hopelessly inept singles. With her friend and co-worker Lula at her side, Plum works her way through the five files -- a shy butcher, a single mother of five kids and seven pets, a kind-hearted veterinarian with a comb-over, and others. The goal is to find them romance by Valentine's Day -- and its only days away.
In the meantime, Diesel is camped out at Stephanie's place; Annie's life may be in danger; and Stephanie's family is having its usually dysfunctional fun.
Plum Lovin' is a fun, quick read for Stephanie Plum fans, but it's way too short and undeveloped to be consider a novel. It you haven't tried the Plum series, start at the beginning with One for the Money and leave Plum Lovin' for later -- much later.
Janet Evanovich is the author of 21 mystery novels and 12 romance novels. She is best known for her Stephanie Plum series and her new series, featuring Alexandra Barnaby and NASCAR driver, Sam Hooker. She divides her time between New Hampshire and Florida.