The latest Stephanie Plum adventure, "Fearless Fourteen," finds everyone's favorite Jersey girl in the middle of a couple of quirky situations. She starts by trying to re-bond Loretta Rizzi, a distant cousin of Stephanie's boyfriend and local cop, Joe Morelli. Loretta, however, has run out of financial options and when she's unable to get her bailed out, she agrees to supervise Loretta's Goth-gamer 14-year-old Zook (aka Mario).
As if feeding and keeping track of Zook weren't enough drama, It seems that Joe Morelli's cousin hid millions of dollars in his mother's--now Joe's--house before he went to prison for armed robbery. Now someone is breaking into the house that Stephanie and Joe (and now Zook) share.
Brenda, the Diva
Stephanie's never at a loss for things to do. In addition to babysitting, chasing down skipped detainees, and helping to keep robbers out of Joe's house, she is also assisting Ranger (her sometimes flame and full-time security mogul) with security for aging singer, Brenda (no last name, just Brenda).
Brenda a perfect fit for Jersey. At 60+, she's had more work down than Joan Rivers, the result of which is a sort of Cher meets Dolly Parton. She's all feathers, sequins, and big hair. She's also overf ond of her whiskey and keeping her on schedule and fit to perform is more than a full-time job. Amid appearances and concerts, Brenda decides that it might be fun--and good publicity--to join Stephanie and Lula with a camera crew while they track bailees. The result is a mixture of farce and mayhem.
Crime or Chaos?
Like all of the Stephanie Plum novels, the characters are come together for the quirky ending. There are also some tense moments in the interim. Stephanie certainly has her hands full keeping the house and the boy and his friends safe, all the while humoring Brenda and helping Lula with her wedding plans. (Yes, Lula and Tank are engaged.)
Is "Fearless Fourteen" worthy of a Pulitzer Prize? No, of course not. It is, however, a fun and lighthearted romp through Jersey's neighborhoods and loveable quirks. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing a host of characters from former books, including Lula, Grandma, and Ranger. Take this book to the beach or on the bus. You'll be giggling out loud.
More about Janet Evanovich
Janet Evanovich is the author of 22 mystery novels and 13 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.
More about Janet Evanovich
- Janet Evanovich Profile
- Review of Motor Mouth
- Review of Plum Lovin'
- Review of Hard Eight
- Review of Lean Mean Thirteen
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