Plum Spooky: A Book Review

Janet Evanovich's Latest Between-the-Numbers Stephanie Plum Novel

Jan 24, 2009

Evanovich fans will rejoice at the new Stephanie Plum novel, one of the few books about the hapless bounty hunter that goes between the numbers of her popular series.

Stephanie Plum returns in one of Evanovich's "filler" novels, Plum Spooky. Unlike many other Plum novels, this book deals heavily with science and the supernatural. As readers eagerly await the sequel to Fearless Fourteen, Stephanie manages to land herself in trouble not only with the usual cast of bail-dodgers, but with two men- who we later find out have an interesting relationship- blessed with supernatural abilities. (In true Evanovich, Jersey-girl style, one of those abilties include making sure all the traffic lights through Trenton are always green.) These two men, Diesel and Wulf, both have it out for Stephanie, albeit in different ways.

As usual, Stephanie is confused about her feelings toward both Morelli and Ranger, and Diesel furthur complicates that love triangle.

Myths and Mysteries

This novel draws heavily on the famous myths that swirl around a region known as the Pine Barrens, which any New Jersey school child knows is famous for the Jersey Devil. The Devil reportedly roams around and wreaks havoc and even death on those who get in his way. When former 'ho and Stephanie sidekick Lola have to make multiple trips to the region, one of them almost causing Stephanie's untimely demise, they're forced to bring in help.

One of the highlights of this book is the zany cast of characters Evanovich creates in the Pine Barrens. The region is known for housing the eccentric, and the people Stephanie meets down there are absolutely hilarious.

Evanovich did a lot of scientific research for this novel, as the Pine Barrens were picked to house an illicit scientific operation. Without spoiling too much, heavy chemicals, equipment and ideas of world domination are major parts of the nefarious operation.

The novel has the typical Plum staples, so as not to disappoint loyal readers: multiple Plum-caused explosions, fights with unorthodox weapons when Stephanie goes to collect a fugitive, romantic tension between a host of machissimo males, entertaining Plum family dinners and murder.

What was a little shocking was a situation towards the end of the book where Stephanie is locked in a room with a deranged, antisocial scientist who is determined to have his way with her. Stephanie almost falls prey to the man, who appears to be a sexual sadist- a tack Evanovich has rarely, if ever, taken.

Up to Par with Previous Plums?

All in all, a great book for those invested in the Plum series. At times, it was a little predictable, but that's what makes loyal readers stay- if they like something, they want it to continue. The book was a relatively quick but entertaining read, and it is highly recommended for anyone looking for a quirky, funny mystery featuring everyone's favorite Jersey girl, Stephanie Plum.

The copyright of the article Plum Spooky: A Book Review in Mystery/Crime Fiction is owned by Nikkee Porcaro. Permission to republish Plum Spooky: A Book Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Mar 11, 2009 11:12 AM

Guest :

I have loved the numbers novels but this one just wasn't as good. the characters had too many stupid names; there wasn,t enough of the main characters, especially grandma; Stephenie seems to think any man wants her; give me a break, no man is just going to 'lay on top' of a woman;. the part with the guy passing gas is gross. I was disappointd with this one. Stephenie isn.t wonder woman. LLPC, Ohio