Book Review: Ten Big Ones

Reviewed By: Kat - RAM - Wisconsin

Ten Big Ones     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Janet Evanovich
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Humorous   Woman Main Character
Series: Stephanie Plum # 10
St. Martin’s Press, June 2004, 320 pages

“It wasn’t my fault,” I told him.
“Cupcake, it’s never your fault.”

She’s still sassy, she’s still silly, and she still makes us laugh. She’s Stephanie Plumb, Fugitive Apprehension Agent. After 10 outings, she still doesn’t have a lick of sense, but she outsmarts both good guys and bad by the most outlandish means possible. By the flames of her exploding Ford Escape, Stephanie becomes the first person to see the face of the "Red Devil Bandit" and this annoys him no end. As the routine target of vandalism and mayhem, she isn't worried for herself; but now her family, friends, Joe Morelli and Bob-the-dog may be at risk. When the Bandit and his gang hire a hit man from the West Coast to deal with some inconveniences (including Stephanie), she goes underground with a little – make that a lot -- of help from Ranger.

The good news is that Stephanie’s sister Valerie is getting married. A fall wedding takes special planning, and Sally Sweet, the ugliest drag queen in the tristate area, has volunteered to be the wedding coordinator. Even while in hiding (and what a hiding place), Stephanie doesn’t forget her career, so she and Lula carry on, often with Grandma Mazur helping out.

Stephanie may never outgrow her exploding vehicle problem, or her weakness for Tasty Cakes. But that’s all part of her charm, and she can just keep being herself. Janet Evanovich has given us another fast-paced, laugh-out-loud tale, with vivid characters that excel at the unexpected.

Originally posted in Crimespree Magazine #3, October/November 2004.

Kat - RAM - Wisconsin

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Kat - RAM - Wisconsin