Split Second: Thirty-Two Switcheroo

Stephanie Plum #32

by Janet Evanovich

In a now-or-never moment, Stephanie Plum made the decision of a lifetime. But some lifetimes are shorter than others and Stephanie will be lucky if she makes it to the end of the week.

Over the years, Trenton’s best-known bounty hunter has acquired a long list of enemies. It’s an occupational hazard as a bond enforcement agent. The problem is that she now has a mysterious enemy whose name isn’t on any list. Disturbing packages, threatening notes, and near misses are keeping Stephanie in the dark and her anonymous tormentor, who wants her dead, in the shadows.

Bond jumper Greb Tusi also wouldn’t mind getting rid of Stephanie. He’s wanted for going on a three-hour rampage—one that he swears “wasn’t his fault”—that included mugging an old lady and stealing a hearse. Lacking Anonymous Enemy #1’s creative flair and strong work ethic, Tusi has chosen a more minimalist approach to dealing with the annoyingly still-breathing Plum. Trying to push her off roofs, bridges, in front of trucks, and any place else where a little push can go a long way.

And if adjusting to being newly married isn’t enough to take a few years off Stephanie’s life, working for her ex-fiancé and mentor, Ranger, might do the trick. Ranger has taken a security job for a powerful political figure, and Stephanie is in charge of babysitting one of the figure’s family members. But Stephanie might be in over her head with this one. Ranger’s job is high-stress, high-stakes, and high-maintenance, and Stephanie is pretty sure that when Ranger discovers the client she was minding was kidnapped under her watch, her days might be numbered.

The clock is ticking for Stephanie to find her kidnap victim, bail-jumper Greb Tusi, and the invisible stalker who is sending her increasingly menacing messages. If she lets her guard down for even a split second, her time will be up.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Thriller, Adult, Autumn, Audiobook

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 10, 2026

About the author

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.

Reviews

[Anita]

There is no blurb for this one - yet. Soooo I'm gonna state my wish: Stephanie wakes up from a terrible dream, and she is not married to Joe. Yeah, yeah, yeah that is probably wishful thinking, but I can wish, can't I?

[Linden]

I‘ve read all of the Stephanie Plum books, and this has got to be the strangest one ever. It starts out informing us that Stephanie is married to Morelli. A done deal without any hint of hilarious wedding hijinks? Then Morelli’s evil Italian granny Bella moves in with them, Stephanie poisons everyone with her cooking, and she gets divorced. Stephanie has a stalker who sends nasty notes and horrifying live gifts like snakes and insects. She wrecks several of Ranger’s vehicles. She goes to rescue a kidnapped child with the Rangeman team. Several different plots, maybe too many. Written by Evanovich, a team, or AI? Two and half stars. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Lisa]

A FUN, LAUGH-OUT-LOUD READ

SUMMARY
Stephanie Plum's life is never dull. Now she is being stalked by someone who repeatedly sends her threatening messages, grotesque packages, and comes very close to killing her. She is also pursuing Greg Tusi, another bail jumper who pushes Stephanie off a roof when she gets too close.

Ranger, Stephanie’s go-to guy when she is in trouble, owns a high-end security firm for the rich and famous. Surprisingly, Ranger asks Stephanie to assist with a high-stakes security assignment to protect the young daughter of a powerful political figure who is receiving death threats. When the daughter is kidnapped, Stephanie even joins in a rescue attempt.

REVIEW
Split Second is a classic Stephanie Plum story. Stephanie is a determined bounty hunter who typically refuses to carry a gun. But not this time. With the multiple death threats and the high-profile security job she is carrying now, mayhem is sure to follow. Stephanie is always hilarious and constantly gets into ridiculous situations. The book is entertaining, fast-paced, and completely over-the-top. While I love Stephanie’s character, I’d like to see her be less pathetic and less of a laughingstock. Regardless of that, this book rocks.

Janet Evanovich always delivers a fun, laugh-out-loud read based on Stephanie’s foibles and missteps. I loved seeing Stephanie working with Ranger and his guys. With a little of Ranger’s training and mentoring, maybe she could be a better bounty hunter, and the humor wouldn’t always have to be so slapstick. I mean, does anyone know how many cars she has destroyed in the series? She seems to average at least two and a half cars per book. But who is counting!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed in my Split Second | Book Review are my own.


Publisher Atria Books
Published November 10, 202
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

[Barbara Schultz]

Title: Split Second:Thirty-two Switcheroo
Series: Stephanie Plum Bounty Hunter Book #32
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Humor, Mystery
Pub Date: November 10, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 320

This is book #32 in the Stephanie Plum Bounty Hunter series. I read “One for the Money” back in 1994 and have been a fan ever since.
although I am now I am a big psychological thriller fan and I can assure you that this series isn’t even close to being a thriller but definitely entertaining.
As a long time Bounty Hunter fan – I wonder
 Will there be car explosion
 Boston Crème donuts,
 Cluck-in-the Bucket chicken,
 Funeral viewings and mention of the button factory?
I will be totally disappointed if not included in this story, but I have a feeling I won’t be
disappointed!

Story starts with Stephanie and Morelli married (since I have always been ‘Team Morelli” I was delighted. Only things are not as fab as Stephanie imagined. Joe loved it. When Joe’s “evil Granny Bella shows up to stay with while Joe’s mother has to help a relative. Things are far from fab for Stephanie. She asks Joe why Bella doesn’t stay with one of his brothers. He states – Grandma doesn’t like any of their wives.
Which is no surprise to anyone.

Stephanie does get involved in her job’ and yes over the years, Stephanie has acquired an extensive list of enemies. True it is an occupational hazard as a bond enforcement agent. The problem is that she now has a mysterious enemy, who wants her dead.
She then helps goes to rescue a kidnapped child with her ex-fiancé and mentor, Ranger.
My reaction Oh No!!!

There are several plots going on in this story and thankfully Lulu and Grandma Mansur were there to help!

Must admit I was not happy with this ending, but anxious for Book #33 as I am curious about what is going to happen next.

Since I wasn’t happy with this ending so turned back to the end of an earlier book. When Ms. Evanovich takes us long time readers on a quick trip down memory lane.
She asked longtime readers to pick a favorite saying from Stephanie’s many adventures. She has listed thirty.
Even if you are not a longtime reader you will enjoy them.
Here are a few~
~Lula – I didn’t have any antihistamine, but found some Tic Tacs, I think they’re helping.

~Grandma Mazur ~ I got good ankles. They’re one of my best features. They haven’t started to sag yet.

~Stephanie ~ I used to have birthday cake in the freeze for emergencies, but I ate it.
If you liked these there are twenty seven more!

Want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 10, 2026.

[Sonya]

I am a fan of the Stephanie Plum series, but this book just didn't hit like the others. As readers of the previous book know, Stephanie married Joe Morelli, with no fanfare, no explosive humor or craziness, just kind of a blurb at the end. Enter into book 32 and the two are still married, but not for long. Things aren't so great when Stephanie realized that living together just doesn't work for her. Joe's feeling the same way. This is fine, because, honestly, Stephanie didn't seem to be able to make up her mind for the previous 30 books. So now things aren't great, then grandma Bella moves in. This makes things so much worse. The solution? Joe, this isn't working out, lets get a divorce and still be friends, fist bump, cya.

So then we jump into the whole bond agent part of the story. Lula and Stephanie are on the chase. Vinnie also makes an appearance in this one. Of course, what can go wrong does, and there is a lot of laughs and some car damage as usual. To add to this whole mess, someone is threatening Stephanie and the threats seem to escalate. Ranger steps in to save the day. At this point, Morelli is pretty much gone and you don't hear much except a couple calls from Stephanie for info on the people she's chasing.

To make matters worse, she's now working a case for Ranger to help protect a young lady who is in danger of being kidnapped. I loved the relationship between Stephanie and the young girl she protects. Working for Ranger comes with it's own special blend of struggle. Stephanie fights with her desire to go it alone and her continued attachment and attraction to Ranger.

Did I like the book? Yes. Was there a lot of the same action and humor I've come to expect? Yes. Where did I struggle? It's simple, there was just a lot going on. The actual ending of her relationship was also uneventful. I wanted to love this book, but it was just okay. At this point I'm ready for Stephanie to actually go it alone and start finding her own strength.

While not my favorite, I did enjoy the ride and look forward to maybe some resolution in the future. It's still a great series and certainly one I recommend often.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC and the opportunity to read and review Spit Second by Janet Evanovich.

[Angela]

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Janet Evanovich brings the reader another installment in the Stephanie Plum series, 'Split Second: Thirty-two Switcheroo'. This novel can be read as a stand alone, but I highly encourage you to read the whole series in order as they can become addictive. With humor, romance, adventure and mystery, you will not be disappointed with this selection.

This novel picks up with Stephanie married to Joe Morelli. As she come to soon realize, it may not be everything she thought it would be. In their honeymoon phase, they soon have a house guest in the form of Joe's grandmother. She has to stay with them while her mother-in-law is out of town. Comic relief. She is determined to turn Stephanie into the perfect wife for Joe. One who know how to cook, clean and have babies. Stephanie is not sure that is what she wants, but Grandma Morelli threatens to curse her and with that in mind, Stephanie soon falls in line. Of course, there is also comic relief in the form of Stephanie's family and her friend, Lula.

On the job front, Stephanie quickly becomes a target of someone who is plotting her death in the form of threatening notes and a lot of creepy animals. Left to worry about that, she is quickly added to Ranger's protection detail. He needs Stephanie to protect a child who is being threatened. As that case heats up, so do the threats against her.

You will find that this story is filled with the humor, romance, suspense and mystery that I come to expect. I am never disappointed in them and am constantly surprise at the situations that Stephanie and her cast of characters find themselves. I will be waiting to find out what happens in Stephanie's world next.

[Jacquie]

Oh Stephanie Plum, 32 books later and it is still like catching up with old friends!!!! I screamed with delight when I got the email from NetGalley that my request had been granted. I have loved the Stephanie Plum series from book one, One for the Money. So much so that for a few years we threw release parties and fought over whether we were a Babe or a Cupcake. I look forward to every November when a new book in the series comes out. Janet Evanovich, you did not disappoint. Stephanie is a newly married bounty hunter with terrible luck, has a crazy grandmother in law, has a hilarious side kick, a charming family, and two men. Who wouldn't love all of that? But when a bounty hunting goes wrong, Stephanie is caught up in some terrible hi-jinx with lots of critters and creepy animals along with notes plotting her death. But who can worry about that when Ranger needs an assist that only Stephanie can help him with. I usually read these books and then do the audio afterward. The voice of Lula lives rent free in my head. (Fucking A!) So I cannot wait to listen to this story as well. If you are a fan of the series, this book holds up just like the rest of them. If you are not a fan...............what is wrong with you? Thank you Janet Evanovich for keeping this journey alive. Please never stop writing about Stephanie, Lula, Connie, Grandma Mazar, Joe, Ranger, and Tank. This book had so many laughs, they always do! I already can't wait for the next book!

[Roxanne Miles]

Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this hilarious book by a favorite author.

I found myself truly laughing out loud and even distracting those around me. Recently married, Stephanie Plum, is trying to adjust to her new normal as she is now traveling to other states to bring in a very horrible man. She is shot at multiple times and of course a couple of cars lose their life in the process. Morelli is now in her life in another way and does not like the way she is always in danger. She is not used to having someone care about everything she does.

For the biggest part of this book she is trying to bring in a horrible man who doesn't care who is killed in the process.
She and Vincent travels to Florida and brings him home for him to get away again. And of course Ranger is still there to "help" when he can.

What will happen to her new marriage and will she finally get this guy. Such a great book.

[Jo Dervan]

Split Second:Thirty Two Switcheroo
Stephanie Plum is back in the 32nd book in the series. She has married her longtime boyfriend Joe Morello but is not happy. She has the usual series of wacky bond enforcement apprehensions. In the course of her job her own car as well as some of her ex-fiancé Ranger’s cars are destroyed. Then she starts getting threatening notes from someone who wants her dead.
Ranger hires her to protect the young daughter of a wealthy man. This job turns into a high stress one when the child is kidnapped.
This book is similar to others in the series with wacky relatives, colorful sidekicks and ingenious bond jumpers. However the attempt to rescue the child from her captors will keep the reader on edge.
I enjoyed the book. I have read most of the other books by this author and look forward to her newest work. She use of colorful characters is always entertaining.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Cecilia Romano]

There is something about picking up another Stephanie Plum book that feels like catching up with old friends. 😂

Split Second was such a fun, fast-paced escape. Stephanie is dealing with A LOT this time around, and naturally, none of it goes smoothly. Between her work, danger coming from more than one direction, and all the familiar chaos that follows her around, there was never really a dull moment.

And of course, Lula, Grandma Mazur, Ranger, and the rest of the gang bring that classic Stephanie Plum energy that longtime readers know and love.

After 32 books, I still find myself laughing at the absolute ridiculousness of Stephanie’s world. That’s what keeps me coming back to this series it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes I just want a book that makes me laugh, keeps me turning the pages, and feels like spending time with characters I’ve known for years.

A fun, chaotic, quick read for Stephanie Plum fans. 💕📚

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!

[Nicole]

Stephanie Plum is not having a great time.
Sure, she's married to Morelli.
Sure, her refridgerator is full (no more olive and peanut butter sandwiches).
But something is off.
Then Grandma Bella shows up and something is REALLY off.

I have to admit, I think there's something lost in this series that used to be there. I don't know what, but we got the end game 1/2 of us wanted, and it's empty. It feels like a loss. The jokes were there, but I wasn't laughing this time. She goes back home and it's empty and unsafe. Big Blue is nowhere. I liked her Ranger stuff. I liked that we saw Vinnie and he wasn't a total creep. I also really liked the jobs she was on. However, the main 'skip' she had to take care of made her go through some really creepy stuff, harkening to the old stuff from book 1.

[Ashley Tate]

There isn't a Plum book that I haven 't read and when I had a chance to get my Stephanie Plum fix early, I jumped at it.

I have been with this series a longtime and I watched in horror as she chose Morelli, finally making a choice, over my choice for her LOL, Ranger. Her and Ranger always made sense to me and seemed to fit with her love for chaos and adventure. However, I made my peace with it and was excited to see Stephanie as a married woman.

Quickly, things changed on that front and it was a bit jarring but as always I loved the laughs, characters (Lula and Grandma Mazur) and of course, the mystery.

It was a great read as always from Janet and I look forward to the next one.

[Jenn]

The 32nd book in the series and Evanovich switches it up, sending Stephanie on a James Bond-style mission while still keeping the classic fun we've grown to love. More crazy FTAs, a food truck savior, a deranged stalker, a new marriage, and babysitting the child of one of Ranger's high profile clients abound in Split Second.

Evanovich has said that she completely sticks to a formula and that has been extremely apparent for a really long time. But this one feels like a departure and that was refreshing. And if you were disappointed in the last book, you'll probably be happy with this one.

Though I'm not sure what's up with this cover. There were no explosives that I can remember in this book.

[Cathy]

While laughing out loud while reading Chapter 19 so hard I almost cried, I realized that Janet Evanovich in the thirty-second novel in this series has kept readers engaged because she makes you feel like you are a part of the dinner table with Stephanie, Grandma, Morelli, Stephanie's parents, and this novel's quirky character. Add Ranger, Lulu, Connie, a vindictive baddie, destroyed cars and apartment, and you have the perfect enjoyable escape for an afternoon. Simply put, Evanovich's best novel in the series in years.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest review.

[Pietro]

I’ve loved the Stephanie Plum series for a long time, but I have to admit that this book did not start out the way I wanted. However, much change for Stephanie was in store! Ultimately, this became a story filled with the familiar interactions (Lula! Grandma!) and events (yes, a few cars didn’t make it to the end) that Plum fans love—but the second half of the book featured unforeseen adventures. I loved both the familiar and the novel, and I’m still thinking about that ending! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide a honest review.

[Jennifer Johnson-Spence]

Dang it! I really wanted to enjoy this new adventure in the Stephanie Plum series and I didn't. Like the last few in this series it just wasn't up to par. Yes Stephanie is up to her job of hunting down bail jumpers and of course there's a conflict with Ranger and Morelli but... Ugh most of the plot feels like same and some of the really funny characters are blah. I used to laugh big and out loud when reading these books. I'm really disappointed. Like I previously mentioned I think it's time to let Stephanie go. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy.

#SplitSeconds
#NetGalley

[Evelyn]

So Stephanie and Joe are married, but how are things working out? Besides Joe’s grandma Bella teaching Stephanie how to cook, a star struck food truck operator and a mysterious someone seriously looking to end Stephanie’s existence, what else could possibly go wrong?

This 32nd installment has all the familiar characters,
and crazy situations, but I sensed a little more overall seriousness to the tone of the story.

Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[J.d. Grove]

I have been with Stephanie since the beginning. I look forward to each new book, but they have gotten very repetitive over the last several years. I was very excited when the stories started getting a shake up. This one is right back in the rut. Married to Joe- let’s get a divorce ok cool. Run right back to Ranger - check, blow up some cars- check, a psycho stalker who is caught and dealt with in one chapter after a big big build up- check. These have so much potential - but I would LOVE some character growth that actually stuck.

[Ann]

Stephanie is back in book #32 in the Plum series. I must have missed a couple of book recently because she is now married, divorced and Ranger is back in the picture. A paroled con is after Stephanie because she is the one who caught him and put him in jail. Wrecked car, barnyard animals etc are making her life miserable. Not to mention the kidnapped little girl who Stephanie has been assigned to protect. A good read as always.

[Donna]

DRC from Edelweiss and Atria Books / Simon & Schuster
Another fun story featuring Stephanie, Lulu, Morelli, Ranger and Grandma Mazur.
Stephanie has some interesting bond jumpers to pursue and they are not making it easy for her. She also has a stalker who is leaving “gifts” for her at her house. One was even on Rex’s cage. Marriage to Morelli is also somewhat problematic. They love each other, but it is hard to share the house. Stephanie then takes a job from Ranger to help protect a powerful business man’s daughter. Mia is a precocious ten-year-old that Stephanie is starting to really like. The job takes them on an adventure that Stephanie will never forget. There is a lot going on and Stephanie needs to keep her wits about her if she wants to stay alive.

[Becky S]

Stephanie Plum books will always be my go to for a simple, good read. Am I connected to these characters after all these years? Yep. Do I still crack up at Lula? Yep. Missed my annual read last year so this was like revisiting an old friend. Any familiar quirks, not as many Grandma adventures. Without giving anything away this time felt like might be moving in a new direction. And I’m ok with that. Just keep dishing out a bit of Plum each year and I’ll be happy.

[BibliofiendLM]

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
----
I still love the Stephanie Plum books and a new one was long overdue. Last book, Stephanie made some big life decisions; however, things are not going as smoothly as she'd hoped. Good thing she has work and her antics with Lula to keep her grounded. A fun, fast paced narrative that was perfect for a entertaining read.

[Karen Hayes]

Does this book kinda feel pasted together with 2 too many plots going on at once? A bit. Do I feel bad for all the fans that wanted Stephanie to choose Morelli, to see the "marriage" treated so flippantly and quickly discarded? A bit. Did I still have fun, and will I still read this wackadoodle series? Always.

[Courtney Niederer]

Book 32 in the Stephanie Plum series, Split Second, takes Stephanie on a whole new adventure. In this one, she is part bounty hunter, part bodyguard/nanny, part animal control customer. Regardless there are always explosions and damaged cars. This one also has some animal action thrown in. Another wild ride. 4 stars

[Rebecca]

I was very happy to see a new book in this series after we skipped one last year. This one picked up a year later in Stephanie's life and continued with her usual antics, including destroying vehicles. All your favorite characters are there as well. It was the usual fun romp we get in a Plum book including a rescue mission in this one. Pick this fun installment up in November 2026!

[Tana]

Thank you to Edelweiss for my ARC. Split second brought back all the usual characters, but had more of a Rangeman focus this time and I was good with that. It didn't feel quite as chaotic as some of the others in this series (don't worry many cars were destroyed!) and I liked that Stephanie was more competent that other times. Still chaos and new interesting characters and a goat.

[Sherry]

Reading a Plum book is always entertaining and this one was no exception. Stephanie married? Pregnant?- Grandma Bella thinks so! Destroying a record number of cars, including 3 in 3 days?
The skips Stephanie and Lula are supposed to pick up keep escaping, and to top it off, she ends up working a case with Ranger and caring for a little girl. It's non-stop action and a fun read.

[Beth Knipper]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

I think we're past jumping the shark for this series.

While always a predictable series, it's getting too predictable.

I actually wish it centered more around Mia.

The thing I really didn't like? Getting divorced from Joe on a whim.

[Heidi]

Another laugh out loud Plum book. This was a pre-pub from Edelweiss.

[Susan Willis]

I was not thrilled with the Stephanie and Joe breakup and did not forgive them the remainder of the book. However, there were some great scenes and I loved Mia.