What do you think?
Rate this book
Stephanie Plum #2
Kahta kovemmin
Ensin rahat -dekkarissa Stephanie Plum keplotteli itselleen ammatin palkkionmetsästäjänä. Jos virkavallan koura jää odottamaan toimilleen valtakirjaa, saavat Stephanien manikyyriä kaipaavat sormet kohteestaan tukevan otteen – väliäkö sillä, että hän pyörtyy jo katsoessaan Reservoir Dogsia.
Toisessa Plum-tarinassa kirjailijan vauhti vain kasvaa, vaikka hänen sankarittarellaan onkin käynnistysvaikeuksia. Plumin auto on varastettu, ja varalle löytyvä näyttävä Buick tekee varjostuspuuhat lähes mahdottomaksi.
Uusi takaa-ajo vie Stephanien hautaustoimistoihin. Yhdeltä vainajalta puuttuu sormi, ja saatuaan postissa eräitäkin elimiä Stephanie päättää turvautua poliisituttava Joe Morelliin. Yhteistyö ei ole saumatonta, mutta vaikka Stephaniella onkin sydäntä jättää mies niille sijoilleen, hän muistaa aina heittää tälle aseen turvaksi.
Toisessa Plum-tarinassa kirjailijan vauhti vain kasvaa, vaikka hänen sankarittarellaan onkin käynnistysvaikeuksia. Plumin auto on varastettu, ja varalle löytyvä näyttävä Buick tekee varjostuspuuhat lähes mahdottomaksi.
Uusi takaa-ajo vie Stephanien hautaustoimistoihin. Yhdeltä vainajalta puuttuu sormi, ja saatuaan postissa eräitäkin elimiä Stephanie päättää turvautua poliisituttava Joe Morelliin. Yhteistyö ei ole saumatonta, mutta vaikka Stephaniella onkin sydäntä jättää mies niille sijoilleen, hän muistaa aina heittää tälle aseen turvaksi.
330 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1996
5720 people are currently reading
27372 people want to read
About the author
Janet Evanovich
330 books41.2k followersJanet 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,867 reviews
November 14, 2011
I love this book!
One for the Money, as great as this series is, really didn’t show you the potential of laughter to come.
Two for the Dough changes everything! The relationship between Stephanie and Morelli will leave you smiling. All of the wonderful little things in a relationship that bugs you, you’ll find in theirs. The awkward moments to the pitter patter wonder moments.
Grandma Mazur really steps on stage with her need to pay her respects to the dead. Skipping her feet to help her granddaughter pursue the deadly criminals threatening her life, she finds herself injured and pissed. Playing Dirty Harry and being as sharp as a pistol, Mazur will bring a smile to your face.
Stephanie, still new at being a Bounty Hunter, second guesses her abilities. Lula will appear in this book and let the games begin! This book is just the start of a wonderfully HILARIOUS team!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone needing a smile. Mild violence. No sexual content.
Thumbs up to Janet Evanovich!
One for the Money, as great as this series is, really didn’t show you the potential of laughter to come.
Two for the Dough changes everything! The relationship between Stephanie and Morelli will leave you smiling. All of the wonderful little things in a relationship that bugs you, you’ll find in theirs. The awkward moments to the pitter patter wonder moments.
Grandma Mazur really steps on stage with her need to pay her respects to the dead. Skipping her feet to help her granddaughter pursue the deadly criminals threatening her life, she finds herself injured and pissed. Playing Dirty Harry and being as sharp as a pistol, Mazur will bring a smile to your face.
Stephanie, still new at being a Bounty Hunter, second guesses her abilities. Lula will appear in this book and let the games begin! This book is just the start of a wonderfully HILARIOUS team!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone needing a smile. Mild violence. No sexual content.
Thumbs up to Janet Evanovich!
December 6, 2015
These books are quick and pretty fun. Sure there is the Scooby doo type mystery afoot in them but I find I’m more drawn to the personal interactions of the characters and the kooky stuff that happens along the way such as:
--- How much trouble a grandma cause at not just one but multiple viewings. Granny Mazur rocks
--- Chase scene through the mall in purple heels.
--- A big Buick that seems to have a mind of it’s own and can’t be stopped until it has crashed into at least one other car. Her insurance is going to be outrageous after this.
--- Various body parts showing up unexpectedly. one of them was definitely not Jewish
--- An almost hot and heavy scene that turned pretty funny.
Stephanie is a fledgling bounty hunter still learning the ropes. But she seems to stumble into all the right or wrong places as the case may be. This leads to hilarity and a little chaos but never really a dull moment.
This is a bit dated since there are still answering machines, beepers, phone books and car phones but don’t let that discourage you it will remind you of a time where it was harder to get a hold of people and you couldn’t ask google everything.
The mystery was okay and I did like how it ended but for me it is all about the characters, the semi-sexual tension happening and Stephanie doing silly things that sometimes go well but more often than not go horrible and hilariously wrong instead.
--- How much trouble a grandma cause at not just one but multiple viewings. Granny Mazur rocks
--- Chase scene through the mall in purple heels.
--- A big Buick that seems to have a mind of it’s own and can’t be stopped until it has crashed into at least one other car. Her insurance is going to be outrageous after this.
--- Various body parts showing up unexpectedly. one of them was definitely not Jewish
--- An almost hot and heavy scene that turned pretty funny.
Stephanie is a fledgling bounty hunter still learning the ropes. But she seems to stumble into all the right or wrong places as the case may be. This leads to hilarity and a little chaos but never really a dull moment.
This is a bit dated since there are still answering machines, beepers, phone books and car phones but don’t let that discourage you it will remind you of a time where it was harder to get a hold of people and you couldn’t ask google everything.
The mystery was okay and I did like how it ended but for me it is all about the characters, the semi-sexual tension happening and Stephanie doing silly things that sometimes go well but more often than not go horrible and hilariously wrong instead.
December 7, 2022
This is a humor/cozy mystery/chick-lit, and this is the 2nd book in the Stephanie Plum series. I have listen to this whole series on audiobooks, and the narrator of the audiobooks does a great job on this book. All the books in this series will make you laugh so much, and I will say the way to read these books is by audiobooks. All the characters are so fun and developed. I love this series so much. Stephanie Plum always gets into big messes, and she will make you laugh so much.
April 7, 2021
"I really didn't want [my late] Uncle Sandor's car. It was a 1953 powder blue Buick with a shiny white top, whitewall tires big enough to fit a backhoe, and gleaming chrome portholes. It was the same size and shape as a beluga whale, and probably got six miles to the gallon on a good day." -- Stephanie Plum, stuck with said hand-me-down after her new Jeep is impolitely stolen, on page 111
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum - still in her inaugural year 'on the job' - returns to the colorful back streets, backrooms, and backyards of Trenton, NJ in another comic crime drama with Two for the Dough. Ms. Plum's newest assignment has her pursuing a local boy gone very bad, Kenny Mancuso (and with a name like that it seems that even his own parents knew he'd grow up to be big trouble), who is hiding out after murdering one of his lifelong best friends. True to Plum's usual luck - or dependable lack thereof - the situation turns increasingly complicated, involving her staking out a funeral home run by a slickly creeptastic undertaker, being hired on the side to investigate the disappearance of several coffins from a storage facility, and (my least favorite part of the plot, for its supreme ick factor) occasionally being sent - courtesy of the deeply unhinged fugitive Kenny - limbs excised from corpses. Fortunately, all of the family and friend supporting characters from the initial volume return to help or sometimes hinder Plum, with even streetwise prostitute (is there any other kind in crime fiction?) Lula - now legitimately working as a clerk at the bail bonds office - pressed into service at one point as Plum's assistant . . . when they are burglarizing a house! Anything for the success of the investigation, right? It is hard to take any of it seriously, but we're really not meant to - a reader can kick back, check their mind at the door, and enjoy the humorously suspenseful story.
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum - still in her inaugural year 'on the job' - returns to the colorful back streets, backrooms, and backyards of Trenton, NJ in another comic crime drama with Two for the Dough. Ms. Plum's newest assignment has her pursuing a local boy gone very bad, Kenny Mancuso (and with a name like that it seems that even his own parents knew he'd grow up to be big trouble), who is hiding out after murdering one of his lifelong best friends. True to Plum's usual luck - or dependable lack thereof - the situation turns increasingly complicated, involving her staking out a funeral home run by a slickly creeptastic undertaker, being hired on the side to investigate the disappearance of several coffins from a storage facility, and (my least favorite part of the plot, for its supreme ick factor) occasionally being sent - courtesy of the deeply unhinged fugitive Kenny - limbs excised from corpses. Fortunately, all of the family and friend supporting characters from the initial volume return to help or sometimes hinder Plum, with even streetwise prostitute (is there any other kind in crime fiction?) Lula - now legitimately working as a clerk at the bail bonds office - pressed into service at one point as Plum's assistant . . . when they are burglarizing a house! Anything for the success of the investigation, right? It is hard to take any of it seriously, but we're really not meant to - a reader can kick back, check their mind at the door, and enjoy the humorously suspenseful story.
October 10, 2025
Grandma Mazur almost steals the show!
Stephanie Plum is slowly learning the bounty hunter trade but she's got a long road to haul before she'll be ready to tackle the really mean dudes.
In the meantime, TWO FOR THE DOUGH opens with Stephanie looking to collar Kenny Mancuso, a bail jumper who's almost a family member, black sheep cousin to her erstwhile policeman boyfriend, Joe Morelli. When Mancuso's trail leads to Spiro Stiva's funeral parlour, Stephanie is surprised to learn that Stiva wants to hire her for his own case - finding 24 bargain basement caskets that have gone missing from a rental garage lock-up! When Stephanie discovers notes from Mancuso threatening her unless she starts to mind her own business and Stiva also wants to hire her as a $100 a day bodyguard to protect him from Mancuso as well, she knows the case runs much deeper than she first imagined.
For those that have read Stephanie Plum's debut in ONE FOR THE MONEY, it will come as no surprise to learn that the mystery is pretty thin gruel and the ultimate solution is easily plumbed (ouch!) by any attentive reader. The mystery, of course, is only the context in which Evanovich loving portrays the comedic antics of Stephanie Plum and Grandma Mazur, the frankly hilarious ethnic stereotypes of New York Italian family relationships, the off-the-wall one liners of Stephanie's long-suffering father, and the stumbling but burgeoning romantic relationship between Plum and Morelli.
Enjoyable lightweight reading easily dashed off in an afternoon on the beach! The thing that will probably slow you down is re-reading passages aloud to the people around you so you can explain what was making you laugh!
Paul Weiss
Stephanie Plum is slowly learning the bounty hunter trade but she's got a long road to haul before she'll be ready to tackle the really mean dudes.
In the meantime, TWO FOR THE DOUGH opens with Stephanie looking to collar Kenny Mancuso, a bail jumper who's almost a family member, black sheep cousin to her erstwhile policeman boyfriend, Joe Morelli. When Mancuso's trail leads to Spiro Stiva's funeral parlour, Stephanie is surprised to learn that Stiva wants to hire her for his own case - finding 24 bargain basement caskets that have gone missing from a rental garage lock-up! When Stephanie discovers notes from Mancuso threatening her unless she starts to mind her own business and Stiva also wants to hire her as a $100 a day bodyguard to protect him from Mancuso as well, she knows the case runs much deeper than she first imagined.
For those that have read Stephanie Plum's debut in ONE FOR THE MONEY, it will come as no surprise to learn that the mystery is pretty thin gruel and the ultimate solution is easily plumbed (ouch!) by any attentive reader. The mystery, of course, is only the context in which Evanovich loving portrays the comedic antics of Stephanie Plum and Grandma Mazur, the frankly hilarious ethnic stereotypes of New York Italian family relationships, the off-the-wall one liners of Stephanie's long-suffering father, and the stumbling but burgeoning romantic relationship between Plum and Morelli.
Enjoyable lightweight reading easily dashed off in an afternoon on the beach! The thing that will probably slow you down is re-reading passages aloud to the people around you so you can explain what was making you laugh!
Paul Weiss
August 4, 2017
Review
3 stars to book #2 in the Stephanie Plum mystery series, Two for the Dough, by Janet Evanovich. Since I'm going back to complete reviews on all the books I've read, and there are over 20 in this series, it would be too boring to do a normal review... so I'll keep it short. A few fun things about this one:
1. We're still getting to know how crazy Stephanie Plum is compared to everyone else. She's neurotic in a fun way -- sort of like I am.
2. This one is all about her libido with Joe Morelli. What's more important... getting lucky or catching the criminal? She can't decide but Evanovich presents many funny romantic situations in this edition.
3. Stephanie's cousin is hilarious. He's a creep. And I would not want to meet him in reality. But he provides necessary humor.
4. Not knowing how to properly catch a criminal can really get her in hot water. The situations she finds herself in are just laugh out loud. I don't know how the writer keeps on coming up with them.
5. We're learning a bit more about the dangers of Ranger. And I like it! He's someone you just never know what to expect... it could be good or it could be the good kind of bad.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
[polldaddy poll=9729544]
[polldaddy poll=9719251]
3 stars to book #2 in the Stephanie Plum mystery series, Two for the Dough, by Janet Evanovich. Since I'm going back to complete reviews on all the books I've read, and there are over 20 in this series, it would be too boring to do a normal review... so I'll keep it short. A few fun things about this one:
1. We're still getting to know how crazy Stephanie Plum is compared to everyone else. She's neurotic in a fun way -- sort of like I am.
2. This one is all about her libido with Joe Morelli. What's more important... getting lucky or catching the criminal? She can't decide but Evanovich presents many funny romantic situations in this edition.
3. Stephanie's cousin is hilarious. He's a creep. And I would not want to meet him in reality. But he provides necessary humor.
4. Not knowing how to properly catch a criminal can really get her in hot water. The situations she finds herself in are just laugh out loud. I don't know how the writer keeps on coming up with them.
5. We're learning a bit more about the dangers of Ranger. And I like it! He's someone you just never know what to expect... it could be good or it could be the good kind of bad.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
[polldaddy poll=9729544]
[polldaddy poll=9719251]
May 5, 2016
Not quite as good as the first one, but definitely fun!
"Sweetie, you are the worst bounty hunter in the history of the world."
This is true. Stephanie has settled into her life as a bounty hunter, but that doesn't mean she is necessarily good at it. She blunders her way through things, annoying the hell out of enough people to make sure she is targeted (not exactly on purpose. It just happens), and eventually things work out for her. Eventually.
In this book, she is looking for a cousin of Morelli. This guy was supposed to be an easy pick-up, but things go downhill very quickly for Stephanie.
"You're not doing too good here, babe," Morelli said. "You've had your car stolen, your apartment vandalized, and someone tried to snuff your hamster. Maybe you should drop back and punt."
No!! Not Rex! Poor little Rex never hurt anyone!
Shhhh, Rex! I'm trying to make you look good here!
And, unfortunately for Morelli, when things go downhill for Stephanie, his car seems to take the brunt of the bad juju. After getting his last car blown-up, she does a more methodical approach to ruining his present car in this book. Let's just say that her insurance must be sky-high. But, it's funny. Really funny.
Along with our mystery, and some slow-burn romance budding, we get treated to a lot of Grandma Mazur in this book. She is crazy in the best possible way. She has a way of causing mayhem at funeral parlors to such a degree that she has been dubbed "Granny Disaster". But, she just loves going to viewings, even if it's just to take a peek inside a closed casket.
The characters in this series are so great. I have never been anywhere near New Jersey, and my family is nothing like this, but it feels so real that I kind of wish I had. Everyone knows everyone and most of them are related in that big Italian family way. Stephanie's mother is constantly comparing her to other daughters and trying to set her up, along with worrying about what the neighbors will think.... Hmmm, never mind. I'm okay with being from a small family that minded their own business. But, it's hella funny to read about other people's dysfunctional relationships.
I need to keep reading this series because I am dying for Stephanie and Morelli to get together. He is circling her, but taking it very slowly. Come on already!!
"Sweetie, you are the worst bounty hunter in the history of the world."
This is true. Stephanie has settled into her life as a bounty hunter, but that doesn't mean she is necessarily good at it. She blunders her way through things, annoying the hell out of enough people to make sure she is targeted (not exactly on purpose. It just happens), and eventually things work out for her. Eventually.
In this book, she is looking for a cousin of Morelli. This guy was supposed to be an easy pick-up, but things go downhill very quickly for Stephanie.
"You're not doing too good here, babe," Morelli said. "You've had your car stolen, your apartment vandalized, and someone tried to snuff your hamster. Maybe you should drop back and punt."
No!! Not Rex! Poor little Rex never hurt anyone!
Shhhh, Rex! I'm trying to make you look good here!
And, unfortunately for Morelli, when things go downhill for Stephanie, his car seems to take the brunt of the bad juju. After getting his last car blown-up, she does a more methodical approach to ruining his present car in this book. Let's just say that her insurance must be sky-high. But, it's funny. Really funny.
Along with our mystery, and some slow-burn romance budding, we get treated to a lot of Grandma Mazur in this book. She is crazy in the best possible way. She has a way of causing mayhem at funeral parlors to such a degree that she has been dubbed "Granny Disaster". But, she just loves going to viewings, even if it's just to take a peek inside a closed casket.
The characters in this series are so great. I have never been anywhere near New Jersey, and my family is nothing like this, but it feels so real that I kind of wish I had. Everyone knows everyone and most of them are related in that big Italian family way. Stephanie's mother is constantly comparing her to other daughters and trying to set her up, along with worrying about what the neighbors will think.... Hmmm, never mind. I'm okay with being from a small family that minded their own business. But, it's hella funny to read about other people's dysfunctional relationships.
I need to keep reading this series because I am dying for Stephanie and Morelli to get together. He is circling her, but taking it very slowly. Come on already!!
October 1, 2018
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Saturday I had to take the oldest boychild on a three-hour trek to play some ball in Middle of Nowhere, America. Guess what else happened to be right around three hours? For anyone out there chomping at the bit to say . . . .
I’m already well aware. This is my second go ‘round with Stephanie Plum, only this time I’m doing it via audio. It is true that Janet E. eventually began to follow a formula for later books in this series, but at #2 she hadn’t jumped the shark just yet. Two for the Dough has Stephanie tackling a case of missing economy caskets for Stiva’s funeral home as well as some “cop killer” bullets. An absentee Lula might lead superfans to scream . . .
But remember, this one is from way back in the day when Evanovich probably thought there would be an eventual end to the series and was trying to write these things in real time so Lula would still be recovering from book #1. Also note if Evanovich hadn’t changed this approach we’d be reading about a 50-year old Stephanie still debating about having a baby with Ranger or Morelli or chatting it up with a decomposed Rex the 30-year old hamster. While this was missing Lula, it had plenty of Grandma Mazur to make up for things . . . .
I’m handing out 4 Stars. Two for the Dough didn’t disappoint the second time, it’s fun to remember when these actually attempted at a plot and Lori Petty’s narration was again perfection.
Saturday I had to take the oldest boychild on a three-hour trek to play some ball in Middle of Nowhere, America. Guess what else happened to be right around three hours? For anyone out there chomping at the bit to say . . . .
I’m already well aware. This is my second go ‘round with Stephanie Plum, only this time I’m doing it via audio. It is true that Janet E. eventually began to follow a formula for later books in this series, but at #2 she hadn’t jumped the shark just yet. Two for the Dough has Stephanie tackling a case of missing economy caskets for Stiva’s funeral home as well as some “cop killer” bullets. An absentee Lula might lead superfans to scream . . .
But remember, this one is from way back in the day when Evanovich probably thought there would be an eventual end to the series and was trying to write these things in real time so Lula would still be recovering from book #1. Also note if Evanovich hadn’t changed this approach we’d be reading about a 50-year old Stephanie still debating about having a baby with Ranger or Morelli or chatting it up with a decomposed Rex the 30-year old hamster. While this was missing Lula, it had plenty of Grandma Mazur to make up for things . . . .
I’m handing out 4 Stars. Two for the Dough didn’t disappoint the second time, it’s fun to remember when these actually attempted at a plot and Lori Petty’s narration was again perfection.
March 12, 2018
I love Stephanie Plum!! This is probably my favorite in the series. Grandma rocks! How often do we get the chance to quote Dirty Harry?
Reread—again: March 2018
Since I started reading and rereading and rereading these books years ago I have seen lots of books comparing themselves to Stephanie (“a cross between Stephanie Plum and ________.”)
But, there is only one Stephanie Plum and the combination of her wit with the unique side characters cannot truly be duplicated, just enjoyed.
P. S. Joe thinks Ghost Busters is “a sissy movie”? Losing points, Joe, losing points. 😒
Reread—again: March 2018
Since I started reading and rereading and rereading these books years ago I have seen lots of books comparing themselves to Stephanie (“a cross between Stephanie Plum and ________.”)
But, there is only one Stephanie Plum and the combination of her wit with the unique side characters cannot truly be duplicated, just enjoyed.
P. S. Joe thinks Ghost Busters is “a sissy movie”? Losing points, Joe, losing points. 😒
June 12, 2022
Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum #2) by Janet Evanovich
Synopsis /
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is still learning the ropes at her cousin Vinnie's bail bond office, so when she sets out on the trail of Kenny Mancuso - a suspiciously wealthy, working-class Trenton boy who has just shot his best friend - the stakes are higher than ever. That Mancuso is distantly related to vice cop Joe Morelli - who is trying to beat Stephanie to the punch - only makes the hunt more thrilling...
Taking pointers from her bounty hunter pal, Ranger, and using her pistol packing Grandma Mazur as a decoy, Stephanie is soon closing in on her mark. But Morelli and his libido are worthy foes. And a more sinister kind of enemy has made his first move... and his next move might be Stephanie's last.
My Thoughts /
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich is the second book in the Stephanie Plum series. And all hail and praise to my local library as they seem to be holding this series in largeprint copies!!
This instalment has my favourite inexperienced and unseasoned bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, returning to capture and snare those elusive fugitives who have skipped their court dates and thus broken their bail conditions. Skipping bail may not sound like a serious offense, but it can have extremely negative consequences. Whether you or a loved one paid the cost of your bail, skipping court sets up a chain of events that will negatively affect everyone involved.
(Kenny) Mancuso had posted a bail bond via the Vincent Plum Bonding Company, ensuring his release from jail and returning him to the bosom of polite society. After his release he'd promptly disappeared and three days later failed to show face at a preliminary hearing. This did not make Vincent Plum happy.
In this book the author has Steph still struggling with the more 'finer' points of her profession - like using a gun! She's slowly learning the 'ins and outs' of bounty hunting, but at least now she 'dresses for the part' and her arsenal has improved (even if her aim has not!).
I was dressed in dark jeans, long-sleeved black turtleneck, navy Kevlar vest, and red Keds. I had my curly, shoulder-length brown hair tied in a ponytail, tucked under a navy ball cap. I wore my five-shot .38 Smith & Wesson Chief's Special in a black nylon webbed hip holster with cuffs and a defence spray wedged into the back of the belt.
Steph's case in this second book is to track and collect a bond jumper named Kenny Mancuso. Kenny has recently shot and killed his best friend; and if he can do that to a best friend, what could he do to a (still fairly) newbie skip tracer! So, after what we've learned about Steph's luck in the first book; it comes as no surprise, that what is supposed to be an easy pick up becomes complicated. And herein lies the charm to these light-hearted and fun reads.
This was first published 10 January 1996, so some might say that it's a tad outdated - there are still answering machines, beepers, telephone books and car phones; and, you can't ask Siri or Google anything. But really, I think that's a lot of this story's charm - plus the fact that Evanovich can write dry humour into almost anything. Like when the resident psychopath cuts off body parts and mails them to our favourite bounty-hunter. Or when Grandma Mazur, visits the funeral homes for viewings to check out the details of the body and, how many people show up!
There are hijinks galore, lots of goofiness; not one but two 'hot' fellas and a hella lot of laugh out loud passages. The characters are eccentric and that keeps the storyline interesting. The story moves along quickly and there was never a part that dragged. I can honestly say that I don't read these for the mystery; I'm not trying to figure out whodunnit and why. When I read them I just experience pure enjoyment.
I can't wait to pick up Three to Get Deadly and get my next fix.
Synopsis /
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is still learning the ropes at her cousin Vinnie's bail bond office, so when she sets out on the trail of Kenny Mancuso - a suspiciously wealthy, working-class Trenton boy who has just shot his best friend - the stakes are higher than ever. That Mancuso is distantly related to vice cop Joe Morelli - who is trying to beat Stephanie to the punch - only makes the hunt more thrilling...
Taking pointers from her bounty hunter pal, Ranger, and using her pistol packing Grandma Mazur as a decoy, Stephanie is soon closing in on her mark. But Morelli and his libido are worthy foes. And a more sinister kind of enemy has made his first move... and his next move might be Stephanie's last.
My Thoughts /
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich is the second book in the Stephanie Plum series. And all hail and praise to my local library as they seem to be holding this series in largeprint copies!!
This instalment has my favourite inexperienced and unseasoned bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, returning to capture and snare those elusive fugitives who have skipped their court dates and thus broken their bail conditions. Skipping bail may not sound like a serious offense, but it can have extremely negative consequences. Whether you or a loved one paid the cost of your bail, skipping court sets up a chain of events that will negatively affect everyone involved.
(Kenny) Mancuso had posted a bail bond via the Vincent Plum Bonding Company, ensuring his release from jail and returning him to the bosom of polite society. After his release he'd promptly disappeared and three days later failed to show face at a preliminary hearing. This did not make Vincent Plum happy.
In this book the author has Steph still struggling with the more 'finer' points of her profession - like using a gun! She's slowly learning the 'ins and outs' of bounty hunting, but at least now she 'dresses for the part' and her arsenal has improved (even if her aim has not!).
I was dressed in dark jeans, long-sleeved black turtleneck, navy Kevlar vest, and red Keds. I had my curly, shoulder-length brown hair tied in a ponytail, tucked under a navy ball cap. I wore my five-shot .38 Smith & Wesson Chief's Special in a black nylon webbed hip holster with cuffs and a defence spray wedged into the back of the belt.
Steph's case in this second book is to track and collect a bond jumper named Kenny Mancuso. Kenny has recently shot and killed his best friend; and if he can do that to a best friend, what could he do to a (still fairly) newbie skip tracer! So, after what we've learned about Steph's luck in the first book; it comes as no surprise, that what is supposed to be an easy pick up becomes complicated. And herein lies the charm to these light-hearted and fun reads.
This was first published 10 January 1996, so some might say that it's a tad outdated - there are still answering machines, beepers, telephone books and car phones; and, you can't ask Siri or Google anything. But really, I think that's a lot of this story's charm - plus the fact that Evanovich can write dry humour into almost anything. Like when the resident psychopath cuts off body parts and mails them to our favourite bounty-hunter. Or when Grandma Mazur, visits the funeral homes for viewings to check out the details of the body and, how many people show up!
There are hijinks galore, lots of goofiness; not one but two 'hot' fellas and a hella lot of laugh out loud passages. The characters are eccentric and that keeps the storyline interesting. The story moves along quickly and there was never a part that dragged. I can honestly say that I don't read these for the mystery; I'm not trying to figure out whodunnit and why. When I read them I just experience pure enjoyment.
I can't wait to pick up Three to Get Deadly and get my next fix.
December 4, 2015
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with the BBB buddies in December 2015
Stephani is a bounty hunter in training. In her own words: Ranger and I had a sort of loose partnership. Ranger was a genuine, cool-ass, numero-uno bounty hunter. I asked him to help me because I was still learning the trade and needed all the help I could get. His participation was in the ballpark of a pity fuck."
Stephani is blessed with marvelous relatives and they all reside in a hopping neighborhood: Grandma Mazur reads the obituary columns like they're part of the paper's entertainment section. Other communities have country clubs and fraternal orders. The burg has funeral parlors. If people stopped dying the social life of the burg would come to a grinding halt." and The traffic light turned green, and we all took off with our foot to the floor. I cut over two lanes to line up for the turnoff, beating out a Beemer. The driver flipped me the bird and blew his horn. I responded with some derisive Italian hand gestures and commented on his mother. Being born in Trenton carries a certain responsibility in these situations.
Stephanie's' men are Ranger: As far as I knew, Ranger wore only two colors: army green and bad-ass black. As always, he wore a jacket. This time the jacket was black leather. One could only guess what was hidden under the jacket. Probably enough firepower to wipe out a small European country.
and Morelli , with whom she has some history...: "You're lacking some critical attributes of a good bounty hunter," Morelli said.
"Like what?"
"Patience. Look at you. You're all tied up in knots."
He applied pressure at the base of my neck with his thumb and inched his way up to my hairline. My eyes drooped closed, and my breathing slowed.
"Feel good?" Morelli asked.
"Mmmmm."
He worked my shoulders with both hands. "You need to relax.""If I relax any more I'll melt and slide off the seat."
His hands stilled. "I like the melting part."
I turned my face toward him, and our eyes held.
"No," I said.
"Why not?"
"Because I've already seen the movie, and I hate the ending."
"Maybe it'll have a different ending this time."
"Maybe it won't."
His thumb traced over the pulse in my neck, and when he spoke his voice was low and cat's-tongue rough. "How about the middle of the movie? Did you like the middle?"
The middle of the movie had smoked. "I've seen better middles." Morelli's face creased into a wide grin. "Liar."
My, my, my.... Ooo, and there are bad guys, funerals and funeral homes, guns, perverted cousins and explosions as well... And Morelli... And Ranger...
Janet Evanovich is a master of the light and engaging mystery full of laughter, emotion, and characters which pop off the page and drive the story straight into our hearts. Nothing too complicated for a plot, nothing too tragic, and the tough moments are perfectly balanced with moments of tenderness and humor. When I read her books I can almost picture the people in them, since I have their counterparts among my family and friends. Once again, if a serious and deep suspense is your thing, this is not for you. However, if you like to read for the pleasure of relaxing with a book that brings a smile on your face and does not leave stains of darkness in your soul, this is what you need in your life - a Stephani Plum Book:):):)
A buddy read with the BBB buddies in December 2015
Stephani is a bounty hunter in training. In her own words: Ranger and I had a sort of loose partnership. Ranger was a genuine, cool-ass, numero-uno bounty hunter. I asked him to help me because I was still learning the trade and needed all the help I could get. His participation was in the ballpark of a pity fuck."
Stephani is blessed with marvelous relatives and they all reside in a hopping neighborhood: Grandma Mazur reads the obituary columns like they're part of the paper's entertainment section. Other communities have country clubs and fraternal orders. The burg has funeral parlors. If people stopped dying the social life of the burg would come to a grinding halt." and The traffic light turned green, and we all took off with our foot to the floor. I cut over two lanes to line up for the turnoff, beating out a Beemer. The driver flipped me the bird and blew his horn. I responded with some derisive Italian hand gestures and commented on his mother. Being born in Trenton carries a certain responsibility in these situations.
Stephanie's' men are Ranger: As far as I knew, Ranger wore only two colors: army green and bad-ass black. As always, he wore a jacket. This time the jacket was black leather. One could only guess what was hidden under the jacket. Probably enough firepower to wipe out a small European country.
and Morelli , with whom she has some history...: "You're lacking some critical attributes of a good bounty hunter," Morelli said.
"Like what?"
"Patience. Look at you. You're all tied up in knots."
He applied pressure at the base of my neck with his thumb and inched his way up to my hairline. My eyes drooped closed, and my breathing slowed.
"Feel good?" Morelli asked.
"Mmmmm."
He worked my shoulders with both hands. "You need to relax.""If I relax any more I'll melt and slide off the seat."
His hands stilled. "I like the melting part."
I turned my face toward him, and our eyes held.
"No," I said.
"Why not?"
"Because I've already seen the movie, and I hate the ending."
"Maybe it'll have a different ending this time."
"Maybe it won't."
His thumb traced over the pulse in my neck, and when he spoke his voice was low and cat's-tongue rough. "How about the middle of the movie? Did you like the middle?"
The middle of the movie had smoked. "I've seen better middles." Morelli's face creased into a wide grin. "Liar."
My, my, my.... Ooo, and there are bad guys, funerals and funeral homes, guns, perverted cousins and explosions as well... And Morelli... And Ranger...
Janet Evanovich is a master of the light and engaging mystery full of laughter, emotion, and characters which pop off the page and drive the story straight into our hearts. Nothing too complicated for a plot, nothing too tragic, and the tough moments are perfectly balanced with moments of tenderness and humor. When I read her books I can almost picture the people in them, since I have their counterparts among my family and friends. Once again, if a serious and deep suspense is your thing, this is not for you. However, if you like to read for the pleasure of relaxing with a book that brings a smile on your face and does not leave stains of darkness in your soul, this is what you need in your life - a Stephani Plum Book:):):)
January 3, 2021
Stephanie sigue siendo un desastre como caza recompensas, pero parece ser que empieza a cogerle gusto al asunto, sobre todo cuando tiene que utilizar su pistola eléctrica.
La abuela Mazur está dispuesta a echarle una mano a su nieta y no le tiembla la mano a la hora de empuñar un arma (lo que no está tan claro es a dónde dispara) y a Joe Morelli, el policía de dudosa reputación, le encanta meterse en los asuntos de Stephanie.
Así que ya tenemos el lío montado y sin saber muy bien cómo, terminará resolviendo el caso.
Primera lectura del año. Ligerita e ideal para reírse un poco y pasar un buen rato.
La abuela Mazur está dispuesta a echarle una mano a su nieta y no le tiembla la mano a la hora de empuñar un arma (lo que no está tan claro es a dónde dispara) y a Joe Morelli, el policía de dudosa reputación, le encanta meterse en los asuntos de Stephanie.
Así que ya tenemos el lío montado y sin saber muy bien cómo, terminará resolviendo el caso.
Primera lectura del año. Ligerita e ideal para reírse un poco y pasar un buen rato.
March 1, 2013
Well I didn't really like the first book, but I decided to give this series one more chance. I really wanted to like it. The series is so popular and loved by almost all cozy readers, so maybe it's just me.
I don't know. I like the characters. They are fun. I love the idea of the series as well, but for some reason I can't get into the stories. The first book was slightly better than this one in my opinion.
I probably won't continue this series, but there really isn't anything bad I can say about the books. I'm just not able to get into them.
I don't know. I like the characters. They are fun. I love the idea of the series as well, but for some reason I can't get into the stories. The first book was slightly better than this one in my opinion.
I probably won't continue this series, but there really isn't anything bad I can say about the books. I'm just not able to get into them.
April 26, 2021
I was drawn back in this series by the humor and cleverness of a later book, #25. As I might have expected, Evanovich improved with practice, though this is snarky fun in its own right. It's more-or-less character driven, with blunt, funny, stupid, mouthy, sarcastic Jersey people blundering about, some of them trying to be criminals, some trying to be investigators, and all of them dissing their friends and neighbors. The plot is just barely enough to carry the story, and not really much different than the plot in #25. But that's a good series, right? Give 'em what they want.
December 31, 2023
This is a funny slapstick series which is a bit silly. I laugh at the old references, and the complete politically incorrect things.
Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter bringing in bail jumpers, located in New Jersey, so the audio format works really well with the accents.
Stephanie’s family are a motley crew, her grandma is on the case finding stolen caskets. A lot of this story is about Grandma Mazur and her obsession with checking the obituaries and attending the viewings.
I was recommended this series by a work colleague and it’s ok, just a fluffy filler to fill the time. The simmering tension between Stephanie and Joe Morelli (a proper cop) is always palpable.
The funny thing is Stephanie and her grandma are always shooting things. Another silly and improbable series, but a bit of fun.
I listened to this on the Libby platform and my public library, which was handy as the old books are not always available. Helpful that I work in the industry!
Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter bringing in bail jumpers, located in New Jersey, so the audio format works really well with the accents.
Stephanie’s family are a motley crew, her grandma is on the case finding stolen caskets. A lot of this story is about Grandma Mazur and her obsession with checking the obituaries and attending the viewings.
I was recommended this series by a work colleague and it’s ok, just a fluffy filler to fill the time. The simmering tension between Stephanie and Joe Morelli (a proper cop) is always palpable.
The funny thing is Stephanie and her grandma are always shooting things. Another silly and improbable series, but a bit of fun.
I listened to this on the Libby platform and my public library, which was handy as the old books are not always available. Helpful that I work in the industry!
November 30, 2008
It’s a world I am unfamiliar with—the world of Chic Lit (or, if you are over 18, I refer to as Clit Lit). Even though Janet Evanovich’s books take up at least three shelves at the local Barnes & Noble, I have never noticed. Probably because they are in the Mystery section which I pass through on my way to the Science Fiction wall. I don’t look to either side for fear of turning into a pillar of salt. But—(there is always a but) I am in a strange land under strange circumstances these days and Stephanie Plum has entered my life. It’s a good thing. At the moment I am taking care of my mom who is battling Parkinson’s, dementia and a bunch of other good stuff. When I first came into her house (after an absence of something like 20 years) I saw piles of books all over the place. I knew everything would be alright. Until I checked out the titles. They were all—and I mean all—mysteries. I never read murder mysteries unless written by Carl Hiaasen.
The inevitable day came when I found myself without a new book to read. With so many Evanovich books laying around I though what the hell—how bad can they be? Well campers, as millions of readers will attest: they are clever, fun and addictive. You don’t read the Stephanie Plum series for the plot necessarily, although some are clever. It’s the daffy characters and ‘I Love Lucy’ situations.
I am going to read them all (he says) and will add them to my bookshelf here only for my Boy Scout merit badge. No reviews. After you have read the first one, you know what you are going to get with the rest. So far, I am enjoying the hell out of them. I gotta say Janet—you can pen some hot eroticism when you want. The Stephanie Plum series is an industry unto itself, but don’t let this put you off from giving them a go. Oh yah, and start at the beginning. It’s important.
The inevitable day came when I found myself without a new book to read. With so many Evanovich books laying around I though what the hell—how bad can they be? Well campers, as millions of readers will attest: they are clever, fun and addictive. You don’t read the Stephanie Plum series for the plot necessarily, although some are clever. It’s the daffy characters and ‘I Love Lucy’ situations.
I am going to read them all (he says) and will add them to my bookshelf here only for my Boy Scout merit badge. No reviews. After you have read the first one, you know what you are going to get with the rest. So far, I am enjoying the hell out of them. I gotta say Janet—you can pen some hot eroticism when you want. The Stephanie Plum series is an industry unto itself, but don’t let this put you off from giving them a go. Oh yah, and start at the beginning. It’s important.
February 12, 2022
This is the second in the Stephanie Plum series, and once again, Stephanie, a newly minted bounty hunter finds herself out of her depth and in some outrageous situations. There are laugh out loud moments as she and her Grandma Mazur attend a series of funeral house viewings in an attempt to catch her latest person of interest.
However, soon it becomes dangerous and as various body parts are sent to Stephanie as a warning, she actually does start to fear for her own safety.
Looking forward to book 3.
However, soon it becomes dangerous and as various body parts are sent to Stephanie as a warning, she actually does start to fear for her own safety.
Looking forward to book 3.
July 29, 2017
Another fun ride with Stephanie Plum, Grandma Mazur, Morelli and Ranger. Lots of Plum and Morelli in this book. I really enjoyed this book.
January 21, 2016
This was just as fun and entertaining as the first book in the Stephanie Plum series.
Rookie bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has her second major bail jumper in sight. Kenny Mancuso, cousin of Joe Morelli, is on the run after shooting his best friend. It seems a straight forward case to begin with, but Stephanie never expected cousin Kenny to be so crazy or to have to deal with the stuff he is caught up in. Lucky for her she has Joe, Ranger, and even Grandma Mazur to help her out!
I loved the story. It had a little bit of everything with action, humor, mystery, and even a hint of romance. The scenes between Joe and Stephanie are awesome. They have great chemistry and both are a touch on the crazy side so their interactions are frequently hilarious.
Kenny was a crazed villain and it was engaging to follow Stephanie as she tried to bring him to justice while also trying to track down some missing coffins as a side job!
Grandma Mazur was even more hilarious in this book than she was in the first. Stephanie definitely needs to bring her on more bounty hunts in the future.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Audio Note: I'm getting more used to C. J. Critt and think she did a good job with this one.
Rookie bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has her second major bail jumper in sight. Kenny Mancuso, cousin of Joe Morelli, is on the run after shooting his best friend. It seems a straight forward case to begin with, but Stephanie never expected cousin Kenny to be so crazy or to have to deal with the stuff he is caught up in. Lucky for her she has Joe, Ranger, and even Grandma Mazur to help her out!
I loved the story. It had a little bit of everything with action, humor, mystery, and even a hint of romance. The scenes between Joe and Stephanie are awesome. They have great chemistry and both are a touch on the crazy side so their interactions are frequently hilarious.
Kenny was a crazed villain and it was engaging to follow Stephanie as she tried to bring him to justice while also trying to track down some missing coffins as a side job!
Grandma Mazur was even more hilarious in this book than she was in the first. Stephanie definitely needs to bring her on more bounty hunts in the future.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Audio Note: I'm getting more used to C. J. Critt and think she did a good job with this one.
February 13, 2017
This is one of those times where I remembered liking a book more the first time I read it. Re-reading it, I found I'm just not a big Evanovich fan. She has a style of cutesy, short and abbreviated writing style that doesn't suit me. I will say at least it's easy to read and quick to breeze through.
There IS genuine humor that works - I laughed out loud a few times - but some of it comes off as forced and a little contrived. Stephanie is motivated by the greed of success, but I don't see much else about her as a realistic character. Morelli is probably the best part, as he's amusing too but his dialogue is well constructed (the scene with Ranger and the truck was probably the best part of the book.) I know many love the Grandmother, and she is cute, but she's also stereotypical - as is the mother and father.
These books are fun - the plots are creative enough for this type, the humor is real, the writing easy to digest, characters enjoyable to a point....but it doesn't have a deep core or that much substance other than some predictable staples.
February 13, 2021
This series has become my guilty pleasure lately. My go-to place after a dark or otherwise exhausting book. I know that there are a lot in the series and this has only been the second one, but I've become hooked already.
I like and care about the characters. The writing is really witty and outright hilarious sometimes. The whole thing is just ridiculous and really nice at the same time somehow.
The whole story is really not a priority and the crime fighting storyline seems to be needed only to maintain some framework for the other craziness happening. This will possibly change slightly (if Stephanie gets into the business a little bit more), but if not, it does not bother me.
It's just pure, innocent fun.
I really recommend it.
I like and care about the characters. The writing is really witty and outright hilarious sometimes. The whole thing is just ridiculous and really nice at the same time somehow.
The whole story is really not a priority and the crime fighting storyline seems to be needed only to maintain some framework for the other craziness happening. This will possibly change slightly (if Stephanie gets into the business a little bit more), but if not, it does not bother me.
It's just pure, innocent fun.
I really recommend it.
May 12, 2019
Light and amusing read. 2,5 stars
In this volume Stephanie and Morelli are chasing weapon thiefs, while Grandma Mazur wreaks havoc in funeral homes.
I very much enjoyed the Grandma bits of the story. The bounty hunter parts tend to get a bit repetitive with time, though.
This was my third novel from the Stephanie Plum series and I think I will take a break now.
In this volume Stephanie and Morelli are chasing weapon thiefs, while Grandma Mazur wreaks havoc in funeral homes.
I very much enjoyed the Grandma bits of the story. The bounty hunter parts tend to get a bit repetitive with time, though.
This was my third novel from the Stephanie Plum series and I think I will take a break now.
February 24, 2010
I think there is no need to rehash the synopsis of "Two for the Dough." All you need to know is that it is about military ammo, caskets, and severed body parts, all delivered with a unique burg flare. Otherwise the mystery (if it can even be called that) was unremarkable and never ended with a big revelation like you always expect mysteries to end. Basically, there was no real climax.
I liked this book slightly less than "One for the Money" and if I could, I'd rather give it 3.5 stars instead of 4. Everything about it - Grandma Mazur's antics, Morelli's smoldering hotness, Stephanie's happy-go-lucky attitude - were simply no longer fresh. The story was still entertaining and engaging in every possible way, but I just didn't find it as funny as its predecessor. It took Evanovich more than 150 pages to squeeze some chuckles out of me and I was seriously wary of Grandma's lines by the end of the book.
However, I still enjoyed "Two for the Dough" quite a bit and will continue on with the series, but it is obvious to me that I can only take both Stephanie and the burg in small doses, with long breaks between the books.
I liked this book slightly less than "One for the Money" and if I could, I'd rather give it 3.5 stars instead of 4. Everything about it - Grandma Mazur's antics, Morelli's smoldering hotness, Stephanie's happy-go-lucky attitude - were simply no longer fresh. The story was still entertaining and engaging in every possible way, but I just didn't find it as funny as its predecessor. It took Evanovich more than 150 pages to squeeze some chuckles out of me and I was seriously wary of Grandma's lines by the end of the book.
However, I still enjoyed "Two for the Dough" quite a bit and will continue on with the series, but it is obvious to me that I can only take both Stephanie and the burg in small doses, with long breaks between the books.
October 14, 2016
Bridget Jones the bounty hunter - round 2.
Stephanie is totally inept, but luckily seems to have all the right contacts to help her out.
I laughed out loud on a tram at one stage, so I gave that an extra star.
Good fun and easy to read, if a bit samey at times.
Stephanie is totally inept, but luckily seems to have all the right contacts to help her out.
I laughed out loud on a tram at one stage, so I gave that an extra star.
Good fun and easy to read, if a bit samey at times.
April 27, 2025
So much fun.
The Stephanie Plum series books have become my comfort reads. I have read a couple of the later books and I've now gone back to the beginning.
I love Evanovich's laugh-out-loud dry, sarcastic humour. Two for the Dough published in 1996 has lots of nostalgic moments.
Stephanie Plum's family are loveable and crazy, and the chemistry between Plum and Morelli is perfectly portrayed.
Two for the Dough has an easy plot and lots of action. I read the book straight through.
The Stephanie Plum series books have become my comfort reads. I have read a couple of the later books and I've now gone back to the beginning.
I love Evanovich's laugh-out-loud dry, sarcastic humour. Two for the Dough published in 1996 has lots of nostalgic moments.
Stephanie Plum's family are loveable and crazy, and the chemistry between Plum and Morelli is perfectly portrayed.
Two for the Dough has an easy plot and lots of action. I read the book straight through.
August 1, 2016
Stephanie Plum is definitely growing on me. Looking forward to the third installment.
January 11, 2024
Buddy read with the BBB group starting December 1, 2015
October 12, 2007
I finished the second book of the Stephanie Plum series in about 3 days. Evanovich really knows how to make a reader keep turning the pages!
This book was just as good as the first one. Evanovich still had me chuckling.
I must say I was VERY excited to see that Joe Morelli was also in book 2. I thought he was going to be gone when book 1 finished. I was very happy to see he is a part of the cast of characters that is going to be sticking around. He is a great character, mysterious, sexy character & wow! I have never had a "crush" on a character in a book before but now I do!
Plus the relationship/sexual tension that is going on between Stephanie & Joe has me turning the pages as well. I keep wondering when they are going to do the deed, lol! Makes me wish I were Stephanie & it also makes me wish Joe Morelli were real, lol!
Aside from all that, Evanovich created another great plot & the book never got boring.
So far I'm enjoying the Stephanie Plum series!
This book was just as good as the first one. Evanovich still had me chuckling.
I must say I was VERY excited to see that Joe Morelli was also in book 2. I thought he was going to be gone when book 1 finished. I was very happy to see he is a part of the cast of characters that is going to be sticking around. He is a great character, mysterious, sexy character & wow! I have never had a "crush" on a character in a book before but now I do!
Plus the relationship/sexual tension that is going on between Stephanie & Joe has me turning the pages as well. I keep wondering when they are going to do the deed, lol! Makes me wish I were Stephanie & it also makes me wish Joe Morelli were real, lol!
Aside from all that, Evanovich created another great plot & the book never got boring.
So far I'm enjoying the Stephanie Plum series!
June 22, 2018
Stephanie Plum is a menace hahah! I love these books, they’re so much fun!
Take my advice, don’t read this series in public places because it won’t be pretty. People will think you’re mad because you laugh to death by yourself.
This time Stephanie and the Buick did it for me. What’s with that car? And poor Morelli, when he’s near Stephanie his police car is always in danger. Just like his previous car.
Grandma Mazur was also a lot of fun. I think she’s the craziest character of the series and that’s something since everyone in Trenton has serious issues 😂
I am also so so so in love with the relationship between Stephanie and Morelli. Morelli is <3<3<3
”You left me standing bare-assed in the middle of the street!”
“I gave you your gun, didn’t I?”
Morelli grinned. “You’re going to give me more than that, cupcake.”
“Forget it.”
“Not likely,” Morelli said. “You owe me.” [...]
I pushed him out of my foyer, into the hall, slammed the door closed, and threw the bolt. I pressed my nose to the door and looked through the peephole.
Morelli grinned at me.
“This is war,” I yelled through the door.
“Luck for me,” Morelli said. “I give good war.”
Take my advice, don’t read this series in public places because it won’t be pretty. People will think you’re mad because you laugh to death by yourself.
This time Stephanie and the Buick did it for me. What’s with that car? And poor Morelli, when he’s near Stephanie his police car is always in danger. Just like his previous car.
Grandma Mazur was also a lot of fun. I think she’s the craziest character of the series and that’s something since everyone in Trenton has serious issues 😂
I am also so so so in love with the relationship between Stephanie and Morelli. Morelli is <3<3<3
”You left me standing bare-assed in the middle of the street!”
“I gave you your gun, didn’t I?”
Morelli grinned. “You’re going to give me more than that, cupcake.”
“Forget it.”
“Not likely,” Morelli said. “You owe me.” [...]
I pushed him out of my foyer, into the hall, slammed the door closed, and threw the bolt. I pressed my nose to the door and looked through the peephole.
Morelli grinned at me.
“This is war,” I yelled through the door.
“Luck for me,” Morelli said. “I give good war.”
April 2, 2018
Stephanie's latest skip should be easy to collar, local boy Kenny shot his best friend in the knee during an argument but it was only a minor incident and Moogey didn't even want to press charges so there is no need for him to do a disappearing act. Then, after Kenny misses his court date, Moogey is murdered and prime suspect Kenny falls completely off the radar. Not one to walk away from a case Stephanie becomes determined to track Kenny down but when her investigations lead her to a funeral parlour with a missing batch of caskets and then various body parts start going missing things get much more complicated.
This series is just so much fun to read, it's pure entertainment from first page to last and every book has me giggling the whole way through. I must be on my third read through of the early books in the series yet I never get tired of them. Stephanie is such a likeable character, she has a knack for finding trouble and she gets herself into the most ridiculous and crazy situations but I love her all the more because of it. The best thing about these books are the characters, Stephanie's whole family is brilliant but it's Grandma Mazur who steals the show in this book, she manages to cause even more trouble than Stephanie and that's really saying something. I love the things she comes out with and I could happily quote half the book in this review.
I also love the men in the series, Ranger is still pretty much a complete mystery at this point but I know from later books how brilliant he is and I'm looking forward to unravelling him a bit more. Morelli is fantastic and the chemistry between him and Stephanie is great, they have a very complicated history so she is very wary of trusting him but it's obvious he's more than a little interested and I'm enjoying watching their relationship develop.
I've been wanting to reread these books and catch up with the most recent releases (I think I got to about book 15 in my last read through) for a long time now so I'm glad to be reading the series with a group of friends. At one book a month this is going to be a very long ongoing project but I'm actually enjoying having at least one really funny and light hearted read to look forward to each month and I think having such a relaxed schedule is going to make it much easier to stick to. Roll on January so I can get started on Three to Get Deadly!
_______________________________________
Series group read with Buddies, Books & Baubles starts 1st December. We're planning on reading one book a month so it'll be easy to keep up with if anyone else wants to join us :o)
This series is just so much fun to read, it's pure entertainment from first page to last and every book has me giggling the whole way through. I must be on my third read through of the early books in the series yet I never get tired of them. Stephanie is such a likeable character, she has a knack for finding trouble and she gets herself into the most ridiculous and crazy situations but I love her all the more because of it. The best thing about these books are the characters, Stephanie's whole family is brilliant but it's Grandma Mazur who steals the show in this book, she manages to cause even more trouble than Stephanie and that's really saying something. I love the things she comes out with and I could happily quote half the book in this review.
I also love the men in the series, Ranger is still pretty much a complete mystery at this point but I know from later books how brilliant he is and I'm looking forward to unravelling him a bit more. Morelli is fantastic and the chemistry between him and Stephanie is great, they have a very complicated history so she is very wary of trusting him but it's obvious he's more than a little interested and I'm enjoying watching their relationship develop.
I've been wanting to reread these books and catch up with the most recent releases (I think I got to about book 15 in my last read through) for a long time now so I'm glad to be reading the series with a group of friends. At one book a month this is going to be a very long ongoing project but I'm actually enjoying having at least one really funny and light hearted read to look forward to each month and I think having such a relaxed schedule is going to make it much easier to stick to. Roll on January so I can get started on Three to Get Deadly!
_______________________________________
Series group read with Buddies, Books & Baubles starts 1st December. We're planning on reading one book a month so it'll be easy to keep up with if anyone else wants to join us :o)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,867 reviews