Smokin' Seventeen

Title: Smokin’ Seventeen

Author: Janet Evanovich

Date Finished: June 24, 2011.

Personal Book Count: 23 out of 75

Rating: 5 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: mystery

First Line: My grandma Mazur called me early this morning.

Why did I pick this book?: it’s the 17th in the series, and I have read and loved all the others.

Summary and Review: from the author’s website-

“Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie's name is on the killer's list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer's identity, things get even more complicated for Stephanie when family and friends decide it's time for her to decide between long-time off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop, Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert, Ranger. Stephanie's mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both, and choose a former high school football star who has just returned to town. Stephanie's sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir "bake-off". And Grandma Bella, Morelli's old world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts "the eye" on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie's life looks like it's about to go up in smoke.”

I think this book continues the series nicely. In fact, it might take it back closer to its roots, where you have to figure out the bad guy, as opposed to knowing who it is, and having to catch him. This book contains the same humor and the same page turning excitement. Without wanting to spoil anything, I will say there is more Ranger in this one. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I have noticed that lately Evanovich alternates who the guy is in her stories. One makes an appearance, and may call a couple times, but conveniently goes out of town for most of the novel. This book was back to the basics and had both Ranger and Morelli. I have to confess that I saw the end coming, despite the twist. But it was more of a process of elimination, then any phenomenal investigation skills. I will say, these cliffhanger endings she throws in every once in a while, drive me nuts. I don’t know how much more I can say about this one, that I haven’t said about the last 16 books. My love for them is still there, and as strong as ever. It is worth your time for a light, fluffy summer read. =D

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D