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One quick look at the titles in our book review section
and the authors listed on our interviews page and it's pretty obvious
that the editors at Fiction Factor are science fiction and fantasy fans.
However, I have a confession. I've found an author I really enjoy and
she writes mysteries. Not your run of the mill mysteries but fast paced,
tongue-in-cheek, sexy, hilarious mysteries.
Those readers familiar with Janet Evanovich's, Stephanie Plum are
already smiling at the thought because they know how delightful the
novels are.
Stephanie Plum is a New Jersey girl with more than just an attitude; she
also packs a gun…on occasion. Most of the time it stays in her cookie
jar which isn't the best place for a bounty hunter to keep her weapon
but hey, isn't that where Rockford kept his? Working for her bail
bondsman cousin most of Stephanie's jobs require her to pick up local
residents who just "forgot" to keep their court appointments. It's not a
tough job, unless her family becomes involved.
In Hard Eight it's her mother's neighbor who throws Stephanie
into a world of danger and intrigue. Mabel's granddaughter Evelyn has
disappeared with her daughter Annie and Mabel wants Stephanie to look
for them. Finding missing children isn't a bounty hunter's normal job
but when Mabel starts crying Stephanie promises to do what she can. When
Stephanie starts looking for the two she finds out that Evelyn's
ex-husband is mixed up with a notoriously unbalanced crime boss named
Eddie Abruzzi and pandemonium breaks out.
Between being stalked by killer bunny and her couch having a serious
case of "death cooties" Stephanie needs a strong manly shoulder to lean
on, but where can she turn? Her on again, off again relationship with
Officer Joe Morelli is in a serious off phase and she's not sure she
wants to lean on her mentor, Ranger. She's already promised him one
night, alone, in exchange for his help on a prior case and for months
she's wondered if he was serious or just flirting. In Hard Eight,
she finds out. (and if that's not enough to make most Stephanie Plum
fans run out and read the book, I don't know what is!)
The characters are all delightful and larger than life, from Stephanie's
grandmother (who's favorite entertainment is going to funeral
visitations) to the down to earth (but incredibly sexy) Morelli. I
highly recommend the series for anyone looking for a very entertaining
read.
Hard Eight earns a spot on my * * * * *
star reading shelf.
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Rating Guide:
* * * * * = Un-put-downable, excellent
reading!
* * * * = Good value, interesting reading.
* * * = Had potential, but could have been
better.
* * = Slow, difficult to read, could have
been improved.
* = Imminently forgettable.
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