I enjoyed One for the Money. The plot was entertaining, the setting was familiar in its otherness, and the characters were likable, well drawn and relatable. Furthermore, Stephanie Plum, the heroine, was rather humorous when remarking on the going’s on of the Berg and her family, and made me giggle at the situations she managed to find herself in. The pace was perfect for turning pages quickly, and before I knew it, I had completed the book. Naturally I wanted to keep reading, though I admit, I was just expecting more of the same. Surprisingly enough, Two for the Dough was significantly better.The first 30 or so pages were much like book one. Similar commentary, reintroduction to characters introduced to us in One for the Money, Stephanie fumbling around in her new role as bounty hunter, etc. I was a bit worried that my only comic relief would come from Grandma Mazur, not that that is a bad thing, she is just a bit outlandish. But by page 50 or so, Stephanie pulled through. I was pleased to see that she has maintained her bitter, party of one persona without seeming bitter. Not sure how that works, but she manages to pull it off. The tension between her and Morelli is mounting, climaxing in one laugh out loud scenario that had me near tears. Oh how I hope I someday have the opportunity to do that myself, or perhaps maybe not. Additionally, the “mystery” of this book is significantly more intriguing, making the book all that more enjoyable.I can’t believe I’m reading a book where male members are sent through the mail, endearing characters come in the form of overweight ex-ho’s, and funeral viewings are a form of social entertainment. Nonetheless, these books are laugh out loud funny, and I cannot wait to start Three to get Deadly.
Evanovich is on a roll and her sequel to One for the Money, is Two for the Dough (guess what the third in the series is titled). It continues Stephanie’s career as a bounty hunter and is again populated with the same great characters. Joe Morelli, now back on the police force, is the old friend who keeps an eye on her, is probably in love with her, and can’t wait to check out her lingerie (the scene where she leaves him stranded in the middle of the street with no shorts on, then returns to give him back his .45 is a classic). Grandma Mazur is as loony as ever, still patrolling the viewings of funerals to compare handiwork of the funeral directors, (at one such — closed casket — she “accidentally” catches her sleeve on the handle and flings open the top so she can see how the funeral home handled the bullet holes). The bounty this time is Kenny Mansuro, Morelli’s cousin, who has stolen some special weaponry from the army, hidden in some caskets, then is double- crossed by one of his partners. In retaliation for the attention brings to himself, he begins sending body parts to Stephanie. You’ll never guess the part sent to her that she opens at home just before dinner. Grandma was most appreciative and really curious to see how the funeral parlor would handle this one.
Do You like book Two For The Dough (1996)?
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!
—Tilly Slaton
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!
—☆Brittany☆
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.
—Meg ♥
