Helpful Score: 11
Janet Evanovich definitely needs to be wrapping up this series. But I did enjoy this one more than the last few, but not by much. Through probably almost the first half of the book, I wanted to stop reading because it was the same story we've heard in all the books. Same old, same old. I never got sucked in or felt like "OMG", but I did feel like Stephanie grew up/acted a tad more mature in this book - not by much, but it was enough that I noticed.
I keep saying I'm not going to read anymore in this series, but heck, I'm 18 books into it now! Might as well go on till the end. She can't go on writing this series much longer.
Luckily all the books in this series are a quick read so you don't have to waste a lot time.
I keep saying I'm not going to read anymore in this series, but heck, I'm 18 books into it now! Might as well go on till the end. She can't go on writing this series much longer.
Luckily all the books in this series are a quick read so you don't have to waste a lot time.
Amanda F. (Scooby2) -
Helpful Score: 4
I was hoping this addition would start to wrap things up, but instead it repeated the same story with different characters. I so wanted to enjoy this story, but it seemed to lack something the earlier ones had. I didn't find myself laughing at Stephanie's mishaps or any of the scenarios happening in the story. I hope the next addition is better or that Ms. Evanovich decides to wrap this series up, with Stephanie finding someone who makes her happy and living happy ever after in the burg.
Helpful Score: 2
Janet does it again in another GREAT story in the Plum series!!! I recommend her books to everyone!!!
Helpful Score: 2
Same thing over and over...don't waste a credit.
I have been a huge fan of the Plum series. The last few books have been crap, but I keep reading in hopes that Evanovich's next book will be better. I am sick of the fact there is no story line progression, and it is time for Stephanie to decide between the men in her life instead of living in limbo. The bumbling bounty hunter idea is still funny, but if the characters do not grow and evolve then it seems like you are reading the same story over and over again. :-(
Although there was one part in the book that did make me stop and think. Stephanie thinks that Ranger just uses her for laughs and that she could really hurt Morelli. I personally think that Stephanie has that all wrong. That Ranger is the one who could get emotionally hurt that is why he keeps her at a distance, and that Morelli is just kind of biding his time with Stephanie until something better comes along!
Although there was one part in the book that did make me stop and think. Stephanie thinks that Ranger just uses her for laughs and that she could really hurt Morelli. I personally think that Stephanie has that all wrong. That Ranger is the one who could get emotionally hurt that is why he keeps her at a distance, and that Morelli is just kind of biding his time with Stephanie until something better comes along!
Helpful Score: 2
Like many of the reviewers represented here, I have become frustrated by the sameness of this series, which in its early days was a genuine laugh-out-loud romp through Jersey and Stephanie Plum's enviable love life. I waited to read "Explosive Eighteen" until I got it from the library, and since I read it fully expecting to be disappointed, I have to say it's not as bad as these reviews make it sound. Yes, there are a lot of retreads of old jokes (at the most, this book made me smile, rather than laugh) and personal drama is still never truly resolved. But Stephanie has made some progress in her love life, and the book kept me interested and entertained for the duration of a 3 hour plane ride. Overall, you could do worse. No, that's not high praise, but for this type of book, it's good enough.
Helpful Score: 1
I know, I know... why do I keep torturing myself? I have no answer save that after reading 18 Stephanie Plum books, I want so badly for something to happen relationship-wise between her and either one of her guys that I delude myself into believing character growth is somehow still possible in the Evanovich world. It has to be... books 9 - 13 were rich with it. So..... there are no explanations for the constant, recent disappointments.
This book opens with Stephanie flying home from Hawaii after what promised to be a riveting development in her love life at the end of book seventeen. Unfortunately we don't get to see any of what happened, all the exciting events are only alluded to, then somewhere along the way we get a paragraph explanation after the fact. Now, given the explanation (don't want to spoil but it involves chasing bad buys, Ranger love, Morelli surprise and a big fist fight) THAT sounds like a GREAT book!! Why didn't we get to read it?!?!?!
Instead, we - once again - get the same old recycled, day to day (albeit amusing) nothingness that is Stephanie's life. No change, no growth, no romance. Morelli is - again - too busy to care. Ranger is - again - there to back her up and support her anytime she calls but has "issues" with commitment (another item alluded to from the mysterious vacation we never get to know about). The only difference in the scenario is all three are jumping each others bones wherever and whenever the opportunity avails itself (don't get your hopes up, folks, none of it is given more than a passing sentence) which makes them all look - well... just trashy.
Guess I need to stop complaining and quit reading. Still don't know why I can't.
This book opens with Stephanie flying home from Hawaii after what promised to be a riveting development in her love life at the end of book seventeen. Unfortunately we don't get to see any of what happened, all the exciting events are only alluded to, then somewhere along the way we get a paragraph explanation after the fact. Now, given the explanation (don't want to spoil but it involves chasing bad buys, Ranger love, Morelli surprise and a big fist fight) THAT sounds like a GREAT book!! Why didn't we get to read it?!?!?!
Instead, we - once again - get the same old recycled, day to day (albeit amusing) nothingness that is Stephanie's life. No change, no growth, no romance. Morelli is - again - too busy to care. Ranger is - again - there to back her up and support her anytime she calls but has "issues" with commitment (another item alluded to from the mysterious vacation we never get to know about). The only difference in the scenario is all three are jumping each others bones wherever and whenever the opportunity avails itself (don't get your hopes up, folks, none of it is given more than a passing sentence) which makes them all look - well... just trashy.
Guess I need to stop complaining and quit reading. Still don't know why I can't.
Helpful Score: 1
Stephanie Plum is a bungling, inept bounty hunter who gets into ridiculous situations where she relies on her two very rich, very handsome boyfriends who have all the money, all the connections, all the knowledge and all the time in the world to rescue her. Sound familiar? It should. This is the eighteenth story in a row without anything new. Listen, when Lula & Grandma don't have any funny lines you know the series is getting stale.
Helpful Score: 1
Great fun. Even a better read than 17.
Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) on + 422 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I know that most people feel that Stephaine has runher course. I still enjoy the books and read tehm in one sitting. Stephanie comes back from Hawaii with a secret, a photo, and fake FBI agents after her. Throw in a crazed killer, a few nutty skips and her arch nemesis, Joyce and it adds up to a quick, quirky read. 4 stars.
Stephanie T. (dastephan6) -
Helpful Score: 1
A wedding ring in Hawaii? Lula in love with a skip? Love potions? Rocket
launchers? Stephanie not speaking to Morelli OR Ranger? FBI and 4 killers after
her? What has she gotten herself into now?
launchers? Stephanie not speaking to Morelli OR Ranger? FBI and 4 killers after
her? What has she gotten herself into now?
Sherri B. (sharalsbooks) reviewed Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) on + 259 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The 18th installment of the Stephanie Plum series picks up not long after 17 ends. Stephanie comes back from Hawaii with a tan line on her ring finger, where an obvious ring was being worn for some time. When questioned about it repeatedly by everyone, Stephanie keeps it under wraps by stating its complicated.
Interestingly enough, the ring or lack thereof and possible mysterious marriage isnt the central plot of the story. Neither is the fact that Joe and Ranger both went to Hawaii and Stephanie came home after they punched each other out. About halfway into the book, Stephanie gives a very watered down explanation about what happened, but there should have been more. I wanted moreespecially where Ranger is concerned, but there wasnt, much to my disappointment and frustration. As more of this story opens up and unfolds, the more I am destined to be frustrated as I am sure Stephanie is frustrated. Even still, Stephanie has the best of both worlds at her feet. Two hot, hunky men who think shes the bees knees isnt really a problem and I know at some point she will eventually choose one of them (maybe), but until then I am enjoying watching her be frustrated.
The arrival of Joyce Barnhardt at Stephanies door is one aspect of this story that should have annoyed me, but didnt. Joyce is Stephanies biggest nemesis, but I never in a million years would have expected Stephanie to allow Joyce to move in! Although, Joyce doesnt really give Stephanie much choice in the matter as she is one of Stephanies FTAs and promises to turn herself into Stephanie in exchange for Stephanies help.
Ive come to expect the wacky and zany with this series and thats exactly what Explosive Eighteen delivers. I have learned that I can put up with a lot of nuttiness for my Ranger fix. I just wish there was more Ranger appearances. The series seems to focus on Joe getting face time with Stephanie and though thats my guess as to who she will end up being with, I am just not ready for Stephanie to make that choice yet.
Interestingly enough, the ring or lack thereof and possible mysterious marriage isnt the central plot of the story. Neither is the fact that Joe and Ranger both went to Hawaii and Stephanie came home after they punched each other out. About halfway into the book, Stephanie gives a very watered down explanation about what happened, but there should have been more. I wanted moreespecially where Ranger is concerned, but there wasnt, much to my disappointment and frustration. As more of this story opens up and unfolds, the more I am destined to be frustrated as I am sure Stephanie is frustrated. Even still, Stephanie has the best of both worlds at her feet. Two hot, hunky men who think shes the bees knees isnt really a problem and I know at some point she will eventually choose one of them (maybe), but until then I am enjoying watching her be frustrated.
The arrival of Joyce Barnhardt at Stephanies door is one aspect of this story that should have annoyed me, but didnt. Joyce is Stephanies biggest nemesis, but I never in a million years would have expected Stephanie to allow Joyce to move in! Although, Joyce doesnt really give Stephanie much choice in the matter as she is one of Stephanies FTAs and promises to turn herself into Stephanie in exchange for Stephanies help.
Ive come to expect the wacky and zany with this series and thats exactly what Explosive Eighteen delivers. I have learned that I can put up with a lot of nuttiness for my Ranger fix. I just wish there was more Ranger appearances. The series seems to focus on Joe getting face time with Stephanie and though thats my guess as to who she will end up being with, I am just not ready for Stephanie to make that choice yet.
As I frequently say, reading Stephanie Plum novels is a real guilty pleasure to me and I have read most of them. Maybe it's just me, but I thought this was the weakest story of this series that I have read. I could barely finish it. Evanovich seems to struggle to bring the story to a conclusion. I only gave this book 2 stars, but I know that will not deter rabid Evanovich readers. I think she had a deadline to meet and the book was not as well thought out as most of them are.
I enjoy all her books. I can sit and laugh out loud as I rush through the pages. This one did not disappoint me. Since I live in New Jersey, I can identify with many locations in the story
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) on + 1474 more book reviews
Stephanie returns from a disastrous Hawaiian "vacation" and finds herself the object of interest for some very unpleasant guys who want a photograph that was slipped into her bag on board the plane. The only problem is, she's tossed the photo, but no one believes her -- not the real F.B.I., not the fake F.B.I., and certainly not the wacko Middle-Eastern hit man.
Before Stephanie can even step foot off Flight 127 Hawaii to Newark, shes knee deep in trouble. Her dream vacation turned into a nightmare, and shes flying back to New Jersey solo. Worse still, her seatmate never returned to the plane after the L.A. layover. Now hes dead -- and a ragtag collection of thugs and psychos, not to mention the FBI, are all looking for a photograph he was supposed to be carrying.
Only one person has seen the missing photo: Stephanie Plum. Now shes the target. An FBI sketch artist helps Stephanie re-create the person in the photo, but Stephanies descriptive skills are lacking. Until she can improve them, shell need to watch her back.
Over at the bail bonds agency things are going from bad to worse. Vinnies temporary HQ has gone up in smoke. Stephanies wheelman, Lula, falls for their largest skip yet. Lifetime arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into Stephanies apartment. And everyone wants to know what happened in Hawaii?
Morelli, Trentons hottest cop, isnt talking about Hawaii. Ranger, the man of mystery, isnt talking about Hawaii. And all Stephanie is willing to say about her Hawaiian vacation is . . . Its complicated
Only one person has seen the missing photo: Stephanie Plum. Now shes the target. An FBI sketch artist helps Stephanie re-create the person in the photo, but Stephanies descriptive skills are lacking. Until she can improve them, shell need to watch her back.
Over at the bail bonds agency things are going from bad to worse. Vinnies temporary HQ has gone up in smoke. Stephanies wheelman, Lula, falls for their largest skip yet. Lifetime arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into Stephanies apartment. And everyone wants to know what happened in Hawaii?
Morelli, Trentons hottest cop, isnt talking about Hawaii. Ranger, the man of mystery, isnt talking about Hawaii. And all Stephanie is willing to say about her Hawaiian vacation is . . . Its complicated
loved it
Ooooh, well we find out what happened in Hawaii, but it didn't resolve much in Stephanie's love life. The same colorful characters are there to entertain us. I can't help but think (after the 3rd book) that this would make a GREAT tv series - I can even see some of my favorite character actors in some of the parts. Wake up, tv land; this stuff is better than anything on tv!!!!
Marianne S. (sfc95) -
Excellent as always. This one is filled with enough suspense and action to read in one day. I just can't put these down. No new characters to deal with this time around (or at least no main characters) many side stories going at once, a truly great read!
Love this series of Evanovich's books. Easy to read, entertaining, can't put it down once I start.
Oh to be Stephanie Plum...
Oh to be Stephanie Plum...
Janet Evanovich has written another great book! Love this series and this book did not disappoint. I know some people are sick of this series, but I'm still loving it!!
Ashli S. (ashlinicole) reviewed Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) on + 16 more book reviews
Stephanie Plum is sure to delight in this one! Her crazy family and her wild love life leave us begging for more!!
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Stephanie Plum's dream vacation to Hawaii was a bust. She comes back to Trenton to discover that the man she sat next to on the plane was found dead at the airport. Several people are looking for a photograph she once had in her possession. Two men posing as FBI are following her around town. A woman claiming to be the dead man's fiancee wants the picture. And, a Somali hitman named Razzle Dazzle is hot on her trail. Stephanie's biggest problem...her nemesis, Joyce Barnhardt. Joyce is wanted for murder and has moved into Stephanie's apartment and refuses to leave until Stephanie help her.
At eighteen books in the series, there is nothing new going on. Most of this book is a re-hash of Stephanie's previous antics. Stephanie's love life is the same; still choosing between Morelli and Ranger. I used to laugh at this series, but this book barely made me smile. Right now I just read these books out of habit. My rating: 3 Stars.
At eighteen books in the series, there is nothing new going on. Most of this book is a re-hash of Stephanie's previous antics. Stephanie's love life is the same; still choosing between Morelli and Ranger. I used to laugh at this series, but this book barely made me smile. Right now I just read these books out of habit. My rating: 3 Stars.
An easy read, fun as usual. However, this series is very predictable!
Would I have started the series if I had known it would drag on forever? Absolutely not. I could just kick myself!
Now she is sleeping with both men at the same time? When did sluttiness become cute and adorable? Huh?
Now she is sleeping with both men at the same time? When did sluttiness become cute and adorable? Huh?
I read this book and loved it --- however it was not her usual hot romance and the clients she chased were not the usual vivid characters.
This book was as enjoyable as all the books by Janet. I have read every single one and this one does not disapoint. I personally think Janet gets better with every book.
MONICA V. (mvtrekkie) reviewed Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) on + 231 more book reviews
This was one of the best Stephanie Plum books if not the best one I have read yet! It is full of humor all the way through with all the characters showing up in their usual quirky fashion. Ranger and Morelli too! Yum!
Loved it!
Loved it!
Yes, the characters are still up to the same old antics, but I still found them amusing and enjoyed the book. This book seemed a bit shorter to me. I will be looking forward to reading as many future installments as Ms. Evanovich decides to write. I think I would be lost without my Plum fix a couple times a year.
I think this is one of my favorite ones of the series! She has so many of the characters weaving in and out, and Grandma Mazur cracks me up as always!
CAT T. (Hairsprayartist) reviewed Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) on + 38 more book reviews
Got the book from the Library.. and Loved it! This is one of the good ones from Janet. Some of her other ones make me think of the "drug store" books. Predictive and leave you feeling like it's a shell of story. Not this one.. it's well written. And Steph, Granny and Lula leave you in stitches. ;o)
Marilyn M. (IndulgeYourself) -
Reading these books is like wrapping up in a warm, cozy blanket - I feel like I know the characters personally and that the Burg is the neighborhood right next door. As usual, this book made me laugh out loud several times. I just like it better when Stephanie is romancing with her men and not "giving them up". I like a little steam with my stories!
Doesn't seem quite up to par with her other Stephanie Plum books. Seemed to go on longer just to stretch out the story. Will still anxiously await the next book!
Another great installment in the Stephanie Plum series. It's a very fast and enjoyable read.
Like a lot of the other reviewers, I would have liked to have read more about Hawaii. It would have added to the book.
Like a lot of the other reviewers, I would have liked to have read more about Hawaii. It would have added to the book.
I absolutely loved this book as with all the rest s full of fun, witty humor.
Much better than the last few books in this series. Better opening and an ending that keeps you guessing. In between, lots of laughs and suspense.
Great Read. Great addition to the series. Cant wait to read the next one!
Stephanie is in a pickle... trying to escape to Hawaii to solve a problem. Morelli does not join right away. We find her escaping from her two lovers back to Trenton. To discover she's in a hot mess with a dead body at the layover, and fake FBI, and real FBI guys following her, when all she tries to do is her job. This photo stuff goes bonkers, Joyce shows up for a visit. She still loves both Ranger and Morelli. Annie tries to give her a love potion and Lula take it for heartburn and falls for an fta Buggy. This installment it full of mischief and mayhem.
Barbara R. (geckflac) -
I have always liked reading this series, a fast read, but all in all well worth the reads. I just expected a little more on her excursion to Hawaii, yet nothing about her Hawaii escapade. Only "on her way home", and when she gets home in the states. Just expected more about her romp in Hawaii. I feel earlier ones were much better..didnt really get a laugh out of this one. 3 Stars.
Marianna S. (Angeloudi) reviewed Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) on + 160 more book reviews
In spite of some negative reviews, I enjoyed this book immensely. It had a lot of funny, new characters, and hinted at some men drama between Stephanie, Ranger and Morelli that occurred while on vacation in Hawaii. Lula is her usual hilarious self, with lots of wisdom and phobias about love potions, rats, and bad juju. There are lots of laugh out loud moments, as Evanovich never fails to deliver.
Mona R. (raemonie) -
Funny as HELL. been a fan since book One for the money. Didn't like the movie but the book are the BEST.
One of hte funniest books in the series!
She never disapoints...She is Great....
