Notorious Nineteen discussion

Ditto to previous comment. "only reading because I want to see who Stephanie ends up with" I don't see an end to the series. It seems that this series is just an income stream for the author. Paragraphs can be cut from one book and pasted right into the next book, no thinking/writing involved. What I find most problematic is the character de-development. Lula was a heck of a lot smarter in the first several books. And Stephanie was smarter and savvier in previous books. This series used to make me laugh out loud and want tell other readers how funny it was. Not so anymore.

Yes this is a book series one reads on the beach, or after reading Tolstoy or Hemmingway. Books you read for fun. At book number 19 Ms Evanovich is just recycling too much from previous books (think donut scenes) and is, in this avid reader’s mind, only writing for an income stream.

Well, I have to agree...your comments pretty much sum up exactly what I feel about this series and where the author is going with it. I agree that there is so much of the cut and paste going on that there is probably less than 50% of the book that is new information. The series used to be so much fun to read with laugh out loud parts in the books but now it just seems to be lukewarm at best. It's sad but I do agree with you that it appears that the only reason this series is continuing is because of an income stream for the author.

I'm not so sure. It seemed to me that it flagged partway through and is picking up steam again. I love that this particular protagonist is so flawed. She doesn't magically solve crimes; sometimes she just makes everything worse. She totally cracks me up. Yes, I agree, a light read. It will never be great literature, but it sure is fun. I will read twenty when it comes roaring 'round the bend. Not crazy about the housewife books that Evanovich "cowrites" with someone else (her ideas but the other author's actual writing).

I to am getting tired of this series and having also been reading to find out who Stephanie ends up with. I did think this one was a little better then the last few. Good for a quick, mindless read.

I missed the last few so 19 held my attention. She is such a master writer, it's always a pleasure to read her works. Her dialog is still excellent.

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My wife got me reading this series. When she read it first she would always be laughing out loud. As I read through the series I too enjoyed those laugh out loud moments. However, I believe that Ms. Evanovich is running out of steam as I am finding those LOL moments far and few between. I just finished "The Heist" co-written by Lee Goldberg - now it was an nice "mindless" read and somewhat comical here and there, just not laugh out loud funny. Just have to wait and see when I call it quits on the Plum series and how far I make it in the "Fox and O'Hare" series.

I haven't READ any of the Plum books - rather I LISTEN to them on CD. They are hilarious!! The voices will crack you up. It doesn't matter what the story line. Lula is hilarious, Ranger is sexy, Vinnie is a twerp, the other characters have their own voices and you have to listen to really appreciate them.

I too am an audio reader, and have 'read' listened to all 19. Recently, I listened to books 1 through 5 a second time. I enjoyed them the second time as much as the first. I find the original narrator, CJ Critt much better at voices than Lorelei King. CJ's Morelli was sexier, Ranger was more mysterious, her Lula was funnier and her Grandma was a "pip".

Alas the series, for me, has lost steam and humor and is need of a good "pick me up". I wonder if MS Evanovich ever sees GR reviews? It appears many GR members think the same...only reading to see if Stephanie chooses between Morelli and Ranger.

Actually, I liked CJ Critt when I first listened to the first books, but when Lorelei King started reading, I didn't like her as much at first, but then took to her. I heard CJ Critt read another book recently (I can't remember which one it was), but I didn't like her much.

Evanovich can write dialogue. She almost writes likes she's writing for a movie audience. As far as allowing her characters to develop however, I just don't think she's got it in her. I cringe sometimes at her turn of phrase. Hackneyed and embarrassing.
I have to agree. This series will never progress.

Nel wrote: "I haven't READ any of the Plum books - rather I LISTEN to them on CD. They are hilarious!! The voices will crack you up. It doesn't matter what the story line. Lula is hilarious, Ranger is sexy,..."

I actually disagree, I have read all of the others but decided to get the audio book for Nineteen. I hated it, Lorelei King who reads them was awful, like one of those cheesy voice over people, silly voices and bad acting. I also kept thinking that she reminded me of Alice? MaryAlice?...the woman who did the voice over on TV for desperate Housewives. Ugh, like nails on a chalkboard.
I wanted something to listen to on the way to work, and seeing as I had paid for it, I was determined to get to the end. I won't be making that mistake again with the same narrator.

Everyone has different opinions - that's what makes the world go 'round! I love Lorelei King's narration! :)

Nel wrote: "I haven't READ any of the Plum books - rather I LISTEN to them on CD. They are hilarious!! The voices will crack you up. It doesn't matter what the story line. Lula is hilarious, Ranger is sexy,..."

OMG I so have to agree. Loralei King is the best. Even when I do read the books, I so read them in the voices she has created for the chacters in my head.

Jenifer wrote: "Nel wrote: "I haven't READ any of the Plum books - rather I LISTEN to them on CD. They are hilarious!! The voices will crack you up. It doesn't matter what the story line. Lula is hilarious, Ran..."

Jenifer - you should try listening to the "Death" books by J.D. Robb. The narrator does a great job with the characters. It's set in the future and will really get you laughing at times. You'll have to forgive all the romantic scenes between Roarke and Eve though!

I have to vote for Lorelei King over CJ Crit. Love the different voices. But I also have to agree that these stories have become rewrites of the same story over and over.

Janet wrote: "I have to vote for Lorelei King over CJ Crit. Love the different voices. But I also have to agree that these stories have become rewrites of the same story over and over."

King is definitely much better than Crit - hands down! The stories are the same-ole, same-ole. I agree. But I would rather have that than no Plum book!

Nel, thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely look those up!

I've read this author since she was pumping out romances. Her pacing is great, she makes you laugh by coming up funny scenes and having her characters get in the weirdest situations. I'm over Lula and the Abbot and Costello routine, but I actually like that she has her cake and eats it too. She's going to end up with Morelli everyone knows that, but until she wants to give up the danger and settle down why not ride it till the wheels fall off.

Stephanie wrote: "I've read this author since she was pumping out romances. Her pacing is great, she makes you laugh by coming up funny scenes and having her characters get in the weirdest situations. I'm over Lula ..."

I love Lula!! She's the meat and potatoes of the storylines!!

Lula and Grandma Mazur are the best. They should team up