Any Janet Evanovich Fans Out There?

[*NikkiBell*]

I have never read one of her books, but I am interested in Finger Lickin' Fifteen. I just read a little bit about it online and thought it might be a fun one to check out. Any fans out there? Do you like her work? What can I expect?

BTW, for fans, check this out. It was sent to me from Borders this morning.

http://fingerlickinfifteen.com/index.html?id=2#/burg/

[ladeedeb]

I really like her books. They are simple reads. Very funny, quirky. Some are a bit better than others. In fact, I like the earlier ones better, but they are all good for a quick, fun read. :thumbsup2

[*NikkiBell*]

Should I start with any book in particular or just try the new one and go from there? Will it matter at all?

[WaltD4Me]

Should I start with any book in particular or just try the new one and go from there? Will it matter at all?

I've read all her books, I'm sure you can read the new one without reading all the others, but there is quite a backstory, so I would recommend reading the first one, One for the Money at least before 15. I like the early ones the best though, one through five or six. They are very funny, I always found myself laughing out loud at some point. It's getting to be a bit much now that we are book 15, but I still enjoy them and will read the new one.

[mainegal]

Many of my library patrons LOVE her books. Laugh out loud while you are reading them. Do start at the beginning.

[smphbear]

I just finished 15. It was good... like the others. I got my copy through our local library.

I took it on a road trip. My mom and sisters were jealous that I got it before it was officially released.

I would recommend starting at the beginning, but she is good at giving background if you just want to read one.

Enjoy!

[WaltD4Me]

Thanks for the link to that website Nikki! I just checked it out and that is really pretty cool! The bailsbond office is pretty much just like I pictured it!

[spaddy]

I have read 1-5 and I like them. I have been wanting to read the rest, but I haven't made it to the library in awhile. I will have to look at that link.

[RutgersAlum]

NikkiBell, I see you're a Jersey Girl, you'll appreciate the references to Rutgers, the Turnpike, Route 1, Trenton, etc. I read most of them (I think I missed the last few) and they are indeed quick & quirky reads. A rag-tag female bounty hunter, you gotta love that.

I agree with the PP who recommended you read book One first, though. There are love connections and past love connections (which are now evil "ex-" connections) that would make the current books much clearer. :thumbsup2

ENJOY!

[*NikkiBell*]

Cool about the Jersey references! I assumed something had a connection because of how that website was described in my Borders email. I'll start with the first book being that everyone suggests doing so. I am excited to start! :)

[hideeh]

Ditto what everyone else said. LOVE Evanovich! I have had my copy on preorder through a book club for almost two months! Start at # 1...that way you will understand all the backstory. They are super quick and fun to read.

Enjoy!

[daneenm]

I enjoy her Stephanie Plum series. Have read them all in order. You can read them out of order but you won't get all of the nuances necessarily. They are a fun, light read.

[TXYankee]

The books are light and funny!

Great summer reads!

[taylor3297]

I would for sure read them in order so you understand the relationships she has with all of the different characters.

[Stacy's a freak]

Another fan and another vote to read them in order. I haven't read the latest 2 or 3. I'm sad that even though they are enjoyable, I wish the relationship/love aspects would resolve somehow. With that said, please don't spoil it for me if it has since my last read! ;)

[DisneyKevin]

Y'all convinced me.

I bought the first book for my Kindle while we recording.

I love my Kindle.

[Tonya2426]

Y'all convinced me.

I bought the first book for my Kindle while we recording.

I love my Kindle.

You're gonna love it!! I read in bed at night and whenever I read one of the Stephenie Plum books I always wake up the dog from laughing so loud.

[Annette_VA]

Huge Stephanie Plum fan here! I've read them all. I highly recommend reading them in order.

Unfortunately, I had to buy the hardback version of 15 because it's not available for the Kindle :mad: All the others are, so I don't know why 15 isn't??

[sweetmama]

Just picked up her new one today at Walmart.

[AnneR]

I like her too. I have been getting her books from the library and I did not read them in order. You can do it but I would recommend reading them in order if you have the option.

[Anjiebaby]

I'm so excited yay:yay: a new Stephanie Plum book.
I needed a new book I was excited about. I have been rationing my last book so I didn't finish it before I found a new one to read.

[clombardi]

NikkiBell, I see you're a Jersey Girl, you'll appreciate the references to Rutgers, the Turnpike, Route 1, Trenton, etc. I read most of them (I think I missed the last few) and they are indeed quick & quirky reads. A rag-tag female bounty hunter, you gotta love that.

I agree with the PP who recommended you read book One first, though. There are love connections and past love connections (which are now evil "ex-" connections) that would make the current books much clearer. :thumbsup2

ENJOY!

This is so true! I went to Trenton State College (now College of New Jersey), and there are so many references to streets, neighborhoods, and businesses in the area. It is so funny! I also agree that it would be better to start at the first book.

If you wind up liking Evanovich, you should try Sue Grafton, too.

[nashville_minnie]

yea! me too, me too! i love the stephanie plum series! our library always has such a long wait list for the new ones though, so it may be a while before i get to number 15. holy cow, i remember counting down for number 5 to be released.

when are they going to get down to business and make a stephanie plum movie??? i vote sandra bullock to play the lead! oh, and sherri shepherd would be perfect for Lula!!:goodvibes

[Tonya2426]

a little trivia:

Janet Evanovich's daughter Alex had her wedding at Disney World.

It used to be on her website but it looks like they have updated the site and I don't seem to see it now.

[*NikkiBell*]

See, *I* was right this time, Kevin.

I'm going to buy the first book tomorrow. :)

[YoYoAurora]

I'm listening to the latest Stephanie Plum novel now. Let the laughter begin! :lmao:

If you can, read or listen to them in order. They are very funny in places. I've gotten some strange looks from other drivers on the road because I was roaring with laughter. :rolleyes1

-- Susan

[PaulaW]

This is my first post on this board, I'm a lurker....

But I have to recommend reading Janet Evanovich's books. Yes, they are easy reads. But they are laugh out loud funny. My husband gives me the strangest looks when I break out in giggles reading in bed....

Paula

[daneenm]

If you wind up liking Evanovich, you should try Sue Grafton, too.

Sue Grafton's 'Alphabet' series is the other one I have read through. I enjoy those s well. Not quite as much humor in them, but more realistic stories.

[robind]

I just want to second, third what everyone said. I love Stephanie. I've listen to all of these, so I tried to download after midnight last night but it was not on the site yet. I did get it this morning and started listening.

I swear the lady that reads these is the same person that does the recorded safety announcements on my Continental flights.

To slightly hijack this thread - for those who have read them - Morelli or Ranger?

[daneenm]

To slightly hijack this thread - for those who have read them - Morelli or Ranger?

You know, it depends on the moment for me. Even within a book I go back and forth. They each have their draws, if you know what I mean ;)

[Willow1213]

To slightly hijack this thread - for those who have read them - Morelli or Ranger?

Mmm... Ranger... I can't wait to see the movie that they're supposedly pitching. I would love to see who they cast as Ranger, Tank, and Hal :rotfl:

[daneenm]

Mmm... Ranger... I can't wait to see the movie that they're supposedly pitching. I would love to see who they cast as Ranger, Tank, and Hal :rotfl:

Who would YOU cast? I had this discussion on another board and the suggestions were interesting.

[TigerTown]

I have also read all of the Plum books (including "between the numbers"). I can honestly say that they are an easy, awesome read for both men and women. Can't wait to get my hands on number 15.

[TigerTown]

Who would YOU cast? I had this discussion on another board and the suggestions were interesting.

My vote for Lula:

http://www.foxnews.com/images/328784/0_61_120507_sherri.jpg

[WaltD4Me]

My vote for Lula:

http://www.foxnews.com/images/328784/0_61_120507_sherri.jpg

Oh! Good one! I always thought of Monique for Lula, but Sherry would be awesome.

I've always pictured Marisa Tomei as Stephanie, but she is really a little too old now.

Brad Cooper would be a good Morelli maybe and The Rock for Ranger definitely. ::yes::

[LovesThumper]

My daughter and I have played the who do you think should play Ranger and Morelli game for a couple of years now. I pictured someone along the line of a younger Antonio Banderas as Ranger. Morelli maybe Matthew McConaghey .
The audio books are a great listen if you drive a lot. There are easy to follow and a couple of the middle number books have a girl with a heavy Jersey accent who is just who I picture as Stephanie Plum- Big hair, short skirts. And you gotta love Grandma - a real Betty White character.

[experiment_627]

My daughter and I have played the who do you think should play Ranger and Morelli game for a couple of years now. I pictured someone along the line of a younger Antonio Banderas as Ranger. Morelli maybe Matthew McConaghey .
The audio books are a great listen if you drive a lot. There are easy to follow and a couple of the middle number books have a girl with a heavy Jersey accent who is just who I picture as Stephanie Plum- Big hair, short skirts. And you gotta love Grandma - a real Betty White character.

Marilyn!! :hug::hug::hug: How are you and Skip doing?? I sent you a PM awhile ago. We still talk about what a great time we had with you guys!!

Ok, just so I am not hijacking...I have listened to 1-5 on audio book. I keep looking for 6 at the library. I may have to break down and buy it, so I can continue. Love Janet Evanovich!

[OKW Lover2]

I agree that starting at the beginning is the best bet. I've enjoyed every one of them but take some time off between them. They are somewhat alike. She has some really funny things in them.

[MonkeyPants]

love the series, great characters. Its not great 'literature', but its damn entertaining, I will be picking up 15 tomorrow

[SweetMimi]

I am a big fan of her books and would suggest reading them in order. When I happened upon her book, I was in the library, picked up 5 and was able to keep up but definitely do not start at 15! I have since read all of them and they are all entertaining some better than others but always interesting. 15 seems to be pretty good so far. I'm not a big fan of the between the numbers books but I do read them when they come out.

Does anyone know of another author that has books along the same lines - mystery, light, fun? I found some things by Laura Levine that were good while I waited for this book to come out and Gemma Halliday. Their books are along the same lines. I tried JA Konrath and they were a little too hard core for me!

YUM on The Rock for Ranger! That would be one ticket sold to the movie for sure :thumbsup2. Sherri Shepard or Monique would be good for Lula and the lady that played the Mom on Golden Girls would be a good Grandma Mazur. Morelli???? let me think on that one.

[MonkeyPants]

picked it up earlier and about a 1/4 of the way through already. I love her books, you can just shut off half your brain and relax. (please note that is not an insult)

[lisah0711]

picked it up earlier and about a 1/4 of the way through already. I love her books, you can just shut off half your brain and relax. (please note that is not an insult)

Ummm! I love bubble gum for the brain! :rotfl:

[MonkeyPants]

Ummm! I love bubble gum for the brain! :rotfl:


no doubt, her books are the literary equivalent of a popcorn flick...speaking of which I really hope I find the time to see Transformers tomorrow

[WaltD4Me]

I am a big fan of her books and would suggest reading them in order. When I happened upon her book, I was in the library, picked up 5 and was able to keep up but definitely do not start at 15! I have since read all of them and they are all entertaining some better than others but always interesting. 15 seems to be pretty good so far. I'm not a big fan of the between the numbers books but I do read them when they come out.

Does anyone know of another author that has books along the same lines - mystery, light, fun? I found some things by Laura Levine that were good while I waited for this book to come out and Gemma Halliday. Their books are along the same lines. I tried JA Konrath and they were a little too hard core for me!

YUM on The Rock for Ranger! That would be one ticket sold to the movie for sure :thumbsup2. Sherri Shepard or Monique would be good for Lula and the lady that played the Mom on Golden Girls would be a good Grandma Mazur. Morelli???? let me think on that one.

The "Bubbles" series is similiar to the Stephanie books, in fact the author, Sarah Strohmeyer is friends with Janet Evanovich, I think Janet sort of was her mentor. I don't like them as much, but they are entertaining. (Bubbles is a mystery solving hairdresser trying to be a newspaper reporter)

I also LOVE The Southern Sisters mysteries by Anne Carol George. Not quite as bawdy as Stephanie and no Ranger or Morelli, but I laugh just as much reading the sisters as about Stephanie. Anne George died a few years ago and I cried like I lost a friend, her books are some of the few I re-read.

I have always pictured Estelle Geddy (from the Golden Girls) as Grandma Mazur, but sadly she passed away last year. :sad1: I'm thinking Bradley Cooper now for Morelli, he is absolutely YUMMY, but rugged enough too.

[tn4mickey]

I agree with everyone be sure to read them in order. I read Fourteen yesterday (I wait for paperbacks, too cheap to buy hardback books!) and thought the story was better than some but there were not as many laugh out loud happenings. I love Grandma Mazur! My sister and I have been trying to cast the characters also. We had come up with Sandra Bullock as Stephanie too. I think she had suggested Vin Diesel for Ranger but we hadn't come up with Morelli either, I can't seem to think of any age appropriate Italian actors.

[*NikkiBell*]

Okay, yas convinced me to get the first book to start off with. I'm going to begin it soon. :)

[lisah0711]

I also like Joanne Fluke -- not as bawdy as Evanovich. Her main character is the kinder, gentler midwestern version but still a good read and good if you like to cook because she has lots of recipes. More bubblegum for the brain!

[Mason's Mom]

Love Love Love Her!!!:lovestruc

Just got my copy of Finger Lickin Fifteen yesterday. I have read all her books even her small paperback romance books.

[robind]

The "Bubbles" series is similiar to the Stephanie books, in fact the author, Sarah Strohmeyer is friends with Janet Evanovich, I think Janet sort of was her mentor. I don't like them as much, but they are entertaining. (Bubbles is a mystery solving hairdresser trying to be a newspaper reporter)


I love Bubbles - she is great, I wish she would come out with more.

I also like Joanne Fluke -- not as bawdy as Evanovich. Her main character is the kinder, gentler midwestern version but still a good read and good if you like to cook because she has lots of recipes. More bubblegum for the brain!

I just started reading Joanne - I'm reading the Strawberry Cheesecake Murder.

I also like Diane Mott Davidson - her main character is Goldie Shultz, who's a caterer. There are recipes in her books as well. I just finished Fatally Flaky.

I can't think of a good Morelli - maybe they could do nationwide talent search???? How about an aged Fran Drescher as Grandma Mazur?

[lisah0711]

I just started reading Joanne - I'm reading the Strawberry Cheesecake Murder.

I also like Diane Mott Davidson - her main character is Goldie Shultz, who's a caterer. There are recipes in her books as well. I just finished Fatally Flaky.

I can't think of a good Morelli - maybe they could do nationwide talent search???? How about an aged Fran Drescher as Grandma Mazur?

Hmmm, I will check out Diane Mott Davidson -- I am collecting books to read on my vacation next month. I like Fran Drescher as Grandma Mazur.

What about this guy for Morelli? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1832801/ I did a wikipedia search for italian american actors and looked by age. He's pretty cute whoever he is! :lovestruc

[WaltD4Me]

Hmmm, I will check out Diane Mott Davidson -- I am collecting books to read on my vacation next month. I like Fran Drescher as Grandma Mazur.

What about this guy for Morelli? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1832801/ I did a wikipedia search for italian american actors and looked by age. He's pretty cute whoever he is! :lovestruc

He's cute, but I'm still thinking Bradley Cooper, darken his hair just a touch...

http://images.starpulse.com/pictures/2008/08/23/thumbs130/Bradley%20Cooper-JTM-038555.jpg

Too bad Fran Dresher is a bit too old, she might make a good Joyce Barndhardt. I love Fran Dresher, I wish should do another series.

[robind]

He's cute, but I'm still thinking Bradley Cooper, darken his hair just a touch...

http://images.starpulse.com/pictures/2008/08/23/thumbs130/Bradley%20Cooper-JTM-038555.jpg

Too bad Fran Dresher is a bit too old, she might make a good Joyce Barndhardt. I love Fran Dresher, I wish should do another series.

He might work.

OMG - if you haven't read 15 - wait until you find out what happens to Joyce :lmao:

[SweetMimi]

Ok, so how about Jason Gedrick for Morelli? He was in The Last Don Movie on TV and some other shows. I always thought he was pretty hot :cool1:, just not sure if he is the right age. I don't think I can paste a picture on here :confused3. Fran Drescher would be funny for Joyce or maybe Connie. Debbie Mazur -from Entourage - would make a good Joyce. I don't know who I can see as Stephanie......Scarlet Johansen with dark hair could probably pull off the goofy/smart combo. Sandra Bullock is another good choice.

[Tonya2426]

Finished Finger Lickin' Fifteen yesterday and loved it!!!

I laughed more reading this book than any of the first 14 books. And this one had almost enough Ranger in it for me - some of the books he is MIA more than I like. :rolleyes1

And Sherri Shepard would be perfect as Lulu. I kept imagining her voice as Lulu while I was reading the book and her voice just fit in. Although she may need to gain some weight if she loses any more.