if you know Joe Morelli, Stephanie Plum and Lula, I want to talk to you!

[Kirby]

My favorite was 13! Just read the new one and wasn't thrilled. A lot of the same old stuff.

I am looking forward to the movie in January even though I'm not 100% sure on the casting! The only one who is perfect to me is Sherri Shephard as Lula. She is exactly who I picture when I read!

My ideal cast would have been....
Stephanie: Alyssa Milano
Joe: Eddie Cibrian
Ranger: ?
Grandma: the old lady on Desperate Housewives
Joyce or Connie: Marissa Tomei

I could really see Shemar Burton who plays Morgan on Criminal Minds play Ranger. But my first pick would be The Rock but he's not young enough now.

me neither -- she's too young and nice looking for Grandma M. I was picturing someone not so ........you know..........fashionable. I was thinking gray hair and older looking.

How about Cloris Leachman? I'm thinking Doris Day is too nice looking too but makeup artists can work wonders.

I just started reading the first one.

It took Book 3 to hook me.

is it important to read these in order?

My lending is out of book 4 but I have 7,8,9. Can I read 7 and then read 4 next? or will it ruin it?

never mind -- found them at the used bookstore.

Now I just "met" Sally and I really like "her"

Definately read them in order to get the full growth of the characters.

The author (Janet Evanovich) fired her agent after book 12 and hired all her family members to be a part of "Evanovich Inc." Her son is now her agent, her daughter is an editor and runs her website, her husband is her business manager.

The books took on a really different tone after that. Much less edgy humor and romance and much more slapstick comedy. Many people believe it is actually the daughter doing much of the actual writing these days. Janet Evanovich herself is in her late 60's now. After book 16 her longtime Publisher (St. Martin's Press) refused to meet her contract price and they dropped her. The contract (Book 17 on) was picked up by Random House for an undisclosed price. It actually does have a much more early Evanovich feel to it than anything that has been published by her in recent years. I believe she is under contract with Random House for 1 more Plum book and then two more Wicked books.

As far as the movie goes, I don't think they had the budget for much A list names beyond Heigel. It was originally slated as a "summer blockbuster" with a July 2011 release date and then they suddenly buried it's release into January 2012. It doesn't make me real hopeful but we'll see. I really hope it's good. At least it didn't go direct to DVD.

If you wanted my advice I'd say read books 1 thru 12 in order. 13 isn't terrible but it reads like a much different book than the earlier ones. It is kind of unsettling to have so much build up in book 12 and then all of those plots really go nowhere. Skip book 14 unless you want to torture yourself. I honestly rate Fearless Fourteen as one of the worst books I've ever read in my entire life. Books 15 and 16 are kind of okay but nowhere near as good as the best books of the series. They also don't build on any previous story lines so if you miss them it is no big deal.

Read 17 which ends in a mini-cliffhanger and then you'll be ready for book 18 which is being released in November I believe.

I was watching a clip on tv about why there isn't a lot of horror movies this year about this time. It's because there aren't any good ones. Most have been slotted to play in January because that's when they put out not so good movies. Maybe that's why it's being opened in January. Or maybe they hope that it will be good enough to make a run at the box office against all the B movies.

 

[SIMJUN]

I have loved these books but do agree that around book 12 or so they seemed to lose something, but I am still reading hoping they get back to what they were. I recently read book 17 and yes, it was beter than the three or four before it.

I am disappointed with the casting.

I always picture Grandma Mazur as more like Estelle from the Golden Girls. I pictured Queen Latifah as Lula (remember I have been reading the books for about 7 years or so).

I have seen the clip in the movie theater last week and it does look better than I expected it to be.

I actually think the books would have made a good tv series.

 

[Kirby]

I have loved these books but do agree that around book 12 or so they seemed to lose something, but I am still reading hoping they get back to what they were. I recently read book 17 and yes, it was beter than the three or four before it.

I am disappointed with the casting.

I always picture Grandma Mazur as more like Estelle from the Golden Girls. I pictured Queen Latifah as Lula (remember I have been reading the books for about 7 years or so).

I have seen the clip in the movie theater last week and it does look better than I expected it to be.

I actually think the books would have made a good tv series.

Me too!

 

[RitaE]

Okay, it's probably embarrassing how much I know about the Stephanie Plum universe but there actually was a TV Pilot episode filmed about 10 years ago.

It was reportedly so atrociously bad that it never aired. Not even in the summer dead air tv time slots after all the real shows go on hiatus.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Okay, it's probably embarrassing how much I know about the Stephanie Plum universe but there actually was a TV Pilot episode filmed about 10 years ago.

It was reportedly so atrociously bad that it never aired. Not even in the summer dead air tv time slots after all the real shows go on hiatus.

do you know who played the characters?

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

who is playing the parts of Steph's mom and dad? I know Debbie Reynolds is Grandma but who's her parents?

And does anyone know if there will be more movies for the next books?

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

As far as the movie goes, I don't think they had the budget for much A list names beyond Heigel.

I wonder if the actors playing Morelli and Ranger have read the books and realize just how much they have to live up to??? in all of our minds anyway. Man, I can't wait.........

 

[FergieTCat]

Megan Mullally (Karen on "Will & Grace") is the closest I come to Connie. Not as her "Karen" character, but generally speaking.

Danny Devito as Vinny.

 

[RitaE]

do you know who played the characters?

eh, I had to Google it. Lynn Collins as Stephanie and that name doesn't even ring a bell for me. As I said, it was supposedly really bad.

I know that there is hope that this will be a movie franchise but I suppose it depends on whether or not the One For The Money shows a following. The books obviously have a pretty strong readership base so there is hope.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

what is your favorite book and why?

I think mine is book #10 and if you've read it, I think you know why.....

 

[Kirby]

Any book that features Grandma alot is a favorite of mine cause she's my favorite character. She really didn't show up much until book 3 so I guess you could say that one is my top favorite.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Number 9. Because, well, I can't say without revealing something to people who haven't read that far yet... Or is it number 8?

 

[overlyspoiled4sure]

I love the Plum series & the other Janet Evanovich books. I only wish I had a close friend to talk with about them. The only friend who would have been interested passed away several years ago. My DD might not like the naughty humor & I know my aunt wouldn't so I'm by myself.

I discovered the series through my DD's former coworker. I was hooked from the beginning. Can't wait for the next one.

As for casting, I'm not happy either. A thread here on the DIS a long time ago hoped for Sandra Bullock as Stephanie, Betty White as Grandma, Queen Latifa (sp?) as Lula. Perfect IMO! I don't remember the choices for Ranger or Joe though & I have no idea who I'd choose.

I like the suggestion of Eddie Cibrian & it would be nice if Adam Rodregez(sp?) from CSI could have a part somewhere; his smile makes me melt!

I plan on dragging my DD to the movie in January; she's read the first book & is working on the second. So we'll see I guess.

 

[wifey1220]

Yes the movie was filmed right here in pittsburgh. It will be out in January 2012, I think. Cant wait
And a new book is being released in November.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Number 9. Because, well, I can't say without revealing something to people who haven't read that far yet... Or is it number 8?

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH it's number Eight!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I cried in parts of book 12. But it all turned out ok.

 

[kaytieeldr]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH it's number Eight!

Right, thanks! I like 9 because they went to Las Vegas. I like any book/show/movie that goes to Las Vegas .

But 8 is my favorite!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Another Plum fan here!! My Mom and I are both fans...I actually started her obession!! We've both read them all! I'm anxiously awaiting the next book, as well as the movie--though I am in agreement that I think the character choices for the movie somewhat stink! And whomever mentioned The Rock playing Ranger- And I think Betty White would have been spot on for Grandma Mazur. I think the one they picked is too young, and too put together! We shall see how it all plays out though!

 

[RitaE]

8 has it's happy parts

But my favorite is 12.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Another Plum fan here!! My Mom and I are both fans...I actually started her obession!! We've both read them all! I'm anxiously awaiting the next book, as well as the movie--though I am in agreement that I think the character choices for the movie somewhat stink! And whomever mentioned The Rock playing Ranger- And I think Betty White would have been spot on for Grandma Mazur. I think the one they picked is too young, and too put together! We shall see how it all plays out though!

I think you are so right about Betty White!

I was a little disappointed about the rock not being ranger but I think the guy they picked is growing on me. I just can't wait for the movie!