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Summary: A Great First Effort By Janet Evanovich
Review: I was given this book by a friend who knows I like strong female characters. I wasn't disappointed in the character of Stephanie Plum. She's thrown into bounty hunting by accident, but makes the most of her situation. As the book progresses we get to see Stephanie progress from an incompetant to a, well, still incompetant, but entertaining bounty hunter. Glimpses from her past gives insight into this character. I was able to identify with and like Stephanie Plum, which is necessary for me to really enjoy a book. I loved the tension between Stephanie and Joe Morelli as well. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. When it was finished I raced out to find the next installments in the series. I would highly recommend this book, especially for fans of the Kat Colorado and V.I. Warshawski series.
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Summary: Not Many Books Make Me Laugh Out Loud
Review: I saw Evanovich's newest book, Four to Score, in the bookstore and thought it sounded good so I looked for the first in the series so I could check out this author the cheaper way -- paperback! I expected the book to be a lot like Grafton's work and in some ways, it was. The violence did surprise me a bit but I still really liked the book and have bought Two and Three. I don't remember ever reading a good mystery that also made me laugh.
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Summary: Save your time
Review: I had never heard of this book or its author until seeing the same on Amazon. The reviews were good. Everyone seemed to like it, so I thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, the book must rank amongst the worst I've ever read, particularly as regards the standard of writing.The plot had some interest but was pretty transparent; the sort of thing that may just make an OK TV mini-series. The main character seems a bit shallow given all the problems she's supposed to have had and the others are not much better. One character, supposedly the bounty hunter to end all bounty hunters has to retire hurt part way through because of a minor wound. The other main character, Morelli, is hardly credible at all. Supposedly a run of the mill cop, he appears to have had similar training to James Bond. All that mixed with poor grammar (I know it's not everything but the writing itself shouldn't make your teeth go on edge, as it does with this book) results in a very disapponting read. Finally, perhaps someone should tell the writer of the back cover notes that "shagging" obviously has an entirely different meaning in the States as it does in England (!)
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Summary: Fast-paced, exciting, and funny!
Review: I absolutly loved this book. I was particularly interested in the relationship between Stephanie Plumb and Joe Morelli. It seemed to mirror many of the romantic entanglements I myself have experienced as have many of my friends. Although the violence in the book is graphic, especially when Stephanie meets up with Ramirez. I could not stop reading because of the plot development and the overall excellent writing. My favorite character was Grandma Mazur. What a hoot! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a little humor thrown in.
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Summary: Guffawed out loud!
Review: This book has it all -- murder, thrills, romance, and last but not least, laughs! I love a good mystery, but it's been ages since I also laughed out loud while reading one. In fact, my laughter was so contagious that my husband also laughed out loud (Stephanie's grandmother is exactly as outspoken as my mother...I can see my mom saying the same kinds of things.). Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!! Brava, Ms. Evanovich!
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Summary: terrific writing style, but a little short
Review: One for the Money moves at an almost perfect pace. The daily activities of Stephanie Plum in her hilarious adventures as a novice bounty hunter are written with a terrific wit and eloquent writing style. There is one thing that puzzles me, though. How does one shoot 5 rounds into a 1-inch group with the gun inside a shoulder bag? Especially with only a couple hundred rounds of practice? It's statistically impossible, but is only a minor headscratcher. Evanovich also wrote a supporting character out of the story with a wound, which was the point that the story abruptly switched gears with Stephanie doing a remarkable jump from novice bounty hunter to intermediate bounty hunter with only a few days of experience. Another headscratcher, but still not too major. All in all, a good story, and a terrific writing style that puts many bestselling authors to shame. Just wish she had a few more pages to avoid the small blips in the storyline.
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Summary: Funny, scarey, and very well-plotted.
Review: I've been looking for a new mystery author for a while. A friend of mine recommended Evanovich and I bought this book. I was caught up immediately but was so horrified by her initial encounter with Ramirez that I almost quit! (Shows how well Evanovich draws her plot events.) But I was already hooked with Stephanie, Ranger, Grandma Mazur and Morelli and just could not do it. This is a truly well-constructed plot with wonderfully developed characters. Yes, I sound like the English major that I was. But what kept me going was Evanovich's ability to draw you further and further into the story. And to make you really feel a part of it as it progresses - makes you feel Stephanie's emotions as she struggles to conquer her new profession, her crazy family, relationship with Morelli and financial situation. Only problem is that I now can't get a hold of book 2. But will continue to do so until I get my hands on it. Will continue to read her until I run out of books.
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Summary: Best New Series I've Found in a Long Time!
Review: I read the second book, "Two for the Dough," first and had to rush out to find the first book in the series. After many stops, I finally laid my hands on "One for the Money." I wasn't disappointed. Although the second book made me laugh harder than I've laughed in a long time from reading a book, the "One for the Money" came pretty close. This book had a truly frightening evil character in it. I'm not often nervous while reading, but this brutal character had me shivering and checking that my doors and windows were locked. After that, it sounds like you couldn't possibly find anything to laugh at, but believe me, at times you can hardly stop. Let's see, there's the pawning of her worldly goods, her car problems, Joe Morelli's car problems, her history with Joe Morelli, her current status with Joe Morelli, her bounty hunter training under Ranger, how her family treats her and each other, and so on and so on. If you like funny mysteries, this is one to sink your teeth into!
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Summary: Too much violence against women
Review: I had no idea that this book contained so many graphic depictions of violence against women -- I was truly surprised. I had to quit about half the way through. I am a fan of the Kinsey Millhone mysteries by writer Sue Grafton. I was on the wrong track thinking this would be similar! I am just not entertained by descriptions of trussed-up women and brutal, bloody sexual violence. Ugh.
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Summary: Let's hear it for the Plum-ster
Review: One for the Money was being given away by a local bookstore as a promotion, so I picked up a copy and put it on my shelf, thinking that if they were giving it away, it couldn't be very good. A year or so later I read it while on holidays, and now I am hooked. Ordered Two for the Dough and Three to Get Deadly from Amazon, and am looking forward to the next one coming out in paperback. Stephanie Plum is a hero of the 90s, with her pet hamster, ornery grandmother, and non-existent sex life. Keep on writing, Ms. Evanovich, we want more!!
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