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Summary: 'Visions of Sugar Plums' = the worst possible Xmas gift
Review: Being one of the millions of Stephanie Plum fans (Stephanie is the bounty hunter from Jersey, the leading character a delightful comedic crime series by Janet Evanovich) I rushed to purchase 'Visions of Sugar Plums' now that it is finally in paperback form. Boy, what a waste of time and money! Our 'story', such as it is, involves Stephanie and a guardian angel studpuppy she discovers in her apartment one morning (..duh!). Together they embark on some silliness involving elves and beings with supernatural power (..double duh!). Combine this absurdity with very little in the way of humor, a near absence of favorite supporting characters (eg, Lula), and plainly *very weak* prose I am convinced Janet Evanovich wrote this book while sitting on the toilet - because this is where 'Visions of Sugar Plums' belong (..in the toilet). Bottom line: Janet Evanovich does her fans a tremendous unjustice with this laughly BAD effort. Don't read it even if it you get it as an Xmas gift.
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Summary: Is it wise to change genres in mid-character?
Review: Generally, not, and this unexceptional and slightly muddled story proves that point. I picked it up expected "detective story" meets "Christmas fun" and, although I kept turning the pages, it was with the depressing sense of urgency simply to knock off the book so that I could return to the hunt for something more along the lines of what I'd expected to find here. Still, the characters are fun and some of the situations are pretty funny. The story, which will wear best for habitués of Plum-world, almost hits and, even in its wide miss, offers some entertainment.
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Summary: Good for relieving holiday stress
Review: Christmas has caught Stephanie Plum unawares this year. The holiday is only a few days away and she doesn't have presents or a tree. What she does have is a strange man in her apartment. She's not too rattled because, lets face it, this isn't the first time she's found a strange man in her apartment. His name is Diesel and he seems harmless enough and is even willing to help Stephanie track down bail hopping toy maker, Sandy Claws. But when they find Sandy, Diesel may not be too willing to hand him over. This Stephanie Plum side story takes place between the 8th and 9th books but can really be read at any time. Unless you are fanatical about avoiding spoilers. I liked this one for the most part. Stephanie and Christmas cheer make a hilarious combination. There were even a few scenes that had me laughing uncontrollably. However, I wasn't overly fond of the plot. It was a bit preposterous even for Stephanie Plum. Fans of the series will surly enjoy this book and it's also good for relieving holiday stress.
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Summary: Stephanie Plum for the Holidays
Review: At five days until Christmas, Stephanie Plum's holidays aren't looking so merry. She's trying to catch a man by the name of Sandy Claws, who has recently jumped bail, and that's sucking her energy away, the way a vampire sucks life out of a mortal. She has no Christmas tree, no presents for anyone, and no lights twinkling around her apartment. But what she does have, is a strange man, named Diesel, in her kitchen. Now this Diesel is trailing Stephanie day in, and day out, and she can't shake him. The only thing she can do is take him along for the ride, even if it aggravates her, and kills him. After all, how many non-family members can possible take spending the holidays with Stephanie's crazy family? VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS is a welcome holiday addition to the Stephanie Plum series. Stephanie's family, and their holiday traditions are outrageously funny, and absolutely crazy; and Diesel is a fun new man in Stephanie's life. Fans of the previous Stephanie Plum novels will relish in this holiday addition to the series. A must-have. Erika Sorocco
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Summary: Sparkling Christmas Plum
Review: I was astonished to read so many negative reviews of this utterly delightful story. I read it three times last Christmas, and may well read it three times again this Christmas. Hilariously funny like all the Plum novels, and with all the delightful supporting characters there, Lula and Grandma Mazur and Valerie and Albert kloughn etc, what more could anyone want. I did feel a slight pang of discontent though when Diesel appeared. "She's already got TWO gorgeous men lusting after her" I found myself thinking rather sulkily "does she really need a third?" But what the hell, it is Christmas after all, why shouldn't she? The scene where she is attacked by crazy elves is particularly funny. How can anyone who loves the Stephanie plum novels not love this one too? It beats me.
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Summary: Fantastic as usual!!!
Review: JE has done it again with this book, what a treat!!! I can't remember laughing so hard at a story before. I had a really good time with this one!!! Keep em' coming JE!!!
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Summary: What happened?
Review: I love the Stephanie Plum series enough that I suffered through this book. It was too improbable and unbelievable even for a Plum book. What happened Janet? Read it so you can keep the flow of the series but don't buy it. Check it out from the library.
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Summary: Written by Bizarro Janet???
Review: Just as Superman has Bizarro Superman, there is clearly a Bizarro Janet Evanovich out there who wrote this horrible, awful, REALLY, REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEALLY BAD book under the name of OUR Janet Evanovich's! WILL THE REAL JANET PLEASE STAND UP? I don't know where the idea was conceived to publish this "Twilight Zone at Christmas," wanna-be novel-ette, but I was COMPLETELY disappointed and even horrified by this book! The storyline was so bizarre and unplausible, yet never completely explained. I'm grasping for words to express how utterly confused and dismayed I was by this book, which I purchased to read during a short flight to visit my new in-laws during the Xmas holiday. After a few chapters, I knew I'd return the book when I got home. Unfortunately, I was unable to because I left it behind. I really wanted my money back for this book. I wouldn't keep it if someone handed out free copies! The book was so awful that I was embarassed to ask my in-laws to send it back to me for fear they'd wonder why I ever purchased such a book in the first place. If anyone remembers how Superman ever vanquished Bizarro Superman, maybe they can give Janet some tips so we'll be saved the trouble of purchasing such a mockery of her true writing talents again!
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Summary: Visions of Sugar Plums
Review: If this book is an example of Ms Evanovich's work, she should be ashamed. This is absolutely the WORST book I have ever read bar none. I regret having spent even one penny on it not to mention full cost.She, her publishers, and agent should be ashamed!!! I am sure this review will not be printed, but, at least, I vented my spleen. I would never read another book by her. Mary Davis
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Summary: A real disappointment
Review: For all you Stephanie Plum Fans, I wouldn't bother buying this book. In my opinion its a waste of time. Its a collection of short stories and if I recall correctly there is only one about Stephanie Plum, which was a good little story. Other than that, it was a disappointing read. I wouldn't recommend it and if this has been your only exposure to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, don't give up hope! Start reading the normal Stephanie Plum novels they are much more fun!
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