REVIEW: #5 One for the Money

Book Cover

Synopsis: (Taken from back of book)

ONE FINE MESS. Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, home to wiseguys, average Joes, and Stephanie Plum, who sports a big attitude and even bigger money problems (since losing her job as a lingerie buyer for a department stre). Stephanie needs cash – fast – but times are tough, and soon she’s force to turn to the last resort of the truly desperate … family.

ONE FALSE MOVE. Stephanie lands a gig at her sleazy cousin Vinnie’s bail bonding company. She’s got no experience. But that doesn’t matter. Neither does the fact that the bail jumper in question is local vice cop Joe Morelli. From the time he first looked up her dress to the time he got into her pants, to the time Steph hit him with her father’s buik, M-o-r-e-l-l-i  has spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. And now the hot guy is in the hot water – wanted for murder.

ONE FOR THE MONEY. Abject poverty is a great motivator for learning new skills, but being trained in the school of hard knocks by people like psycho prizefighter Bentio Ramirez isn’t. Still, if Stephanie can nab Moelli in a week, she’ll make a cool ten grand. All she has to do is become an expert bounty hunter oer night – and keep herself from getting killed before she gets her man…
Review:

What a refreshing book to read after multiple dramatic ones. When it was recommended to me, I was told it was funny – but I just couldn’t imagine how that would be true. Funny? I am surprised, and delighted to say that it was indeed funny – incredibly so. Stephanie Plum is a character unlike any other heroine – full of chicken guts and glory. Stephanie Plum is 1 part Nancy Drew, 1 part Dog the Bounty Hunter, and 1 part irresistible clutz.

Janet Evanovich writes a tale interwoven with #5 One for the Money" href="http://wellreadreviews.com/review-5-one-for-the-money">hysterical (although dysfunctional) characters, mingled in an interesting storyline full of suspense, mystery, humor, and murder.  “One for the Money” was an easy read, and I read in about 24 hours. I found that it was easy to start, but hard to put down. For any reader with a good sense of humor, and a love for mysteries – I highly recommend this book. (Heck – this series!) I cannot wait to read the next one in line, “Two for the Dough”.

Excerpt:

“You seen Shirley lately?” Connie asked. “Shes big as a horse. Must have gained a hundred pounds since high school. I saw her at Margie Manusco’s shower.  She took up three folding chairs when she sat down, and she had her pocketbook filled with Ding Dongs. I guess they were for an emergency… like in case someone beat her to the potato salad.”

“Shirley Gallo? Fat? She was a rail in high school.”

“The Lord moves in mysterious ways.” Connie said.

“Amen.”