Who Would Like This Book:
If you love a good laugh with your mysteries, Janet Evanovich’s 'One for the Money' is like a sitcom-meets-crime-caper, introducing the lovable hot mess that is Stephanie Plum. Stephanie’s rookie bounty hunter escapades in Jersey are packed with snappy dialogue, quirky family drama, off-the-wall side characters (hello, Grandma Mazur!), and a delicious will-they-won’t-they dynamic with a bad boy cop. The story’s greatest strength is its humor - if you want a mystery that's more about colorful characters, witty banter, and lighthearted chaos than hardcore sleuthing, this series is for you. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, chick-lit, or just need a little escapism with lots of giggles.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone gets swept away by Plum’s slapstick adventures - if you’re looking for deep, complex mysteries or prefer your heroines super-competent from the start, this might not be your jam. Some readers are put off by the bumbling amateur detective style, with Stephanie making her fair share of rookie mistakes. The humor can sometimes veer into over-the-top, and the plot leans more on character antics than intricate whodunits. If you’re sensitive to dated references (published in the '90s) or want your mysteries with edge and grit (or with more feminist bite), you might find this fluffier than you’d like.
About:
'One for the Money' by Janet Evanovich is the first book in the Stephanie Plum series, introducing readers to the hilarious and endearing protagonist, Stephanie Plum. The story follows Stephanie as she embarks on a new career as a bounty hunter, taking on her first assignment to apprehend Joe Morelli, an ex-fling with a complicated history. The book is known for its entertaining mix of mystery, humor, and fast-paced storytelling, with witty dialogue and quirky characters that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Evanovich's writing style in 'One for the Money' is described as funny, light-hearted, and fast-paced, making it a perfect choice for readers looking for a fun and easy read. The book is praised for its blend of suspenseful elements with comedic moments, creating a delightful mix of humor and intrigue as Stephanie navigates the world of bounty hunting in Trenton, New Jersey.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes of violence and sexual assault, which could be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
There is a significant romantic subplot involving Stephanie's complicated relationships with two male characters.
From The Publisher:
Meet Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter with attitude. In Stephanie's opinion, toxic waste, rabid drivers, armed schizophrenics, and August heat, humidity, and hydrocarbons are all part of the great adventure of living in Jersey.
She's a product of the "burg," a blue-collar pocket of Trenton where houses are attached and narrow, cars are American, windows are clean, and (God forbid you should be late) dinner is served at six.
Out of work and out of money, Stephanie blackmails her bail-bondsman cousin Vinnie into giving her a try as an apprehension agent. Stephanie knows zilch about the job requirements, but she figures her new pal, el-primo bounty hunter Ranger, can teach her what it takes to catch a crook. Her first assignment: nail Joe Morelli, a former vice cop on the run from a charge of murder one. Morelli's the inamorato who charmed Stephanie out of her virginity at age sixteen. There's still powerful chemistry between them, so the chase should be interesting…and could also be extremely dangerous.
Ratings (205)
Incredible (17) | |
Loved It (66) | |
Liked It (77) | |
It Was OK (32) | |
Did Not Like (8) | |
Hated It (5) |
Reader Stats (351):
Read It (212) | |
Want To Read (81) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (55) |
4 comment(s)
Didn't realize I've already read this but didn't remember much of it. This keeps it's original 3 stars. It was an okay book, might want to continue with this but isn't overly excited about it.
Another entertaining read, disposable but well-written. The ending wrapped things up just a little bit too perfectly, with the villain explaining his nefarious plan in detail while a recording device was present, but... nobody's perfect, y'know?
Re-read. Love Evanovich for her comedy.
Stephanie Plum is everyone's favorite character from her never-give-up attitude to her heart-thumping romances with two hot guys she can never chose between. Even though this review is for the first book, I've read them all, and her (and her friend's) exploits never get old.
What can you read after
One for the Money?
About the Author:
Over the last twenty-five years, Janet Evanovich has written a staggering twenty-four #1 New York Times bestsellers in the Stephanie Plum series. In addition to the Plum novels, Janet has coauthored the New York Times bestselling Fox and O'Hare series, the Knight and Moon series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, the Alexandra Barnaby novels, and the graphic novel, Troublemaker (with her daughter, Alex Evanovich).
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