The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Kellie wrote: "I've read all the Plum books. I enjoy them and find myself laughing out loud. The characters are great. Especially Grandma and Lula. However, I really think this series needs a shake up. I feel lik..."

I couldn't have said it better myself... way too formulaic anymore.

I'm new to Stephanie Plum! I've just read the first one, loved it and ordered the next three which came today. I don't know why but I expected a 'fluffy' book which it isn't - maybe thats why I put off reading them for ages. Anyway I'm hooked now!

Don't get me wrong... I adore the series and her quirky characters... but as the series goes on, the fluff factor increases.... however, they're always a fun read.

The first few books are the best.
There are a few in between that are great too! (like #10)
If you need a break from the deep and the dark, this is a fun interruption.....:)

Love love love this series! Come back to them frequently when I've had enough of my often heavy-going reading choices. I love that Stephanie makes me laugh out loud and Grandma Mazur is just priceless!

Has anyone read the In-Between-the Number Series? I've audioed Plum Lovin', which I thought was okay and now I'm doing Plum Spooky. I think the Plum Spooky one is much funnier. Lula has me cracking up with her sneezing and farting. lol.

Jackie wrote: "Has anyone read the In-Between-the Number Series? I've audioed Plum Lovin', which I thought was okay and now I'm doing Plum Spooky. I think the Plum Spooky one is much funnier. Lula has me crackin..."

I have read all the in between books. they are all okay, but I don't think are as good as the regular books. They are all pretty short though so it is worth the time so you don't miss out on anything.

No, but that is on my list.

I got tired of Stephanie after about 6 books. I did like Sally Sweet and Lulu, but even those get old after a while.

I'm a recent fan of Stephanie Plum! A friend of mine had nee raving about her for ages but I mistakenly thought they were a bit too 'soft and girly' for me but I was wrong. I've only read the first one but enjoyed it so much went straight Amazon and bought the next three! And I've converted another friend who borrowed allof mine and read the lot!

I really enjoyed the first one or two. I don't remember if it was the seond or third that really started turning me off. It is amazing how quickly I started disliking these people.

The last one I tried to read I only made it to about page 75 and I just couldn't go on.

I liked the 2nd better than the 1st, but I can see how they might get old pretty fast. I'm spacing them out as much as I can.

I'm spacing them out too. I think if you reckon if you read them all one after the other they could get boring.

I read Finger Lickin' Fifteen a couple of weeks ago. I've read all of the books, and I guess they're over the top with the explosions, etc., but I always get a laugh or two, which is priceless. This last one made me laugh out loud several times, so I'm happy.

Maggie wrote: "I'm spacing them out too. I think if you reckon if you read them all one after the other they could get boring."


I have to agree spacing them out makes a big difference. They're very predictable, but funny and quick reads when you just need something to pass the time.

Just finished One for the Money and really did enjoy it. Great characters and setting.

Heather wrote: "I'm finally starting on this series! I'm listening to the audio book and am loving getting to hear the character's accents. I'm only on chapter 3, but really enjoying it so far. I think this is goi..."

Just saw your message now Heather. Who are the actors on the audio? With NY-NJ accents I bet that is fun!

Donna, I thought you had read this series already!

Hi Hayes, Unbelievably I have not and I really don't know why. In addition to the good story the descriptions of the 90s clothes and hair are hilarious.

Aren't they just! I grew up between NY and NJ so can imagine all the voices in my head. I laughed all the way through. The second one is even better!

I grew up in NE Pennsylvania and lived for a time in Philadelphia so I knew a number of mothers like Mrs. Morelli and Mrs. Plum.

I've gotten so many laughs from this series. It's not serious literature, but who cares? By the way, I don't think it's easy to write a truly funny book.

I agree that writing a funny book isn't easy. This is the one "funny" series that I've always enjoyed. I'm very fond of Stephanie and Evanovich writes great, if unfortunately slightly unrealistic, men.

I've just started the first one ... thought I would see why it is so popular with many .... have found myself laughing already ....

And don't we all need a laugh these days!

Just finished sizzling sixteen. I love these books, I can laugh out loud as I read them and I enjoy the development of all the characters. I love Grandma Mazur and the descriptions of her dad's reaction to things.

Looking forward to getting a little Grandma Mazur and Ranger fix... thanks for reminding me that the new one is out.

PS - I'm number 1,167 on the library list... a new record for me... WOW!

Heidi wrote: "Looking forward to getting a little Grandma Mazur and Ranger fix... thanks for reminding me that the new one is out.

PS - I'm number 1,167 on the library list... a new record for me... WOW!"

Don't hold your breath, Heidi! ;-) Won't the library buy a few more copies?

Did you see that Katherine Heigl has been tapped to play Stephanie in the first movie? I would have liked Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock, I think!

Heidi wrote: "Looking forward to getting a little Grandma Mazur and Ranger fix... thanks for reminding me that the new one is out.

PS - I'm number 1,167 on the library list... a new record for me... WOW!"

Hayes, 1167?! That's crazy. How many copies does your library system have? Not many, I assume. I know it's new but maybe you'll have some luck at Half-price Books or thrift stores. Sometimes people donate books as soon as they've read them.

Heidi wrote: "Looking forward to getting a little Grandma Mazur and Ranger fix... thanks for reminding me that the new one is out.

PS - I'm number 1,167 on the library list... a new record for me... WOW!"

Number 1167!! That's incredible and hilarious! I hope folks in your town are very fast readers.

Thanks for all the sympathy on the incredible wait list for the next installment... Columbus is a HUGE library system-- they probably have between 50-100 copies of the book at minimum and I'm still at 1,000 and counting... luckily they move pretty fast. And I'm buried in two other books (three if you count my book club read for the month), so I'm glad I've got a few weeks!

That is an incredible number!! My little library probably has a wait list of 10 at the most and only 1 copy! But there's always interlibrary loan.

Okay, six days later I'm in the 700s... that's not bad... maybe I'll have it in my hands in 10 days... maybe... :)

T wrote: "Did you see that Katherine Heigl has been tapped to play Stephanie in the first movie? I would have liked Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock, I think!"

And Debbie Reynolds is now going to play Grandma Mazur. Pretty good casting I guess. I was kinda hoping for Doris Roberts for that one.

Heigl as Stephanie??? Sherri Shepherd as Lula??? Does anyone who's read and appreciated the books - and who's seen these two "act" - have doubts?

I always pictured Sandra Bullock too, though I think she may be too old by now. Always wanted George Clooney as Morelli but he's way to old (but still lovely to look at).

I was a little less concerned about Heigl when I saw the initial pictures too but then I saw her "act". My concern only grew when I heard about Jason O'Mara. This latest new isn't good.

By the way - Sabrina, you're named after one of my all time favorite characters!

Can't imagine Heigl as Stephanie she does not look the part. I vote for Queen Latifa for Lulu but she is like Clooney "to old" how about Ranger who would you pick to play him? So many characters in her books I just hope they pick the right actors to play the parts. Just finished Whistling in the Dark by lesley Kagen. A charming little mystery.

Or Betty White. Although she might be a bit WASP-y for Grandma Mazur.

Dorie wrote: "
And Debbie Reynolds is now going to play Grandma Mazur. Pretty good casting I guess. I was kinda hoping for Doris Roberts for that one. ..."

Great idea, Betty White. Boy, she'd be great for the oblivious, up-for-anything Grandma Mazur.

I agree... good call! Now will Hollywood take the hint?

Ranger has been cast, according to imdb.com. They picked Daniel Sunjata, who plays Franco on Rescue Me. While he is yummy to look at he is completely wrong for Ranger, IMO. Ranger is, well, rangy. Compact. Wiry. Slender and muscular. Not tall and built like Sunjata.

I can't think of anyone in the age range that would work. A younger Ice T is close to who I have in mind in terms of a look.


Janice wrote: "how about Ranger who would you pick to play him? ..."

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Ranger has been cast, according to imdb.com. They picked Daniel Sunjata, who plays Franco on Rescue Me. While he is yummy to look at he is completely wrong for Ranger, IMO. Ranger is, well, rang..."

I don't watch Rescue Me, so I have no experience with Daniel Sunjata's acting. Maybe it's just me, but when I Googled for pictures of him I was thrilled. I could definitely see him as Ranger. I never took Ranger for compact, but more muscular and intimidating.

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Ranger has been cast, according to imdb.com. They picked Daniel Sunjata, who plays Franco on Rescue Me. While he is yummy to look at he is completely wrong for Ranger, IMO. Ranger is, well, rang..."

I agree Carol that Daniel Sunjata is a good-looking fella! I can see him as Ranger.

Okay, Dorie and Barbara, maybe I'll let it go... ;-)

Barbara wrote: "Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Ranger has been cast, according to imdb.com. They picked Daniel Sunjata, who plays Franco on Rescue Me. While he is yummy to look at he is completely wrong for Ranger, IMO. ..."

Do you think he can say "BABE" in that imagined sexy voice. Daniel Sunjata I mean.

Janice wrote: "Do you think he can say "BABE" in that imagined sexy voice. Daniel Sunjata I mean."

Oh yes...

Janice wrote: "Do you think he can say "BABE" in that imagined sexy voice. Daniel Sunjata I mean."

I'm sure he'll do his best, but nothing is going to be better than my imagination. *Grin*

mypoint exactly!!!

I saw Sunjata in a couple of Cornwell made-for-TV movies. He's pretty to look at but not much of an actor, in my opinion. He'll have to macho up to be able to say "babe" the way it should be said. Oh well, guess you can't have everything.

{{ raising hand to volunteer to teach Sanjata how to say "babe"}}

I saw Sunjata in a couple of Cornwell made-for-TV movies. He's pretty to look at but not much of an actor, in my opinion. He'll have to macho up to be able to say "babe" the way it should be said. Oh well, guess you can't have everything.