Fearless Fourteen discussion

I wonder how long Ms E can keep this up. Nothing interesting has happened in the lives of the main characters in a while. They're treading water. Fans have put up with it, and probably will continue to do so for a little while, but for how long? Has Janet Evanovich or her publisher ever indicated that this series has an end?

I am really enjoying this 14th book and am hoping a 15th will soon be coming. They just seem to be getting better in my opinion.

I love them. I will admit that some are better than others, and as I just received this one today I can't opine on it yet, but I'm betting it's got some good laughs in it.

I liked 14 as it is another light hearted, quick read, but I agree that nothing remarkably interesting has happened in a while. It seems like each book alternates featuring Ranger and Morelli. Even so, the story lines are similar and predictable - Stephanie stumbles into a mishap adventure, Lula rides shotgun for the adventure, oddball characters show up, Stephanie's life is at risk, one of the men in her life helps her out some, she feels slightly torn between the two men but ultimately returns to Morelli. I actually wouldn't mind if Stephanie settled down with Morelli - and maybe 14 was priming the audience for this... - as there could be some fun storylines with that. Imagine Stephanie's mishap wedding (Lula as a bridesmaid, Sally Sweet singing in the band, and all the oddball characters from past books are guest at the wedding) or pregnant Stephanie. I know it's not her style, but it might not hurt to change up the main character's plot a little bit for interest.

I think I read the first 3 or 4 books in this series and then gave up on it. Fearless Fourteen had its moments but I remember more story development in the early books. The plot in 14 seems to be how many one-liners Evanovich can get into a scene. The "story" jumps from one joke to the next (with brief interruptions for two lines of sex) and the plot only gets in the way. The love triangle has definitely been going on too long. Just decide already, for goodness sake. After not reading the series for years, this book was amusing enough but I don't understand why fans aren't tired of this pattern. Rex running on his wheel would be more entertaining!

I was very disappointed in this book. I cracked it open the minute in arrived and then found myself waiting for the book to take off. I had to push myself to finish it. I have loved these characters and have always had at least one laugh out loud moment. This book just didn't do it for me. I hope that 15 will have me laughing again.

I like the series...it's like visiting old friends, and let's face it, nothing much happens in old friends' lives either...hence the phrase 'same ol, same ol'.

Fearless Fourteen worked for me (laugh out loud 'til you cry). That is all I ask of Ms E.

I agree. You know all the people in the book and, as Mary says, its like visiting with friends and seeing what's happening in their lives. I hope this series continues for a long time. Come on #15!

I hope they go on forever! If you don't want them to, please stop reading them.

i have just finished reading all 14 in less than 2 months- wow- they are always LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY but starting to blend with each other. she needs to brake-up with joe just for one book so the sexual tension between steph and ranger can take it's course (PLEASE!). then we need a decision and a wedding:-) the end.

I have read all of the Stephanie Plum books and I love them. I recommend them to all my girl friends. They are fast, easy reads and I laugh out loud!!!

agreed...nothing interesting anymore...wish she'd figure out Joe and Ranger (though I'd prefer both) didn't like 14 near as much as I liked her others.

I love the books as well. Sure some are slower than others, but none are short of laughs and thats why I read them! I know grandma is gonna crack me up and I cant wait to see which new " diet" Lula is trying!!! I love it!!

If you don't like the books then stop reading them. I personally hope she keeps writing them. I could read these books forever. I laugh out loud every book I read. I LOVE them and I think there is enough in each book to make them worth while. I recommend them to everyone and I have never had anyone complain.

They're my choice when I want light, funny, and easy reading. It's kind of like watching a soap opera - there's no great redeeming value or profundity to the books, but there are familiar characters, diversion, humor, and fun.

I also adore these books. After a long, stressful day at work it's nice to relax with a dose of easy-to-read un-reality. I hope these go on for a VERY long time to come.

There needs to be more Grandma Mazur and a cameo again from Sally Sweet. It's getting old. Just finished 14 and will finish the series but it does need some more action and Steph has got to figure out which guy. Seriously, she'll end up with Morelli so why drag it out?

I just started the series in January, and didn't really like the first book too much, but from book 2 on, they just kept getting better. So funny!! I do wish she would make up her mind on her boyfriend, but I'll keep reading them. I just finished 14, and am now reading Plum Spooky, so the end is near for me.

I see a lot of comments about "if we don't like them, stop reading them."
It's not that we don't like them, it's that we want to see evolution among these characters... and I think I speak for the population when I say that we're DYING to find out if she picks Morelli or Ranger in the end.
Yes, the books are hilarious. I usually read the newest edition when I'm in the mood for a laugh and a good mystery to solve. But I wish JE would allow her characters to move forward and find some resolution in certain aspects of their lives. Just so I don't feel like I'm being jerked around anymore.

T.W. wrote: "Apparently to 19 at least. Per Amazon, Notorious 19 will be released 11/20/12. I read 16 when it came out and didn’t like it. I skipped 17 and 18. Now I think I’m going through withdrawal so I may ..."

I like 17 & 18 for the most part. I think you can find them pretty cheap now (if you're looking to buy them).

I got the impression after reading 18 that JE was wrapping up the series, so i hope it ends with a bang (a blown up RV,) really good laugh (grandma mazur fires her gun while trying to open the casket at grandma bella's funeral) and a wedding. Steph ends up with morelli, right?

I would love to have this series or a new one with the same humor go on forever. It just feels so good to sit down and read an LOL!!!! After all these years it's like reading about "the other side of the family"!

I've read up thru 17 now and still enjoy them but finding I enjoyed the earlier books much more. Steph's indecision about her two guys is getting a little old but Grandma and Lula are still a riot. There are so many other books I want to read but I keep returning to these Stephanie Plum books for a quick, entertaining read--can't seem tear myself away from them.

Someone posted "how long can it go on?" I hope for quite a while. I look forward to my next Stephanie Plum adventure. I saw the movie of the first book. I think the actors who played Joe and Ranger missed. Not what I had in my head after reading 18 of them.

Ugh, I gave up a while ago. After a while I found them really boring--I would crack a smile every now and then but that was it.
You would think that a character would progress as the series goes on, not regress. :/

I don't think it's time for her to give it up but I do think it's time that shake things up with the characters. Someone needs to get married, have a baby, or something.

I agree that the actors chosen for the movie did not fit the images I had of them after reading the series. I guess I pictured someone more like Dewayne "The Rock" Johnson as a better fit for "Ranger". Not really sure who I would have selected for "Morelli". The whole love triangle IS getting old. I have to admit, some of my favorites were when "Stephanie" and "Ranger" got together though.

Carpenter2140 wrote: "I agree that the actors chosen for the movie did not fit the images I had of them after reading the series. I guess I pictured someone more like Dewayne "The Rock" Johnson as a better fit for "Rang..."

I saw "The Rock" also for ranger. I bet we're not alone in that!!!

Kate wrote: "Carpenter2140 wrote: "I agree that the actors chosen for the movie did not fit the images I had of them after reading the series. I guess I pictured someone more like Dewayne "The Rock" Johnson as ..."
Yes and he would have been soooo much better in that part!!! Maybe they'll cast him if there's another movie!

I quit reading after 14. After 12, I was sure she was going to give us a decision, then 13...not so much.

As for the movie, I always pictured Rock as Ranger, the Ranger actor wasn't so bad, but the Joe guy was nothing like I thought.

Kate wrote: "Someone posted "how long can it go on?" I hope for quite a while. I look forward to my next Stephanie Plum adventure. I saw the movie of the first book. I think the actors who played Joe and Ra..."

I was very disappointed in who played Joe & Ranger as well. I wasn't crazy about who played grandma either. Betty White would have been hilarious. Dwayne Johnson would have been my Ranger choice or even Shamar Moore from Criminal Minds.

Ms E has got her money making formula down to a tee. And every year new readers discover her work and want to read more. It's only her hardened followers who know that nothing ever changes. I've given up buying her books. She's made enough money.

Susan wrote: "Kate wrote: "Someone posted "how long can it go on?" I hope for quite a while. I look forward to my next Stephanie Plum adventure. I saw the movie of the first book. I think the actors who play..."

I could definitely see Shamar as Ranger. Dayum!!! I'm up to 17 currently and this is my new favourite series. I've been travelling Europe for just over a month and I have just finished my 12th book of this series since I left Australia. I didn't know there was a movie though, so I'm going to check that out now.

Looks like Book #20 "Takedown Twenty" will be coming out November, 2013. For the love of God! She should have ended it at book #10.

HOW LONG CAN IT GO ON? Answer....WAY too long. Evanovich milked this series until she killed her own cash-cow and became a turn-off as an author. Her attempts at new series reflect a burned-out author.

Maresardo wrote: "HOW LONG CAN IT GO ON? Answer....WAY too long. Evanovich milked this series until she killed her own cash-cow and became a turn-off as an author. Her attempts at new series reflect a burned-out au..."

Granted I stopped reading the series at book 14, and guessing from all the reviews I've read for each new installment, I don't think she's ending the series anytime soon. Stephanie's feelings for both men still waiver back and forth. Not to mention there's been no character development or growth. Personally, I think it's high time one of the umpteen cars that blow up should be one with her in it.

I got sick and tired of Stephanie's books a very long time ago. There comes a time when enough is enough. its like those scary movies, take for instance Jason,,now there is Jason takes Manhattan, Jason verses Freddie, Jason verses the Twins, Jason and the Gang Members. You get me? But it seems the stories are about the same, Stephanie needs to just get married and quit the series.