Book ~ "Sizzling Sixteen" (2010) Janet Evanovich

From Amazon ~ In this tepid Stephanie Plum adventure from Evanovich, a personal case distracts the Trenton, N.J., bondswoman from tracking the usual group of eccentric skips--the kidnapping of her cousin, Vinnie, who's being held for ransom in the high six figures. As Stephanie, sidekick Lula, and office manager Connie soon realize, Vincent Plum Bail Bonds is seriously in the red due to Vinnie's gambling. Vinnie's also gotten caught up with local mobster Bobby Sunflower in a complicated scheme. Even though her sleazy cousin isn't her favorite person and chasing oddball felons isn't her ideal career, Stephanie knows family loyalty counts for something, plus she owes him for giving her a job all those years ago. So with Lula and Connie in tow--and romantic interests Morelli and Ranger lurking in the background-- Stephanie must save the day once again. Evanovich is at her best spinning the bizarre subplots involving Stephanie's bail jumpers, but the larger story simply recycles elements from previous installments.

When you read the Stephanie Plum series, you know what you're getting ... a quick fun read. Plus, you've gotten to know the quirky characters.

There is a lot of criticism about Evanovich's last books in this series that she's getting lazy and following a formula ... and I've got to agree. I debated about buying this book or wait for my turn to come up at the library (I did buy it).

Yes, I did enjoy it but it's the same stories over and over again. She and Morelli have split up yet again. She is feeling the heat with Ranger yet again. Grandma Masur is building her social life around visitations at the funeral home yet again. Lula is on a diet but has no qualms about eating a bucket of chicken or a dozen donuts yet again. Her cousin, Vinnie, is still pervert. Stephanie keeps smashing cars and Ranger keeps lending her awesome ones yet again. See what I mean?

The stories have changed so much over the years. The early ones had substance and excitement. The later ones are fluffier and rehashes. Even the size of the actual book has changed. The later books have more white space (like starting new chapters on the odd numbered page, wasting the even numbered pages at times) and less pages.

I hope Evanovich listens to her fans and goes back to the original format. And how much longer can she keep the Stephanie - Morelli - Ranger triangle going? It's gotten old and boring.