I’ve struggled a little with a couple of the series Janet Evanovich has co-authored in recent times, but her Stephanie Plum novels never seem to fail to deliver. They’re ‘light’ reads usually – not macabre – and generally more about the antics of Stephanie and her merry band of misfits rather than the mystery at hand. And that’s the way we fans love this series, which is now up to its 23rd instalment!

by Janet Evanovich
Series: Stephanie Plum #23
Published by Headline Review
on November 15th 2016
Source: Hachette Australia
Genres: Crime Fiction, Humour
ISBN: 1472201698, 9781472201690
Pages: 304

Goodreads
Larry Virgil skipped out on his latest court date after he was arrested for hijacking an eighteen-wheeler full of premium bourbon. Fortunately for bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, Larry is just stupid enough to attempt almost the exact same crime again. Only this time he flees the scene, leaving behind a freezer truck loaded up with Bogart ice cream and a dead body—frozen solid and covered in chocolate and chopped pecans.
As fate would have it, Stephanie’s mentor and occasional employer, Ranger, needs her to go undercover at the Bogart factory to find out who’s putting employees on ice and sabotaging the business. It’s going to be hard for Stephanie to keep her hands off all that ice cream, and even harder for her to keep her hands off Ranger. It’s also going to be hard to explain to Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, why she is spending late nights with Ranger, late nights with Lula and Randy Briggs—who are naked and afraid—and late nights keeping tabs on Grandma Mazur and her new fella.
Although I commented on the ‘coziness’ of this series, the first murder in this book is a little more gruesome than usual. But kinda comical as Stephanie and Lula find the body of a man inside a vehicle they’ve (ahem) borrowed. As it’s an ice cream truck it seems quite apt that he be frozen, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with nuts. Yes, seriously.
As is often the case with this series, Stephanie’s bounty hunter role brings her in on something bigger than expected and this time Ranger’s the one who gets Stephanie to go undercover – with two local ice cream manufacturers: one potentially sabotaging the other.
As usual Lula is in fine form, Grandma Mazur has a new boyfriend and bright red hair, and then there’s the (cop) Morelli vs (security guy) Ranger thing that both men seem to be quite zen about. Stephanie’s hanging out a lot with Morelli this time around and perhaps engaged to be engaged. So hanky panky with Ranger is off the table.
However… on that note and not meaning to offer up any spoilers (!!!), I can’t remember Stephanie and Ranger getting down to business before. I thought their lust remained unrequited. And further on that note, I wondered for the first time if I should be this indifferent about her flip-flopping relationship towards both men.
Although, I guess if they don’t mind, who am I to get all sanctimonious ‘n’ shit?! (And for the record again: I’m team Ranger if Stephanie ever needs to choose!).
Fans of the series will enjoy this latest outing. I keep thinking the series will get old… given the lack of growth in our characters and their narratives, but it continues to be good clean fun. Mostly.
Book review: Turbo Twenty-Three by Janet Evanovich was published in Australia by Hachette and is now available.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
Are you a Stephanie Plum devotee or read any of this series? Are you Team Morelli or Team Ranger?
November 15, 2016
I haven’t read these books, but they sound like something I’d enjoy. Thanks for bringing to my radar Deb.
November 15, 2016
They’re very light and fun Jodi!
November 15, 2016
Ranger and Stephanie did indeed do the biz, Deb 🙂 I think it was book 7 or 8?
November 15, 2016
Really? That long ago? I remember her staying at his place for security purposes at some point (or a few times) but thought their relationship existed on that unrequited lust thing….
November 15, 2016
I enjoy this series and know it will be an entertaining read. I was Team Morelli, but after the last couple of books lean more towards Team Ranger. It will be interesting to see where I sit after reading this installment.
November 15, 2016
Ah yes Nise’ particularly because Stephanie has a bit of an a-ha moment re Morelli in this book. Although the end confuses us on that front a little…
November 15, 2016
I love a good crime novel. Don’t think I’ve read any books by Janet Evanovich but very pleased to be made aware of her. Strangely though – I haven’t been able to concentrate to read lately. My mind is on too much stuff and I’m always too busy. I think also a lot of it is that I no longer have that commute time where I used to do a lot of my reading. I’m hoping I can get a heap of reading done when I go on an 8 night cruise in early December. I usually feel more like it’s ok to lie about reading when I’m on a holiday! I will add this one to my list of possible books to get hold of to take with me. The list is getting long. I will have to choose just some I think! lol
November 15, 2016
I can understand that Min as I don’t allow myself to read (or watch TV) during the day as it seems like something I’ll allow myself to do on holidays or in retirement.
November 15, 2016
Wow, number 23?! That in itself is a recommendation!
November 15, 2016
Ah yes, still going strong Rebecca. They made a movie based on the first book I think but it didn’t fare very well!
December 2, 2016
Terrible casting
December 2, 2016
I’ve actually not watched the movie based on the first book! Not a fan of KH, so…
November 15, 2016
I am not a reader of her books nor many fiction at all these days but you sure know your way around this reviewing thing Deb! Congrats on how much you bring books, characters and more to life for your readers. Denyse #teamIBOT PS reading in the daytime is permissible in all stages of life…..
November 15, 2016
Ha re the last bit but thanks for your lovely words as well Denyse. I worry I tend to add a bit too much of ‘me’ into my reviews, but I find it hard to stay too objective! 🙂
November 21, 2016
I think Ranger and Stephanie got together in book 5, although it seems to indicate things have been ongoing in number 16. She’s a bit cagey… Still she keeps the reader engaged in the romantic subplots.
November 21, 2016
True, and even though I’m #TeamRanger I wouldn’t be devastated if Stephanie ended up with Morelli. She’s spoilt for choice really!
November 22, 2016
I was absolutely obsessed with these books when they first came out, so much so I made all of my friends read them and even called my first car Stephanie! I haven’t read the last 5 I think, which funnily enough coincides with becoming a Mum, but now that one of those kids is about to turn 5 tomorrow and head off to big school next year I think my first task as a school mum will be to get my hands on the ones I’ve missed and relax with a coffee and some peace and quiet for the first time in 5 years!
November 23, 2016
Oh yes Kylie, they’re easy and quick reads so good for that reason. I think I missed one or two along the way.
February 24, 2017
They did the business in hard eight
February 24, 2017
Ah…. I’ve definitely forgotten!