The problem is that some of the "usual" is beginning to wear thin. I don't know how much time has elapsed in Stephanie's life since the beginning of the series - no more than five years, I'm guessing - but for the rest of us it has been sixteen years and it's time to move on. I don't want the series to end by any means, but the characters and situations are feeling stagnant.
Without giving away any plot points, this story was the perfect opportunity to make changes at the bond office and let Stephanie move into the next phase of her life, but by the last page it appeared that all was returned to normal. Maybe Ms. Evanovich has surprises in mind for #17, but they certainly weren't foreshadowed.
Then there's the Ranger/Morelli conundrum. Granted, the conflict was fascinating in the beginning; and Ms. Evanovich risks losing half of her loyal readers no matter who she has Stephanie choose but - if you'll pardon my crudity - it's time to piss or get off the pot. I have never hidden my opinion that I am firmly in Ranger's camp. While Joe is handsome and sexy and fun, he's also normal (or at least as close as anyone in a Plum novel gets). Ranger is mysterious and a little dangerous - he's fantasy to Joe's reality. Whichever man Stephanie is going to choose, just do it - the story could evolve well either way. By hanging on the fence, the relationship parts of the books have gone from sexual tension and romance to blah. She can't decide who she wants, so she picks neither. It's getting frustrating and maybe a touch boring.
I have loved these characters for so long that I will still anticipate the release of the next book in the series and hope against hope that new things are to come, but for now I'd have to say that Sizzling Sixteen is a fizzle.
My first reaction when I saw your blog title and the book cover was - How the heck did she get the book so quickly? It's not even at the store yet. But I imagine you librarian types get first dibs on these new releases. Good for you - one of the perks of the job, right?
ReplyDeleteActually, I'm glad you got this reviewed early because I've been debating whether to buy it or not. I'm at the point you are with this series. It's time for some of the characters to make some changes. Evanovich is sticking with the old formula of what sells past books. She needs to expand the characters so it doesn't feel like we're reading the same book over and over again. Based on your experience with this book, I'm going to read my library's copy.
BTW, I favor Joe but I see your point. I think Evanovich could let either one of the guys get killed (or both) and Stephanie could solve the murder mystery.
Have one or both them get killed??!!! No, no! lol. I agree though something has to happen. I was reading it and didn't laugh out loud nearly as much as I did in past books. I hope new things come in the next one, too. I personally am a Joe fan, just because he is more stable in my opinion. I see him as the type to settle down with. But, maybe he's just what I want. lol. Not sure if that's the right thing for Stephanie.
ReplyDeleteLoved your review. I'm a huge Evanovich fan but obviously don't keep up with when the new releases come out and missed this one. I'd have to say I'm a Joe fan - but I agree with your points as far as the story getting old.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a mind for details like you do and it's been a while since I started reading the series, but in my mind I was looking at each story as a progression in weeks vs. months or years, and therefore still had Stephanie in the first year of working for Vinnie?