I’ve been seeing the trailer for the movie adaptation of One for the Money everywhere, and seeing how my good friend Rebecca LOVES the series, I thought I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did! This fast-paced and entertaining read came into my life right when I was uber-distracted and unable to focus. Reading this in short bursts was perfect, and the non-stop action and light-hearted humor kept me on my toes.
It’s odd that when I think of this book, I think “light and fun” since there are some very not-pleasant things in it, especially if you’re sensitive to violence against women (and who isn’t?). It’s kind of remarkable that Evanovich manages to keep the tone funny and feisty considering that assault against women is on the menu. Stephanie Plum has just lost her job as a lingerie buyer in New Jersey and has reached the point where she’s hocking her furniture. Seriously, she ate some of her hamster’s food pellets – that’s how broke she is. (Also, she has the worst diet – beer for breakfast, Fig Newtons for lunch and dinner…yikes.) She figures a job as a bounty hunter might be her last hope. All she has to do is bring in Joe Morelli, a cop accused of murder, and also the super charming guy who divested her of her virginity one night in high school. Needless to say, she doesn’t have much good will toward him. In her hunt for Morelli, Stephanie encounters a thug boxing champion, commits car theft, and has her life threatened many, many times.
Stephanie was a new kind of heroine for me: full of strength and determination, yes, but kind of hapless. She’s pretty down on her luck, and as she struggles to take care of herself, you have to admire her resilience. She finds herself in over her head repeatedly, but she never gives in and she refuses to get down on herself for her failures. I like that. But oh, what an ode to the early nineties this book is. Lots and lots of spandex bicycle shorts. Morelli is tough, smart, and knows how to use his charm to his advantage. Evanovich is clearly setting up some kind of protracted attraction between the two and for once it felt really natural for the hero and heroine to NOT get together within a few days of contact.
I’ll be looking into reading the next in the series, Two for the Dough. And oh yeah, I’ll be seeing the movie – even if I hadn’t liked the story, they cast the beautiful Jason O’Mara as Morelli. Hell yeah.
Just Can't Know 
Gasp! I’m famous now! 🙂
I’m so glad you liked it! I, too, find it amazing that Evanovich can write about such horrific topics and keep it light and fun. And I’m perplexed by my affection for Stephanie, since she never completely saves herself—she gets herself in trouble time and again, and sometimes she gets herself out, but not out of the big stuff. It should come across weak or annoying (always being rescued), but I think you nailed it with the fact that she never gets down on herself for failure. She is one of the first heroines I’ve read who simply doesn’t do inner reflection, and it’s rather refreshing. She’s always moving on to the next thing on her list, yet she takes breaks for family (and cake and naps).
I love these books for their laugh-out-loud moments and their easy fit into whatever else is happening in my life. I don’t need to wait to read them until I have the time to lose myself in the world, and I don’t have to think about my mood and how it will affect me, because they’re light and fun and they won’t alter my mood when I put the book down (at least not for the worse).
Word of warning: Make sure you don’t read the “Between the Numbers” books out of order from the numbered books. I made the mistake of reading one before I’d gotten to the numbered book it came after, and it had a few spoilers in it.
Yes, exactly! That’s why it was so easy to read when my personal life was so hectic – because Evanovich didn’t ask much of me (and I don’t mean that in a bad way). She just entertained me, pure and simple, and I was grateful for it.
You’re right about Stephanie – it’s the total lack of introspection that makes you admire her pluck even while she messes up. That endless self-examination can be exhausting in other books, so this was a welcome change. It was all about plot, plot, plot.
I have read some of her books and I think they are generally solid pageturners…I feel I can’t be too critical of the author as I am not published myself. I guess I would like to see if she has any range in any other direction. The film looks fun.
As for your piece, I enjoyed reading it very much.
Thanks very much!
Oh, and her diet…I always want birthday cake when I read these books. 🙂
i’ve read most of those books, but upon seeing the trailer for the movie, i was left disappointed. my mind had such different looking characters picked out. but i will probably watch it, as it is a conversation piece between my grandmother and me. 🙂
thanks for the heads up!
I think I’m lucky because I saw the trailer before I read the book, so I was able to blend the two while I was reading. I hear you though – that’s happened to me with other books. 🙂
I was so disappointed with who was cast for the grandma and for Stephanie! They were both nothing like who I pictured. But I’m with you: I’ll be seeing it despite my disgruntlement. I just have to think of it as its own piece, not an extension of the books.
I have to agree on the casting for Stephanie. I expected a ‘girl next door’ type. Katherine Heigl is too much of a ‘model’ type.
how long ago did you read the book? could be that you picked actors who were big at that time instead of those who were big when the producers were putting it all together.
I read these books in early 2000s. however, i was picturing someone with the acting ability and presence of sandra bullock, but maybe new faces for the cast. the grandma is described as thing and wiry, nothing like the actor cast as her. so far the only one that seems close is connie, the receptionist. they really should have consulted me first, lol. 🙂
*thin
Sounds like a fun read! I’m always looking for new books to add to my Kindle Fire — may have to download this one.
But one thought: hasn’t the movie version already been done? Jennifer Anniston starred in it — I think it was called The Bounty Hunter?
I realize it’s probably different, but the premise seems awfully close…
Ha, you’re right, it is kind of a similar situation – old flames, one is a bounty hunter after the other. Let’s hope this movie is a little better though!
I was put off by the trailer for “one for the money” because of a scene where the main character is busted in on while she’s in the shower and handcuffed. Not sexy.
If you say the book is good, I might check it out.
It definitely wouldn’t be fun, and to tell you the truth, it’s worse in the book. Cringe-worthy. But honestly, Stephanie gets in so many scrapes that you get used to it. 🙂
That scene isn’t supposed to be sexy. In the book, it’s hilarious.
i can’t enjoy movies/books/stories in which the character is constantly bumbling things but strange luck and coincidence cause things to juuuust happen to work out okay all the time. overkill.
however, i haven’t read the book nor seen the movie, so i’m not pinning anything on this title just yet. i’m always looking for good fiction, and i’m annoyed by all the psycho-thriller, espionage/spy/courtroom crap that’s filling up the shelves. maybe this will work. eh.
Oh, me too, my patience runs a little thin with those kind of shenanigans. Stephanie is just so determined though, and she doesn’t have a “poor me” attitude at all – I don’t know, it just worked. It was a little bit of a relief to read something that just wanted to entertain me without putting me through the ringer.
my library has many of her books on cd, which is how i prefer to read, so i’ll give the first one a shot and see how it goes. does the sequence matter much in the “one for the…two for the…etc.” series?
Hmm, my inclination is to read the series in order (which is what I plan to do), just so I don’t miss anything important. But I’m really not sure if it’s essential not to skip books.
wow, i have loved these books since my teens. thanks for bringing the memories back!
although i don’t know how i feel about them casting katherine heigl as stephanie plum…i’ll have to see it to believe it.
I’ve been hearing that from some die-hard Stephanie Plum fans, that she doesn’t fit their vision of Stephanie. Heigl is certainly more attractive than my vision of Stephanie. Who knows, maybe she’ll shock everyone?
I never pictured Stephanie as attractive as Heigl either. In the trailer, the only one I thought was well cast was Lula! The grandmother definitely doesn’t seem right — not do the parents. And I don’t know if they ever find anyone who would fit the bill for how I picture Ranger!
I have to say, the actor who plays Ranger in the movie seems A LOT more appealing than he is in the book. Big ups to the casting director there! And I love Lula, so I’m glad to see them playing up the comedy in her part.
Like your friend, I too am a Janet Evanovich devotee…I’ve read all 18 books…lol. I’m wondering how Katherine Heigl will translate in the movie version….what do you think? I’m certainly looking forward to finding out.
Either way – stick with the books, you’ll love them, and the fantastic sexual tension Evanovich cooks up between Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger! Yum!
I love your blog!
-Kristin
coupletastic.com
Thank you so much! I didn’t know Ranger got in on the sexual tension action too! Hoo boy. I’m not always a fan of love triangles, but my mind is open. 🙂
I too have read all 18 books. I’ve taken to reserving them at the library or else I’d go broke buying every new one. I can’t wait for the movie!!
Great post! Book reviews can be a chalenge, but you’ve surpassed your subject matwerial – and how!
Wow, thank you, that was very kind!
I’ve had this book on my shelf for about…oh… ten years. Not even exaggerating. I got it at a white elephant christmas exchange when I was a teenager and just never picked it up. I’ve seen the movie previews and didn’t even put the two together!
I just finished reading “The Help” last night, so maybe tonight I’ll pick this one up! Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
Sara
Man, I have so many of those…in fact, I’m looking at a mystery by Caro Peacock that has been staring at me accusingly for a loooong time.
It’s a pretty quick read and quite fast-paced, so if you’re in the mood for something like that, go for it and cross it off that TBR list. 🙂
I have seen the trailer an endless amount of times. With each viewing I get excited about the movie. I am not sure if Katherine Heigl can do sustained pluck but I am willing to find out.
Ha, “sustained pluck.” That is an EXCELLENT phrase. 🙂
My fingers are crossed that Heigl can pull it off. Steph is short with mousy brown hair in the books. But alas, it can be a challenge to find the perfect actor. I always thought it would be Marisa Tomei for Steph. Oh well. Looking forward to some live Ranger and Morelli. YUM!
Yes, Marisa Tomei would be an excellent choice! And we all know she can pull off that hard-scrabble accent too. I think Heigl can be really appealing, though, so I’m rooting for her.
I always pictured Stephanie rather average in attractiveness until the last few books in the series, when it occurred to me that all the good men seem to find her irresistible. It upped my expectation of her looks. I would love to have seen Sandra Bullock for Stephanie..
I just started reading the books when a friend told me there would be movies. I was looking for another long series, so I wouldn’t be bereft when it ended, like the Millennium books.
I’m now on the third one, and loving it. I think Grandma Mazur should get her own series. Does she get any of the in-between books?
Lorna
I love Grandma too! Especially her “shot him in the gumpy” comment (if I’m remembering that correctly). Is that Debbie Reynolds playing her in the movie? I always though Grandma was a little more unhinged than that, but who knows? I’m not sure about the “Between the Numbers” books, though…worth checking out!
Yep, that’s Debbie Reynolds! I thought Cloris Leechman would have worked, too, though. And like Rebecca, I thought of Sandra Bullock as Stephanie!
Cloris Leachman would be a perfect grandma. definitely more unhinged than Debbie Reynolds!
I’m not a big fan but your synopsis was well written. Maybe I’ll consider reading the book.
val
http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com
Thanks, that was nice of you! I’d say get it from the library if you’re not sure you’ll like it – less commitment. 🙂
I have seen Janet’s books for years now and thought about reading them. Unfortunately, something else always jumped out more to me. Thank you for the review, “One for the Money,” is now on my list of must reads.
I was the same way, I kept passing them up thinking I would get to the series sooner or later. I guess I have the movie coming out to thank for kicking me in my butt!
LIKE!!
http://www.amiarting.wordpress.com
Haha, thank you!
Great review! I fell in love with these books a few years ago and loved them. I kinda grew tired of the series around the 8th or 9th book. My wife has read ALL of them and she and her buddies all trade the books around. I had always pictured in my mind Sandra Bullock as the star….
Sandra Bullock is definitely the consensus around here! I’m looking forward to reading more – and I love that your wife trades books with her friends. Book friends are the best.
Yay! Another Sandra Bullock fan! Now what can we do to get a consensus casting crew together so we can make sure future books have the right actors for the parts? 🙂
I think Sandra Bullock is a little too old. I don’t know too much about the young actors/actresses, so I am at a casting loss. I will think about it!
It’s a great book series. I have read the first 17. I haven’t read the 18th one, yet. I am taking my mom to see this movie for her birthday. I am excited!
Fun! Looks like a great movie to see with your mom! And wow, you’re dedicated – my friend Rebecca has read them all too. I’m impressed!
I have read them all, even the Between the Numbers books, and I love them. Evanovich has been my most-read author in two of the last three years (because I’m a nerd like that and I keep track).
I loved this book too! I think I picked it up when the series reached 11 or 12. I remember seeing it and thinking, “OK I have to read this to see what the fuss is about.” I was nervous about the movie adaptation because like a lot of readers, you get a bit attached to your characters especially those in a series. However, I’m really looking forward to it! It looks like it captured the spirit of the books and that’s all you can really ask. 🙂
I know what you mean – we all get so invested in our favorite books that when they get adapted into movies, it can be a bit jarring. This series seems to have such a devoted fan base that I hope the movie producers got it right, for the fans’ sake!
I loved the series as well, especially the first seven books. I stopped at book 13, because I found I was getting a bit frustrated with Stephanie. However, I’ll probably pick it up again and read all the rest of the series.
I’m looking forward to the movie, but I’m a bit disappointed in the casting. Joe Morelli doesn’t look dark, brooding and Italian and Katherine Heigle, I can’t picture her as Stephanie, but I will go see the movie.
I thought that too when I saw they cast Jason O’Mara as Morelli – he’s supposed to be all dark and Italian. But I love that actor because I’m a super nerd – he was in an old BBC series called Berkeley Square that I adored, so I’ve got his back. 🙂
LOL Amanda, you mean to tell me this guy has a British accent? I saw his picture and he is good looking, but he’s no Joe Morelli. I also think they didn’t cast Ranger real well. This actor doesn’t look intense enough.
This is the problem when they make a movie out of a favorite book. LOL But, hey, if Hollywood came knocking on my door to make a movie out of my book, I wouldn’t complain about who they cast.
He’s fabulously Irish. I remember I saw an interview with him from a couple years ago and he mentioned that he had trouble with American accents, but you can’t tell in that trailer, so I guess he’s conquered it? I’m down with him, but if someone made a movie of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, I don’t think they could come up with an actor that I would be satisfied with. 🙂
Hi Selena, I have to agree with you regarding the casting for Ranger, the person who was cast, is no Ranger! Ranger was sexy and brooding, I don’t see that here. It’ll be interesting to see how these characters play out in the movie.
I’m on the waiting list for this at the library. I didn’t realize they were turning it into a movie! I’m glad you liked it! I can’t wait to read it.
I was on the waiting list too until I finally gave in and bought it. 🙂 Hope you like it!
I agree. I’ve read all eighteen books and it’s still so much fun. The idea of seeing the movie makes me rather nervous, but I will go see it. I hope you enjoy the other books!
Thanks, it looks like I have a long and rewarding journey ahead of me!
Well, I am a huge fan of this series! I find Stephanie to be a breathe of fresh air for female characters in a “slightly” dramatic role! I grew up in Jersey so I can absolutely picture the areas described!
I have to admit, Katherine Heigle wasn’t my first choice for Stephanie so I am anxious to see how she does …. and neither were Morelli, Grandma or Connie! I can’t even imagine Vinnie yet! Who is going to be greasy enough, slovenly enough?
Last, poor Ranger, Rangeman, my man of mystery! I can smell his body soap as I type … this actor wasn’t what I had in mind! But like previous commenters, is anyone good enough to be Ranger?
I did like Stephanie a lot – she’s not perfect, you know? She embarrasses herself, her hair doesn’t always look good, she struggles in her job…I get those kind of frustrations. 🙂 Seems like there’s going to be a swarm of Stephanie fans at the theaters when the movie opens up. I can’t wait!
I agree with you, Lipstick. Us Ranger fans are hard to please. Who can really play the too hot for words, beautifully scented, “babe” calling Ranger and pull it off? Can’t think of an actor.
I’m looking forward to the movie, we’re going to make it a girl’s night out.
I have read all 18 books and find myself wanting to devour the newest book the second it hits the shelves (read Kindle, ha!). Cannot WAIT to see the movie. Thanks for the friendly reminder!
Reading a loooong series like this, Kindle is definitely a good idea. Save some trees and some money!
I’ve been reading these books since I received One For The Money as an advanced read copy when I worked at Waldenbooks. I love them and had the honor of coordinating a book signing for Janet Evanovich. She was nicer than I could have hoped and meeting her was a dream come true. While she wouldn’t have been my first choice I don’t have as big a problem with Katherine Heigel as some people. I don’t think Stephanie is “plain” or “unattractive”, when yiou see her through Ranger’s or Morelli’s eyes you come to understand how hot and sexy she is and part of her charm is that she doesn’t know how gorgeous she is. I love Jason O’Mara but Morelli is Italian; a big, dark hunk and O’Mara just doesn’t fit the role. I’m not sure who I would have cast but definitely not Jason O’Mara. I plan on seeing the movie but don’t have high hopes. There is an old saying “hope for the best, expect the worst”.
That’s an excellent approach! Go to the movie and plan to have fun, but don’t get your hopes up too much. I’ve got to remember that.
My first job was at a B. Dalton bookstore, and the best perk was the advance reader copies!
I haven’t tried any Janet Evanovich books yet, but they sure seem to be popular! Maybe everyone knows something I don’t…
nice post and great review. i should check this out.
TechSmartLife
Thank you very much!
Excellent post done Congratulations!
Thank you. 🙂 I appreciate it!
I have read them all and look for the new ones around Christmas each year, she is a prolific writer and i love the plum books, thanks for your movie review, MJ
Oh, I wish I had seen the movie already, but I will be as soon as it comes out! I’m happy to hear there’s so many Evanovich fans around the blogosphere!
Thanks for the review. I am thinking about seeing the movie soon. There is a groupon for the movie right now in Minnesota too. 🙂
Hey, good deal! Gotta love those groupons. 🙂
I’ve read all the books in the Stephanie Plum series and just finished the latest one a month ago (Explosive Eighteen). Now that they’ve turned One For The Money into a movie, my fear is that it may not live up to the book (which happened with Eat, Pray, Love. but that’s another story!). Katherine Heigl would not have been my first choice to play Stephanie, but we’ll see how she does, I’ll be going to see it anyway.
Wow, I’m so impressed with everyone who’s read all the Plum books! I can’t think of a series that I’ve been that dedicated to, except perhaps Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey series, which I devour as soon as a new book comes out.
I’ve read all these books and have laughed out loud many a time! So much light-hearted fun! I don’t see Heigl as Stephanie but don’t want to poo poo her too much, the movie never does do the books justice any way….I have to agree with you, after having made friends with the characters after over 18 books, I can’t imagine anyone but the pictures in my mind, so good luck to the actors….I don’t know if I’ll actually go to the theater to see the movie or wait for cable! Thanks for your synopsis, though! Good take…
Thanks Evie! I’m with you – I’m just grateful to find books that I relate to and enjoy, so if a movie is made as well, it’s a bonus! And if it’s terrible, it gives me something to snark good-naturedly about with my friends, so that’s a plus too. 🙂
I’m making my way through the same series! I work at a library and we have two copies of all of those books because people are checking them out all the time! I thought I had better read them so I knew what the patrons were talking about and now I just can’t stop! I post reviews on my blog all the time!
Wow, you have my dream job! I have all kinds of fantasies about working in a library (although they’re probably far from the reality of the work). I remember a librarian saying to me once that another series they couldn’t keep enough copies of was Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series.
I love the books – which always makes watching the movie a tough call. I’ll definitely be checking this one out, I’ll just have to tell myself I’m watching something new!
Ha, good strategy!
I read the whole series (as far as it had run by that time) about five years ago. Lots of fun, and you’re right on the money about how it somehow isn’t annoying that Stephanie Plum is always rescued by someone, usually Morelli. And she lives on Tasty Kakes, which I’ve never had but somehow want to try, even though they’re probably dreadful, and unlike Stephanie, I’d gain weight just looking at them.
If they’re anything like Hostess snacks, I’m down. 🙂 But honestly, I felt so gross sometimes reading about her diet – I just wanted girlfriend to have some real food sometimes. Or maybe I’m just jealous because I wouldn’t be able to eat all that junk food without expanding rapidly!
I love love LOVE this series. I own ever book. It so good. I actually read it out of order. I read the 12th book first cause it was left at my job and no one claimed it so I took it. It was the greatest moment of my life. I laughed my butt off repeatedly. Once I discovered it was a series, I scoured used bookstores all over the city till I had all of them up to #11 and the In Betweens. Janet Evanovich is a genius. I also don’t know how she manages to get that funny and lightheartedness and grisslyness and make it seemless. And I love the Ranger and Grandma Mazur.
I discovered Butterscotch Krimpets and Bvlgari shower gel because of this series. It’s expensive as hell, but I’ll never go back.
I will not be seeing the movies. I think it will ruin it for me. Plus I do not like Katherine Heigl.
Wow, Ranger seems to be quite the popular guy! From the first book, he was kind of background for me, but clearly I need to keep reading to find out what that’s all about. And Bulgari shower gel? I’m intrigued. I do so love the good smellies. 🙂
I’ve always felt like book you can read in “short bursts” (great description) should have their own category, somehow.
Agreed! If only I could think of what that would be, I’d have an awesome new category for book reviews. Hmm…..
I’ve read most of the books and absolutely loved every one of them! I am really, really excited about the movie coming out. However, I’m not sure Katherine Heigl is really the best actress for the Stephanie Plum role. I always pictured her more like Maggie Wheeler (think Chandler’s girlfriend Janice on friends) and for Grandma Mazur I always pictured Ann Morgan Guilbert (Gramma Yetta from the Nanny). Of course, I will reserve judgement until I actually see the movie, I could be all wrong… 🙂
Wow, The Nanny! I used to love that sitcom back in the day. Good reference!
Grandma Yetta from the Nanny would have been perfect for Mazur! Good call, Go Send!
I picked up the 6th in the series while in an airport and I was hooked! (My husband reads them after me , but he doesn’t want anyone to know)I am from Long Island and her “north” style inside jokes are hilarious. Can’t wait to see Grandma with the pistol! (and the racy sex scenes 🙂
That’s like how my husband would watch Sex and the City with me but would claim not to like it! Oh men. 🙂
This is wonderful to see so many Stephanie Plum devotees. So, I thought it might be a good place to share another peach of a read from the same author. I ran across
Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich, 2010 (romantic comedy set in modern day Salem, Mass) on a flight to Seattle and wrote about it recently:
•Next time I’m making a cross-country trip I will look for the 2nd book in this new series. It was hilarious and made time fly by. It provided laugh-out-loud entertainment that had one fellow passenger asking for the title.
•Harry Potter-ish fare for the chick lit enthusiast.
•If you are a Janet Evanovich/ Stephanie Plum fan (which I am) you’ll like this new cast of characters and the setting.
So glad you found and wrote about Evanovich. She has kept me sane and happy for years.
I am SO looking forward to reading/ seeing this! I am a huge Katherine Hiegel fan and once I found out she was to play Stephanie Plum I was hooked. Thanks for sharing this post it has me even more pumped to get reading!!
I am on Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich. The books just get better and better. I hope they keep producing the movies too. Always great to find another fan. 🙂
I agree, it’s always good to find someone else who loves what you love.:)
I also love Katherine Heigel. Although that is not at all how I pictured Stephanie Plum in my head.,I am looking forward to seeing the movie. The books are laugh out loud funny and are great audio books.
And I’ll take every opportunity I can to laugh out loud! Thank goodness for Stephanie Plum.
I read the book while in college (dating myself?) and loved it. One of the first writers whose books I actually waited for. I’m a bit disappointed that they cast Katherine Heigl; I’ve always pictured Carla Gugino as Stephanie Plum. But Octavia Spencer as Viola is sure to be a riot.
And if you liked Stephanie’s family you should check out the Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. Hilarious.
J*
Yes, Carla Gugino! I loooove her.
I’ve heard of the Spellman Files and have been thinking about checking it out. Must put that on my list.
defiantly a book that i should look for and pick up
I’m glad you found Stephanie, you won’t be disappointed in the rest of the series, it’s fantastic. The movie trailers look interesting, but I have to say the men are not what I pictured at all.
Can’t wait to watch this.
I wasn’t done with my comment before I inadvertantly posted it! So, I pictured the men differently as they are so thoroughly described in the series. I pictured Cloris Leachman as Grandma Mazur…but Janet says she is happy with the casting so I say go see it.
My sister (who introduced me to the series) and I went to Janet’s book-signing in Orlando a few months ago and had a blast meeting her. Over a thousand people showed up!
Enjoy the rest of the series, and as you may have found out by now, be careful where you read it as people could think you’re losing it as you laugh out loud and in some cases reduce yourself to tears…it’s just that funny.
Thanks for the warning! I can’t wait to read more, and I should be immune to public embarrassment by now since I do it so regularly. 🙂
I have read all 18 main story books, as well as the 4 between the numbers books. I was at the midnight showing for the movie last night. I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!
I am an avid reader, but at times it is nice to take a break from some of the more involved reading and just laugh my butt off. Stephanie is great, in part I think because she is so non-traditional, and in part because she is the woman I sometimes wish I could be. I love that she never blames anyone else for her mess, but she has no problem asking for help sorting it out. I also love that she is self aware enough to know that she is not ready to totally commit to anyone yet. She survived one bad marriage, she isn’t anxious to dive into a second one. Although i think that she will eventually make the right choice.
Happy reading!
The midnight showing? Cool! I haven’t seen any review of the movie yet, but I hope it was good! I agree that sometimes it’s great to just relax with a less demanding read and just let your troubles go. Keeps me sane. 🙂
I never really was a fan of Evanovich, to be honest, but you’re making me think about taking a second look.
I’m going to take that as a compliment! Check it out of the library if you want to give it a go: less commitment that way.
I never read a book without a good recommendation so… thanks! I’ll pick it up next time I stop by the store.
Me neither – I hardly ever read anything without at least one thing good about it. 🙂
Hi! I’m new to your blog and I just wanted to say I like your review of One For the Money! Its a great book. I am too pleased that this book is really about Stephanie and doesn’t jump right into the romance part of it. BUT it has just the right amount of sexy in it! Anyway, its a good balance! and to think! There are 17 more of these! 🙂
Thank you very much for the kind words! I’m always happy to stumble upon a new series like this because, like you said, I have so many more to look forward to!
I went to see the movie this afternoon. I think if they had made the movie over 10 years ago when Janet E. had sold the movie rights, and they could have used Sandra Bullock, it would have worked a lot better.
I won’t share my opinion, I’ll wait until others have seen the movie.
If you love Stephanie Plum type books, I highly recommend you check out, Nancy Lauzon’s “The Good The Bad The Hair.” http://chickdickmysteries.com/books/
Good find, Selena! Now, Amanda, is it more likely you will like the book because you chose the same Word Press template as Nancy Lauzon?
Well, she obviously gets a point for good template taste. 🙂 Selena, sounds like the movie wasn’t your cup of tea, and honestly, I’ve been hearing some grumbles over the internet today. Sounds like you’re not alone.
I didn’t want to give a full review of the movie, because it’s so subjective (as are books), but the main problem was with the casting.
I think Whitney Cummings or Emma Stone would have done a better job. But I’m a writer not a casting director. LOL
Joe Morelli, had blue eyes and blondish hair, and he was so not buff. LOL He’s supposed to be Italian. Chemistry between Stephanie and Joe was not there.
Okay, I said I wasn’t going to review the movie. LOL
I saw it today too. I thought Heigl did better than I anticipated as Stephanie. I think Marisa Tomei would have been great ten years ago too. I did notice Joe had blue eyes, which I didn’t expect. However, I didn’t agree with some of the casting, I thought there was just one character who was totally wrong — very disappointing. I liked the movie, but don’t even remember that book. I thought the movie would be more like the recent books.
Hi, Bigwords, I’m thinking we’re on the same page as one of the characters being totally off the mark. I don’t want to give away too many opinions, as many Plum fans probably haven’t seen the movie yet.
I did see an interview with Janet E. on the View and she said she was extremely happy with the movie and the whole cast and said it was an excellent movie.
She’s hoping for a series of movies.
It definitely needs to be a series, so we can see Lula in action! However, I think they need to find someone new for that “other” part!
I agree, they also may need to look for a new script writer and director and I also think Katherine H gave it her best shot, but perhaps someone more Jersey like.
Actually, why don’t they just ask us to cast the movie? LOL
Ooh… Janet Evanovich. I got introduced to her through a random trip to a bookstore which sells both new and secondhand books. She is really gifted with wit and humor. If you and all the others are raving about this book… Well, I am out to get a copy! 🙂 And I love how you described the protagonist, Stephanie. She seems like a unique character.
I agree, I think she excels at humor. That seems to be the biggest draw from what I’ve heard. Hope you have fun reading the book!