Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Warning: this book contains strong language. Stephanie Plum is at it again, this time tracking down what happened to her ex-husband Dickie Orr. After a shouting match at his law office, Stephanie becomes the prime suspect in her ex's disappearance. To make matters worse, Stephanie's nemesis Joyce Barnhardt feels Stephanie is responsible for Dickie's disappearance and will stop at nothing to make Stephanie pay. Meanwhile, Stephanie has to make a living and puts her bounty hunting "skills" to work tracking down FTAs, including a taxidermist with the art of booby trapping stuffed animals. With her whacky sidekicks, Stephanie cannot waste too much time finding the answers to the disappearance before she becomes the next victim.

Evanovich writes a mystery series that is so funny with the strangest/whackiest characters imaginable that I really read her Stephanie Plum series for the punch lines and the characters rather than the mystery. Lean Mean Thirteen, in my opinion, was not the funniest Plum mystery, but there were moments of laugh-out-loud humor. Anytime Grandma Mazur is in a scene, watch out! As I stated above, there is a lot of strong language in this book, as in others in the series. For those who do not like reading the strong language, do not pick up this series. Evanovich's books are very fast reads - I am a slower reader, and I can finish her books in one evening. I do not want to put the books down until I am finished!!

I recommend starting the series with the first book, One For the Money. This way, readers are introduced to the main characters and grow with the characters throughout each book. Each book also introduces new characters who have recurring roles in subsequent books.

If you are looking for a book that provides laugh-out-loud fun, look no further than Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series.

Reviewed by Jessica