Two for the Dough

Packaging makes a difference. The cover on this audiobook uses fat letters in bright primary colors, and the manner of reading by Lori Petty suggests a middle school student, 13 going on thirty. The result is that I remember this story in pictures, as if it had been a comic book in the style of the classic Tin-Tin adventures. That is a tribute to the Author’s vivid descriptions of place and person.

Inspired by the Author’s volume “How I Write,” I picked up this, the second of her lengthening series (twenty-some) of Stephanie Plumb novels. The first, “One for the Money,” was too expensive, but the subsequent ones are very reasonable, and I enjoyed the present reading well enough to pick up “Three to Get Ready,” also read by Lori Petty.

I listened to an abridged version and that always leaves me wondering what I missed. On the other hand, a three-disc book (2 and a half hours) goes quickly and is a suitable for audio-listeners afraid of commitment, or who want a change of pace after finishing a volume from Durant’s “Story of Civilization.”

It is an action-packed story with lots of colorful characters, narrated from the protagonist’s point of view. Some are in the middle world between ethnic background and thoroughly American, sharing a long history in the Trenton New Jersey neighborhood. As a “bounty hunter,” a private agent who finds those who have skipped out on bail for the bonding company, Stephanie learns on the job and responds to surprising developments in equally surprising ways. A man refuses to go with her to court, and moons her in his living room, in front of his wife, no less- so Stephanie tasers him in the rear and he slumps on the floor. Note how the problem shifts from finding, to persuading, to transporting, and similar sequential chains extend through the story leading the reader to wonder either what will happen next, or how she will get out of this one. The dynamics are similar to detective stories but with more focus on events than a given problem.

Our main character, Ms. Plumb, is not given to reflection and is kept so busy by her job and family, and occasional shopping or romantic interest, that she doesn’t have time to think much beyond the job. The injuries and threats are so numerous and attention grabbing that she doesn’t have time to hurt. She is running in heels the day after she had suffered some injury, and the attempt on her grandmother’s life is a problem to be solved rather than the crisis it would be for most of us. It recalls cartoon fights where the character is clunked on the head hard enough to make him unconscious and the next moment he is as good as new. All this stuff is entertaining, and harmless as long as we realize that it isn’t real.

It struck me that there are no real adults in the story, no principled individuals, just people to accommodate to, whether your mom’s demand that you have dinner on Sunday, or the oily funeral director, or the police guy who comes on in the middle of a stake out. Part of our protagonist’s problem solving skills is her willingness to cut corners whether it is trespassing, assault, lying, or “borrowing.” What we admire as “pluck” may actually be what Nietzsche described as the “Superman” who we admire and follow because he (or in this case she) does what we would scruple to do.

Interestingly, there is an absence of feminist consciousness. Our protagonist is too busy trying to pay the rent to entertain thoughts of solidarity with other women. And she is thoroughly independent and self-reliant, untroubled by doubts as to her attractiveness, which she takes for granted. This is literature for working people. It is their experiences in service industry, fixing cars, embalming bodies, enforcing law, and collecting bills that are portrayed here. One part of the series’ success is that the stories reflect that often-neglected world where people are hustling to make a living, more concerned with people and events rather than ideas and ideals.

In sum, the story is vivid, entertaining, a little shallow, but colorful, an enjoyable comic book experience.

I will never forget the name Lori Petty, her performance in this story is a cross between disinterested and rushed. She doesn’t have much vocal range to play the parts of the different characters in the story, and over all she’s pretty monotone and it sounds like she’s distracted and struggling to get the words pronounced correctly, rushing through the story to get it over with. Luckily the later stories are read by Lorelei King, a marked difference in talent. I will make sure to only buy those moving forward.

This series has become my guilty pleasure lately. My go-to place after a dark or otherwise exhausting book. I know that there are a lot in the series and this has only been the second one, but I’ve become hooked already.
I like and care about the characters. The writing is really witty and outright hilarious sometimes. The whole thing is just ridiculous and really nice at the same time somehow.
The whole story is really not a priority and the crimefighting storyline seems to be needed only to maintain some framework for the other craziness happening. This will possibly change slightly (if Stephanie gets into the business a little bit more), but if not, it does not bother me.
It’s just pure, innocent fun.
I really recommend it.

Perfect light reading. Evanovich is is one of the few writers who can make me laugh out loud. I must admit that part of the pleasure I took from the book was based on some of her inside cracks about “the burgh” in Trenton. I worked there as a reporter for five years and I can assure you she only exaggerates a little bit. Her main character, Stephanie Plum, is a bit reckless, but always a fun companion. If you are looking for character-driven complex novels, this book is not for you. But if you are looking for a fun fast read that will put a smile on your face, grab this novel. This is the second in the Stephanie Plum series so it might be a good idea to read No.1, which I think is called “One for the Money” first.

What took me so long to find this series? Stephanie Plum is the funniest, most outspoken, honest character that I ever could have imagined. I read the first book, immediately ordered the second book, and have been steadily devouring them one after another for the last 2 weeks. I am thoroughly entertained.

Readers, be warned. This is not a cozy mystery series. Be prepared for foul language, explosions, murders and mayhem. Stephanie brings you with her into all types of situations, describing her thoughts and plans, sharing her moods and desires. Expect no holds barred, blow by blow details. Will Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter get her man? Who will get her?

I have not laughed out loud so much reading in a very, very long time. Yay, Stephanie Plum.

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