Ten Big Ones: A Stephanie Plum Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

Janet doesn't disappoint in this volume when it comes to the laughs. I found several Laugh out loud moments in volume 10 in the Stephanie Plum series.

Now for the negative.
Without giving away the story too much I will begin by saying that the hype surrounding this book was about the fact that the only place Steph has to turn to in this volume is Ranger! Well, Ranger isn't really involved in the story he is briefly in the beginning then leaves for a trip out of town and is brought back towards the very end of the book. A very clear revelation to me that all the information we do learn about him is completely in vain because the whole love triangle has gone out the window and he will forever remain the elusive HOT guy with no real connection to Stephanie. I found this fact very annoying considering although Stephanie does love Joe Morelli and he's a great leading character he hates her job and continuously holds that elusive "wedding" idea up to her if she'll only QUIT her job as a bounty hunter!
Yes she's in danger that's what we love about the series, the next nut chasing after her.

However, I find it very boring that for her to have a relationship with Morelli he is throwing that little morsel of marriage at her at times when he is either scared for her safety, trying to get her in bed or just out of the blue but never really plays out as part of the story.

By book 10 I have finally had it. We sat back as the triangle was built between Steph, Ranger and Morelli. When she and Ranger finally do the deed it is brief and only skimmed over in later books. So they flirt, big deal it's lost something because no matter what we are pummelled with the fact that Ranger doesn't "LOVE her that way".

I'll keep reading the books because I am now hooked with Janet's wonderful writing style, but the story needs serious work it is time to make a serious decision in this series and go with it whether I like where it goes or not.

Because after this volume it only makes me think that Stephanie is willing to put up with anything from Morelli just as if there are no other men in the universe. I know she loves him but after 10 books isn't it enough?

In the tenth installment of Janet Evanovich's mega best selling Stephanie Plum series, things are hotter than ever. "Ten Big Ones" may be the tenth book in the series, but Stephanie is still as fresh and funny as ever. So grab your doughnuts and your pepper spray and prepare for a roller coaster ride of a book.

"Ten Big Ones" sees Stephanie in big trouble this time around; and the trouble begins at a deli. Standing outside a deli, Stephanie Plum and her sidekick Lula watch as a robber leaves the premises after robbing it.

Only trouble is, Lula has shot out the back tire of his get away bike and the robber has to run on foot - but not before tossing a bottle bomb that bounces off the deli window and hits Stephanie,s new yellow Explorer, blowing it to teeny tiny bits.

Not being one to let any bad guy get away lightly, Stephanie tries to apprehend the would-be robber; he gets away, but Stephanie gets a look at his face. Now able to identify the Red Devil Robber, and put the gang leader behind bars, Stephanie Plum is in more trouble than she bargained for.

The Red Devil has connections to the Slayers, a Trenton based street gang. It's not long before the gang has a contract out on her head and her car is covered in graffiti. Soon, the entire town is filled with rumors of Stephanie's current brush with death and most are keeping their distance.

Wanting to hide so no one she loves gets hurt, she decides to move out of her boyfriend's house. Her boyfriend, Morelli, doesn't like the idea and wants to lock her in the bathroom to keep her safe. He knows Stephanie has a habit of getting herself into trouble.

According to Stephanie, though, she doesn't get into trouble. Trouble finds her. Wanting to stay out of trouble, she decides to hid in sexy Rangers secret lair, which might get her in more trouble with Morelli than the Red Devil!

"Ten Big Ones" is an absolute scream from start to finish. There was a scene in the novel involving seven horny dogs humping that actually made me spit the pop I was drinking all over the place because I was laughing so hard.

This book has received a lot of negative reviews and I can't see why. You know what you're getting when you pick up a book by Janet Evanovich: Nutty characters, a madcap plot, shooting guns, exploding cars, plenty of Lula and a gun toting Grandma. "Ten Big Ones" doesn't disappoint.

I disagree with other reviews that claim the series is getting more and more lackluster the higher the numbers go; in fact, I'm of the opinion that the series is getting better. "Ten Big Ones" may be a touch light on plot, but Evanovich makes up for that with plenty of action and plenty of laughs. There is enough Lula-the gun toting ex hooker- and Grandma Mazur in "Ten Big Ones" to please even the most demanding fan, and the story is wilder than ever.

"Ten Big Ones" is a supreme piece of comedy and one hell of a book. It's perfect for the beach, for those boring rides on the bus, or to lighten your mood. If you like laughing out loud in public places, this is the book for you. Personally, I think it's the best in the series so far. When you read it, you'll see why.

I must agree with the other reviewers - there is a very unsatisfying ending - it feels like they dropped off about the last 10 pages when going to print.

However, I don't agree with the comments about a lack of suspense. I felt a high level of tension for Stephanie's safety throughout the story - mounting frequently.

I love the inclusion of transvestite Sally Sweet, first as a 'failure to show' bond assignment for Stephanie, and continuing throughout the story as the wedding planner. I hope we see more of him (her?). Grandma Mazur has good presence, Lula is wonderful, and of course Ranger and Morelli complicate things. In this book, we learn more about Ranger (I could almost smell his soap!)

I'd give this 5 stars, except for the ending. Also the author and/or editor lost track of which vehicle Stephanie was driving, and there were several goofs, which stood out sorely. I expect better quality in editing in an Evanovich novel.

Bottom line - a good read - but don't expect it to be up to par with the first 9.