Plum Fever- Gearing up for Janet Evanovich's "Explosive Eighteen"

I’ve caught Plum fever.

Stephanie Plum fever, that is.

I started reading Janet Evanovich’s best selling Stephanie Plum series towards the end of September. I started with “Four to Score” because that’s what was available at the time. After reading about Stephanie the bounty hunter, Lula the former hooker and the straight drag queen Sally Sweet, I wanted more. My goal is to finish them by the time “Explosive Eighteen” comes out on Nov. 22.

Stephanie’s adventures start in “One for the Money.” After being fired from her job as a lingerie buyer, she eventually takes a job as a bounty hunter for her cousin Vinnie’s bond office. She has to hunt down Joe Morelli, the cop accused of murder. Morelli and Stephanie have a bit of negative history together. She meets up with Ranger, the mysterious, sexy bounty hunter, mercenary and who knows what else and Lula, a hooker (in the first book).

As the series progresses, Stephanie must find more Failure to Appears, wrestle with her feelings between Morelli and Ranger, figure out how to be an effective bounty hunter and try to keep her cars from facing destruction. Each book has a new, crazy adventure. Other notable characters find their way into Stephanie’s life, creating havoc, hilarity or both.

One of the factors that drew me into the world of Stephanie Plum is the humor. Evanovich writes hilarious quips, comments, dialogue and scenarios. The end of “Ten Big Ones,” for example, had me laughing all the way to work.

Another factor that makes these books so great is the character interactions. You can just hear Stephanie’s tired amusement with Grandma Mazur and Ranger’s various tones of voice when he says, “Babe.” The entire cast captivates the audience.

Romance plays a large role in these books. Stephanie finds herself torn between Ranger and Joe Morelli. She dates Morelli off and on, while Ranger is a more physical attraction. Personally, I hope Morelli and Stephanie get it figured out.

In January, “One of the Money” hits the big screen. Katherine Heigl stars as Stephanie. Based on the trailer, it looks like it’s going to be great. Even if you haven’t picked up one of the books, it should be a fun ride.

Don’t let the large number of books stop you for enjoying this exciting, fun-filled romp. They’re quick reads and worth the money.

Stephanie Plum- Bounty hunter. Cars tend to blow up, catch fire, ect. Brown hair. Blue eyes. Loves doughnuts

Joe Morelli- Cop. On-again, off-again boyfriend to Stephanie. Refers to Stephanie as “Cupcake.”

Ranger- Bounty hunter, mercenary, man of mystery. Has a daughter in Florida. Always drives new black cars. Origins best left unknown. Loves Stephanie in his own way.

Grandma Mazur- Lively. Enjoys going to showings at Stiva’s. Tends to tag along with Stephanie.

Lula- Former hooker. Talks big. Favors spandex.

Sally Sweet- Straight transvestite musician. Wedding planner. School bus driver.

Vinnie- Stephanie's boss. Pervert.

Connie- Bond office manager. Knows a thing or two about the mob.

Bob the Dog- Lives with Morelli. Eats anything.

Rex- Stephanie's hamster. Runs the wheel.