No. 13), Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum

Why do these entertain me so? I feel stupid, but at least I am not alone. They are funny but oh so ridiculous. Ranger asks Stephanie to plant a bug in Dickie's office. As she is wont to do when encountering her ex husband she threatens to kill him in front of witnesses when she sees that Joyce's photo is on his desk. After strangling him and walking out with a desk clock that had been a wedding gift from her side, she has done as Ranger asked. Oops Dickie goes missing the next day and she is suspect one. Dickie it turns out is mixed up in something shady and both to clear her name and help Ranger in his ongoing interest she is up to her neck in crazy. Joyce is involved and blames Stephanie. More men go missing. Seriously this is insanely unrealistic why do I keep doing this.

PLOT OR PREMISE:
Ranger needs Stephanie to find out what's going on with Dickie Orr, her ex-husband. Which she does, in normal Stephanie fashion - she brings the crazy.
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WHAT I LIKED:
Dickie going missing is no big deal, but at least it's the basis for a decent plot. Sort of, anyway. But the exploding taxidermy makes up for it. Plus everyone's views on the cable company.
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WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
Very little -- even Joyce and Dickie were okay this go around. The flamethrower was a bit over the top though
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DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow her on social media.

In Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich, Dickie Orr is missing and his ex-wife is the prime murder suspect. Ranger summarized the action in the first half of the novel, “Babe, you’ve damaged a car, stapled a guy’s nuts, burned down two buildings, and you have 16 stitches in your leg.” One of her FTAs was on ice, but two were at large, and Dickie Orr was still missing.

We know that bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum didn’t kill Dickie Orr, even though just hours before he went missing, Stephanie was thrown out of Orr’s law office in Trenton for fighting with him. She was at the office to plant a bug on Dickie for Ranger Manoso, who was investigating the disappearance of an accountant in Orr’s law office for a client of his security firm. Afterwards, she was with Morelli. Nevertheless, Dickie was missing and Stephanie had to see the thing through, partially because she thought she had to clear her name as a suspect, and also to get Joyce Barnhardt off her back.

Bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum has to do some of the investigation without a car. In Twelve Sharp, Stephanie went through an entire novel without destroying her car. Somewhere, between the beginning of this novel, and the end of Twelve Sharp, the mini Cooper was replaced with an Escape. Yet Stephanie was driving an ugly Crown Vic, because -- as she tersely explained -- a tree fell on the Escape and totaled it. The Crown Vic didn’t last long either, but it died with a whimper. The Crown Vic simply stalled out on the highway.

Ranger Manoso came to her rescue, just after Stephanie spent a lot of time getting to know Ranger in Twelve Sharp. Stephanie also spent a great deal of time with Ranger in this novel, because Joseph Morelli is involved with a secret special assignment with the Trenton police force.

The three FTAs that Stephanie was in charge of capturing for the bail Bond Agency were colorful characters. One was a professional grave robber, Simon Diggery, who lived in Bordentown with his family, including his brother’s pet python. Carl Coughlin was a taxidermist in North Trenton who had the most unique reason for not wanting to turn himself in and get re-bonded. The third man, Stewart Hanson -- the one on ice for part of the novel -- had his home burn down because of Stephanie and Lula. The house was flammable as it was one of Trenton’s largest indoor (and underground) greenhouses.

On the bright spot, the fire at Hanson’s did give Stephanie one mother of a contact high. “On the one hand, I was feeling very flirty and clever. On the other hand, ..., I suspected I was one of those people who gets obnoxious on wacky tobacky.” Ranger rescued Stephanie while she was in that flirty and clever mood.

The exploding squirrel was probably the biggest gag in Mean Lean Thirteen, but the running gag about the cable company was more prolific. The inevitable combustion with Joyce Barnhardt and Stephanie Plum in close proximity to each other was another running gag in the novel.

Joyce was involved because she was back with Dickie Orr. “I was inches away from marrying the little turd,” Joyce told Stephanie, “and you ruined it all.” Joyce said that Dickie was worth a fortune, so she was going to find him. Since Joyce believed Stephanie was involved, Joyce followed Stephanie. This included one incident where Joyce made an unannounced and uninvited visit to the home of Stephanie’s parents for dinner in order to keep an eye on Stephanie.

Lean Mean Thirteen was modestly memorable. Evanovich’s formulaic approach to the Plum by the numbers series means few surprises in the main characters - Lula, Stephanie, Morelli, Ranger - and limited changes in the auxiliary characters - Grandma Mazur, the Plum parents, Connie, Joyce and Tank. Probably the biggest change to the series, from the beginning to this novel, is the evolution of Ranger from ‘interesting colleague’ to ‘a definite maybe.’

Evanovich remains fresh with another tale full of suspense that will you guessing with “Lean Mean Thirteen.” When Ranger asks Stephanie to plant a bug on her ex-husband, Dickie, trouble follows her everywhere.

Stephanie goes to Dickie’s office to plant Ranger’s bug and loses her cool. She chokes Dickie and takes Aunt Tootsie’s clock back before leaving. Next thing she knows, Dickie’s missing, blood is everywhere, and she’s the main suspect!

To clear her good name, Stephanie becomes more involved in Ranger’s investigation. She soon learns that Dickie’s partners deal drugs, sell weapons, and use the business to launder money. As Stephanie is drawn deeper into Dickie’s problems, she becomes a target, and the weapon of choice is a flamethrower! There’s plenty of twists and surprises, but can Morelli and Ranger keep her safe?

Evanovich’s writing is crisp, sharp, and witty. The supporting cast still entertains. Lula and Grandma Mazur are back, along with Coglin, an FTA who can’t get any service from the cable company. Evanovich maybe 13  books into the series, but each story’s plot is still creative and original.

“Lean Mean Thirteen” is a cozy mystery. There are unexpected twists and a couple of surprises that will keep you on your toes. If you enjoy a good “whodunit” with lots of laughs, you’ll enjoy this book.

If you’re looking for high art or fine literature, go look somewhere else and stop bothering those of us who read this series for the entertainment. Stephanie Plum is pure escapist fun and that’s exactly what I was in the mood for. When I read a book about Stephanie, I know I’m going to get quirky characters, zany antics, and impossible situations, along with the rampant destruction of a couple of cars and boatloads of sexual chemistry and tension. I don’t always understand what I’ve just read by the time I get to the end, but I have always enjoyed the ride.

If you are looking for a good laugh, hilarious situations, breathtaking action, and unforgettable characters, Evanovich's "Lean Mean Thirteen" shows why no one can beat her masterful entertainment. Sometimes I feel that there is little reason to actually review a book that has been around so long, and one that already has over 1900 reviews. Regardless, the Stephanie Plum series is a delight! Evanovich's ability to create character is masterful; Evanovich is just entertaining! Forget reality! Forget common sense! Just sit back and enjoy the crazy ride with Stephanie Plum and the zany cast from Jersey.

As with most series, if you read them in order from the beginning, you can see the evolution of characters - many do tend to reappear later in other novels. It is true; these stories are unrealistic, fluff, absurd, and a bit "Jersey Shore'ish!"; however, they are totally and completely ENTERTAINING! Once again, Janet Evanovich has delivered with this installment a book that will keep you turning the pages, laughing out loud, and simply shaking your head. This is an enjoyment, a guilty pleasure not to be missed; give this series a try. You will NOT be sorry.

After reading these reviews it would seem that I am the only person in the world that has never read a book in this series, i.e. the Stephanie Plum Novels. It seems that this is about number 13. Well, in a way that is an advantage; my advantage I suppose, as I have absolutely nothing to compare it with as to this author's past offerings. Now my wife has been reading this author for some time now and can knock-off one of her books in a day...as she did this one. During the reading of this book she was constantly giggling to herself, something she rarely does, so after she finished I figured I would see what all the giggling, snickering and down right laughing was about. I am glad I did.

This, it would seem, is the on going story of one Stephanie Plum who has to be the most inept and clumsy bounty hunter in the world. She simply never makes a bust. It is also the on going story of a love triangle between Stephanie and two of her professional associates. Odd as that may sound; it is rather cute and funny.

In this "drama" our inept bounty hunter goes to visit her ex-husband, has a bit of a fight with him and when he disappears the next day, she is blamed for his murder...with some justification I might add. Stephanie gets into all kinds of messes and when you throw in a very quirky family and very quirky criminals, then you have the makings of a very funny story.

Now I note that this book is taking a bit of a basing by many of the author's readers. It seems that this story line and the characters in it may be going a bit stale in the eyes of some. This may or may not be so. I am most certainly not in a position to pass judgment because as I said, I have never read one of the Stephanie Plum books before. I will say that I laughed so hard at times that I actually had tears in my eyes. The story was easy to follow and while not deep, I don't think it was meant to be all that deep. For me it was simply a fun read. If the folks who are unhappy with this particular offering are correct, then I will most certainly go back now and read the author's previous books in this series. If this one is bad than I cannot wait to sample what is "good."

Needless to say, I will be going back and starting this series from the beginning.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

To help Ranger on a mission, Stephanie agrees to plant a bug on her slime of an ex-husband Dickie Orr down at his law office. To no one's surprise, Dickie gets under her skin and Steph goes postal on him. When Dickie turns up missing, apparently dragged from his now blood-stained home, guess who's suspect #1 on everyone's list... To clear her name, Stephanie begins investigating Dickie's disappearance and as usual, gets herself into a little too much trouble when the henchmen see her as a threat to their secrecy. Prominently working with Ranger, Steph has to keep her hormones under control as well as keeping her cool through it all so she can finish the job and go back home to Morelli.

Oh Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephanie. I love your hijinks. It's pretty much the same story as every other Plum-tale, but it never gets old and the more I read Stephanie Plum, the more I wish she were real. What a kick life would be with Stephanie Plum as a gal pal! Anyway, as usual, it was a nice mystery to unravel with some nice twists in the case of the MIA Dickie Orr. As usual, loved the Stephanie-Morelli-Ranger love triangle (or triangle-ish). And as usual, full of laughs!

Stephanie Plum is at it again... blowing up cars, chasing down bad guys and causing mayhem in her wake!! When Stephanie Plum threatens her ex-husband she doesn't expect that he will go missing and she will be the number one suspect, but that is exactly what happens. With Dickie Orr missing and questions being raised about dubious activities going at his law practice, Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger all have to work together to find Dickie and figure out what is happening.

Before I knew what a cozy mystery was I was hooked on the Stephanie Plum mysteries. I've been re-reading them to get up to date with them, but I'm still behind as Takedown Twenty will be released this November. However, I'm having fun re-reading and discovering Stephanie's adventures again.

Lean Mean Thirteen was definitely laugh-out-loud material. Several times I was howling with laughter at Stephanie and Lula's antics... especially when Stephanie breaks into the law firm after hours and discovers a security guard. Without a stun gun, pepper spray or weapon she decides to take the electric stapler to his private parts to stop from being kidnapped! The same bad guy is later punched in the face and run over by Stephanie's newly acquired Porsche!!

Most of the mystery was solved before Stephanie came face-to-face with the bad guys, but it sure didn't take anything away from watching Stephanie try to get out of another scrap unscathed.

For fans of the love triangle between Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger they are sure going to love the interactions in Lean Mean Thirteen. The love triangle hasn't gotten old for me and I'm still loving it, and hoping she will end up with Ranger!!

Lean Mean Thirteen was a hoot and I'm looking forward to picking up Fearless Fourteen.

I think your enjoyment of this book will depend on your expectations of a series. If you like your lead characters predictable, this is your series. If you want your leads to learn and grow, well, you're not going to find that here. The Plum series is always good fun and this one is no exception, but Stephanie began the series as an inept bounty hunter and thirteen books in, she is still that same inept bounty hunter. I don't expect her to suddenly turn into Ranger, but I do expect her to learn. For instance, when a skip says they need to turn off the stove/check the back door/grab a jacket before they'll let her take them in, previous experience tells the reader they're running out the back door but Stephanie never quite figures that out. She never learns to slap both cuffs on a skip and keep a hold of him, or to watch the people around her who are usually armed (seriously, how many run-ins with a taser will it take to get that one across??) It could have been fun to watch Stephanie become an unorthodox but effective bounty hunter, but instead we get to watch her make the same mistakes in every book. Unfortunately, there are two characters who have changed throughout the series: Ranger and Morelli. Both have become domesticated versions of themselves who work well together here, and that removed a lot of the tension and fun from the story. Morelli used to be my favorite part of the books but he's pretty boring these days, and Ranger isn't nearly as edgy as he used to be. Stephanie's reaction to them hasn't changed though. She still can't commit to either one. Basically, if you liked books one through twelve, you'll like this one because it's just like them. But I expected more from Stephanie, and was disappointed.

Janet Evanovich NEVER lets me down with her Stephanie Plum novels. For me, they could never get old. Whenever I am looking for something light, funny, and known for its entertainment value I pick up a Plum novel. I know some people think that her work in terms of this series is getting old, but if she stopped publishing these novels I think people would miss them. For all I care she can write 100 of them and I will read them all!

Clearly, I really enjoyed this installment of the series. Will I be picking up the rest BASED on this one? You bet I will! For anyone who hasn't read this series YOU NEED TOO! They are so much fun! Start with One for the Money and continue on from there. Read these books in order as well!

This is one of those Stephanie Plum tales where you have to sit back and wonder what on earth is going on in Stephanie's mind and how it is she attracts all the guys and danger that she does. In Lean Mean Thirteen , we read as Stephanie becomes entangled in her ex- husband Dickie Orr's business and when he disappears leaving only a stain of blood - the fingers are all pointing at Stephanie as the lead suspect in his "murder". What's worse is that Dickie had been sleeping with Joyce - Stephanie's arch-enemy and if Dickie is dead due to the fact he hasn't changed his will - Stephanie is to inherit all . With the bad guys on her tail as they believe she has what Dickie stole, Stephanie is working alongside and camping out at Ranger's and sporting some fabulous Rangeman attire even complete with Rangeman stitched underwear courtesy of Ella. As Stephanie is spending most of her time with Ranger, will her relationship with Joe take a backseat and what will her family think when its Ranger who turns up for dinner and not Joe ? It seems that Stephanie isn't the only one with a new man on board - Grandma Mazur meets someone who is just as cheeky as her - will they hit it off or will he be another date and dump for her ?
Find out in Lean Mean Thirteen as Stephanie plunges herself once again into trouble , blows up more cars and stumbles across dead bodies - not to mention the ol' sexual triangle heating between Ranger, Joe and Stephanie.

Stepanie needs to go see her slimeball ex-husband Dickie Orr to plant a couple of bugs in his office for Ranger. Seems like Dickie is in some sort of mischief and Ranger needs to find out what and with whom. To keep Stephanie out of trouble, her co-workers, Lula and Connie go with her. After Stephanie sees a photo on Dickie's desk of him and Stephanie's main enemy Joyce in a love lock, she goes balistic and starts to kill Dickie. The girls get her away from him only after she sets the bugs. A day later Dickie is missing with blood on the carpet of his house. The accountant for Dickie's law office is found floating with a bullet hole to the head. Stephanie Plum is now a main suspect in the disappearance and possible murder of Dickie. She is also after a perp who is a taxidermist and who likes to make bombs out of his animals. Dickie's law partners are coming up missing and dead via a flame thrower and someone is after Stephanie thinking she knows to much. Morelli, Stephanie's on and off again boyfriend/lover is on a case, so Ranger is in charge of keeping an eye on her. He would like to keep other parts of him on her also. The triangle of Stephanie, Ranger and Morelli continues.
This was one book that had me laughing hysterically. Even though the characters are par for the course in her books, there is always something going on that is hysterical.

It pains me to give this book only 3 stars- but I think I'm beginning to grow weary of the formulaic plotlines and characters from the Stephanie Plum series. I've read all of the first twelve books and am at a point where I need something new to happen to keep my interest. That being said, Lean Mean 13 is still a decent read. In this installment, Stephanie finds herself in the precarious situation of trying to bug her ex-husband. When he goes missing the next day, Stephanie is suspect #1. After this interesting twist, the book continues in the same vein as the other novels in the series. Bungling bounty hunter haphazardly works to bring in FTAs (failure to appear in court). Other than that, she is STILL in a love triangle with Ranger and Morelli. I'm beginning to think the author is going to continue the triangle throughout the entire series despite the fact that it's getting a bit stale. That being said, I'll still read #14 to see how things are going with Stephanie and her zany family, job and love interests.

As a favor for Ranger, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum agrees to plant a bug on her ex-husband Dickie Orr. Unfortunately, the only way she manages to plant the bug is by making a scene, a scene that makes her a prime suspect when Dickie disappears and blood is found in his apartment. Stephanie's policeman boyfriend Joe Morelli is busy with work and not around much, so she and Ranger try to find out what happened to Dickie. Dogging Stephanie's trail is Dickie's girlfriend and her long-time nemesis, Joyce Barnhardt, who also wants to find Dickie. When Stephanie's not busy looking for Dickie, finding dead bodies, and dodging Joyce, she's doing her work as a bounty hunter trying to catch professional grave robber Simon Diggory and taxidermist Carl Colgin. Plus, she has to deal with her family, including Grandma Mazur and her latest boyfriend. Stephanie's life is never dull!

As usual, Janet Evanovich's "Lean Mean Thirteen" is full of laughs. The book is filled with the usual cast of characters - Stephanie, Joe, Ranger, file clerk and former ho Lula (with her usual too tight clothes), and sex-craved Grandma Mazur. Missing in this book are Stephanie's sister Val, her kids, and her husband Albert Kloughn. Stephanie and Lula have their usual hilarious misadventures as they work as bounty hunters, trying to catch people who skipped on their bail, including the taxidermist who likes to booby trap his stuffed animals. There are some genuinely funny moments including when Stephanie tries to plant the bug on Dickie; Joyce putting "Wanted" posters of Stephanie all over town; and Stephanie and Lula trying to fix a leaky toilet. There are some suspenseful moments as well like when Stephanie keeps finding burnt bodies in her search for Dickie and is herself caught in a fire. But there's nothing really new in the book - no character development or advancement and the sexual tension between Ranger and Stephanie isn't as much fun as it used to be because it doesn't seem to be going any place. Much in the book has been done before, including Stephanie destroying cars; Nana's fondness for attending wakes; and Stephanie ineptness at being a bounty hunter - surely at this point she should be able to apprehend someone on her first attempt. It would be nice if Evanovich shook things up in her next book instead of writing the same events over and over again.

"Lean Mean Thirteen" is a funny but somewhat stale book.

Let me say right up front that I've read, and been entertained by, all of the Stephanie Plum novels. Including this one, LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN. But, let's be honest, author Janet Evanovich, isn't taking her klutzy bounty hunter heroine anywhere she hasn't been already in twelve previous outings, and the plot concept is getting a little thin around the edges.

Here, as usual, Stephanie tries mightily and with mixed success to capture relatively harmless bail skips, including a taxidermist who booby traps his stuffed animals, while also endeavoring to discover the whereabouts of her ex-husband Dickie, who's disappeared and is possibly the victim of foul play. Indeed, the word around Trenton is that Stephanie is, or may become, the primary suspect.

The storyline is otherwise predictable. Plum's sidekick Lula, the ex-ho, continues to get herself and/or Stephanie in the occasional fine mess. Plum continues to wreak destruction on her wheels of the moment. Plum's Grandma Mazur continues to carry a .45 and live for mortuary viewings. Plum's Mom continues to cook and iron and be aghast at her own mother's antics. Plum's Dad continues to do very little but sit in front of the TV or at the dinner table. Plum's pet hamster Rex continues to live in his soup can. Plum continues to ricochet back and forth between the attentions of Detective Joe Morelli and bad boy bounty hunter and security consultant, Ranger. Those of you who've followed Stephanie's checkered career know the drill.

About the only things that change from one Plum novel to the other are the eccentricities of the skips and the dastardliness of the chief Bad Guy. Here, Plum is ultimately menaced by a killer who offs his victims with a flamethrower. OK, whatever.

The thing is, you see, Stephanie's character isn't evolving and plot after plot after plot holds no surprises for the dedicated fan. The sameness of all in the aggregate has reduced the subsequent value of each new release to the point of being only average, which, by my rating system, is three stars no matter what chuckles it stimulates. Evanovich might well be advised to snap Plum out of it because after another thirteen episodes of the same-old same-old, one star may be the best I can muster.

Lean Mean Thirteen is another fun, fast-paced, funny adventure featuring Stephanie Plum, inept bail bond enforcer. Anyone looking for a quick, laugh-out-loud read will be pleased to follow Stephanie on yet another wild adventure with her wacky crew of colorful characters.

Do not expect much in the way of character development; Stephanie Plum's world works well partly because of its predictability. Readers can always count on a laugh as Stephanie fumbles her way through each new adventure. Altering established patterns might make for an interesting change in future novels, but they don't happen here.

In this latest installment set in the Burg of Trenton, New Jersey, Stephanie accepts a job from Ranger to plant bugs on her ex-husband Dickie Orr. Trash-talking Lula and no-nonsense Connie go along for the ride and serve as a comic foil when Stephanie goes berserk in Dickie's law office upon discovering Dickie and Joyce Barnhardt are back together again. The trio barely escape the office before police can be summoned after the comical confrontation.

When Dickie turns up missing, Stephanie immediately becomes the prime suspect in his disappearance. Meanwhile, Stephanie and Lula have FTAs to bring in, and the latest laughable felons to fit the bill are Carl Coglin, maker of exploding taxidermy, and Simon Diggery 50-year old graverobber. Between trying to bring in these two slippery eels and the chaos of evading jealous Joyce Barnhardt, Stephanie has got her hands full fending off giant snakes, stun gun shocks, and exploding beaver bombs.

Grandma Mazur makes her usual colorful appearance along with Stephanie's on-again off-again boyfriend Joe Morelli, whose sudden disappearance for a mysterious "work assignment" coincides with the mounting threats on Stephanie's life. Ranger steps in to make sure Stephanie's troublemaking tendencies don't end up getting her killed, which, not surprisingly, they very nearly do.

I thoroughly agree with all of the reviewers who say that it's time that Janet Evanovich brought the Stephanie Plum series to an end. I can't, for the life of me, understand why Ranger hasn't given up on Stephanie and found someone else; I don't see why Stephanie and Morelli don't just get married; and I want closure on the series. And yet, every time a new Plum novel comes out, I still find myself buying it, reading it, and generally enjoying it. Some of the more recent Plum novels have been less than fantastic ("Eleven On Top" was pretty terrible), but fortunately for Plum addicts, like myself, Evanovich returned to form with "Twelve Sharp" and continues at this form with "Lean Mean Thirteen".

Evanovich's trend in these more recent Plum novels seems to be, in each book, to write a mystery centered on one of her recurring characters. "Twelve Sharp" was Ranger's book, "Lean Mean Thirteen" centers on Stephanie's ex-husband, Dickie Orr, and I've heard that "Fearless Fourteen" is all about Morelli (although I have yet to read this one). I really like this idea and think it makes the mystery more interesting. It also makes the mystery plot and the inevitable sub-plot about Plum's personal life integrate better. In "Lean Mean Thirteen", Dickie Orr is missing, and as his disappearance occurred shortly after Stephanie attacked him in his office, Stephanie is the prime suspect and has to solve the mystery in order to clear her name.

I just finished reading this book about half an hour ago and now that I come to think about it, I realize that there are a number of loose ends not tied up at the end of this novel. Nevertheless, I didn't notice these while I was reading the novel and I had a good time while I was reading it. I still want to see an end to this series, but as long as the books continue to be of this standard, I'll still keep buying them.

I love Janet, I have been on board in her Stephanie Plum series since its start, and I've even read several of her other novels. I grew up in Trenton, hometown of Ms. Plum the bounty hunter, so I get an extra kick out of these books. However, the 13 entries, which only cover a few years in her heroine's life, need a big surprise or two. This episode introduces no great new supporting characters, does not resolve the love triangle between Steph, Joe Morelli, and Ranger, and does not complicate it any further. During the series, Stephanie's wacko sister, Valerie, has come home to Trenton divorced, found a new love, become pregnant, and gotten married. Steph has the same job, same men, same friends, same weekly routine, same money problems, same insecurities that she started with more than a decade ago (on our calendar, not hers.) This volume has fewer big laughs and less deadly peril than any of the other entries. Catching bail-jumpers is getting stale, driving between Hamilton Avenue and Broad Street is getting boring, taking Grandma to viewings on the eve of funerals is now old hat. Both Joe and Ranger are fine men, one an obvious husband prospect, the other an exciting cohabitation possibility, but neither one would tolerate Stephanie's indecision forever. Note to Janet: your novels have been the highlight of my summer for quite a long time, but Ms. Plum needs to get engaged or married, take over the bond company or quit it, deal with her own unexpected pregnancy, move to Manhattan...something to present her fans with a new jeopardy, or a new happiness, or at worst, a new challenge.

I have read this series from the beginning, and was really disappointed with Book 13. Sure, the writing was good, and the antics were funny, but when that is all there is it falls short. Character development was lacking if non existent.

One thing that was really annoying was the in depth explanation of history. I realize that Janet wants these books to be able to be read as a stand alone, but having every character and past incident explained again in more than usual detail almost made me feel there wasn't enough to say to fill up the pages.

Knowing this is fiction, it doesn't bother me like others that Steph and Rex never get older. What bothers me is that nothing in her character, Ranger, or Morelli changes. They actually get worse. Ranger and Joe have both been emasculated to the point that I don't even recognize them anymore. They both put up with Steph's sexual teasing, and if they were the real men they have been portrayed in the past, they would have both kicked her to the curb long ago not willing to put up with it. I used to think that Steph was just conflicted between the two men, but now I just think that she strings them along because she thinks she can with no ramifications.

I would have been better off if I had not read this book. I am afraid what the future holds for this series. Maybe it should have ended with 12.

Lean Mean Thirteen wasn't my favorite of the Stephanie Plum series. It felt less light-hearted than previous Plum books. Perhaps it was the focus on Dickie Orr, Stephanie's ex-husband. Stephanie doesn't get angry much, but when it comes to Dickie, she has absolutely no control over her rage. And rightly so. He was awful to her and continues to be disgusting every time she speaks with him. It all makes sense. Unfortunately Stephanie's dark anger took away from usual fun and frivolity, making the entire tone of the novel something less humorous than usual.

All the key components to any great Plum novels are there in Lean Mean Thirteen. Morelli, Ranger, Grandma Mazur, and Lula are all there. There's pathetic attempts at apprehensions, cars destroyed, explosions and mishaps galore. Yet, something was off.

The mystery of Dickie and the rest of his law firm was good and definitely keeps you guessing, but it didn't have the urgency that I usually like. I want to feel that must keep reading, must find out what happens immediately, feeling and it just wasn't there with Lean Mean Thirteen.

I love the Stephanie Plum series and while Lean Mean Thirteen was decent, I could have easily skipped this installment and not felt like I missed anything important.

When I began reading this series, I thought it was pretty cute, then by book 3, I felt the author had found her stride and that the rest of the books would be something to look forward to.

Then I tried the "between the numbers" novels with the cutesy holiday themes and decided they weren't worth reading, but I kept reading the "numbers" novels. I was getting tired of the Morelli/Ranger/Stephanie Menage, but then, in book 12, I thought Stephanie had a little growth, the plot was a little more complex and interesting, and I expected and looked forward to that trend continuing in 13.

Now I have just started 13, and I feel as if I have missed a book somewhere. Characters and events are referred to that I never heard of before (and I checked the authors website and read the synopses of all the "between the numbers" novels to see if I could figure it out, but these characters and events were not mentioned).

Honestly, the feeling I get from this book is that someone sent it to Evanovich as fan fiction and she decided to punch it up and use it. Gags are stale. There is too much reference to name-brand products. It just falls flat so far. I hope it improves. If it doesn't, I won't read any more of Evanovich's work work.

I have read this series from the beginning, and was really disappointed with Book 13. Sure, the writing was good, and the antics were funny, but when that is all there is it falls short. Character development was lacking if non existent.

One thing that was really annoying was the in depth explanation of history. I realize that Janet wants these books to be able to be read as a stand alone, but having every character and past incident explained again in more than usual detail almost made me feel there wasn't enough to say to fill up the pages.

Knowing this is fiction, it doesn't bother me like others that Steph and Rex never get older. What bothers me is that nothing in her character, Ranger, or Morelli changes. They actually get worse. Ranger and Joe have both been emasculated to the point that I don't even recognize them anymore. They both put up with Steph's sexual teasing, and if they were the real men they have been portrayed in the past, they would have both kicked her to the curb long ago not willing to put up with it. I used to think that Steph was just conflicted between the two men, but now I just think that she strings them along because she thinks she can with no ramifications.

I would have been better off if I had not read this book. I am afraid what the future holds for this series. Maybe it should have ended with 12.

I have read this series from the beginning, and was really disappointed with Book 13. Sure, the writing was good, and the antics were funny, but when that is all there is it falls short. Character development was lacking if non existent.

One thing that was really annoying was the in depth explanation of history. I realize that Janet wants these books to be able to be read as a stand alone, but having every character and past incident explained again in more than usual detail almost made me feel there wasn't enough to say to fill up the pages.

Knowing this is fiction, it doesn't bother me like others that Steph and Rex never get older. What bothers me is that nothing in her character, Ranger, or Morelli changes. They actually get worse. Ranger and Joe have both been emasculated to the point that I don't even recognize them anymore. They both put up with Steph's sexual teasing, and if they were the real men they have been portrayed in the past, they would have both kicked her to the curb long ago not willing to put up with it. I used to think that Steph was just conflicted between the two men, but now I just think that she strings them along because she thinks she can with no ramifications.

I would have been better off if I had not read this book. I am afraid what the future holds for this series. Maybe it should have ended with 12.

Lean Mean Thirteen delves more into Stephanie's ex husband, Dickie Orr. Dickie's risen to the top of what appears to be a very successful law firm, or is it? The day after Stephanie and her crew paid a visit to Dickie, he disappears. Stephanie is the obvious suspect since she didn't leave Dickie's office without choking him first... as usual. And of course she doesn't have an alibi.

Lula, Ranger, and Moreli all return to help Stephanie track down Dickie and connect the dots on what his law firm was really up to. The other three partners all come from varied backgrounds -- but each has a weird tie to something suspicious. One originates from Russia, another splits his time between Trenton and South America, and all three purchased their law degrees online and never seem to make it into the office.

Janet Evanovich has a strong plot with this installment in the series, a plot that kept me guessing and trying to think ahead. It definitely is one of the better Stephanie Plum novels.

I have read this series from the beginning, and was really disappointed with Book 13. Sure, the writing was good, and the antics were funny, but when that is all there is it falls short. Character development was lacking if non existent.

One thing that was really annoying was the in depth explanation of history. I realize that Janet wants these books to be able to be read as a stand alone, but having every character and past incident explained again in more than usual detail almost made me feel there wasn't enough to say to fill up the pages.

Knowing this is fiction, it doesn't bother me like others that Steph and Rex never get older. What bothers me is that nothing in her character, Ranger, or Morelli changes. They actually get worse. Ranger and Joe have both been emasculated to the point that I don't even recognize them anymore. They both put up with Steph's sexual teasing, and if they were the real men they have been portrayed in the past, they would have both kicked her to the curb long ago not willing to put up with it. I used to think that Steph was just conflicted between the two men, but now I just think that she strings them along because she thinks she can with no ramifications.

I would have been better off if I had not read this book. I am afraid what the future holds for this series. Maybe it should have ended with 12.

I have read this series from the beginning, and was really disappointed with Book 13. Sure, the writing was good, and the antics were funny, but when that is all there is it falls short. Character development was lacking if non existent.

One thing that was really annoying was the in depth explanation of history. I realize that Janet wants these books to be able to be read as a stand alone, but having every character and past incident explained again in more than usual detail almost made me feel there wasn't enough to say to fill up the pages.

Knowing this is fiction, it doesn't bother me like others that Steph and Rex never get older. What bothers me is that nothing in her character, Ranger, or Morelli changes. They actually get worse. Ranger and Joe have both been emasculated to the point that I don't even recognize them anymore. They both put up with Steph's sexual teasing, and if they were the real men they have been portrayed in the past, they would have both kicked her to the curb long ago not willing to put up with it. I used to think that Steph was just conflicted between the two men, but now I just think that she strings them along because she thinks she can with no ramifications.

I would have been better off if I had not read this book. I am afraid what the future holds for this series. Maybe it should have ended with 12.

Our favorite bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum is back again in Lean Mean Thirteen. Stephanie is asked by her friend, Ranger to plant bugs on her ex-husband Dickie Orr. Stephanie does not like Dickie too well, so when she, LuLu and Connie give him a visit, it is no surprise that Stephanie and Dickie end up fighting on the floor. Stephanie can't help herself especially after she learns that Dickie is back in bed with her archenemy Joyce Barnhardt. The following day Stephanie learns that Dickie has gone missing, presumably dead, and their number one suspect is Stephanie. Forced into this situation by Ranger, she joins up with him to try and find out what happened to Dickie and how it ties to his law firm and its cast of suspicious partners. The plot is a little too extravagant, but Janet Evanovich provides some great characters along the way that overall make the story work. As always she fills her pages with scenes that will leave you laughing out loud, including exploding animal specimens and graveyard antics. Plus, she gives us just enough Ranger to have us begging for more or the mysterious and sexy bounty hunter. Fans of the series will not want to miss Lean Mean Thirteen. Valerie Jones [email protected]

In the interests of full disclosure, I've never had a Tastykake. I can imagine though and I bet they're very tasty. I bet the first several are especially good. I would imagine they continue to be good, but after a while, I would imagine their mass-produced-sameness begins to leave one wondering if they are really as good as they used to be. When you want a taste of something yummy, they're a dependable sugar rush but one might begin to think they will never be quite as good as they were in the beginning. That's kind of where I am with this series.

LMT was tasty but predictable. It was LOL funny in places. Secondary characters are still a hoot even though they begin to wear thin. One of my favorite moments was Lula calling Ranger on his mysterio silent **** but even Lula seems quieter. The FTAs were all a disappointment though. The taxidermist thing was very tired by the end.

Joe and Ranger were a disappointment also. Joe has morphed from the teenage stealer of virtue to the minivan man. And the lastest development is he and Ranger have reached some kind of live and let live thing that allows Stephanie to bounce from one to the other whenever the narrative requires it. Very giving of both of them. They're still both tasty but increasingly predictable.

And I guess the parts that are becoming most predictable are the ones I think of as the Doh! moments. For instance, Stephanie has her guardian angel RangeMan (not just one man but multiples!) looking out for her except for when she most needs them. Another is that despite having clear indication Stephanie is in great potential danger, something like doing the laundry becomes critical and she leaves, alone, to do it. And Joe lets her! And least forgiveable as far as I'm concerned, Mother Nature bails Stephanie out at a supreme moment of crisis.

Another reviewer notes there may be signs Stephanie is reaching a decision on the Joe/Ranger thing (Joe's house is the destination, Ranger's part of the journey) and I too think that would be a good thing. There are all kinds of places Stephanie could go before she really needs to retire. I hope JE tries some of them out. It would be wonderful to open a Stephanie Plum book and be able to relive that initial rush of wonderfulness.

Don't we all just wait and wait for the next installment of Stephanie's life to come out so we can all go get cozy and read, read, read? I was very excited when my copy of LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN came in at the library. And I was not disappointed!

Stephanie is up to her usual style of mayhem trying to make a living and live her life. This time around, besides being probably the worst bounty hunter in the state of New Jersey, Ranger needs Stepahnie's help involving her ex-husband, Dickie Orr. Once you meet the character of Dickie, you will understand how his name totally suits him! What a jerk!

The plot involves our favorite characters from the rest of the series -- Stephanie's mom, kind of her dad, Grandma Mazur {my personal favorite}, Lula {who is my number two favorite!}, Morelli, Ranger -- you know who I mean -- you know them and you love them.

Dickie goes missing and so does a huge amount of cash. Stephanie tries to find Dickie, do her bounty hunting job, be in love with both Ranger and Morelli, and also has to try hard to stay alive. Trouble ensues as Dickie's involvement with some big, seriously bad guys comes full circle. The book, without spoiling the story for anyone, is the usual ups and downs, car wrecking, madcap fun spree it always is.

The characters who Stephanie's trying to bond out are really good this time around. I especially enjoyed Carl Coglin, the taxidermist. His personal little zoo is a riot!!!

This being said, what I didn't like about the book -- and previous ones -
is the go nowhere, stuck in the mud relationship Stephanie has with Morelli and Ranger. She loves them both. They both love her. They will both wait for her until she makes up her mind. Come on! This is getting old and Stephanie should make a decision before fans tire of this scenario. Many other reviewers mentioned the same thing -- we need to make a man decision here and make a choice!!!!!!!!!! Maybe in number 14 that will be the case.

I loved the usual arguments, family problems, family dinners, bounty hunting problems, and the characters Stephanie tries so hard to pick up as part of her job. I did laugh, but admittedly, not as much as in previous books. I am NOT tired of these books, I love them. I just think most readers need/want some NEW material and for things to get a move on in Stephanie's love life. I do not expect these books to be deep or serious, they are meant to be light, fun reading, and that they are! However, the three-way realtionship is tired.

This is another winner. I will now wait and wait and wait for number 14 to come out, probably next summer. I do enjoy this series but would really like something refreshing, different, and new to HAPPEN.

Read this book. If you haven't read the series, you need to. You will absolutely love them.

Thank you!

Pam

This book starts out like many other, Stephanie Plum getting in quite the predicament. While doing some undercover work for Ranger, she becomes the number one suspect of the murder or Dickie Orr, her ex-husband. Besides the fact that Stephanie caught him doing the nasty with Joyce Barnhart, his ethics as an attorney are not much better. He manages to get tangled in a web that has been turned so tightly that it almost cost him his life. Stephanie almost gets arrested and sent to jail because nobody can find Dickie. The true adventure begins (Plum style) when Stephanie finds out where Dickie is located and what he has been doing all this time as he is in witness protection. As always, Stephanie is stuck in deciding between Ranger and Morrelli in her love life which adds to the adventure is very comical. To be stuck having to choose between two extra hot and equally yummy men must be difficult.

I always enjoy the Plum series and this one is no disappointment. I read this book in no less than a week. Evonavich keeps her readers entertained and while the reader knows Stephanie will get herself in a mess, they are never really sure how. Bringing her ex-husband back in her life in an very unexpected way brings a new level of entertaining in this book.

This book started out intriguing and funny. Stephanie goes after her ex and threatens him, only to have him show up dead the next day. Guess who the number one suspect is? Stephanie is a bounty hunter and so she is busy chasing guys who have skipped. So there is lots of action and quirky moments. The characters are quite interesting. The story line is good but for me the book was a bit over the top. There is no question that Ms. Evanovich is very good at snappy reparte and comebacks. The dialogue was what pulls you through the story - it's fast and it's funny at times. I struggled with rating this book as it went from a 4 to a 3 to a 4 to a 3 for me. I thought the ending was too drawn out and there were a few plot holes. I own the book.

Janet Evanoch's "Lean Mean Thirteen" will always keep you laughing. As one of my favourite traditional authors, Janet Evanovich yet again has proven why I love her books.
The characters build up and always learn something in the endings whether it be about clocks, relationships etc. Each character has their own flaws and are believable and each scene described believable. The storline is strong and everything is understandable.
I absolutely love Janet Evanovich's pieces because they flow beautifully. Even the FTA's are described remarkably. Janet Evanovich is the reason well one of the reasons i became an independently published author. So keep inspiring, Janet. With that i give "Lean Mean Thirteen" a solid FIVE STARS

MEL

I'm an avid Stephanie Plum fan, but this book just wasn't as good as the first 9 books in the series, although I thought it was much better than books 10-12. This book was not as funny as the other books--I think I only laughed out loud once or twice while reading this book, and that's not very often for a Stephanie Plum book. This book was also short on charcter development and really had a limited cast of characters--Vinnie, Joe's family, Valarie and her family, the officers of the Trenton PD, and Terry Gilman were all missing from this book as were the humurous incidents that always accompanied their appearances. The best thing about this book is that the triangle that has bogged down the past 3-4 books seems to be heading towards a resolution so hopefully JE will have room in her next book to add back the quirky characters and humor that was missing from this book. I thought that both Joe and Ranger were boring in this book and that Ranger seemed to have lost his mystery and bad boy image. If the triangle resolves the way I think it will (I'm hoping it's Joe), then Ranger can go back to being the cool, mysterious person that he was in the first 10 books. The mystery story was stronger in this book than it has been in the other books (although a lot of the plot elements were recyled from prior books), but I read JE's books for the characters and humor more than the mystery so a better plot wasn't much of a plus for me. I enjoyed this book and do recommend it, but I do think that this was not JE's best effort.

Great read- buy the book! This was the first of the Plum books I read, and will always be my favorite. After reading this book, I purchased the first 12, and some of the "between the numbers" books (don't bother with the btn- the supernatural aspect was irritating). I even picked up 4 of the pre-Plum romance novels (don't bother with that either- they're sophmoric, and endlessly repeat the dessert-loving klutzy woman with wacky relatives themes the author perfects in the Plum series). Stick with numbered Plum novels and you'll be laughing out loud at Grandma Mazur and Mazur's beaus, Stephanie's ability to destroy her crappy vehicles, her crazy FTA's, Lula, Plum's ex-ho best friend, the jerky ex-husband, Mazur's outings to the funeral home, and Plum's bizarre love-life. I am sick of Stephanie's inability to learn from her capture mistakes, and I'm beginning to think Ranger's all talk, no action standoff with Stephanie means he's probably gay- but the very fact that I am griping about these issues demonstrates how much I- and other readers- remember and enjoy the exploits of these characters. Maybe Ranger and Morelli will end up together- wouldn't that be a pip?

I have nothing but respect and admiration for the author of this excellent series and many other books, however, as with anything, some are better than others. This is definitely within the top three. Of course there is an outstanding plot and setting. Me, along with millions of others, could probably successfully navigate all the way from the Tasty Pastry Bakery to the Personal Products factory on Rt 1, after reading several of these hilarious novels. The plot spins on through the use of several past characters. But what made this one so enjoyable for me was watching Ranger come into his own. See Morelli realizes he may have Stephanie, but does she have him? Lots of steam coming from the "simple" kisses from Ranger to Stephanie and only JE could create an entire sexy scene out of a guy (Morelli) zipping up his jeans while going commando. Just great fun, supa-dupa writing and a great auto-buy addition to the series.

Just who is Stephanie Plum? I'm not sure. I read these books for the entertainment provided by the pivotal characters in her life. Would I like Stephanie, would she be my friend? Somehow I don't think so. I'm at a loss as to why Joe and Ranger seem to treasure and protect this woman who doesn't really know who she is or where she wants to be. I adore Grandma Mazur and think the books are really about her. I believe that people read these books because of HER. Women are also enchanted by the mysterious Ranger. Who wouldn't want to be his "Babe"? Lula is a hoot, always has been. I laugh at her antics and think her relationship with Tank has promise. Stephanie's mom is the prototype of the 50's mom and my heart goes out to her. The taxidermist was the most delightful new character and I hope he returns in Book 14. I will read all the books in the series, irregardless, and continue to buy the hardbacks. I did laugh and I did enjoy the novel, it just wasn't my favorite one in the series.

Stephanie Plum novels are always fun. They are not great literature, introspective or soul searching; nor are they Pulitzer Prize material; but on the other hand they are well written, great fun and a good mindless relaxing read.

Janet Evanovich has completed yet another successful novel with "Lean Mean Thirteen". As with all Stephanie Plum novels, our fearless protagonist is about ready to do once again what she knows she shouldn't do.

Stephanie muses, "I was about to do something I knew I shouldn't do. The signs were all there in front of me. Sick stomach. Feeling of impending disaster. Knowledge that it was illegal. And yet I was going to forge ahead with the plan. Not that this was especially unusual. Truth is, I've been dealing with impending doom for as long as I can remember."...and so begins another adventure with our girl.

What was a little bewildering about this novel is that our protagonist is surrounded by all of her former and current love interests. The first being Dickie Orr, her first mistake, who she was married to for 15 minutes when she found him cheating on her with her arch enemy Joyce Barnhardt who in this novel Dickie has reconnected with. Her next error in judgement involves a second love interest: Ranger..who she decides to do a favor for and winds up knee deep in dangerous territory. Doing favors for Ranger always has strings attached or unusual circumstances. Ranger has asked Stephanie to plant a bug on Dickie. In doing so, she loses her temper and becomes a prime suspect when Dickie goes missing especially as he forgot to change his will and she might come to inherit a cool 40 million!

Joe Morelli has his own secrets and he and Ranger try to keep Stephanie out of trouble which we all know is virtually impossible. The same old gang is around for this adventure including Lulu, Connie, Tank, Bob the wonderful canine, Rex and my favorite character Grandma Mazur. Even a new taxidermist boyfriend for Grandma turns up.

Some of the reviewers were disappointed with the plot and even with Stephanie's indecisiveness. There is little change in direction or life's purpose for our heroine and the time has come for some decisions to be made and some newness to be injected into the predictability of the characters and plot development. Stephanie seems to be in a no commitment of any type zone and seems to be wandering aimlessly drifting further from a decent job, committed relationship or marriage. Having a heroine live from pay check to pay check without any plans for her future after thirteen novels is leaving a few faithful readers cold. If this were real life, one would have to wonder how much longer would a Morelli wait in the wings and/or be patient or understanding with the attraction that his love interest seems to have for another man.

Though I am still a fan of cupcake and enjoyed the novel immensely, I like many others believe that the next novel should summon in some changes for Stephanie and some new directions for her life. The heroine needs to maintain the respect and admiration of her loyal followers and this can only be done if she makes some decisions regarding her relationships and her commitments or lack of commitment to them. If she strikes out on her own looking for a new Mr. Right and stops dangling Morelli and Ranger..even that would be enough to regain the respect of her followers. It doesn't seem to fit our character's personality or sense of fair play that she would be comfortable in leading on both men and have conflicting feelings for both of them indefinately.

However, despite my personal misgivings that more unpredictable events should have been part of "Lean Mean Thirteen" and were not and that it seems to be time for our girl to grow up and make some choices for her future, I still have to say that I find Stephanie Plum to still be a compelling and zany bounty hunter whose antics always aim to please.

Let us hope that #14 steers Stephanie on a new path or I like many others may have reached the end of the line.

3.5 stars (B-) "Recommend as a fun and worthwhile read"
Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum Novels)

Bentley/2007

This is your typical Janet Evanovich book. Although it does have more mystery in it than most of her recent Stephanie Plum books. It does get into her personal life some but not really. It is not a stand alone book. You will need to read the rest of the series to truly get the whole book. Dickie, her ex-husband is caught up in a mess and Stephanie almost kills him. So she's got to try to find him dead or alive. Of course Joe and Ranger are around to help her out. I loved that Grandma Mazur plays a big part in this book. She's always hilarious. The character interactions in this one make this book. If you love the series then this is one that you won't want to miss, however if you only read for the Joe, Stephanie and Ranger triangle then you are going to be disappointed since it doesn't further that character development. I would recommend this book to anyone following the series.

This is.... duh.... the thirteenth book in the Stephanie Plum series. Or actually, the 15th, if you include the two between-the-numbers books.

This time, Stephanie's ex, lawyer Dickie Orr, goes missing, not long after Stephanie fought with him while planting a bug in his office for Ranger. And everyone--but most particularly Joyce Barnhardt, thinks Stephanie's responsible. Thing is, he never changed his will after their divorce, and it's not just Dickie that's missing--there's also a LOT of money missing. So Joyce becomes Stephanie's shadow, hoping Stephanie will lead her to Dickie or the money.

Meanwhile, Joe's busy on a hush-hush assignment, Ranger's keeping an eye (and a GPS tracker) on Stephanie, and Steph and Lula are busy tracking down FTAs, including a hilariously wacky taxidermist with an explosive inventory.

I agree with all the reviewers who complain about a lack of character development (or rather, character change--I think the characters are pretty well developed at this point), and the repetitive nature of the books--cars getting destroyed, the love triangle, Grandma Mazur will do something wacky at the funeral home, etc., etc. The thing is, though: I just don't care. I read a Stephanie Plum book maybe once a year (twice, if there's a between-the-numbers book), so there are generally 300 or more books in between. So if it's exactly what I expected, I don't mind. It's become a formula, yes, but I enjoy the formula--once a year. I expect if I read them all back to back, it would drive me batty. But I don't, so I'm happy.

I have read this series from the beginning, and was really disappointed with Book 13. Sure, the writing was good, and the antics were funny, but when that is all there is it falls short. Character development was lacking if non existent.

One thing that was really annoying was the in depth explanation of history. I realize that Janet wants these books to be able to be read as a stand alone, but having every character and past incident explained again in more than usual detail almost made me feel there wasn't enough to say to fill up the pages.

Knowing this is fiction, it doesn't bother me like others that Steph and Rex never get older. What bothers me is that nothing in her character, Ranger, or Morelli changes. They actually get worse. Ranger and Joe have both been emasculated to the point that I don't even recognize them anymore. They both put up with Steph's sexual teasing, and if they were the real men they have been portrayed in the past, they would have both kicked her to the curb long ago not willing to put up with it. I used to think that Steph was just conflicted between the two men, but now I just think that she strings them along because she thinks she can with no ramifications.

I would have been better off if I had not read this book. I am afraid what the future holds for this series. Maybe it should have ended with 12.

I have read this series from the beginning, and was really disappointed with Book 13. Sure, the writing was good, and the antics were funny, but when that is all there is it falls short. Character development was lacking if non existent.

One thing that was really annoying was the in depth explanation of history. I realize that Janet wants these books to be able to be read as a stand alone, but having every character and past incident explained again in more than usual detail almost made me feel there wasn't enough to say to fill up the pages.

Knowing this is fiction, it doesn't bother me like others that Steph and Rex never get older. What bothers me is that nothing in her character, Ranger, or Morelli changes. They actually get worse. Ranger and Joe have both been emasculated to the point that I don't even recognize them anymore. They both put up with Steph's sexual teasing, and if they were the real men they have been portrayed in the past, they would have both kicked her to the curb long ago not willing to put up with it. I used to think that Steph was just conflicted between the two men, but now I just think that she strings them along because she thinks she can with no ramifications.

I would have been better off if I had not read this book. I am afraid what the future holds for this series. Maybe it should have ended with 12.

Our favorite bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum is back again in Lean Mean Thirteen. Stephanie is asked by her friend, Ranger to plant bugs on her ex-husband Dickie Orr. Stephanie does not like Dickie too well, so when she, LuLu and Connie give him a visit, it is no surprise that Stephanie and Dickie end up fighting on the floor. Stephanie can't help herself especially after she learns that Dickie is back in bed with her archenemy Joyce Barnhardt. The following day Stephanie learns that Dickie has gone missing, presumably dead, and their number one suspect is Stephanie. Forced into this situation by Ranger, she joins up with him to try and find out what happened to Dickie and how it ties to his law firm and its cast of suspicious partners. The plot is a little too extravagant, but Janet Evanovich provides some great characters along the way that overall make the story work. As always she fills her pages with scenes that will leave you laughing out loud, including exploding animal specimens and graveyard antics. Plus, she gives us just enough Ranger to have us begging for more or the mysterious and sexy bounty hunter. Fans of the series will not want to miss Lean Mean Thirteen. Valerie Jones [email protected]

In the interests of full disclosure, I've never had a Tastykake. I can imagine though and I bet they're very tasty. I bet the first several are especially good. I would imagine they continue to be good, but after a while, I would imagine their mass-produced-sameness begins to leave one wondering if they are really as good as they used to be. When you want a taste of something yummy, they're a dependable sugar rush but one might begin to think they will never be quite as good as they were in the beginning. That's kind of where I am with this series.

LMT was tasty but predictable. It was LOL funny in places. Secondary characters are still a hoot even though they begin to wear thin. One of my favorite moments was Lula calling Ranger on his mysterio silent **** but even Lula seems quieter. The FTAs were all a disappointment though. The taxidermist thing was very tired by the end.

Joe and Ranger were a disappointment also. Joe has morphed from the teenage stealer of virtue to the minivan man. And the lastest development is he and Ranger have reached some kind of live and let live thing that allows Stephanie to bounce from one to the other whenever the narrative requires it. Very giving of both of them. They're still both tasty but increasingly predictable.

And I guess the parts that are becoming most predictable are the ones I think of as the Doh! moments. For instance, Stephanie has her guardian angel RangeMan (not just one man but multiples!) looking out for her except for when she most needs them. Another is that despite having clear indication Stephanie is in great potential danger, something like doing the laundry becomes critical and she leaves, alone, to do it. And Joe lets her! And least forgiveable as far as I'm concerned, Mother Nature bails Stephanie out at a supreme moment of crisis.

Another reviewer notes there may be signs Stephanie is reaching a decision on the Joe/Ranger thing (Joe's house is the destination, Ranger's part of the journey) and I too think that would be a good thing. There are all kinds of places Stephanie could go before she really needs to retire. I hope JE tries some of them out. It would be wonderful to open a Stephanie Plum book and be able to relive that initial rush of wonderfulness.

Don't we all just wait and wait for the next installment of Stephanie's life to come out so we can all go get cozy and read, read, read? I was very excited when my copy of LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN came in at the library. And I was not disappointed!

Stephanie is up to her usual style of mayhem trying to make a living and live her life. This time around, besides being probably the worst bounty hunter in the state of New Jersey, Ranger needs Stepahnie's help involving her ex-husband, Dickie Orr. Once you meet the character of Dickie, you will understand how his name totally suits him! What a jerk!

The plot involves our favorite characters from the rest of the series -- Stephanie's mom, kind of her dad, Grandma Mazur {my personal favorite}, Lula {who is my number two favorite!}, Morelli, Ranger -- you know who I mean -- you know them and you love them.

Dickie goes missing and so does a huge amount of cash. Stephanie tries to find Dickie, do her bounty hunting job, be in love with both Ranger and Morelli, and also has to try hard to stay alive. Trouble ensues as Dickie's involvement with some big, seriously bad guys comes full circle. The book, without spoiling the story for anyone, is the usual ups and downs, car wrecking, madcap fun spree it always is.

The characters who Stephanie's trying to bond out are really good this time around. I especially enjoyed Carl Coglin, the taxidermist. His personal little zoo is a riot!!!

This being said, what I didn't like about the book -- and previous ones -
is the go nowhere, stuck in the mud relationship Stephanie has with Morelli and Ranger. She loves them both. They both love her. They will both wait for her until she makes up her mind. Come on! This is getting old and Stephanie should make a decision before fans tire of this scenario. Many other reviewers mentioned the same thing -- we need to make a man decision here and make a choice!!!!!!!!!! Maybe in number 14 that will be the case.

I loved the usual arguments, family problems, family dinners, bounty hunting problems, and the characters Stephanie tries so hard to pick up as part of her job. I did laugh, but admittedly, not as much as in previous books. I am NOT tired of these books, I love them. I just think most readers need/want some NEW material and for things to get a move on in Stephanie's love life. I do not expect these books to be deep or serious, they are meant to be light, fun reading, and that they are! However, the three-way realtionship is tired.

This is another winner. I will now wait and wait and wait for number 14 to come out, probably next summer. I do enjoy this series but would really like something refreshing, different, and new to HAPPEN.

Read this book. If you haven't read the series, you need to. You will absolutely love them.

Thank you!

Pam

This book starts out like many other, Stephanie Plum getting in quite the predicament. While doing some undercover work for Ranger, she becomes the number one suspect of the murder or Dickie Orr, her ex-husband. Besides the fact that Stephanie caught him doing the nasty with Joyce Barnhart, his ethics as an attorney are not much better. He manages to get tangled in a web that has been turned so tightly that it almost cost him his life. Stephanie almost gets arrested and sent to jail because nobody can find Dickie. The true adventure begins (Plum style) when Stephanie finds out where Dickie is located and what he has been doing all this time as he is in witness protection. As always, Stephanie is stuck in deciding between Ranger and Morrelli in her love life which adds to the adventure is very comical. To be stuck having to choose between two extra hot and equally yummy men must be difficult.

I always enjoy the Plum series and this one is no disappointment. I read this book in no less than a week. Evonavich keeps her readers entertained and while the reader knows Stephanie will get herself in a mess, they are never really sure how. Bringing her ex-husband back in her life in an very unexpected way brings a new level of entertaining in this book.

This book started out intriguing and funny. Stephanie goes after her ex and threatens him, only to have him show up dead the next day. Guess who the number one suspect is? Stephanie is a bounty hunter and so she is busy chasing guys who have skipped. So there is lots of action and quirky moments. The characters are quite interesting. The story line is good but for me the book was a bit over the top. There is no question that Ms. Evanovich is very good at snappy reparte and comebacks. The dialogue was what pulls you through the story - it's fast and it's funny at times. I struggled with rating this book as it went from a 4 to a 3 to a 4 to a 3 for me. I thought the ending was too drawn out and there were a few plot holes. I own the book.

Janet Evanoch's "Lean Mean Thirteen" will always keep you laughing. As one of my favourite traditional authors, Janet Evanovich yet again has proven why I love her books.
The characters build up and always learn something in the endings whether it be about clocks, relationships etc. Each character has their own flaws and are believable and each scene described believable. The storline is strong and everything is understandable.
I absolutely love Janet Evanovich's pieces because they flow beautifully. Even the FTA's are described remarkably. Janet Evanovich is the reason well one of the reasons i became an independently published author. So keep inspiring, Janet. With that i give "Lean Mean Thirteen" a solid FIVE STARS

MEL

I'm an avid Stephanie Plum fan, but this book just wasn't as good as the first 9 books in the series, although I thought it was much better than books 10-12. This book was not as funny as the other books--I think I only laughed out loud once or twice while reading this book, and that's not very often for a Stephanie Plum book. This book was also short on charcter development and really had a limited cast of characters--Vinnie, Joe's family, Valarie and her family, the officers of the Trenton PD, and Terry Gilman were all missing from this book as were the humurous incidents that always accompanied their appearances. The best thing about this book is that the triangle that has bogged down the past 3-4 books seems to be heading towards a resolution so hopefully JE will have room in her next book to add back the quirky characters and humor that was missing from this book. I thought that both Joe and Ranger were boring in this book and that Ranger seemed to have lost his mystery and bad boy image. If the triangle resolves the way I think it will (I'm hoping it's Joe), then Ranger can go back to being the cool, mysterious person that he was in the first 10 books. The mystery story was stronger in this book than it has been in the other books (although a lot of the plot elements were recyled from prior books), but I read JE's books for the characters and humor more than the mystery so a better plot wasn't much of a plus for me. I enjoyed this book and do recommend it, but I do think that this was not JE's best effort.

Great read- buy the book! This was the first of the Plum books I read, and will always be my favorite. After reading this book, I purchased the first 12, and some of the "between the numbers" books (don't bother with the btn- the supernatural aspect was irritating). I even picked up 4 of the pre-Plum romance novels (don't bother with that either- they're sophmoric, and endlessly repeat the dessert-loving klutzy woman with wacky relatives themes the author perfects in the Plum series). Stick with numbered Plum novels and you'll be laughing out loud at Grandma Mazur and Mazur's beaus, Stephanie's ability to destroy her crappy vehicles, her crazy FTA's, Lula, Plum's ex-ho best friend, the jerky ex-husband, Mazur's outings to the funeral home, and Plum's bizarre love-life. I am sick of Stephanie's inability to learn from her capture mistakes, and I'm beginning to think Ranger's all talk, no action standoff with Stephanie means he's probably gay- but the very fact that I am griping about these issues demonstrates how much I- and other readers- remember and enjoy the exploits of these characters. Maybe Ranger and Morelli will end up together- wouldn't that be a pip?

I have nothing but respect and admiration for the author of this excellent series and many other books, however, as with anything, some are better than others. This is definitely within the top three. Of course there is an outstanding plot and setting. Me, along with millions of others, could probably successfully navigate all the way from the Tasty Pastry Bakery to the Personal Products factory on Rt 1, after reading several of these hilarious novels. The plot spins on through the use of several past characters. But what made this one so enjoyable for me was watching Ranger come into his own. See Morelli realizes he may have Stephanie, but does she have him? Lots of steam coming from the "simple" kisses from Ranger to Stephanie and only JE could create an entire sexy scene out of a guy (Morelli) zipping up his jeans while going commando. Just great fun, supa-dupa writing and a great auto-buy addition to the series.

Just who is Stephanie Plum? I'm not sure. I read these books for the entertainment provided by the pivotal characters in her life. Would I like Stephanie, would she be my friend? Somehow I don't think so. I'm at a loss as to why Joe and Ranger seem to treasure and protect this woman who doesn't really know who she is or where she wants to be. I adore Grandma Mazur and think the books are really about her. I believe that people read these books because of HER. Women are also enchanted by the mysterious Ranger. Who wouldn't want to be his "Babe"? Lula is a hoot, always has been. I laugh at her antics and think her relationship with Tank has promise. Stephanie's mom is the prototype of the 50's mom and my heart goes out to her. The taxidermist was the most delightful new character and I hope he returns in Book 14. I will read all the books in the series, irregardless, and continue to buy the hardbacks. I did laugh and I did enjoy the novel, it just wasn't my favorite one in the series.

Stephanie Plum novels are always fun. They are not great literature, introspective or soul searching; nor are they Pulitzer Prize material; but on the other hand they are well written, great fun and a good mindless relaxing read.

Janet Evanovich has completed yet another successful novel with "Lean Mean Thirteen". As with all Stephanie Plum novels, our fearless protagonist is about ready to do once again what she knows she shouldn't do.

Stephanie muses, "I was about to do something I knew I shouldn't do. The signs were all there in front of me. Sick stomach. Feeling of impending disaster. Knowledge that it was illegal. And yet I was going to forge ahead with the plan. Not that this was especially unusual. Truth is, I've been dealing with impending doom for as long as I can remember."...and so begins another adventure with our girl.

What was a little bewildering about this novel is that our protagonist is surrounded by all of her former and current love interests. The first being Dickie Orr, her first mistake, who she was married to for 15 minutes when she found him cheating on her with her arch enemy Joyce Barnhardt who in this novel Dickie has reconnected with. Her next error in judgement involves a second love interest: Ranger..who she decides to do a favor for and winds up knee deep in dangerous territory. Doing favors for Ranger always has strings attached or unusual circumstances. Ranger has asked Stephanie to plant a bug on Dickie. In doing so, she loses her temper and becomes a prime suspect when Dickie goes missing especially as he forgot to change his will and she might come to inherit a cool 40 million!

Joe Morelli has his own secrets and he and Ranger try to keep Stephanie out of trouble which we all know is virtually impossible. The same old gang is around for this adventure including Lulu, Connie, Tank, Bob the wonderful canine, Rex and my favorite character Grandma Mazur. Even a new taxidermist boyfriend for Grandma turns up.

Some of the reviewers were disappointed with the plot and even with Stephanie's indecisiveness. There is little change in direction or life's purpose for our heroine and the time has come for some decisions to be made and some newness to be injected into the predictability of the characters and plot development. Stephanie seems to be in a no commitment of any type zone and seems to be wandering aimlessly drifting further from a decent job, committed relationship or marriage. Having a heroine live from pay check to pay check without any plans for her future after thirteen novels is leaving a few faithful readers cold. If this were real life, one would have to wonder how much longer would a Morelli wait in the wings and/or be patient or understanding with the attraction that his love interest seems to have for another man.

Though I am still a fan of cupcake and enjoyed the novel immensely, I like many others believe that the next novel should summon in some changes for Stephanie and some new directions for her life. The heroine needs to maintain the respect and admiration of her loyal followers and this can only be done if she makes some decisions regarding her relationships and her commitments or lack of commitment to them. If she strikes out on her own looking for a new Mr. Right and stops dangling Morelli and Ranger..even that would be enough to regain the respect of her followers. It doesn't seem to fit our character's personality or sense of fair play that she would be comfortable in leading on both men and have conflicting feelings for both of them indefinately.

However, despite my personal misgivings that more unpredictable events should have been part of "Lean Mean Thirteen" and were not and that it seems to be time for our girl to grow up and make some choices for her future, I still have to say that I find Stephanie Plum to still be a compelling and zany bounty hunter whose antics always aim to please.

Let us hope that #14 steers Stephanie on a new path or I like many others may have reached the end of the line.

3.5 stars (B-) "Recommend as a fun and worthwhile read"
Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum Novels)

Bentley/2007

This is your typical Janet Evanovich book. Although it does have more mystery in it than most of her recent Stephanie Plum books. It does get into her personal life some but not really. It is not a stand alone book. You will need to read the rest of the series to truly get the whole book. Dickie, her ex-husband is caught up in a mess and Stephanie almost kills him. So she's got to try to find him dead or alive. Of course Joe and Ranger are around to help her out. I loved that Grandma Mazur plays a big part in this book. She's always hilarious. The character interactions in this one make this book. If you love the series then this is one that you won't want to miss, however if you only read for the Joe, Stephanie and Ranger triangle then you are going to be disappointed since it doesn't further that character development. I would recommend this book to anyone following the series.

This is.... duh.... the thirteenth book in the Stephanie Plum series. Or actually, the 15th, if you include the two between-the-numbers books.

This time, Stephanie's ex, lawyer Dickie Orr, goes missing, not long after Stephanie fought with him while planting a bug in his office for Ranger. And everyone--but most particularly Joyce Barnhardt, thinks Stephanie's responsible. Thing is, he never changed his will after their divorce, and it's not just Dickie that's missing--there's also a LOT of money missing. So Joyce becomes Stephanie's shadow, hoping Stephanie will lead her to Dickie or the money.

Meanwhile, Joe's busy on a hush-hush assignment, Ranger's keeping an eye (and a GPS tracker) on Stephanie, and Steph and Lula are busy tracking down FTAs, including a hilariously wacky taxidermist with an explosive inventory.

I agree with all the reviewers who complain about a lack of character development (or rather, character change--I think the characters are pretty well developed at this point), and the repetitive nature of the books--cars getting destroyed, the love triangle, Grandma Mazur will do something wacky at the funeral home, etc., etc. The thing is, though: I just don't care. I read a Stephanie Plum book maybe once a year (twice, if there's a between-the-numbers book), so there are generally 300 or more books in between. So if it's exactly what I expected, I don't mind. It's become a formula, yes, but I enjoy the formula--once a year. I expect if I read them all back to back, it would drive me batty. But I don't, so I'm happy.

Look, if you liked the first 12 in the series, you know what you're going to get here. Goofy bounty hunter action, where Lula and Stephanie can't apprehend Trenton's Most Wanted Losers due to a series of amusing mishaps. Simmering romantic tension between Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger. Granny Mazur dressing in spandex and cruising funeral homes for dates. If you read those sentences and smile, then go ahead and get this book. If that makes you roll your eyes, then go buy the new Al Gore book.

There's nothing much new covered here, although the plot hook for this volume is good. After very publicly threatening her scummy ex-husband, he disappears, leaving Stephanie the prime suspect and forcing her to find him to clear her name. This being Stephanie Plum, though, the search leads her through grave robbers, drug lords with flame throwers, and exploding taxidermy.

It's a fun addition to the series. Nothing new, but it's a good summer read.

Incompetent bounty hunter Stephanie Plum never seems to get easy bail-jumpers to track down and this latest batch is no exception. There's the guy with the snake, the taxidermist who stuffs roadkill, and the graverobber. Plus ever-dangerous Ranger has asked for a favor. With no money and no food in the refrigerator, Stephanie gets to work--starting with that favor for Ranger. Getting a chance to plant a bug on ex-husband Dickey Orr is likely to be a lot more fun than chasing someone across a moonlit graveyard.

When Dickey turns up missing shortly after the confrontation, and blood is found on his doorstep, Stephanie becomes a suspect--and her arch-nemesis Joyce starts tracking her. Joyce wants the money Dickey supposedly had and thinks Stephanie must have it. Unfortunately, Joyce isn't the only person who thinks Stephanie knows more than she's letting on--and some of those people are dangerous.

Author Janet Evanovich goes back to what works in this series--the romantic triangle between Morelli, Stephanie and Ranger, lots of zany action by Grandma Mazur and ex-Ho Lula, and over-the-top action by Stephanie that nevertheless manages to keep her sympathetic and interesting.

In some of the recent Stephanie Plum books, it's seemed to me that Evanovich has tried too hard to make the humor work. In LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN, the writing, plot, characters and situation jelled into an enjoyable and highly readable novel. Sure Stephanie seems a little stuck between Morelli and Ranger--but who wouldn't be. I do wonder about how she's going to get her hamster back, though.

Inept bail bond collector Stephanie Plumb's on the prowl again. And you're looking forward to more exploding cars, right? Sorry to say you're going to be disappointed on that issue. Okay, so her car gets shot at (bullet holes through the back windscreen), `decorated' with happy slogans not fit to print here, and she also runs into a light pole so she can only get out through the window, not the door. That sort of thing. But exploding? Nah. Happily, though, something else explodes all through the book. You won't believe it even if we tell you, but just wait until the first explosion occurs - with Lula around - and we can guarantee you quality rib-tickling entertainment.  And that's not even the main story! Stephanie's ex - remember sleazy lawyer Dickie Orr? - goes missing, feared dead, with a trail of blood and his place trashed. Stephanie's arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt (the woman Dickie cheated on Stephanie with) goes nutso, thinking Stephanie's killed Dickie and taken off with his money. Which it turns out, there's quite a lot of. Ah money, the prime motivator for crime - and rather hideous crime at that, with arson and murder and worse! But what we liked best about this book was the exploding `somethings' (no spoilers here), Stephanie's, um, `encounters' with drop-dead sexy Ranger (drool drool) and her nights with the ever gorgeously muscled cool cop Joe Morelli. Are you a Ranger or a Morelli girl, hmm? Of course, Grandma Mazur provides prime laughs - the scene where her newly acquired taxidermied cat sits at the dinner table is a rip-snorter.

I've been reading the Stephanie Plum series a short while, and already am up to Lean Mean Thirteen.
One would think that, with a short list of 'regular' characters, the stories would eventually get boring. Never!
Ms Evanovich has plenty of action, romance, hilarity to keep the reader 'coming back for more'
Grandma Mazur is a story unto herself. Ms Plums romantic interests, Cop Joe Morelli and the Mysterious Ranger, keep you rooting for BOTH of them as the eventual 'permanent' love of her life.
I have heard that Ms Evanovich writes 1 or 2 of this series each year. At the rate I'm going, I'll be completely caught up by March 2013, at the latest.
Keep 'em coming, Janet! I AM COMPLETELY HOOKED!!

Well, I thought it was just me, but after reading a few of the other reviews I realized I'm not alone. It seems the series is just fading away. I stopped purchasing at retail price after #9. I'm glad I did. The story is just stale. The characters seem to have the same conversation over and over and over. Not to mention the same situations and circumstances. How long will it take Stephanie to learn to handle herself in her chosen profession? I mean with a mentor like Ranger and a cop for a boyfriend you'd think she'd spend some time at the shooting range and in self defense classes. Yet she keeps getting caught off guard. It was funny for a while, now it's irritating.

And the whole man question? It's just old. I have no respect for a woman who kisses one while thinking about maybe one day saying "I do" to the other. Not to mention, what kind of alpha male sits and waits for so long? And she has not 1 but 2 waiting. And they're being nice to each other. The tension is gone. Now it's a waiting, waiting, waiting, and more waiting game.

Something needs to bring new life to this series or 14 is it for me. Let's grow a little here.

Another great book in the series. There are so many reviews here already - I'll just toss in my short one for the star average. These books are a great getaway when you just want to escape in some entertainment for a little while. Lots of laugh-out-loud wit and intelligence without the deep brooding conspiracy and blood and gore of many best sellers. Fun sexual tension without the anatomy lessons. Oh- the taxidermy scenes? OK - I love animals and all (yay Rex and Bob!), but the entire taxidermy thread had me practically in tears from laughter every time it appeared. I saw mention of a screenplay once. I actually hope these books don't go to screen. Most of the laughs come from Stephanie's internal wit and I enjoy every outrageous moment of it!

It's always a fun time when I can catch up on the adventures of Stephanie Plum. In Lean Mean Thirteen, Janet Evanovich puts Plum into another crazy situation that allows her to destroy her quota of cars and buildings...

Plum is tasked to do a "favor" for Ranger, which usually means bad things. She has to plant a bug on Dickie, her ex-husband, and the meeting between the two doesn't go well. In fact, she has to be pulled off of him in a wild rage. But the confrontation serves her purpose for planting the device. But when Dickie goes missing and his house shows signs of a bloody struggle, Stephanie is top on the list of suspects. Ranger and Morelli know better, but the alibi involves activities involving her, Morelli, and nocturnal activities. Plum isn't the only person trying to find Dickie, either. Joyce Barnhardt, Dickie's on-again/off-again squeeze, thinks he was worth $40 million, and thinks Stephanie killed him to get the money. Stephanie has to balance her time and life between Ranger and Morelli to clear her name, find her ex, and determine if he really *is* worth that kind of money...

There's nothing new or surprising in this latest installment of the Stephanie Plum series. But that's OK... There's the typical sexual tension between her and Ranger, as well as her unfailing ability to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when it comes to cars being destroyed or buildings being burned down. And there's the colorful assortment of FTA cases she's trying to apprehend in her own unique way. This is a novel that Plum fans will enjoy and breeze through. Throw it in your suitcase for a vacation or longer flight, and you'll be set.

I love Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum adventure series. It's not a traditional mystery, and she mixes danger with comedy and a unique cast of oddball larger than life characters just a tiny bit over the top from people readers can relate to. She has two romantic interests. Joe Morelli, cop and lifelong friend. And Ranger, wealthy bounty hunter who lives life on the edge of dark and light. Ranger reminds me of the Jason Quartermaine Morgan character on General Hospital. He has few words and he is apt to grab Stephanie, kiss her hard and leave her panting. Everyone I know loves Morelli. Me, I'm a Ranger girl. Cops don't do it for me. Bad boys do.

In Lean Mean Thirteen, Stephanie and Morelli are forced to deal with Stephanie's ex hubby, a smarmy attorney who's gotten himself mixed up with some dirty dealings and a lot of money. The villain executes via flamethrower, which once I got past the shock, found fascinating. Great story, great ending, bravo again Ms. Evanovich!

Five Stars, of course.

Stephanie Plum's obnoxious ex-husband Dickie Orr goes missing the day after Stephanie tries to strangle him. Since this makes her a suspect in his disappearance, she is anxious to track him down. She finds herself being tailed by her old enemy Joyce Barhnardt, who is Dickie's current girlfriend, and anxious to get him back (or at least his money, of which he has a lot). Naturally this leads Stephanie into all kinds of trouble, and of course someone is, as usual, trying to kill her.

I thought that this book, though not as funny or exciting as the early Plums, was an improvement on the last two. It is funnier, and has a more interesting plot. The supporting characters are always a pleasure to meet again, especially Grandma Mazur, and Lula. There are some amusing minor characters, I especially liked the crazy taxidermist who specialises in exploding animals. You may wonder how anyone as incompetent as Stephanie manages to make a living as a bounty hunter (she can never bring herself to carry a gun, and when she goes to arrest people she still waits outside the front of their houses while they slip out the back). You may wonder how much longer Joe Morelli and Ranger are going to wait around for her to make up her mind which of them she prefers (though in this book they seem to be getting along better,maybe they've decided to share her). But never mind, just suspend disbelief and enjoy it.

First Sentence: For the last five minutes, I'd been parked outside my cousin Vinnie's bail bonds office in my crapola car, debating whether to continue on with my day, or return to my apartment and crawl back into bed.

When bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum's ex-husband goes missing and it's realized Dickie has left behind an estate worth $40 million, there are lots of people on Stephanie's trail. Joyce, Stephanie's nemesis, is Dickie's girlfriend so wherever Stephanie goes, so goes Joyce. Dickie's less-than-legal former partners want the money and will apply a flamethrower to anyone who gets in their way. So while Stephanie is still trying to bring in her eclectic collection of FTAs (Failure to Appear), and Morrelli is undercover, it's up to Ranger and his men to keep Stephanie alive.

Caution: do not read this book while eating! I was laughing so hard, I nearly choked. I thought this was the funniest, laugh-out-loud book since the first one. Having grown up in North Jersey, I do recognize these characters, but Evanovich takes them to another level. I empathize with the taxidermist who can't be taken in because he's waiting for cable repair. Yes, I'd like to see Stephanie grow as a character, and yes, I'd like her to finally decide between Ranger and Joe but then what fun would there be. I've read this series from the beginning but one could read this book as a standalone. If you're looking for pure, fun escapism to make you laugh, this is the book for you.

Books in the Stephanie Plum series should never be read too close together. I made that mistake with the first eight or so. Then I started to read them a year apart, as published. Book 12 and this one, 13, are either the best of the lot, or I had a long rest between them.

The slightly picaresque plot is a little thin for crime fiction, as it is in all the books. It mostly consists of a series of incidents in which Ms. Plum, bounty hunter, gets humiliated, loses her handcuffs, is tasered or slimed by an exploding squirrel. I did laugh aloud several times.

There are good characters, although Plum's two erstwhile lovers, Morelli and Ranger, have grown a little tiresome. Her family is fun and quirky, a grandmother who wears a shirt that says she is "sassy" and enjoys visiting funeral homes, a mother who irons when she is worried, which is often. A dog named Bob comes and goes, while a hamster comes out of his soup can only for tidbits of food. Then there is Lula, Plum's co-worker, a hefty black ex-hooker in spandex who is always hungry--and it shows. And, of course, there is a generous supply of bail skippers who must to be apprehended, although Plum has little success with that in this book.

The setting is Trenton, New Jersey, or rather the seedier and grimier parts of that city. Plum's car is an a one time police car, an old Crown Victoria that threatens to conk out and finally does after it has a bullet hole in the back window and squirrel slime all over the dashboard.

This is one of the better books in the series. Or maybe I've just not read one for a time and it feels new again.

I am pleased to report that this 13th installment in Stephanie Plum's checkered career as a bounty hunter is funny and a little sexy. For the last two or three books I've been feeling like Janet Evanovich has been phoning it in, camouflaging the lack of character and plot with multiple sideshows of eccentric characters (Sally the cross-dressing wedding planner, the niece who takes "horse crazy" to a new level). In Lean Mean Thirteen it's back to the series' roots with characters and plot. Alas, he sexual tension that animated the earlier volumes has been muted for some time since Stephanie has solidified her relationship with Joe Morelli, her cop boyfriend. Still, Ranger the tantalizing and dangerous bounty hunter remains an ongoing temptation.

Over and above her erratic pursuit of bail skippers, Stephanie finds herself working for Ranger and investigating her loathsome ex-husband Dickie. It doesn't help that Joyce Barnhardt, Stephanie's archrival since high school, has latched onto Stephanie like a tick.

It takes some dedication to follow a series through twelve volumes, but I think fans' patience will be rewarded. And, if for some reason you want to start here, don't. Do yourself a favor and go back to the beginning. Many laughs and thrills await.

This is really an overall review for the Stephanie Plum series rather that just this book, as a disclaimer.

My advice for everyone is to stop reading the series with this book. After you finish it, make up your own ending. Does Stephanie end up with Morelli or Ranger? You decide! If you keep reading, you are going to be disappointed. Every later published book in the series is the same. It's like Evanovich just rolled a dice to determine a new scenario and then wrote it as if it was an episode of a TV show, rather than an entire novel. The books are about one overarching mystery and contain little to no character development. By the end of every other book, nothing has changed. The sad thing is, I used to LOVE this series! Now it seems like Evanovich has phoned it in and only continues to write these to make money. I hope she gets the sense to finish the series soon, and give these characters we've come to love some kind of a satisfying and conclusive ending.

Also, does anyone else think her endings are getting very anti-climatic? The scenario wraps up and then the whole book is done about two pages later. It drives me crazy.

Pyrotechnics take center stage again as Stephanie manages to come up close and personal to flame-throwers, exploding mammals, and fires. She pursues a grave robber and a taxidermist, as her ex-husband, Dickie, makes an appearance and then a disappearance. Evidence points to Dickie's death, and Stephanie seems to be the likely perpetrator. Grandma Mazur pursues a member of the geriatric set while Ranger and Morelli form a tentative alliance to keep Stephanie out of trouble. Lula is there as Stephanie's expletive-spouting side-kick, and her trips with Stephanie are among the most memorable in the book. There may not be much new ground covered, but readers pretty much know the humorous, over-the-top adventure that they're going to get in a Stephanie Plum novel, and author Janet Evanovich does not disappoint.

I confess being stuck in the Miami Airport for hours may have altered my opinion a bit but I laughed out loud a number of times. If you're a Plum fan you know what you're getting when you crack open the book and Janet delivered what I expected. I've converted a lot of friends and relatives to fans and we sit around trying to decide who could play each one of the cast. We've never been able to cast Ranger, Janet writes him so sexy and mysterious, a flesh and blood human is just not out there. This book makes him even sexier and gives us a look at his personality, when he laughed out loud, so did I! When Lula goes after Ranger at the hospital I was laughing out loud again. Okay, it's not the best one Janet's written and she seems to have lost some interest in her book family. I'm banking on the next one being better.

Let's face it fellow readers. Janet Evanovitch has harvested from these same fertile fields many times and she still produces a good crop. Has the time come to rotate her crops? Probably. Is the current crop as good as those harvested when her soil was fresh? No. Is it still worth your while to eat from this particular harvest. Yes. Are things getting a bit, shall we say stale, in this particular field. Absolutely! That being said, a few things are glaringly apparent.

First, I'm way past wanting Stephanie to choose between her love interests. I just want the woman to GROW UP! If she is going to remain remotely interesting she needs to change. Whether the decision to keep Stephanie in a box is made by author or publisher remains to be seen; but both would be well advised to let this 30-ish adolescent grow up just a tad.

Second, Grandma Mazur needs a new pasttime. Hanging out at the funeral home is way past creepy.

Third, please let Stephanie get a real job for a change and moonlight as a bounty hunter. Do something to get this woman a little money in her pocket.

I could go on, but the point is that this series needs to grow. From the reviews of the 14th installment that didn't happen this year. Dear Janet, a word to the wise, give your characters some growing room. Dear Publisher, let the series progress. But in the meantime, the book has a few laugh-out-loud moments and that's enough for paperback entertainment. But my days of spending hardback bucks on Stephanie have long since passed.

Another thumbs up for Janet Evanovich. I have always enjoyed the Stephanie Plum novels and "Lean Mean Thirteen" is no exception. Janet Evanovich is such a talented writer, and in my opinion, this story is a terrific read for the series. Stephanie and the rest of the supporting characters were zesty and their actions throughout the story were unpredictable. Some of the characters that were in the other books were missing from the story. I don't know why they had been written out of the story, but then again I'm not the writer. There are numerous excellent reviews, so I won't go into anymore detail about the story except to tell you that Ranger and Joe made the cut.

I love this series and couldn't wait to rip through the store's packaging to get to #13, but this one left me a little empty. Even at the three-quarter mark, I was still waiting to sink into the Plum universe. There wasn't an eye roll, forehead smack or damn-skippy in the book. Between the burning pot house and exploding taxidermy, there were some VERY funny moments, but the characters lacked snap. No tension between Steph and Ranger, even when she lived with him. No real tension between Steph and Morelli, when he should've been at least waving his arms around. And Ranger and Morelli acted like teammates, for heaven's sake, even when Ranger overtly threatened to poach. What happened there? Where's the conflict? When Ranger and Morelli passed Steph-sitting duty back and forth between them like she was a piece of luggage, all she could manage was a heavy sigh. None of the characters acted right - Lula starts saying "heaven to goodness" rather than F***in-A, and even Grandma seemed colorless. And since when did Ranger get so chatty?

I enjoyed the action, and enjoyed the skips. I enjoyed seeing Steph choke the snot out of Dickie Orr. But I zipped through the book in four hours, and that made me kind of sad. Her books used to have so much meat and quirk. Now there's pages of dialogue that read more like a sedate screenplay. I read in an interview that Janet writes the books in six months, then does promotion and other things for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, I think that's very telling at this point in the series.

Things are getting old in this series. Yet, I enjoyed the book and got several chuckles. Grandma Mazur and Lula are probably the funniest in the book. Ranger seems to be turning into a wuss and Morelli.. well Morelli is still himself.

JE has added exploding stuffed road kills and a huge snake into the mix. At least we dont hear about Bob the dog's bowel habits in this rendition. And Steph's exhusband is a hoot too.

I feel a bit disloyal but really, how much faithfulness can I give? It seems Janet is finally running out of fuel for these books and I just cannot get into her other books written with a co=author.

The ride was great while it lasted. Next time I get the book from the library. Enuf money spent on this series.

This was a good next book in the Stephanie Plum series. One of my good friends stopped reading this series a couple of books ago, because she felt frustrated that Stephanie continued to be kind of a dolt and never got any smarter. She felt that while these were funny situations, a character should grow and learn if we're to believe that time is passing in the fictional world. I continued to read the series, but I could quite easily understand what my friend was talking about.

I'm glad to say that Evanovich is finally letting Stephanie do a little better in this book. She's still Stephanie - funny, getting herself into some odd situations, etc., but she's getting a bit better at her job, and seems a little more mature.

The mystery plot was good, and the writing as always was fun and natural. As opposed to the "holiday special" Plum novellas, this was a good long story that I didn't feel bad about getting in hardcover.

I hope Stephanie's learning curve continues, at least on this pace, in the next book. I WILL be willing to buy another hardcover. ;)

I am a Plum fanatic, and count down the days to the next book. I was so disappointed with this one! It has all the elements of the preceding books -- explosions, funny Lula and Grandma Mazer moments, run-ins with Joe and Ranger -- but there was no substance. Almost like it was following a formula (page 39 -- have car blow up. Page 75 -- get semi-naked with Ranger). Lots of flash, but no real "there," there -- if you know what I mean. I still enjoyed it, but it felt like the same stuff, different day.

I hate to say it, but it may be time for Stephanie to get married and settle down.

I'm one of Evanovich's biggest fans, in fact I've introduced many of my friends and family to the Plum novels. So it hurts for me to say this, I was disappointed in "Lean Mean Thirteen." First, it was way too short for the price you pay, and second, there was very little in the way of new information. We already know that Grandma moved in when grandpa died, mom tips back a few and irons when stressed, that Steph is involved with two men and that Lula was a "ho" before she met Stephanie. Usually I put up with the repeating of all of the base information because I know it's necessary, but this time, the book was so short that it was a waste of valuable space. Finally, I want to say that I was disappointed in Evanovich thinking it was necessary to have everyone, even grandma say, "f---ing cable." Now really, couldn't she have found a more amusing way to have everyone in the novel agree, as we all do, that the cable company messes with us all and holds us all hostage to their shoddy service? Anyway, I'm still a fan and looking forward to the #14, but I hope it is better next time.

There are now only snatches of some books that I enjoy...

Wherein Ranger informs Steph she's a business expense under entertainment...

Wherein Ranger handcuffs Steph to Tank...

Wherein Ranger and Morelli flip for dealing with cleaning up after one of her messes...

Wherein Lula tries a diet of only meat...

It's the same old tired story i flip through the pages read the snip-its I know I'll enjoy, high light that and re-read those parts. Reading the whole book, is a waste of my time and this book was no different...

When is she going to choose? At this point I don't care. She doesn't deserve either of them and they should just move on. What they have going taking their time to "trade off" protecting her is not only a waste of time, money, and other resources, it's a waste of Ranger's Merry Men. They should both move on.

Hapless, but lovable bounty hunter Stephanie Plum returns in LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN, the latest humorous mystery from author Janet Evanovich. This time out, Stephanie is linked up again with her louse of an ex-husband, Dickie Orr.

When Dickie goes missing, it's up to Stephanie to find him - with the help of Lula, the ex-prostitute and Joe Morelli, Stephanie's cop boyfriend. Also along for the ride is Stephanie's former amour, the darkly handsome and oh-so mysterious Ranger. Yep, the gang's all here, including Stephanie's hilariously profane Grandma Mazur. (The over-sexed old lady is probably the funniest part of the series.)

Evanovich is so good at writing books like this that she makes it look easy, but in reality it's not. Balancing the mystery elements with the comedy, and maintaining such sharp interactions between her stable of original characters requires more skill than you'd think. The Plum books aren't great literature, but they are great fun.

Books in the Stephanie Plum series should never be read too close together. I made that mistake with the first eight or so. Then I started to read them a year apart, as published. Book 12 and this one, 13, are either the best of the lot, or I had a long rest between them.

The slightly picaresque plot is a little thin for crime fiction, as it is in all the books. It mostly consists of a series of incidents in which Ms. Plum, bounty hunter, gets humiliated, loses her handcuffs, is tasered or slimed by an exploding squirrel. I did laugh aloud several times.

There are good characters, although Plum's two erstwhile lovers, Morelli and Ranger, have grown a little tiresome. Her family is fun and quirky, a grandmother who wears a shirt that says she is "sassy" and enjoys visiting funeral homes, a mother who irons when she is worried, which is often. A dog named Bob comes and goes, while a hamster comes out of his soup can only for tidbits of food. Then there is Lula, Plum's co-worker, a hefty black ex-hooker in spandex who is always hungry--and it shows. And, of course, there is a generous supply of bail skippers who must to be apprehended, although Plum has little success with that in this book.

The setting is Trenton, New Jersey, or rather the seedier and grimier parts of that city. Plum's car is an a one time police car, an old Crown Victoria that threatens to conk out and finally does after it has a bullet hole in the back window and squirrel slime all over the dashboard.

This is one of the better books in the series. Or maybe I've just not read one for a time and it feels new again.

I am pleased to report that this 13th installment in Stephanie Plum's checkered career as a bounty hunter is funny and a little sexy. For the last two or three books I've been feeling like Janet Evanovich has been phoning it in, camouflaging the lack of character and plot with multiple sideshows of eccentric characters (Sally the cross-dressing wedding planner, the niece who takes "horse crazy" to a new level). In Lean Mean Thirteen it's back to the series' roots with characters and plot. Alas, he sexual tension that animated the earlier volumes has been muted for some time since Stephanie has solidified her relationship with Joe Morelli, her cop boyfriend. Still, Ranger the tantalizing and dangerous bounty hunter remains an ongoing temptation.

Over and above her erratic pursuit of bail skippers, Stephanie finds herself working for Ranger and investigating her loathsome ex-husband Dickie. It doesn't help that Joyce Barnhardt, Stephanie's archrival since high school, has latched onto Stephanie like a tick.

It takes some dedication to follow a series through twelve volumes, but I think fans' patience will be rewarded. And, if for some reason you want to start here, don't. Do yourself a favor and go back to the beginning. Many laughs and thrills await.

This is really an overall review for the Stephanie Plum series rather that just this book, as a disclaimer.

My advice for everyone is to stop reading the series with this book. After you finish it, make up your own ending. Does Stephanie end up with Morelli or Ranger? You decide! If you keep reading, you are going to be disappointed. Every later published book in the series is the same. It's like Evanovich just rolled a dice to determine a new scenario and then wrote it as if it was an episode of a TV show, rather than an entire novel. The books are about one overarching mystery and contain little to no character development. By the end of every other book, nothing has changed. The sad thing is, I used to LOVE this series! Now it seems like Evanovich has phoned it in and only continues to write these to make money. I hope she gets the sense to finish the series soon, and give these characters we've come to love some kind of a satisfying and conclusive ending.

Also, does anyone else think her endings are getting very anti-climatic? The scenario wraps up and then the whole book is done about two pages later. It drives me crazy.

Pyrotechnics take center stage again as Stephanie manages to come up close and personal to flame-throwers, exploding mammals, and fires. She pursues a grave robber and a taxidermist, as her ex-husband, Dickie, makes an appearance and then a disappearance. Evidence points to Dickie's death, and Stephanie seems to be the likely perpetrator. Grandma Mazur pursues a member of the geriatric set while Ranger and Morelli form a tentative alliance to keep Stephanie out of trouble. Lula is there as Stephanie's expletive-spouting side-kick, and her trips with Stephanie are among the most memorable in the book. There may not be much new ground covered, but readers pretty much know the humorous, over-the-top adventure that they're going to get in a Stephanie Plum novel, and author Janet Evanovich does not disappoint.

I confess being stuck in the Miami Airport for hours may have altered my opinion a bit but I laughed out loud a number of times. If you're a Plum fan you know what you're getting when you crack open the book and Janet delivered what I expected. I've converted a lot of friends and relatives to fans and we sit around trying to decide who could play each one of the cast. We've never been able to cast Ranger, Janet writes him so sexy and mysterious, a flesh and blood human is just not out there. This book makes him even sexier and gives us a look at his personality, when he laughed out loud, so did I! When Lula goes after Ranger at the hospital I was laughing out loud again. Okay, it's not the best one Janet's written and she seems to have lost some interest in her book family. I'm banking on the next one being better.

Let's face it fellow readers. Janet Evanovitch has harvested from these same fertile fields many times and she still produces a good crop. Has the time come to rotate her crops? Probably. Is the current crop as good as those harvested when her soil was fresh? No. Is it still worth your while to eat from this particular harvest. Yes. Are things getting a bit, shall we say stale, in this particular field. Absolutely! That being said, a few things are glaringly apparent.

First, I'm way past wanting Stephanie to choose between her love interests. I just want the woman to GROW UP! If she is going to remain remotely interesting she needs to change. Whether the decision to keep Stephanie in a box is made by author or publisher remains to be seen; but both would be well advised to let this 30-ish adolescent grow up just a tad.

Second, Grandma Mazur needs a new pasttime. Hanging out at the funeral home is way past creepy.

Third, please let Stephanie get a real job for a change and moonlight as a bounty hunter. Do something to get this woman a little money in her pocket.

I could go on, but the point is that this series needs to grow. From the reviews of the 14th installment that didn't happen this year. Dear Janet, a word to the wise, give your characters some growing room. Dear Publisher, let the series progress. But in the meantime, the book has a few laugh-out-loud moments and that's enough for paperback entertainment. But my days of spending hardback bucks on Stephanie have long since passed.

Another thumbs up for Janet Evanovich. I have always enjoyed the Stephanie Plum novels and "Lean Mean Thirteen" is no exception. Janet Evanovich is such a talented writer, and in my opinion, this story is a terrific read for the series. Stephanie and the rest of the supporting characters were zesty and their actions throughout the story were unpredictable. Some of the characters that were in the other books were missing from the story. I don't know why they had been written out of the story, but then again I'm not the writer. There are numerous excellent reviews, so I won't go into anymore detail about the story except to tell you that Ranger and Joe made the cut.

I love this series and couldn't wait to rip through the store's packaging to get to #13, but this one left me a little empty. Even at the three-quarter mark, I was still waiting to sink into the Plum universe. There wasn't an eye roll, forehead smack or damn-skippy in the book. Between the burning pot house and exploding taxidermy, there were some VERY funny moments, but the characters lacked snap. No tension between Steph and Ranger, even when she lived with him. No real tension between Steph and Morelli, when he should've been at least waving his arms around. And Ranger and Morelli acted like teammates, for heaven's sake, even when Ranger overtly threatened to poach. What happened there? Where's the conflict? When Ranger and Morelli passed Steph-sitting duty back and forth between them like she was a piece of luggage, all she could manage was a heavy sigh. None of the characters acted right - Lula starts saying "heaven to goodness" rather than F***in-A, and even Grandma seemed colorless. And since when did Ranger get so chatty?

I enjoyed the action, and enjoyed the skips. I enjoyed seeing Steph choke the snot out of Dickie Orr. But I zipped through the book in four hours, and that made me kind of sad. Her books used to have so much meat and quirk. Now there's pages of dialogue that read more like a sedate screenplay. I read in an interview that Janet writes the books in six months, then does promotion and other things for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, I think that's very telling at this point in the series.

Things are getting old in this series. Yet, I enjoyed the book and got several chuckles. Grandma Mazur and Lula are probably the funniest in the book. Ranger seems to be turning into a wuss and Morelli.. well Morelli is still himself.

JE has added exploding stuffed road kills and a huge snake into the mix. At least we dont hear about Bob the dog's bowel habits in this rendition. And Steph's exhusband is a hoot too.

I feel a bit disloyal but really, how much faithfulness can I give? It seems Janet is finally running out of fuel for these books and I just cannot get into her other books written with a co=author.

The ride was great while it lasted. Next time I get the book from the library. Enuf money spent on this series.

This was a good next book in the Stephanie Plum series. One of my good friends stopped reading this series a couple of books ago, because she felt frustrated that Stephanie continued to be kind of a dolt and never got any smarter. She felt that while these were funny situations, a character should grow and learn if we're to believe that time is passing in the fictional world. I continued to read the series, but I could quite easily understand what my friend was talking about.

I'm glad to say that Evanovich is finally letting Stephanie do a little better in this book. She's still Stephanie - funny, getting herself into some odd situations, etc., but she's getting a bit better at her job, and seems a little more mature.

The mystery plot was good, and the writing as always was fun and natural. As opposed to the "holiday special" Plum novellas, this was a good long story that I didn't feel bad about getting in hardcover.

I hope Stephanie's learning curve continues, at least on this pace, in the next book. I WILL be willing to buy another hardcover. ;)

I am a Plum fanatic, and count down the days to the next book. I was so disappointed with this one! It has all the elements of the preceding books -- explosions, funny Lula and Grandma Mazer moments, run-ins with Joe and Ranger -- but there was no substance. Almost like it was following a formula (page 39 -- have car blow up. Page 75 -- get semi-naked with Ranger). Lots of flash, but no real "there," there -- if you know what I mean. I still enjoyed it, but it felt like the same stuff, different day.

I hate to say it, but it may be time for Stephanie to get married and settle down.

I'm one of Evanovich's biggest fans, in fact I've introduced many of my friends and family to the Plum novels. So it hurts for me to say this, I was disappointed in "Lean Mean Thirteen." First, it was way too short for the price you pay, and second, there was very little in the way of new information. We already know that Grandma moved in when grandpa died, mom tips back a few and irons when stressed, that Steph is involved with two men and that Lula was a "ho" before she met Stephanie. Usually I put up with the repeating of all of the base information because I know it's necessary, but this time, the book was so short that it was a waste of valuable space. Finally, I want to say that I was disappointed in Evanovich thinking it was necessary to have everyone, even grandma say, "f---ing cable." Now really, couldn't she have found a more amusing way to have everyone in the novel agree, as we all do, that the cable company messes with us all and holds us all hostage to their shoddy service? Anyway, I'm still a fan and looking forward to the #14, but I hope it is better next time.

There are now only snatches of some books that I enjoy...

Wherein Ranger informs Steph she's a business expense under entertainment...

Wherein Ranger handcuffs Steph to Tank...

Wherein Ranger and Morelli flip for dealing with cleaning up after one of her messes...

Wherein Lula tries a diet of only meat...

It's the same old tired story i flip through the pages read the snip-its I know I'll enjoy, high light that and re-read those parts. Reading the whole book, is a waste of my time and this book was no different...

When is she going to choose? At this point I don't care. She doesn't deserve either of them and they should just move on. What they have going taking their time to "trade off" protecting her is not only a waste of time, money, and other resources, it's a waste of Ranger's Merry Men. They should both move on.

Hapless, but lovable bounty hunter Stephanie Plum returns in LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN, the latest humorous mystery from author Janet Evanovich. This time out, Stephanie is linked up again with her louse of an ex-husband, Dickie Orr.

When Dickie goes missing, it's up to Stephanie to find him - with the help of Lula, the ex-prostitute and Joe Morelli, Stephanie's cop boyfriend. Also along for the ride is Stephanie's former amour, the darkly handsome and oh-so mysterious Ranger. Yep, the gang's all here, including Stephanie's hilariously profane Grandma Mazur. (The over-sexed old lady is probably the funniest part of the series.)

Evanovich is so good at writing books like this that she makes it look easy, but in reality it's not. Balancing the mystery elements with the comedy, and maintaining such sharp interactions between her stable of original characters requires more skill than you'd think. The Plum books aren't great literature, but they are great fun.

I've been enjoying the Stephanie Plum Novels since number 7 came out. In the last few I thought we, the reader, were about to finally see some development in Stephanie's character and in her relationship with Joe Morelli and Ranger by the time we got to number 13. But everything is the status quo. There was some fun interaction between Stephanie and her ex-husband, Dickie Orr. There was some ALMOST romantic interaction between Stephanie and Ranger.

We also had the usual Grandma Mazur wackiness and some other wacky FTA's for Stephanie to try and bring in. However without giving away more, I thought the taxidermist adventures were a bit over the top!

Come on!! Stephanie isn't getting any younger. When is she going to grow some more as a character?

A fun but not exciting read.

I recently discovered the Stephanie Plum bounty hunter books and am very glad! Stephanie, while not the best bounty hunter in the world, manages to solve a mystery and catch the bad guys with a little help of course! What would she do without Morelli, Ranger, and Lula? Oh, and don't forget Grandma!

I enjoy following a series because I get involved with the characters and I want to know what will happen to them next. I also enjoy a fast moving, easy to follow mystery that makes me laugh out loud! Grandma is always good for a laugh!

This book (and this series) gets 5 stars because it is a lot of fun to read!

This episode of Stephanie the girl bounty hunter is better than the last several. There is far less repetition of trips to the donut shop, or bizarre transvestite characters and over the top slapstick. This one is better written and the plot is more interesting. Most reviewers on here seem mostly interested in developments in Stephanie's love life..WILL she marry Joe? and quit flirting with Ranger? It is possible that marrying off Stephanie could cool off interest in the series (Look what happened to Rhoda Morganstern and many others) I think Mrs. Morelli could have many more adventures if Janet can come up with more crimes. I almost did not buy this one-- the last couple were pretty thin but this book has breathed new life into the series. I hope the next one is as good.

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich was released in 2007. A fast read with the usual characters in a Stwphanie Plum story. Grandma Mazur is always a favorite.Lula also. The tales never get boring as Janet keeps them flowing along. Fans of Janet Evanovich will like this the most.

If you enjoy this series then you will enjoy this. Stephanie is still chasing stupid felons unsuccessfully. She is sleeping with Morelli and Ranger is doing his lean, mean, am gonna get you thing. Her ex husband disappears and she gets caught up with the bad guys and destroys a few cars. Grandma is still chasing old men, packing a gun and hanging out at funeral parlours. Her mother is ironing and eyeing the liqour cabinet.

I love the Stephanie Plum series for the sheer pleasure of following her quite different lifestyle. Ranger has always been a favourite of mine too, and he's in this book quite a bit, so that's a positive thing for me too. I found this book particularly funny, and the scrapes that Stephanie and anyone connected to her got into were hilarious. Even Ranger gets some Stephanie backlash in this book! Stephanie gets involved with some really bad gun and drug runners while she's trying to pick up her FTA's (Failure-to-Appears). And she also gets involved with her hated ex-husband, Dickie who it seems has been keeping some very questionable company lately while he is running his lawyer business. What with all this and Grandma Mazur too, you're in for quite a ride with Stephanie in Number 13. Wonderful fun.

Another great and very satisfying read! Was just wondering....what other equally satisfying series are there out there to read while we tap our feet anxiously awaiting Ms. Evanovich to finish the next installment!

Stephanie Plum fans should find this volume to their liking. In it Stephanie gets involved in a caper to steal $40 Million, is threatened with a flame thrower and, of course trashes another car.

The usual characters are present; Morelli her boyfriend cop, man-in-black Ranger, Lulu the ex-ho' and grandma - who is hilarious. With the help of her friends, Stephanie, a somewhat unusual and underqualified bounty hunter survives yet another misadventure, including an exploding squirrel.

As usual, the plot moves along without hickups and the attentive reader will figure it out before the end.

All around fun.

Janet has written another winner. Wow what action and drama never a dull minute with Stephanie around. Treat yourself it you haven't started this series do it now you will be glad you did. Best books ever.

This is a delightful Stephanie Plum mystery, filled with crazy believable characters and an on-going romance. This novel
Includes Stephanie's exhusband, and she doesn't get along
with him any better than when they were together.

Stephanie Plum has returned, and faithful readers know that once again they are in for a rollicking ride! The plot is very interesting and amusing, and the action goes along quickly. I only felt that there really was not enough of Stephanie's odd family in this book, and that was a disappointment, although I did like the idea that her grandfather choked to death when he didn't gum the kielbasi he was eating sufficiently. All the regulars are here, and they do their usual things, and even though you have a pretty good idea how everyone is going to act, you enjoy it for the few hours of diversionary reading it gives you.

I think this is my second favorite out of the Stephanie Plum series. If you enjoy a good belly laugh, this one will do it for you! i love this series, and every book I find myself laughing so hard that I have tears coming out of my eyes. The crazy adventures Stephanie and Lula manage to get themselves into is amazing. It amazes me that Evanovich is able to come up with this hysterical scenarios. How someone thinks of blowing up dead animals is unbelievable to me. I just can't get enough of this series. You won't be disappointed. What I do like about this series is that you a can actually start with any of the books in the series, Evanovich always brings you up to speed. But, it is certainly worth reading in order.

If I had a dollar for every time I laughed out loud listening to Janet Evanovich's Lean Mean 13, I could have treated myself to dinner, and not fast food either. In fact, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum mystery on a long car trip and it kept us entertained for hours. Evanovich could have called this one Lucky 13 as this book finds her on top of her game.

Ranger asks Stephanie to plant a bug in the office of lawyer Dickie Orr, Stephanie's ex-husband. Some of his law firm partners are up to no good. Stephanie grabs Lula and they pretend they're asking Orr for legal advice. But as only Stephanie and Lula can do, fireworks erupt, the police are called and they're thrown out of the office. When Orr disappears the next day and foul play is apparent, Stephanie becomes the number one suspect. So she sets out to find Orr to clear her name. But unsavory characters follow Stephanie around, figuring that she'll lead them to Orr. All the while, bodies are turning up that are burnt like crispy-critters.

Most of the old gang is back in Mean Lean 13. There's the crazy Lula (a former hooker and now office filer for Plum Bail Bonds) and the equally crazy Grandma Mazur (who always packs heat). Joyce Barnhardt is Stephanie's rival (in both love and bounty hunting) and she's also determined to find Orr. There's the usual love triangle between Stephanie, the ever hunky cop Joe Morelli and the dark, sensual but dangerous Ranger. And this book even includes a taxidermist who booby-traps his specimens. It makes for a wild time. There's also a great side-story that deals with the ineptitude of a cable television service. For those of us who live in New Jersey, that can only mean The Big C.

If you're looking for mystery that is great literature, look somewhere else. But if you want to read a mystery that is side-splitting funny, Evanovich and Plum are your girls.

For my money, Lean Mean Thirteen is by far the best beach read of this summer. Although you could race through the book at high speed in a few hours, there is enough humor in here to keep you chuckling, guffawing, and rolling on the floor in tears from now until long past Labor Day. So another way to read this book is to stop every time you laugh out loud . . . and pick it up again the next day. I suspect that would be the best way to enjoy the book . . . but naturally, I didn't have that much self control. I did, however, keep track of where I laughed aloud when I read the book and the total exceeded 160 times!

To me, Stephanie Plum has emerged as one of the great comic heroines of crime literature. Could you love her any more? I doubt it.

Unlike some other books in the series, you'll probably enjoy Lean Mean Thirteen more if you've read at least One for the Money of the earlier books so you know the story of her former marriage to Dickie Orr before beginning this book.

Who will love this book? Anyone who cannot get enough of Stephanie Plum as bounty hunter, beloved of two sexy men, and granddaughter of Grandma Mazur.

Who will be disappointed in this book? Those who are looking for Stephanie to choose between Morelli and Ranger.

So what happens? A lot.

Let me tell you a tiny bit about how the book starts to get you in the mood. I'm reluctant to say very much because so much of the humor relies on surprises.

Ranger asks Stephanie to plant a bug on Dickie Orr, her ex-husband. In the process, Stephanie finds lots of reasons to be enraged at Dickie and the lawyer finds himself at risk of becoming a homicide victim at Stephanie's hands. Soon, Dickie has vanished and his girlfriend, the abominable Joyce Barnhardt, is out to punish Stephanie.

Nearly destitute, Stephanie is out trying to bring in bail jumpers . . . but without much success. Can she stave off starvation?

The bail jumpers are quite an unusual lot: One is a mild threat unless you light a fire around his house; another is most likely to be found robbing graves of those who are buried with jewels and clothes he can wear . . . when he's not playing with his 20 foot-long snake; and a third is a mild taxidermist with an unusual hobby who doesn't want to leave home because he's waiting for someone.

One of the delights of this book is that Janet Evanovich has taken off the handcuffs in bringing new weapons to the party that Stephanie can use to defend herself . . . and to threaten Stephanie's life.

Like all of the best Plum books, Lean Mean Thirteen is corpse-deep in ironies, unexpected turnabouts, and surprises. Don't miss it.

I must admit that I wanted to add another irony to the pile by reading the book on Friday the thirteenth. That added a final laugh for me. But don't wait until the next Friday the thirteenth.

Get your next laugh from this book today!

As with the previous Stephanie Plum adventures, Lean Mean Thirteen provided several moments to laugh as you visualize the events that are occurring. Lulu and Grandma are a hoot. Stephanie must have been born under a bad luck sign. She can never get a break in bringing in those needing a new court date but they sure provide lots of laugh.

We started out huge fans of Janet and Stephanie and could hardly read the first five or six installments fast enough. But when the Ranger/Morelli thing got commonplace, Grandma Mazur had few good lines left, Lulu all too predictable, and even Bob the Dog got tiresome, we started to tune out. Unfortunately, "13" did nothing to break that trend. What little story there is revolves around Steph's ex, Dickie, a lawyer who hooked up with some hoods but looks to cash in on $40M they've left behind. After chasing him for half the book, and with everybody else chasing Stephanie, who takes time out to, as usual, fail to bring in the two-bit skippers she chases, the plot thickens as Dickie's erstwhile pards start turning up literally cooked to death. Meanwhile, Steph alternates between staying at Ranger's and at Morelli's, but as usual, can't decide between them. Her typical car crashing stunts and Berg-inspired mayhem do little to cut through this really ho-hum outing. As we put it down, we actually cried out "what a waste of ink!" Like many other reviewers, we agree 13 has been an unlucky number for this set, and while others have asked "what did you expect", we didn't find any creativity, humor, or suspense to even barely grab our interest. Perhaps the worst yet of the set -- and we've vowed our last.

Janet Evanovich has written the thirteenth volume in her funny and fun Stephanie Plum series, and all the characters you've come to love, Grandma Mazur, Joe, Ranger, Lula, Joyce, Bob the Dog and Rex the Hamster, have come out to play. Stephanie's ex, the repugnant Dickie Orr, goes missing and Stephanie is a prime suspect. Along the way she needs to bring in some recalcitrant FTAs or else she'll lose her apartment. Ranger has a semi-leading role in this one; rescuing Stephanie from numerous jams (and from herself).

There's nothing terribly new in this entry in the series, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it. There are still laugh-out-loud funny moments, and I feel like I'm visiting with old, comfortable friends. That can't be all bad.

This installment puts the series back on track. There were actually several laugh out loud passages, which had been missing from the last few books.

However, like others have said, it'd be nice to see some forward movement. After 13 books, it's time for Stephanie to make a choice between Morelli and Ranger -- hopefully Ranger, as Morelli has become nothing but a sex-crazy plot bore. At least the tension is still there with Ranger. It'd also be nice to see some of the other long-running characters developed, such as Mama Plum, Tank or Connie.

Looking forward to Fourteen!

This series started off so strongly, with great characters, humor, sexual suspense, and genuinely dark moments. But somewhere along the way it's gone stale. Unfortunately the main trio are all now stuck in caricatures. Stephanie the Endlessly Inept Always Making Stupid Decisions. Ranger, Mr. Dangerous, who apparently has no real cajones or he'd tell Steph to make up her freaking mind already. Joe, similarly emasculated, giving only token protests when Stephanie continually hies off with Ranger. And now there really isn't any sexual tension left--we're sort of resigned at this point to endless light tease with no fulfillment.

When writers do series books well, they allow the characters to grow and change over the series of books, sometimes making difficult decisions. This series seems to be, at this point, about writing the same book over and over with no progression at all. We know the writing talent is there, please bring it back to the books!

I'm such a late starter in the Stephanie Plum series! I'd heard of them of course but had never before tried one and am so glad that I did. Bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum is a fiery tempered, emotional young woman who seems to be simultaneously dating two men, policeman Joe Morelli and head of security firm, Ranger. Along with her sidekick, former prostitute, Lula, a colourful, large woman,Stephanie is attempting to collar a few bail bonds absconders, including one who specialises in grave robbing, to steal any jewellery and the new burial suits. To a newcomer to this series, this is rather shocking, but nevertheless amusing as Janet Ivanovich writes in such a wry, dry style. In this story, Stephanie meets her former husband who has become involved with extremely shady characters who don't hesitate to use unbelievable torture to find out what they need to know. It's a very quick read but the kind where you find yourself laughing out loud, frequently and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As a huge fan of this series I don't read these books for anything deep or even expect major character development. But it's frustrating to finish the book with a sense that the author just doesn't care anymore. This was the first Plum book I actually put down for a couple of days and didn't feel any need to rush through. If Evanovich wants to co-author other books, re-release earlier works or develop a new series, I wish she would at least respect her fans enough to put her heart into one last Plum book that would be worth the year long wait. There were some cute moments in this book but I don't get the reviewers who seem satisifed by exploding squirrels, the usual screw ups in Steph's career and no momentum at all with either romance. Maybe I need to lower my expectations and borrow the book next year instead of buying it.

Ever since Vision's of Sugar Plums it seems like Janet Evanovich has lost her edge. Lean Mean Thirteen was definitely lean & mean plot development-wise. As another reviewer says, Stephanie needs to grow up in order for this series to keep interesting. The only good thing that I can say about this book is that her sister and the awful Albert Kloughn were absent from the storyline. It's time for Janet to take a break from cranking out meaningless sequels. Next time I"m waiting for a church sale to buy one of her books, no more full price for me.

In short: Another great Stephanie Plum novel! As with the novels that have preceded Lean Mean Thirteen, it is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and hilarious situations. I understand that some complain there is little character development, but you can't argue with Evanovich's hysterical situations and her description is spot-on. Everything in this novel can be visualized as you laugh all over again.

Lean Mean Thirteen features the usual cast: Stephanie Plum, Joe Morelli, Ranger, Connie, and my personal favorite: Lula. The FTAs in this one are just as hilarious: Coglin the taxidermist takes the cake with his exploding roadkill. And Dickie Orr, Stephanie's ex-husband, takes center stage in this one. Overall, another great, hilarious read from Evanovich that proves there is so much more Stephanie can do. I'm already waiting for the next one.

Good book but I too felt something missing from this one!! Usually everyone around me knows I'm reading another Evanovich book as I laugh out loud, not so with this one! There were a few amusing parts but nothing that had me roaring with laughter! That being said, I did not put it down until it was finished, and I can not wait for more great stories from Evanovich.

This is Janet Evanovich's thirteenth Stephanie Plum book (I know, I know the thirteen in the title may have tipped you off)As always the story rockets along, and the laughs are out loud.

There are very few books that will make me laugh so hard I can't continue reading, Janet Evanovich's books do, constantly.

The very clear and distinct "voices" of her characters comes through loud and clear. I actually don't care too much what Stephannie, Lulu, Connie, Grandma Mazer, Morelli or Ranger are actually doing (well maybe Ranger) but I just won't to look in on them while they are doing it.

I bought this book the day it came out and finished it the same day. I'm already looking forward to number fourteen, but the biggest suspense is what clever title she is going to come up with that is themed to the number fourteen? I already know that if it's a Stephannie Plum, it will be funny and clever and suspenseful and she will be juggling two of the hottest guys known to Jersey. YUM!

For me, the first 4 books of the series were the best. If you haven't read them, do yourself a favor and get your hands on them now! I liked this book more than the last few, mostly because I'm a big Stephanie and Joe fan. I like Ranger to be the mysterious, cool guy, not the Stephanie groupie he seems to be lately. He has a GPS tracker on her. He gives her a car, job, place to stay, etc. He went to dinner with her at her mother's!
Let Ranger be who he is, leave the domesticated stuff to Joe please...
As for the mystery, I love the conflict between Joyce and Stephanie, wish there were more of the interactions between Steph and her ex, and I'm still not 100% sure how many bad guys there were. But it was a fun read, Lula was hysterical as always, and Grandma gave me a chuckle or two. The reference to waiting months for the cable guy and then having him show up the second you leave was classic. And the fact that everyone shared the same opinion of cable guys cracked me up.
I agree with the reviews that complained of wanting to see some growth in Stephanie as a bounty hunter. I do too. Can she catch someone the first time? Or without someone else's help? Does she really get stun gunned that often? Does she always have to be involved in the burning buildings and/or wrecked cars?
I'm not as eager to see the love triangle go away. I just want to see it grow and change somehow. Have Joe put his foot down. Have Ranger say exactly what he wants. Let some decision be made and see how it plays out, even if we go back to a triangle that's different in the end. But I too am unhappy with Stephanie kissing Ranger and flirting with him while she is supposedly Joe's girlfriend. How would she react if Joe did the same thing with someone else? It's been going on for books now, and if she really wants to try things with Ranger, then let Joe go for crying out loud! I personally think Stephanie belongs with Joe, but if she needs to get Ranger out of her system first, then get on with it. Why Ranger cares about her I'm not sure, he certainly seems to be able to do much better if he wants to. But, maybe #14 will be the one with some true character development.

Until then, I'll just keep enjoying what I can get from these books, which is still much better than a lot of what's out there in this genre.

I am beginning to feel like Stephanie is getting old. But I still buy every book in this series. I enjoy the Ranger vs. Morelli and the silly slapstick humor. But I do hope that moves Stephanie chooses between Joe Morelli and Ranger soon. In this novel, Stephanie is doing a favor for Ranger, planting a bug on her ex-husband Dickie Orr. But the meeting does not go as smoothly as expected and Dickie disappears. Stephanie becomes the prime suspect. Then the beach read continues, as we follow Stephanie all over town to see what happens next. For those of you who have not met Stephanie yet she is a bounty hunter - who lives in Trenton, New Jersey and gets into all kinds of unpredictable situations. Stephanie grew up in the Chambersburg neighborhood in the book referred to as "the Burg". In the beginning of the series, Stephanie married Dickie Orr, then promptly divorced him after discovering he cheated on her with rival Joyce Barnhardt.

I have been a huge fan of this series, and recommended it to many others. I've read almost every book in hardcover, so I don't say this lightly ... but this book was terrible.

There wasn't a single spark of originality. The Ranger/Morelli dilemma is tired, and frankly ... Stephanie Plum's lack of integrity on the matter is not amusing. It's been 13 books, make a decision.

Is it still funny to others when Stephanie blows up a car? It's not funny to me. Grandma... we get it, she's eccentric.

It feels like Evanovich is just filling in a template, and after 13 books, I'm done. I certainly can't see reading another 13 like this one. Evanovich owes it to her loyal fan base (who have made her a multi-millionaire) to put in a little bit of effort and creativity. We all know that Stephanie's mom irons when she's stressed, they have a family dinner on Friday night, Lula wears clothes that don't fit, and Joyce and Steph have a rivalry.

This series has gone Scooby Doo. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if the next book ended with, "And I would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for those crazy bounty hunters."

THE BEST BOOK OUT OF THE WHOLE STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES!!!!!THE OTHERS WERE INTERESTING BUT THIS BOOK IS THE CLIMAX OF THE SERIES SO FAR. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES ;EVERY ONE OF THE STEPHANIE PLUM BOOKS CAN BE READ ALONE. BUT LEAN MEAN 13 IS THE BEST.JANET EVANOVICH ,WE WANT MORE LIKE THIS ONE!!!!

As a writer, I don't have as much time to read as I would like. When I pick up a book, I want to be entertained. Janet Evanovich has never failed me. "Lean Mean Thirteen" lives up to her reputation. I love all her characters and look forward to hearing what they are up to now. Ranger and Morelli are sexy as hell, but Grandma Mazur is a hoot!

The latest in the Stephanie Plum series is as good as the rest. A fun romp through Stephanie's Trenton, NJ hometown pursuing her skips, evading the bad guys and proving her innocence in the disappearance of her scum sucking lawyer, ex-husband Dickie Orr. Of course, Stephanie has the usual suspects to help her along the way. Lulu, Grandma Mazur, boyfriend Joe Morelli, Lust Object and frequent rescuer Ranger and the rest of the RangeMan crew. Dickie Orr goes missing just hours after Stephanie threatens him while on a mission for Ranger.

With Morelli on an undercover babysitting assignment, Stephanie and Ranger team up to find out who's behind Dickie's disappearing act. Joyce Barnhardt, Dickie's current girlfriend and Stephanie's nemesis, tags after Ms. Plum hoping to find her man and his missing money.

This is another laugh out loud adventure with Stephanie. Of course, there are explosions, fires, stungunning and hair disasters along the way. The weaving of humor and suspense is great as usual.

As a native New Yorker who grew up on stories of how corrupt, loud and in your face New Jersey can be, reading a Plum novel tells you all the stories are true just more fun than you were told. I want to visit Evanovich's Trenton, NJ. Her characters are by turns charming, hapless and messy but remain real. You don't have to read the rest of the series to enjoy this book, but you'll want to. Grab your elastic waistband sweats and your Tasty cakes, find a comfy place on the couch and go visit Jersey for a few hours.

Holy Cow did I love this book. With the exception of 11, which I enjoyed but thought it was too short and didn't really go anywhere, I've loved all the books in this series.

LMT is classic Plum - really funny in a self depricating way. Great, and I mean great moments with Ranger and I even warmed up to Morelli and started thinking Stephanie should just make up her mind, be with him and give Ranger a hot girlfriend named Lauren. (what?)

I was sorry to see the book end, I gotta say. Another thumbs up for Evanovich.

This series is the only one that consistently makes me laugh out loud. Okay, the characters are very familiar and predictable, but that's what makes them so funny. I don't want them to change. I want them to stay in the burg living their crazy lives and keeping me entertained for a long, long time to come. I dearly love Bob the dog. He fits right in with all the others. Please, people, don't try to get Janet E. to move Stephanie and friends to other locations or send Ranger off for an extended vacation so that Steph can get more serious with Joe. If she chooses one of them it will ruin the triangle plot and that would be a tragedy. Steph just needs to keep on apprehending felons and dealing with her wacky family and friends and keeping me laughing all the way.

Dickie Orr, Stephanie's disgusting ex-husband, has disappeared leaving blood on the floor after a very public fracas with Stephanie. Stephanie tries to solve the mystery of his disappearance while trying to earn her living as a bounty hunter.

She solves a few other mysteries, such as what to do with a three-eyed exploding beaver, the case of the disappearing cable company and how to make a toaster bomb. Her kind heart still gets her in trouble as she attempts to apprehend fugitives, but she is getting tougher and smarter all the time.

I cannot tell you how many times I have read 1-11 in the Stephanie Plum series. Twelve was a let down, but LMT was a major disappointment.

It seems Janet is becoming a new Nora Roberts...try to crank out as many books as you can. LMT lacked sharpness, humor and development. Ranger and Joe are falling over themselves trying to please Stephanie who was Wonder Bread in this book...bland and full of nothing. Grandma saying the "f" word? A few books ago, she was shocked just to see "bitch" written down. Speaking of the "f" word, it abounds in this book. All the other books, Steh's mom's name is Ellen. Here, it is Helen. What happened to her neighbor across the hall? All of a sudden, he has a new name. Where ARE her neighbors? Grandma has a boyfriend, and all of a sudden, he is in an assisted living and nothing more is said? Talk about abrupt exits.

Where are Valerie, Albert and Vinnie? Where are the endearing Stephanie traits? Now animals are exploding instead of cars? All of a sudden, she and Joyce are giggling together? Joe and Ranger are rather milktoast like. Lula and Tank storyline is getting along nicely. Even Bob is more of an afterthough. I didn't feel like Janet wrote this book by herself. The first 11 books showed a lot of imagination. Going downhill rapidly with Twelve Sharp and LMT.

However, I will say it was a knockout picture of Janet on the back cover. I really want a session with her photographer and makeup person...lol

Janet, please concentrate on Stephanie Plum again! Your co-author books with Charlotte and Linda, et. al. will never do for us what Joe and Stephanie and Ranger will. I miss the old gang. All we got in this book is posterboard cutouts.

So in this 13th installment of the Stephanie Plum series, Steph is investigating what appears to be the not quite honest dealings of her ex-husband's law firm. While the action is unparalleled we don't really get a good feel for our villain in this piece as we did for Scrog from Twelve Sharp or Abruzzi or Stiva from previous novels. This kind of leaves the finish feeling anticlimactic but the action up to that point is a 5 star adrenaline rush.

Also the Ranger-Stephanie-Morelli love triangle has gotten rather stale in this book and though Ranger has lots of "screen time" you never get the sense its really going anywhere. This is definitely a Cupcake book.

Beyond that all our favorite characters are back. Cars die, Grandma Mazur dyes her hair, Tank and Lula have as close to a romantic moment as you will probably see from them, and Christmas comes early when we learn Tank's real name. All the elements that make the Plum novels great are in this book in spades and there are at least a dozen lol moments in the book (a good many having to do with exploding rodents).

Overall its safe to say if you haven't gotten tired of the series yet Lean Mean Thirteen wont disappoint, though part of me is starting to hope that Steph's happy ending is somewhere in the not-too-distant future and JE will start fresh with a new series and a new heroine.

Not much to say about #11. Same old characters stuck in the same old relationships. The sexual tension has sagged. The plot's lackluster. Not even the usual laughs, just the usual car disaster. The taxidermy cat was the only bright spot. In an interview, Evanovich said she never allows Stephanie and company to age. Well, some maturity would be nice. Getting out of the rut would be nice. This series needs at least a double espresso to perk things up. Lean, Mean isn't a bad book, just a boring one. Baaayb.

Janet doesn't disappoint with this great read. The characters are richly described and hilarious. Love that Grandma Mazur! She's the cat's pajamas. Ranger...oooh, I'd love to get my hands on him (a/k/a Carlos Manoso - we did know his real name from previous books). I read this book in one day, as usual. What other author can make you believe in exploding squirrels?

How can I wait a year for the next installment?

I could be the #1 Evonovich fan. I have read ALL of her books. And this one was a major disappointment to me. Instead of side-splittingly funny it was hardly humorous. Instead of HOT men (Joe and esp. Ranger) they were lukewarm and boring. Instead of suspense this was a yawner. Either she as lost her touch with these characters, or is letting someone else do the writing....I have never before been UPSET that I spent the money on one of her books- not even the ones she wrote from her early years- this has much more the flavor of her co-authored ones, that I no longer bother buying. Even the dialog between major characters is OFF here. BUMMER.

Stephanie Plum has to rescue her sorry ex-husband in this episode of the life of a bumbling bounty hunter. The usual odder-than-odd characters abound: a grave robber, a taxidermist, a promising boyfriend for Grandma Mazur.

I've not yet grown weary of Plum and her friends.

You can never take Stephanie Plum too seriously, this is a great fun light jaunt - a mix of comedy, romance, raunch and mystery. Stephanie Plum, Jersey's (very probably the world's)worst bounty hunter. But very often (or maybe sometimes) she gets her man. It usually involves some kind of catastrophe and the odd car blowing up along the way. Grandma Mazur is usually packing heat, but generally Stephanie muddles through with the minimun of stitches.

Stephanie is after her ex-husband, Dickie Orr - he has gone missing, apparently hauled out of his house in a trail of blood. Unfortunately everyone (well everyone at his office) has fingered Stephanie as the culprit because she was last seen threatening to kill him publically in his office. He is a jerk, who can blame her? Stephanie has to find him to clear her name, even if she hopes he is dead.

At the same time Stephanie is broker than broke, She has to pull in some FTA's so she can buy food. She is down to her last $20 and forced to go home to eat. There are some pretty unsavoury characters to bring in. The guy who is a grave robber with the massive snake, he does tax returns for people as a side line, after all he has to have money to buy food for his kids and rats for his snake. Then there is taxidermist with a penchant for roadkill and meatloaf who does a side line in exploding beavers. Nice.

This a rip roaring good read. Ok, so Stephanie Plum would never survive in the real world, Tony Soprano would have had her whacked years ago, but her good humour and the ripping good yarn Evanovich spins around her keeps me amused and reading. There is the sexual tension between her and Ranger and Morelli ( I still haven't figured out who I wan ther to end up with!). I am glad to see Valerie and her children have disappeared from the scene, and I loved that Big Blue has made it back. Grandma (briefly) gets a real pip of a boyfriend, Elmer.

There seem to be a couple of continuity errors although perhaps I missed something and they don't mean much to the novel, The outstanding one is that Stephanie spends her money and has $10 left for emergencys, only she seems to go on buying food for a while and I couldn't figure out how. Finally Ranger gives her $400 in advance for work.

I would strongly recommend reading the rest of the Plum series before you tackle this one. All you need to know is in here in the form of background information (much of which is hilarious in itself). What I really love about Stephanie is despite her seeming uselessness, and bumbling, she gets the job done, she doesn't wait around to be rescued, she generally does her own rescuing. She has a 'bridget jones-ish' style bumbling appearance, but in actual fact she is bright enough to solve what is going on, and feisty enough to protect herself.

This was a great read, done in a couple of sittings - it was the general good fun style and well worth it. Another great story for the collection

I was really disappointed with this installment in the Stephanie Plum series. It had some great FTA characters, and a lot of heat between Stephanie and Ranger, but most of the book felt like it was "phoned in." With most of the other Plum books, there was at least one point where I was genuinely scared for Stephanie. In this book, she hid out in Ranger's apartment most of the time and even the big climax at the end didn't have much suspense and resolved far too quickly. I know Evanovich had a lot of other projects going on this year, but if she has run out of steam for the Plum novels, then so have I.

Having read all the Stephanie Plum novels, I was excited to read this one. I finished it last night and immediately thought, "That's it??" Nothing new developed in the story. The characters are still the same and I just felt as though I could have been reading any one of the numbers. I hope 14 will kick it up a notch.

I just discovered the Stephanie Plum series at the beginning of this year and have read them one after the other, having the next book ready to start before I finished the one I was reading. Having just finished Lean Mean Thirteen and having read the reviews for "Fourteen" and "Fifteen" I think I will do some "between the numbers" reading BY A DIFFERENT AUTHOR! I, like so many others, have been hooked since the first book, but I've been waiting for HOW MANY BOOKS now, for something to happen between Joe/Ranger/Stephanie? I always wondered how she could possibly pick, but now I think they should BOTH just leave her. I don't see any man much less Joe or Ranger being that patient. I have read alot of good suggestions in the reviews, hopefully Janet will listen. In the meantime, I will wait and read the reviews for "Sixteen" before I decide if I want to waste my time with "Fourteen" and "Fifteen" Janet, are you writing for pre-teens now? My grandchildren (oldest 10) are more mature than Stephanie has become, and I (60) have a better sex drive than she appears to have now! Hopefully, Sizzling Sixteen, really does bring some sizzle back!

I love Stephanie Plum. If she were real, I would want to marry her. And if I did, I would spend the rest of my life regretting it. In any case, she already has two boyfriends, hard, lean, tough men, much like I am in my dreams.

I must confess, after 13 novels, I am seriously considering writing Janet Evanovich a letter expressing my growing annoyance with Stephanie. When is she going to choose between the two men in her life? This has gone on long enough. She must choose. This is not a moral issue to me, but one of impatience. I am going insane from delayed gratification. It took Alexander less time to conquer the known world than it is taking Stephanie to make a choice between two rather average fictional characters. If you want tough, read "Hondo."

Just out of curiosity though, I wonder who I would choose if I were Stephanie? Who would you choose? Can you? I thought not. Stephanie is us.

There is a solution. I see no reason why Stephanie cannot marry them both. Trenton, for all its surface conservatism, seems to be a place where the unusual, if not embraced is accepted grudgingly. There is no reason Stephanie cannot have two husbands.

However, there is another and much better solution. I address this to you, Ms. Janovich, in the unlikely event you should ever read this. Stephanie could marry me. Forget those two louts.

Please, Ms. Janovich, consider my solution to Stephanie's romantic plight. Of course, I will have to ask my wife first. And could we leave grandma at home? I am afraid she would like my family and want to stay.

Been there, read that...nothing has changed since the last installment. Stephanie is close to becoming irritating rather than engaging and the Ranger/Morelli dilemma needs a serious infusion of sexual tension. A break-up (temporary?) w/Morelli and the introduction of a new eligible male could be the element necessary to reposition everyone in what has become a tepid Archie/Betty/Veronica-type triangle. Thank God for Grandma, Lula, Joyce, Stephanie's mom and her enablers - ironing and wine. They kept me going this time.

I suppose that when one writes a series of books featuring the same basic cast of characters success depends on keeping to the formula that worked the first time. This is essentially what the Plum series has devolved into.

The thirteenth entry is anything but unlucky. Indeed, I found this volume to be faster paced and funnier than some of the recent efforts for some reason.

This is a great summer light read, or as in my case, the perfect listen for a 7 hour drive.

Most of the Plum bounty hunter books have plot holes so big you could drive an 18-wheeler through them, but this one had most of the holes plugged--don't know whether to thank Evanovich or her editor. The flow of the book was smoother and did not seem as much a series of disjointed scenes as some of the other books were. Not as many laugh-out-loud moments as some in the series, but enough. Great rant on the cable company offset the way-too-many product placement ads (sometimes felt like watching all the ads on a TV show). True, as other reviewers noted, no new developments with the Morelli-Ranger-Stephanie triangle, but IMHO some of the other books focused too much on romance and not enough on mystery. Finally, Steph can say "I love you" to Morelli without all the angst. This one less formulaic than some of the others, and I found that refreshing. I was surprised at some of the negative reviews because I think this is one of the better efforts in the series though not the best.

I am not a reader at ALL! I never did book reports in school and hated reading. Then I meet a friend of mine 18 years ago and she got me to read some, but then this other friend bought me the One for the Money and I could not put them down, One right after another. I am now up to Book 15 and I love all of them and recommend them to anyone that wants a great read!

It is always wonderful to have a new Stephanie Plum novel. The storylines are fun, the characters engaging, and the dialect true Jersey. This down-to-earth series is just plain fun to read. As is true with most series, this one is best enjoyed in sequence, even though each one is a stand-alone.

I have read the entire Stephanie Plum series and this was not up to the same level. I usually laugh out loud so much that I have to explain to my husband what is so funny. No cars blew up, Grandma Mazur didn't have any mishaps to speak of (her "relationship" kind of fizzled before even getting started), Bob the dog didn't destroy anything or hork it up, and Ranger seems to have lost his edge. There was more vulgar language, but it didn't add to anything in a funny way.

This isn't fine literature - I read it for pure comedic entertainment, and that just didn't happen. It seems Ms. Evanovich has forgotten who her characters are and what makes them tick. I agree with the other review about getting bored with how the Ranger vs. Morelli thing is continuing. At some point (SOON) something's got to give one way or the other.

I don't know if I'll buy the next one.

I love the Stephanie Plum series. Absolutely hilarious. GREAT writing, great stories that all seem to overlap with each other in one form or another. You can start anywhere and know what is happening and just enjoy each one on it's own.

Stephanie Plum is in deep trouble this time. She is wanted for questioning in the disappearance of her philandering ex-husband, Dickie Orr. It all started when she reluctantly agreed to do a favor for Ranger, owner of RangeMan Surveillance and her sometime-bounty hunting partner. He asked her to plant a bug on Dickie so they could track his suspicious activities, figuring she could get close enough to stash the device on his person easier than, say, a hulking male dressed in ninja black.

It all goes south when Stephanie shows up at his law office with a trumped-up ruse for legal advice with her sidekick, Lula. As she gets close enough to drop the bug in his coat pocket, she spots a picture of Dickie snuggling her nemesis, Joyce Barnhardt. She goes postal, and when last observed by an office full of witnesses, she had him in a chokehold on the floor. Hours later, building occupants report hearing shots, and Dickie goes missing, leaving behind a trail of blood and Stephanie without an alibi.

She explains the incident to her cop boyfriend Morelli, who is the one to deliver the news that she's the prime suspect.

Stephanie: "I sort of lost it when I saw a picture of Dickie and Joyce Barnhardt. He had it on his desk."

Morelli: "I thought you were over Dickie."

Stephanie: "Turns out there was some hostility left."

Ranger and Morelli, who both know she'd love to kill Dickie but probably wouldn't, team up to extricate her from Dickie's enemies and suspicion from the police.

Dickie --- who, despite his law degree, has never been too bright --- has unwittingly become a front for a money-laundering scheme involving a group of drug and gun runners. When his law partners also start turning up missing, and Stephanie discovers them barbequed by a psycho with a flame-thrower, things turn ugly for Stephanie, not to mention Dickie, if he's still alive.

Morelli is assigned a secret undercover job by the Trenton Police force, so he reluctantly turns Stephanie over to Ranger for safekeeping. This is not something he is comfortable with, as anyone who has been following the romantic exploits of our trio will know. With Dickie's enemies hot on her trail, the safest place for Stephanie is on the RangeMan payroll. When flamethrower guy shows up at her apartment, what's a girl to do but move into Ranger's penthouse (affectionately known as the bat cave)?

While the scenario might sound familiar, the action in LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN sizzles. Stephanie and company are caught in one of the fastest paced and tightly plotted comedy thrillers in Evanovich's string of bestsellers, which span 13 novels in as many years. Her heroine and fellow characters never age and are forever moored in Trenton, New Jersey, the setting for this wildly popular series. Their relationships and experience expand with each new romp.

Hollywood saw the potential of this kooky cast and picked up the movie rights as early as the first paperback, ONE FOR THE MONEY. Will this newest rousing action/adventure finally make it to the big screen? Who knows what makes Tinseltown tick, but with summer adventure movies drawing big box office numbers and current action heroes showing their age, the youthful Trenton trio of Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger could spawn a new generation of comedy/romance adventure flicks. Just a thought.

--- Reviewed by Roz Shea

After being terribly disappointed by Plum Lovin', I was glad to see the old Stephanie Plum back again in Lean Mean Thirteen. This book deals with her ex-husband, Dickie. Ranger is looking into Dickie's business partners and asks Stephanie to do a favor for him. This leads to a violent confrontation between Stephanie and Dickie (they can't be in the same room together for more than 5 minutes without hostility breaking out) ... and the next day when Dickie goes missing, Stephanie is the prime suspect. Her relationship with Morelli keeps her out of jail, but he gets called out on an undercover operation and tells Stephanie to ask Ranger for help. As usual, Stephanie leaves behind a trail of explosions, a destroyed automobile, and a cast of zany characters. I chuckled right along as I read.

This has more of the laugh out loud scenes than any of the other books written so far. Stephanie and the gang are back: bumbling, stumbling, accidentally working their way into your heart. A can't put down, what's going to happen to the poor girl next? Must Read!

Ms.Evanovich does not break any new ground in this novel, however she seems to be settling Stephanie Plum into sort of a gentle novelistic TV series, with the same strong characters and the same fun, if not too cerebral, plot lines. Overall another enjoyable experience, but I wonder when the author will kick it up a notch. Another popular author who Plum fans might enjoy is the repairman jack series by Wilson.

I've enjoyed all of the Stephanie Plum series-some more than others. Thirteen was better than Ten and Eleven but not as funny as Twelve or the earlier books in the series. There are many laugh out loud parts, especially with the taxidermy jokes, but it wasn't a book that I just couldn't put down. Lacking in the steamy romantic moments!

Can we please stop the love triangle already? Even though Stephanie is less of a s___ (rhymes with "butt") in this one, it still is a bit too "romantic novel" to me.
I gave two stars (and would have given .5 more) for the introduction of the taxidermist.
What really chaps my hide is that she has made Morelli into a lapdog and I think she did it only so she could justify Stephanie's obsession with Ranger. I think Ms Evanovich should create a nice female character for Morelli that he can marry and boot Stephanie to the curb.
The plot was thin and the characters old and stale.
Although it was better than #12. I will give her that.
Ms Evanovich, I don't mind waiting awhile for a GOOD book if you need the time to write it.

#13 is predictable yes, but very entertaining nonetheless. Ranger is still the dark latino with enormous sex appeal and Joe is still the good ol boy from the Burg whom as an adult everyone has come to see that he truly is a good man! Stephanie is up to her old hi-jinx by getting kidnapped, tag-teaming with Lula and having it NOT work out as usual but still it's a light great read that I enjoyed immensely. It's hard to pass up spending an evening with Ranger & Joe while in bed on a rainy night!! Buy it, you'll not regret it! I myself can't wait for #14!!

I read this book very quickly - I read it all Friday. It is definitely a quick, easy, not a lot of thought read (which is exactly what I was looking for!) I have read all the Stephanie Plum books thus far. I did like this book, but it seemed a it like a let down compared to the others. And I have to admit - part of me is ready to see her settle down with one guy or the other. OR ditch them both and bring in a new guy (isn't that terrible of me to say LOL). And it kind of feels like that point is coming with the series. My fear is though, because the series is so popular, it will get dragged out far too long and make me not like them anymore. But hopefully that won't happen. And I will enjoy the next book very much.

THe thirteenth installment did not live up to my expectations. Not enough friction between Stephanie, Ranger and Morelli. Not enough Grandma Mazur. Not as funny as the previous novels. But good anyway, I would read anything that has the 3 main characters. Not a keeper though.

You have to read this book if you have been following the series, but don't expect any bomb shells. By the end of the book Stephanie seems to be in the same place as always, bumbling through bounty hunting, crashing as many cars as humanly possible, and waffling between Ranger and Joe. It was not as good as most. Still I chuckled enough to wake my husband up several times..... and finished it in one day.

When is Stephanis going to learn that when the perp says he has to go get his coat it means he's headin out the backdoor? Dang... will this girl ever catch on?

Gramma rocks! Thank goodness we didn't have to hear about the weird sister and her baggage.

This one is ok but I just kind of felt like I'd read it before.

What can I say about Stephanie Plum except that every female on the planet should read about and adore her. She's tough and funny and can't do everything right, but we love her anyway. Yep, these are keepers. This series needs to go on forever.

Oh dear, what a disappointment! I used to love these books but it seems that the author is just writing too many other series (that are also second rate) and she's spreading her talents a little thin. It's as though someone else is writing it and trying to be her, but with none of the humour, style, or excellent comic timing that made the first six or so titles really stand out. It's a shame, because these titles are still going to be bestsellers, but it reminds me of some authors like Patricia Cornwell and Minette Waters who, although there books are totally different to these, just ran out of steam, or got too cocky, and just tried to rewrite past books but with no passion or joy. This was depressing, and at no point did I even crack a smile. it's not that my expectations are too high, it's just that it's not as good as a lot of other books out there now. What a shame. Is it just me or does it seem someone else is doig the work on these now and janet is just proofreading to make sure things are 'okay'? And really, she should have called this one in, it's let down the whole series, and these characters. And please, some one tell Stephanie to just stop playing the saucy minx who is irrestistable to both guys. it's just not working.

I just finished 13. As usual, I laughed out loud in several parts. I would like to see something happen either between Steph and Ranger or Steph and Morelli. The mystery is pretty good, but there's not a lot of development of the characters. It's about time Lula gets a steady man, or at least a 12 minute man!!! The exploding animals are a hoot but Grandma was funnier in 12. I guess I missed Sally Sweet.

What a boring book. Not a page-turner as others. No progression with characters. Same ole, same ole. Buddy-buddy Ranger and Morelli?? Pleassssssssse. If Evanovich is still writing these by herself, and I doubt it, she mind as well wrap up this series. Plum is still childish, still inept and still hot and bothered by two men. What man, and especially a libido-driven Italian would wait around on this woman? Not mine. And share his squeeze with someone else =0 Evanovoch certainly doesn't know Italians. The story lines are the same, only the names change. So predictable, you can just skip to the last chapter. Maybe it is time to end this. Have Steph and Joe marry. Sally Sweet can be the maid of honor, Lula a bridesmaid. Ranger's Merry Men will be ushers, and on and on. She could probably get four more books out of this. Bridal shower disaster and kidnapping of Steph. Wedding and kidnapping of Steph. Honeymoon and kidnapping of Steph. First of the little Morelli munchkins and kidnapping of Steph. Oops, am I getting too predictable? Just one more thing to say. Stick a fork in my eye. I'm done!

The love triangle aspect of these stories is getting tired in my opinion. The humor is not as sharp anymore and with 13 books already published, I begin to wonder how fresh and witty the characters can remain over time? I hate to say this, but I think it's time to put the Stephanie Plum series to rest. The author needs to move on and begin something new and different.

This book starts slowly and never quite picks up the same head of steam that some of the previous Stephanie Plum books did, but it was entertaining. I didn't find myself laughing so hard that I had tears streaming down my face, but I did enjoy the plot and get a few good laughs over the book.

I just love this Stephanie Plum series (and who wouldn't?). It is a quick read about a quirky Bails bondman and her escapades. It is part of a series. Not the best plum book in the series but it is so much fun. If you'd like to read this series, consider doing it as audio books instead. The reader, Lorelei King, IS Stephanie Plum. She is one of the best readers I've listened to.

loved loved loved all the previous ones.finish them and immediately re read them. couldn't wait to tear into this one bought it the day it came out and went right home to read it. horribly disapointed. i doubt i'll ever re-read this one. not enough ranger and the parts with ranger were weird, not like they usually are, hardly laughed at all thru out the book. it just was odd, like she didn't even write it. i guess after 12 books a clunker is due, lets hope next one will be back on track. all my other plum loving friends felt the same about this one. hoping the next will be awesome.

I read this book very quickly - I read it all Friday. It is definitely a quick, easy, not a lot of thought read (which is exactly what I was looking for!) I have read all the Stephanie Plum books thus far. I did like this book, but it seemed a it like a let down compared to the others. And I have to admit - part of me is ready to see her settle down with one guy or the other. OR ditch them both and bring in a new guy (isn't that terrible of me to say LOL). And it kind of feels like that point is coming with the series. My fear is though, because the series is so popular, it will get dragged out far too long and make me not like them anymore. But hopefully that won't happen. And I will enjoy the next book very much.

THe thirteenth installment did not live up to my expectations. Not enough friction between Stephanie, Ranger and Morelli. Not enough Grandma Mazur. Not as funny as the previous novels. But good anyway, I would read anything that has the 3 main characters. Not a keeper though.

You have to read this book if you have been following the series, but don't expect any bomb shells. By the end of the book Stephanie seems to be in the same place as always, bumbling through bounty hunting, crashing as many cars as humanly possible, and waffling between Ranger and Joe. It was not as good as most. Still I chuckled enough to wake my husband up several times..... and finished it in one day.

When is Stephanis going to learn that when the perp says he has to go get his coat it means he's headin out the backdoor? Dang... will this girl ever catch on?

Gramma rocks! Thank goodness we didn't have to hear about the weird sister and her baggage.

This one is ok but I just kind of felt like I'd read it before.

What can I say about Stephanie Plum except that every female on the planet should read about and adore her. She's tough and funny and can't do everything right, but we love her anyway. Yep, these are keepers. This series needs to go on forever.

Oh dear, what a disappointment! I used to love these books but it seems that the author is just writing too many other series (that are also second rate) and she's spreading her talents a little thin. It's as though someone else is writing it and trying to be her, but with none of the humour, style, or excellent comic timing that made the first six or so titles really stand out. It's a shame, because these titles are still going to be bestsellers, but it reminds me of some authors like Patricia Cornwell and Minette Waters who, although there books are totally different to these, just ran out of steam, or got too cocky, and just tried to rewrite past books but with no passion or joy. This was depressing, and at no point did I even crack a smile. it's not that my expectations are too high, it's just that it's not as good as a lot of other books out there now. What a shame. Is it just me or does it seem someone else is doig the work on these now and janet is just proofreading to make sure things are 'okay'? And really, she should have called this one in, it's let down the whole series, and these characters. And please, some one tell Stephanie to just stop playing the saucy minx who is irrestistable to both guys. it's just not working.

I just finished 13. As usual, I laughed out loud in several parts. I would like to see something happen either between Steph and Ranger or Steph and Morelli. The mystery is pretty good, but there's not a lot of development of the characters. It's about time Lula gets a steady man, or at least a 12 minute man!!! The exploding animals are a hoot but Grandma was funnier in 12. I guess I missed Sally Sweet.

What a boring book. Not a page-turner as others. No progression with characters. Same ole, same ole. Buddy-buddy Ranger and Morelli?? Pleassssssssse. If Evanovich is still writing these by herself, and I doubt it, she mind as well wrap up this series. Plum is still childish, still inept and still hot and bothered by two men. What man, and especially a libido-driven Italian would wait around on this woman? Not mine. And share his squeeze with someone else =0 Evanovoch certainly doesn't know Italians. The story lines are the same, only the names change. So predictable, you can just skip to the last chapter. Maybe it is time to end this. Have Steph and Joe marry. Sally Sweet can be the maid of honor, Lula a bridesmaid. Ranger's Merry Men will be ushers, and on and on. She could probably get four more books out of this. Bridal shower disaster and kidnapping of Steph. Wedding and kidnapping of Steph. Honeymoon and kidnapping of Steph. First of the little Morelli munchkins and kidnapping of Steph. Oops, am I getting too predictable? Just one more thing to say. Stick a fork in my eye. I'm done!

The love triangle aspect of these stories is getting tired in my opinion. The humor is not as sharp anymore and with 13 books already published, I begin to wonder how fresh and witty the characters can remain over time? I hate to say this, but I think it's time to put the Stephanie Plum series to rest. The author needs to move on and begin something new and different.

This book starts slowly and never quite picks up the same head of steam that some of the previous Stephanie Plum books did, but it was entertaining. I didn't find myself laughing so hard that I had tears streaming down my face, but I did enjoy the plot and get a few good laughs over the book.

I just love this Stephanie Plum series (and who wouldn't?). It is a quick read about a quirky Bails bondman and her escapades. It is part of a series. Not the best plum book in the series but it is so much fun. If you'd like to read this series, consider doing it as audio books instead. The reader, Lorelei King, IS Stephanie Plum. She is one of the best readers I've listened to.

I have enjoyed most of the books in this series, but this one was just not very good. At their best, Evanovich's books have humor, suspense, colorful characters and excellent comic timing. This one just seemed to recycle the basic elements, as if the author only went through the motions because she had get another book done. Fans of the series will read this one anyway, for the same reason you eat the last doughnut in the bag-because it's there. But if you haven't read any the books in this series yet, I don't recommend starting with this one.

loved loved loved all the previous ones.finish them and immediately re read them. couldn't wait to tear into this one bought it the day it came out and went right home to read it. horribly disapointed. i doubt i'll ever re-read this one. not enough ranger and the parts with ranger were weird, not like they usually are, hardly laughed at all thru out the book. it just was odd, like she didn't even write it. i guess after 12 books a clunker is due, lets hope next one will be back on track. all my other plum loving friends felt the same about this one. hoping the next will be awesome.

This is another great offering from Janet Evanovich. Lean Mean Thirteen is probably the funniest book in the Stephanie Plum series so far. I really enjoyed it and am now looking forward to reading the next one.
Long may this series continue!

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich had the humor,plot and sexual tension of the earlier books. Some great laugh out loud moments. A great afternoon read !

If you enjoy this genre, I would also suggest; Flirting with Danger by Suzanne Enoch, Crazy For You by Kate Angell, Spirited Away by Cindy Miles, See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson, Falling for Gracie by Susan Mallery and Underfoot by Leanne Banks.

I have loved all the Stephanie Plum books. Grandma and Lula and so many other zany characters have had me up till the wee hours of the morning laughing out loud!! This book was dissapointing--not very funny. The whole Ranger/ Morelli thing is way too old to continue. It is time for stephanie to choose or really to end the series. There is nothing worse that to see a great series go downhill. I have grown to love these characters and i'm sorry to say that they failed to entertain me this time.

I agree with some other reviewers that things are getting a bit repetitive, and I wish something would happen one way or another with the men in Steph's life. But these are minor quibbles with a great series. It's still laugh out loud funny and one of the best mystery series out there. It's hard to find books with genuine wit and a good plotline; the closest to this I've read recently are fantasy, Karen Chance's Cassie Palmer novels. So yeah, this is still five stars for me!

Fugitive recover agent (otherwise known as a bounty hunter) Stephanie Plum is doing a favor for Carlos Manoso otherwise known as Ranger. She is going to her repulsive ex-husband's law firm to plant some listening devices in his office. When she goes there she accomplishes her mission but not before she tries to strangle him. The picture of Dickie and the woman she caught him in bed with and his revelation they reconnected made her go berserker.

When Dickie disappears and the neighbors hear shots fired in his vicinity Stephanie wonders whether he is dead or alive. Before he vanished he took millions of dollars out of the corporate account, money that makes Stephanie question whether he and his partners were into something illegal. When attempts are made on her life and one of the partners is killed, she hopes Joe and Ranger can protect her from a stone cold killer who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, whatever that is.

While Stephanie is in the middle of Dickie's mess, she has to pick up her skips which leads her into some hilarious situations. Readers will enjoy watching her try and fail to bring them in several times. The sizzle that exists between Ranger and Stephanie, and Joe and Stephanie is hotter than in any of the other novels in this series. Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum tales is like eating potato chips as you can't stop reading until the bag is done.

Harriet Klausner

I have read every word that Evanovich has had published. The Stephanie Plum books are considerably better than anything else she writes but the last two had disappointed me a bit. Not this one. It was great. You have the love triangle, good ole Gradnma Mazur and a good mystery with no tangents about Stephanie's sister and ambulance chasing husband.
I promise you will laugh out loud---I'm serious Cupcake!!

I enjoyed this book and had several laugh out loud moments, especially when Grandma was involved. I do keep waiting for Stephanie to make a choice about the relationships in her life. It kind of seems that she is in a holding pattern and isn't quite sure what to do with her life either romantically or professionally. I'd love to see her go in some type of new direction in the next book. Still, I love these books and will keep reading them - not many books keep you laughing out loud!

I have read most of the books in the Plum series and I have to say that Lean Mean 13 ranks right up there at the top. Ms. Evanovich did a super job with this story. I started reading it on the weekend and got so drawn in with the story that before I knew it 2 oclock in the morning was staring me in the face. I would gladly recommend this book to all my friends and even strangers should that ever happen.

I have been a huge Plum fan. I loved up to #11. I was hoping 12 was a bit of a fluke, as it wasnt very funny. 13 could have been so much more. Isnt Valerie pregnant again? What about an update on things with Ranger's daughter? Where are the loud out loud scenes? Joe and Ranger are now friends? And willing to share Stephanie as a girlfriend? Please. I was hoping this book would be entertaining, but I really found it boring. I wont be in a rush to buy any more.

Obviously, number 13 in a series which is why I and others enjoy it. We love the characters and can't wait to find out what situations we find with Stephanie and her variety of sidekicks. In this particular book I'd have to give star billing to Gramma Mazur. She is a pip and a lot of us would love to have had someone like her for a grandmother. Overall, however, I thought the book dragged a bit and could have had more punch. In the next book, I'd love to see Lulu and Gramma Mazur take over a few skips--oh boy.

I agree with other reviews that this book was not even close to the first 12. The same gags are just kind of thrown in for good measure, like there was no real attempt at humor, more like "mention something about Lula's outfit, crazy grandma, mom ironing, etc." Everything was just kind of skimmed over. I certainly hope more effort and creativity goes into book 14. I would hate to see my favorite heroine go out with such a fizzle. Terribly disappointed.

I am reading this series backwards but that's ok because when I have read them all, I will read them all again but from 1 to 21+++. Don't stop writing about these people. I love them all except for Vinnie.

Lean Mean Thirteen is the 13th full book in the series about the spastic bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum. (The series also has two little novellas.) Fans will only be disappointed if they are looking for any resolution to the love triangle between Stephanie, Ranger, and Joe. Otherwise, its another great book by Evanovich. It contains the sexual chemistry between those three and the outrageous humor you have come to expect from a Stephanie Plum book.

When I got this book I was thinking it was going to be differant from the others, but I was wrong it's pretty much the same. It was still a good book to read along with all the other plum novels! I hope in the next book somethings will change. Which guy will Steph fall for? Will she stop blowing up cars? Will we find out where Rager lives? There are a lot of questions we all have that the book's haven't told us yet. Hopefully they will be answered soon!

I feel like I'm being disloyal to Janet but I'm going to have to go on record as saying I'm really disappointed with LMT. I'm not even tempted to reread it. And that's sad since I'm a huge fan of her Plum series.

I can see how the characters have grown over time, and that's a good thing. But the romantic triad she so cleverly created with Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger really needed to grow too and it didn't. Something needed to happen between Stephanie and Ranger (more than kissing and flirting) to kick the intensity up a notch. Instead, Morelli actually asked Ranger to keep Steph and take care of her. That took the tense out of the tension. This book needed something more dramatic, like maybe having Ranger kidnap Steph and having his way with her and really pissing Morelli off, and then having Morelli work to win Steph back. Morelli has it too easy. He doesn't have to work or flirt for Steph's affections any more. We don't see him trying beyond buying her a pizza and six pack after a hard day. And Ranger, ever the man of action, needed to take some action where Steph was concerned instead of just waiting around for her. If he partnered up or moved in with Jeanne Ellen Burrows it would make Steph jealous. Then some serious sparks would/could fly and that would add great drama to the triad. But in LMT, Ranger and Morelli cooperate like never before where Steph is concerned. Not good for romantic tension.

Maybe Janet doesn't realize that while the Plum series started out in the a mystery/crime solving genre with a lot of humor and a little romance in the background, it has really become more about the romance and humor with a few farcical crime solving attempts in the background. The hook for her readers is the romantic triad, that's what people want more of. Exploding beavers aren't going to bring readers back or hook them in, funny though they may be.

The characters have softened... Ranger, the man of mystery and few words has become down right chatty. Morelli gave up yelling, waving his hands, and walking out on Steph when he was frustrated with her and now just shakes his head and looks at his feet a lot. And Steph, who used to fear Ranger, is now just about as comfortable spending the night at his place as at Morelli's. The romantic triad has lost its edge.

I'm also wondering about the writing. It's hard to criticize Janet here because I don't know how much of this has to do with her and how much it might be her editor "SuperJen" letting her down. The segues were poor in this book. All the Plum series books jump scenes a lot but in this one I found myself having to go back and reread from time to time wondering if I missed something somewhere because I couldn't quite pick up the story. And not to pile on, but, at times I had trouble figuring out when one character stopped speaking and another one began. Nobody likes to read "he said", "she said" over and over again but a few more would have helped the dialogue along.

I'm not giving up on Janet because I know she's better than this one book. I'm an optimist and am already looking forward to book 14. I'm hoping Janet will knock it out of the park with that one.

I just started this book, and really question whether or not Evanovich wrote it. It reads like a rookie fan took a shot at her style and she didn't have the heart to say, "Nice try, but..."
Disappointment aside, I love the characters, and can't believe there isn't a made for cable series yet. Maybe after the movie? There are too many terrific characters in her books to only see a screenplay for one "episode." And I think Katherine Heigl is perfect.

This latest piece of "bounty hunter" fiction by Janet Evanovich is just as much fun to read as her last 12 in the series have been. The pace is good, Stephanie Plum is engaging as always, and the pages turn themselves whether I'm on the beach or reading late at night. I'm so sad to finish one of these because it means I have to wait at least a year to see what happens next with Morelli and Ranger, and Grandma! Being a New Jersey girl makes these books even dearer since I'm familiar with Trenton, Princeton and the whole locale.

This book is hilarious. Stephanie Plum is a bonds enforcement agent except she is not very good at it and gets herself into all sorts of funny situations. I literally laugh until I am crying while reading this book. If you have not read these start with One for the Dough.

And as she tries to figure out what happened to her ex, the ex she's suspected of murdering, she unleashes a wild chain of events. It takes Morelli and Ranger, working together, to keep her safe.

Another fun romp with Stephanie and her friends!

I am a teacher. At the end of each school year I get a chance to unwind from the school year with a Stephanie Plum novel. I look forward to a visit with each and every character. I love Morrelli and I really love Ranger. The wake-loving grandmother is the best. The only down thing about reading a Stephanie Plum novel is that I usually finish it in about three days and then I have to wait another whole year to get a new adventure. Keep writing Janet. I can't wait for number 14.

Okay, it's my first time! Give me a break, willya? What a fun time it was, too. I've just puchased the the triple CD that has the first three adventures in it. My drive to Cape Cod from Chicago is going to be a BLAST!
--James Conroyd Martin, Author of PUSH NOT THE RIVER Push Not the River and AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY Against a Crimson Sky: A Novel

I also love the Stephanie Plum series, and I laughed out loud while reading this one, but when I finished the book, I felt very unsatisfied. It felt like the pain and bonding Ranger and Stephanie had gone though in Twelved Sharp never happened. I looked forward to this book for Stephanie to make a decision. Instead, it all went back to the same old "waiting" to make a decision...

This book was the worst in the series for me. I've been eagerly waiting for it, and the first few chapters were ok, but nothing really happened. I thought 12 Sharp really dug deeper into the characters, but this book had nothing. I barely laughed at all, unlike some of the other books where I laughed till I cried. The exploding rodents weren't funny, there was no tension and suspense in the plot or the relationships. I sure hope #14 has more meat to it, or I may just say good bye to the series