Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich

Top Secret Twenty-One is the 21st novel in the Stephanie Plum series. I've been a long time fan of Janet Evanovich. I find this series rather entertaining. I believe I've mentioned before that I will laugh out loud reading these books.

I am coming to the point, however, where these stories do all seem to be the same. The quirkiness of the book is still top notch, however, Stephanie still hasn't decided between Ranger and Morelli, she still takes Lula around with her to capture skips, Lula still wears too small of clothes, Grandma Mazur is still a bit out there (however funny as all get out), Stephanie has another vehicle torched, she's still worried about money, her apartment gets firebombed again, and she mooches meals off her parents.

Don't get me wrong, the stories are quick reads that provide a bit of relief, or a buffer of sorts, between other books. I find myself smiling, laughing, and shaking my head when I read the book. But it has had no new developments in a long time. And, honestly, how many people truly need to be bonded out in Trenton, New Jersey? Are there really that many fruitcakes in Trenton that she can continue to write stories about them?

Even the conversation between Stephanie and Morelli seemed a bit tired in this book. No real need for elaboration, as we've all been reading their story for the last 20 books. I did notice that some of the devices and phrases have been updated to reflect the times; such as text messages, smartphones, and GPS via the phones.

I could have a bit of a skewed viewpoint because I wasn't sure what I wanted to read and thought, 'these are usually quick and entertaining I can go with that.' I may not have been in the right mindset for this book. I also wanted to read something more upbeat because my last book I read was a bit of a tear-jerker. Maybe some of that atmosphere leaked in...

Anyhow, Evanovich fans are sure to read this book, as we've come this far...

If you want a quick, entertaining read I'd recommend any of the Plum novels.

Happy reading!

Judi