Explosive Eighteen

A Stephanie Plum Novel

By: Janet Evanovich

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Before Stephanie can even step foot off Flight 127, Hawaii to Newark, she’s knee deep in trouble. Her dream vacation turned into a nightmare, and she’s flying back to New Jersey solo. Worse still, her seatmate never returned to the plane after the L.A. layover. Now he’s dead, in a garbage can, waiting for curbside pickup. His killer could be anyone. And a ragtag collection of thugs and psychos, not to mention the FBI, are all looking for a photograph the dead man was supposed to be carrying.

Only one other person has seen the missing photo: Stephanie Plum. Now she’s the target, and she doesn’t intend to end up in a garbage can. With the help of an FBI sketch artist, Stephanie re-creates the person in the photo. Unfortunately, the first sketch turns out to look like Tom Cruise, and the second sketch like Ashton Kutcher. Until Stephanie can improve her descriptive skills, she’ll need to watch her back.

Over at the bail bonds agency, things are going from bad to worse. The bonds bus serving as Vinnie’s temporary HQ goes up in smoke. Stephanie’s wheelman, Lula, falls in love with their largest skip yet. Lifetime arch nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into Stephanie’s apartment. And everyone wants to know what happened in Hawaii.

Morelli, Trenton’s hottest cop, isn’t talking about Hawaii. Ranger, the man of mystery, isn’t talking about Hawaii. And all Stephanie is willing to say about her Hawaiian vacation is... it’s complicated.

Jersey girl: listen to more in the Stephanie Plum series.

©2011 Janet Evanovich (P)2011 Random House Audio

Love this series

The characters are still funny, especially Gramma. The series is getting a little repetitive (how many times will Stephanie forget and leave her gun in the cookie jar!) Rex must be a very old hamster by now, and her Mother must be an alcoholic as she drinks everytime Stephanie gets into trouble. Which seems to be all the time.

Still - it is a great series for fun, relaxing reading/listening. I took this to the beach for a winter break. It was perfect. Laughter is good for the soul and reducing stress. Looking forward to more Stephanie Plum!

It is Explosive!

What made the experience of listening to Explosive Eighteen the most enjoyable?

I just love Evonavich's characters. The plot lines are always crazy and Plum is so lucky or unlucky with her attempts to catch her FTAs, you never know what will happen.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The main mystery going throughout the book was very good and cleverly resolved.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Steph attempts to bring in a very large (purse snatcher) FTA the first time, it had me roaring with laughter.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes you wont want to be interrupted while listening to this one.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for her next book!

Still love Stephanie

Would you consider the audio edition of Explosive Eighteen to be better than the print version?

No, I don't think the audios are better than the print. Sometimes I just have more time to fit audio into my life (but I read A LOT too).

What was one of the most memorable moments of Explosive Eighteen?

I love when you realize what really happened in Hawaii.

What about Lorelei King’s performance did you like?

Lorelei does such a great job with the voices that I always feel as if there are so many different characters.

Any additional comments?

I love Stephanie. This is definantly not one of my favorites (I think they have gone down a little after about 12), but I can't help but smile and laugh when I read them any way. I really wish she would settle down either way at this point though.

Ending???

Typical Plum novel but the ending us lacking. I want more from them ending but...

my favorite bail bond Agent

Stephanie Plum is an awesome bail bond agent, along with her friend lula tjey make even the worst situation seem like fun

Pretty much what you expect from Stephanie Plum

Would you listen to Explosive Eighteen again? Why?

I enjoyed the book. It is not great but reading it was like wearing a comfortable shoe. Humorous light, predictable. I am pleased that Stephanie seems to be almost ready to chose between Ranger and Morelli. We'll see..

Would you be willing to try another book from Janet Evanovich? Why or why not?

Yes. Although I like Stephanie's character

What does Lorelei King bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoyed her verbal interpretation of the characters-Lula, Grandma,..everyone.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no.

Another Great Adventure

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Like all the other Stephanie Plum books, this was a fun adventure. She gets herself into a lot of unbelievable messes--with the help of her best friend, Lula--and winds up getting out of them eventually with only some property damage... blown up cars/buildings, burned down buildings, etc. But she can always count on the two men in her life: Ranger and Morelli.

The only thing I'd add to story is... What the heck really happened in Hawaii? I WANT DETAILS!!!!

Plum continues to bring laughs and romance

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

My first audiobook on my own kindle! So no skips or scratches from a borrowed CD! That and the consistent fun of Evanovich makes me very happy to have listened to her newest Stephanie Plum novel. The characters are like going to a family reunion - dysFUNctional!

If you’ve listened to books by Janet Evanovich before, how does this one compare?

I love listening to Grandma Mazur especially. The characters are great - I never even think one person is reading!

Have you listened to any of Lorelei King’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Five star!

i like it

What did you like best about Explosive Eighteen? What did you like least?

hmm the story seemed a bit short and underdeveloped compared to the other books. i enjoyed but was left with wanting even more than usual from a book in a series. im excited for the next installment!

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

i want more. more progress in the relationships in the story.

Stephanie is never dull!

What did you love best about Explosive Eighteen?

The characters are great. Over the years they have become like old friends and they are never disappointing. Although the book is a mystery, it is also a comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Grandma because she is so eccentric and crazy. You never know what she will say or do. She adds a lot of humor to the story.

Have you listened to any of Lorelei King’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. This performance is very consistent with her others. She is a great narrator and is Stephanie Plum to me. The one book in the series that I listened to with a different narrator was not at all the same.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Plum Funny Mystery