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Stephanie Plum #5
High Five
Stephanie Plum has a whole lot of trouble on her doorstep.
Her Uncle Fred has disappeared and Grandma Mazur is convinced he's been abducted by aliens.
Meanwhile, Cousin Vinnie has asked her to bring in the vertically challenged Randy Briggs who's jumped bail. But instead of coming quietly, he has taken up residence in Stephanie's closet. The mysterious man called Bunchy is trailing Stephanie in the hope of tracking down Fred. And Benito Ramirez is back from jail, quoting Scripture and vowing to introduce Stephanie to God - face to face.
Thankfully Joe Morelli, the irresistible cop, is still around to give her the odd sleepless night - though now he faces tough competition from the enigmatic Ranger...
Her Uncle Fred has disappeared and Grandma Mazur is convinced he's been abducted by aliens.
Meanwhile, Cousin Vinnie has asked her to bring in the vertically challenged Randy Briggs who's jumped bail. But instead of coming quietly, he has taken up residence in Stephanie's closet. The mysterious man called Bunchy is trailing Stephanie in the hope of tracking down Fred. And Benito Ramirez is back from jail, quoting Scripture and vowing to introduce Stephanie to God - face to face.
Thankfully Joe Morelli, the irresistible cop, is still around to give her the odd sleepless night - though now he faces tough competition from the enigmatic Ranger...
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 1999
1,215 people are currently reading
19.3k people want to read
About the author
Janet Evanovich
287books40kfollowersJanet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,114 reviews
December 14, 2019
Book Review
4 out of 5 stars to , the fifth book in the "Stephanie Plum" cozy mystery series, written in 1999 by . If you thought Stephanie was off-her-rocker, wait until you meet more of her family. Uncle Fred has disappeared and all they can find that might lead them to his whereabouts are the pictures he's kept hidden of a dismembered human body. We know Stephanie's family has some crime-connections between her cousin and a few other distant relatives. But when Grandma gets hold of a stolen gun, and starts showing it off to everyone, we realize why Stephanie is the way she is. Of course, beyond that of who her mother and father are... I would love to be friends with this woman... but never be in the same room as her, as disaster is bound to happen. This is one of the first books where the major issues heat up between her and Joe Morelli over her "relationship/friendship" with Ranger. Joe should be jealous. She's certainly crossed that line a few times, even though she and Joe have had this on-again / off-again thing going on. Mystery is great here, especially when it's family. And who doesn't love trying to figure out who cut up a body?
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on ŷ, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at , where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
4 out of 5 stars to , the fifth book in the "Stephanie Plum" cozy mystery series, written in 1999 by . If you thought Stephanie was off-her-rocker, wait until you meet more of her family. Uncle Fred has disappeared and all they can find that might lead them to his whereabouts are the pictures he's kept hidden of a dismembered human body. We know Stephanie's family has some crime-connections between her cousin and a few other distant relatives. But when Grandma gets hold of a stolen gun, and starts showing it off to everyone, we realize why Stephanie is the way she is. Of course, beyond that of who her mother and father are... I would love to be friends with this woman... but never be in the same room as her, as disaster is bound to happen. This is one of the first books where the major issues heat up between her and Joe Morelli over her "relationship/friendship" with Ranger. Joe should be jealous. She's certainly crossed that line a few times, even though she and Joe have had this on-again / off-again thing going on. Mystery is great here, especially when it's family. And who doesn't love trying to figure out who cut up a body?
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on ŷ, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at , where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
February 3, 2024
*** 4.25 ***
An outstanding monthly buddy read with the coolest gang in town, The BB&Bs!!!
""Problem is, you aren't living up to your earning potential," Lula said. "We only got chickenshit cases these days. What you need is to have a serial killer or a homicidal rapist jump bail. Those boys are worth something."
"Yeah, I'd sure like to get a case like that." Big fib. If Vinnie ever gave me a homicidal rapist to chase down I'd quit and get a job selling shoes.""
I want to belong to the Plum family!!! Yes, they are insane, yes they are genetically challenged, but they are soooo much fun, all else pales in comparison!!!
Reading these books one a month is a great decision! It is so, because the books have a very specific feel to them and binge-reading them together would do a disservice to the comic relief they provide. I think of them as a giant chocolate candy-bar with nuts and taffy and everything most wonderful you can think of. Eating one of them is an orgasmic experience, but it does verge on suicide by candy. Attempting two is a death-wish come true! Spacing them and using them as the fluff between the dark, heavy reads we have delved into as of late, is the wisest thing our mods at BB&B came up with and I salute their responsible decision making - after all, they are very concerned with our healthy reading habits:):):) Burning out on a favorite series sucks and this is the best way to prevent it...
This is the 5th book in the Stephani Plum series and she is just as incompetent as ever. She is broke and for some reason, no one is jumping bail in Trenton! She has no money to pay her bills and rent and is looking for something to supplement her income. Enters Ranger, her new part-time employer. The job.... jobs, are varied, semi-legal and definitely not very fitting our luckless bounty-hunter... On top of that, she is working in close proximity with Ranger and Stephani is only human and uncomfortable attraction hums between the two of them... Not that there is anything wrong with that - after all, she and Morelli split a while ago over differences of how they perceive marriage and commitment...
"Not that it's any of my business," Lula said, "but what's going on with you and Morelli? I thought that was over with you two when you moved out."
"It's complicated."
"Your problem is you keep getting involved with men who have lots of potential in bed and no potential at the altar."
"I'm thinking of giving men up altogether," I said. "Celibacy isn't so bad. You don't have to worry about shaving your legs."
So single Stephani has attraction problems, money problems, family problems (her uncle Fred has gone missing and she is looking for him), bounty hunting problems, and worst of all, Ramirez is out on parole and has been looking for her... Needless to say, typical for our characters chaos ensues and at least two cars meet their maker... And Grandma Mazur steels the show every time she is on page:)
I love those books and you guys have to give the series a try, it is a very pleasant and fun way to spend an afternoon - the books read that fast!!! I recommend them to anyone who does not take everything too seriously - these books are only for entertainment and bringing laughter in your lives, not to make deep philosophical or socioeconomic statements, so do not judge them as such... There are stereotypes, there are tropes often used in comedy, and there are some mushy parts, but the overall product is totally worth the time!
So, I wish all wonderful time reading and many, many satisfying books!!!
An outstanding monthly buddy read with the coolest gang in town, The BB&Bs!!!
""Problem is, you aren't living up to your earning potential," Lula said. "We only got chickenshit cases these days. What you need is to have a serial killer or a homicidal rapist jump bail. Those boys are worth something."
"Yeah, I'd sure like to get a case like that." Big fib. If Vinnie ever gave me a homicidal rapist to chase down I'd quit and get a job selling shoes.""
I want to belong to the Plum family!!! Yes, they are insane, yes they are genetically challenged, but they are soooo much fun, all else pales in comparison!!!
Reading these books one a month is a great decision! It is so, because the books have a very specific feel to them and binge-reading them together would do a disservice to the comic relief they provide. I think of them as a giant chocolate candy-bar with nuts and taffy and everything most wonderful you can think of. Eating one of them is an orgasmic experience, but it does verge on suicide by candy. Attempting two is a death-wish come true! Spacing them and using them as the fluff between the dark, heavy reads we have delved into as of late, is the wisest thing our mods at BB&B came up with and I salute their responsible decision making - after all, they are very concerned with our healthy reading habits:):):) Burning out on a favorite series sucks and this is the best way to prevent it...
This is the 5th book in the Stephani Plum series and she is just as incompetent as ever. She is broke and for some reason, no one is jumping bail in Trenton! She has no money to pay her bills and rent and is looking for something to supplement her income. Enters Ranger, her new part-time employer. The job.... jobs, are varied, semi-legal and definitely not very fitting our luckless bounty-hunter... On top of that, she is working in close proximity with Ranger and Stephani is only human and uncomfortable attraction hums between the two of them... Not that there is anything wrong with that - after all, she and Morelli split a while ago over differences of how they perceive marriage and commitment...
"Not that it's any of my business," Lula said, "but what's going on with you and Morelli? I thought that was over with you two when you moved out."
"It's complicated."
"Your problem is you keep getting involved with men who have lots of potential in bed and no potential at the altar."
"I'm thinking of giving men up altogether," I said. "Celibacy isn't so bad. You don't have to worry about shaving your legs."
So single Stephani has attraction problems, money problems, family problems (her uncle Fred has gone missing and she is looking for him), bounty hunting problems, and worst of all, Ramirez is out on parole and has been looking for her... Needless to say, typical for our characters chaos ensues and at least two cars meet their maker... And Grandma Mazur steels the show every time she is on page:)
I love those books and you guys have to give the series a try, it is a very pleasant and fun way to spend an afternoon - the books read that fast!!! I recommend them to anyone who does not take everything too seriously - these books are only for entertainment and bringing laughter in your lives, not to make deep philosophical or socioeconomic statements, so do not judge them as such... There are stereotypes, there are tropes often used in comedy, and there are some mushy parts, but the overall product is totally worth the time!
So, I wish all wonderful time reading and many, many satisfying books!!!
July 16, 2011
I think my last status update says it all: "These books are such a cocktease." I don't know why I keep checking these out from the library. Some supernatural force keeps pulling me down the Mystery aisle and forcing these books into my hands. I can't explain my fascination otherwise.
I don't really like Stephanie, the mysteries are contrived and ridiculous, her family is annoying, the love triangle is BEYOND frustrating, and the constant addition of "let's see how crazy THIS supporting character can be" is just about the last nail in the coffin of this series for me.
But I can't stop reading them. I just CAN'T.
Thank god for the library.
I don't really like Stephanie, the mysteries are contrived and ridiculous, her family is annoying, the love triangle is BEYOND frustrating, and the constant addition of "let's see how crazy THIS supporting character can be" is just about the last nail in the coffin of this series for me.
But I can't stop reading them. I just CAN'T.
Thank god for the library.
May 6, 2016
"I don't get it," the driver said. "I hardly scraped against your car. Why would it explode like that?"
"That's what her cars do," Lula said. "They explode."
Stephanie is hell on wheels. Literally. Her crazy relationship with cars are some of the funniest parts of these books. She is singlehandedly putting the insurance companies out of business at this point. And, it's awesome.
soon...
In this book, Stephanie is looking for her Uncle Fred. Of course this job doesn't pay, and people keep getting murdered after she talks to them. But, that's just another day in the life of our bumbling bounty hunter.
On top of that, she starts working side-jobs for Ranger. Let's just say that her bad luck follows her to any job that she tries.
She's worse at her job than Phil at Jurassic Park.
And, along with the always-awesome Lula, Stephanie picks up a dwarf and a new stalker, Bunchy, that she brings dinner to as he's watching her from his car. She's even pretty considerate of his limitations when he is following her:
Bunchy: "Don't drive too fast. There's something wrong with my transmission. It makes this real bad sound when I do over forty."
He could just let Stephanie borrow his car.
Transmission problem solved.
So, the only thing I am not too thrilled with in this series is that we have begun a love triangle. Why, why, why? Is God punishing me or something? I've been a good person. I helped someone once. I kept my kids alive to adulthood. It is just so unfair! No, I'm not being overly dramatic!
I get that Joe Morelli and Stephanie have opposing views on marriage. But, he's coming around.
"You know what my biggest fear is? I worry that someday you might be the mother of my children."
See? That was practically a proposal. And, romantic too!
But, Ranger is closing in on Steph. He finds her craziness funny and doesn't mind all of the car destruction. He kisses her and she's thinking about it. In a way, I kind of prefer Ranger. He has that dark and dangerous vibe that is pretty alluring. He's oozing sexuality - my favorite kind of oozing. Okay, the only kind of oozing I like. Except for hot fudge. That's some good oozing too. Anyway, where was I? Freaking diet makes me so hungry that it's hard to think. Oh, yeah. Ranger - he also has cool cars. And, Joe likes to sit and watch baseball on TV at night. Yeah, I vote for Ranger.
The end of the book was a major tease. I need to get on to the next one.
"That's what her cars do," Lula said. "They explode."
Stephanie is hell on wheels. Literally. Her crazy relationship with cars are some of the funniest parts of these books. She is singlehandedly putting the insurance companies out of business at this point. And, it's awesome.
soon...
In this book, Stephanie is looking for her Uncle Fred. Of course this job doesn't pay, and people keep getting murdered after she talks to them. But, that's just another day in the life of our bumbling bounty hunter.
On top of that, she starts working side-jobs for Ranger. Let's just say that her bad luck follows her to any job that she tries.
She's worse at her job than Phil at Jurassic Park.
And, along with the always-awesome Lula, Stephanie picks up a dwarf and a new stalker, Bunchy, that she brings dinner to as he's watching her from his car. She's even pretty considerate of his limitations when he is following her:
Bunchy: "Don't drive too fast. There's something wrong with my transmission. It makes this real bad sound when I do over forty."
He could just let Stephanie borrow his car.
Transmission problem solved.
So, the only thing I am not too thrilled with in this series is that we have begun a love triangle. Why, why, why? Is God punishing me or something? I've been a good person. I helped someone once. I kept my kids alive to adulthood. It is just so unfair! No, I'm not being overly dramatic!
I get that Joe Morelli and Stephanie have opposing views on marriage. But, he's coming around.
"You know what my biggest fear is? I worry that someday you might be the mother of my children."
See? That was practically a proposal. And, romantic too!
But, Ranger is closing in on Steph. He finds her craziness funny and doesn't mind all of the car destruction. He kisses her and she's thinking about it. In a way, I kind of prefer Ranger. He has that dark and dangerous vibe that is pretty alluring. He's oozing sexuality - my favorite kind of oozing. Okay, the only kind of oozing I like. Except for hot fudge. That's some good oozing too. Anyway, where was I? Freaking diet makes me so hungry that it's hard to think. Oh, yeah. Ranger - he also has cool cars. And, Joe likes to sit and watch baseball on TV at night. Yeah, I vote for Ranger.
The end of the book was a major tease. I need to get on to the next one.
March 17, 2018
This is probably the twentieth time I've read the Stephanie Plum books. I love them, obviously. When I need a truly entertaining story to make the day better, these are always the books I turn to.
Reread March 2018
Reread March 2018
December 25, 2017
I enjoy this series. I read these books when I need something light. Grandma Mazur can usually be counted on to make me laugh out loud! I'm glad the character of Ramirez is now out of the way. I didn't like him still being in the story. I look forward to the next segment.....
December 29, 2022
I am obsessed !! So I am rereading !!
As always a laugh out loud experience. I need these on my long nights. I hope Janet E. continues to bless us with these hilarious novels.
Happy reading everyone 🥰😍🥰😍!!
As always a laugh out loud experience. I need these on my long nights. I hope Janet E. continues to bless us with these hilarious novels.
Happy reading everyone 🥰😍🥰😍!!
February 13, 2024
This is book 5 in the Stephanie Plum series and had so many LOL moments in it! In this one, Stephanie is asked via Grandma Mazur by her Aunt Mabel to look for her (mostly disliked) Uncle Fred who disappeared after an argument with the local garbage collection business.
On top of this the bounty hunter work is light and Stephanie has bills to pay. So she takes up an offer from Ranger to assist with some of his side hustles - and this does not go well.
So much humour in this and still a good plot to keep you hooked.
On top of this the bounty hunter work is light and Stephanie has bills to pay. So she takes up an offer from Ranger to assist with some of his side hustles - and this does not go well.
So much humour in this and still a good plot to keep you hooked.
December 20, 2008
Ah, Stephanie—what has happened to your uncle who seems to have gone missing? Who cares? It’s the journey and not the . . . well, you know the rest. If you are reading this series from the beginning then you will get the jokes i.e. when the fire alarm goes off in the funeral home everyone looks towards Ms. Plum. She has a history. Evanovich has here style of writing perfected (good thing because there are nine more novels in this series)—short pithy sentences, detailing a swiftly moving story. Like I have said before, it is the cast of characters that makes her books so enjoyable. High Five has the regulars (Ranger, Morelli, and Lula) as well as a couple new whackos like the dwarf who refuses to be brought in and a bookie named Bunchy who may be a cop. I shouldn’t be enjoying this series as much as I am, but they are light reading and a sweet break from others considered more serious. There is a scene where a ninety year old woman shoots a man. He, in turn, explodes. It is very funny. The author never drags out a scene—sometimes abruptly ending one in a surprising way (one of Ranger’s henchman picks up an annoying guy and throws him out a window—expedited in one sentence and completely unexpected). There is a conspiracy mired in the garbage pickup business. And cable. It’s all clever and hilarious.
August 7, 2018
3.5 stars?
So.
I did not like this sequel at all.
I enjoyed it, binged it, laughed with it, but did not like it.
Because... A love triangle?
Really, Janet?
I found it cringy and most honestly hope you did not let Stephanie choose the other guy in that last, cliff hanging scene.
So.
I did not like this sequel at all.
I enjoyed it, binged it, laughed with it, but did not like it.
Because... A love triangle?
Really, Janet?
I found it cringy and most honestly hope you did not let Stephanie choose the other guy in that last, cliff hanging scene.
February 21, 2021
I’m not even through the first chapter and am already disappointed!! I love this series and C.J. Croft was an AMAZING narrator. I purchased this audio book excited to continue the Stephanie Plum story to find out the narrator has changed and she is absolutely AWFUL! She is monotoned with no pitch difference for each character, she reads too fast, and says so many words wrong it sets my teeth on edge!!
April 5, 2016
1. I'm in love with Steph and Morelli
2. I'm even on board with Ranger (finally)
3. No offense to CJ Critt, but her voice for Briggs was THE WORST. Glad he's out of the picture. (also ready for Miss Lorelei King)
4. Grandma Mazur remains one of my favorites (along with Lula)
5. Steph needs an unlisted phone number and she also needs to move so these creeps can't find her (preferably back in with Morelli)
6. Too many swoon worthy/laugh out loud moments in this book. It was pretty solid.
7. WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!
8. I may have finished the book with my hard copy so I can't even cheat by the different voices on my Audiobook.
9. Need Hot Six NOW.
10. Thank goodness there are 20+ books in this series. I can't get enough!
2. I'm even on board with Ranger (finally)
3. No offense to CJ Critt, but her voice for Briggs was THE WORST. Glad he's out of the picture. (also ready for Miss Lorelei King)
4. Grandma Mazur remains one of my favorites (along with Lula)
5. Steph needs an unlisted phone number and she also needs to move so these creeps can't find her (preferably back in with Morelli)
6. Too many swoon worthy/laugh out loud moments in this book. It was pretty solid.
7. WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!
8. I may have finished the book with my hard copy so I can't even cheat by the different voices on my Audiobook.
9. Need Hot Six NOW.
10. Thank goodness there are 20+ books in this series. I can't get enough!
October 7, 2020
This is a humor/cozy mystery/chick-lit, and this is the 18th book in the Stephanie Plum series. I have listen to this whole series on audiobooks, and the narrator of the audiobooks does a great job on this book. All the books in this series will make you laugh so much, and I will say the way to read these books is by audiobooks. All the characters are so fun and developed. I love this series so much. This book was not my favorite of the series, but I loved the Grandmother so much in this book. Stephanie Plum always gets into big messes, and she will make you laugh so much. (*)
November 30, 2016
These books are quite entertaining. Love how Stephanie's cast of quirky supporting characters grows with each installment. The police spouse in me is intrigued by the mystery. The girly girl part of me loves the cliffhanger at the end.
December 8, 2011
Broke. No one is skipping out on bail. Struggling with the lack of satisfaction .. in life .. and with the two sexiest men on the planet, Stephanie Plum finds herself intertwined in family drama when asked to investigate and locate her Uncle Fred.
Flying purple-headed piglet Vinnie, is making money left and right. He doesn’t play much of a role in this book, but that doesn’t keep the small statements from ripping gasping laughter from my gut.
“Vinnie’s overjoyed,� Connie said. “He’s making money by the fistful. No bounty hunters to pay. No forfeited bonds. Last time I saw Vinnie in a mood like this was when Madame Zaretsky was arrested for pandering and sodomy and put her trained dog up as collateral for her bond.�
Ranger is a delicious bad boy character that gives you shivers and has the hair on your arms standing at attention. Although there may be a few women out there who would disagree or just flat-out would never admit it, Ranger is THE MAN of men. Mysterious. Sexy. Unobtainable. Wrong. In High Five, the attraction between Ranger and Stephanie is tiptoeing across a dangerous line of uncertainty.
Ranger’s a Cuban-American. His features are Anglo, his eyes are Latino, his skin is the color of a mocha latte, and his body is as good as a body can get. He had his black hair pulled back into a ponytail. He was wearing a black T-shirt that fit him like a tattoo and a black SWAT pants tucked into black high-top boots.
Joe Morelli is the type of guy that mother’s warn their daughter’s about. Stay away from that one! He’s a good cop and even better in bed. Stephanie tries her best to keep her distance, to suffer along with him as they play a game of who gives in first. Moments of doubt and jealousy leaves them both unsure of their standings and the sexual frustration between them does nothing to help the situation.
Get a grip! I told myself. We’re talking about a simple sex act here. This isn’t a medical emergency like having a heart attack. This can wait twenty-four hours. (Stephanie)
Lula as always, is a force to be reckoned with. A woman in need of no introduction;
Lula hauled a small cannon out of her shoulder bag and pointed it at Bunchy. “You slime-faced bag of monkey shit.�
An endless search for Fred is driving everyone crazy. A strange man is following Stephanie. A “little person� is crashed on her couch and uses her coffee table as his desk for work. A punk sheik in desperate need of a reality check in respect pushes Stephanie over the edge.
Cars explode. But that’s nothing new, is it?
I recommend this book to adults. There is mild violence (less in this book than the others) and some implied sexual content. Read books 1-5 as fast as you can, because they’re about to rock!
Flying purple-headed piglet Vinnie, is making money left and right. He doesn’t play much of a role in this book, but that doesn’t keep the small statements from ripping gasping laughter from my gut.
“Vinnie’s overjoyed,� Connie said. “He’s making money by the fistful. No bounty hunters to pay. No forfeited bonds. Last time I saw Vinnie in a mood like this was when Madame Zaretsky was arrested for pandering and sodomy and put her trained dog up as collateral for her bond.�
Ranger is a delicious bad boy character that gives you shivers and has the hair on your arms standing at attention. Although there may be a few women out there who would disagree or just flat-out would never admit it, Ranger is THE MAN of men. Mysterious. Sexy. Unobtainable. Wrong. In High Five, the attraction between Ranger and Stephanie is tiptoeing across a dangerous line of uncertainty.
Ranger’s a Cuban-American. His features are Anglo, his eyes are Latino, his skin is the color of a mocha latte, and his body is as good as a body can get. He had his black hair pulled back into a ponytail. He was wearing a black T-shirt that fit him like a tattoo and a black SWAT pants tucked into black high-top boots.
Joe Morelli is the type of guy that mother’s warn their daughter’s about. Stay away from that one! He’s a good cop and even better in bed. Stephanie tries her best to keep her distance, to suffer along with him as they play a game of who gives in first. Moments of doubt and jealousy leaves them both unsure of their standings and the sexual frustration between them does nothing to help the situation.
Get a grip! I told myself. We’re talking about a simple sex act here. This isn’t a medical emergency like having a heart attack. This can wait twenty-four hours. (Stephanie)
Lula as always, is a force to be reckoned with. A woman in need of no introduction;
Lula hauled a small cannon out of her shoulder bag and pointed it at Bunchy. “You slime-faced bag of monkey shit.�
An endless search for Fred is driving everyone crazy. A strange man is following Stephanie. A “little person� is crashed on her couch and uses her coffee table as his desk for work. A punk sheik in desperate need of a reality check in respect pushes Stephanie over the edge.
Cars explode. But that’s nothing new, is it?
I recommend this book to adults. There is mild violence (less in this book than the others) and some implied sexual content. Read books 1-5 as fast as you can, because they’re about to rock!
April 3, 2018
Stephanie doesn't have the best of luck but she's reached an all time low in this fifth instalment of the series. Things are on the rocks between her and Joe Morelli, her favourite stalker Benito Ramirez has been released from prison and gone straight back to hunting her, she's completely broke and nobody seems to be skipping bail right now so work is hard to come by. To top it all off her uncle Fred is missing and she's now obliged to spend her time trying to track him down, something that won't help her financial situation as it's a job she won't be paid for. Thankfully her fellow bounty hunter and mentor Ranger throws her a lifeline and offers her a side job working for Rangeman Enterprises but that's only going to make things more complicated, especially when Ranger turns the charm on full force.
The Stephanie Plum series is so much fun to read and I think that High Five was the funniest book yet, I giggled so many times when I was reading this thanks to Stephanie's disastrous luck with cars and there were some hilarious conversations around Ranger's increasing interest in her romantically. Now let's just have a quick chat about Ranger here, if you thought Morelli had things all sewn up in the relationship department Ranger is about to make you question everything, and, as someone who normally hates love triangles with the passion of a burning sun, it's amazing how much I enjoy this one.
It's been a long time since I read this series last but I'm on my 3rd read through of about the first 10 books and 2nd of the following 6 so I'm not a newbie by any means and I honestly STILL can't decide which one of the guys I like best. They both suit Stephanie in different ways and I actually think she'd stand a good chance of making things work with either of them but I do think her history with Joe puts him in a good position to come out on top (please don't spoiler me if you know who she chooses, I honestly can't remember if a decision has been made or not in the books I read in and I'm planning on reading the entire series so I will find out for myself soon enough). Up until this point Stephanie's chemistry with Joe has been the most obvious but they both currently have very different ideas about marriage and what they want from the future. Ranger is a man of mystery but we finally get to learn a little more about his background in this one, including a couple of surprising revelations about his relationship history. We still have a lot of questions about what he does with most of his time and how he can afford to keep Stephanie stocked with a seemingly endless supply of high level cars but it's pretty clear that he works in a few gray areas. I enjoyed seeing him push Stephanie a bit in this book, he knocks her out of her comfort zone and it makes for an interesting dynamic between them.
The romance really isn't the main focus of these stories though and it's Stephanie along with her friends and family that really make this series shine. I absolutely adore Grandma Mazur, she never fails to make me laugh and she gets herself into some hilarious situations this time. I'm actually quite surprised that Stephanie's poor father hasn't moved out yet, he must be close to a nervous breakdown by now! We get fun new side characters introduced in every book but this one sees the return of the creepiest villain of the entire series and he absolutely terrifies me. Stephanie is one gutsy lady to manage to stand her ground when facing him and I don't blame her in the slightest for falling to pieces afterwards. The mystery of Stephanie's missing uncle was well done and took things in a direction I wasn't expecting but that's something this series has always done well. These books are brilliant, light hearted, very, very funny and the perfect way to spend an afternoon, High Five ends on a MAJOR tease so I'm glad I don't have to wait for the next book to be released.
_______________
Series group read with Buddies, Books & Baubles starts 1st March 2016. We're planning on reading one book a month so it'll be easy to keep up with if anyone else wants to join us :o)
The Stephanie Plum series is so much fun to read and I think that High Five was the funniest book yet, I giggled so many times when I was reading this thanks to Stephanie's disastrous luck with cars and there were some hilarious conversations around Ranger's increasing interest in her romantically. Now let's just have a quick chat about Ranger here, if you thought Morelli had things all sewn up in the relationship department Ranger is about to make you question everything, and, as someone who normally hates love triangles with the passion of a burning sun, it's amazing how much I enjoy this one.
It's been a long time since I read this series last but I'm on my 3rd read through of about the first 10 books and 2nd of the following 6 so I'm not a newbie by any means and I honestly STILL can't decide which one of the guys I like best. They both suit Stephanie in different ways and I actually think she'd stand a good chance of making things work with either of them but I do think her history with Joe puts him in a good position to come out on top (please don't spoiler me if you know who she chooses, I honestly can't remember if a decision has been made or not in the books I read in and I'm planning on reading the entire series so I will find out for myself soon enough). Up until this point Stephanie's chemistry with Joe has been the most obvious but they both currently have very different ideas about marriage and what they want from the future. Ranger is a man of mystery but we finally get to learn a little more about his background in this one, including a couple of surprising revelations about his relationship history. We still have a lot of questions about what he does with most of his time and how he can afford to keep Stephanie stocked with a seemingly endless supply of high level cars but it's pretty clear that he works in a few gray areas. I enjoyed seeing him push Stephanie a bit in this book, he knocks her out of her comfort zone and it makes for an interesting dynamic between them.
The romance really isn't the main focus of these stories though and it's Stephanie along with her friends and family that really make this series shine. I absolutely adore Grandma Mazur, she never fails to make me laugh and she gets herself into some hilarious situations this time. I'm actually quite surprised that Stephanie's poor father hasn't moved out yet, he must be close to a nervous breakdown by now! We get fun new side characters introduced in every book but this one sees the return of the creepiest villain of the entire series and he absolutely terrifies me. Stephanie is one gutsy lady to manage to stand her ground when facing him and I don't blame her in the slightest for falling to pieces afterwards. The mystery of Stephanie's missing uncle was well done and took things in a direction I wasn't expecting but that's something this series has always done well. These books are brilliant, light hearted, very, very funny and the perfect way to spend an afternoon, High Five ends on a MAJOR tease so I'm glad I don't have to wait for the next book to be released.
_______________
Series group read with Buddies, Books & Baubles starts 1st March 2016. We're planning on reading one book a month so it'll be easy to keep up with if anyone else wants to join us :o)
November 24, 2017
I LOVE Grandma Mazur!!!!! And, Lula continues to be a hysterical part-time side kick! Still enjoying the hell out of these books. Onto "Hot Six."
October 5, 2020
I was walking around Barnes and Noble book hunting when I came across a yellow book with a colorful title. It reminded me of the 80's and I love 80's-like colors.
I started reading the 1st page without looking at its premise and was already hooked on Stephanie Plum's explanation on how she was much like Barbie without pants. I remembered looking at Barbie dolls as a kid, in the 80's! So I bought the book.
80's color theme plus Barbie equals 80's for the win.
Oh, and Evanovich's narrative style is way too addicting. I think its a bit better than Dean Koontz. Yeah I said it. I MIGHT read his "Good Guy" or the "Darkest Evening of the Year," but we'll see.
I started reading the 1st page without looking at its premise and was already hooked on Stephanie Plum's explanation on how she was much like Barbie without pants. I remembered looking at Barbie dolls as a kid, in the 80's! So I bought the book.
80's color theme plus Barbie equals 80's for the win.
Oh, and Evanovich's narrative style is way too addicting. I think its a bit better than Dean Koontz. Yeah I said it. I MIGHT read his "Good Guy" or the "Darkest Evening of the Year," but we'll see.
December 26, 2022
A missing cheapskate Uncle Fred, a “low-level� FTA computer programmer, and a newly paroled psychopath bent on revenge: Stephanie Plum always seems to find herself right in the biggest trouble Trenton, New Jersey has to offer. All the colorful characters are there, including would-be partner Lula, handsome cop / love interest Joe Morelli, and the mysterious bounty-hunter Ranger. Spoiler alert: good chance she’ll wreck a car, eat too many doughnuts, and fall down a flight of stairs or something.
Yes, it’s my guilty pleasure: another Stephanie Plum novel. One year I gave myself a New Year’s resolution: read as many Presidential biographies as I could. This year, should I make it, “Read one Stephanie novel per month so I can catch up to #29…sometime in 2025?�
There’s a financial crime angle to the story that took me a look back once in a while to completely understand. That by itself probably wasn’t enough to carry the story, so enter Ramirez, the murderous former boxer released from prison on a technicality. There’s always a dance between Steph and Morelli, always good for entertainment. Now Ranger’s in the mix as well, and a clever ending involving all three. It was a faster-moving plot than the last few.
As always, tons of side characters with crazy and interesting quirks. Evanovich seems to have created a “Trenton culture� out of the place: fewer than six degrees separates Steph from the whole town, since she seems to have gone to grammar school with the whole gang. And all the settings: Stiva’s funeral parlor, the fast-food joints (though no appearance by Cluck in a Bucket), and of course, The Burg.
I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t matter where you start in this series. It’s still good, still familiar, still funny and entertaining.
It just doesn’t get old for me.
Yes, it’s my guilty pleasure: another Stephanie Plum novel. One year I gave myself a New Year’s resolution: read as many Presidential biographies as I could. This year, should I make it, “Read one Stephanie novel per month so I can catch up to #29…sometime in 2025?�
There’s a financial crime angle to the story that took me a look back once in a while to completely understand. That by itself probably wasn’t enough to carry the story, so enter Ramirez, the murderous former boxer released from prison on a technicality. There’s always a dance between Steph and Morelli, always good for entertainment. Now Ranger’s in the mix as well, and a clever ending involving all three. It was a faster-moving plot than the last few.
As always, tons of side characters with crazy and interesting quirks. Evanovich seems to have created a “Trenton culture� out of the place: fewer than six degrees separates Steph from the whole town, since she seems to have gone to grammar school with the whole gang. And all the settings: Stiva’s funeral parlor, the fast-food joints (though no appearance by Cluck in a Bucket), and of course, The Burg.
I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t matter where you start in this series. It’s still good, still familiar, still funny and entertaining.
It just doesn’t get old for me.
August 23, 2012
I didn't find this entry quite as entertaining as #4, but it held my interest nevertheless.
In it, Stephanie is asked to find her Uncle Fred who has gone missing. As usual with her investigations, this leads her down strange and convoluted but ultimated connected roads.
Her luck (bad) with cars continues. They have a way of getting blown up or disappearing on her.
Her relationship with Morelli continues - on another level. She's moved out of his apartment and called off the sexual affair, but she can't call off her attraction to him.
For his part, Morelli seems closer to succumbing to the inevitable. He admits that he is in love with Stephanie but that he's not interested in marriage.
But there is another fly in the ointment or perhaps I should say another bee buzzing about the honey that is Stephanie. It's Ranger. Their attraction is mutual and we are left to wonder at the end of the book if the man she's about to jump into bed with is Morelli...or Ranger. My money's on Ranger.
Oh, yeah, Stephanie solves the mystery of Uncle Fred's disappearance and all the related mysteries and she gets her man.
In it, Stephanie is asked to find her Uncle Fred who has gone missing. As usual with her investigations, this leads her down strange and convoluted but ultimated connected roads.
Her luck (bad) with cars continues. They have a way of getting blown up or disappearing on her.
Her relationship with Morelli continues - on another level. She's moved out of his apartment and called off the sexual affair, but she can't call off her attraction to him.
For his part, Morelli seems closer to succumbing to the inevitable. He admits that he is in love with Stephanie but that he's not interested in marriage.
But there is another fly in the ointment or perhaps I should say another bee buzzing about the honey that is Stephanie. It's Ranger. Their attraction is mutual and we are left to wonder at the end of the book if the man she's about to jump into bed with is Morelli...or Ranger. My money's on Ranger.
Oh, yeah, Stephanie solves the mystery of Uncle Fred's disappearance and all the related mysteries and she gets her man.
October 26, 2014
High Five by Janet Evanovich is the fifth Stephanie Plum story I've read and I love them. Stephanie is sassy and funny getting herself in all kind of mischief. This one starts out with Aunt Mable looking for Uncle Fred. He went out to do errands locked his car and hasn't been seen since. As a favor for the family she decides to look into it. She visits Aunt Mabel and asks about Uncle Fred's errands. She makes a bee line for the check at CGR Trash Company. Then Mabel shows her the pictures she found in Fred's desk. They are body parts mingled in with the trash. Stephanie turns the photos over to Joe Morelli her on again off again boyfriend, who is a police detective. Then she has a mysterious guy calling himself Bunchie following her. Morelli tells her Ramirez the psycho boxer was released from prison. Bail bonding is slow. She has one failure to appear, a little person. She needs extra money and asks Ranger if he can help her. He does more than help her. This gets hot fast.
June 22, 2015
SERIE STEPHANIE PLUM n. 5
LETTURA DI GRUPPO E&L
No be ma si finisce così un libro???? É il secondo di fila questo mese!!! Ma nooooooooo!!!
Come al solito Stephanie e la sua combriccola mi fa troppo ridere. Non so come ci riesce la Evanovich. Rido e sogno ad occhi aperti, come mai??? Ma Per Morelli!!!! Il problema è che anche Ranger si è fatto avanti. E per tutto il libro Non si sa chi deciderà..e non quando finalmente mette su il vestito super sexy e con la pesca sceglie un nome...il libro finisce...uffa!!!!!
Cque finalmente nonna Mazur è tornata, e Lula è più spumeggiante che mai. Non so se posso farcela ad aspettare la prossima lettura di gruppo!!!!
LETTURA DI GRUPPO E&L
No be ma si finisce così un libro???? É il secondo di fila questo mese!!! Ma nooooooooo!!!
Come al solito Stephanie e la sua combriccola mi fa troppo ridere. Non so come ci riesce la Evanovich. Rido e sogno ad occhi aperti, come mai??? Ma Per Morelli!!!! Il problema è che anche Ranger si è fatto avanti. E per tutto il libro Non si sa chi deciderà..e non quando finalmente mette su il vestito super sexy e con la pesca sceglie un nome...il libro finisce...uffa!!!!!
Cque finalmente nonna Mazur è tornata, e Lula è più spumeggiante che mai. Non so se posso farcela ad aspettare la prossima lettura di gruppo!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2010
I blew right through this one so I'll keep things brief...
Highlights include:
1. Ranger is in the wind
2. Ranger, no longer disguised as Batman, makes a play for Stephanie, yum
3. Stephanie beats a midget/little person
4. Morelli delivers the most curt, but steamy line yet that will send heat straight to your doodah. Raunchy yes, but true none the less.
Highlights include:
1. Ranger is in the wind
2. Ranger, no longer disguised as Batman, makes a play for Stephanie, yum
3. Stephanie beats a midget/little person
4. Morelli delivers the most curt, but steamy line yet that will send heat straight to your doodah. Raunchy yes, but true none the less.
October 26, 2015
Mais What !!!! C'est quoi cette fin???
Et bien sur je n'avais pas le tome suivant dans ma bibliothèque !!
Sinon : excellent moment. C'est drôle, intelligemment installé : bref du divertissement comme je l'aime !
Et bien sur je n'avais pas le tome suivant dans ma bibliothèque !!
Sinon : excellent moment. C'est drôle, intelligemment installé : bref du divertissement comme je l'aime !
August 20, 2016
Another fun read by Janet.
Morelli, ranger, lula, ramirez, Stephanie plum, cars blowing up, grandma mazur using stun gun; this book had everything and everyone, except for some hard core action from the hamster Rex.
Morelli, ranger, lula, ramirez, Stephanie plum, cars blowing up, grandma mazur using stun gun; this book had everything and everyone, except for some hard core action from the hamster Rex.
August 26, 2022
La vita di Stephanie Plum è come al solito bella incasinata.
A lavoro i MA scarseggiano e l'unico disponibile è "un uomo di bassa statura".
Ramirez è uscito di prigione e vuole regolare i conti con lei.
Lo zio Fred è sparito misteriosamente e i suoi parenti pretendono che lo ritrovi.
La sua famiglia è sempre fuori di testa, a partire dalla nonna.
E il suo cuore è diviso tra due uomini.
Io adoro la Evanovich, è riuscita a creare un personaggio fuori dalle righe, simpaticissima, con una famiglia strampalata, amici discutibili e sfigata in ogni settore.
Il caso giallo è ben strutturato e fino alla fine non avevo capito cosa fosse successo.
Stephanie non ne combina mai una giusta e abbiamo macchine che saltano per aria, macchine rubate, occupazioni di case, pedinamenti palesi, morti improvvise.
Ma alla fine quello che mi interessava di più erano gli sviluppi con Joe Morelli, l'eterna cotta di Stephanie. Ora i due sono in pausa ma l'attrazione è così forte e palese che sembrano due cagnolini che si girano intorno.
E poi si è aggiunto anche Ranger: Stephanie è molto tentata ma lui è sempre misterioso e poi non è facile rinunciare a Morelli.
Vogliamo parlare della scena finale? Chi avrà invitato Stephanie? Io punto sempre e comunque su Morelli.
Però voglio dedicare due righe anche alla mitica Nonna Mazur. E' esilarante, quando compare sai che se ne uscirà con qualche idea strampalata o combinerà qualche pasticcio. Il tour alle pompe funebri è epico, l'inseguimento con lo sceicco da piegarsi in due. Dovremmo avere tutti una nonna Mazur!
A lavoro i MA scarseggiano e l'unico disponibile è "un uomo di bassa statura".
Ramirez è uscito di prigione e vuole regolare i conti con lei.
Lo zio Fred è sparito misteriosamente e i suoi parenti pretendono che lo ritrovi.
La sua famiglia è sempre fuori di testa, a partire dalla nonna.
E il suo cuore è diviso tra due uomini.
Io adoro la Evanovich, è riuscita a creare un personaggio fuori dalle righe, simpaticissima, con una famiglia strampalata, amici discutibili e sfigata in ogni settore.
Il caso giallo è ben strutturato e fino alla fine non avevo capito cosa fosse successo.
Stephanie non ne combina mai una giusta e abbiamo macchine che saltano per aria, macchine rubate, occupazioni di case, pedinamenti palesi, morti improvvise.
Ma alla fine quello che mi interessava di più erano gli sviluppi con Joe Morelli, l'eterna cotta di Stephanie. Ora i due sono in pausa ma l'attrazione è così forte e palese che sembrano due cagnolini che si girano intorno.
E poi si è aggiunto anche Ranger: Stephanie è molto tentata ma lui è sempre misterioso e poi non è facile rinunciare a Morelli.
Vogliamo parlare della scena finale? Chi avrà invitato Stephanie? Io punto sempre e comunque su Morelli.
Però voglio dedicare due righe anche alla mitica Nonna Mazur. E' esilarante, quando compare sai che se ne uscirà con qualche idea strampalata o combinerà qualche pasticcio. Il tour alle pompe funebri è epico, l'inseguimento con lo sceicco da piegarsi in due. Dovremmo avere tutti una nonna Mazur!
May 1, 2009
Once again I've finished an another Janet Evanovich book. This time it's High Five. In High Five bail jumping in Trenton is down to a small rate. Stephanie's only open case is a small bond, for a small violation, committed by a small person who raises Stephanie's frustration level in big ways. So, short of money and long on bills, Stephanie comes up with a plan. Signing on as an intern with Super Bounty Hunter Ranger, Stephanie ventures into Ranger's mostly morally correct and "semi" legal operations.
None of this makes vice cop Joe Morelli a happy man. The cop in him can't help but wonder as to the source of Stephanie's expensive new car. And the rest of him, the man who's been friend and lover to Stephanie, can't help but wonder if there's more to the partnership than meets the eye.
The internship is downgraded to second priority when Uncle Fred goes missing. Even though Grandma Mazur is sure he was abducted by aliens, Stephanie sets out to look for Fred. He's a perfectly average senior citizen, and he's disappeared without a trace while running errands. He's left his ten year old Pontiac station wagon locked up nice and neat in the Grand Union parking lot, the cleaning is carefully arranged in the back seat, and his wife is at home, waiting for him to return with the bread and the milk and the olive loaf balogna. Locked in the top drawer of his desk are photos of a body, dismembered and stuffed into a garbage bag.
With the help of Stephenie, Ranger, the dwarf and of course Grandma Mazur, this book Is the best I've read out of the series yet! Each chapter gives you a reason to put a smile on your face.
None of this makes vice cop Joe Morelli a happy man. The cop in him can't help but wonder as to the source of Stephanie's expensive new car. And the rest of him, the man who's been friend and lover to Stephanie, can't help but wonder if there's more to the partnership than meets the eye.
The internship is downgraded to second priority when Uncle Fred goes missing. Even though Grandma Mazur is sure he was abducted by aliens, Stephanie sets out to look for Fred. He's a perfectly average senior citizen, and he's disappeared without a trace while running errands. He's left his ten year old Pontiac station wagon locked up nice and neat in the Grand Union parking lot, the cleaning is carefully arranged in the back seat, and his wife is at home, waiting for him to return with the bread and the milk and the olive loaf balogna. Locked in the top drawer of his desk are photos of a body, dismembered and stuffed into a garbage bag.
With the help of Stephenie, Ranger, the dwarf and of course Grandma Mazur, this book Is the best I've read out of the series yet! Each chapter gives you a reason to put a smile on your face.
April 19, 2019
Love my second time around with this series. This time I'm listening and it's great. Seeing to beginning of the Joe-Steph-Ranger love triangle is so fun. Steph has had sex with Joe, but isn't ready to totally commit to him. The cliffhanger ending has me racing to read/listen to the next book.
Stephanie Plum is having trouble making rent and Ranger is helping out with some side work and new transportation, well a few new transportations. Steph's Uncle Fred has disappeared and Step is going to try and find him or find out why he disappeared. She also has a skip to find, shorty Randy Briggs, her latest skip trace. On top of all this Benito Ramirez is stalking Steph. And, oh my, the kiss. Wow, knocked my socks off.
Stephanie Plum is having trouble making rent and Ranger is helping out with some side work and new transportation, well a few new transportations. Steph's Uncle Fred has disappeared and Step is going to try and find him or find out why he disappeared. She also has a skip to find, shorty Randy Briggs, her latest skip trace. On top of all this Benito Ramirez is stalking Steph. And, oh my, the kiss. Wow, knocked my socks off.
December 6, 2020
High Five is another quirky, often humorous mystery that features bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. In this book, Stephanie's Uncle Fred has gone missing, and her family thinks that she is just the one to find him. Uncle Fred's disappearance takes a sinister turn when his desk reveals photos of body parts. As Stephanie tries to find out what happened to him, several people she interview turn up dead and she must work to find out who is behind the murders. Stephanie's life is comlicated in this book by her attraction to two men in her life - her sexy sometimes cop boyfriend Joe Morelli, and her mysterious work associate Ranger. High Five was a very fast-paced, entertaining book.
December 2, 2023
Skimming and Parole Violations
Oh dear Lord! How does she manage to get herself into these things? Stephanie Plum again finds herself in the thick of lunacy that she contributes to directly and indirectly.
My head continues to spin from that final scene. Even so, I really enjoyed all of the wacky events. The aid of Grandma Mazur and Lula always adds to the entertainment value, but Stephanie also finds herself with an unusual roomie. THAT was... comical to say the least.
I borrowed a copy of the audio book. The narrator is CJ Critt, who continues to do a great job with Stephanie.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
Oh dear Lord! How does she manage to get herself into these things? Stephanie Plum again finds herself in the thick of lunacy that she contributes to directly and indirectly.
My head continues to spin from that final scene. Even so, I really enjoyed all of the wacky events. The aid of Grandma Mazur and Lula always adds to the entertainment value, but Stephanie also finds herself with an unusual roomie. THAT was... comical to say the least.
I borrowed a copy of the audio book. The narrator is CJ Critt, who continues to do a great job with Stephanie.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
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