to quote Lula 'I really expected a better story'

Spoiler Alert!

After having given up on the series several books ago, I was persuaded to read #17 and thought that maybe things were back on track. Explosive Eighteen was a massive disappointment. After teasing the reader (for ages!) with hints about what happened in Hawaii, we get a brief (and unsatisfying) few lines to explain why the stagnant love triangle is still in place and then it's on to the rest of the convoluted storyline that seemed to drag on forever. In the past, even when I've been frustrated by the refusal to choose between Ranger & Joe, I've been able to appreciate the screwball comedy. This book lacked the laugh-out-loud moments that, for me, partially redeemed a few of the books beyond #9. In 18, I spent a lot of time feeling like I was waiting for a punchline that never arrived. Worse, still, is the fact that Joe & Ranger have been reduced to shadows of their former selves and neither one bears much resemblance to the alpha-types I knew and loved. They just seemed worn out and as tired of dealing with Stephanie as I am. I cannot for the life of me figure out what either man is supposed to find so irresistible about Stephanie that they would be willing to settle for whatever crumbs she's willing to give them. Even without being able to blame a "curse," Stephanie is still casually sleeping with both of them, willing to commit to neither of them and they just jump in and rescue her incompetent self over and over again. (IMO) It's not charming, it's not cute, it's not endearing and I spent most of the book being bored by the litany of junk food she consumes and wondering why she was so stupid that she allowed the same guy to steal her car over and over again.

Without totally giving away the ending, I will say that I thought it was a lame attempt to persuade readers that an actual choice might be in the making. I have made peace with the fact that as long as the books are selling, no choice will be made and the characters will continue to devolve until they just make an occasional appearance to yank her out of burning buildings with a "Babe!" or "Cupcake!" and not much else.

I don't think anyone expects literary genius from these books, but I sincerely miss the comedic spark, the genuinely funny situations, and the depth/heart that was present in the early books and lost along the way.

76 people found this helpful

Boiler Plate

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

Boring and trite ... the reader was awesome as usual, the material was not worth the effort ... definitely disappointed as Evanovich is usually either exciting and/or funny ...

What was most disappointing about Janet Evanovich’s story?

nothing new ... rehashing old stuff ... nothing exciting or fun ...

What does Lorelei King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

great accents for the different characters ... definitely KNOW where they're from ...

Could you see Explosive Eighteen being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

15 people found this helpful

Don't do it.

Please don't waist your money or your credit on Explosive Eighteen.
The cliff hanger and tickler gave me great hope for this installment; however, who ever wrote this book, did not know about the cliff-hnager.
What happened in Hawaii took maybe 5 sentences.

Explosive Eighteen closes the casket on Stephine Plum in such a way that evey Grandma Mazur wouldn't care to look.

So sorry to see the death of this series.

27 people found this helpful

Disappointed

I LOVE Janet Evanovich books and especially Stephanie Plum but Explosive 18 seemed to lack focus and the normal humor. Disappointing.
To be fair Lorelei King is great as always

8 people found this helpful

Still Stephanie!

What did you love best about Explosive Eighteen?

I love all the Stephanie Plum books. The earlier ones were better, but once a fan, always a fan. Lula, Ranger, Grandma Mazur, Stephanie, Connie, they're all there and Lorelei King does an ever amazing job. If I were to read these books, I would hear her interpretation of the characters and be forever happy about that. She has amazing range for her characterizations. If I weren't such an avid fan, I don't know that I would give it four stars overall. So if you are a fan, enjoy. BTW, you can not start here if you have never read Stephanie Plum book. You HAVE to start at number one and work your way up.

6 people found this helpful

Enough Already

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

No, I would actually recommend the 15th in the series. First one I read and I almost wet my pants I was laughing so hard. I have purchased alot of her books hoping for a bit of a different twist but they are always the same. Wont buy anymore but I do love granny!

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

More of the same.

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

Yes, Lorelei King is a terrific narrator- captures tones of books she reads. She is very good at the Evanovich ones.

Do you think Explosive Eighteen needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, not unless Stephanie makes up her mind about Moreley or Ranger- this triangle has gone on too long- OR introduce another guy that sweeps her off her feet.

Any additional comments?

Obviously she is a very popular author and if people want to read the same story over and over I say Go For it!

13 people found this helpful

Fun Listen

Where does Explosive Eighteen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook was light, breezy, and fun to listen to.

What does Lorelei King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lorelei King is excellent. Her voices add so much to the story! This is one of those books that are even better in audiobook form.

4 people found this helpful

What's going on with Stephanie??

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

Didn't read the print. I love Lorelei King's portrayals of the characters, so I always just listen.

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

Not too excited about it.

Which scene was your favorite?

Stephanie and Lula taking down the big guy.

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

No, I needed a little time to process some of the information.

Any additional comments?

Sometimes funny, sometimes interesting, but I am getting tired of

3 people found this helpful

Another well done Stephanie Plum novel

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

I have not read the print version, but I really enjoyed the audio presentation.

What did you like best about this story?

Stephanie Plum and all her cohorts are always a kick!

Which character – as performed by Lorelei King – was your favorite?

All!

3 people found this helpful

Fun diversion; not one of the best in the series

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

Yes if you are already a fan. You will want to keep up with the storyline. If not a fan, no.

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

Yes. I read or listen to her books for light hearted diversion.

Could you see Explosive Eighteen being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

One for Money is coming out as a movie. These novels could serve as basis for good tv series. Casting would be critical to success.

Any additional comments?

Stephanie Plum's vacillation between her two main lovers has become stale and almost irritating. Probably time for the series to end.

2 people found this helpful