Member Reviews

Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich is another rollicking, high-speed, adventure story, #30 in the series featuring the indomitable Stephanie Plum. She describes herself as “a Jersey girl, Rutgers grad, and successful underachiever.” She lives in her childhood neighborhood, the Burg, and works for her uncle’s business, Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, as a recovery agent. The major characters from previous books are all back: Lula, a former streetwalker turned investigator; Connie, the shrewd receptionist; Joe Morelli, local detective and Stephanie’s boyfriend; her Grandma Mazur, who knows everything that is going on in the Burg; Bob, Morelli’s golden retriever; Stephanie’s pet hamster, Rex; and handsome Ranger, the mysterious, sexy special ops-type security guy and protector of Stephanie.
In this episode, Steph somehow gets involved in solving a jewelry store heist, as well as apprehending a couple bail skippers with Lula by her side, as well as her temporary charge, Bob, leading to laugh-out-loud situations as Bob does what 75# golden retrievers typically do.
The action is nonstop, as the trio ricochet from one mess to another. Lula’s pithy commentary on life, food, and curvy girls, and her clever repartee with Stephanie, is incredibly entertaining, as well as the vignettes of life in the Burg, where everyone knows everybody’s business. In the end, Stephanie is a hard-working, kind-hearted local girl who gets in and out of jams. As she observes, “I am resilient, go figure.”
This novel is a laugh-a-minute caper and Evanovich, as usual, hits just the right notes of comedy, drama with seriously dangerous situations, and warm-hearted friends/family moments.
While this can be read as a stand-alone adventure, the colorful characters and their relationships make more sense if the books are read in order.
Grab this book for entertaining, escapist reading!!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

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All our favorite characters return to help Stephanie outwit the bad guys and keep personal mayhem to a minimum. Good use of humor and the story moves right along. The twisty ending will make you wonder what decision will Stephanie make. Maybe the author will encourage her fans to weigh in. Thanks to #NetGalley and #DirtyThirty for advanced digital copy.

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I was so excited to read Dirty Thirty! I’ve been reading the Stephanie Plum books from the beginning and can honestly say that I still love reading about the characters to this day. This installment of the series did a great job again with keeping the characters true to their history. Lula always makes me laugh and she did not disappoint in this book. The mystery, as always, is a little over the top, but works perfectly in this book series. We did get a huge cliff hanger at the end and for life long readers of this series, you will not be able to wait to see what happens in the next book!

As always, this series is a quick read with funny moments, great characters and always a mystery that must be solved. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I was thrilled to receive a review copy of Janet Evanovich’s latest book, Dirty Thirty, and I was not disappointed. This laugh-out-loud novel had me smiling and giggeling every few pages. The Stephanie Plum books are mysteries in name only. The plot is never that complicated, just convoluted for the sake of humor. These books are examples of slapstick, banter and sarcasm. The series feature Stephanie Plum, a hapless bounty hunter and her over the top, large as life friend Lula who work for a local bail bondsman. The buddy team are reminiscent of the old “I love Lucy” duo of Lucy and Ethel- only without the spouses. Once again Stephanie and Lulu find themselves deep in trouble. With boyfriend Morrelli out of town, Stephanie is left holding the dog chow bag, and Bob the dog, who cannot be trusted alone in the apartment, is literally along for the ride. Morrelli may be missing, but her other love interest, Ranger is there to ride to the rescue. Most series grow stale after this many volumes, but with Dirty Thirty, Evanovich is at her best. It provides lots of laughs and a few surprises. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys Evanovich's books. I also recommend this book for Humor, Cozy Mystery and Romance fans.

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Stephanie and Lula get into all sorts of trouble in Trenton again. Stephanie is given the job of finding a suspect in a diamond robbery. However, things quickly unravel into firebombings and grave digging. Oh, and she has to babysit Bob through this book. So our favorite couch eating dog has a lot of comic relief.

This series is just so much fun and I look forward to each book every autumn. I know they are slightly formulaic, but the formula works for me and it brings a lot of joy. I read a lot of classics and heavier books, so this is a lighter fluffier read. Stephanie’s mom has a glorious scene in this one too.

I highly recommend this series, but if you don’t like the first one, it’s probably not for you. But it’s definitely for me!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This was my honest review.

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Stephanie and Lula are on the hunt for more crazy FTAs! The way they go about capturing these criminals is always a fun ride. Speaking of rides, Stephanie seems to lose at least one vehicle (sometimes more) per book and this one is no different! Grandma got in on the chase and even Mom showed a bit of a wild side! Of course, there's Ranger and Morelli...will she ever pick one?? This is book 30 in the series but easily read as a standalone. I received an ARC from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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I have got to say, I love Janet Evanovich. This book, not so much. It really pains me to say that as I wait impatiently for each new addition to this series. I have always been able to count on Stephanie and the gang to make me laugh and take me away from everyday live. Not this time. From the first chapters when Evanovich recited Stephanie's life and her world in a narrative that was so boring, I think reading the phone book would have been more exciting. And then there's Lula. Talk about a dialogue hog. At 50% into the book, I had officially hit my Lula limit. In fact, I was coming real close to hitting my limit for the whole book. Lucky for me, the second half was a lot better. Not enough to redeem the book, but close. Then the end. All I can say is wow.

Martin Rabner is a well-loved jeweler in Trenton who had the misfortune to be robbed twice in the same day. Vinnie bonded out the first robber who emptied the display cases and made off with a big bag of loot. Duncan Dugan went FTA and Stephanie is trying to find him. Martin has accused his security guard of emptying his safe and disappearing. Martin wants Stephanie to find Andy Manley and will pay well when she does. Stephanie remembers Andy from High School where he earned the nickname, Nutsy. Throw in a few other FTAs and Stephanie has plenty to occupy her time while Joe is in Miami on police business. Oh, Stephanie is Bobsitting while Morelli is away. Bob turns out to be a pretty good companion for Stephanie as she peels back the layers on the jewelry heist, gets herself is all kinds of danger and finds the truth. Then she has to face her own personal truth.

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

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In this recent addition to the Stephanie Plum series, Stephanie and her sidekick, Lulu, attempt to apprehend Duncan, who has skipped bail. The setting of this 25th Stephanie Plum adventure is Trenton, New Jersey, where a host of interesting characters live. (I especially like Grandma Mazur, who almost always makes me laugh aloud.) When Duncan jumps from the fourth floor ledge of an office building, the mystery begins. Who is Duncan? What is the story of his arrest? Why is he skipping bail?

What a fun read! Thus far, I have read every book in Janet Evanovich‘s Stephanie Plum series, and I can say with confidence that this book is as good as ever. I was laughing aloud reading the very first chapter. I’ve listened to several books in this series, so I hear many of the characters’ voices in my head as I read. For me, reading this book is like watching a great sit-com. I look forward to experiencing the next book. Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review DIRTY THIRTY.

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Oh my goodness … I have been with Stephanie Plum since her debut in One For The Money! I can’t believe that was THIRTY books ago! And let me tell ya each and every adventure has been a laugh-out-loud crazy ride! And this one is no exception! The quirky gang is back together for more outrageousness! From hunting down jewel thieves to being haunted by mysterious ogres that steal clothes in the middle of the night to the loveable Bob the Dog. This series is just the best! It’s silly (in a good way), sassy and so much fun!

My favorite part of these books is finding out who the new FTA’s are that Stephanie & Lula get to chase because @janetevanovich gives her characters THE BEST names who have been arrested for the most ridiculous crimes. Hilarious! PLUS >>> there’s a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one … gah! Come on THIRTY-ONE!

OH and make sure to catch the little bonus from Janet after the last chapter … favorite quotes from all 30 books!! It’s great!

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Janet Evanovich for a copy of this book to read and review! I loved it!

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It’s no secret to those that know me, know I love the Stephanie Plum series!!!! They are just feel good and fun loving! I feel like I smile the whole time and always read them in one sitting. Janet Evanovich is a fantastic author with exceptional writing and the Best characters. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.
** and waiting for my book to arrive in the mail.

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Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich is a wholly entertaining farce complete with Stephanie’s apartment being firebombed and yet another car destroyed. Morelli is out of town to testify in court and so Stephanie is babysitting Bob, which means trying to keep him from eating her furniture or the backseat of any car she is driving. Lula is at sixes and sevens because she believes there is a mythological demon after her extensive wardrobe. Then a fire destroys Lula’s apartment and presumably her wardrobe and she moves in with Stephanie. It is not a match made in heaven. Morelli’s brother and his wife are separated and he is at Morelli’s and she can’t stay there so she does the obvious thing and moves in with Ranger.

It is a complicated story (aren’t they always) in which a robber makes off with a bunch of jewelry from a local jewelers, despite the fact he has a “security” guard and that evening a tray of diamonds from the safe also disappears. Of course, the security guard and the robber are friends and both very odd, as is the norm in Stephanie’s life and run, which is also typical. She is a fabulous character, lovable and pretty incompetent, although she seems to be learning. Her family is made up of caricatures of real Trenton, NJ residents, including her octogenarian grandmother. Lula is the best character, though, never failing to amuse with her antics, her wardrobe, and her attitude. Although this book didn’t make me laugh out loud as some have in the past, it was a thoroughly humorous read, fitting right in with the series, with at least one serious twist that long-time readers will be amused by. It was good to be back with the gang!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Dirty Thirty by Atria Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AtriaBooks #JanetEvanovich #DirtyThirty

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This ARC was received through NetGalley for an honest review, all opinions are strictly my own and no way reflect the opinions of the author or the publisher. This book is a part of series while it technically could be read as a standalone, reading it in order will give you a full grasp of the characters.

This book did not disappoint!! As with all books in this series, there are themes to Stephanie’s fta and what is going on in her family life. The theme for this book is weddings!! One of her fta’s is a disgruntled ex-fiancé. Her side gig for this job is a jewelry store owner that everyone wants their engagement ring from. A cousin is getting married and she has to be an emergency bridesmaid. These things make Stephanie ponder her own love live and the two men she loves and neither will commit to her—Joe and Ranger. 5 Stars Janet!!

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It’s rare to find a series featuring the same characters that bring about surprise and intrigue thirty books in.

However, I am at the point where I cannot make justification for how horrible Stephanie treats Joseph. She constantly cheats on him and does nothing to show she actually cares about being in a long term relationship with him. I hate this even more because I am 100% team Morelli, and I don’t want him to “lose” because I think he and Stephanie are actually perfect for each other.


I want Stephanie and Morelli to end up together and will honestly cry and wish I never discovered this series if that does not happen.

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I have missed Stephanie Plum and am so happy she is back! The ending is absolutely unexpected and perfect!

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In the act of full transparency, I haven't picked this series back up in awhile. 10+ books awhile. I found the series to be too formulaic for me. It almost seemed like a big version of Fill in the Blank. After over 12 books, Stephanie was stuck in the same triangle with her two guys. Nothing really changed of any substance. So, I was very curious to be see what things were like in Trenton, these days, for Stephanie.

My impressions for most of the book were that nothing had changed for Stephanie. In many ways I found that comforting. It was fun to visit characters I loved and having caught up with in awhile. Lula and Grandma Mazur were still the go-to ones for funny lines. High jinks were still involved in Stephanie's captures. It was fun to chuckle and laugh at the hilarity of it all.

This installation, Stephanie is put on the case of Duncan Dugan who robbed a jewelry store. However, he has second thoughts as soon as he walks out the door and proceeds to drop the bag of diamonds on the ground before taking off. The book opens with him threatening to jump from the 4th floor of a building only to fall off it. He survives and leads Stephanie and Lula on a search mission for the missing jewels. Which then leads to other discoveries involving the store owner Martin Rabner.

Along the way to solving the case, Stephanie deals with a couple of fire bombs, checking out recently dug up dead bodies looking for a match and her Mom helping chase a suspect. Not to mention Lula being convinced she's being stalked by a demon Grendel. There's also a couple proposals waiting in the pages for you.

If you're in the market for a book that will have you giggling and laughing as you chase apprehensions, I recommend Dirty Thirty. There's nothing ground breaking in the story, but lots of fun. You see the long lasting triangle hint at a new shape in the future. This was a fun read.

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Dirty Thirty
Janet Evanovich
October 31, 2023

In the 30th book in her Stephanie Plum series Janet Evanovich puts Stephanie on the edge. She’s not having a great deal of luck finding her bond recoveries, consequently cash is low. Upon her latest trip to work at the Vincent Plum Bail Bonds she picks up folders for the only two skips. One being Duncon Dugan, a high ticket guy who skipped his bail on a jewelry heist. She heads out to the jewelry store to get information on what went down. As ever, her friend and partner Lula accompanies her. They received the story from the owner, a family oriented jeweler who maintains Dugan took a tray of diamonds and ran out the door. He brings up the security man he had on duty, Andy Manley otherwise known as Nutsy. As it turns out Stephanie knew him from high school. The entire book is filled with the adventure of trying to find Nutsy and turn in Dugan.
Dirty Thirty will be published on October 31, 2023 by Atria Books of Simon and Schuster, Inc. I was able to read and review Evanovich’s latest by NetGalley. What a treat it is to read this series. Dirty Thirty was delightful from start to finish. Lula was exceptionally entertaining as she was caught up with problems of a ghoul who slipped into her apartment on a nightly basis. This one is not to be missed. After reading all 30 I feel this to be one of her best. Do enjoy!!

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If you’ve read the Stephanie Plum series, you will be familiar with the various shenanigans that can happen around Stephanie as she works as a bounty hunter! If you are new to the series, you will be rolling with laughter at Stephanie, Lula and Grandma Mazur, various crazy characters and their names and more.

This time Morelli is out of town and Stephanie spends a lot of time with Ranger for various reasons – car issues, apartment fire, crazy criminals, etc. I’ve never been sure which man I would prefer Stephanie to be with -- Morelli is on the side of the law as a detective and Ranger, well, he handles things however he thinks best with his security company, so he and Morelli don’t see eye-to-eye. Plus, they’re both interested in Stephanie. I love it when Ranger says ‘babe’ to Stephanie, and it could be taken a number of different ways.

No one seems to age in this series with Grandma Mazur still feisty, Rex the hamster still keeping the wheel in his cage moving, and Bob, Morelli’s dog, is a menace when it comes to anything he can put in his mouth – nothing is safe.

Several years ago, Ms. Evanovich had merchandise for sale, and I bought a black Rangeman sweatshirt and it’s still one of my favorites to wear in the winter. Maybe I do prefer Ranger!

No spoilers but the ending had me with my mouth hanging open!

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the opportunity to read this new book.

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Love reading this series. It always makes me laugh. If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend her and her books. Looking forward to the next book in the series

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#1 NYT bestselling author Janet Evanovich, the queen of fun and capers (favorite author), returns with her popular Stephanie Plum series #30, better than ever and one of my favorites —DIRTY THIRTY! I loved it!

Highly entertaining, electrifying, witty, superb characters, full of suspense, non-stop action with laugh-out-loud zingy one-liners—DIRTY THIRTY has it ALL! The usual fun characters are back, and the added side characters make this a WINNER. Plus, Evanovich makes me laugh.

A huge fan, I would not miss a book! I have read every book in the series and LOVE it. I always pre-order the audiobook, too, because I love Lorelei King (a favorite)! Gosh, I love her voice with Lula and Grandma Mazur. They come alive—It is time for another MOVIE! When I need a laugh, I pull out her Plum audiobooks.

The author cleverly showcases her STAR POWER with this installment! Please do not let this series end. With the cliffhanger ending, Stephanie has some big decisions to make. Ranger or Morelli? (lips sealed, you must read).

Plus, a BONUS! At the end of the novel, we get Thirty quotes from Thirty Books, and they are some of the best by Grandma Mazur, Ranger, Morelli, Lula (of course), Vinnie, Stephanie, and some of the fun secondary characters!

Stephanie Plum, a Jersey girl and bounty hunter, is growing up, and this time around, she is thinking through things a little more than her impulsive past. She thinks about the future and takes her bounty hunter position seriously because if she does not get the FTAs, she cannot pay rent.

All the fun and characters are back, but front and center is BOB, Joe Morelli's loveable golden retriever. He takes center stage.

Joe is off to Miami for a big case and trial, and he drops off Bob for Stephanie to babysit. Of course, Bob has been known to eat things, so off he goes on Stephanie's pursuits with Dog in hand! However, Morelli is gone for much longer than he thought because the department does not pay him to come on the weekends. He is gone the entire book until the very end. And man, is it juicy! Lots happening while he is away.

However, I bet Bob has gained 10 pounds with all the sugar he gets with Stephanie and Lula, even though he is lactose intolerant (darn, those pizzas), but again, maybe not with the criminals he is chasing down—he has probably burned off the calories. He will never be the same.

Of course, Lula is in rare form, as funny as ever! We also get Stephanie's mom, Grandma Mauzer, and Stephanie on a stakeout together! Stephanie's mom, the NASCAR driver (this was hilarious) in the Camry with the side mirrors and the alley—Three generations of women! A great scene.

Sexy Ranger is always there to save the day with new wheels for Stephanie a place to stay when she is housing Lula and Nutsy or her apartment is blown up. Also, all the luxury furnishings and the delicious food. YUM! Plus, he helps care for Bob (not even his dog)—points for Ranger.

Of course, we get donuts, donuts, donuts.....(not a lot of chicken this time), car bombs, house bombs, stun guns, real guns, digging up graves, someone falls/jumps from a building, video games, video characters, stolen jewelry, homeless men, viewings, crooked and corrupt jewelry owner and family, wild and crazy FTAs, plus Lula has a late night visitor (hilarious) and a new man (men) by the end. I hope to see more of this.

You must read DIRTY THIRTY. Hands down, the best. I read this in two sittings. It all boils down to Team Ranger or Team Morelli. Will she ever choose? Please let there be a #31!

I have always been a Morelli fan, but I am leaning towards Ranger more in this one until the end. As always, Lula is a riot, and I loved BOB! Stephanie got a lot accomplished in DIRTY THIRTY. She gets a thumbs up.

I will be glued to the audiobook come Oct 31st! If you are a Plum fan, you must read this one. My favorite!

Special thanks to Atria Books via NetGalley for coming to my rescue at the last minute with a digital advanced reading copy. (I was about to give up). Christmas came early, and I dropped everything! Of course, the audio and hardcover are a given.

Janet Evanovich, you are the BEST! One of the funniest writers out today.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 31, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars +
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If I had a dollar for every time I have recommended a Janet Evanovich book, I'd be rich. If I added in another dollar for everytime I gifted or loaned my copies, I'm pretty sure I'd make the Fortune 500, maybe towards the bottom of the list but still. My entry into the Evanovich fan club started many years ago when my friend, a Jersey girl, gave me the first 3 Stephanie Plum books for Christmas. She's a really good friend, The cast of characters in these books are like old friends now and each time they come to visit, I know I'm going to love them more. Plum fans are typically divided as Pro-Joe or Pro-Ranger but I'm Pro-Grandma Mazur and Stephanie's long suffereing mother and father. This is book #30, yes 30, in this excellent, entertaining series plus there are numerous side stories and novellas. Yes, you could pick up any one of them and be instantly drawn into Trenton's most mixed up community, but you'd really miss some great reading. It's totally up to you, but I hope you have a friend that gifts you some of the early books. You're in for an unmatched treat.

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