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Stephanie Plum #26
Twisted Twenty-Six
Stephanie Plum's career has taken more wrong turns than a student driver on the Jersey Turnpike, and her love life is a hopeless tangle. In order to save someone dear to her, she'll have to straighten things out in Twisted Twenty-Six the latest, novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich.
Grandma Mazur is a widow...again. This time her marriage lasted a whole 45 minutes. The unlucky groom was one Jimmy Rosolli, local gangster, lothario (senior division) and heart attack waiting to happen...well, the waiting's over.
It's a sad day, but if she can't have Jimmy at least Grandma can have all the attention she wants as the dutiful widow. But some kinds of attention are not welcomed, particularly when Jimmy's former "business partners" are convinced that his widow is keeping the keys to their financial success for herself.
As someone who has spent an entire career finding bad guys, a set of missing keys should be no challenge for Stephanie Plum. Problem is, the facts are as twisted as a boardwalk pretzel with mustard.
Grandma Mazur is a widow...again. This time her marriage lasted a whole 45 minutes. The unlucky groom was one Jimmy Rosolli, local gangster, lothario (senior division) and heart attack waiting to happen...well, the waiting's over.
It's a sad day, but if she can't have Jimmy at least Grandma can have all the attention she wants as the dutiful widow. But some kinds of attention are not welcomed, particularly when Jimmy's former "business partners" are convinced that his widow is keeping the keys to their financial success for herself.
As someone who has spent an entire career finding bad guys, a set of missing keys should be no challenge for Stephanie Plum. Problem is, the facts are as twisted as a boardwalk pretzel with mustard.
Audible Audio
First published November 12, 2019
About the author
Janet Evanovich
294 books38.6k followersJanet 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 4,288 reviews
December 2, 2019
I have a conspiracy theory so bear with me.
I don't know who wrote this book but it wasn't Janet and here's why:
1. Stephanie finally admits she's in over her head with men in her life. Like she's legit thinking of how messed up the whole thing is.
2. She's finally admitting that the bond agent's life is not for her. She's sick of being constantly surrounded by shit individuals and of being blown up/kidnapped/stabbed/shot at, etc.
3. Gran is having a personality transplant with her being all wise and shit all the time.
And the last and most persuasive proof,
4. Ranger eating, wait for it, DONUTS!!!! What the actual fork?
If it's not enough to convinse you of my theory, I don't know what you're even thinking.
Over and out
I don't know who wrote this book but it wasn't Janet and here's why:
1. Stephanie finally admits she's in over her head with men in her life. Like she's legit thinking of how messed up the whole thing is.
2. She's finally admitting that the bond agent's life is not for her. She's sick of being constantly surrounded by shit individuals and of being blown up/kidnapped/stabbed/shot at, etc.
3. Gran is having a personality transplant with her being all wise and shit all the time.
And the last and most persuasive proof,
4. Ranger eating, wait for it, DONUTS!!!! What the actual fork?
If it's not enough to convinse you of my theory, I don't know what you're even thinking.
Over and out
November 24, 2019
Stephanie Plum is just pure fun. The books are always enjoyable, even if they are a bit formulaic. It works, I laugh, so I like them a lot. Janet Evanovich knows how to keep them interesting, and even though there are a few repetitive techniques, it's still something I find myself keen to read at the end of the day. Today... after a disappointing book, I needed a sure-thing, and Twisted Twenty-Six provided the relief.
Stephanie's grandmother, Grandma Edna Mazur, remarried in between books. Her husband died 45 minutes after the wedding. Two ex-wives, a few sisters, and some kids all want the money. Edna thinks she's getting it. Someone has the missing key which provides the answers. Then the mob gets involved, and three different teams of crooks are after the 75ish older woman... which one will win? At the same time, Stephanie's got a list of bail-jumpers to arrest. Lula and Connie provide all the comedy relief, but at least there weren't any crazy animals this time. Only a dog and a cat, which I expect to see running around Trenton, New Jersey.
The gun situation is out of control. So are the car bombs. The best thing is free laundry service at Mom's, all because Stephanie protects Grandma Mazur at the funeral home. And when the real criminal comes to light at the end of the book, we're still left wondering... what was up with those keys? Good thing we've got the cliffhanger to lead us to #27, which already has a name. But 27 isn't in the title, as far as I can tell. I'm so confused without my numbers.
In short... good. Not over the top. Triangle not much of a romance this time. Crazy antics ensue. The family is at an all time high! Get your copy now. :)
Stephanie's grandmother, Grandma Edna Mazur, remarried in between books. Her husband died 45 minutes after the wedding. Two ex-wives, a few sisters, and some kids all want the money. Edna thinks she's getting it. Someone has the missing key which provides the answers. Then the mob gets involved, and three different teams of crooks are after the 75ish older woman... which one will win? At the same time, Stephanie's got a list of bail-jumpers to arrest. Lula and Connie provide all the comedy relief, but at least there weren't any crazy animals this time. Only a dog and a cat, which I expect to see running around Trenton, New Jersey.
The gun situation is out of control. So are the car bombs. The best thing is free laundry service at Mom's, all because Stephanie protects Grandma Mazur at the funeral home. And when the real criminal comes to light at the end of the book, we're still left wondering... what was up with those keys? Good thing we've got the cliffhanger to lead us to #27, which already has a name. But 27 isn't in the title, as far as I can tell. I'm so confused without my numbers.
In short... good. Not over the top. Triangle not much of a romance this time. Crazy antics ensue. The family is at an all time high! Get your copy now. :)
March 13, 2020
The records show that I read the first book in this series and gave it 2 stars. Well, I don't remember a single thing about that book. But this one, the latest one, got 5 stars.
I thought that as each occurrence's impact lessened, another event came crashing through. This meant that there was hardly a case of boredom. The pacing was perfectly dosed.
As a new fan of this series, it seems a bit rich for me to be recommending this book to hardened and loyal fans. But this recommendation is addressed to those who are still licking their wounds from book 25. This book was awesome.
I thought that as each occurrence's impact lessened, another event came crashing through. This meant that there was hardly a case of boredom. The pacing was perfectly dosed.
As a new fan of this series, it seems a bit rich for me to be recommending this book to hardened and loyal fans. But this recommendation is addressed to those who are still licking their wounds from book 25. This book was awesome.
November 28, 2020
Twisted Twenty-six by Janet Evanovich is a 2019 G.P. Putnam’s Sons publication.
A fun, comfortingly predictable escape
In this twenty-sixth installment in the Stephanie Plum series, Grandma Mazur is in serious danger after her new husband dies suddenly, leaving the whereabouts of a mysterious set of keys in limbo. Believing Grandma must know the location of the keys, several groups of people- possibly mob types, and her deceased husband’s family, are determined to pressure Grandma into giving them up.
Have no worries though, Stephanie, Morelli, Lula, and Ranger are all on the case- perhaps the most personal one Stephanie has faced yet…
At least eleven books in this series have been published since I last read one. For me, the series had become a bit stale and Stephanie’s indecisions had started to wear thin. However, times being what they are, one day I went searching for a book that might make me laugh. There was a time when no one could make me laugh out loud quite like Janet Evanovich- so a visit with Stephanie, Grandma Mazur, Lula, Joe Morelli, and Ranger sounded like just the ticket.
Nothing much has progressed since the last time I touched base with this series. The humor is still there, but perhaps not quite as hysterical as I remembered. I did pick up on a little restlessness in Stephanie, who seems to have finally realized she is running in place, in the same way her hamster does. Is this precursor to something more serious?
Although, it is possible this series has gone on a little past its prime, it’s still a cozy, familiar, and fun escape with old friends. Not only that, it did exactly what I expected it to- give my spirits a lift and make me laugh. Predictability is not always a bad thing.
The kicker, though, is that I am hearing rumors that the next installment in the series is a continuation of this one and will introduce an all new series for Evanovich. Sounds like I will have to read the next installment too!
A fun, comfortingly predictable escape
In this twenty-sixth installment in the Stephanie Plum series, Grandma Mazur is in serious danger after her new husband dies suddenly, leaving the whereabouts of a mysterious set of keys in limbo. Believing Grandma must know the location of the keys, several groups of people- possibly mob types, and her deceased husband’s family, are determined to pressure Grandma into giving them up.
Have no worries though, Stephanie, Morelli, Lula, and Ranger are all on the case- perhaps the most personal one Stephanie has faced yet…
At least eleven books in this series have been published since I last read one. For me, the series had become a bit stale and Stephanie’s indecisions had started to wear thin. However, times being what they are, one day I went searching for a book that might make me laugh. There was a time when no one could make me laugh out loud quite like Janet Evanovich- so a visit with Stephanie, Grandma Mazur, Lula, Joe Morelli, and Ranger sounded like just the ticket.
Nothing much has progressed since the last time I touched base with this series. The humor is still there, but perhaps not quite as hysterical as I remembered. I did pick up on a little restlessness in Stephanie, who seems to have finally realized she is running in place, in the same way her hamster does. Is this precursor to something more serious?
Although, it is possible this series has gone on a little past its prime, it’s still a cozy, familiar, and fun escape with old friends. Not only that, it did exactly what I expected it to- give my spirits a lift and make me laugh. Predictability is not always a bad thing.
The kicker, though, is that I am hearing rumors that the next installment in the series is a continuation of this one and will introduce an all new series for Evanovich. Sounds like I will have to read the next installment too!
February 8, 2021
As always, a quick and amusing read, with all the favorite characters present. Apparently, what we readers see as entertaining diversions are anything but to our gutsy bounty hunter. Stephanie's zany escapades are starting to wear on her, and she seems to be coming to terms with herself, realizing who she is and considering whether that lines up with who and what she wants to be. Is it a midlife crisis or just bounty hunter blues over failed attempts to bring in FTAs? I guess we'll see as the long-standing series continues, but I know whatever path Stephanie winds up on, it will be one entertaining escape for this reader!
April 23, 2020
TWISTED TWENTY-SIX by Janet Evanovich is the twenty-sixth book in the Stephanie Plum mystery series. Grandma Mazur married a local gangster, Jimmy Rosolli. Unfortunately, 45 minutes later, he dies of a heart attack. Jimmy was the "keeper of the keys" and his fellow gangsters believe he passed them to Grandma Mazur as he was dying.
This series is one of my fun comfort reads. I always enjoy spending time with Stephanie, her parents, Grandma Mazur, Morelli, Ranger, Lula, Connie, Rex and Bob. There are always a few laugh out loud moments and this one delivered those as well. In this novel, Stephanie spends some time questioning her choice of careers as a bounty hunter working for Cousin Vinnie's bail bonds office at the same time as she continues to work and try to protect Grandma Mazur.
The prose was entertaining and compulsively readable. The plot was suspenseful, fast-paced, and held my attention. The ending was slightly unexpected and set up things for the next book in the series. Overall, this was a funny, enjoyable and entertaining read.
This series is one of my fun comfort reads. I always enjoy spending time with Stephanie, her parents, Grandma Mazur, Morelli, Ranger, Lula, Connie, Rex and Bob. There are always a few laugh out loud moments and this one delivered those as well. In this novel, Stephanie spends some time questioning her choice of careers as a bounty hunter working for Cousin Vinnie's bail bonds office at the same time as she continues to work and try to protect Grandma Mazur.
The prose was entertaining and compulsively readable. The plot was suspenseful, fast-paced, and held my attention. The ending was slightly unexpected and set up things for the next book in the series. Overall, this was a funny, enjoyable and entertaining read.
March 3, 2020
This book felt a little different than the others. Stephanie actually complained about her life and she wanted to do something else, she is tired of her crazy everyday life. Will she? I doubt it. I can't see Janet wrapping up her cash cow.
The last book ended with Grandma Mazur getting married down in FL. Stephanie flies down to get her and we see that her husband died playing the slots. They were married like 36 hours. Supposedly he had some keys that all the mob people back home want, so everyone is after Grandma. It was a nice switch in plot. I appreciated it.
Stephanie and Lula actually take down an FTA like professionals for once too who are trying to flee the country. That's a first.
I thought there were some nice changes in the story, but it wasn't as funny as some of them are either. My biggest laugh was with Stephanie and Lula and Steph said she was 54 years old and felt like she was 70. It seemed a nod to Stephanie's actually age if she aged each year of publication or close to it. I appreciated that nod to the time differences.
I love the mad cap energy of the series and I'm hooked. I want an ending, but don't ever expect to get one, although, the way Stephanie was talking it almost feels like this is the penultimate book in the series and the next one could be the end, but I'm not holding my breath.
I'm rather addicted to this series and I read them yearly now, so she can write all she wants. I hope she can keep the funny at a high level if she is going to keep writing them.
This does seem to lead write into another story about the keys and it's another cliff hanger. I kind of enjoy that.
The last book ended with Grandma Mazur getting married down in FL. Stephanie flies down to get her and we see that her husband died playing the slots. They were married like 36 hours. Supposedly he had some keys that all the mob people back home want, so everyone is after Grandma. It was a nice switch in plot. I appreciated it.
Stephanie and Lula actually take down an FTA like professionals for once too who are trying to flee the country. That's a first.
I thought there were some nice changes in the story, but it wasn't as funny as some of them are either. My biggest laugh was with Stephanie and Lula and Steph said she was 54 years old and felt like she was 70. It seemed a nod to Stephanie's actually age if she aged each year of publication or close to it. I appreciated that nod to the time differences.
I love the mad cap energy of the series and I'm hooked. I want an ending, but don't ever expect to get one, although, the way Stephanie was talking it almost feels like this is the penultimate book in the series and the next one could be the end, but I'm not holding my breath.
I'm rather addicted to this series and I read them yearly now, so she can write all she wants. I hope she can keep the funny at a high level if she is going to keep writing them.
This does seem to lead write into another story about the keys and it's another cliff hanger. I kind of enjoy that.
November 14, 2019
There is no better way to spend a fall afternoon than with the new Stephanie Plum book. As always, Steph blows up a car, has mind blowing sex with Joe (cozy style, of course) and Ranger makes Steph . . . wonder. Wonderful and entertaining and laugh out loud funny. I split my time between the e-book and the audio and the audio was the best I have ever heard.
When Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur takes a trip to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas with retired mobster Jimmy Rosolli, Grandma and Jimmy end up married, hit the jackpot and Jimmy drops dead. Now the fun begins. It seems that Jimmy is the "Keeper of the Keys" for his band of retired mobsters known as the "La-Z-Boys" and they want them back and think Grandma has them.
Even having her most successful week ever as a bounty hunter, Stephanie is thinking about her life, her career and what she wants to do for the rest of her life, but for now she has to protect her Grandma Mazur from the La-Z-Boys. She has to figure out just what the keys are and where they could possibly be while dodging firebombs, guns and kidnap attempts. Shouldn't be to difficult, after all Steph finds people all the time, but this is Stephanie Plum we're talking about.
When Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur takes a trip to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas with retired mobster Jimmy Rosolli, Grandma and Jimmy end up married, hit the jackpot and Jimmy drops dead. Now the fun begins. It seems that Jimmy is the "Keeper of the Keys" for his band of retired mobsters known as the "La-Z-Boys" and they want them back and think Grandma has them.
Even having her most successful week ever as a bounty hunter, Stephanie is thinking about her life, her career and what she wants to do for the rest of her life, but for now she has to protect her Grandma Mazur from the La-Z-Boys. She has to figure out just what the keys are and where they could possibly be while dodging firebombs, guns and kidnap attempts. Shouldn't be to difficult, after all Steph finds people all the time, but this is Stephanie Plum we're talking about.
December 5, 2019
I was slightly hesitant to read #26 because I wasn't a huge fan of #25, and I was afraid that the magic might be gone... but I really enjoyed it! I laughed out loud throughout the book and loved that Grandma was a big part of the story. The Stephanie Plum series will always be one of my favorites
February 15, 2020
Quirky. Barely professional. Too much silliness to be taken seriously. No more Ms. Plum for me, thank you. 3 of 10 stars
January 14, 2020
Twisted Twenty-Six will please all Stephanie Plum fans. I love all the characters: Grandma Mazur, Stephanie’s parents, Connie, Vinnie, Lula, Morelli, Ranger, Rex, and Bob. Stephanie seems to have decided Morelli is “the one,” but Ranger is still in the picture.
“It was that Ranger emits a sexual pull that is hard to ignore. He enters my field of vision and I get a rush. If I’m at arm’s length and close enough to get a hint of his shower gel or feel his body heat, I’m in serious danger of turning into a slut. I want him. Bad. And that’s not good since Ranger is an opportunist, and I have an awesome boyfriend who doesn’t look kindly on sharing me. Yet another indication that my life isn’t on track.” (I melt when Ranger calls Stephanie “Babe.” Morelli still calls her "Cupcake." : ))
Typical of the previous books in the series, the main story line is intertwined with Stephanie's bond enforcement agent job of tracking down zany FTAs (Failure to Appear) with Lula as her sidekick. The Ranger-Morelli conflict continues, and the sexual tension will leave you a little breathless, wanting more. The story ends with a few lingering questions, leaving you wanting more, as well. Overall, Twisted Twenty-Six is a fun read, and I can’t wait for the next one.
“It was that Ranger emits a sexual pull that is hard to ignore. He enters my field of vision and I get a rush. If I’m at arm’s length and close enough to get a hint of his shower gel or feel his body heat, I’m in serious danger of turning into a slut. I want him. Bad. And that’s not good since Ranger is an opportunist, and I have an awesome boyfriend who doesn’t look kindly on sharing me. Yet another indication that my life isn’t on track.” (I melt when Ranger calls Stephanie “Babe.” Morelli still calls her "Cupcake." : ))
Typical of the previous books in the series, the main story line is intertwined with Stephanie's bond enforcement agent job of tracking down zany FTAs (Failure to Appear) with Lula as her sidekick. The Ranger-Morelli conflict continues, and the sexual tension will leave you a little breathless, wanting more. The story ends with a few lingering questions, leaving you wanting more, as well. Overall, Twisted Twenty-Six is a fun read, and I can’t wait for the next one.
December 9, 2019
Before Look Alive Twenty-Five I was ready to give up on Stephanie Plum but that was a surprising good read. And now Twisted Twenty-Six got me really hooked again and I can't wait for number 27 to be released. This was such a fun read. Yes, it was crazy but it wasn't so crazy that it was off-putting. I had an absolute great time with it and highly recommend it to all original Plum fans.
November 15, 2019
I was not going to review this, but I got such a kick out the author's slight digs at some of the negative reviews from the last novel. The story itself is a hilarious romp with Grandma Mazur, but we find Stephanie questioning her lifestyle, is there more than this job, is she a loser, a tramp? Also, in a distracted state, she tells Lula she is 56, which she would be if you calculate her age from the first novel in 1994 to today. All I can say is she has aged well and still makes me laugh.
October 27, 2023
Now, THIS is the type of Stephanie Plum book I have come to know and love -I love the mobster theme, I love the fact that she isn't losing cars left and right. I love the fact that this has to do with Grandma...and I even love the fact that these last two books (this one included) have cliff hangers. Not huge ones but ones that will lead to the next book.
I got some belly laughs, I had the sinking feeling of horror just like when I read the very first Plum book, I got very involved in what was going on, I didn't even mind the fact that Ranger and Joe felt the need to keep Stephanie safe. Let's face it, she is not a kick-ass heroine!---I just loved it so very much.
I loved this book so much that I am going to re-read this tomorrow, giving me a whole two days of waiting to re-read!
I got some belly laughs, I had the sinking feeling of horror just like when I read the very first Plum book, I got very involved in what was going on, I didn't even mind the fact that Ranger and Joe felt the need to keep Stephanie safe. Let's face it, she is not a kick-ass heroine!---I just loved it so very much.
I loved this book so much that I am going to re-read this tomorrow, giving me a whole two days of waiting to re-read!
June 6, 2024
ME: I don’t really read past the first book in a series
ALSO ME: Hmmmmm, let me listen to #26 Stephanie Plum
I didn’t have anything queued up to listen to while walking this weekend and thought what the hell – let me hang out with my old pals Stephanie and Lula. If you’re familiar with this series, you know there’s not ever going to be much change to the formula. You have skips that outsmart the gal pals, at least one blown up vehicle, Stephanie gets tased, Lula or Grandma accidentally pop off a couple of rounds from their handguns, Uncle Salvador’s Buick makes an appearance, Ranger says “Babe” a lot, Stephanie’s mom is sneaky drinking hooch and ironing her anxieties away, MEATLOAF, POT ROAST, CLUCK IN A BUCKET AND PINNEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE!, there’s a mystery to solve, Stephanie gets kidnapped, Ranger or Joe (or both save the day) and we get the set up for the next . . .
Or twenty-seventh verse, as the case may be.
Highlights for this one include a Freudian slip by Stephanie regarding her real age and Lula’s tig ol’ bitties making an appearance where a comparison of her nipples to . . . .
Literally made me LOL so hard this man who was out watering his flowers while I was walking by seemed like he might have been a little afraid of me. Whoops!
These books are my comfort food – and now that I’m dabbling in audio I will definitely continue listening. But I HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE the change in format with regard to the titles starting with “Fortune and Glory.” I have an entire shelf that ranges from One for the Money all the way up to this one because the numerical names were “a real pip” as Grandma Mazur would say. I have hunted those hardbacks down in bargain bins and thrift stores for over a decade – but I won’t be adding the rest because the aesthetics are no longer there. Bummer.
ALSO ME: Hmmmmm, let me listen to #26 Stephanie Plum
I didn’t have anything queued up to listen to while walking this weekend and thought what the hell – let me hang out with my old pals Stephanie and Lula. If you’re familiar with this series, you know there’s not ever going to be much change to the formula. You have skips that outsmart the gal pals, at least one blown up vehicle, Stephanie gets tased, Lula or Grandma accidentally pop off a couple of rounds from their handguns, Uncle Salvador’s Buick makes an appearance, Ranger says “Babe” a lot, Stephanie’s mom is sneaky drinking hooch and ironing her anxieties away, MEATLOAF, POT ROAST, CLUCK IN A BUCKET AND PINNEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE!, there’s a mystery to solve, Stephanie gets kidnapped, Ranger or Joe (or both save the day) and we get the set up for the next . . .
Or twenty-seventh verse, as the case may be.
Highlights for this one include a Freudian slip by Stephanie regarding her real age and Lula’s tig ol’ bitties making an appearance where a comparison of her nipples to . . . .
Literally made me LOL so hard this man who was out watering his flowers while I was walking by seemed like he might have been a little afraid of me. Whoops!
These books are my comfort food – and now that I’m dabbling in audio I will definitely continue listening. But I HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE the change in format with regard to the titles starting with “Fortune and Glory.” I have an entire shelf that ranges from One for the Money all the way up to this one because the numerical names were “a real pip” as Grandma Mazur would say. I have hunted those hardbacks down in bargain bins and thrift stores for over a decade – but I won’t be adding the rest because the aesthetics are no longer there. Bummer.
February 8, 2023
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this one. These books have always been formulaic, and I expect it, and in a lot of ways, this book felt like one of the earlier ones, a true return to form. On the other hand, it also feels like all the worst things about the series are present: Stephanie being unhappy with her life but not enough to change it, Lula and Stephanie's incompetence (which feels like it's being played for laughs but hasn't been funny for several books; they were better in earlier books which makes no sense), current issues being poked fun at in a strange, offensive way, characters spouting off ridiculousness that isn't really funny, and Stephanie's cars getting blown up.
This book doesn't feel as disconnected and lackluster as the previous two, where you could practically tell Evanovich wasn't interested in writing it, but neither does it feel fun. (There's a few meta jokes, like Stephanie saying she's 56, but they weren't funny, tongue-in-cheek, or snarky, just whiny). I usually read these books in two hours or less, but this one took me all night and all afternoon to get through; I kept clicking away to something more enjoyable. But in the end, I didn't feel like I didn't enjoy, but neither did I feel like I did enjoy it, if that makes any sense. I still enjoy most of these books upon rereading, so it's not necessarily the formula. I think the mysteries are getting worse, and Stephanie's constant whining about her life in this one felt like it took up too much time. There was some indication that things might be wrapping up, but I don't believe it because it's felt like that before. Final score: mediocre but readable. You could occupy a couple hours with it if you need something to do.
This book doesn't feel as disconnected and lackluster as the previous two, where you could practically tell Evanovich wasn't interested in writing it, but neither does it feel fun. (There's a few meta jokes, like Stephanie saying she's 56, but they weren't funny, tongue-in-cheek, or snarky, just whiny). I usually read these books in two hours or less, but this one took me all night and all afternoon to get through; I kept clicking away to something more enjoyable. But in the end, I didn't feel like I didn't enjoy, but neither did I feel like I did enjoy it, if that makes any sense. I still enjoy most of these books upon rereading, so it's not necessarily the formula. I think the mysteries are getting worse, and Stephanie's constant whining about her life in this one felt like it took up too much time. There was some indication that things might be wrapping up, but I don't believe it because it's felt like that before. Final score: mediocre but readable. You could occupy a couple hours with it if you need something to do.
November 18, 2019
Excellent! In my opinion this is the best book in the last several years. Stephanie and Lula are back at capturing bail jumpers with all the humour and excitement of the series origins. There is also a little bit of darkness which again took me back to those first books in the series. Organized crime, family in danger and lots of donuts. I enjoyed every minute.
November 24, 2019
Yes, these books are formulaic and predictable. But, Ranger and Morelli are still hot. Lula is still outrageous. Stephanie is still a likable mess. Her mom is still an anxious bundle of nerves. Her dad is still an old-fashioned guy. And grandma Mazur is still the best side kick ever. I laugh out loud when reading these books. Sometimes predictable is just fun.
August 25, 2021
After a so-so 25th installment Stephanie and gang are back and better than ever, mainly because this time, at long last, the focus is on Grandma Mazur. After a whirlwind romance, and without much thought about his associates or his past, Grandma Mazur exchanged wedding vows with Jimmy Rosolli, who dropped dead of a heart attack 45 minutes later.
Jimmy was one of six octogenarian Trenton, New Jersey crime lords known as the La-Z-Boys because each has his own prized seat in a semicircle of La-Z-Boy recliners in a special room at the Mole Hole strip club. Indeed, one of the recliners has sat there empty for some years, out of respect because its occupant met an untimely death. Perhaps the level of sentiment in organized crime is higher in Trenton than in any other New Jersey location.
And as the blurb goes on to say, someone saw Jimmy grab Grandma Mazur on his way to the floor and speak a few words. What he said was but the other La-Z-Boys are convinced he told her the location of his precious Keys that will unlock a treasure trove...somewhere...well, first get the keys, then look for it? Anyhow, all manner of classical gangster threats, right up to kidnap and torture, are directed at Stephanie's maternal grandmother (I had forgotten her first name is Edna), and it's up to Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger to get her safely out of this mess.
The elderly gangsters and their offspring are a delightful collection of distinct personalities, and the author has great fun again with all the crime thriller devices you can imagine. It quickly becomes clear that the La-Z-Boys aren't the only ones after Grandma Mazur, who never loses her sense of humor (and her quirkiness just mounts under pressure). Many funeral parlor scenes, as you may have hoped. And an exciting finish with the usual dollops of luck, good and bad.
What I said in previous reviews definitely holds here, so with your indulgence I'll repeat from Hardcore Twenty-Four:
Jimmy was one of six octogenarian Trenton, New Jersey crime lords known as the La-Z-Boys because each has his own prized seat in a semicircle of La-Z-Boy recliners in a special room at the Mole Hole strip club. Indeed, one of the recliners has sat there empty for some years, out of respect because its occupant met an untimely death. Perhaps the level of sentiment in organized crime is higher in Trenton than in any other New Jersey location.
And as the blurb goes on to say, someone saw Jimmy grab Grandma Mazur on his way to the floor and speak a few words. What he said was but the other La-Z-Boys are convinced he told her the location of his precious Keys that will unlock a treasure trove...somewhere...well, first get the keys, then look for it? Anyhow, all manner of classical gangster threats, right up to kidnap and torture, are directed at Stephanie's maternal grandmother (I had forgotten her first name is Edna), and it's up to Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger to get her safely out of this mess.
The elderly gangsters and their offspring are a delightful collection of distinct personalities, and the author has great fun again with all the crime thriller devices you can imagine. It quickly becomes clear that the La-Z-Boys aren't the only ones after Grandma Mazur, who never loses her sense of humor (and her quirkiness just mounts under pressure). Many funeral parlor scenes, as you may have hoped. And an exciting finish with the usual dollops of luck, good and bad.
What I said in previous reviews definitely holds here, so with your indulgence I'll repeat from Hardcore Twenty-Four:
It's impressive that the 24th outing has much the same cast with much the same personalities and much the same plot and action as the first few outings did, with little or no discernible "character development" over all this time. Can you imagine any of the main characters maturing or becoming older and wiser? The books would stop being fun, because it's Stephanie, Lula, Morelli, Ranger, Mom, Dad, and Grandma Mazur exactly as they are, doing exactly the kinds of things they do, that makes my annual visit to the Burg something I really look forward to. They make a classic comedy septet, and they haven't lost their spark.And from Look Alive Twenty-Five:
In particular, Stephanie's relationships with Morelli, the solid cop from her working-class neighborhood, and Ranger, the totally unrealistic fantasy alpha hero abstracted from countless romantic thrillers, have to remain undecided for the tension to work for adventure that's just comic enough--not too many laughs, not too few.
To describe her ongoing relationships with men I really need to invent a new word: sesqui-amorous. (Like sesquicentennial for a 150-year anniversary.) That's because, here as in previous installments, she and Morelli the cop are totally girlfriend and boyfriend while she has enormous attraction to both men and loads of Meaningful Contact (both action and romance) with Ranger, who with his team comes as close to a fantasy vigilante superhero as you can get without going supernatural.So is this a sesqui-harem? Quoting Stephanie from the present book:
Morelli and Ranger tolerate each other. Their professional paths frequenty cross, and there are times when it's advantageous to share information and skills. Like now. In an odd way I was the link between the two men, and I was also the wedge that drove them apart. Morelli thought Ranger was a loose cannon and not to be entirely trusted. I have no idea what Ranger thought of Morelli.Well, folks, this time around there is one development. Grandma Mazur utters words of wisdom again and again; either her experience with Jimmy has deepened her philosophically or Stephanie has undergone character development in that she realizes for the first time she has a traditional wise woman for a grandmother!
November 28, 2019
Readers and fans of Janet Evanovich know what you get with a Janet Evanovich “Stephanie Plum” book. An independent, pretty girl, a couple of hunky guys – Moretti and Ranger - to team up with, and an adventure full of mystery and silly zaniness. Solving the mystery usually involves visiting different locations, lots of overwhelmingly crazy characters (especially Grandma Mazur), and comical situations throughout the quest. There is lots of teasing and innuendo between the Stephanie and the hunky guys as they work together, but in the end the mystery will be resolved whether on purpose or by accident within 300 pages of reading.
This describes her Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series and pretty much everything else she’s written. You may think it sounds fairly formula-matic, and that’s true. The formula is the same, tried and true. However, in all honesty, nobody else is better at writing this type of sarcastic humor and risqué laden banter than anyone else. Evanovich gets you to chuckle at least once every other page and laugh out loud at least once a chapter.
“Twisted Twenty-Six” continues the manic magic that drives the crazy and silly world of Stephanie Plum, clumsy but lovable, bounty hunter. This time out it’s about Grandma Mazur shaking things up by deciding to run and elope with a local gangster named Jimmy Rosolli at a Casino in the Bahamas. However, things don’t go as planned and forty-five minutes into her new marriage, Jimmy hits a jackpot on a poker machine, suffers a massive heart-attack, and falls dead.
When Grandma Mazur returns home to have Jimmy’s funeral conducted in the Burg, her trouble is only beginning. It seems that Jimmy was known as the “Keeper of the Key’s” to some great secret Stache of wealth and his mob partners are convinced that before Jimmy died, he passed on the “Key’s” to Grandma Mazur. These killers want the “Keys” back and any cost, including taking out her family members in order to get them. In addition, Jimmy’s three sisters – Angie, Tootie, and Rose – have decided Grandma doesn’t deserve their brother’s fortune and set out to curse her in any way they can, regardless of the circumstances.
Now it is up to Stephanie to use her bounty hunter skills, along with help from Morelli and protection from Ranger, to come to her Grandma’s rescue and family’s protection. Stephanie will need to push beyond her own limits to keep the mobsters at bay and save those closest to her.
Having read all of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books, I found this outing to have the nice mix of chuckling and bungling silly adventures I enjoy. The over-arching mystery is usually simple and easy to figure out, but this has never been Evanovich’s strength as a writer. At least this time, it provided some interest for the reader to try and figure out where Jimmy left his keys while Stephanie experiences her mid-life crisis.
Where Evanovich shines best is in the charm and idiosyncrasies of these unique characters like Lulu, trying to fit into clothes way too small for her and needing to eat comfort food 24 hours a day, and Stephanie flirting back and forth between Morelli one moment and the mysterious testosterone-filled, Ranger, who need only gently whisper “Babe...” to cause most women to shake in their lower extremities. This time out, Ranger uses the word “Babe…” to mean so many different things. Evanovich’s strength lies in her ability to keep these unique and crazy characters bumbling along and the reader chuckling at every couple of minutes or more.
Overall, I am happy to report that this was a good outing for Stephanie Plum, Ranger, Morelli, and of course, Lulu. Evanovich has her formula working fairly well, and the chuckles were good and fairly consistent, sustaining momentum throughout the book. And more importantly, it provided a brief escape from the seriousness of life for a day or two, which I needed. It wasn’t Evanovich’s best, but it was a nice steady delivery of Stephanie craziness.
One interesting note was that Evanovich changed things up a bit, but creating a multi-book arc. This book does not end in a cliffhanger or a crucial moment. It has an ending, but the storyline of Jimmy’s mobster keys will be continued in Stephanie’s twenty-seventh outing – “Fortune and Glory” – due a year from now. It will be interesting to see how the continuing arc develops, especially the outcome of Stephanie’s journey of reflection and self-discovery. I am looking forward to it.
Now I divert… On a purely personal note… I love the glamour shot of Evanovich on the back cover of this book. She looks absolutely gorgeous!
This describes her Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series and pretty much everything else she’s written. You may think it sounds fairly formula-matic, and that’s true. The formula is the same, tried and true. However, in all honesty, nobody else is better at writing this type of sarcastic humor and risqué laden banter than anyone else. Evanovich gets you to chuckle at least once every other page and laugh out loud at least once a chapter.
“Twisted Twenty-Six” continues the manic magic that drives the crazy and silly world of Stephanie Plum, clumsy but lovable, bounty hunter. This time out it’s about Grandma Mazur shaking things up by deciding to run and elope with a local gangster named Jimmy Rosolli at a Casino in the Bahamas. However, things don’t go as planned and forty-five minutes into her new marriage, Jimmy hits a jackpot on a poker machine, suffers a massive heart-attack, and falls dead.
When Grandma Mazur returns home to have Jimmy’s funeral conducted in the Burg, her trouble is only beginning. It seems that Jimmy was known as the “Keeper of the Key’s” to some great secret Stache of wealth and his mob partners are convinced that before Jimmy died, he passed on the “Key’s” to Grandma Mazur. These killers want the “Keys” back and any cost, including taking out her family members in order to get them. In addition, Jimmy’s three sisters – Angie, Tootie, and Rose – have decided Grandma doesn’t deserve their brother’s fortune and set out to curse her in any way they can, regardless of the circumstances.
Now it is up to Stephanie to use her bounty hunter skills, along with help from Morelli and protection from Ranger, to come to her Grandma’s rescue and family’s protection. Stephanie will need to push beyond her own limits to keep the mobsters at bay and save those closest to her.
Having read all of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books, I found this outing to have the nice mix of chuckling and bungling silly adventures I enjoy. The over-arching mystery is usually simple and easy to figure out, but this has never been Evanovich’s strength as a writer. At least this time, it provided some interest for the reader to try and figure out where Jimmy left his keys while Stephanie experiences her mid-life crisis.
Where Evanovich shines best is in the charm and idiosyncrasies of these unique characters like Lulu, trying to fit into clothes way too small for her and needing to eat comfort food 24 hours a day, and Stephanie flirting back and forth between Morelli one moment and the mysterious testosterone-filled, Ranger, who need only gently whisper “Babe...” to cause most women to shake in their lower extremities. This time out, Ranger uses the word “Babe…” to mean so many different things. Evanovich’s strength lies in her ability to keep these unique and crazy characters bumbling along and the reader chuckling at every couple of minutes or more.
Overall, I am happy to report that this was a good outing for Stephanie Plum, Ranger, Morelli, and of course, Lulu. Evanovich has her formula working fairly well, and the chuckles were good and fairly consistent, sustaining momentum throughout the book. And more importantly, it provided a brief escape from the seriousness of life for a day or two, which I needed. It wasn’t Evanovich’s best, but it was a nice steady delivery of Stephanie craziness.
One interesting note was that Evanovich changed things up a bit, but creating a multi-book arc. This book does not end in a cliffhanger or a crucial moment. It has an ending, but the storyline of Jimmy’s mobster keys will be continued in Stephanie’s twenty-seventh outing – “Fortune and Glory” – due a year from now. It will be interesting to see how the continuing arc develops, especially the outcome of Stephanie’s journey of reflection and self-discovery. I am looking forward to it.
Now I divert… On a purely personal note… I love the glamour shot of Evanovich on the back cover of this book. She looks absolutely gorgeous!
October 12, 2020
3.8 stars
December 17, 2019
Evanovich’s clear and clever writing draws you in and then delivers a knockout punch.
SUMMARY
Bounty-hunter Stephanie’s Plum grandma just got married. She married a local Trenton, New Jersey gangster named Jimmy Rosolli. But before the wedding day was even over Grandma Mazur was a widow. Jimmy dropped dead of a heart attack on the floor of the casino, right in front of the slot machine he was playing just 45 minutes after the nuptials.
Things turn dangerous for Grandma Masur when Jimmy’s former “business partners” the Lazy Boys, are convinced that his new widow has possession of the keys to a financial windfall. But the one thing these wise guys didn’t count on was Stephanie Plum. She’ll do anything to save her grandma, the one person who means the most to her.
“Grandma was in her mid-seventies and didn’t look a day over ninety.”
REVIEW
Sometimes you just need a book that is light and easy and fun. This is it. While a book about a death is not necessarily funny, Stephanie Plum’s exploits certainly are. She can always make me laugh. We couldn’t be more opposite, but I love her, I closed the cover of Twisted Twenty-Six with a huge smile on my face. It was exactly what I needed.
Janet Evanovich’s clear and clever writing draws you in and delivers a knockout punch. All the regular characters in this epic series are, as always, delightful. You can’t help but fall in love with Grandma Mazur and her flaming red hair, or Stephanie’s full-figured sidekick Lula, and her spandex clothing. And you can’t blame Stephanie for not being able to decide between Ranger and Morelli. Evanovich makes reading a pleasure. The twenty-sixth book in this series is no exception.
“Notice he called us losers and not quitters. That’s on account of we never quit. In my mind that’s the difference between a loser and a winner. A winner is willing to look like an idiot for as long as it takes to get the job done.”
Publisher G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Published November 2019
Narrated Lorelei King
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Bounty-hunter Stephanie’s Plum grandma just got married. She married a local Trenton, New Jersey gangster named Jimmy Rosolli. But before the wedding day was even over Grandma Mazur was a widow. Jimmy dropped dead of a heart attack on the floor of the casino, right in front of the slot machine he was playing just 45 minutes after the nuptials.
Things turn dangerous for Grandma Masur when Jimmy’s former “business partners” the Lazy Boys, are convinced that his new widow has possession of the keys to a financial windfall. But the one thing these wise guys didn’t count on was Stephanie Plum. She’ll do anything to save her grandma, the one person who means the most to her.
“Grandma was in her mid-seventies and didn’t look a day over ninety.”
REVIEW
Sometimes you just need a book that is light and easy and fun. This is it. While a book about a death is not necessarily funny, Stephanie Plum’s exploits certainly are. She can always make me laugh. We couldn’t be more opposite, but I love her, I closed the cover of Twisted Twenty-Six with a huge smile on my face. It was exactly what I needed.
Janet Evanovich’s clear and clever writing draws you in and delivers a knockout punch. All the regular characters in this epic series are, as always, delightful. You can’t help but fall in love with Grandma Mazur and her flaming red hair, or Stephanie’s full-figured sidekick Lula, and her spandex clothing. And you can’t blame Stephanie for not being able to decide between Ranger and Morelli. Evanovich makes reading a pleasure. The twenty-sixth book in this series is no exception.
“Notice he called us losers and not quitters. That’s on account of we never quit. In my mind that’s the difference between a loser and a winner. A winner is willing to look like an idiot for as long as it takes to get the job done.”
Publisher G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Published November 2019
Narrated Lorelei King
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
May 2, 2020
I loved this book so much more than I have the last two or even three. Finally we see some growth with Stephanie and her life decisions. A more mature Stephanie, is a good Stephanie. It might also have something to do with the fact that in this we finally get more Grandma M, one of my favorite characters. I loved all her insight and wisdom. And with this ending of this one, the title to the next book, which isn't a number, makes a whole lot of sense. Can't wait to see where this next adventure will take two of my favorite characters!
October 23, 2019
What's not to love? Another Stephanie Plum escapade, with the sizzle of Ranger and the comic relief of Lulu this is another book that you wont be able to put down.
December 1, 2019
Love that Evanovich centered this one around Stephanie's family, and in particular, Grandma Mazur.
Wouldn't say it was the best mystery but the read was a lot of fun and I enjoyed reading it.
Wouldn't say it was the best mystery but the read was a lot of fun and I enjoyed reading it.
October 14, 2020
I had forgotten how much I enjoy Evanovich. Stephanie Plum is so funny. Fantastic audiobook narration. This one was a joy from start to finish.
April 11, 2021
I literally came into this series at the final book. My friend said oh, this sounds funny and picked the title. I said this sounds like a silly title but f- it give it a shot. This was one of the best mistakes I have ever made. Lula and Stephanie are my best gal pals. Unlike everyone else I didn’t have time to tire off their crazy games or shenanigans because I read 26 years of books in the span of 3 months. This series is laugh out loud funny, kooky and these girls know how to mess some stuff up. I love that Steph blows up cars 🚗 🔥 💥. I love that Lula needs donuts 🍩 to think. I dream of blowing up cars and having a donut after who wouldn’t fast in the furious hasn’t lasted this long for no reason. I am so excited for book 28.
November 28, 2019
An average Stephanie Plum book, starring Grandma Mazur. She marries a local Mafioso, Jimmy Rosolli, who keels over dead 45 minutes later in the casino. His business associates, the Laz-y-Boys are seeking a set of keys, which Jimmy had and nobody can find. It's explained what the keys are for, but Grandma and Stephanie face threats and kidnapping, etc. while Joe Morelli and Ranger try to protect them. In a marked change, Stephanie decides her life sucks and she needs to do something about it so maybe the next book will be something different?
December 10, 2019
AAAAhhhhh, back to the Stephanie Plum we all love. Lots of Grandma Mazur and Lulu. Some Morelli, Ranger and even Rex, the hamster. There was some ironing (on Stephanie's mom's part), family dinners and even a waving of the meat fork. Throw in some funeral viewings and an explosion and everything is right in the world. Fans of the series will love this one.
November 28, 2020
nothing gets between a girl protecting her grandma. a very enjoyable read as this time it was highly personal. we have the usual ranger or morellie situation but this just adds to the drama and the story. we see a lot more of the family n this one understandable which is a refreshing change. cant wait for 27 now.
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