Janet Evanovich, Plum Lovin'

Plum Lovin'Janet Evanovich

St. Martin's, Jan 2007, $16.95

ISBN: 0312306342

New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum ponders how one second Diesel is not there and the next nano he is and then he is not. She assumes he is either a Houdini or some unmentionable. So when he pops up in her apartment like a master magician, Steph does not blink, even when he insists he behaved by not joining her in the bathroom when she was wet and naked. Diesel also asks her if she is still seeing her cop and her bounty hunter mentor; she says yes and maybe yes.

He explains he is after Bernie Beaner who has gone over the edge since he began having marital issues. Bernie blames his troubles on relationship expert Annie Hart whom Diesel has stashed away. Steph has been hunting for Annie, who has been charged with armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. He offers her a deal; he will help her bring in her only major runner of the moment, if she matchmakes five of Annie's clients. It is a simple exchange except when Diesel is involved nothing is simple and exchanges do not happen.

This is an amusing, lighthearted, fun tale as Steph turns into a matchmaker with extraordinary clients whom nothing satisfies. The storyline is fast-paced as her personal life becomes more complicated then ever with Diesel dropping more than just a few hints as they negotiate a full night vs. a beer with pizza. Fans of the series will enjoy this send-off to Valentine's Day novella.

Harriet Klausner