Going Rogue: Rise and Shine Twenty-Nine (29) (Stephanie Plum)

Stephanie Plum counts on her routine while Lula counts on her morning doughnuts, but when they arrive at the office, they’re shocked to find that it hasn’t been opened. Connie is nowhere to be seen. Retracing Connie’s steps, Stephanie stumbles upon a horrible reality – their office manager has been kidnapped, and a strange ransom has been requested in exchange for her freedom. This sends Stephanie chasing down a coin with the help of Joe Morelli and Ranger.

This twenty-ninth installment features Evanovich’s noted style, which brings Stephanie’s attitude to life through playfulness in the writing. A light tone is accomplished with clever and humorous phrasing, such as describing Grandma as being frozen in a new semi-gelatinous shape. Stephanie’s love life is touched upon throughout the mystery with her deep connection with both Morelli and Ranger. She has a different dynamic with each of them that adds drama to her life, such as her complicated history with Morelli that has grown into a deeper bond and the unpredictable future she could have with Ranger. The disappearance of a well-established character helps to create suspense successfully as you worry about this likable character. Evanovich keeps on winning! Going Rogue is fun from start to finish with a quirky, funny, and action-packed plot.