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- Title: Fortune and Glory: Tantalizing Twenty-Seven
- Author: Janet Evanovich
- Narrator: Lorelei King
- Length: 07:13:24
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 03/11/2020
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense, Detective Stories, Humor
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about a story that unfolds like a dusty map to hidden treasure, each turn revealing a new danger or delight. That’s exactly the vibe I got while diving into the ‘Fortune and Glory: Tantalizing Twenty-Seven’ audiobook by Janet Evanovich, a master of mystery and humor. As a travel writer who’s chased stories across deserts and jungles, I’m no stranger to the thrill of the hunt, and this twenty-seventh installment of the Stephanie Plum series delivers just that – a high-stakes chase through the quirky streets of Trenton, New Jersey, for a fortune that’s as elusive as it is life-changing.
I first popped in my earbuds for this listening experience while driving through the winding backroads of the American Southwest, the landscape a stark contrast to Stephanie Plum’s urban chaos but somehow the perfect backdrop for her antics. It reminds me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ Just as García Márquez’s magical realism mirrored the surreal desert outside my window, Evanovich’s blend of suspense and humor felt like a companion to the open road – unpredictable, lively, and full of heart. There’s a certain intimacy to an audiobook experience; it’s like having a friend narrate a wild tale just for you, and ‘Fortune and Glory’ captures that feeling perfectly.
The story centers on Stephanie Plum, the lovable bounty hunter who’s always knee-deep in trouble, and her Grandma Mazur, who’s just inherited a mysterious set of keys and a beat-up chair after her new husband dies on their wedding night. These keys, it turns out, are the gateway to a fortune tied to the late Jimmy Rosolli, and the hunt for this treasure becomes the biggest case of Stephanie’s career. But they’re not alone – dangerous enemies from the past and a new rival, the formidable Gabriela Rose, are hot on their trail. Gabriela, with her designer clothes and soldier-of-fortune skills, is a dark-eyed force from Little Havana who gives Stephanie a real run for her money. Add to that the ever-present romantic tension between Joe Morelli and Ranger, and you’ve got a mystery thriller that’s as much about heart as it is about humor.
What struck me most was the unbreakable bond between Stephanie and her family, especially Grandma Mazur. It took me back to evenings spent with a family in Oaxaca, where their grandmother would weave stories with such warmth and timing that every listener was spellbound. I often think of those nights when I listen to audiobooks, and in ‘Fortune and Glory,’ Evanovich captures that same familial closeness – a stubborn, messy, beautiful connection that anchors the chaos of the treasure hunt. You can almost feel the warmth of Grandma Mazur’s kitchen, taste the diner coffee, and hear the banter that’s equal parts sharp and loving. As someone who’s spent years documenting human connections across cultures, I found this theme of family to be the beating heart of the story, grounding even the wildest plot twists.
Now, let’s talk about the audiobook experience itself, because Lorelei King’s narration elevates this detective story to another level. King, a veteran narrator of the Stephanie Plum series, embodies each character with a distinct voice and energy that makes you forget you’re listening to a single person. Stephanie’s mix of sarcasm and vulnerability comes through in every line, while Grandma Mazur’s quirky boldness had me chuckling out loud. King’s pacing is spot-on for a suspense novel – she knows when to slow down for tension and when to speed up for the comedic beats that define Evanovich’s humor genre style. The audio quality from Simon & Schuster Audio is crisp, with no distracting background noise, making it a seamless listening experience whether you’re on a long drive or just unwinding at home.
Thematically, ‘Fortune and Glory’ excels as a mystery and thriller by keeping the stakes high and the twists coming. The treasure hunt is a classic trope, but Evanovich infuses it with fresh danger through Gabriela Rose, whose complexity as an antagonist adds depth to the suspense. As a storyteller who’s often chased hidden histories in far-off places, I appreciated how the search for fortune becomes a metaphor for Stephanie’s own inner journey – testing her deepest feelings and forcing her to confront choices about love and loyalty. The humor, a hallmark of the series, is as sharp as ever, balancing the darker edges of the horror-thriller elements with laugh-out-loud moments that only Stephanie Plum can deliver.
That said, no story is without its limitations, and I’d be remiss not to mention a few. For longtime fans of the series, some plot points might feel familiar – Stephanie’s romantic indecision between Morelli and Ranger, while compelling, treads well-worn ground. As someone who values fresh narratives in my own travel writing, I occasionally wished for a bolder resolution to this triangle. Additionally, while Gabriela Rose is a fascinating new character, her backstory could use more depth to fully flesh out her motivations. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging detective story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Comparing ‘Fortune and Glory’ to other works in the mystery and humor genres, it holds its own against the likes of Carl Hiaasen’s Florida-set capers, where quirky characters and wild plots reign supreme. Evanovich’s Trenton feels just as alive as Hiaasen’s Everglades, though her focus on family ties gives her work a warmer edge. For audiobook lovers, Lorelei King’s performance rivals narrators like Jim Dale in the Harry Potter series – both bring an ensemble cast to life with uncanny skill.
If you’re new to the Stephanie Plum series or a longtime fan, this audiobook is a must-listen, especially for anyone who craves a mix of fiction and literature with mystery, thriller, and humor. It’s perfect for road trips, lazy afternoons, or any time you need a dose of adventure with a side of laughter. I’d especially recommend it to listeners who enjoy strong female leads and stories where family is both a strength and a hilarious liability. While I can’t confirm if this audiobook is free, I can say that the listening experience is worth every penny for fans of suspense and detective stories.
Reflecting on this tale, I’m reminded why I’m drawn to stories of treasure and grit – they mirror the journeys I’ve taken across continents, where the real fortune often lies in the people you meet along the way. ‘Fortune and Glory: Tantalizing Twenty-Seven’ isn’t just about finding wealth; it’s about the stubborn, messy love that keeps us going. As I listened to Stephanie dodge danger and banter with Grandma Mazur, I couldn’t help but think of my own family – their quirks, their fierce loyalty, and the stories we’ve built together. This audiobook experience didn’t just entertain; it felt like a reminder of home, no matter where the road takes me.
Until our paths cross again, keep seeking the stories that spark your soul. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a tip of my hat to Janet Evanovich and Lorelei King for a journey worth every mile. Happy listening, amigos!
