Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: Takedown Twenty: A Stephanie Plum Novel
- Author: Janet Evanovich
- Narrator: Lorelei King
- Length: 06:08:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 19/11/2013
- Publisher: Random House (Audio)
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Detective Stories
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
I’ve always believed that a good story can transport you, much like a journey through unfamiliar lands. When I first pressed play on ‘Takedown Twenty: A Stephanie Plum Novel’ by Janet Evanovich, narrated by the incomparable Lorelei King, I was ready to be whisked away from my dusty travel journal to the chaotic streets of Trenton, New Jersey. This audiobook experience, part of the beloved Stephanie Plum series, dropped me right into the heart of a mystery-thriller packed with humor, danger, and a giraffe named Kevin – yes, you read that right.
It reminds me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to another captivating audiobook. The surreal landscape outside mirrored the wild, unpredictable narrative I was hearing through my headphones. Similarly, ‘Takedown Twenty’ unfolds like a map of hidden trails, each chapter revealing a new detour in Stephanie Plum’s quest to track down mobster Salvatore ‘Uncle Sunny’ Sunucchi. As a bounty hunter, Stephanie’s life is a constant balancing act between danger and hilarity, and Evanovich masterfully captures this in a detective story that’s as much about family ties as it is about crime. Listening to her misadventures – bullet holes in her car, henchmen on her tail – I couldn’t help but chuckle, picturing myself dodging metaphorical bullets while navigating foreign markets or haggling over a camel ride in Morocco.
There’s a personal thread here that tugged at me while listening. Years ago, I stayed with a family in Oaxaca, where their grandmother spun tales each evening with a voice full of grit and warmth. Her storytelling, with its perfect pauses and dramatic flair, taught me the power of oral narrative. That memory came rushing back as I immersed myself in this audiobook. Lorelei King’s narration is nothing short of a masterclass in that same intimate, personal quality. Her voice carries the sass and vulnerability of Stephanie with ease, while her portrayal of quirky characters like Grandma Mazur and the enigmatic Ranger adds layers of depth to the listening experience. You can almost hear the bingo balls rolling at the senior center, or taste the tension in the air as Stephanie dodges yet another near-death encounter. King’s pacing is spot-on, matching the rapid-fire humor and suspense of Evanovich’s writing, making this mystery audiobook a delight from start to finish.
Diving into the content, ‘Takedown Twenty’ is a quintessential detective story within the mystery, thriller, and horror genre, though it leans heavily on comedic undertones. Stephanie’s mission to apprehend Uncle Sunny, charged with a brutal murder, pits her against a web of loyalty and betrayal. The stakes are personal – her boyfriend Joe Morelli’s family ties to the mobster complicate things, while his grandmother Bella actively sabotages Stephanie’s efforts. Add to that a bizarre side case with Ranger involving a bingo-playing senior’s death, and you’ve got a narrative as chaotic as a street festival in Rio. Evanovich excels at blending high-stakes crime with absurd humor, whether it’s a rogue giraffe causing havoc or Stephanie’s perpetually disastrous love life. The story’s strength lies in its character-driven plot – each interaction feels authentic, grounded in the messy, endearing reality of human connections, something I’ve come to appreciate while documenting cultures across the globe.
Yet, as much as I relished this audiobook experience, I must note a few bumps in the road. The Stephanie Plum series, now twenty books deep by this installment, occasionally treads familiar ground. The love triangle between Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger, while still engaging, feels a tad repetitive for longtime listeners. Newcomers to the series might not notice, but as someone who’s followed her escapades, I longed for a bit more evolution in her romantic arc. Additionally, while the humor is a highlight, some gags – like the recurring car destruction – can feel overplayed. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise rollicking detective tale.
Let’s talk audio quality and narrator performance, because in the world of audiobooks, these elements are as crucial as the story itself. Lorelei King, a veteran in narrating this series, brings a vibrant energy that elevates the text. Her ability to switch between characters – giving Grandma Mazur a mischievous cackle or Ranger a low, smoldering tone – is uncanny. The audio production is crisp, with no distracting background noise, allowing King’s voice to shine as she navigates the fast-paced dialogue and action sequences. For anyone seeking a mystery audiobook that feels like a cinematic experience, this is it. I found myself listening late into the night, parked under a starry sky during a recent road trip, unwilling to pause the adventure.
Comparing ‘Takedown Twenty’ to other works in the genre, it holds its own against the likes of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone series, where humor and grit also collide in detective narratives. However, Evanovich’s focus on family dynamics and over-the-top antics sets her apart, creating a niche that’s uniquely hers. If you’ve enjoyed Grafton’s mysteries or even Carl Hiaasen’s comedic thrillers, this audiobook will feel like a familiar, yet fresh, journey.
Who would I recommend this to? If you’re a fan of mystery-thriller audiobooks, especially those with strong, flawed heroines and a hefty dose of humor, ‘Takedown Twenty’ is a must-listen. It’s perfect for long drives – trust me, I’ve tested it – or lazy afternoons when you want a story that’s equal parts suspense and laughter. New listeners might want to start earlier in the series for context, but even jumping in here, the story stands on its own. And if you’re looking for a free audiobook experience, keep an eye out for promotions; snagging this gem at no cost would be a steal.
Reflecting on this audiobook, I’m reminded why I love stories that blend the ordinary with the absurd. As a travel writer, I’ve seen my share of chaos – missed buses, unexpected detours, and strange encounters in far-flung places. Stephanie Plum’s world, though fictional, mirrors that unpredictability, and listening to her navigate it feels like swapping tales with an old friend over a roadside meal. The audiobook format, with Lorelei King’s stellar performance, only deepens that connection, making ‘Takedown Twenty’ a journey worth taking.
Until our paths cross again, keep seeking stories that surprise you. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a reminder to let the road – and a good audiobook – guide your way.
