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- Title: Tricky Twenty-Two: A Stephanie Plum Novel
- Author: Janet Evanovich
- Narrator: Lorelei King
- Length: 06:28:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 17/11/2015
- Publisher: Random House (Audio)
- Genre: Romance, Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Detective Stories, Rom-Com
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about a good mystery that feels like a journey through uncharted territory, and ‘Tricky Twenty-Two: A Stephanie Plum Novel’ by Janet Evanovich, narrated by the inimitable Lorelei King, delivers just that. As a travel writer who’s always chasing the next story, I found myself instantly drawn into the chaotic, hilarious, and heart-pounding world of Stephanie Plum, Trenton’s most endearing bounty hunter. This audiobook experience unfolds like a dusty road trip through a quirky small town, full of unexpected turns, colorful characters, and a few potholes that only add to the charm.
I first stumbled into the Stephanie Plum series years ago while driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to audiobooks to keep me company across those endless, surreal landscapes. Back then, it was a different novel, but the same sense of adventure gripped me. It reminds me of a time when I was lost in the vastness of the desert, much like Stephanie often finds herself lost in the mess of her latest case. There’s a kinship in that – navigating the unknown, whether it’s a barren expanse or the underbelly of Trenton. Listening to ‘Tricky Twenty-Two,’ I felt that same thrill of discovery, as if I were peeling back the layers of a hidden history in a foreign land.
The story itself is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and rom-com antics. Stephanie is on the hunt for Ken Globovic, aka Gobbles, a college frat boy turned fugitive after missing his court date for assaulting a dean. But as with any Plum adventure, nothing is straightforward. There’s a deeper conspiracy brewing at Kiltman College, layered with Zeta fraternity shenanigans and a murder that drags in both Joe Morelli, Stephanie’s on-again-off-again cop boyfriend, and Ranger, the enigmatic security expert who always seems to be one step ahead. Evanovich weaves these threads with her signature humor – think slapstick chases and snappy dialogue – while keeping the suspense taut. You can almost feel the sticky summer heat of Trenton, taste the greasy diner food, and hear the chaos of Stephanie’s misadventures as she stumbles from one clue to the next.
What elevates this mystery-thriller into something truly special in the audiobook format is Lorelei King’s narration. Her performance is nothing short of a masterclass in storytelling, reminiscent of the evenings I spent in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother spin tales with perfect timing and emotional depth. King captures Stephanie’s sarcastic wit and perpetual exasperation with such authenticity that I found myself laughing out loud in my car. Her ability to switch between characters – giving Morelli a gruff charm, Ranger a smoky allure, and even Lula a larger-than-life sass – creates a vivid soundscape. It’s as if you’re sitting in a diner booth, overhearing every quirky conversation. The audio quality is crisp, with no distractions, making this listening experience as immersive as any bustling marketplace I’ve wandered through in my travels.
Digging into the themes, ‘Tricky Twenty-Two’ balances the lighthearted rom-com vibe with darker undercurrents of crime and betrayal. The romance between Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger is a delightful tug-of-war, a dance of attraction and frustration that any fan of romantic detective stories will devour. Yet, Evanovich doesn’t shy away from the grittier aspects of the mystery-thriller genre. The murder of Doug Linken, a universally disliked figure, adds a layer of intrigue, with a long list of suspects that keeps you guessing. It’s a narrative that mirrors the complexity of human connections I often explore in my travel writing – everyone has a story, and sometimes, the most unassuming characters hide the darkest secrets.
That said, this audiobook isn’t without its limitations. For seasoned fans of the series, the formula might feel familiar – Stephanie’s bumbling antics, the love triangle, the inevitable explosion (literal or metaphorical). While I revel in the comfort of these recurring motifs, I can see how some listeners might crave a bit more evolution in the overarching narrative. Additionally, while King’s narration is stellar, there are moments where the pacing feels rushed, especially during high-stakes action scenes. It’s a minor quibble, but as someone who savors every detail of a story like a slow-cooked meal, I occasionally wanted to linger a bit longer in the tension.
Comparing ‘Tricky Twenty-Two’ to other works in the mystery and rom-com genres, it holds its own against the likes of Carl Hiaasen’s Florida-set capers or even Evanovich’s earlier Plum novels. There’s a similar blend of humor and danger, but Stephanie’s unique voice – part hapless everywoman, part tenacious sleuth – sets this series apart. For those who enjoy detective stories with a side of romance, this audiobook is a perfect fit, echoing the playful yet perilous tone of shows like ‘Castle’ or ‘Moonlighting.’
If you’re new to audiobooks or the Stephanie Plum series, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this mystery-romance hybrid. It’s ideal for anyone who loves a good laugh, a tangled whodunit, or a steamy love triangle. Whether you’re on a long commute, a road trip, or just unwinding at home, this listening experience will transport you straight to Trenton’s chaotic streets. And if you’re lucky enough to snag this as a free audiobook – check out platforms like Audiobooks.com for deals – it’s an even sweeter deal for an adventure that costs nothing but delivers everything.
Reflecting on this journey, I can’t help but think about how stories, much like travel, connect us to places and people we’d never otherwise meet. Listening to ‘Tricky Twenty-Two,’ I felt like I was walking alongside Stephanie, dodging disasters and cracking jokes. It’s a reminder of why I love audiobooks – they’re companions on the road, much like the locals who’ve shared their tales with me over a shared meal or a dusty trail. This audiobook experience isn’t just entertainment; it’s a portal to another world, one I’m grateful to have explored.
Until our next adventure, amigos, keep your ears open for the stories that surround us. I’m Marcus Rivera, signing off with a tip of my hat to Janet Evanovich and Lorelei King for this unforgettable ride through Trenton. Where will your next story take you? Drop me a line or join me on ‘Stories from the Road’ – I’d love to hear about it. Safe travels and happy listening!
