If you’re a fan of mystery or crime novels, then you’re no stranger to the works of Janet Evanovich. One of her most popular novels, “Ten Big Ones,” has been recently released in audiobook format, and we’ve got the review for you.
“Ten Big Ones” follows the story of Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter who finds herself in trouble when she witnesses a murder and is then targeted by the killer. With the help of her friends and family, Stephanie must navigate the dangerous world of bounty hunting while also trying to stay alive.
In this audiobook review, we’ll take a closer look at “Ten Big Ones,” evaluating everything from the plot and characters to the writing style and narration.
Key Takeaways:
- “Ten Big Ones” is a thrilling mystery audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Janet Evanovich’s writing style and storytelling are both highly praised in this audiobook.
- The characters in “Ten Big Ones” are dynamic and well-developed, adding depth to the story.
- The audiobook narration adds an extra layer of excitement and tension to the already gripping plot.
- If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich’s other works, you won’t be disappointed by “Ten Big Ones.”
About the Author – Janet Evanovich
Janet Evanovich is an American author born on April 22nd, 1943 in South River, New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art from Douglass College, Rutgers University.
Evanovich is a prolific author, having written over eighty novels across multiple genres, including mystery, romance, and young adult. She is best known for her Stephanie Plum series, which follows an accidental bounty hunter and has become a global phenomenon. The series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, and the audiobook versions are widely popular.
Evanovich’s writing style is known for its humor and wit, making her novels entertaining and enjoyable to read. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Crime Writers’ Association Last Laugh Award and the Dilys Award.
If you are a fan of Evanovich’s work, you may also enjoy her other popular series, such as the Fox and O’Hare series and the Knight and Moon series.
Overall, Janet Evanovich is a talented and accomplished author whose extensive body of work has made her one of the most beloved writers of our time.
Overview of “Ten Big Ones”
“Ten Big Ones” is an exhilarating audiobook that revolves around the events that transpire when Stephanie Plum, the protagonist, is tasked with capturing a seasoned bank robber. The story is set in Trenton, New Jersey and combines comedy and crime perfectly to deliver a fun and engaging storyline that will keep listeners intrigued from start to finish.
The audiobook tells the story of the hilarious and spunky bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, who is forced to confront numerous challenges as she tries to bring the notorious bank robber down. Although the book is a part of a long-running series, “Ten Big Ones” could easily be read as a stand-alone novel, making it a perfect fit for new fans of the author.
Of course, as with most of Janet Evanovich’s books, the audiobook version is a fantastic way to experience the story. The narrator, Lorelei King, does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life and keeping the listeners entertained with her lively performance.
Plot Summary
In “Ten Big Ones,” Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter, witnesses a gang executing a convenience store clerk and runs to the police station to provide evidence. The gang promises to kill her, and she is forced to hide from them while trying to apprehend other criminals on her list. The sequel follows her attempts to avoid detection and bring the gang to justice.
Stephanie’s investigation leads her to a strip club where she meets Diesel, a character from Evanovich’s earlier novels. Eventually, she is captured by the gang, but Diesel comes to her rescue. They discover that the gang executed the store clerk over a CD containing pictures of a corrupt police officer and a celebrity’s love child. This revelation leads to further investigation and the eventual capture of the corrupt policeman and the celebrity’s ex-husband.
The plot is fast-paced and engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. Stephanie’s wit and humor add depth to the narrative, making it entertaining, even in its darker moments.
Main Characters
“Ten Big Ones” features a cast of unique and intriguing characters. Stephanie Plum, the main character, is a bounty hunter struggling with her personal and professional life. She is joined by her partner, Lula, a former prostitute turned file clerk turned bounty hunter. Ranger, a mysterious and skilled investigator, also plays a significant role in the story.
Stephanie’s family also features prominently in the narrative. Her grandmother, Mazur, has a feisty personality and often provides comedic relief. Her mother, a loving but overbearing woman, is involved in a romantic subplot with Ranger. Joe Morelli, Stephanie’s on-again, off-again love interest and sometimes partner in crime-solving, also appears in the story.
The main characters of “Ten Big Ones” are richly developed and add depth to the story.
Writing Style and Narrative
Janet Evanovich’s writing style in “Ten Big Ones” is a unique blend of humor and suspense. She employs a fast-paced, conversational tone that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. Evanovich makes use of short, snappy sentences to build tension and create a sense of urgency. She also employs witty banter and clever wordplay to add levity to the narrative.
The narrative structure of the book is straightforward, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The story is told from the perspective of the protagonist, Stephanie Plum, a relatable and endearing character who is easy to root for. The plot is well-developed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Evanovich’s writing style and narrative approach make “Ten Big Ones” an enjoyable and immersive read. Her ability to balance humor and suspense creates a unique reading experience that sets this book apart from others in the genre. For those looking for an entertaining and engaging read, “Ten Big Ones” is certainly worth checking out.
Themes and Motifs
One of the most prominent themes in “Ten Big Ones” is justice. The story follows the main character, Stephanie Plum, as she seeks retribution against a group of criminals who have wronged her and her loved ones. This theme is further emphasized by the constant presence of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in the narrative.
Another significant motif in the audiobook is humor. Janet Evanovich is known for her witty writing style, and “Ten Big Ones” is no exception. The story is filled with humorous situations, clever one-liners, and comedic banter between the characters. This adds a lighthearted element to the otherwise intense storyline.
A third theme in the audiobook is loyalty. Throughout the story, Stephanie Plum’s loyalty to her family, friends, and community is tested in various ways. This theme is illustrated through the interactions between the characters and their commitment to each other, even in the face of danger and adversity.
| Themes and Motifs | Description |
|---|---|
| Justice | The pursuit of justice is a major theme throughout the audiobook, highlighted by the presence of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. |
| Humor | The audiobook features a lighthearted touch of humor, providing a break from the intense storyline and adding depth to the characters. |
| Loyalty | The characters’ loyalty to each other is tested throughout the story, illustrating the importance of family, friends, and community. |
Overall, the themes and motifs present in “Ten Big Ones” add depth and meaning to the story, making it a captivating and entertaining experience for listeners.
Audiobook Narration
The audiobook narration in “Ten Big Ones” is delivered by the talented voice actor, Lorelei King. King’s exceptional performances bring each character in the story to life, adding an extra dimension to the listening experience. She manages to capture the humor and wit of the novel, making it a joy to listen to.
King’s narration is both engaging and easy to follow. Her voice is clear and well-enunciated throughout the audiobook, making it effortless to understand every word. She infuses emotion and personality into each character, providing an immersive experience for the listener that enhances the overall story.
The sound quality of the audiobook is exceptional, allowing for clear and crisp listening. The pacing of the narration is also well-managed, speeding up and slowing down at the appropriate moments to create a sense of tension or relaxation, respectively.
Overall, the quality of the audiobook narration in “Ten Big Ones” is outstanding. It adds an extra layer of depth to the already entertaining story and makes it well worth listening to.
Impact and Reception
Since its release, “Ten Big Ones,” the audiobook by Janet Evanovich, has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some have praised the thrilling plot and humorous writing style, others have criticized the portrayal of certain characters and the overall lack of development in the novel.
On Goodreads, “Ten Big Ones” has a rating of 4.09 out of 5, based on over 100,000 ratings. Reviews range from glowing recommendations to scathing criticism. One reader praised the “fast-paced and engaging” storyline, while another felt that the characters “lacked depth” and the plot was “predictable.”
Despite the mixed reception, “Ten Big Ones” has still managed to make an impact in the literary world. In 2004, it was nominated for the “Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award” for best mystery/suspense/thriller novel. Additionally, the audiobook version, narrated by Lorelei King, was praised for her skill in bringing the characters to life.
Overall, while “Ten Big Ones” may not be for everyone, its impact on the mystery genre and the reception it has received is testament to Janet Evanovich’s ability to craft entertaining and engaging stories.
Comparison with Other Works by Janet Evanovich
Janet Evanovich is a prolific author who has written numerous bestselling novels in different genres, including mystery, romance, and suspense. “Ten Big Ones” bears some similarities to her other works, particularly those featuring the character Stephanie Plum.
One significant difference between “Ten Big Ones” and Evanovich’s other works is the shift towards a darker and more violent tone. While still retaining elements of humor and wit, “Ten Big Ones” explores more serious themes such as grief, loss, and trauma. This departure from her usual lighthearted style may appeal to readers looking for more depth and complexity in their reading.
Another similarity between “Ten Big Ones” and Evanovich’s other works is the well-crafted characters. From the lead protagonist, Stephanie Plum, to the supporting cast, each character is unique and memorable in their own right. However, “Ten Big Ones” features a larger cast of characters than some of Evanovich’s other works, allowing for more intricate plotlines and deeper character development.
Ultimately, “Ten Big Ones” showcases Janet Evanovich’s versatility as a writer while still maintaining her signature style and characters. Fans of her other works will find much to enjoy in “Ten Big Ones,” while newcomers to her writing may appreciate the darker tone and complex themes present in the audiobook.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Ten Big Ones” by Janet Evanovich is an entertaining and engaging audiobook that is sure to please fans of the author’s previous works. The fast-paced plot, quirky characters, and witty writing style make for a fun and enjoyable listening experience from start to finish.
While the audiobook narration may not be perfect in every aspect, it does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the audiobook. Fans of Janet Evanovich’s other works will find much to enjoy in “Ten Big Ones,” and those new to her writing will likely be drawn in by the humorous and engaging narrative.
Overall, this review gives “Ten Big Ones” a positive assessment, recommending it to anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining audiobook with a bit of mystery and suspense. Whether you are a die-hard Janet Evanovich fan or simply looking for a new audiobook to try, “Ten Big Ones” is definitely worth checking out.
