Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum Novels) Paperback – June 22, 2010

Packaging makes a difference. The cover on this audiobook uses fat letters in bright primary colors, and the manner of reading by Lori Petty suggests a middle school student, 13 going on thirty. The result is that I remember this story in pictures, as if it had been a comic book in the style of the classic Tin-Tin adventures. That is a tribute to the Author's vivid descriptions of place and person.Inspired by the Author's volume "How I Write," I picked up this, the second of her lengthening series (twenty-some) of Stephanie Plumb novels. The first, "One for the Money," was too expensive, but the subsequent ones are very reasonable, and I enjoyed the present reading well enough to pick up "Three to Get Ready," also read by Lori Petty.I listened to an abridged version and that always leaves me wondering what I missed. On the other hand, a three-disc book (2 and a half hours) goes quickly and is a suitable for audio-listeners afraid of commitment, or who want a change of pace after finishing a volume from Durant's "Story of Civilization."It is an action-packed story with lots of colorful characters, narrated from the protagonist's point of view. Some are in the middle world between ethnic background and thoroughly American, sharing a long history in the Trenton New Jersey neighborhood. As a "bounty hunter," a private agent who finds those who have skipped out on bail for the bonding company, Stephanie learns on the job and responds to surprising developments in equally surprising ways. A man refuses to go with her to court, and moons her in his living room, in front of his wife, no less- so Stephanie tasers him in the rear and he slumps on the floor. Note how the problem shifts from finding, to persuading, to transporting, and similar sequential chains extend through the story leading the reader to wonder either what will happen next, or how she will get out of this one. The dynamics are similar to detective stories but with more focus on events than a given problem.Our main character, Ms. Plumb, is not given to reflection and is kept so busy by her job and family, and occasional shopping or romantic interest, that she doesn't have time to think much beyond the job. The injuries and threats are so numerous and attention grabbing that she doesn't have time to hurt. She is running in heels the day after she had suffered some injury, and the attempt on her grandmother's life is a problem to be solved rather than the crisis it would be for most of us. It recalls cartoon fights where the character is clunked on the head hard enough to make him unconscious and the next moment he is as good as new. All this stuff is entertaining, and harmless as long as we realize that it isn't real.It struck me that there are no real adults in the story, no principled individuals, just people to accommodate to, whether your mom's demand that you have dinner on Sunday, or the oily funeral director, or the police guy who comes on in the middle of a stake out. Part of our protagonist's problem solving skills is her willingness to cut corners whether it is trespassing, assault, lying, or "borrowing." What we admire as "pluck" may actually be what Nietzsche described as the "Superman" who we admire and follow because he (or in this case she) does what we would scruple to do.Interestingly, there is an absence of feminist consciousness. Our protagonist is too busy trying to pay the rent to entertain thoughts of solidarity with other women. And she is thoroughly independent and self-reliant, untroubled by doubts as to her attractiveness, which she takes for granted. This is literature for working people. It is their experiences in service industry, fixing cars, embalming bodies, enforcing law, and collecting bills that are portrayed here. One part of the series' success is that the stories reflect that often-neglected world where people are hustling to make a living, more concerned with people and events rather than ideas and ideals.In sum, the story is vivid, entertaining, a little shallow, but colorful, an enjoyable comic book experience.

I will never forget the name Lori Petty, her performance in this story is a cross between disinterested and rushed. She doesn't have much vocal range to play the parts of the different characters in the story, and over all she's pretty monotone and it sounds like she's distracted and struggling to get the words pronounced correctly, rushing through the story to get it over with. Luckily the later stories are read by Lorelei King, a marked difference in talent. I will make sure to only buy those moving forward.

This series has become my guilty pleasure lately. My go-to place after a dark or otherwise exhausting book. I know that there are a lot in the series and this has only been the second one, but I've become hooked already.I like and care about the characters. The writing is really witty and outright hilarious sometimes. The whole thing is just ridiculous and really nice at the same time somehow.The whole story is really not a priority and the crimefighting storyline seems to be needed only to maintain some framework for the other craziness happening. This will possibly change slightly (if Stephanie gets into the business a little bit more), but if not, it does not bother me.It's just pure, innocent fun.I really recommend it.

Perfect light reading. Evanovich is is one of the few writers who can make me laugh out loud. I must admit that part of the pleasure I took from the book was based on some of her inside cracks about "the burgh" in Trenton. I worked there as a reporter for five years and I can assure you she only exaggerates a little bit. Her main character, Stephanie Plum, is a bit reckless, but always a fun companion. If you are looking for character-driven complex novels, this book is not for you. But if you are looking for a fun fast read that will put a smile on your face, grab this novel. This is the second in the Stephanie Plum series so it might be a good idea to read No.1, which I think is called "One for the Money" first.

What took me so long to find this series? Stephanie Plum is the funniest, most outspoken, honest character that I ever could have imagined. I read the first book, immediately ordered the second book, and have been steadily devouring them one after another for the last 2 weeks. I am thoroughly entertained.Readers, be warned. This is not a cozy mystery series. Be prepared for foul language, explosions, murders and mayhem. Stephanie brings you with her into all types of situations, describing her thoughts and plans, sharing her moods and desires. Expect no holds barred, blow by blow details. Will Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter get her man? Who will get her?I have not laughed out loud so much reading in a very, very long time. Yay, Stephanie Plum.

Such a fast and fun read! This is one of those series you just can’t take seriously...like, at all. Yes, there are plot holes, as well as obvious moments of “how did you not see that coming,” but really this is a book to be enjoyed for the absolute fun of it all. Instead, sit back and fall into the insane world of Stephanie Plum and watch that crazy, inept woman operate. At times she is ditzy and zany, and other times her lightbulb glows way bright; you kinda want to applaud her then lol. The interactions between her and Morelli are a hoot, the rest of the cast is entertaining and overall this is just a funny way to spend a couple hours.

I gave the first book five stars for humor, fast pacing, and originality. Comparatively book two is worse in every way... i would almost even dare to use the "b" word (boring).While "Two for the Dough" includes the same cast of characters, the originality of each character in the first book has been replaced by characters who do the same thing over and over again regardless of past mistakes. e.g: Maybe the fifth time that Stephanie sits in the open in her brightly colored vehicle she wont be spotted!If you are not as picky as me, book two will probably make you happy. It is in the same vein as the first book.

The second novel in the Stephanie Plum series sees the bounty hunter in her second case - trying to catch an elusive bail skipper. The story feels instantly forgettable (I can't recall what happened in the first book either), and seemed to be missing an opening chapter that would have reintroduced the characters and set up the plot.The story took a while to get going and a long time for me to get into it. The chapters seemed too long and were, particularly at the beginning of the book, very repetitive, which didn't help grip me. The plot really felt that it wasn't going anywhere, and at the end I was left feeling cheated out of anything much happening, and that the characters hadn't been on any sort of journey.The main character is quite annoying, and the rest of the cast are equally frustrating to read about. The comedic elements felt very forced and slapstick and the male characters are entirely one-dimensional.Looking back, I enjoyed the first book in the series, and commented on how well-constructed the characters and plot were. This sequel then was a terrible disappointment. I hope it's just a blip and that the remainder of the series will turn out stronger when I read them.

Unusual, good fun. Have not come across an author like this one. Her lead character Stephanie is very original.

Great fun and very entertaining.The only drawback is once hooked on Stephanie Plum you have to keep buying.

Stephanie's back, and she's just as haphazardly-badass as ever.Grandma Mazur steals this book for me, she is such a hilarious, wonderfully written character, so hats off to Evanovich. That's not to say that I don't love Stephanie, and all of the other characters. That Morelli, well, let's just say there's a certain car scene where I would have made the complete opposite decision that Stephanie did.I gave this four stars rather than five because for me it wasn't quite as good as the first Stephanie Plum novel, One for the Money, but I'm not entirely sure whether that's because the plot was slightly slower or because with the first one I was so excited to have found a truly unique, in my reading experience at least, book and with the second I kind of knew what I was getting.If you like mystery with some action, major laughs and a little sexy time thrown in then this is the series for you. I will definitely be buying the next book in this series. A.

Not your normal Bounty Hunter as seen on television. She is not big or beefy and she does not like shooting people so invariably leaves her gun at home in the cookie jar. Even if she were to take it with her she can't use it. Her mentor is Ranger a will-o-the-wisp Latino for whom everyone has the hots. The situations she gets herself into has me in stitches - the stories just get better and better and the books are un-putdownable!