Look Alive Twenty-Five

“Look Alive Twenty-Five” is the twenty-fifth installment in Janet Evanovich’s immensely popular Stephanie Plum series. Narrated by Lorelei King, the audiobook version offers a delightful way to experience the humorous and action-packed adventures of bounty hunter Stephanie Plum and her eccentric crew of friends and colleagues. In this review, we’ll explore the audiobook adaptation of “Look Alive Twenty-Five,” discussing its plot, characters, narration, themes, and reception.

Title: Look Alive Twenty-Five

Author: Janet Evanovich

Narrator: Lorelei King

Publication Date: November 2018

Audiobook Release Date: November 2018

Introduction:

The Stephanie Plum series, created by Janet Evanovich, is a long-running and beloved series in the mystery and romantic suspense genres. Stephanie Plum, the series’ central character, is a bounty hunter based in Trenton, New Jersey. Her misadventures, quirky family, and eccentric associates make for a winning combination of humor, romance, and mystery.

In “Look Alive Twenty-Five,” Stephanie Plum is back on the job, tracking down bond jumpers and navigating the often chaotic world of bounty hunting. The audiobook adaptation, narrated by Lorelei King, brings the characters and their escapades to life, offering listeners an engaging and immersive experience.

Plot Summary:

“Look Alive Twenty-Five” follows Stephanie Plum as she takes on a new case, this time involving a missing manager from the Red River Deli in Trenton. Ken Globovic, also known as “Gobbles,” vanished without a trace, leaving behind a string of strange occurrences at the deli.

As Stephanie delves deeper into the case, she discovers that the Red River Deli is embroiled in a bizarre and comical feud with its neighboring funeral home. With quirky characters, escalating tensions, and oddball situations, Stephanie’s investigation quickly becomes a rollercoaster of chaos and laughter.

Meanwhile, Stephanie continues to navigate her romantic life, torn between her attraction to Joe Morelli, a Trenton cop, and the enigmatic Ranger, a security expert and her mentor in the bounty hunting business. Amid the mayhem of her personal and professional life, Stephanie must solve the mystery of Gobbles’ disappearance while keeping her wits about her.

The audiobook adaptation captures the fast-paced and humorous nature of the plot, making it an ideal choice for listeners seeking a lighthearted and entertaining mystery.

Characters:

The Stephanie Plum series is known for its colorful cast of characters, each contributing to the series’ humor and charm. In “Look Alive Twenty-Five,” listeners encounter familiar faces and some new additions:

1. Stephanie Plum: The series’ protagonist, Stephanie, is a witty and resourceful bounty hunter who often finds herself in absurd predicaments. Her endearing imperfections and knack for attracting trouble make her a beloved character among fans.
2. Lula: Stephanie’s larger-than-life, fashion-forward sidekick and fellow bounty hunter. Lula’s outrageous personality and fashion choices provide comic relief throughout the series.
3. Joe Morelli: A Trenton cop and Stephanie’s on-again, off-again love interest. Joe’s protective nature and affection for Stephanie add a romantic element to the series.
4. Ranger: A mysterious and skilled security expert who mentors Stephanie in the bounty hunting business. Ranger’s enigmatic presence and undeniable chemistry with Stephanie create romantic tension in the series.
5. Grandma Mazur: Stephanie’s eccentric and fearless grandmother, known for her unconventional behavior and penchant for attending funerals.
6. Ken “Gobbles” Globovic: The missing deli manager and central figure in the novel’s mystery. Gobbles’ disappearance sets the story in motion, and his character adds an element of intrigue.
7. Supporting Characters: The audiobook introduces various supporting characters, including eccentric deli employees, rival funeral home directors, and assorted bond jumpers, each contributing to the book’s humor and chaos.

The dynamic interactions and relationships between these characters create a sense of camaraderie and chaos that defines the Stephanie Plum series.

Narration and Audio Production:

Lorelei King, an accomplished audiobook narrator known for her work in the mystery and romance genres, brings her talent to “Look Alive Twenty-Five.” Her narration style is well-suited to the series, capturing the humor, wit, and distinctive voices of the characters.

Key elements of King’s narration include:

1. Character Differentiation: King excels at giving each character a unique and recognizable voice, allowing listeners to distinguish between them easily. From Stephanie’s sassy tone to Lula’s exuberance, King’s vocal range adds depth to the characters.
2. Emotional Delivery: King effectively conveys the characters’ emotions, whether it’s Stephanie’s exasperation, Joe’s protectiveness, or the humor underlying the story’s comedic moments.
3. Pacing and Clarity: The pacing of King’s narration maintains an engaging tempo, ensuring that listeners remain captivated by the audiobook’s flow. Her clear and articulate delivery enhances the overall listening experience.
4. Consistency: King’s consistency in maintaining the characters’ voices throughout the audiobook ensures a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

The quality of the audio production, including sound clarity and background noise control, contributes to the audiobook’s overall excellence. Lorelei King’s narration enhances the humor and charm of the Stephanie Plum series, making “Look Alive Twenty-Five” a delightful audiobook for fans and newcomers alike.

Themes and Style:

“Look Alive Twenty-Five” embraces several themes and stylistic elements common to the Stephanie Plum series:

1. Humor and Comedy: The series is known for its humor, wit, and comedic situations. Janet Evanovich infuses the story with lighthearted humor, witty dialogue, and absurd predicaments that keep readers and listeners laughing.
2. Romantic Tension: Stephanie Plum’s romantic entanglements with Joe Morelli and Ranger provide a recurring theme throughout the series. The audiobook explores the complexities of her relationships and the choices she must make.
3. Mystery and Intrigue: Each installment in the series features a central mystery or case that Stephanie must solve. The novel combines humor with elements of suspense and intrigue to keep listeners engaged.
4. Quirky Characters: Eccentric and memorable characters, such as Lula, Grandma Mazur, and various bond jumpers, contribute to the series’ unique charm and comedic style.
5. Family Dynamics: The Plum family, including Stephanie’s parents and grandmother, play a significant role in the series, highlighting themes of family bonds and eccentricity.

Janet Evanovich’s writing style combines these elements to create a distinctive and enjoyable reading or listening experience.

Reception and Audience:

Understanding how “Look Alive Twenty-Five” has been received by readers and listeners can provide insight into its appeal and quality. Reader reviews, ratings, and discussions can offer a sense of the audiobook’s strengths and weaknesses. The Stephanie Plum series has a dedicated fan base that appreciates its humor, character-driven storytelling, and romantic elements.

Additionally, identifying the target audience for the audiobook—whether it’s fans of mystery, romantic suspense, or humorous fiction—can help determine whether “Look Alive Twenty-Five” aligns with your preferences as a listener.

Conclusion:

“Look Alive Twenty-Five” is a welcome addition to the Stephanie Plum series, delivering the humor, mystery, and romantic tension that fans have come to love. The audiobook adaptation, narrated by Lorelei King, enhances the storytelling experience by giving voice to the beloved characters and capturing the comedic essence of Janet Evanovich’s writing.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Stephanie Plum’s adventures or a newcomer to the series, “Look Alive Twenty-Five” offers an entertaining and humorous listening experience. Janet Evanovich’s signature blend of humor, romance, and mystery shines through in this audiobook, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a fun and engaging audiobook to enjoy.