I’ve decided I can’t really review these books in series’ that I’ve been reading for a long time. I mean really, it’s book 16 – at this point either you know the characters and writing style and are a fan or you’re not. But I know we have a number of Plum fans out there, and there were some things that occurred in this volume that I want to discuss. So, rather than a review, let’s talk about the latest Stephanie Plum adventure, Sizzling Sixteen.

*Caution, this discussion will contain spoilers!

First of all… is anyone else getting frustrated with the fact that 16 books in, Stephanie hasn’t really improved much as a bounty hunter?? I know Morelli actually said that Steph had gotten much better at her job, but after I had spent a few chapters being really annoyed by her and Lula’s stupidity I was kinda surprised to read that!  Honestly, when Steph and Lula had Chopper  in the backseat of Lula’s car and then they went into the store for snacks, I was literally yelling at my book. “He’s going to get away. He’s going to steal your car! ARGH!” Surprisingly, he didn’t steal the car, but of course he got away.

On the other hand… how many of you were amazed at Steph, Lula and Connie’s ability to plan and execute a robbery?!? I don’t know if it’s just because they added Connie to the mix and she’s the key, but personally I think those girls are far better suited for a life of Robin-Hood style crime than they ever have been for bond enforcement! Why do you think they were so successful with the robberies, when they mess up all their captures?

Now, the men in Steph’s life… Morelli or Ranger? Ranger or Morelli? I’ve been far more accepting than most when it comes to the back-and-forth thing that’s been going on for so long with Morelli and Ranger, but this book finally marked the point where even I grew tired of it. It’s time for Steph and Ranger to make an honest attempt of it. I get that Morelli is probably her long term guy, but she’ll never know for sure until she’s decided on Ranger one way or the other.  I would really like to see her and Ranger together for AT LEAST two or three books. I’m not stuck on one guy or the other, I love them both and totally get Steph’s dilemma, but it’s getting tired and it’s time to shake things up a bit.

For that matter… I’d also like to see Morelli date someone else for a while. Someone new, who has NO connection to Stephanie whatsoever. In my mind this would be the relationship that lets Morelli (and Steph) decide once and for all if Steph is the girl he wants to settle down with – despite her job and social circle.  And while we’re on the subject, I actually wouldn’t mind seeing Steph date someone entirely new for a change either. Just to add some spice. Because if Stephanie is such a catch that she has the two hottest guys in Trenton drooling over her, then surely she could snag someone else who does want the same things she wants. Right?

And lastly, the bonds office… Were you excited at the possibility of an employment change? Because I was freakin’ ecstatic when the bonds office blew up! I was giddy with the prospect of change that could have resulted from this development. I thought, “Here it is! The small shift that will allow for interesting new stories! Squee!” Of course, at that point I was thinking that Steph & co. would have to get a new job, or that perhaps the four of them would go into business together as partners. Thus allowing Steph to have more involvement in the business end of things, and possibly even make some changes along the way. But then everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow of exactly-as-it-was-before. Lula can get Vinnie back with Lucille and the business will resume exactly as we know it.  *Sigh*

This series is starting to feel a little bit like The Simpson’s for the fact that nothing ever changes. I think I could fall in love all over again if they were to change things up a bit. Steph would still be hilarious and awesome if she were in any number of jobs, and it would be more realistic if she grew up a little. I mean she’s in her 30’s and still never has groceries? C’mon!

So fellow book (and Plum) lovers, what would you like to see happen in future Stephanie Plum books? How would you change things? Or would you prefer to see things stay the same? Let’s talk!