NOW OR NEVER, JANET EVANOVICH

NOW OR NEVER,
Janet Evanovich

Synopsis

She said yes to Morelli. She said yes to Ranger. Now Stephanie Plum has two fiancés and no idea what to do about it. But the way things are going, she might not live long enough to marry anyone.

While Stephanie stalls for time, she buries herself in her work as a bounty hunter, tracking down an unusually varied assortment of fugitives from justice. There’s Eugene Fleck, a seemingly sweet online influencer who might also be YouTube star Robin Hoodie, masked hero to the homeless, who hijacks delivery trucks and distributes their contents to the needy. She’s also on the trail of Bruno Jug, a wealthy and connected man in the wholesale produce business who is rumored to traffic young girls alongside lettuce and tomatoes. Most terrifying of all is Zoran—a laundromat manager by day and self-proclaimed vampire by night with a taste for the blood of pretty girls. When he shows up on Stephanie’s doorstep, it’s not for the meatloaf dinner.

With timely assists from her stalwart supporters Lula, Connie, and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie uses every trick in the book to reel in these men. But only she can decide what to do about the two men she actually loves. She can’t hold Ranger and Morelli at bay for long, and she’s keeping a secret from them that is the biggest bombshell of all. Now or never, she’s got to make the decision of a lifetime.

Richard says…

Janet Evanovich’s latest Stephanie Plum novel, Now or Never, plunges readers into the chaotic, laugh-out-loud world of Trenton, New Jersey’s most accident-prone bounty hunter. Stephanie once again juggling her complicated love life, a quirky cast of supporting characters, and a new, bewildering case that only she could stumble into.

This installment sees Stephanie tasked with tracking down a skipping bail jumper who also happens to be a renowned local baker. What starts as a seemingly straightforward assignment quickly spirals into a signature Evanovich adventure filled with mistaken identities, explosions, and an abundance of delicious (and sometimes weaponized) pastries. The plot, while not groundbreaking for the series, provides ample opportunity for Stephanie’s unique brand of bumbling heroism and her often-hilarious interactions with the criminal underworld.

The core appeal of the Stephanie Plum series has always been its characters, and Now or Never delivers on this front. Lula, the larger-than-life ex-hooker, continues to steal every scene she’s in, providing much of the comedic relief and surprisingly astute observations. Grandma Mazur, ever the wild card, adds her own brand of chaos, often with a shotgun in hand. And, of course, the perennial love triangle between Stephanie, the dependable Joe Morelli, and the enigmatic Ranger remains a central, albeit slowly evolving, dynamic. Evanovich expertly weaves their personal dramas into high-stakes and low-logic bounty hunting escapades.

The novel is a crazy ride of events, incidents and character interactions that will have you laughing and wondering how anyone can come up with such a wacky but engaging story. A modern day Robin Hood, a serial killer convinced and convincing as Dracula, a fruit grocer who’s a mobster, and a lovable hooker who’s the purveyor of Boston Cream Pie donuts to a bail bonds office of women who charm as much as they astonish.

While the formula remains largely consistent, Now or Never offers a comforting dose of the escapist humor and lighthearted mystery that many readers will enjoy. It’s a quick, enjoyable read perfect for those looking for a predictable yet entertaining romp with beloved characters. If you’re Evanovich fan, this book will feel like catching up with old friends. If you’re new to the series, it’s a good entry point to understand the Plum universe.

Overall, it’s a solid addition to the series continuing its charming entertainment value. Pure escapism.