One sentence summary:
In “Seven Up” by Janet Evanovich, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum gets herself entangled in a dangerous and humorous adventure while trying to track down her latest fugitive.
Book genre:
Mystery/Comedy
Main topic of the book:
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum’s ongoing quest to catch fugitives, while navigating her unconventional personal life and dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics.
Key ideas:
- The importance of loyalty and family ties, even when they can be chaotic and unconventional.
- The power of friendship and teamwork in overcoming obstacles.
- The comedic nature of everyday life, even in dangerous situations.
- The consequences of being responsible for one’s actions.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Introduction: Stephanie is on the hunt for an elderly bail-jumper, Eddie DeChooch, who has a knack for escaping capture.
- The Love Triangle: Stephanie is torn between her on-again, off-again relationship with cop Joe Morelli and her growing feelings for the sexy yet mysterious bounty hunter Ranger.
- Fugitive Hunting: Stephanie chases fugitives, including a cheater and a gambling addict, while dealing with humorous mishaps and dangerous situations.
- The Unlikely Helper: To catch Eddie DeChooch, Stephanie teams up with retired mobster and her unofficial sidekick, Uncle Lou.
- The Final Showdown: Stephanie’s search for DeChooch takes her to a mafia wedding, where she confronts her suspicions about Ranger and ultimately faces her fears and captures the fugitive.
Key takeaways:
- Bonds with family and friends are important to navigate through life’s challenges.
- Tough situations can often lead to humorous outcomes.
- It’s important to take responsibility for one’s actions.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Janet Evanovich is a bestselling author known for her Stephanie Plum series, as well as other works, including romance and thrillers. She worked as a secretary, a law firm receptionist, a bookkeeper, and a management trainee before becoming a full-time writer.
Target audience:
Fans of mystery novels, particularly those who enjoy a mix of humor and romance. Also, readers who appreciate strong female protagonists and a bit of action and adventure.
Publisher and first publication date:
St. Martin’s Press, June 18, 2002