Summary:
“To the Nines” is a fast-paced and entertaining mystery novel in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, following bounty hunter Stephanie Plum as she solves a series of daring crimes.
Book Genre:
Mystery/comedy
Main Topic of the Book:
The main topic of “To the Nines” is Stephanie Plum’s search for a missing mother and daughter, while also tracking down a notorious poker-playing killer known as “The Slasher”.
Key Ideas:
- Finding a missing person can lead to unexpected and dangerous situations
- Family relationships, both blood-related and chosen, are important in solving crimes
- A little humor can go a long way in a serious mystery
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:
- Part 1: The Missing Family – Stephanie Plum is tasked with finding a missing mother and daughter, and she enlists the help of her sidekick, Lula. As they investigate, they uncover a web of deceit and betrayal.
- Part 2: Playing with the Slasher – In the midst of her search, Stephanie also takes on the dangerous mission of catching The Slasher, a ruthless killer who is terrorizing the city’s underground poker games.
- Part 3: A Surprising Twist – Stephanie is shocked to discover that the missing mother and daughter are connected to The Slasher, and she must use all of her skills to bring the killer to justice and save the family.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of persistence and determination in solving a mystery
- The power of teamwork and relying on others for help
- The value of family, both biological and chosen, in difficult times
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Janet Evanovich is a bestselling author with over 50 novels to her name. She is known for her humorous mystery novels, particularly the Stephanie Plum series. Evanovich has won numerous awards for her work, including the Crime Writers’ Association’s John Creasey Memorial, Last Laugh, and Silver Dagger awards.
Target Audience:
“To the Nines” is targeted towards readers who enjoy light-hearted mystery novels with a touch of humor. Fans of Janet Evanovich’s previous works, as well as readers who appreciate a strong female protagonist, will also enjoy this book.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
“To the Nines” was published by St. Martin’s Press and was first released in 2003.