Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum bk. 22. Headline, 2015. ISBN 9781472201652
(Age: 16+) Recommended for fans of the series. The Stephanie Plum series is back with the 22nd book, and readers will welcome the familiar themes and humour that Janet Evanovich offers. Stephanie is chasing a student, Ken Globovic (Gobbles) who was supposed to have beaten up the Dean of Students at Kiltman College and has not appeared for his court date. At the same time Doug Linken has been gunned down in his back yard and Stephanie becomes involved as Joe Morelli, her boyfriends and Ranger, the darkly handsome security expert try to find the murderer.
I had not read many of the more recent novels in the series, but found that little had changed: Stephanie is still involved with Joe Morelli, although this time he breaks the relationship off; Ranger is still alluring and hot and prepared to supply her with an unlimited number of cars, and Lula and Grandma Mazur provide some wonderful side-splitting lines.
The mystery surrounding Gobbles builds up to a surprising climax and Stephanie proves once again that she can overcome almost insurmountable obstacles. There are some moments of suspense but it is the humour that keeps the reader absorbed.
Fans of the series will be happy to sit back and read this happily entertaining escapist novel, a perfect summer read.
Pat Pledger