It's March, it's snowing and Stephanie Plum is back with a bang! For those who have read the earlier books it will come as no surprise when you realise that not much has changed in her chaotic life. At the end of High Five readers are left guessing as to whom Stephanie let into her into her apartment while wearing an extremely slinky dress with the express intentions of seduction.
Hot Six finds Stephanie dealing with sexual frustration, homicidal maniacs as well as the invariable car crashes. Too make things worse her mentor the Cuban American Ranger has disappeared without any trace. He has gone FTA (failure to appear) Stephanie has been ordered by her boss and cousin Vinnie to find Ranger and bring him in or the case will be given to her arch enemy Joyce Barnhardt. While the thought of trying to bring Ranger in leaves a lot to be desired Stephanie would rather it was she than Joyce who apprehends him. However, this problem pales into comparison after Grandma Mazur decides to move in with Stephanie. Grandma's presence in her apartment of course hinders any thoughts Morelli might have on appropriating Stephanie's body. Not only that but now there is another male in her life. He's big, yellow and howls the place down if left alone.
What can be said about Stephanie that hasn't already been said? She is feisty, has a great attitude but she still can't make up her mind about Morelli. Her heart says that she is in love with him, but her head and body sometimes tells her otherwise especially when Ranger is in the vicinity All the regulars are present plus some new faces. As usual the pace is fast, furious and incredibly funny. Hot Six is a welcome addition to the series and if you haven't read the earlier books then you don't know what you have been missing! I dare anyone to say that they have managed to read a complete Stephanie Plum book without laughing out loud at some stage or another. Welcome back Stephanie! You have been sorely missed.
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Ayo Onatade
November 2000