Watch out, world. Here comes Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter with
attitude. In Stephanie's opinion, toxic waste, rabid drivers, armed
schizophrenics, and August heat, humidity, and hydrocarbons are all part
of the great adventure of living in Jersey. She's a product of the
"burg, " a blue-collar pocket of Trenton where houses are attached and
narrow, cars are American, windows are clean, and (God forbid you should
be late) dinner is served at six. Now Stephanie's all grown up and out
on her own, living five miles from Mom and Dad's, doing her best to
sever the world's longest umbilical cord. Her mother is a meddler, and
her grandmother is a few cans short of a case. Out of work and out of
money, with her Miata repossessed and her refrigerator empty, Stephanie
blackmails her bail bondsman cousin, Vinnie, into giving her a try as an
apprehension agent. Stephanie knows zilch about the job requirements,
but she figures her new pal, fearless bounty hunter Ranger, can teach
her what it takes to catch a crook. Her first assignment: nail Joe
Morelli, a former vice cop on the run from a charge of murder one.
Morelli is also the irresistible macho pig who took Stephanie's
virginity at age sixteen and then wrote the details on the bathroom wall
of Mario's Sub Shop. There's still powerful chemistry between these two,
so the chase should be interesting. It could also be extremely
dangerous, especially when Stephanie encounters a heavyweight title
contender who likes to play rough. Benito Ramirez is known for his
brutality to women. At the very least, his obsession with Stephanie
complicates her manhunt and brings terror and uncertainty into her life.
At worst, it could lead to murder. Witty, fresh,and full of surprises,
One for the Money is among the most eagerly awaited crime novels of the
season.
