Dirty Thirty – A Wild Diamond Hunt with Bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum

1. About the Author: Janet Evanovich

Janet Evanovich is one of America’s best-selling authors, best known for her humorous mystery series featuring the quirky bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. With dozens of titles hitting the New York Times Best Seller list, Janet has crafted a unique writing style that blends comedy, suspense, and romance seamlessly. Her most notable works include One for the Money, Top Secret Twenty-One, Game On, and the long-running Stephanie Plum series, which now reaches its 30th installment with Dirty Thirty. Evanovich’s writing captivates readers with fast-paced plots, snappy dialogue, and a relatable yet comically flawed heroine.

2. About the Narrator: Lorelei King

Lorelei King is a renowned audiobook narrator, closely associated with the Stephanie Plum series. She has received numerous accolades, including Audie Awards, and is considered one of the finest female voices in the audiobook industry. King’s narration is known for its dynamic range – she excels at voicing both male and female characters and infuses each personality with distinct energy and tone. In Dirty Thirty, Lorelei shines again, especially with her portrayal of Lula’s sass and Grandma Mazur’s eccentricity, adding a new layer of charm to the story.

3. About the Book: Dirty Thirty

Dirty Thirty is the 30th book in Janet Evanovich’s wildly popular Stephanie Plum series, released on October 31, 2023, by Simon & Schuster. The story follows Stephanie Plum, who is hired by a jeweler to track down Andy “Nutsy” Manley, a former security guard suspected of stealing a tray of diamonds. Simultaneously, Stephanie is on the trail of Duncan Dugan, a fugitive involved in a robbery that happened the same day. With her long-time on-and-off boyfriend Joe Morelli out of town, the mysterious security expert Ranger steps in, complicating her love life further.

The novel blends elements of mystery, comedy, and romance, staying true to the series’ signature style. Returning fan-favorite characters like Lula, Grandma Mazur, and Bob the dog add layers of hilarity and familiarity. Dirty Thirty averages 4.3/5 stars on Goodreads, with thousands of positive reviews praising its humor, pacing, and lovable characters. It’s a standout title that continues the tradition of high-quality entertainment for loyal readers and newcomers alike.

4. Book Review: Dirty Thirty

Dirty Thirty continues the Stephanie Plum saga with the same engaging tone that has made the series a bestseller. Janet Evanovich delivers a tightly woven plot packed with funny moments, unexpected twists, and awkward encounters. The story is relatively straightforward but enhanced by vibrant character interactions and rapid-fire humor.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is its ability to balance mystery with comedy. While the crimes aren’t deeply complex, the chaotic way Stephanie handles her cases – often with Lula’s outrageous side commentary – makes for a thoroughly entertaining read.

Some longtime readers might find the love triangle between Stephanie, Morelli, and Ranger repetitive, but for many fans, this familiar formula is part of the charm. For newcomers or those looking for a light mystery with strong comedic elements, Dirty Thirty delivers exactly what it promises – fun, flair, and fast-paced chaos.

5. Audiobook Review: Dirty Thirty

The Dirty Thirty audiobook, narrated by Lorelei King, is a true highlight of the listening experience. According to AudioFile Magazine, King “masterfully portrays every character, from Stephanie’s witty quips to Lula’s over-the-top dramatics and Ranger’s smooth intensity.” Her ability to switch effortlessly between characters makes the audiobook feel like a fully cast audio drama.

Strengths:

• Clear, expressive, and energetic narration.

• Impressive vocal distinction between characters.

• Excellent pacing and emotional delivery.

Weaknesses:

• New listeners might find King’s theatrical style a bit overwhelming at first, but for fans, it’s precisely what brings the book to life.

Average ratings:

• Audible: 4.7/5

• Apple Books: 4.8/5

Lorelei’s performance doesn’t just read the book – it animates it.

6. Who Should Read or Listen to This Book?

Dirty Thirty is a perfect choice for:

• Fans of comedic mysteries and light-hearted crime fiction.

• Longtime readers of the Stephanie Plum series.

• New listeners looking for an engaging, easy-to-follow audiobook.

• Readers who enjoy quirky characters, unpredictable plots, and a dash of romance.

If you’re looking for something fun, funny, and full of lovable chaos, this book is for you.

7. Conclusion

Janet Evanovich proves that the Stephanie Plum series still has plenty of fuel in the tank, even after thirty books. Dirty Thirty brings together all the ingredients that fans love: explosive situations, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and endearing characters who feel like old friends. Combined with Lorelei King’s outstanding narration, the audiobook version adds a whole new layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Whether you’re a veteran fan or a curious newcomer, Dirty Thirty deserves a place on your reading or listening list.

8. Where to Listen

You can listen to the Dirty Thirty audiobook on these platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream online or download for offline listening.

• Audible (Amazon) – Free 30-day trial available for new users.

Consider subscribing to these services for more convenient access to Dirty Thirty and the rest of the Stephanie Plum series, wherever you go.