Four to Score
8.34 / 10 151K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2020
- Publisher
- St. Martin's Press
- Pages
- 352
- ISBN
- 9781250057969
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is back in Trenton, New Jersey, facing a new challenge in the form of Maxine Nowicki, a waitress accused of stealing her ex-boyfriend's valuable car and then skipping bail. What begins as a routine apprehension quickly escalates when Maxine proves elusive, and those connected to her start turning up dead. Stephanie finds herself navigating a dangerous game where her target is not only hiding but possibly involved in something far more sinister.
As Stephanie hunts for answers, she must contend with a rival bounty hunter, her complicated relationships with vice cop Joe Morelli and the enigmatic Ranger, and the unpredictable antics of her Grandma Mazur and sidekick Lula. With threats escalating from cryptic messages to firebombs, Stephanie's pursuit of Maxine plunges her into a world of unexpected twists and perilous situations, all while maintaining her signature blend of determination and humor.
As Stephanie hunts for answers, she must contend with a rival bounty hunter, her complicated relationships with vice cop Joe Morelli and the enigmatic Ranger, and the unpredictable antics of her Grandma Mazur and sidekick Lula. With threats escalating from cryptic messages to firebombs, Stephanie's pursuit of Maxine plunges her into a world of unexpected twists and perilous situations, all while maintaining her signature blend of determination and humor.
Subjects
Original edition
Four to Score A Stephanie Plum NovelOriginally published in 1998 English Macmillan
Other editions (10)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
In the sweltering, sticky heat of Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum finds herself once again navigating a world of bail jumpers, eccentric relatives, and questionable life choices. Her cousin and boss, Vinnie, has just unleashed a new rival upon her, the detestable Joyce Barnhardt, making Stephanie's already chaotic existence even more irritating. To escape the immediate threat of Vinnie's office, Stephanie takes on her next case: Maxine Nowicki, a waitress who, after being charged with stealing her ex-boyfriend Eddie Kuntz's car, has vanished into thin air.
Stephanie's investigation begins, as it often does, with a visit to the source of the trouble, Eddie Kuntz. He's a man with over-pumped muscles and a questionable charm, who claims Maxine has some embarrassing love letters of his. He offers Stephanie a thousand dollars to let him speak with Maxine before she's delivered to the authorities, a proposition Stephanie, ever in need of cash, reluctantly accepts. But Maxine isn't just playing hard to get; she's leaving a trail of coded messages, cryptic clues that hint at a deeper, more dangerous game than a mere stolen car.
As Stephanie delves deeper, she enlists the help of an unlikely ally: Salvatore "Sally" Sweet, a six-foot-tall transvestite rock musician with a surprising knack for deciphering codes. With Sally's unique talents, Stephanie and her on-again, off-again sidekick, the irrepressible Lula, follow Maxine's breadcrumbs, which lead them through Trenton's gritty streets and into a seedy underworld. It becomes clear that Maxine's disappearance is tied to Eddie Kuntz's involvement in a counterfeiting ring, and her coded messages are a deliberate, taunting game aimed at her abusive ex.
The stakes escalate dramatically when Stephanie discovers that Maxine's friends are turning up dead, and the danger soon closes in on Stephanie herself. Her apartment is fire-bombed, leaving her homeless and forcing her to temporarily move in with Joe Morelli, the Trenton police officer who holds a complicated, passionate place in her heart. This forced cohabitation sparks a new intensity between them, adding a steamy layer to the already high-stakes pursuit.
Amidst the chaos, Ranger, the mysterious and impossibly skilled bounty hunter who often serves as Stephanie's mentor, becomes involved, offering his expertise and a tantalizing, unspoken connection. Stephanie, Lula, Sally, and even her indomitable Grandma Mazur find themselves drawn into the hunt, their combined efforts leading them closer to Maxine and the truth behind the counterfeiting operation. The clues point towards Atlantic City, a final destination for Maxine's elaborate revenge.
The pursuit culminates in a thrilling showdown, a trap laid to finally bring Eddie Kuntz and his associates to justice. Stephanie, with her usual blend of bumbling luck and unexpected resourcefulness, navigates the danger, determined to apprehend Maxine and unravel the entire criminal enterprise. The case, far from being a simple bail jump, becomes a deadly game where Stephanie herself is a prize, but she faces it all with her signature blend of humor, sass, and a fierce determination that always seems to get the job done, even if it means blowing up a few cars along the way.
Stephanie's investigation begins, as it often does, with a visit to the source of the trouble, Eddie Kuntz. He's a man with over-pumped muscles and a questionable charm, who claims Maxine has some embarrassing love letters of his. He offers Stephanie a thousand dollars to let him speak with Maxine before she's delivered to the authorities, a proposition Stephanie, ever in need of cash, reluctantly accepts. But Maxine isn't just playing hard to get; she's leaving a trail of coded messages, cryptic clues that hint at a deeper, more dangerous game than a mere stolen car.
As Stephanie delves deeper, she enlists the help of an unlikely ally: Salvatore "Sally" Sweet, a six-foot-tall transvestite rock musician with a surprising knack for deciphering codes. With Sally's unique talents, Stephanie and her on-again, off-again sidekick, the irrepressible Lula, follow Maxine's breadcrumbs, which lead them through Trenton's gritty streets and into a seedy underworld. It becomes clear that Maxine's disappearance is tied to Eddie Kuntz's involvement in a counterfeiting ring, and her coded messages are a deliberate, taunting game aimed at her abusive ex.
The stakes escalate dramatically when Stephanie discovers that Maxine's friends are turning up dead, and the danger soon closes in on Stephanie herself. Her apartment is fire-bombed, leaving her homeless and forcing her to temporarily move in with Joe Morelli, the Trenton police officer who holds a complicated, passionate place in her heart. This forced cohabitation sparks a new intensity between them, adding a steamy layer to the already high-stakes pursuit.
Amidst the chaos, Ranger, the mysterious and impossibly skilled bounty hunter who often serves as Stephanie's mentor, becomes involved, offering his expertise and a tantalizing, unspoken connection. Stephanie, Lula, Sally, and even her indomitable Grandma Mazur find themselves drawn into the hunt, their combined efforts leading them closer to Maxine and the truth behind the counterfeiting operation. The clues point towards Atlantic City, a final destination for Maxine's elaborate revenge.
The pursuit culminates in a thrilling showdown, a trap laid to finally bring Eddie Kuntz and his associates to justice. Stephanie, with her usual blend of bumbling luck and unexpected resourcefulness, navigates the danger, determined to apprehend Maxine and unravel the entire criminal enterprise. The case, far from being a simple bail jump, becomes a deadly game where Stephanie herself is a prize, but she faces it all with her signature blend of humor, sass, and a fierce determination that always seems to get the job done, even if it means blowing up a few cars along the way.
What other readers say
Liked
Reviewers largely praise Four to Score as another highly entertaining and laugh-out-loud installment in the series. Many found themselves giggling uncontrollably, highlighting the book's strong comedic elements and ability to provide a much-needed ray of sunshine. The story is described as fun, light-hearted, and packed with crazy moments that are a hallmark of the author's style. Readers particularly enjoyed the endearing and over-the-top returning characters, such as Stephanie, Lula, and Grandma Mazur, whose antics continue to provide endless amusement. The introduction of new, colorful characters, like Sally Sweet, is also frequently cited as a positive, keeping the narrative fresh and adding to the humorous situations. Additionally, fans noted satisfying progression in the main character's personal relationships, adding another layer of enjoyment to the engaging plot.
Disliked
Despite the widespread enjoyment, some long-time readers expressed concerns that the series' formula is beginning to show signs of repetition. Critics noted that the plot, particularly the recurring coincidences where the main character's simple cases intertwine with more complex criminal investigations, felt increasingly predictable. Some reviewers also felt the humor, while still present, had shifted to rely more heavily on physical comedy and vulgarity, potentially sacrificing the clever wit of earlier books. For a few, the book didn't feel as captivating as previous entries, especially when read consecutively, leading to a slower pace of engagement. A minor point was also raised about moments of realism occasionally disrupting the desired escapism. Furthermore, the audiobook narration received specific criticism for its slow delivery and unsuitable character voices.
In short
Overall, Four to Score is widely regarded as a solid and enjoyable addition to the series, maintaining its core appeal for most readers. While some long-term fans noted a degree of predictability and a shift in comedic style, the book consistently delivers on its promise of light-hearted fun and humor. It is highly recommended for readers seeking an escape with an irreverent tone, slapstick comedy, and a cast of memorable, eccentric characters. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong emphasis on humor, adult language, and a dash of romance will find this book particularly appealing, serving as an excellent choice for a quick, entertaining read that is guaranteed to elicit laughter.
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