Seven Up
8.32 / 10 133K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2001
- Publisher
- Headline
- Pages
- 281
- ISBN
- 9780747269564
Stephanie Plum, Trenton's most unconventional bounty hunter, has a new target: Eddie DeChooch, a semi-retired mobster who skipped bail after being caught trafficking contraband cigarettes. What seems like a straightforward case quickly unravels as Stephanie discovers DeChooch is far more dangerous than his age suggests, having already left a corpse in his shed and setting his sights on her.
As Stephanie navigates a world of escalating threats and baffling disappearances involving her friends, she enlists the help of the enigmatic master bounty hunter, Ranger, whose assistance comes with a steep, personal price. Amidst the chaos of dodging bullets and deciphering mob secrets, Stephanie's home life offers little respite, with her "perfect" sister moving back in, Grandma Mazur's latest eccentricities, and the ongoing romantic tug-of-war with vice cop Joe Morelli. Plunge into Stephanie's world, where every capture is an adventure, and laughter is as constant as the danger.
As Stephanie navigates a world of escalating threats and baffling disappearances involving her friends, she enlists the help of the enigmatic master bounty hunter, Ranger, whose assistance comes with a steep, personal price. Amidst the chaos of dodging bullets and deciphering mob secrets, Stephanie's home life offers little respite, with her "perfect" sister moving back in, Grandma Mazur's latest eccentricities, and the ongoing romantic tug-of-war with vice cop Joe Morelli. Plunge into Stephanie's world, where every capture is an adventure, and laughter is as constant as the danger.
Subjects
- Literature & Fiction
- Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
- Thrillers & Suspense
- Suspense
- Fiction
- Custom Stores
- Business & Money
- Romance
- Mystery
- Women Sleuths
- Religion & Spirituality
- Romantic Comedy
- Religious
- Humor & Satire
- Humorous
- Modern fiction
- Audio Adult: Books On Tape
- Crime & Mystery
- Audiobooks
- Mystery & Detective - General
- Audio - Fiction (Unabridged)
- Mystery & Detective
Other editions (9)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
The streets of Trenton, New Jersey, never quite settle into quiet, especially when Stephanie Plum is on the case. This time, the call from her cousin Vinnie's bail bonds office sends her after Eddie DeChooch, a semi-retired mobster caught trafficking contraband cigarettes. What seems like a straightforward skip-trace quickly unravels into a thoroughly bizarre and dangerous hunt. Stephanie tracks DeChooch to his home, only to find him in a state of profound melancholy - and a bullet-riddled corpse in his shed, an elderly woman named Loretta Ricci. DeChooch, naturally, slips away like smoke, leaving Stephanie with a dead body and a whole new set of questions.
The chaos only escalates. Two unsavory Mafia types, Benny and Ziggy, begin to shadow Stephanie, making themselves disturbingly comfortable in her apartment, while her on-again, off-again boyfriend, police detective Joe Morelli, wants DeChooch for questioning about the shed's grim discovery. Adding to the confusion, Stephanie's friend Mooner is frantic because his roommate, Dougie Kruper, has vanished without a trace, and both Mooner and Dougie seem to have inadvertently tangled with DeChooch in something far more sinister than just cigarette smuggling.
At home, the usual Plum family pandemonium reaches new heights. Stephanie's "perfect" older sister, Valerie, makes a surprise return to Trenton, her two young daughters in tow, her seemingly idyllic California life shattered by a cheating husband. Valerie, adrift and desperate, proposes a series of increasingly outlandish schemes to regain control, from becoming a bounty hunter herself to exploring a lesbian lifestyle. Even Grandma Mazur, with her penchant for adventure, finds herself entangled, asking curious questions about DeChooch and the possibility of a new identity.
As Stephanie delves deeper, it becomes clear that DeChooch isn't just on the run; he's desperately searching for something. Through Connie Rosoli, Vinnie's office manager with surprising Mafia connections, the truly unbelievable truth emerges: DeChooch is searching for a human heart. It turns out that when DeChooch was in Richmond, the mobster he was dealing with, Louie DiStephano, died suddenly. DeChooch, misunderstanding instructions to bring Louie D's body back to Trenton, extracted and transported only the heart, which he has now lost. Louie's widow, Sophia, is demanding its return.
The hunt for the missing organ takes a perilous turn when DeChooch, in a desperate move, kidnaps Grandma Mazur, demanding the heart in exchange for her safe return. Stephanie, ever resourceful despite her often-questionable methods, manages to pull off a daring rescue, swapping a pig's heart from a butcher shop for her beloved, if slightly unhinged, grandmother. Amidst this madness, Morelli offers Stephanie a marriage proposal, a moment of potential stability in her whirlwind life, but even that feels complicated by the ever-present, enigmatic master bounty hunter, Ranger, who offers his help in exchange for "one night" with Stephanie - a proposition she certainly can't share with Morelli.
The stakes escalate with disappearances, threats, and break-ins, all pointing back to the bizarre quest for Louie D's missing heart and the broader, more dangerous implications of DeChooch's misadventure. Stephanie, with Lula by her side, navigates the treacherous landscape of Trenton's criminal underworld, her life a constant tightrope walk between her two formidable love interests, her chaotic family, and the relentless pursuit of justice, or at least, her bail jumpers.
The chaos only escalates. Two unsavory Mafia types, Benny and Ziggy, begin to shadow Stephanie, making themselves disturbingly comfortable in her apartment, while her on-again, off-again boyfriend, police detective Joe Morelli, wants DeChooch for questioning about the shed's grim discovery. Adding to the confusion, Stephanie's friend Mooner is frantic because his roommate, Dougie Kruper, has vanished without a trace, and both Mooner and Dougie seem to have inadvertently tangled with DeChooch in something far more sinister than just cigarette smuggling.
At home, the usual Plum family pandemonium reaches new heights. Stephanie's "perfect" older sister, Valerie, makes a surprise return to Trenton, her two young daughters in tow, her seemingly idyllic California life shattered by a cheating husband. Valerie, adrift and desperate, proposes a series of increasingly outlandish schemes to regain control, from becoming a bounty hunter herself to exploring a lesbian lifestyle. Even Grandma Mazur, with her penchant for adventure, finds herself entangled, asking curious questions about DeChooch and the possibility of a new identity.
As Stephanie delves deeper, it becomes clear that DeChooch isn't just on the run; he's desperately searching for something. Through Connie Rosoli, Vinnie's office manager with surprising Mafia connections, the truly unbelievable truth emerges: DeChooch is searching for a human heart. It turns out that when DeChooch was in Richmond, the mobster he was dealing with, Louie DiStephano, died suddenly. DeChooch, misunderstanding instructions to bring Louie D's body back to Trenton, extracted and transported only the heart, which he has now lost. Louie's widow, Sophia, is demanding its return.
The hunt for the missing organ takes a perilous turn when DeChooch, in a desperate move, kidnaps Grandma Mazur, demanding the heart in exchange for her safe return. Stephanie, ever resourceful despite her often-questionable methods, manages to pull off a daring rescue, swapping a pig's heart from a butcher shop for her beloved, if slightly unhinged, grandmother. Amidst this madness, Morelli offers Stephanie a marriage proposal, a moment of potential stability in her whirlwind life, but even that feels complicated by the ever-present, enigmatic master bounty hunter, Ranger, who offers his help in exchange for "one night" with Stephanie - a proposition she certainly can't share with Morelli.
The stakes escalate with disappearances, threats, and break-ins, all pointing back to the bizarre quest for Louie D's missing heart and the broader, more dangerous implications of DeChooch's misadventure. Stephanie, with Lula by her side, navigates the treacherous landscape of Trenton's criminal underworld, her life a constant tightrope walk between her two formidable love interests, her chaotic family, and the relentless pursuit of justice, or at least, her bail jumpers.
What other readers say
Liked
Readers consistently praise "Seven Up" for its vibrant humor and ability to deliver a thoroughly entertaining escape. Many reviewers found themselves laughing out loud thanks to the quirky cast of characters, especially the outrageous antics of Grandma Mazur and the dynamic between Stephanie and her sidekick, Lula. The book is frequently described as a fast-paced, engaging read that provides a much-needed dose of fun, with its exaggerated scenarios and memorable family interactions contributing to its charm. Fans appreciate the return of beloved characters and the consistent comedic tone that makes the series a go-to for lighthearted enjoyment.
Disliked
However, some readers expressed notable frustrations, primarily concerning the evolving romantic entanglements. Stephanie's ongoing love triangle, and certain actions within it, were a significant point of contention for several reviewers, leading to feelings of annoyance or disappointment regarding character consistency. Other criticisms included the series' tendency towards a formulaic plot, Stephanie's continued lack of growth in her bounty hunting skills, and the occasionally drawn-out or convoluted nature of the central mystery. A few reviewers also pointed out the inclusion of humor that felt stereotypical or dated, particularly regarding a new character's storyline.
In short
Overall, "Seven Up" largely delivers on its promise of humor and chaotic adventures for established fans of the Stephanie Plum series. It is best suited for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries and chick-lit with a strong emphasis on comedy, character-driven hijinks, and an exaggerated narrative style. Those who appreciate an entertaining read that doesn't take itself too seriously will likely find it enjoyable, but new readers are generally advised to start the series from the beginning to fully appreciate the characters and their developing relationships.
No reviews yet. Be the first.





