My Rating: ★★★★☆

Author: Janet Evanovich

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Published by: Macmillan Audio

Length: 3 hrs, 12mins. (Unabridged)

My Review: What a great little audiobook! Visions of Sugar Plums is the first in the “Between the Numbers” series by Janet Evanovich that gives a peek into Stephanie’s life around holiday seasons. Now, let me be clear… If you’re looking for a real bounty hunt with in depth details and searching for the fugitive, this isn’t for you. This is definitely on the lighter side of things but is still a great listen.

The audiobook begins with Stephanie Plum on the trail of FTA Sandy Claws. Yes… Sandy Claws. And yes, you guessed right, this is a Christmas themed novel. Sandy jumped bond after he got caught stealing some paint and other things that his “elves” needed to finish the toys they were building.

Can you smell the cheese? As cheesy as it may be, it was still hilarious. However, I really missed Ranger in this audiobook! He didn’t make a single appearance, but I did get my Joe Morelli fix. I always imagine Joe to be a tough, sexy and rough around the edges kind of guy. Makes me want to say… “Momma likey!”

Let’s not forget the greatness that is Grandma Mazur. She has a new “stud muffin” and sparks definitely fly after Christmas Eve dinner! I’m pretty sure those sparks weren’t coming for Grandma’s newly designed dentures either.

I can’t wait to see what happens next! After Joe’s Christmas present to Stephanie and Valerie’s Christmas surprise from Albert Kloughn, things are bound to get more interesting. I guess that’s what makes Evanovich’s novels so great. She makes me want more. More of her characters, more spunky FTAs and more fun.

This is a quickie and only three and a half hours long, so you can squeeze this one in on a long drive or a flight. Great story and you’ll get your Plum fix until you dive into To the Nines.

Narrator Review: As much as I love Lorelei King, I didn’t think this was her best performance. Don’t get me wrong, it was still good, but not up to par with the other things I’ve listened too. The voices of Sandy Claws and Ring weren’t that great and at times, quiet. I felt myself straining to hear and understand what they were saying. Also, I had a feeling this time that Valerie’s voice was too young for her character. It reminded me of a teenager instead of a young woman with two children. Oh well, I still love Lorelei King!

Download Visions of Sugar Plums! Christmastime or not, it’s a great listen.