Journal Entry 1 by Betsy-STL from St. Louis, Missouri USA on Friday, June 06, 2003

From the inside cover:

Stephanie Plum may not be the best bounty hunter in beautiful downtown Trenton, but she's pretty darn good at turning bad situations her way...and she always gets her man. In "To the Nines", her cousin Vinnie (who's her boss) has posted bail on Samuel Singh, an illegal immigrant. When the elusive Mr. Singh goes missing, Stephanie is on the case. But what she uncovers is far more sinister than anyone imagines and leads to a group of killers who give new meaning to the word hunter... In a race against time that takes her from the Jersey Turnpike to the Las Vegas Strip, Stephanie Plum is on the chase of her life. The unforgettable characters, nonstop action, high-stakes suspense, and sheer entertainment of "To the Nines" define Janet Evanovich as unique among today's writers.
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I enjoyed "To the Nines" however I can't say it was my favorite Stephanie Plum mystery. "Three to Get Deadly" and "Hard Eight" remain my favorites.
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Please make a journal entry when you receive the book so we'll know it arrived safely. Please PM the next person in line to get their address. Please consider using Delivery Confirmation for an addition 55 cents. Please try hard not to keep the book over 1 month. Thanks for joining and I hope everyone enjoys the book.



1) Betsy-STL --MO (originator)
2) Marinaw --TX
3) Sherri5762 -- TX
4) Constant-Reader -- GA
5) Pchemphd -- FL
6) Bookaholic1346 -- FL
7) Livelywriter -- VA
8) Sherria -- CT
9) LFL676 -- MA
10) Bug007 -- MN
11) Alsomama -- WA
12) Savannahblue -- OR
13) jkate -- CA
14) vraciousrdr -- CA
15) Cestmoi-- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
16) Poohbear3 -- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
17) nkwriter -- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
18) ligonberry -- Kitchener, Ontario,Canada
19) Sstich79 -- KY (added 7-26-03)
20) Mika17--Germany (added 6-21-04)
21) Dani75-- (added 12-25-04) 

Journal Entry 2 by Betsy-STL at Postal Release in USPS, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Friday, July 25, 2003

Released on Friday, July 25, 2003 at Postal Release in USPS, postal release USA.

Releasing via mail to start the bookray. 

Journal Entry 3 by marinaw from Dripping Springs, Texas USA on Wednesday, August 20, 2003

Sorry about the delay in journal entry. I thought I'd done so, but with the move, and house guests, and pre-festival mailouts for the non-profit I work for, plus a trip to court for said non-profit, and new niece, and, and...I obviously lost track.
I'm doing my darndest to get this out to the next person on time, and yes, that includes fulfilling other ray-ring/box obligations I received before this one.

Thanks for the reminder!
Will journal with a real review as soon as I'm done reading it. 

Journal Entry 4 by marinaw from Dripping Springs, Texas USA on Tuesday, September 09, 2003

Despite my valiant attempt to get the rest of the series out of the way, I fell short by two (including Visions of Sugar Plums) and found myself slightly lost in places while reading this book. Evanovich, however, does a pretty good job of catching one up while maintaining the reader’s interest in getting hold of past books for the whole scoop.

For the sort of reading schedule I’ve had to be on, I was grateful that Evanovich’s pace is always one that keeps me reading (although, unfortunately sometimes that means an outrageously late bedtime, like 3 am). As far as plot goes, I was a little disappointed in Stephanie’s handling of the Cone brothers. I also have to wonder how much longer she can maintain the Morelli-Plum-Ranger triangle. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for Stephanie keeping her options open while no one’s ready to make a legal commitment. But I also think that there’s only so many devices she has remaining, and part of reading this aspect of the novels is guessing when one of the men is going to be seriously disabled or killed off. Of course, I’m hoping she can creative her way out of this oft-tried ploy.

As far as character treatment goes, I was glad to see that Evanovich decided to keep the action focused more on the professionals (and yes, I’m including Lula and Connie) rather than drawing in Stephanie’s family members and other sidekicks as assistants. While having Grandma Mazur or Moonman along certainly adds to the overall humor rating, I’m going to confess to having a preference for seeing Stephanie develop her skills to a point where she isn’t bumbling through her apprehensions. That tactic is losing some appeal for me. I see enough of it on Cops (as far as the fugitive antics go). Not that I watch it. It’s what the husband falls asleep to on the couch, and I wind up getting the gist of at least one bust while I’m scraping him up and herding him to bed.

All said, I *did* enjoy the book, and I’m *very* grateful to Betsy-STL for offering this up to BCers. May I extend my sincere apologies to everyone who’s had to wait for my overextended, sorry a**
;)

Sending to Sherri5762 in today's mailing. 

Journal Entry 5 by Sherri5762 from Houston, Texas USA on Saturday, September 13, 2003

Rec'd in the mail today! Can't wait to read it (should be done tomorrow or the next day... LOL.) Will journal again when finished.

Sherri 

Journal Entry 6 by Sherri5762 from Houston, Texas USA on Sunday, September 14, 2003

Well, I've already finished the book, less than 6 actual reading hours later. I loved it! It's as good as the other Stephanie Plum novels as far as I'm concerned. I love her adventures and her sexy men... Ahh...

Since I was such a good girl and read it in record time, I"m gong to let my husband read it before I send it on -- I figure it's only fair since he introduced me to Stephanie about a year ago. But I told him he had to read it quick, it's got places to go from here!

Sherri 

Journal Entry 7 by Constant-Reader from Lawrenceville, Georgia USA on Monday, September 22, 2003

REALLY looking forward to this! I will try to read this and get it back out as fast as possible. Thanks! 

Journal Entry 8 by Constant-Reader at postal release to BCer pchemphd in Deland, Florida USA on Thursday, October 02, 2003

Release planned for Saturday, October 04, 2003 at postal release to BCer pchemphd in Deland, Florida USA.

Excellent as usual! Thanks so much for sharing! 

Journal Entry 9 by pchemphd from Deland, Florida USA on Saturday, October 11, 2003

I've been looking forward to reading this! Thank you! 

Journal Entry 10 by pchemphd from Deland, Florida USA on Wednesday, October 15, 2003

A fun-filled quick read. Thank you for sending it my way, I really enjoyed it. 

Journal Entry 11 by livelywriter from Virginia Beach, Virginia USA on Friday, October 24, 2003

Caught in the bookray. Will get to ASAP. 

Journal Entry 12 by livelywriter from Virginia Beach, Virginia USA on Monday, November 03, 2003

Interesting story, though I'm a bit ashamed to admit this series is starting to wear on me. Can't put my finger on it, but the characters are almost becoming cartoonish in a way, and one has to wonder how often Steph can get herself into wacky situations. Then again, I don't live in the Burg, so what do I know? Nice to see Connie get out of the office for a while, though.

 

Journal Entry 13 by Sherria from Stamford, Connecticut USA on Monday, November 24, 2003

This arrived Saturday, and by Sunday nite I was finished. I "cheated" and skipped it ahead of several other rings/rays because I couldn't wait to read it.

Janet Evanovich did her usual wonderful job with this book. I love how the characters are practically caricatures of the stereotypical "Jersyites", and are proud of it! The story moved quickly and I once again got caught up in the lives of Stephanie and her family, and Joe and his family. It took me awhile to figure out who the bad guy was, which is always a good thing.

Thanks so much for sharing this book! It's all safely packed up and ready to go out in the mail to LFL676 tomorrow.  

Journal Entry 14 by LFL676 from West Springfield, Massachusetts USA on Monday, December 08, 2003

I received this over the weekend. Thanks! I will finish up my current book and then on to some laughs..... 

Journal Entry 15 by LFL676 from West Springfield, Massachusetts USA on Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Received this right before Christmas. Settled in with it the day after and enjoyed it throughly. Will put it in the mail when I return to work on Friday. 

Journal Entry 16 by alsomama from Seattle, Washington USA on Friday, January 16, 2004

I needed a Stephanie Plum fix badly and she arrived today. Yes! I opened the package and sat down and read 1/3 of the book. Bad Mommy. The family complained that they wanted dinner. They are so demanding. As far as I can tell this is just as much fun as the rest of the series. Forgettable plot, goofy characters and two (2) hot boyfriends to contend with. I think we need to clone Janet Evanovich so there is an eternal supply of this stuff. 

Journal Entry 17 by alsomama from Seattle, Washington USA on Friday, January 16, 2004

Hey, wait a minute. There was another book in the package. Is this a gift? There's no label. It's the Stephanie Plum holiday book. Wow! Is this from LFL676? Thanks--a lot!! What a great gift--it will stave off Plum withdrawal symptoms just a little longer. What a pal! 

Journal Entry 18 by alsomama from Seattle, Washington USA on Sunday, January 18, 2004

What? I've already finished the book? Life is not fair. Giggle along with Stephanie as she contends with vaseline, Las Vegas and another killer. This heads to savannahblue in the next day or two. Thanks, Betsy-STL for starting the bookray! 

Journal Entry 19 by savannahblue from Portland, Oregon USA on Sunday, January 25, 2004

It has arrived! Thanks, and I'll start it tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 20 by savannahblue from Portland, Oregon USA on Friday, January 30, 2004

Classic Stephanie Plum, and I enjoyed it a lot. Could've used more of Joe and Ranger, though. . .sigh. (I keep changing my mind as to who I'm rooting for. I know Ranger's not marriage material, but - !)

Here's one of my favorite passages (which shows that Stephanie and I are obviously in sync): "I was hungry and I would have liked to order room service. . .Room service is third on my list of favorite things. Birthday cake is first. Sex is second. And then room service."


Thanks for sharing, Betsy-STL. Sending out to jkate as soon as I have an address.

(By the way: Looks like the postal service did a bit of a number on the book - still intact and totally readable, but the covers are actually BENT - I don't think I've ever seen that before!!)
 

Journal Entry 21 by savannahblue at postal release to fellow bookcrosser in Portland, Oregon USA on Monday, February 02, 2004

Released on Monday, February 02, 2004 at postal release to fellow bookcrosser in Portland, Oregon USA.

sending to vraciousrdr, next in line (as jkate asked to be skipped). happy reading! 

Journal Entry 22 by vraciousrdr from Vista, California USA on Friday, February 06, 2004

Thanks for starting the ring Betsy-STL - looking forward to finding out what's been going on with Stephanie Plum and Ranger.... :) 

Journal Entry 23 by vraciousrdr from Vista, California USA on Thursday, February 12, 2004

Definitely worth the wait. To The Nines, the ninth book in the Stephanie Plum series doesn't disappoint - while there wasn't as much drama with Ranger, the series has evolved (or at least seemed to as it's been awhile since I read book 8) in that the "minor" characters have developed: Connie has a larger role in the book and Lula plays more of a part as well. Looking forward to book 10 :) 

Journal Entry 24 by cestmoi from Hamilton, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, April 07, 2004

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Its here!!!!! Thanks so much for resending this! I will read and pass along to poohbear3 by the end of April. I am so pumped this is here!! I've been dying to read it..I noticed the other day that #10 is due out shortly.... 

Journal Entry 25 by cestmoi from Hamilton, Ontario Canada on Thursday, April 08, 2004

I was so worried about reading this as I really, really disliked #7 and #8..but this time Evanovich redeemed herself. Stephanie has graduated from killing vehicles to maiming men..I don't think Ranger has a big enough army to keep up with her ;) This novel was much more suspenseful and less goofy than the previous ones and has more of a thriller element. Of course, Lula is a wonderful addition to each novel and we get to know more about her in this one. No real crazy antics from her family this time around - good - I needed a break from them.

Looking forward to #10. 

Journal Entry 26 by chronicbooker3 from Oakville, Ontario Canada on Monday, April 26, 2004

Ive been waiting for this. More shortly! 

Journal Entry 27 by chronicbooker3 from Oakville, Ontario Canada on Monday, May 03, 2004

Yahoo!! Stephanie is back on track thanks to Janet Evanovich. This series is a good read. Will be passing this to the next person on the list. 

Journal Entry 28 by chronicbooker3 from Oakville, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, May 04, 2004

On its way today to nkwriter. 

Journal Entry 29 by thebookmistress from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Thursday, May 13, 2004

Just got it in the mail -- looking forward to reading it. 

Journal Entry 30 by thebookmistress from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Saturday, July 17, 2004

This is a very enjoyable Stephanie Plum -- the pacing, humour, and wacky characters are all top-notch. I do think I would enjoy this series a lot more if Stephanie would, just once, go after a killer motivated by greed, hatred, or revenge. How many homicidal lunatics are there in New Jersey?

Miss-Efficiency is not answering my message. Who's next? 

Journal Entry 31 by thebookmistress from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Saturday, July 17, 2004

Argh! theLorax does not take PMs. Who's next? 

Journal Entry 32 by thebookmistress from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Sunday, July 18, 2004

theLorax and Miss-Efficiency have already read the book and asked to be taken off. 

Journal Entry 33 by thebookmistress from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Sstich79 has also read the book.

ligonberry and Mika17 haven't replied to PMs, but I will try each again. Then I will give up :)

This book was actually an improvement, I thought, on the last couple - great pacing and not too gruesome. So why can't I seem to get rid of it?! 

Journal Entry 34 by thebookmistress at -- Controlled Release in Toronto, Ontario Canada on Saturday, October 09, 2004

Released 7 yrs ago (10/9/2004 UTC) at -- Controlled Release in Toronto, Ontario Canada

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Off to Mika17 in Germany. 

Journal Entry 35 by Mika17 from Schorndorf, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Tuesday, November 09, 2004

I just got the book. Thanks to nkwriter. 

Journal Entry 36 by Mika17 from Schorndorf, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Finally I've found time to read the book. After reading HARD EIGHT I had to find out what happens next. Good story as always.

The book is traveling to Dani75. 

Journal Entry 37 by Dani75 from Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Sunday, March 27, 2005

Received yesterday - thanks for mailing it, Mika17. 

Journal Entry 38 by Dani75 at BookCrossing Anniversary Convention 2010 (Theater Griffioen) in Amstelveen, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Thursday, April 15, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (4/16/2010 UTC) at BookCrossing Anniversary Convention 2010 (Theater Griffioen) in Amstelveen, Noord-Holland Netherlands

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Will be released at 2010 BookCrossing Anniversary Convention at the Griffioen! 

Journal Entry 39 by bookguide from Wijchen, Gelderland Netherlands on Sunday, April 18, 2010

Looks like I've joined a bookray!