These books are great if you are looking for a nice, relaxing summer read like I was when I first picked up this series over five years ago. They don't really require much in the way of brain power and the plots are really repetitive and formulaic. What keeps me reading this series, though, is the characters. Evanovich knows how to write really compelling characters that keep me coming back for more even though I know what is going to happen in every book. Stephanie, Morelli, Ranger, Grandma Mazur, Lula, Connie, Vinnie etc. have become like family to me and so for that reason I keep finding myself drawn into these books. Again, don't be expecting great literature here. These are simply fun, quick reads that are great for those times when you just really want a break from reality for a while.