Ten Big Ones (Stephanie Plum, #10) Summary & Key Insights

In Janet Evanovich's Ten Big Ones, Stephanie Plum, the irrepressible bounty hunter, finds herself juggling multiple cases, each more chaotic than the last. The central plot revolves around her pursuit of a notorious thief, Eddie Degas, who's stolen ten million dollars. This heist is not only financially significant but also deeply personal, as Degas is connected to Ranger, Stephanie's enigmatic and intensely attractive love interest.

Adding layers of complexity to Stephanie's already demanding life is the appearance of a new bounty, a seemingly harmless woman named Lula, who becomes unexpectedly difficult to track down. Lula’s case intersects with a series of increasingly bizarre events involving a stolen prize-winning pig and a string of burglaries targeting seemingly random individuals. This secondary plotline, while initially comedic, reveals a surprising connection to the main Degas investigation, demonstrating the interconnected nature of crime in Trenton, New Jersey.

Throughout the novel, Stephanie relies heavily on her usual cast of quirky supporting characters. Her Grandma Mazur, with her sharp wit and questionable advice, provides comic relief and occasional (albeit unintentional) assistance. Connie, Stephanie's resourceful and often exasperated coworker, serves as a sounding board and confidante. And of course, there's Morelli, the handsome, persistent, and perpetually frustrated police officer who remains hopelessly in love with Stephanie, adding romantic tension to the already frenetic narrative. Ranger, despite his involvement with Degas, continues to be a significant force in Stephanie's life, their complex relationship navigating professional obligations and undeniable chemistry.

The investigation itself is a whirlwind of near-misses, slapstick violence, and unexpected twists. Stephanie's methods are far from conventional, relying on intuition, sheer luck, and a healthy dose of improvisation. She navigates dangerous situations with her trademark blend of courage and clumsiness, consistently finding herself entangled in a web of deception and danger. As the lines between her personal life and her professional pursuits blur, Stephanie must rely on her wit and resourcefulness to unravel the mysteries surrounding Degas and Lula, ultimately revealing a surprising connection between the two seemingly disparate cases.

Overarching themes in Ten Big Ones include the persistence of love and loyalty amidst chaos, the importance of family and friendship, and the often-absurd nature of life as a bounty hunter. Evanovich masterfully blends humor and suspense, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The novel's charm lies not only in its fast-paced plot but also in its engaging characters and the author's ability to seamlessly weave together elements of romance, action, and comedy.