Point of View

Stephanie Plum tells this novel in the first person point of view. It reads in a conversational way, with a diary-like quality. She shares many of her own thoughts and opinions. The reader realizes that many descriptions of other characters are colored by Stephanie's feelings about them. The readers get a unique view of her motivations. Though she often wonders about the thoughts of other characters, they are usually not revealed.

The diary-like qualities of the novel gives the reader a voyeuristic feeling. One gains access to Stephanie's character that no other character in the story receives. When Morelli is kicked out of the apartment, Stephanie confesses to the reader that she feels physically attracted to Morelli. Her desires are spelled out on the page, though she strives to keep them hidden from those around her.

The tone is sarcastic and wry, using much humor. Stephanie...