I remember when I read the first one of these I found the combination so interesting - a funny thriller. This first sequel is still funny - I think it might be funnier - but it's sort of half mystery, half thriller, if that makes any sense. I mean the villain in the first was really revolting and quite scary, while the villains in this are rather less so, even with the chopped off body parts. And I realised, then, that I'm probably not really reading these for the plots. Don't get me wrong, the plots are entertaining enough, but the real appeal for me here lies not in the case that needs solving and the bounty that needs hunting, but in the characters. Primarily, those of Stephanie's family. Granny Mazur is comedy gold, and honestly, if she could be the assistant on future cases as well that would be excellent. I'm far more interested in her, and in Stephanie's relationship with her, than I am in anything else...