Title: Revenge of the Spellmans
Author: Lisa Lutz
First published March 10, 2009
375 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781416593386 (ISBN10: 1416593381)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
THINK YOUR LIFE IS COMPLICATED? THINK AGAIN.
Isabel Spellman, the private investigator you know and love, is back in action. After a court-ordered therapy session, Izzy takes a break from Spellman Inc.
But when her boss introduces her to a new client, she can’t resist taking the case. It seems simple enough – tailing a suspicious husband.
But as Izzy delves deeper, she realizes there’s more to this case than meets the eye.
With each passing hour, Izzy uncovers secrets and deceptions that make her question everything she thought she knew. As she navigates through the twists and turns of the investigation, Izzy must also confront her own personal demons.
Will she be able to solve the case and overcome her own challenges?
Find out in Lisa Lutz’s Revenge of the Spellmans – a thrilling, witty, and unforgettable page-turner.
About the Author
Lisa Lutz is an accomplished author, with six books in the Spellman series, a novel titled How to Start a Fire, and a children’s book called How to Negotiate Everything. She also co-wrote the book Heads you Lose with David Hayward.
Her latest work, The Passenger, is a psychological thriller set for publication in March 2016 by Simon and Schuster. Her writing has earned her accolades, including the Alex award and a nomination for the Edgar Award for Best Novel.
Despite attending several universities, including UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine, the University of Leeds in England, and San Francisco State University, Lisa never finished her bachelor’s degree. In the 1990s, she worked a variety of low-paying jobs while simultaneously writing and revising the screenplay for her mob comedy, Plan B.
After the film’s release in 2000, she decided to never write another screenplay again. Lisa currently resides in the Hudson Valley, NY.
Editoral Review
Lisa Lutzs Revenge of the Spellmans is a witty and playful addition to the mystery genre. Published in 2009, it invites readers to follow the quirky and dysfunctional Spellman family in their private detective agency once again.
With a sharp sense of humor and keen observations of human behavior, Lutz creates a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The novel picks up where the previous book left off, with the Spellman family facing several challenges.
Isabel Spellman, the primary narrator of the book, is struggling to keep her relationship with attorney Henry Stone afloat. Meanwhile, her younger sister Rae is determined to uncover the identity of a mysterious cat burglar who has been looming over their neighborhood.
Along the way, several other cases emerge, including a missing teenager, a cheating spouse, and some blackmail threats. Despite the seemingly light-hearted tone of the novel, Lutz tackles important themes such as mental health, family dynamics, and societal expectations.
The Spellman family, while humorous and eccentric, is also deeply flawed and relatable. The novel presents a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a modern family, challenging traditional gender roles and norms.
Lutzs writing style is clever and engaging, with well-timed humor and suspenseful plot twists. The pacing is excellent, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.
Additionally, the characters are well-developed and multifaceted, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. However, Revenge of the Spellmans does have some limitations.
The plot can be convoluted at times, with multiple cases intertwined and competing for attention. Also, while the story touches on serious topics, it does not always delve deep enough into them, leaving some themes underdeveloped.
Overall, Revenge of the Spellmans is an entertaining and well-crafted mystery novel. While not perfect, it showcases Lutzs skill as a writer and her ability to create complex and likable characters.
Fans of the genre will appreciate the humor and suspense, while those looking for a fresh take on family dynamics will find much to enjoy. Rating: 4/5 stars.
Recommended for fans of mystery novels and anyone looking for an amusing and thought-provoking read.
