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Liked It3 of 3 members found this review helpful “A very, very funny original mystery. The sneaking in and out of windows and the multiple tailing episodes are hysterical, and the characters are well drawn and lovable, each in their own way. The ending, while sad, was satisfying as well.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Enjoying very much - very funny!”
Jennifer W wrote this review Wednesday, October 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Tenia F said: 4 stars
Play Book Tag Shelf wrote this review Monday, October 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Isabel "Izzy" Spellman grew up in a family that makes their living on spying on other people. Her older brother David got out of the business at age 16 and is a lawyer, and hires the family on occasions. Izzy's parents even follow their children making sure dates are appropriate. And Izzy the trouble maker, finds her room bugged and loses boyfriend 8 over her parents tailing them.”
“Izzy Spellman doesn’t have a typical job or a typical family. Being a private investigator puts Izzy in a lot of unique situations. This book follows a family like no other. As private investigators, the entire Spellman family feels the need to be involved in everyone else’s business. Readers will enjoy the quirky family and may even find a few similarities with their own family. Most readers will understand Izzy’s desire for freedom and privacy from her own family.
Lisa N wrote this review Sunday, October 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Although the Spellman family finds themselves in situations which are purely fictional, their reactions and family interactions can be familiar to some readers. When Rae, Izzy’s sister, goes missing, the fear and worries among the family are easy to understand. A quirky family still has real feelings.
Most family members do not interrogate their own family members, but this is a common occurrence in the Spellman family. We learn that throughout her life Izzy is interrogated for different events. Doctoring a report card, turning a whole load of laundry pink, and cutting her brothers hair all end Izzy up in the interrogation room. Most readers cannot relate to being interrogated in a special room, but many can relate to being questioned and sometimes accused of doing different family “crimes.”
Not being able to relate to their family, many people will be able to relate to Izzy. Izzy has a lot of spunk and can be very sarcastic and witty. As a private investigator she fulfills the dreams some readers may have of being a detective. Izzy does deal with some situations in a unique manner, like running background checks on potential boyfriends but usually convinces the reader that these ideas are justified.
This book contains a stronger language then some detective books. The language is probably prevalent throughout many high schools and junior highs but some readers may not find this appealing in a novel. The language does usually fit within the situation as Izzy is trying to bully a suspect or get a strong point across.
The best part of this book is the humor. There were many “laugh out loud” parts which keeps the reader engaged. For example, Izzy’s parents try to get Izzy to stay at their house so they disconnect and hide her car battery. In retaliation, Izzy slits their car tires. During this book we find that the Spellman’s are not a “normal” family. The book provides readers an escape into a world that they probably do not experience. The humor along with the quick moving plot keeps the reader turning pages until the end.
For quality I would give this book a 5Q. The writing was easy to follow and the plot was enjoyable and humorous. As for popularity, I would rate it a 4P. The humor in this book would appeal to many readers. Those looking for a mystery/spy type novel would enjoy this book from beginning to end.
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“I am not sure what to say about this book. It is one of the most unusual story lines I have read in some time. Isabel Spellman is a private investigator, as is her mother and her father and, even, her younger sister. Only her brother has eschewed the family business.
Patty F wrote this review Monday, October 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
However, none of them are immune from snooping. They are excellent at invading other people's privacy, especially if the other person is a member of their family.
It took me awhile to figure out what is going on in this mystery. I wasn't even sure what the mystery was. Stopping the CDs was out of the question though. I was too involved with Izzy, the two Rays and the rest of the Spellmans. Also I was laughing too hard.
Christina Moore, the narrator for Recorded Books, definitely added to this book. I can't imagine reading these without her.”
“ The Spellman Files Lisa Lutz (also debut)
Tenia F wrote this review Friday, October 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
4stars
Isabel "Izzy" Spellman grew up in a family that makes their living on spying on other people. Her older brother David got out of the business at age 16 and is a lawyer, and hires the family on occasions. Izzy's parents even follows there children making sure dates are appropiate. And Izzy there trouble maker, finds her room bugged and looses boyfriend 8 over her parents tailing them. ”
“This book had me laughing out loud- I loved all the characters. I look forward to reading the next one!”
sharmee wrote this review Thursday, October 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Funny story about a family of private investigators. The Spellmans are constantly tailing and snooping on each other. The book lacks plot for the most part and functions better as a bunch of vignettes of this crazy family. Isabel’s summation of her relationships is probably my favorite part. I plan to give the sequel a try.”
Christina F wrote this review Sunday, September 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“i picked this up at a used book sale and i'm glad i did. a quirky novel about a dysfunctional family of private investigators. very silly and fresh in a good way. (fresh as in "don't get fresh with me young lady")
laurie g wrote this review Sunday, September 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
not a classic, not even classy but i recommend it for something fun and totally different! ”
“I picked it up because it looked like one of the newest books in the library, AND there were sequels 2 and 3 beside it (we all know what sequels mean).
Cheryl L wrote this review Saturday, September 26 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
And when I went back to get 2 and 3, they were gone! *sob*”
