The Spellman Files (2007)

I'm undecided about how this book was put together as far as the chapters and the timeline, but I did really enjoy the story and the writing and I actually laughed out loud several times while reading this one which is a rarity for me.

I liked Izzy and her whole family although they would drive me nuts too. I was cheering for Izzy and Daniel. I suspected part of the resolution of the case she was working, but the author still managed to surprise me and I didn't see the bit with Rae at the end coming at all.

Very satisfying first book in a series. Now I just might have to read on. ( )

Fun little novel detailing the extremely dysfunctional Spellman family, told from the point of view of Isabel, the black sheep. When the family business is spying, expectations of personal privacy are a bit different. Secrets lead to family war in this unique and inherently lighthearted novel. ( )

recommended for: those who enjoy light mysteries, dysfunctional families & black humor

The Spellmans are one of the most unconventional dysfunctional families ever in a book, and they are hilarious. They are outrageous and over the top and have very peculiar ways of showing love. This delightful book is really, really funny, if you have a weird sense of humor, which I guess I do. It is interesting that what I’d consider disturbing and child abuse in real life can, in a book, cause me to feel affection for all of the characters and send me into frequent peals of laughter.

The friend who recommended this to me knew I’d love it, because when we were young, we did a bit of “detective work” of our own.

This is for the most part a joyous romp and one of those just for fun reads. A bonus for me is that it takes place in San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Except!: Toward the end it gets very serious in three sub-plots and does so in a way that feel incongruous with the rest of the story, even though for one instance the reader is warned what will happen from practically the beginning of the book. One of these three sub-plots I did enjoy, the other two not so much as one was sad and the other (at least temporarily) heartbreaking.

I do wish the story had remained fun throughout. However, there are two more Spellman family books currently available and I am eager to read them.

The author even manages to have a bit of fun with the acknowledgement pages and the author profile in the back of the book.

This is a unique book and I recommend it if it piques your interest as it did mine. I just took some time to get to it; I’m glad that I finally read it. ( )

Laugh out loud funny...if you like Stephanie Plum, give Isabel Spellman a chance! ( )

Funny and witty. Plus, we share a name! I will definitely aim to keep up with the series. ( )