Lisa Lutz writes another fantastically fun novel filled with the fabulous Spellman family. All the family members are back and up to their old investigating tricks in this sequel to The Spellman Files. The plot was fast paced but didn't pack the emotional punch that first book had. I did enjoy the larger role of Henry Stone as Rae's best friend and (possibly?) Izzy's new love interest. Actually, my favorite parts of the novel were Henry, Rae, and Izzy hanging out together because the dialogue between them was hysterical. Overall, a great addition to the Spellman series and I can't wait to read #3. ( )

The Curse of The Spellmans is very very funny.

The Spellmans are a fascinatingly dysfunctional family of private investigators – and the network of their friends that we meet in this outing are all, in their own ways, dysfunctional too. However, all of these characters are charming and lovable, displaying both good and bad qualities that make them easy to relate to.

When not compiling Suspicious Behavior Reports on all her family members, Izzy Spellman, PI, has been busy attempting to apprehend the copycat vandals ruining neighbour Mrs. Chandler's holiday displays. These crimes are identical to a series of crimes from 1991-92, when Izzy and her best friend, Petra, happened to be at their most rebellious and delinquent (not that Izzy has any idea what you are talking about).

Everyone in the extended Spellman circle is acting strangely – even for this crowd. Older brother David (the perfect) is staying home watching TV and eating junk. Albert, the father, is sneaking out of the house and returning with wet hair - and actually eating healthy. Olivia, the mother, is sneaking out of the house late at night herself and vandalising a motor bike. Youngest sister Rae has suddenly acquired normal friends and even a boyfriend. She has also decided to take an almost stalker-like interest in Inspector Henry Stone, Izzy's "best friend” and is distraught about accidentally almost vehicularly manslaughtering him. Petra, Izzy’s best friend and David’s wife, has disappeared. Morrie, Izzy’s local bartender, is unusually grumpy. Bernie, whose rent controlled flat Izzy has been living in, has returned unexpectedly from Tahoe and is not the world’s most congenial flatmate.

On top of all this, Izzy has just been arrested for the fourth time in three months. (Or is it the second? She says the first two arrests didn’t count.) She's been (obsessively) keeping surveillance on a suspicious next door neighbour (suspect's name: John Brown – with a name like that he must be up to no good). When the (displeased) management (her parents) refuse to bail Izzy out Morty, Izzy's octogenarian lawyer, comes to her rescue. But, before he can build a defence, he has to know the facts. Over weak coffee and diner sandwiches, Izzy unveils the whole truth and nothing but the truth — as only she, a thirty-year-old licensed professional, can.

While spying on her parents, her younger sister, her older brother and the Suspect next door, Izzy is forced to face the truth of her assumptions in the end and ultimately must deal with tough questions about her own life and behaviour that she has kept buried.

This is a refreshing take on the mystery genre, as it's actually more about the people and their interactions. It is a delight to read and guaranteed to bring plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. ( )

Lisa Lutz has done it again! Yet another can't-put-down, light, entertaining read! My only complain is that she spent a lot of time recapping a lot of things from the first book. But, once that was over, it was simply delightful. I love all of the characters, and can't wait for the third installment! ( )

This is a great book. Laugh out loud. Characters are superb. Lutz is a terrific new author. ( )

Izzy Spellman works for her parents’ private investigative service, where family members are acting strangely. Izzy’s brother, David, a lawyer, has resorted to staying home, watching TV in his pajamas and eating junk food. Her father, Albert, is sneaking out of the house at all hours, returning with wet hair, while her mom, Olivia, is sneaking out of the house in early-morning hours and wreaking havoc on a motorbike. Her sister, Rae, runs over SFPD Inspector Henry Stone, her one and only friend. When a good-looking man moves in next door to her parents, Izzy intends to make him ex-boyfriend number 11. The two begin dating, but Izzy is intrigued by the man’s common name, John Brown, and that he keeps a room in his apartment locked. Izzy decides to investigate Brown and becomes suspicious that she can’t find out any real information concerning him. She manages to convince herself he’s up to no good and begins following him and breaking into his apartment, which lands her in jail four different times, although she claims two don’t count.

The Spellmans are a hoot, and although this is considered a mystery, it’s actually more about the characters and their interactions. This is a fast read, with short chapters, written from Izzy’s point of view. The Stone and Spellman Show Episodes are hilarious and the footnotes are ingenious, as is the Appendix. A refreshing take on the mystery genre, and a book guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs. ( )