AT THE RIPE OLD AGE OF THIRTY-TWO, FORMER WILD CHILD ISABEL "IZZY" SPELLMAN HAS FINALLY AGREED TO TAKE OVER THE FAMILY BUSINESS. AND THE TRANSITION WON'T BE A SMOOTH ONE.
First among her priorities as head of Spellman Investigations is to dig up some dirt on the competition, slippery ex-cop Rick Harkey—a task she may enjoy a little too much. Next, faced with a baffling missing-persons case at the home of an aging millionaire, Izzy hires an actor friend, Len, to infiltrate the mansion as an undercover butler—a role he may enjoy a little much.
Meanwhile, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother (photographic evidence of Prom Night 1994) to commit to regular blind dates with promising professionals—an arrangement that doesn't thrill Connor, an Irish bartender on the brink of becoming Ex-boyfriend #12.
At Spellman headquarters, it's business as unusual. Doorknobs and light fixtures are disappearing every day, Mom's been spotted crying in the pantry, and a series of increasingly demanding Spellman Rules (Rule #27: No Speaking Today) can't quite hold the family together. Izzy also has to decipher weekly "phone calls from the edge" from her octogenarian lawyer, Morty, as well as Detective Henry Stone's mysterious interest in rekindling their relationsh . . . well, whatever it was.
Just when it looks like things can't go more haywire, little sister Rae's internship researching pro bono legal cases leads the youngest Spellman to launch a grassroots campaign that could spring an innocent man from jail—or land Rae in it.
The Spellmans Strike Again is hands down the most hilarious, thrilling, and moving book in this bestselling, award-nominated series. And it proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Isabel Spellman, no matter how much she matures, will never be able to follow Rule #1: Act Normal.
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"If you are like me and love light-hearted and fun mystery novels, then Lisa Lutz's series "The Spellman Files" are definitely books that should be found in your dark alleys of the reader's corner. According to other reviewers, if you like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series then this is something similar , for me I'm just starting on the Stephanie Plum books as I got Book #1 One for Money out of the library. The Spellman family consist of Olivia and Albert Spellman (Mum and Dad) , Children - David, Isabel aka Izzy and Rae. Together, the Spellman's own a PI Business and are definitely the family that if you needed justice done for a strange cause - you should contact The Spellmans. In this novel , we discover that David has a new girlfriend named Maggie whose a Laywer - but what is David up to as Izzy and Olivia spot David several times with an Amazon Looking Blonde , Is he cheating on Maggie ? , Rae -the youngest of the Spellmans is doing some intern work at Maggie's firm and when she realises that so many innocent people get sent to Jail , she starts a "Free Schmidt" campaign - tshirts, stickers and all. Something's up with Olivia and Albert and why is items of the household disappearing ? and it wouldn't be a Spellman book without having a strong focus on Izzy whose Mother is making her go on a blind date with a lawyer once a week even though she is dating Connor , though will her relationship be strong enough to last ? As Izzy is still tracking down Hartley , a crooked PI will her plans of attack backfire and why is it all the cases she seems to be recieving are related to Hartley ? What I loved most though about all of The Spellman Files books is the family dynamics and relationship between the entire Spellman Clan - especially their Family Rules Board :)"
— Paula (5 out of 5 stars)
“A series that keeps getting better and better.”
— Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)“The wisecracks crackle…Those in the market for mayhem and mirth will revel in Lutz’s irresistible blend of suspense, irony, and wit.”
— Booklist (Starred Review)“This is one of the best comic novels I’ve ever read, and that includes Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich. The Spellmans—a collection of misfits whose family business is a private detective agency—are hilarious, smart and irresistible.”
— Globe and Mail (Canada)“Fun and irreverent.”
— Entertainment Weekly“Congratulations to Lisa Lutz, who has created the Spellmans, the most hilariously dysfunctional family since the Royal Tenenbaums…Lutz’s style is refreshing and razor-sharp.”
— Mystery Scene Magazine“Casual, swift and hip…A fresh story that works real issues through an offbeat premise.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I LOVE this series, it is so funny I find myself laughing outloud with the book and I have come to feel like I know the characters, but sadly this book sounded like a finish to the series. It sure sis answer alot of questions and had a finality to it. "
— Marianne, 2/12/2014" I can't imagine these Spellman books taking place anywhere else but San Francisco. "It's a beautiful city, with wonderful residents, but the per capita crazy has got to be the highest in the country." You can't argue with that. "
— Eric, 2/11/2014" The banter is laugh-out-loud funny!! Summary: Former wild child Izzy Spellman has finally agreed to take over the family business, and the transition won't be a smooth one. "
— Joyce, 2/2/2014" Ths Spellmans Strike Again is the fourth of Lutz's series featuring the eccentric Spellman family. This book is as just as much fun as the previous ones. Enjoy! "
— Maryellen, 1/31/2014" As always, a delight. The Spellmans are a hoot. I had the opportunity to talk with Lisa Lutz at the Tucson Festival of Books. She is cute, funny and charming. It is reflected in her books. "
— Cherrie, 1/27/2014" Another hilarious story of the Spellmans. Izzy and Rae are both trying to exonerate men from prison. And, just who is stealing all the doorknobs from the family home?? Just wonderful. A happy sad ending just proving that even in a story life goes on. "
— Sherry, 1/15/2014" Great ending to the series. The Spellman books are always an enjoyable read. "
— Bonnie, 1/12/2014" Another winner. Please continue the series! "
— Jessica, 1/11/2014" I love these books! This one had a good, convoluted plot. I like how the characters are developing. "
— Lisa, 12/25/2013" All I can say is fast-paced and funny. I love Isabelle, someday she'll get it right. "
— Jill, 12/17/2013" Another excellent epsiode in the Spellman family saga. Thoroughly enjoyed the growth in all characters while still delighting in the unique relationship bonds. Also a joy to see the conclusion of the Harker dilemma. "
— Caitlyn, 12/7/2013" More than 4, not quite 5. The last Spellman book? Boo! I didn't know this while reading it, and was thinking that this series could easily follow the characters through many years. Wacky, smart, hilarious, quirky... this is one of my favorite series ever, and I hope Lutz will reconsider! "
— Lori, 12/5/2013" These are just fun books. The author has a great, unique voice. "
— Katie, 5/17/2013" Another great book in the series! Kept my attention the whole time (lost many hours of sleep because I couldn't put it down!) was funny and relate able. Can't wait to read the next book! :-). She can't seem to write them fast enough! :-) "
— Maria, 5/1/2013" This was the last book in the Spellman's series and I'm sad to see it end. All four books made me laugh out loud. "
— Judy, 12/10/2012" She's quickly becoming one of my favorites. The characters and their dynamics are so much fun. Can't wait for the next one. "
— Jeff, 9/9/2012" Love, love this series! "
— Jullie, 5/1/2012" These books are a fun read!Looking forward to #5 in the series! "
— Lacy, 3/18/2012" What's not to love? Gives actual meaning to lol and lmao. I read it on the beach while on a family disappearance . Glad that #5 will be here soon. "
— MaryAlice, 10/16/2011" I've loved this series - I swallowed it up way too quickly. "
— Missyk, 8/12/2011" I adore these books, and happily devour them whenever I get a new one to read! "
— Lisa, 5/20/2011" "4th in the Spellman Files series. More madcap mayhem from Izzy Spellman and her private eye family. Lutz has said this may be last book in the series. If so, the Spellmans will be dearly missed but Lutz gives them an entertaining and fitting send-off."<br/>Chris/Griffith Branch "
— LCPL, 5/13/2011" I lovelovelove this series! I had forgotten between books how much crazy they contain, but a good crazy. Sort of excited to see where the next one goes! "
— Amanda, 5/9/2011" Fun, light read. Love the series. Great for a break from "heavier" books.<br/>This one was my favorite of all - nice to see a writer get better each time and not disappoint.<br/> "
— Carol, 5/5/2011" Humourous, suspenseful, and downright great! Rae got what she deserved, gardening. Mysteries were again solved...and Henry and Isabel got together! Wahoo! "
— Ashley, 4/24/2011" Ok, I never have decided what genre exactly these books fall into. But they are an enjoyable read, so I figure it doesn't really matter. "
— Ann, 4/14/2011" She has come a long way as a writer since the first book. "
— Barbara, 4/11/2011" These books are fun, they make one grin. I'm sorry this is supposed to be the last one. The footnotes are still irksome though. "
— Jo, 4/9/2011" Fun book to read, perfect for the beach or the bathtub. Not much of a mystery but this series is really about kooky characters and witty dialogue. Looking forward to the next one ! "
— Nadeen, 4/2/2011" 4th-Issy finally hooks up with Harry "
— Michelle, 4/1/2011" Izzy is right, nobody really grows up, and, to add my own two cents, it's better when they don't. "
— Carrie, 3/31/2011" Read the Kindle version on the plane to Norway! "
— Julie, 3/25/2011Lisa Lutz is the New York Times bestselling, Alex Award-winning author of the Spellman Files series and The Swallows, among other novels. She has also written for film and TV, including HBO's The Deuce.
Christina Moore is an actress and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. As an actress, she is best known for her roles in the television series That ’70s Show, Hawthorne, and 90210. She is a founding member of Bitches Funny, an all-female sketch group that has performed in New York City and Los Angeles.