The fifth in the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling, Edgar Award–nominated series about a fearless private investigator Izzy Spellman and her quirky, yet endearing, family of sleuths: “Lie back and enjoy this tale of intergenerational gumshoe mayhem” (Kirkus Reviews).
For the first time in Spellman history, Isabel Spellman, PI, might be the most normal member of her family. Mom has taken on an outrageous assortment of extracurricular activities—with no apparent motive. Dad has a secret. Izzy’s brother and sister are at war—for no apparent reason. And her niece keeps saying “banana” even though she hates bananas. That’s not to say that Izzy isn’t without her own troubles. Her boyfriend, Henry Stone, keeps wanting “to talk,” a prospect Isabel evades by going out with her new drinking buddy, none other than Gertrude Stone, Henry’s mother. Things aren’t any simpler on the business side of Spellman Investigations. First, Rae is hired to follow a girl, but then fakes the surveillance reports. Then a math professor hires Izzy to watch his immaculate apartment while he unravels like a bad formula. And as the questions pile up, Izzy won’t stop hunting for the answers—even when they threaten to shatter both the business and the family.
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"This was perhaps my favorite book in the series since her first. I always love the unique voice that Lutz has in this series. I was so happy that we got to see a different perspective on Izzy as the normal one. I like that she had sense of stability, perhaps she is growing up. I love to see character growth. This series is always good for a laugh. A great way to spend my commute!!!"
— Ivy (4 out of 5 stars)
“Three cases, all surveillance operations, start out routinely enough but prove anything but in Lutz’s engaging fifth novel.”
— Publishers Weekly“A thoroughly entertaining reading.”
— Audiofile“This is a wise (and wisecracking) choice for mystery readers seeking a break from the genre’s bloodier fare.”
— Booklist" It was nice to have another book to read in this series, but I don't like what the author did...I mean, no, life never goes how you want it to...It was definitely fun like the other books for sure. "
— Brooke, 2/15/2014" The 5th Spellman novel is bittersweet, but still quite amusing. Is it wrong to hope that Lisa Lutz will write Spellman novels for the rest of her life? "
— Mrs, 2/14/2014" Slow to start, but ended up being awesome. Great series that is full of sarcasm. "
— Susanne, 2/11/2014" Liked the story, but getting a little tired of Izzy's issues. Ready for the series to be done. "
— April, 2/7/2014" This is the 5th saga in the Spellman Series. It took a bit to get going, but in the end, it did not disappoint. I love this series because things change. Relationships change. Although the laughing never ends. Curious to see what will happen next with this family. "
— Shellys♥, 2/6/2014" Not the best of the Spellman books. The end was not that great. I love these characters but they seem to have run their course. "
— Heather, 1/30/2014" I love the Spellman's. And I listened to this book, and the reader, Christina Moore, is fabulous. She sounds exactly as I imigine. "
— Alison, 1/18/2014" So refreshing to see characters actually age and mature in a series. I really enjoy each of these more than the last. "
— Christy, 1/17/2014" Just like all the other books, so it was cool. "
— Nina, 1/14/2014" Another great installment! I'm getting a little frustrated with Isabel's inability to face her problems with interpersonal relationships, but I'm hoping Lisa Lutz will give us all what we want in file #6. "
— Rosie, 12/22/2013" Just as good as the others, wish somethings wouldn't have happened, but still loved it. Wonder how long we will have to wait for book 6. "
— Katty, 12/5/2013" If you haven't read Lisa Lutz' Spellman series, you're missing a lot of enjoyment. These books are a blast to read. I recommend starting with the first one and laughing your way on to number five. "
— Susan, 12/2/2013" This was the best one yet! "
— Velma, 12/2/2013" Better than last book, which keeps her off the list of writers I've abandoned, but still on the list of writers I keep reading even though I feel regrets while I do so. "
— Jeremy, 10/25/2013" great. i cant wait for the next installment. in this one Izzy takes an unexpected tactic with the company business. i was very surprised. still tons of laughs, but more thought provoking than the other books. laughed out loud, truly enjoyed it and am excited to see what happens next. "
— Kayt18, 9/8/2013" I think these books are hilarious. They are unlike any series I've ever read and I really like the narrator/main character. The family of private investigators is quirky and full of flaws, but also so funny and likeable. I'm looking forward to the next one! "
— Laura, 7/18/2013" Wished it hadn't ended sadly. "
— Samantha, 1/28/2013" I loved the first four. This one just wasn't nearly as much fun to read as they were. "
— Robyn, 9/3/2012" I just love these Spellman books! The characters are so quirky, and there's always a great mystery. I was sad at how things ended for Isabel, but am optomistic about the next installment. Just the right mix of mystery and humer to make me tear through. "
— Dawn, 6/1/2012" After the last book, this felt like a giant step backwards. Shouldn't there be growth and development book to book? "
— Susan, 4/28/2012" Totally forgot how funny these are. "
— Carolyn, 4/17/2012" It's always such a pleasant surprise to discover a new Spellman Family book. While the wait is long, I always find them fresh, witty, sarcastic and original. I, for one, love the footnotes and appendix she includes. Just a fun idea. Hopefully in a year or so we can enjoy Document #6! "
— Robyn, 3/31/2012" Especially enjoyed the 'sentence enhancing' bit and have introduced friends to the concept... "
— Bekkie, 2/22/2012" The first couple in the series were better "
— Darlene, 2/21/2012Lisa 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.