Regarding completion of' the second book in the Spellman series from Lisa Lutz. Truly, a delightful romp. Finishing the second novel, CURSE OF THE SPELLMANS, has comfirmed that Lisa Lutz offers up a truly dysfunctional family with a total emphasis on the FUN. Who knew that a family of private investigators whose rules even for each other seem to be based on suspicion, surveillance, and surprise, could be so much fun. It makes me want to run out and read book three, which I am sure is not available. In lieu of that, all I can do is try to turn as many readers on to the series as possible and perhaps start amassing my own case files on family and friends alike.

Book two opens with Isabel "Izzy" Spellman arrested for the fourth time in three months. She has been obsessively keeping surveillance on a suspicious neighbor (suspect's name: John Brown), convinced that he is up to no good and is obviously hiding something. Her family (management) does not share her suspicions, and in one of many attempts to teach her a lesson,  refuses to bail her out...which keeps her in a holding cell far longer than I would find comfortable. Bail is finally posted by her octogenarian lawyer and friend, Morty.  Over their usual lunch, she tries to tell him the truth so he can build a defense. Oh, if it was really that easy. What ensues is a madcap series of events. Izzy compiles Suspicious Behavior Reports on all her family members, stakes out her neighbor, attempts to keep her younger sister, Rae, from stalking her "best friend" Inspector Henry Stone, works on apprehending the copycat vandal, whose attacks on Mrs. Chandler's holiday lawn tableaux perfectly and eerily match a series of crimes from years earlier (perpetrated by none other that Izzy and her best friend Petra at their most rebellious and delinquent). As the story unfolds, it is clear that Morty is on retainer, Henry Stone is a great friend to have, and though you cannot count on very much in life, there are constants; The Philosopher's Club and Milo, its owner-bartender will always be there with a drink and possibly a place to have your mail forwarded to (in case your parents [managment] have told you to move out) and you are currently trying to find a spot to live (It's not that easy finding an apartment. you can afford in San Francisco on a PI's salary). The biggest constant of all; Izzy is very much on the case and everyone else's 'case' too. Do yourself a favor; read the first book in the series, THE SPELLMAN FILES, (now in paperback for $14.99), and meet the Spellman clan, a family in which eavesdropping is a mandatory skill, locks are meant to be picked, surveillance on each other is the norm, and blackmail and negotiations are complex--all in the name of unconditional love.  I'll be surprised if you don't run out and read book two as quickly as I have.  And for all you Stephanie Plum fan's out there, this is a series that you will not want to miss. Trust me. Love, Alissa