Format: Paperback
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Summary (≤10 words): Crazy Spellman family loses the littlest Spellman.
Review (≤10 words): I'm looking forward to more Spellman shenanigans.
This book was given to me by one of my aunts, who said that she couldn't get into it, but maybe I'd enjoy it. Since I've never really read a mystery before, I was a bit skeptical that I would like it, but as it was convenient and this was one stop on a week long trip, I figured there was no harm in giving it a shot. I'm glad I did.
The story is told from the perspective of Isabel Spellman, the imperfect middle daughter of the Spellman family. Her every flaw is only highlighted all the more by her perfect older brother, David (the only family member not part of the family business, who is instead a lawyer that keeps the family business on retainer). The book is multiple stories encased within the frame of an interrogation. After about 30 pages or so of getting to know Isabel, there's little surprise that she would find herself in this position. The interrogation is actually concerning Isabel's missing younger sister, Rae, a teen with a penchant for familial blackmail, recreational surveillance, and anything resembling sugar. The meat of the story, however, is getting to know Isabel, with the actual framed plot taking a backseat to her life and her voice as we figure out exactly how crazy her family is.
I walked away from this book absolutely in love with the Spellmans. They are insane and chaotic in a way that makes them feel vibrant and real. They have personality; Isabel's voice, especially, is strong and tangible, and exploding with her personality. Lutz has crafted a very solid character in her protagonist, and given her just enough balance to make her both flawed and good in believable ways. She's shaped by her family and her actions shape them, and the effect that both systems have on one another is clearly seen within the stories she tells. I'd wager that about 90% of the book is flashback of her life, but I wouldn't count that as a strike against this book. Being the first in the series, Lutz seems more intent on making these characters concrete for her readers, and she does an excellent job.
This author had a great writing style, and the language of the book was pitch perfect. I found myself chuckling in many spots and then laughing out loud in others. I really, really enjoyed Isabel's voice and her commentary on her family, not to mention all of the crazy stunts they pull. This is a family that thinks nothing of following Isabel around 24/7 just to see if she has a boyfriend (you and I might think it would just be easier to tell them about the guy you're seeing, but for Isabel the fact that she invades other people's privacy only makes her value her own all the more). The entire cast of characters creates an environment ripe for hilarity and the author delivers consistently. That and Isabel, to me, are the big draws, and because of that I found it difficult to put the book down.
This is a series I'll be looking to continue, even knowing that it's unlikely the remaining books in the series will be similar character studies. I want more Isabel Spellman, and more Spellman family in general. Considering how massive my TBR pile is, I'll probably end up rereading this book prior to starting the following books, but I enjoyed it enough that this doesn't bother me at all.
Final Word: Bring on the spying!
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