Novel is quirky and full of laughs
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Lifestyles
"Revenge of the Spellmans" by Lisa Lutz (Simon & Schuster, $25.00)
Isabel is part of a family of private detectives. Life can become difficult in a family who'd rather run your credit history than ask you a simple question. Such actions often lead to confusion, humor and a highly dysfunctional, yet strangely close-knit family.
Isabel has had enough of private investigation, especially now that she has a criminal record and is enduring mandatory therapy. She's tired of her younger sister's manipulation and her parents' unwillingness to let her escape the family business.
Her brother, David, manages to build a successful career as a lawyer, leading her to believe that she can do the same. As a consequence, Isabel finds herself bartending, but she is barely making ends meet. However, when her boss comes to her with a friend in need, she takes the case, still determined to walk away from the craziness of her family.
The case proves to go a little deeper than Isabel initially thought, and some digging is required to undercover what her client believes is infidelity. At the same time, Isabel is forced to vacate her shabby apartment and "camp out" in David's basement, hoping that he won't find out. Installing surveillance cameras to keep track of him makes things a little easier, but still proves tricky.
Things soon come to a head when her parents give her an ultimatum; either take over the family business or never work for them again.
Set in this tumultuous environment is a tale of humor tempered by a touch of sadness. One can feel empathy for the plight of Isabel, yet her own failings limit any sympathetic tendencies.
Full of quirk and totally unique, Lutz offers a style of writing not found in other detective novels. Her work is highly recommended.
The book can be purchased from the UA Bookstore following its release date March 10.
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