Trail of the Spellmans

Document #5

By: Lisa Lutz

Narrated by: Christina Moore

The fifth installment in the New York Times best-selling series by Lisa Lutz, featuring the fearless private investigator Izzy Spellman and her quirky, yet endearing, family of sleuths.

For the first time in Spellman history, Isabel Spellman might be the most normal member of her family. Mom has taken on an outrageous assortment of extracurricular activities. Dad has a secret. Her brother and sister are at war, but neither will reveal the source of the conflict. While domestic disturbances abound, there is one source of sanity in the Spellman household: Demetrius Merriweather, employee of the month for 18 months straight.

Things aren't any simpler on the business side of Spellman Investigations. First, Rae is hired to follow a girl, only to fake the surveillance reports. Then a socialite has Isabel tail her husband, despite a conspicuous lack of suspicion. A man in a sweater vest hires the Spellmans to follow his sister, who turns out to be the socialite. Izzy won't stop hunting for the answers - even when they threaten to shatter both the business and the family.

Listeners are sure to love the next novel in a "series that keeps getting better and better". (Publishers Weekly)

©2012 Lisa Lutz (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Back to form

I was a fan of this series from the first book. The witty comments which overlaid the sometimes dark corners of the characters' lives offered just my sort of entertainment. But I became a bit disillusioned around the third book; it seemed to be rote and mechanical and the jokes seemed too familiar. I almost didn't buy this one but I would have missed out because this one is as good as the first. I also love the way that the characters grow (or not) and make life-changing decisions in each of the books. If you have fallen off the Lutz train, make it to the next station in order to climb aboard.

There's a payoff, albeit a weak one

If I hadn't paid for the book, I might well have given up before the halfway point - the first half seemed one long slog of set up and recap. There still wasn't a lot of tension as far as plot goes later on, but I will give Lutz credit for showing a more mature Izzy by the end of the story. Also, it's confirmed that while she and Henry don't have that much in common, there's ... shall we say, a powerful sexual attraction going on. I must've blinked and missed one detail though - why was Rae doing community service (again)? She had done some previously, for holding her sister captive, but that seemed to be over. Yet here, near the end of the book, she's out on trash detail several hours per week.

Usual disclaimer that this series MUST be read in order, starting with "The Spellman Files".

I loved this book!

What did you love best about Trail of the Spellmans?

Trail of the Spellmans is one of the best books in the series. I love the progression of the Spellmans as they face new milestones in their lives. Christina Moore gives a top notch performance as Izzie. If you like a little comedy with your mystery, I would strongly recommend this series!

Back on Course

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed this book the most of all the Spellman spoofs. Am glad to see that she isn't constantly referring to her past books- that got really annoying. Love Isabel- she still has a lot of funny stories ahead of her. Will be looking forward to sharing them.

wishing for more

Where does Trail of the Spellmans rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I listened to the whole series and enjoyed reading about the quirky Spellmans.
The first book in the series was slow going, but glad I read them all to get insight to all the characters. Worth the read.

What did you like best about this story?

Narrator was good.

What does Christina Moore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

yes, she gives the character 'attitude'

Christina Moore

Christina Moore is the perfect narrator for this series. I literally laughed at loud at certain parts. The sarcasm just shines through.

My favorite!

I enjoyed the entire series. Each "document" was entertaining and fun to read. However, in my opinion, I enjoyed Trail of the Spellmans: Document #5 best of all.
Although I was disappointed with the relationship outcome, I felt that Isabel did what she thought was right and stood by that. She has grown throughout the series and I appreciated the person she became.
Christina Moore's narration was perfect. She gave the voice that I would expect from Isabel and I so enjoyed her low key narration.
Perfect!

Love..love..love..the Spellmans!!!

I first discovered Lisa Lutz Spellmans books at the library. I was hooked from the start! She have the PERFECT narrator in Christina Moore. Like all the Spellman series this book was great!!!

Highly recommended disappointment

If you've read any part of this series and are debating continuing, do it. Be aware though that there are some disappointments. There is still plenty of laughter, but with each book the characters are maturing like fine wine - one that sobers. The story and characters don't disappoint, as my headline implies, rather I'm having trouble accepting change, but I think that's one of the intended undercurrents of the series anyway. If you've read past one, you're in it to the end!

I love these books!

I love these books. The narrator is hysterical and does an amazing job. Anytime I just need a break, these books always make me happy and brighten my day!!