"Learning To Swim"

I started Sara J. Henry's first novel, "Learning To Swim," yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning because I just couldn't put it down until I was too sleepy to keep my eyes open. When Troy Chance, a ferry boat passenger on Lake Champlain, sees something falling into the water from another ferry boat, she thinks it is a small child. Although the other ferry is too far away to tell for sure, she instinctively dives into the cold water and swims to the rescue of a small boy named, Paul, who only speaks French. When there are no frantic parents or anyone else looking for the boy, she decides it is time to take action herself leading her into an adventure that could prove deadly. Troy reminds me a little of Izzy Spellman in the Spellman private detective series -- both seem to act without thinking through to the possible consequences first. I cannot recommend this book enough!

There is a paragraph on page 163 of the hard cover copy that really resonated with me for some reason: "So if the host doesn't acknowledge the pink elephant in the room, the other guests can't either. I could see this being a useful standard -- not that any of my friends would ever follow it."

pazt

"The Spellmans Strike Again"

The 4th book in the Spellman series by Lisa Lutz starts with Izzy transitioning from employee to running the family private investigation business. Work life is complicated (as usual) by family demands. Izzy's sister Rae is constantly needing transportation while researching legal cases trying to free wrongly incarcerated individuals. Izzy's parents have decided they want everyone out of the house on Wednesdays so they can have it to themselves then essential items start disappearing like doorknobs and light fixtures. While appearing unconcerned, Izzy's parents seem as puzzled as she is as to what is happening. There's also Izzy's personal relationship issues and the fact she's being blackmailed by her own mother. Izzy's friendship with Morty, her 80 something attorney, takes a new direction and her friend, Detective Henry Stone, attempts to give her lessons on the art of small talk and friendship. Life is never dull with the Spellmans and, as always, Lutz provides a fun read. However, I'm a little concerned that this could be the last book in the Spellman series as everything seems to wrap up a little too neatly by the end of the book. I hope I'm wrong as I would really miss reading about their adventures!

pazt

"Revenge of the Spellmans"

Lisa Lutz is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in her series about the Spellman family but featuring Private Investigator Isabel (Izzy) Spellman. Izzy is taking a break from working for her parents' detective agency by tending bar for her friend, Milo. However, she does agree to take on a case for one of Milo's friends and finds herself working on that while embroiled in her usual family escapades while trying to negotiate a truce between her younger sister, Rae, and their mutual friend, Detective Henry Stone. It was good I wasn't reading this one in bed as I would have been shaking the bed with laughter while my spouse was trying to sleep! Not only is this a fun read but would make a great gift for someone on your list who likes Janot Evanovich novels.

pazt

P.S. For you Spellman family fans, the first book, "The Spellman Files," is in development with Paramount Pictures -- I can hardly wait. Check out lisalutz.com.

"Curse of the Spellmans" by Lisa Lutz

Lisa Lutz has done it again in her sequel to "The Spellman Files." Private Investigator Isabel (Izzy) Spellman returns with her wacky family to provide more entertainment. As I try to read these books in bed, I'm shaking the bed with laughter. Fortunately, I have an understanding spouse who attempts (reasonably well it seems) to sleep through my late night reading. Once again Izzy jumps to some erroneous conclusions while trying to solve a mystery but she's lucky to have Police Inspector Henry Stone and her younger sister, Rae, to get her back on track.

Good News! The first book is being adapted as a movie by Paramount Pictures. I can hardly wait to see the Spellmans on the big screen!

In the meantime, I have some other books to read to prepare for the August meeting of my book club. Since I'm leading the discussion, I will have to wait to read "Revenge of the Spellmans!"

pazt

"The Spellman Files"

Think Janet Evanovich and, if you love her novels, I believe you'll also like Isabel "Izzy" Spellman and her wacky family created by author, Lisa Lutz. In this debut novel about the Spellman family and their private investigation firm, the family is introduced: Izzy's Mom (Olivia) and Dad (Albert), her older brother (David) and her younger sister (Rae), Uncle Ray (her dad's older brother who Rae is named after), and last but not least, Petra (Izzy's friend since childhood when they were mischievous partners in crime). We also meet Inspector Henry Stone of the San Francisco Police Department and get a detailed list of Izzy's former boyfriends, how long they dated, and why they broke up.

I'm off to pick up the second book in the series, "Curse of the Spellmans!"

pazt