Lisa Lutz is a gem in the rough of mystery book authors; her Spellman series is up there with the late great Donald Westlake's Dortmunder series both in terms of quality and hilarity.
Isabel "Izzy" Spellman, the books' protagonist, has chronicled what it's like growing up, dating, and trying to live an independent life while running into all the problems that come from being part of the family business: a private detective agency. This means her mother, father and sister are at various times investigating her, each other or cases that concern her but of which they refuse to reveal details. I have been championing and promoting this series since the first book and have interviewed Lisa for each one.
Trail of the Spellmans is the fifth book in the series and Lisa seems to have no trouble finding new material to write about with this family rich in antics and dysfunction.
Isabel has been described as “Nancy Drew after a bottle of Jack Daniels.” While she has also been described, by People, as "the love child of Dirty Harry and Harriet the Spy” Lutz said she prefers the Nancy Drew analogy. Both work for me.
I'm trying something different for this interview and one I did last week with Josh Bazell, namely letting them interview each other for part of my interview.
Article comments
1 - Laura J
I was favorably impressed last week when I read your column that suggested anyone who likes Lisa Lutz would like Josh Bazell. I had just read "Beat the Reaper' and I already loved Lisa Lutz, but I hadn't put them together. So now I am getting your columns on the RSS, and I am happy.
2 - scott butki
Wow, that's quite a compliment. I made the association first because of her blurb but then when they both use (overuse?) footnotes it seemed a natural fit. I'm not sure about my idea of having them interview each other - that's probably a one time thing. I love her aunt edna line.