The Spellman Files, Red Hook Road and Origin Reviews
by Jenners • 02/24/2012 • 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, A Authors, Contemporary, Fiction, Humor, L Authors, Mystery/Thriller, O Titles, R Titles, S Titles, W Authors • 32 Comments
The Spellman Files by Lisa LutzPublisher: Simon and Schuster, 2008
Pages: 384
Genre: Fiction, Humor, Mystery
Where I Got It: Paperback Swap
Why I Read It: Someone told me I’d probably enjoy these books. He was right.
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: The first book of the Spellman Files series introduces us to the Spellman clan, including our narrator Isabel “Izzy” Spellman—a 28-year-old private investigator working for the family firm. The Spellmans are a colorful and fun bunch (if they weren’t actually your family). Although “Perfect” David seems to have turned his back on the family shenanigans, the other Spellmans (including Mom, Dad and 14-year-old Rae) love being able to snoop, spy and investigate—both on behalf actual clients and on each other. From ruthless and relentless Rae (who is grounded from her habit of “recreational surveillance”) to Uncle Ray (former health nut turned alcoholic gambler who frequently goes missing), the Spellman household is anything but normal. Although Izzy spends the book working a decades-old cold case, her primary problem is keeping Mom and Dad from discovering her new boyfriend. Things go along in a delightfully loopy comic vein … until Rae goes missing.
My Thoughts: Lutz (whose collaboration with David Heyward, Heads You Lose, was one of my favorite books from last year) has created a genre all her own—wacky comic noir. (One could argue that Stephanie Plum belongs in this genre, but Izzy is much funnier and smarter.) The focus is more on the comedy than the mystery, though I can see why Lutz chose to have the family own a private investigation firm—it makes for comic gold. Although the narrative can be a bit disjointed and jumpy, Lutz has a great sense of humor, and I’m definitely up for more of the Spellmans. Perfect for when you want a goofy comic read with some elements of mystery. (Though, to be honest, I almost forgot what the mystery was in this book.)
Red Hook Road by Ayelet WaldmanPublisher: Anchor, 2011
Pages: 352
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
Where I Got It: I won a copy in a giveaway a year or two back but can no longer remember who sent it to me. If it was you, thanks!
Why I Read It: I was curious to try Waldman’s novel after reading her memoir, Bad Mother.
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: After the most tragic wedding day you can imagine, the Copaken and Tetherly families struggle to make sense of their lives and put themselves back together again. Following the families over four summers in the Maine town of Red Hook (the Copakens are a “summer” family while the Tetherleys are “townies”—a primary source of tension between the two), the individual members come together in various ways to grieve, heal and get on with their lives.
My Thoughts: I just love a good tragedy, and this book starts out with a whopper. I thought Waldman’s writing was fluid and graceful, and she does a good job of breaking these families down and building them back up. However, I thought she spent way more time on the Copaken family at the expense of the Tetherleys. As I write this review, I realize that most of the story lines had a Copaken at the center, with the Tetherleys playing supporting roles. I’m not sure if this was Waldman’s intention, but I definitely felt as if her heart was with the Copakens. There is a lovely sub-plot between a gifted music prodigy and her elderly teacher that I found oddly touching and satisfying, but the primary focus of the book is the grieving and healing process and how we can lose ourselves in the aftermath of a loved one’s death. All in all, it was a rich and satisfying read, and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another Waldman book.
Origin by Diana Abu-JaberPublisher: W.W. Norton and Company, 2008
Pages: 384
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Where I Got It: From Paperback Swap
Why I Read It: The description intrigued me, as did a short story I read by this author.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Brief Description: Lena Dawson is a fingerprint specialist who has an odd gift for communicating almost telepathically with crime scenes. When a series of SIDS deaths strike an odd note within her, Lena feels compelled to look deeper into the cases. However, the more she explores, the more convinced she is that a serial killer of babies is on the loose and, odder yet, the killer seems to have a connection to Lena herself. As Lena investigates her past and the current crimes, she is drawn into the confusing web of her own past, including the stories told to her by her adoptive parents. As she confronts her own origins, Lena learns how the past has followed her into the present.
My Thoughts: Although the book description may sound like a straightforward mystery, it is anything but. The book had the strangest and most elusive tone to it. It is like a standard mystery was wrapped inside a cotton blanket and then pushed out through the fibers of the blanket into the book. Lena is aloof and distant from us as readers, and there is an almost dream-like feel to the book. Although I was almost convinced that Lena’s long-held and fantastical origin story about herself was true, Abu-Jaber is giving us cold hard reality but wrapping it up in a strange dream-like texture. This makes for an odd read. To this day, I’m not what to make of this book. It definitely isn’t your standard mystery in tone and feel. If you’re looking for a mystery with a literary and dream-like feel to it, this would be a good choice.
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I had missed these reviews previously, and kind of wish I still had. a serial killer of babies?? that is a horrible story line. HORRIBLE.
Yeah … it is. But it is handled in such a weird aloof way. Strange.
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The Spellman Files sounds like a winner to me – I love mystery, probably my favorite genre…add in some comedy and wacky family members and I’m all set for the evening! Love these mini-reviews!
I smiled reading your reviews as I often choose books based on something previous I had read by the same author. Do you read only paper or do you read kindle too?
Thanks for the review Jenners. I’m actually in the market for your not typical kind of mystery. This one with the literary quality to the writing may be right up my alley.
Glad you enjoyed Red Hook Rd. I liked that one a lot too.
Love, love, love the Spellman books. In fact, #5 comes out today. I preordered on my Nook and it won’t download properly – so I’m kind of freaking out. I need a Spellman fix!!!
all three sound good to me.
I picked up the Spellman Files when Border’s went out of business and now I’m glad I did. A smarter Stephanie is a good thing!
Thanks for the review of Red Hook Rood – I recently picked it up at a used bookstore and your review has prompted me to move it to the top of the pile.
I have heard a lot about Lisa Lutz. I will probably read her at some point.
I grabbed the first Spellman book a year or so ago when everyone was saying how funny the series was. Then I kind of lost interest and have even considered passing the book on. Now I’m interested in it again. Thanks!
Origin was my first Abu-Jaber read, and it has a very different feel than most of her other books. The cotton blanket is a good way to describe it…it’s like there was no happiness at all. Yet, I still loved it.
Wacky comic noir does sound fun!
I’ve never read The Spellman Files but it sounds great. That one is going on my to read list. Red Hook Road I have in my piles of books and I have wanted to pick it up for ages. I’m glad to hear it’s pretty good. I’ll have to dig it out one of these days.
Great mini reviews. I really like the sound of The Spellman Files, comic noir is intriguing.
Izzy is smarter and funnier than Steph? I need to find my copy of Lutz’s book.
I remember thinking that the best parts of Red Hook Road were those about the musical prodigy. I liked almost all of the book, but thought the ending was a bit ridiculous.
Jenners, I enjoyed your mini reviews. I have a good sense of what these books are about now. They were completely new to me before stopping here. I may add a couple of these to my TBR piles (because I don’t care if they topple over).
The Spellmans sound like folks I’d like to know better. I think this series need to go on my wishlist.
I’ve been wanting to read Red Hook Road for the longest time. That premise is so good and I am glad to know that the book satisfied you.
Jenners, to this very day, I am haunted by Red Hook Road. I listened to it on audio (fabulous by the way) and thought it was just the most beautiful thing. I don’t think I gave it five stars, but based on how often I think back on it, it probably should have been.
I really liked Red Hook Road, but felt that it was so very sad. I thought the relationship between the two mothers was just so complex and involving. A very intriguing read. I also think that The Spellman Files sounds rather interesting. I love me some quirk, and this book sounds like it has it in spades. Very cool mini-reviews today! I loved them!
I want to read some of the Spellman books because a good friend of mine just loves them. I really enjoyed Red Hook Road too.
I’ve been wanting to read Red Hook Road, but still have it in deep in the TBR pile. One of these days, however, because I like Waldman.
These minis are fab. You have me intrigued with each and I am impressed by your descriptions of plot and your impressions.
I like the sound of all of these. To write a book about a serial killer of babies I think is very brave as I’m sure its a very emotive subject for some.
I have the first two books so I was interested in your take. Looks like I need to move them up the TBR list!
I like these mini reviews. They give me just enough info to get a feel for the book and your opinion. Red Hook Road is one I’ve been wanting to try.