The Spellmans Strike Again

A Novel

By: Lisa Lutz

Narrated by: Christina Moore

Length: 10 hrs

Publisher's summary

At the ripe old age of 32, former wild child Isabel "Izzy" Spellman has finally agreed to take over the family business. And the transition won't be a smooth one.

First among her priorities as head of Spellman Investigations is to dig up some dirt on the competition, slippery ex-cop Rick Harkey - a task she may enjoy a little too much. Next, faced with a baffling missing-persons case at the home of an aging millionaire, Izzy hires an actor friend, Len, to infiltrate the mansion as an undercover butler - a role he may enjoy a little much.

Meanwhile, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother (photographic evidence of Prom Night 1994) to commit to regular blind dates with promising professionals - an arrangement that doesn't thrill Connor, an Irish bartender on the brink of becoming Ex-boyfriend #12.

At Spellman headquarters, it's business as unusual. Doorknobs and light fixtures are disappearing every day, Mom's been spotted crying in the pantry, and a series of increasingly demanding Spellman Rules (Rule #27: No Speaking Today) can't quite hold the family together. Izzy also has to decipher weekly "phone calls from the edge" from her octogenarian lawyer, Morty, as well as Detective Henry Stone's mysterious interest in rekindling their relationsh...well, whatever it was.

Just when it looks like things can't go more haywire, little sister Rae's internship researching pro bono legal cases leads the youngest Spellman to launch a grassroots campaign that could spring an innocent man from jail - or land Rae in it.

The Spellmans Strike Again is hands down the most hilarious, thrilling, and moving book in this bestselling, award-nominated series. And it proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Isabel Spellman, no matter how much she matures, will never be able to follow Rule #1: Act Normal.

More mirth and mayhem? Listen to more in the Spellmans series.

©2010 Lisa Lutz (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

“The wisecracks crackle....Those in the market for mayhem and mirth will revel in Lutz's irresistible blend of suspense, irony, and wit.” ( Booklist)

new narrator

the original narrator is better. the accents were off. they sounded like they were from new York not San Francisco.

Bad Narration

Man do I wish I had thought to check the reviews. I can't believe they switched narrator. It's really bad.
Every character sounds the same and they all sound like a grandmother. Wish I could get my money back

I listen to all the previous Spellmans and enjoyed them.
This is only the third book ever I just deleted without listening to.

Ruined by narrator

Worst narrator. Ruined book by horrendous narrator. Could not even listen to her. Clearly no one auditioned her.

Why switch performer!!

Christina Moore sounds like she’s in her 60’s
I don’t know if I can listen to her. Bring back Ari Graynor

If you liked the previous books... STAY AWAY!

I really hated giving this book a 1 star rating, but the reader completely ruins this book. I love the Spellman series! I read two of the books before I found them on audio. Usually I don't double-purchase a book, but the sample of Ari Graynor's narration convinced me to give them a listen as well as a read. She was spot-on in her voicing of all the characters.

For this final book in the Spellman series, however, for some poorly conceived reason, a new narrator was selected. Nothing is good about this choice of narrator. This 0-star performance from the reader is tortuous to listen to. I would like to note that the reader seems fairly competent; pacing and pronounciation were acceptable. Unfortunately, she is just about the most inappropriate reader possible for this series.

First, Isabel is 30 years old; this reader makes her sound in her 50's. Basically, everyone sounds in his or her 50's at least-- even Rae. In several spots where the conversation moves quickly without tags, it was impossible to know who was speaking because everyone sounds exactly alike.

If you have listened to and enjoyed the previous novels, steer very clear of this horribly concieved narration! I have bought the hardback version of the novel and will read it to myself, and that is what I recommend you to do as well.

Narration is AWFUL

I wish I had read the reviews before I purchased. I agree with a previous reviewer...the narrator sounds like a grandmother. And she makes many of the characters sound like they have downs syndrome. Serious bummer because I absolutely adored the first 3 Spellman novels. I think the writing was still good but the narration ruined it for me. Bring back Ari Graynor and re-record this mess so we can enjoy!!!

JB Simon

The narrator sounds like she’s in her 60s and probably smoked a pack per day of something….not even close to someone in their 30s, who may smoke even. This completely ruins this story for me and I lose my concentration. Im only into chapter one. Where did Ari go?!
Can I get a refund, please? I’d rather read the
book!