Order of The Spellmans Book Series

The Spellmans Series is a delightful and humorous collection of novels centered around the eccentric Spellman family, who run a private investigation agency in San Francisco. The series, narrated with wit and charm, primarily features the irreverent and independent Izzy Spellman, who grapples with family dynamics, romantic entanglements, and the challenges of a profession steeped in secrets and surveillance.

Written by the talented trio of Isabel Spellman, Ari Graynor, and Lisa Lutz, this captivating series is filled with quirky characters and relatable family dysfunction. Each book introduces readers to the Spellman family's whimsical adventures, including their endearing yet intrusive tendencies to snoop into each other's lives and solve mysteries, all while dealing with the intricacies of adulthood and familial obligations.

As Izzy navigates her complicated relationships with her parents, her younger siblings, and a colorful cast of clients and rivals, the series intertwines humor with suspense, creating a rich tapestry of engaging narratives. With its blend of mystery, comedy, and heartfelt moments, The Spellmans Series is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good whodunit laced with family drama and delightful chaos. Join Izzy and her unconventional family as they unravel intriguing cases and uncover the truths that lie both outside and within their own home.

Order of Izzy Spellman Series
By: Lisa Lutz, Isabel Spellman

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1The Spellman Files
By: Lisa Lutz
20074.2Amazon.com
2Curse of the Spellmans
By: Lisa Lutz
20084.3Amazon.com
3Revenge of the Spellmans
By: Lisa Lutz
2009Amazon.com
4The Spellmans Strike Again
By: Lisa Lutz
2010Amazon.com
5Trail of the Spellmans
By: Lisa Lutz
2012Amazon.com
6Isabel Spellman's Guide to Etiquette: What is Wrong with You People (Short Story)
By: Lisa Lutz, Isabel Spellman
2013Amazon.com
7The Last Word / The Next Generation
By: Lisa Lutz
20134.4Amazon.com

Izzy Spellman Series Books Description

The Spellman series, written by Lisa Lutz, follows the humorous and often chaotic lives of the Spellman family, who run a private investigation agency. The series features several books that delight readers with intriguing mysteries, eccentric characters, and witty storytelling. Here’s a brief overview of each book in the series:

  1. The Spellman Files (2007)

    • This is the introduction to the Spellman family, featuring the witty, rebellious Isabel Spellman, who narrates her life as a private investigator in San Francisco. Isabel details her family's quirks, including her eccentric parents and her younger brother, who is a prodigy. As she investigates her own family's antics, the plot thickens with a case involving a missing person and the revelation of long-buried family secrets.
  2. Curse of the Spellmans (2008)

    • The second book delves deeper into the family dynamics and their ongoing investigations. Isabel is now more entrenched in her job, partially due to a family curse that plagues her every move. As she tries to uncover a few family mysteries and solve a case involving a disgruntled former client, the book explores themes of loyalty, family ties, and the blurred lines between professional and personal lives.
  3. Revenge of the Spellmans (2009)

    • In the third installment, Isabel is determined to take a step away from her family's investigations but finds herself dragged back in as she becomes embroiled in another case tied to a key figure in her life. The book balances humor with introspection as Isabel grapples with her tumultuous relationships with her family members, including her parents' questionable decisions and her brother's mysterious behavior.
  4. The Spellman Strikes Again (2010)

    • This installment finds the Spellman family dealing with new challenges and more eccentric cases. Isabel faces the fallout of her decisions while trying to preserve the delicate balance of her family's agency. The narrative explores both her professional life and personal struggles as she navigates her complex family ties and the eccentricities of her investigations.
  5. The Revenge of the Spellmans (2010)

    • The fifth book continues the humorous and chaotic narrative of the Spellman family’s lives. Isabel embarks on a mission to free herself from family traditions and the expectations placed upon her. With new cases and family secrets emerging, the plot brings both comedic and poignant moments, illustrating how entwined their lives truly are.
  6. The Spellmans Forever (2018)

    • The final book in the series concludes Isabel’s journey while wrapping up various plot threads that have developed throughout the series. The narrative explores major life changes, personal growth, and the challenges of familial bonds as Isabel faces a critical turning point in her life and career as an investigator. As the family confronts changes and potential separations, the themes of loyalty and love come to the forefront.

Throughout the Spellman series, Lisa Lutz combines elements of mystery, humor, and family dynamics to create a captivating and entertaining narrative. Each book adds layers to the characters, making them both relatable and hilarious as they navigate their world of investigations and quirky personal lives.

Who are the main characters of Izzy Spellman Series

"The Spellmans" series, written primarily by Lisa Lutz, features a quirky and entertaining cast of characters centered around the Spellman family, who run a private investigation agency. Here are the main characters:

  1. Izzy Spellman: The protagonist and narrator of the series, Izzy is a smart, sarcastic, and fiercely independent private investigator. She often finds herself in humorous and complicated situations, as she navigates her family's eccentricities while trying to solve cases. Her loyalty to her family and her desire for a semblance of normalcy create constant internal conflict.

  2. David Spellman: Izzy's younger brother, David is the more responsible and level-headed member of the Spellman family. He often serves as a voice of reason amidst the chaos created by their family dynamics. David's character provides a contrast to Izzy's impulsiveness, and he struggles with expectations placed on him by the family business.

  3. Olive Spellman: The family matriarch, Olive is a former private investigator herself and instills her investigative tendencies in her children. She is strong-willed and has a penchant for meddling in the lives of her children, often leading to humorous or enlightening situations.

  4. Ray Spellman: Izzy and David’s father, Ray has a deep love for his children and a somewhat unconventional approach to parenting. He often engages in various side business ventures and has his own unique methods of dealing with issues, blending warmth with oddball logic.

  5. Lucy Spellman: The younger sister of Izzy and David, Lucy is a sharp and endearing character. She often finds herself getting involved in the family’s investigations and displays remarkable intuition, despite her age.

  6. Uncle Joe: The eccentric uncle in the family, Joe provides comic relief and an unpredictable element to the storyline. His unconventional methods add to the humorous tone of the series.

Throughout the series, the Spellmans’ interactions provide both comedic moments and deeper reflections on family relationships, love, and the complexities of their investigative work. The blend of humor, mystery, and family dynamics makes "The Spellmans" a unique and enjoyable read.

Interesting facts about Izzy Spellman Series

"The Spellmans" is a fictional series written by Lisa Lutz, and it centers around the Spellman family, a quirky and dysfunctional family of private investigators. While it is important to clarify that the authors listed—Isabel Spellman and Ari Graynor—are not actual authors of the series, they are characters and part of the narrative universe created by Lutz. Here are some interesting facts about "The Spellmans":

  1. Unique Format: The series is known for its unconventional storytelling style, which includes a mix of narrative prose, documents, and case files, giving readers a sense of being pulled into the investigation process alongside the characters.

  2. Main Character: The protagonist, Izzy Spellman, is a witty and cynical private investigator who often finds herself embroiled in her family's over-the-top antics. Her character embodies a blend of humor and a complicated relationship with her family.

  3. Family Dynamics: The Spellman family is a key element of the series, with each member having their distinctive quirks. The family includes Izzy’s parents, her younger brother, and even her dog, who is treated like a family member and frequently involved in various escapades.

  4. Subplots and Layers: While the primary focus is on the day's investigations, the series also features subplots involving family drama, romance, and the ongoing mystery of Izzy's own past—adding depth and keeping the readers engaged beyond the mysteries.

  5. Humor and Wit: The books are acclaimed for their sharp humor and wit, blending mystery with comedic elements. Lisa Lutz's writing style effectively combines these genres, making it enjoyable for a wide range of readers.

  6. Culminating Novels: The series includes several titles, starting with "The Spellman Files." It was followed by "Curse of the Spellmans," "The Spellman Strikes Again," and "The Last Word," each building on the family dynamics and casework.

  7. Cinematic Adaptation: The first book of the series attracted significant interest from producers, and there has been talk of adapting "The Spellmans" for film or television, capturing the unique charm and humor of the characters.

  8. Themes of Privacy: A recurring theme in the series is the idea of privacy and surveillance, poking fun at the lengths to which the Spellman family goes to gather information on each other and the world around them.

  9. Strong Female Protagonist: Izzy Spellman is portrayed as a strong, independent woman with a complex personality, reflecting modern sensibilities in literature regarding female characters.

  10. Critical Acclaim: The series has received positive reviews from critics and has developed a dedicated fan base, praised for its humor, engaging plots, and relatable characters.

Overall, "The Spellmans" series offers a delightful mix of mystery, humor, and family dynamics, creating a unique reading experience.