Things aren't going well for poor Izzy Spellman. Things have
gone downhill fast since she staged a hostile takeover of
Spellman Investigations. Forced into the role of employees
rather than owners, her parents have gone on strike. Given
that Spellman Investigation's offices are located in her
parent's home, things are decidedly uncomfortable. Not
surprisingly cases and financial details are falling through
the cracks and Izzy is doing her best to pretend everything
is OK (not the best strategy for the health of Spellman
Investigations!). Things aren't looking good and Izzy is
keeping an eye on her parents and her sister Rae all of whom
seem to be keeping some serious secrets. It all goes to hell
when Izzy is accused of embezzling from her former client,
Mr. Slayter, a very wealthy man with Alzheimer's disease.
Keeping her business and her family intact will take all of
Izzy's best investigative skills.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Spellman books by Lisa Lutz
and was thrilled to see a new book in the series. THE LAST
WORD features all our favorite Spellmans, their friends, and
all the crazy, dysfunctional shenanigans we've come to love.
The Spellman series is a one I recommend to anyone looking
for a funny story with intriguing plots and strong character
development. I'm not sure if there will be any more books in
this series but I felt satisfied where everyone landed at
the ended of THE LAST WORD so it felt like it might be the
conclusion of the series. In some ways that might be a good
thing. While I enjoyed the story and getting to visit the
Spellmans again, Izzy was shrouded in a weariness that felt
heavy and off-set some of the expected humor. Rather than
quirky, her parent's behavior seemed mean and a little
vindictive, though it makes sense after an unexpected plot
twist.
If this is truly THE LAST WORD, I'll miss the Spellman's but
I'm happy that I have my keeper copies to re-read anytime I
feel the need for a good laugh.
In The Last Word, Izzy’s troubles are just beginning. After
her hostile takeover of Spellman Investigations, Izzy’s
parents simply go on strike. Her sister, Rae, comes back
into the family business with questionable motivations. Her
other employees seem to be coping with anxiety disorders,
and she has no idea how to pay the bills. However, her
worst threat comes from someone who is no relation. Within
months of assuming control of the business, Izzy is accused
of embezzling from a former client, the ridiculously
wealthy Mr. Slayter, who happens to have Alzheimer’s, which
Izzy and he are diligently trying to keep under wraps. Not
only is Slayter’s business and reputation on the line, but
if Izzy gets indicted for embezzlement, she’ll lose
everything—her business, her license, and her family’s
livelihood. Is this the end of Izzy Spellman, PI?