Izzy Spellman never really had a chance for a normal life.  Raised by private investigators, she joined the family business at 12, establishing a pattern of snooping and distrust that doesn’t bode well for healthy relationships.  Her parents routinely run background checks on her boyfriends.  Her uncle Ray regularly disappears on binges of his assorted addictions.  Her brother David, the supposedly normal one, has been hiding something.  Even her baby sister is mastering the art of extortion within the family. Meanwhile Izzy tries to solve an unsolvable case and maintain a fairly normal (if completely dishonest) relationship with the dentist of her dreams.

I was told to read The Spellman Files because I like the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.  Both series are hilarious mysteries with entertaining young female characters who can’t quite get it together, but Spellman is less slapstick and more clever.  This tale of mystery, suspense, and family dysfunction will keep you laughing all the way through.