The Last Word: A Spellman Novel (Spellman: Document)
*Starred Review* Trouble always has a way of finding Isabel Spellman, the snarky, whip-smart sleuth at the heart of Lutz’s best-selling series. Although Izzy has plenty of clients to keep her busy, much of her time is devoted to dealing with the mischievous staff at Spellman Investigations, aka her own family. Her mother and father lack any semblance of professionalism, opting to hide out in their bedroom sipping coffee rather than attending firm meetings (or do much work, for that matter). And Izzy’s sassy younger sister, Rae, has proved herself a master (mistress?) of blackmail and bribes. This time around, however, Izzy’s woes stem not from next of kin but from an uberwealthy former client named Edward Slayter, who’s accused Izzy of embezzlement. Slayter, it turns out, has early-stage Alzheimer’s and is desperate to hide his diagnosis from colleagues and friends. Izzy is doing her best to keep Slayter’s secret—and save her own neck. Many of Lutz’s quirky characters make appearances here, from Izzy’s charming ex-boyfriend (and San Francisco cop) Henry Stone to her brother, David, who’s traded the buttoned-up world of high finance for the demanding—and disheveled—life of a stay-at-home dad. Edgar-nominated Lutz is in fine form, delivering another killer whodunit packed with plot twists and wit. --Allison Block