Spellman Files
Not sure the source, but it was a free e–book from the publisher with their proprietary reader. Shrug. But the free e-book did what it was supposed to, as almost immediately I started looking for more books by the same author.
”But love in my family has a bite to it and sometimes you get tired of icing all those tooth marks.” Page 538.
Always with layers to add nuance.
Wasn’t until I was past the two-thirds mark did I understand the second, or tertiary, layer of material interwoven in the story’s line. Deft, craftsman-like efforts, for sure. From spurious web glances? It was a screen play that’s a better novel. Or series of novels.
“Conspiracy theories often arise when logical explanations are unsatisfying.” Page 643.
Yet it’s a 2007 imprint, copyright.
Spellman Files
Now waiting in the rest of the novels to pop up on the digital library. Means I enjoyed it.
The Curse of the Spellmans
So it is good. The question, in my mind, the almost abrupt style, and then, long passages as recorded transcripts? The author was first a scriptwriter. Movies, TV, that format. Lively, in its own way. Very current.
It was an author’s device to insert material, move the narrative along without the burden of regular dialogue as a frame.
I was thinking, reading along, and wondering, the frame itself, it’s like an epistolary-style, only not quite the text-message, e-mail format I’ve seen in the past, which, with further reflection, makes it unique. A little choppy, but smooth enough that the tale sails along.
“The whole grown-up thing is a myth. Whatever is wrong with you now will probably be wrong with you in twenty years.” Page 296.
Probably true. Good advice for 15-year old.
Very fun book. Twisted.
The Revenge of the Spellmans
Pick up where one left off? If it’s a winning formula? Let that bet ride.
“In my family, we don’t ask questions; we investigate.” Page 33.
Family, huh. How does that saying go?
Inner and outer stories, rolled up in, and the modern variant of its slightly experimental epistolary style.
“I’m your brother. I’m going to be nice on random occasions.” Page 328.
Family.
It’s a family piece. Makes one grateful for one’s real family, this being fiction and whatnot.
”I like a man who can accept rejection. That’s the kind of man who suddenly becomes unbearably attractive.” Page 355.
Just funny, true, and with a novelist’s eye for so much with so little.
The Spellmans Strike Again: A Novel
Love the family dynamics:
“Other than my mom’s mild vanity, her most obscene characteristic is that she seems to think meddling in her children’s lives is an Olympic event. Her training regimen is positively brutal.” Page 7.
I’m not sure it’s still an Olympic-caliber event, but you know?
“It’s hard to feel threatened by someone eating a happy face.” Page 314.
Can’t say, for sure, but the image stuck.
Trail of the Spellmans: Document #5
Always a good hook?
“I’m a spectacular liar (“magician of the truth” is the new phrase I’m working with).” Page 4.
Someplace to start. Might appropriate some of that.
“I believe in the folly of youth. I believe in rebellion and questioning authority and I even believe it’s okay to commit a few misdemeanors now and again. “Try to steer clear of felonies” is my motto.” Page 58.
Family.
“My family’s obligatory Sunday-night dinners have always had the atmosphere of a disappointing baseball game: lots of shouting, subpar and semidigestible dining options, and various individuals occasionally making a run for it.” Page 91.
Short and to the point, and not unlike my family, except I’ve had good luck with baseball food.
The Last Word
The last in the series? But, as usual, sparkling with time-worn truisms.
“I’ve only recently discovered that when people tell you that you look tired, they’re suggesting you use cover-up, not get more sleep.” Page 34.
Wonder what I should do.
The Last Word was the final in the series, with an option for more, but what I liked best? Played fast and loose with the breaking the fourth wall between the reader the narrator.
Good series. Fun diversion in uncertain times. Clever, and cleverly executed.
Spellman Agency
Of note, the amazon links should bounce to a hardback copy of the book, but the Kindle version should be available for a free loaner.
Either one works.
Thanks for listening.
Books are also available from all digital libraries I’ve seen.