Zodiac P.I., Volume 1

by Natsumi Andō

Book Overview

Lill is just like any other normal girl--except she can foretell the future This Zodiac P.I. transforms herself into the magic Detective Splca and looks to the stars to guide her way. Before long, she is joined by her childhood friend, Hiromi, who dreams of becoming a detective as skilled as Spica. Soon, no astral investigation is too arduous for this dynamic duo

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591823838
• ISBN13: 9781591823834
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: TokyoPop
• Length: 177 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.0" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Definite Buy!

This is a very good series, despite being so short. I love how the mysteries are incorporated with tidbits of astrology. It's really very interesting and engrossing. Another thing I love is the blossoming romance between Lily and Hiromi is so fun and you'll be screaming for them to get together the whole time. Lily is an astrology whiz who has just taken over her missing mother's job; Spica. Spica is a detective who uses her secret ring to call upon the spirits of each sign to help her solve the murder or mystery. The little spirits are adorable and each has a distinctive personality based on their representative sign. Throughout each book their will be author's notes telling you about the sign being investigated at the time. The mysteries themselves are varied and some (as in later in the series) can be downright frightening! This isn't a book that will scare you, however. It's a story about mystery, lost love, a missing parent, and fun. There are many funny bits to lighten the story up. The art style involves a lot of shading and screen tones. It is very detailed. This is a great series all around and I definitely recommend it!

Zodiac 4 ever

I searched everywhere for this book, and when I found it, I practicly lunged at it, and it was beyond worth it. Step into the life of the young sleuth, Lili, as she uncovers mysteries by finding the birthdates of the victims and the suspects, so she can use her mothers ring to solve the cases. I love the series; I bought all of the books within a month. Enjoy!

This series was my first and FAVORITE manga!!

I LOVE Zodiac P.I.! It's wonderfully written, with a awesome cast of characters and catchy plot! I've read all 4 of the books so many times that I accidently ripped the spine of the 4th volume...oopps. ~The Characters~ Lili (NOT Lily) Hoshizawa is a 13 yr. old astrologist on a search for her mother,Kaoruko Hoshizawa,who disappeared 2 years ago. In the meantime,she busts mysteries under the alias Spica P.I. and leaves the police, along with her own father, scratching thier heads as to who she is. She solves crimes with 2 things: the birthdate of the victim and the help of 12 zodiac spirits who give her clues and guidance from Lili's summoning of her Star Ring. Hiromi Oikawa,however,is another story. Good-looking,yes, Hiro is also a detective(much to Mr. Hoshizawa's annoyance) and deals with the mysteries in a logical manner. At times, he's a regular pain in the behind. Hiromi is also allergic to girls, including his own sister, Megumi(whose vainity is VERY annoying..I'd like to do nothing more than kick her and Michelle/Sailor Neptune over a cliff. They're so AIR-HEADED...) I find that very funny.......poor Hiromi!!

I knew I would like it

This is probably the first manga I've ever come across that I knew I would like. Usually I just _have_ to know what the plot is, what happens in later books, and stuff like that. But this one, I knew I would love it. The main character is Lili Hoshizawa, whose family has been practicing astrology for generations. Her dad's a cop(though not a very succesful one), and her mom is....well, missing. Lili is a private investigator who goes by the name of Spica, and no one knows who she is....yet. One day, she ends up landing on a boy she knew ten years ago, but whom she doesn't remember at first. I'd say the funniest thing about him is that he's allergic to girls. Lili uses a 'star ring' to call out the astral spirits of zodiac signs. They give her the horoscope for someone involved in a crime, and use a 'globe of truth' to give her a clue or two. I think it's really funny how her personality reacts with the personality of each sign. This story has it all. Comedy, mystery, and with the books being released as slowly as they are, the plot is really suspenseful! You may not agree, but I think this is a great manga.

finally...

finally!! a strong, great female main character!She's not a sissy like in MewMew and sailor moon, but more like Yu Yu Hakusho's Keiko.This was a great, well-though-out, intriguing book.I highly recommend it!