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A Supper Club Mystery #2
Fit to Die
Welcome back to Quincy's Gap, Virginia, where James Henry and his dieting group contend with dangerous secrets, dark intrigue, and delicious praline sundaes. Six months after starting their low-carb diet, the Flab Five are feeling motivationally- challenged. A new ice cream shop has come to town, but so has the Witness to Fitness weight loss center, run by the fanatical Veronica Levitt. Maybe Veronica's "take-no-prisoners" approach is just what the group needs. Between dieting, caring for his cranky father, and struggling with his growing affection for Lucy, James has his plate full. But when he and his fellow dieters poke around in an arson case that turns into a murder investigation, the Flab Five discover that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. A cozy "village" mystery, Fit to Die is the second book in the warm and wonderful Supper Club Mystery series This is a Print-on-Demand title. Please allow an additional 2-3 days for delivery.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
About the author
J.B. Stanley
9 books168 followersAlso writes under the pseudonyms Ellery Adams and Jennifer Stanley.
J.B. Stanley is the nom de plume of New York Times Bestselling author Ellery Adams. Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs including that of caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children's books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia.
For more killer mysteries, visit www.elleryadamsmysteries.com
J.B. Stanley is the nom de plume of New York Times Bestselling author Ellery Adams. Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs including that of caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children's books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia.
For more killer mysteries, visit www.elleryadamsmysteries.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 7, 2018
This brand-new, fully revised edition of Fit to Die is the second in the Supper Club Mysteries. Once again James, Lucy and crew are meeting once a week to encourage each other to lose weight. Unfortunately, over the last month, the flab five have not been doing well with the weight loss program, in fact, most of them have gained weight. When a new diet and exercise business opens in town, they reluctantly join Witness to Fitness. Next door to the health club is a new frozen custard business owned by a newcomer. Arson, murder and fraud all get the Supper Club doing their own investigations in this story.
I really like James and am happy to see he has made some real friends, has a possible relationship blooming and that his father and him are getting along so much better. The library he is running is also flourishing and the Spring Fling they put on brings in some long wanted funds to purchase computers to get them into the electronic age. Lucy is trying hard to prove that she can be a detective and it seems the chief might be taking her skills seriously. As I read the story, I enjoyed the happenings in Quincy's Gap and wanted to find out who was responsible for the latest string of crime. I had some of it figured out, but not all of it. This series is an easy read that has characters that many people can relate to. They are beginning to lose weight in this story which and develop healthier habits, which is a positive thing for all of them. I am beginning to feel like that the Supper Club group are becoming friends that I can talk and commiserate with. A fun series that I plan to continue.
I really like James and am happy to see he has made some real friends, has a possible relationship blooming and that his father and him are getting along so much better. The library he is running is also flourishing and the Spring Fling they put on brings in some long wanted funds to purchase computers to get them into the electronic age. Lucy is trying hard to prove that she can be a detective and it seems the chief might be taking her skills seriously. As I read the story, I enjoyed the happenings in Quincy's Gap and wanted to find out who was responsible for the latest string of crime. I had some of it figured out, but not all of it. This series is an easy read that has characters that many people can relate to. They are beginning to lose weight in this story which and develop healthier habits, which is a positive thing for all of them. I am beginning to feel like that the Supper Club group are becoming friends that I can talk and commiserate with. A fun series that I plan to continue.
March 1, 2018
More frolicking mischief from the Flab Five. A new ice cream shop has opened up and the Flab Five friends become frequent customers. So when the Witness to Fitness weight loss center opens they figure they should give it a go after some very unhealthy eating has taken a bigger toll on their waistlines. Although they start off struggling to slim down, they soon find themselves struggling to figure out the town crime. The town is struck by arsonist and a murderer. Will the inquisitive Flab Five figure out whodunnit and why? They may just be better at solving crimes than sticking to a diet! This series is full of silly fun, are fast reads and include a hint of romance.
January 18, 2018
The Flab Five Supper Club has met for six months now, and everyone is starting to slip and gain back the weight they lost at first as Fit to Die by Ellery Adams opens. So when Veronica Levitt opens the Witness to Fitness weight loss center, the group decides to sign up, despite its hefty cost. But a few doors down from Witness to Fitness, a man opens The Polar Pagoda, a specialty ice cream shop, and “Ronnie” takes every chance to attack the shop. The Saturday after the group signs up, they attend the fire department stew dinner, the annual major fundraiser for the fire department. But then the alarms go off, and the fire trucks race to the Polar Pagoda, which has burned to the ground. But worse, Pete, the surly former high school janitor who has just gotten a new start on life by getting hired by Willie, the owner of the Polar Pagoda, is found dead inside.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
August 1, 2023
The Supper Club, failing to lose weight again, join a health club. It turns out to be a den of iniquity. The club starts investigating an arson that turns into a murder investigation. There's some romance and lifestyle changes.
Easy reading.
Easy reading.
March 5, 2018
This is the 2nd book in this series by Ellery Adams.
I love the idea of a supper club to support a group of friends who are trying to lose weight.
The Flab Five are off again, this time looking for answers at the new ice cream shop.
Fans of the author will enjoy this fun series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
I love the idea of a supper club to support a group of friends who are trying to lose weight.
The Flab Five are off again, this time looking for answers at the new ice cream shop.
Fans of the author will enjoy this fun series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
February 2, 2024
Between the almost nonstop fat shaming and the almost pornographic descriptions of food, I'm going to just put a pin in this series right here.
July 24, 2019
The Flab Five continue on their quest to become healthier and thinner this time by adding in a fitness instructor, but are they being scammed and who killed burned down the ice cream shop? Humor and reality make this series a fun one to listen too and the plot is good as well! I am looking forward to the next book in the series already!
April 29, 2015
This is such a fun series. The five main characters are all overweight and members of a Supper Club where they try to eat well (once a week) and motivate the others. When FIT TO DIE begins, they all have slacked off and begun to regain any weight they lost. How serendipitous that someone should come to their small town in Virginia and open a weight loss program with prepackaged food and exercise classes! Except for the very unfortunate murders that occur. Written with frequent tongue in cheek, the clever plot will keep you guessing 'til the end.
March 18, 2018
I'm loving this series so much I couldn't stop with the first book. This book was just as amazing and the Flab Five even got to add a couple of new friends to the mix. I loved how once they got their weight loss programs back under control, they all gained the confidence they'd been needing. Things were getting better between James and his dad, Jackson. Lucy was working very hard to help out the sheriff's department and hopefully get to take the deputy exam soon.
It was late spring and the whole town of Quincy's Gap was abuzz with excitement when new citizen Willy opened up his Polar Pagoda. There was also a new fitness program in town and he and the owner definitely didn't see eye to eye. Also some of the townspeople weren't very happy with Willy's shop for selling what they said was a suggestive t-shirt saying on a shirt. Did one of these people decided to burn the place down, leaving a body there? Another body eventually turned up as well so the friends had their jobs cut out for them. As in the first book, they all worked together so well as both a weight loss and a mystery solving team.
I thought the Spring Fling sounded like a lot of fun! I really admire the 20-something Fitzgerald twins, Francis and Scott, who work for James, for their innovative ideas for fund raising. This was for some new computers and printers. The Fling was a huge success! I was so happy that Jackson Henry was beginning to act more like a real father to James now. He still didn't want to talk about his art but apparently he was becoming successful and was willing to have some improvements done on their home.
I liked these first two books so much I bought the third and am thinking of starting it soon!
It was late spring and the whole town of Quincy's Gap was abuzz with excitement when new citizen Willy opened up his Polar Pagoda. There was also a new fitness program in town and he and the owner definitely didn't see eye to eye. Also some of the townspeople weren't very happy with Willy's shop for selling what they said was a suggestive t-shirt saying on a shirt. Did one of these people decided to burn the place down, leaving a body there? Another body eventually turned up as well so the friends had their jobs cut out for them. As in the first book, they all worked together so well as both a weight loss and a mystery solving team.
I thought the Spring Fling sounded like a lot of fun! I really admire the 20-something Fitzgerald twins, Francis and Scott, who work for James, for their innovative ideas for fund raising. This was for some new computers and printers. The Fling was a huge success! I was so happy that Jackson Henry was beginning to act more like a real father to James now. He still didn't want to talk about his art but apparently he was becoming successful and was willing to have some improvements done on their home.
I liked these first two books so much I bought the third and am thinking of starting it soon!
March 1, 2018
More frolicking mischief from the Flab Five. A new ice cream shop has opened up and the Flab Five friends become frequent customers. So when the Witness to Fitness weight loss center opens they figure they should give it a go after some very unhealthy eating has taken a bigger toll on their waistlines. Although they start off struggling to slim down, they soon find themselves struggling to figure out the town crime. The town is struck by arsonist and a murderer. Will the inquisitive Flab Five figure out whodunnit and why? They may just be better at solving crimes than sticking to a diet! This series is full of silly fun, are fast reads and include a hint of romance.
October 1, 2018
The Flab Five are back and determined to be better than ever! Their sleepy town gets all shaken up over a couple of new businesses, one of which has some secrets of its own.
December 28, 2021
I enjoyed book 2 much better than the first in the series which is usually rare for me. I thought this one was a lot of fun. Especially the beginning! The characters are really growing on me. The mystery plot and storyline wasn't predictable. I do plan on continuing this series.
September 11, 2007
A book that combines librarians, a mystery, and
food is bound to be a hit! Fun to read!
food is bound to be a hit! Fun to read!
June 3, 2020
Another comfort food mystery. I like all the food title chapters.
March 5, 2018
Fit to Die is the second book in Ellery Adams’ Supper Club Mysteries series and it’s an easy and enjoyable read. The storyline is well thought out and the well-developed characters are likeable. The main characters are relatable; they all have hopes, aspirations, regrets, and flaws, and they continue to develop an enviable camaraderie as their friendship grows, support each other in their quest to lose weight, and work together to solve another mystery. There isn’t any gratuitous adult situations or graphic violence, but there is some adult language. The twists and turns and multiple suspects kept me guessing. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
James Henry recently moved back to his childhood home in Quincy’s Gap, Virginia to care for his father, Jackson, after the passing of his beloved mother. He gave up his job as an English literature professor at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg and took over the position of head librarian at Shenandoah County’s main library, the King Street Branch. He loves his new job and joined a supper club that focusing on losing weight. They named themselves the Flab Five. In addition to James, Lindy Perez, Lucy Hanover, Bennett Marshall, and Gillian O’Malley are members and they’ve all lost weight, but the holidays wreaked havoc on their diets, and each admits to cheating and regaining some of the lost weight. James and Lucy encounter Veronica Levitt, who is soliciting business for the weight loss center, Witness to Fitness, she’s preparing to open. The Flab Five agree they need to get back on track and probably need someone to coerce them back on track, so they agree to join the expensive weight loss center. Willy Kendrick opening a new ice cream shop, Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda, has caused a lot of controversy. First, Savanna Lowndes, President of the Shenandoah County Historical Society, confronts Willy concerning the architecture. Next, Gloria Emerson, a minister’s wife, and a group of leaders of her church’s youth group are upset about the wording on the promotional t-shirts Willy was selling. Finally, Veronica Levitt is upset about the ice cream shop promoting bad eating habits and causes a scene at its grand opening. Pete Vandercamp works the evening shift at Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda and he perishes when it burns down. The fire inspector and Fire Chief Lawrence ruled the fire was a result of negligence and the insurance company is refusing to compensate Willy. The Flab Five want to help Willy and decide to investigate the fire’s cause. James has been attracted to Lucy since he first saw her and has finally asked her on a date.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
James Henry recently moved back to his childhood home in Quincy’s Gap, Virginia to care for his father, Jackson, after the passing of his beloved mother. He gave up his job as an English literature professor at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg and took over the position of head librarian at Shenandoah County’s main library, the King Street Branch. He loves his new job and joined a supper club that focusing on losing weight. They named themselves the Flab Five. In addition to James, Lindy Perez, Lucy Hanover, Bennett Marshall, and Gillian O’Malley are members and they’ve all lost weight, but the holidays wreaked havoc on their diets, and each admits to cheating and regaining some of the lost weight. James and Lucy encounter Veronica Levitt, who is soliciting business for the weight loss center, Witness to Fitness, she’s preparing to open. The Flab Five agree they need to get back on track and probably need someone to coerce them back on track, so they agree to join the expensive weight loss center. Willy Kendrick opening a new ice cream shop, Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda, has caused a lot of controversy. First, Savanna Lowndes, President of the Shenandoah County Historical Society, confronts Willy concerning the architecture. Next, Gloria Emerson, a minister’s wife, and a group of leaders of her church’s youth group are upset about the wording on the promotional t-shirts Willy was selling. Finally, Veronica Levitt is upset about the ice cream shop promoting bad eating habits and causes a scene at its grand opening. Pete Vandercamp works the evening shift at Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda and he perishes when it burns down. The fire inspector and Fire Chief Lawrence ruled the fire was a result of negligence and the insurance company is refusing to compensate Willy. The Flab Five want to help Willy and decide to investigate the fire’s cause. James has been attracted to Lucy since he first saw her and has finally asked her on a date.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 23, 2020
The first chapter of this one, the scene in the superstore with the samples, just about made me put it down. The weight loss discussions were again an issue for me, but I'm glad I continued. The mystery was a good one, and I was still jumping through suspects until very near the reveal. And while the self-esteem issues still bother me, I like the characters and their interactions. And it was so good to see Jackson becoming a decent human. Yes, I'll keep going (mainly because I adore Adams) but still not a priority.
July 9, 2020
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fi...
Title: Fit to Die
Series: A Supper Club Mystery
By: Ellery Adams
ASIN: B07B3Y4MHJ
Author’s Website: http://elleryadamsmysteries.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Head librarian and cheese doodle enthusiast James Henry returns to the table, dead set on counting calories and catching killers . . .
A new ice cream shop has just opened in Quincy’s Gap, and James Henry and his supper club friends have become its best customers. But when the shop’s proprietor locks horns with the fanatical owner of the Witness to Fitness weight-loss center, sparks fly—literally—and what begins as a case of arson quickly turns into a murder investigation.
As the Flab Five try to discover who was behind the foul deed, they find a second body, causing them to wonder if it’s time to scale back on their sleuthing. But the case keeps heating up, and despite his full plate, James and his friends need to cook up a plan to nab a dangerous killer before they all get burned. (Goodreads)
Review:
Fit to Die is the second book in the Supper Club Mystery series by Ellery Adams. This book continues on six months after the first book in the series, Carbs & Cadavers. One of the things I love is the succinct introduction of each of the main characters. If I had not just finished reading the first book, I would have been sufficiently apprised of the characters and not have had to worry about “missing” something from the first book.
The book begins (literally) with librarian James Henry (one of the Flab Five dinner club members) breaking his diet yet again by indulging in free goodies at a neighbouring town’s big box store. I certainly understand breaking a diet, but I do wish the members of the Flab Five were not so hard on themselves when their dieting plans go off the rails. While trying to score some chocolate during this shopping trip, James runs into another member of the dinner club, Lindy. While waiting in line, a woman begins plugging her new business, “Witness to Fitness”, that was having its grand opening in Quincy’s Gap the next week. Needless to say, Lindy was very interested and subsequently brought it up to the Flab Five. Also having a grand opening in Quincy’s Gap was a new ice cream shop, Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda. Well now, I can certainly see where some friction might occur, with such diverse businesses starting up at the same time in the same block.
As with all good cozy murder mysteries, there is a murder… and then there was a second one. A fire occurred in Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda and a body was discovered. There was a myriad of suspects – as to be expected. Given that the Flab Five are friends with Willy and love his Polar Pagoda (really just the ice cream – but you get the picture), they jump right in and try to find out what really happened. Lucy’s innate police instincts certainly kicked in high gear. While hot on the trail of the truth, a second murder occurred.
Through all of this, the supper club is attending classes at the Witness to Fitness weight-loss center and even losing weight. They are also complaining bitterly about the food they must eat and the exercise. But positive results are occurring. Glad to see that everyone persevered regardless of their opinion of the program.
I am happy to report that I was stumped on both murders until the very end… just the way I like it!
There were many other story-lines which definitely added to the fulsomeness of the read. James crotchety father is starting to come out of his depression and take an active part in his life since the death of his wife. I can’t wait to see how the relationship between father and son grows. Speaking of growing relationships – we got a hint of something in book one between James and Lucy and while it was slow progress (and a few hiccups along the way) – we were presented with some movement on that front ☺. We also got to see more progress on the Lucy becoming a police officer front. I love a strong woman going after what she wants, especially when the odds are stacked against her. Hopefully in the next book or two of the series Lucy will attempt to get on the force in more than an administrative capacity.
The writing is certainly descriptive when talking about food. After these words, who wouldn’t want a cheese puff:
“All his life, James Henry had had a love affair with cheese puffs. The crunchy, salty, cheesy ambrosia comprised of baked air and addictive, electric-orange dust made James weak in the knees.”
I loved the scene when certain towns folks were having issues with the Polar Pagoda t-shirts, which read:
HAVE YOU GOT A CHILLY WILLY?
This certainly put a smile on my face, especially when the teens were defying the adults and purchasing more of these shirts and parading around while the irate mothers were protesting.
Fit to Die is a cozy mystery with an entertaining storyline, interesting cast of characters and many side stories which kept this mystery interesting. I will most assuredly pick up the third book in the series, “Chili Con Corpses”. Thank you Ellery Adams for penning such a delightful cozy mystery series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Title: Fit to Die
Series: A Supper Club Mystery
By: Ellery Adams
ASIN: B07B3Y4MHJ
Author’s Website: http://elleryadamsmysteries.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Head librarian and cheese doodle enthusiast James Henry returns to the table, dead set on counting calories and catching killers . . .
A new ice cream shop has just opened in Quincy’s Gap, and James Henry and his supper club friends have become its best customers. But when the shop’s proprietor locks horns with the fanatical owner of the Witness to Fitness weight-loss center, sparks fly—literally—and what begins as a case of arson quickly turns into a murder investigation.
As the Flab Five try to discover who was behind the foul deed, they find a second body, causing them to wonder if it’s time to scale back on their sleuthing. But the case keeps heating up, and despite his full plate, James and his friends need to cook up a plan to nab a dangerous killer before they all get burned. (Goodreads)
Review:
Fit to Die is the second book in the Supper Club Mystery series by Ellery Adams. This book continues on six months after the first book in the series, Carbs & Cadavers. One of the things I love is the succinct introduction of each of the main characters. If I had not just finished reading the first book, I would have been sufficiently apprised of the characters and not have had to worry about “missing” something from the first book.
The book begins (literally) with librarian James Henry (one of the Flab Five dinner club members) breaking his diet yet again by indulging in free goodies at a neighbouring town’s big box store. I certainly understand breaking a diet, but I do wish the members of the Flab Five were not so hard on themselves when their dieting plans go off the rails. While trying to score some chocolate during this shopping trip, James runs into another member of the dinner club, Lindy. While waiting in line, a woman begins plugging her new business, “Witness to Fitness”, that was having its grand opening in Quincy’s Gap the next week. Needless to say, Lindy was very interested and subsequently brought it up to the Flab Five. Also having a grand opening in Quincy’s Gap was a new ice cream shop, Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda. Well now, I can certainly see where some friction might occur, with such diverse businesses starting up at the same time in the same block.
As with all good cozy murder mysteries, there is a murder… and then there was a second one. A fire occurred in Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda and a body was discovered. There was a myriad of suspects – as to be expected. Given that the Flab Five are friends with Willy and love his Polar Pagoda (really just the ice cream – but you get the picture), they jump right in and try to find out what really happened. Lucy’s innate police instincts certainly kicked in high gear. While hot on the trail of the truth, a second murder occurred.
Through all of this, the supper club is attending classes at the Witness to Fitness weight-loss center and even losing weight. They are also complaining bitterly about the food they must eat and the exercise. But positive results are occurring. Glad to see that everyone persevered regardless of their opinion of the program.
I am happy to report that I was stumped on both murders until the very end… just the way I like it!
There were many other story-lines which definitely added to the fulsomeness of the read. James crotchety father is starting to come out of his depression and take an active part in his life since the death of his wife. I can’t wait to see how the relationship between father and son grows. Speaking of growing relationships – we got a hint of something in book one between James and Lucy and while it was slow progress (and a few hiccups along the way) – we were presented with some movement on that front ☺. We also got to see more progress on the Lucy becoming a police officer front. I love a strong woman going after what she wants, especially when the odds are stacked against her. Hopefully in the next book or two of the series Lucy will attempt to get on the force in more than an administrative capacity.
The writing is certainly descriptive when talking about food. After these words, who wouldn’t want a cheese puff:
“All his life, James Henry had had a love affair with cheese puffs. The crunchy, salty, cheesy ambrosia comprised of baked air and addictive, electric-orange dust made James weak in the knees.”
I loved the scene when certain towns folks were having issues with the Polar Pagoda t-shirts, which read:
HAVE YOU GOT A CHILLY WILLY?
This certainly put a smile on my face, especially when the teens were defying the adults and purchasing more of these shirts and parading around while the irate mothers were protesting.
Fit to Die is a cozy mystery with an entertaining storyline, interesting cast of characters and many side stories which kept this mystery interesting. I will most assuredly pick up the third book in the series, “Chili Con Corpses”. Thank you Ellery Adams for penning such a delightful cozy mystery series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
May 1, 2019
another nice one in this fun, light and charming series.
I liked how the food related chapter titles went along w/something that happened in each chapter.
And as a hopeless romantic, I rooted for James to find love.
you also root for the "flab five" to lose weight.
my one negative is that i figured it out early on. but regardless, i kept listening as i was entertained.
I liked how the food related chapter titles went along w/something that happened in each chapter.
And as a hopeless romantic, I rooted for James to find love.
you also root for the "flab five" to lose weight.
my one negative is that i figured it out early on. but regardless, i kept listening as i was entertained.
May 31, 2018
Better than the first
I liked this one better than the first one in the series. The mystery wasn't quite as apparent and I am getting to know the characters better. Fun, easy read for cozy mystery lovers and anyone who can relate to the Flab Five's diet woes.
I liked this one better than the first one in the series. The mystery wasn't quite as apparent and I am getting to know the characters better. Fun, easy read for cozy mystery lovers and anyone who can relate to the Flab Five's diet woes.
February 7, 2023
New characters, silly relationship drama, a couple of murders and a cozy mystery is born. The mystery was good but the story was bogged down with the relationship drama between James and Lucy. Seriously, this isn’t middle school 🙄🙄🙄
September 2, 2018
Fit to Die by J.B. Stanley is the second book of the Supper Club mystery series set in contemporary Quincy's Gap, Virginia, a fictitious small town where everyone knows everyone's business. Despite the obnoxious personality of Veronica "Ronnie", newcomer in town with a new gym, the Flab Five decide to join Witness to Fitness, and participate fully in the program by investing in the expensive prepared meals, and faithfully attending rigorous workouts.
The fire at a favorite ice cream store is suspicious. The crime scene was staged to look accidental, feels Lucy, who works for the police and longs to be a full-fledged detective. James Henry is very attracted to Lucy, but too shy to let her know his feelings. He welcomes chances to be with her by helping with her investigation.
A newspaperwoman pesters James for an 'insider exclusive' on Witness to Fitness. James agrees to an interview. He mentions the prepackaged food seems identical to supermarket choices, except for the high price. The newspaperwoman, excited for a line to pursue, proves Ronnie's food is a scam.
Evidence points to Ronnie - but then she's killed too. Lucy's intuition solves the case.
The fire at a favorite ice cream store is suspicious. The crime scene was staged to look accidental, feels Lucy, who works for the police and longs to be a full-fledged detective. James Henry is very attracted to Lucy, but too shy to let her know his feelings. He welcomes chances to be with her by helping with her investigation.
A newspaperwoman pesters James for an 'insider exclusive' on Witness to Fitness. James agrees to an interview. He mentions the prepackaged food seems identical to supermarket choices, except for the high price. The newspaperwoman, excited for a line to pursue, proves Ronnie's food is a scam.
Evidence points to Ronnie - but then she's killed too. Lucy's intuition solves the case.
January 20, 2021
Great story line, characters that are realistic...Ellery Adams/JB Stanley never let you down!
November 13, 2020
This is still cozy AF but it was less funny than the first and there are several instances of body shaming which I found off-putting.
March 12, 2018
This second book of the Supper Club series was even better than the first! The Flab Five have slipped a bit on their diet plan, so they decide to join Witness to Fitness, a new program brought to town by the enthusiastic Ronnie Levitt. The five friends are initially pleased with their progress, but then they begin to realize that Ronnie is not all that she seems. In the meantime, a new ice cream shop also opens in town, but its success is short-lived when the place catches on fire and a body is found inside.
This is not a traditional whodunit. The characters don't spend much time at all on crime-solving until the last quarter of the book. Instead, the main plot centers on several other threads: James's developing feelings for Lucy, James's father slowly beginning to come out of his reclusive lifestyle, and the Fitzgerald twins' plan to help fund new computers for the library. Like many of Charlaine Harris's Aurora Teagarden books, the primary appeal of this book is not the mystery itself, but the characters and setting. As I mainly read books for their characters, this does not bother me in the last. I actually think spending so much time just getting to know the characters and watching them go about their daily business made me like them all so much more than I did in Carbs and Cadavers. I'm hoping I'll be able to read book three, Chili Con Corpses soon!
This is not a traditional whodunit. The characters don't spend much time at all on crime-solving until the last quarter of the book. Instead, the main plot centers on several other threads: James's developing feelings for Lucy, James's father slowly beginning to come out of his reclusive lifestyle, and the Fitzgerald twins' plan to help fund new computers for the library. Like many of Charlaine Harris's Aurora Teagarden books, the primary appeal of this book is not the mystery itself, but the characters and setting. As I mainly read books for their characters, this does not bother me in the last. I actually think spending so much time just getting to know the characters and watching them go about their daily business made me like them all so much more than I did in Carbs and Cadavers. I'm hoping I'll be able to read book three, Chili Con Corpses soon!
January 18, 2018
Audiobook performed by Karen White
January 19, 2010
I read the first book in this series and then sort of let it slip away from me. Too bad, this is a fun series, has a librarian as the main character, who is overweight and fighting it, and the characters are a lot of fun to be around. The "Flab Five" get together once a week to act as a support group for their weight loss efforts. After about a year they are finding it harder to keep to the program and are inspired to join a fitness club. The exercise is hard, the meals are less than appealing but all are losing weight. Then, a local business burns to the ground with a body inside and the group is off again, trying to solve a mystery.
I had part of the answer but not the complete solution, so enjoyed that. James Henry's father is starting to come out of his depression which I was glad to see. I won't wait so long to get back to this series!
I had part of the answer but not the complete solution, so enjoyed that. James Henry's father is starting to come out of his depression which I was glad to see. I won't wait so long to get back to this series!
October 29, 2014
Another wonderful story by this author! I love how she writes her cozy mysteries. She does such a good job with her characters, that you completely feel for them and with them; happy/excited when they lose weight, the awe-moments in romance pull at your heart strings, pissed off when they learned they were being screwed, etc. Being from a male perspective but written by a woman is different than the other, say James Patterson, stories that I've read from a male view. I liked it. The book wasn't 100% focused on the murder, but on the lives of the supper club and what they were going through which made it more interesting. I did like how it was wrapped up easily in the end instead of a fight scene or what not and then continued with the characters' stories a bit.
October 26, 2014
This is the second book in the Supper Club Mystery series. It features James Henry and his friends as they try to lose weight and keep it off. They meet weekly for supper at each other's homes. This time they join a fitness club that promises they will lose weight within six weeks with the club's special meals and the workout program. Another new business is destroyed by fire and an old man is found inside dead. The police are not positive that it was an accident or suicide. So James and his friends decide to investigate. This is more than just a murder mystery in the way that the lives of James and his friends are detailed. It was an easy fast read.
April 5, 2018
Older series being somewhat re-vamped by Ellery Adams writing as J.B. Stanley. Book 2 of 6.
This book wasn't any better than the first. A Supper Club group devoted to losing weight while fat shaming one another just made me sad. It feels a bit dated due to that. I'd rather have seen some body positivity or at least some acceptance.
I gave two books in the series a chance, but that's all the time I am willing to invest in this series, though I will be more than happy to read Ms. Adams' newer series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
This book wasn't any better than the first. A Supper Club group devoted to losing weight while fat shaming one another just made me sad. It feels a bit dated due to that. I'd rather have seen some body positivity or at least some acceptance.
I gave two books in the series a chance, but that's all the time I am willing to invest in this series, though I will be more than happy to read Ms. Adams' newer series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
July 13, 2013
J.B. Stanley has done it again. This time the supper club realizes they have increased in size, but not by more members, but by added pounds. A new fitness club moves into town and once it does, the flab five join. What happens after they join will have you trying to figure out just who did the deed and how everyone ties in with the murder. If you read the first one, you'll want to read this one to find out what romance is starting up and how James' dad is dealing with his son's new eating and exercising routine.
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