Helpful Score: 8
First in the Supper Club series, about 5 overweight people in a small town in Virginia who form the "Flab Five" to work together to lose weight. When a much-disliked citizen is murdered, the group finds themselves in the middle of the investigation. This was an enjoyable book, but, as seems to be common in many recent books, could use a bit more editing. I also had some questions about exactly how the murder was committed, but explaining more would spoil the solution for anyone wanting to read it. All in all, if you like cozy mysteries (there are a few recipes as well) and aren't concerned about great writing, this should be a pleasant read.
Helpful Score: 4
#1 Supper Club cozy mystery featuring five overweight people in small-town Virginia who form a diet club to take off some weight. They don't really know each other well at first, but begin to rely on each other for support after awhile and become friends. When a murder happens in their little town, it lends an air of excitement to their meetings, as one of their number is an assistant in the Sheriff's office and they attempt to help the young woman accused of the crime get off the hook. I found the book somewhat predictable plot-wise, but the characters saved the day. They were a bit 'stiff' at first, but had fleshed out (no pun intended!) quite a lot by the end of the book. Will definitely look for the next in series.
Helpful Score: 2
If you ever tried to lose a few pounds, live on "diet" food or face the world believing you are fat, you will relate to these characters. Join their Supper Club, and enjoy both great recipes and a good mystery.
Helpful Score: 2
1st in the Supper Club Mystery Series!
I have read a couple other of J. B. Stanley's books (in the Collectible series). They were pretty good, but I liked this series better. I read almost the whole book in 1 day. It is a very quick, light read. I will be reading the others in this series.
I have read a couple other of J. B. Stanley's books (in the Collectible series). They were pretty good, but I liked this series better. I read almost the whole book in 1 day. It is a very quick, light read. I will be reading the others in this series.
Helpful Score: 2
Very enjoyable read. Likable characters. An excellent first in a series.
Heather F. (AZmom875) -
Helpful Score: 1
J.B. Stanley is Jennifer Stanley who also wrote
Stirring Up Strife [Hope Street Church series) I read book one of the hope street series and like it so much I wanted to read this series. I really like the diet support group premise, and the recipes, which by the way are not on the Jeniffer Stanley's website as some of the other recipes are there. So copy any recipes you might want before you pass the book on.
As for a mystery with likeable characters, I was sucked in right away. Our main character is a man, not a woman. I just love James Henry more and more and he begins to grow as he loses weight. All the other characters are distinct enough that you can keep them straight.
I did notice one editing error she wrote BAITED breath and it is really Bated breath. But over all it was a fun book, with great characters, and a twisty enough mystery.
I had one character pegged as the murderer cause he was just such a jerk. BUT hey maybe he will kill someone in book 2 or 3 so he can get sent away to prison. There is always hope for that.
Stirring Up Strife [Hope Street Church series) I read book one of the hope street series and like it so much I wanted to read this series. I really like the diet support group premise, and the recipes, which by the way are not on the Jeniffer Stanley's website as some of the other recipes are there. So copy any recipes you might want before you pass the book on.
As for a mystery with likeable characters, I was sucked in right away. Our main character is a man, not a woman. I just love James Henry more and more and he begins to grow as he loses weight. All the other characters are distinct enough that you can keep them straight.
I did notice one editing error she wrote BAITED breath and it is really Bated breath. But over all it was a fun book, with great characters, and a twisty enough mystery.
I had one character pegged as the murderer cause he was just such a jerk. BUT hey maybe he will kill someone in book 2 or 3 so he can get sent away to prison. There is always hope for that.
I enjoyed it, had a interesting group of characters and it was well written. Waiting to get the next one.
It was not a book of depth or extraordinary writing, but it was cute. I like James and the interaction between him and his father. The plot was ok, but I think the simplistic writing was forgivable due to the fact that the characters are very human, and the subject of weight loss touches many of us. Good entertaining read, and I will follow up with the others.
It was "cute" but was not a serious enough mystery for me. Some of the characters were indeed likable. But I needed more. Reached the point that I have so many hopefully wonderful books on my shelf that I don't finish ones I can't get into.
Anyone who has ever needed to shed a few pounds will enjoy this book. The characters are believable, especially when they are facing the trials and tribulations of "The Diet"! They start out as strangers and quickly develop a bond that leads to friendships. They become involved with the murder of a nasty individual that brings several of them to a near death encounter. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.....
I liked this book, I thought it was written well. The characters were interesting, which is great. The one thing that bothered me is one of the characters, Gillian, is a dog groomer. This is fine, except at one point in the book she states that she is going to have a busy day because she has to "declaw a cat". Excuse me, but groomers do NOT declaw cats. Only vets do that. The author needs to figure out what a dog groomer can and cannot do. So, I will read the second in the series and we will see if this 'groomer' still thinks she's a vet.
