Fit to Die: A Supper Club Mystery

Reviewed by Barb Radmore:
Fit to Die is the second book in J.B. Stanley's Supper Club Mystery series. It includes the same characters from Carb and Cadavers but it is not necessary to read that one first. A mystery in a series that can also stand alone is always beneficial to readers. Stanley is able to introduce her new readers to the main characters without boring or losing the interest of returning fans. James Henry is the head librarian for his small town library. After a career as a college professor he is forced to return to his home town to care for his father. He is learning to enjoy his new life a bit, likes his job and his new friends. He and his friends have formed a dinner club to try to support each other in their weight loss efforts. Two new businesses in town seem like they will have an effect on their efforts- one positive and one negative. Friendly new comer Willy has opened up a delightful new ice cream shop with many wonderful creations. Next door Veronica Levitt has introduced a diet and exercise program she calls Witness to Fitness. James Henry has an uncomfortable feeling about Veronica and her whole program but is convinced by his friends to join also. When Chilly Willy's is burned to the ground with its night employee still inside it is proven to be arson. James and his friends get involved to help their new friend Willy. The Supper Club mysteries are comfortable cozies. The characters are likable, the plots are complex enough to keep the reader's interest. The daily lives of the main characters add a nice touch of interest- from James simmering romance with fellow dieter Lucy, to his relationship with his father and Lucy's quest to be taken more seriously by the sheriff's department. The on going story lines are easy to follow without having to read each book- but reading both will enhance the reader's emotional involvement with the characters. J.B. Stanley is also the author of the Collectable Mystery series with A Fatal Appraisal and A Killer Collection.

It was a pleasant experience, again.:
I have enjoyed other books by this author, and this one lived up to my expectations. It kept me reading, and guessing the ending. I didn't guess right, but that's part of the fun!

Murder, Diets and Food combine in " Fit to Die":
This second book in the supper club mystery series brings readers back to the small town of Quincy's Gap, Virginia. Home of James Henry, Lucy, (who is an object of romance for Henry if he can just work up his nerve) Lindy, Gillian and Bennett who together are known as the Flab Five. For the group food and dieting is a constant issue. The recent holidays were less than helpful and with spring in the air, they all know that they need to work on their diets. As it happens, Veronica Levitt has moved to their town and is about to open "Witness to Fitness." Combining exercise and foods bought through her, the persuasive and vibrant Veronica "Ronnie" Levitt promises to make the Flab Five leaner, stronger and definably sexier within the next six weeks. All they, and her other customers have to do is join her program at "Witness to Fitness" by eating her food, keeping a food journal, attending counseling and weighting sessions and attending at least three exercise classes a week and it isn't going to be cheap. Not only will it cost serious money there are absolutely no refunds. Also new to Quincy's Gap is Willy Kendrick who owns and operates the new "Chilly Willy's Polar Pagoda." Willy intends to sell all types of detectable ice creams and treats which sets him quickly at odds with various parties including Veronica Levitt. Then there is the shape of his building and his t-shirts that have a clever marketing slogan. Both sit wrong with other parties who also make their displeasure known. Before long, constant discussions of food make way for discussions of arson and murder, the Flab Five begin once more to investigate and put themselves in harm's way. Featuring several secondary storylines, this cozy style mystery is very slow to get going. Much of the first half of the book is taken up constant discussion and consideration of food and dieting. Virtually every paragraph covers something good to eat, motivation to diet, how hard it is to diet, etc. Much like late night television where commercial after commercial announces tempting choices at this fast food restaurant or other (open later that ever before thank you very much) there is constant repetition about food bordering on obsession. Unlike late night TV where one can temporarily escape by changing channels, there is no escape here short of closing the book. It is only after crimes have happened and authorities don't seem to have any basic curiosity into matters that the characters finally show that they have quite a lot going on besides food obsessions. Directly because of their interest and pursuit of justice, matters are finally resolved in classic style where all is explained to the group at the end and order has been once more restored. The result is an entertaining read though difficult to stomach for those of us who do suffer the joys and perils of dieting. The characters are interesting and real, the case is interesting though rather obvious to seasoned readers, and ultimately happily resolved in the way preferred by cozy readers everywhere. Depending on your personal reading tastes, this might just hit the spot or be a little too sweet and sugary. Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2007

Murder and dieting, a great combination:
James Henry and the Supper Club are back with more fabulous escapades. When arson hits Quincy's Gap, Virginia, putting newcomer Willy Kendrick and Chilly Willy's Polar Pagoda out of business, they investigate. Soon it is discovered that it is murder, not just arson. Plus Witness to Fitness is new to town and Ronnie is a dynamo spokesperson for the gym. The Flab Five decide to join together to lose some pounds. They soon find out the food is tasteless and they are exhausted from the exercise classes, but they keep pressing forward. James struggles with his feelings for Lucy and how to convey them to her. Plus he's busy planning the big fundraiser for the library and caring for his cranky father who has decided to redo the kitchen. How can he manage everything at once? Can the Flab Five uncover the killer without putting themselves in danger? I love this series. James Henry is such a lovable character. The setting is wonderful. The Flab Five are terrific. I devour the books, but I always hate to see them end so soon. I like how the characters are growing with each book. She's done a great job at creating a series that I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book and the series. If you're like me, you'll have trouble putting it down but be sad when it ends!

Fit to Enjoy:
Fit to Die is a light, fun read from a fun author. There's nothing serious here but for a super escape, take a couple of hoours and just enjoy this mystery. And, don't be mistaken, this is a mystery in several aspects. The characters are well developed and become friends you hope to see again and again. I read each of the books in the series back to back and wait anxiously for the next one. Keep 'em coming!