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teri_loves_books's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_byrd's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Kidnapping
asanford's review
2.0
I learned of this author because of the cozy mystery book club here on Goodreads. It was an easy and entertaining read but I didn’t find myself caring about the characters much. I’ll give another of the author’s series a try but I’m not feeling a pull to read the next book in this series.
halfcentreader's review
4.0
(Stanley otherwise known as Ellery Adams) Audio
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, very fun to have a supper club of overweight folks working together not only to better their diets/health but also to solve a local murder in order to exonerate a young woman whom they believed to be innocent. I always enjoy the comradery of friends this author depicts in her various series. And a blast to the past with the popular books mentioned and diets described.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, very fun to have a supper club of overweight folks working together not only to better their diets/health but also to solve a local murder in order to exonerate a young woman whom they believed to be innocent. I always enjoy the comradery of friends this author depicts in her various series. And a blast to the past with the popular books mentioned and diets described.
laurenc18's review against another edition
4.0
As a person who doesn't normally like mysteries, this was perfect for me. It wasn't too gory or scary and the book had me guessing who the killer was. I did not like that there were some parts I felt were unnecessary and there were too many characters that were introduced at weird times. Overall, I think I'll read more mysteries after my experience with this book.
auntbopp's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
morticia32's review against another edition
2.0
Re-working of an older series by Ellery Adams writing as J.B. Stanley. This is book one of six.
It was okay. I had picked this book up several years ago, not realizing it was by Ms. Adams. It bothered me then, and it still bothers me now, that all of the characters except the victim are fat and pretty much filled with self-loathing. I get that the premise is a supper club to lose weight, but I just didn't care for the way the supper club members were pretty much portrayed as pitiful and shameful.
I'd rather see a group supporting one another and helping improve self-esteem instead of all the body shaming.
The mystery itself was fine, but the rest of the book just made me sad. I picked up the second book as well, hoping that maybe the group had some success at losing some weight and it would be more positive. Sadly, it wasn't, so I am done with this series. I will gladly read Ms. Adams' newer material, but these feel dated and just sad.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
It was okay. I had picked this book up several years ago, not realizing it was by Ms. Adams. It bothered me then, and it still bothers me now, that all of the characters except the victim are fat and pretty much filled with self-loathing. I get that the premise is a supper club to lose weight, but I just didn't care for the way the supper club members were pretty much portrayed as pitiful and shameful.
I'd rather see a group supporting one another and helping improve self-esteem instead of all the body shaming.
The mystery itself was fine, but the rest of the book just made me sad. I picked up the second book as well, hoping that maybe the group had some success at losing some weight and it would be more positive. Sadly, it wasn't, so I am done with this series. I will gladly read Ms. Adams' newer material, but these feel dated and just sad.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
justbooks46's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
lunifur's review
4.0
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
I had a little bit of trouble getting into the story in the beginning, but it I quickly started enjoying it and found it to be an interesting mystery. The characters were all unique, and I enjoyed watching James work on building new relationships.
I had a little bit of trouble getting into the story in the beginning, but it I quickly started enjoying it and found it to be an interesting mystery. The characters were all unique, and I enjoyed watching James work on building new relationships.
bwilhoite8's review against another edition
3.0
This book was just ok for me. As I think how to review this book, I find myself struggling what to say. I found the book a little boring. I really liked the idea of the book. Maybe this series isn't for me. I might give book 2 a try.