In the recesses of her mind, Gemma is always “Fat Gemma”, even though she now has rock-hard abs and is an up-and-coming fitness trainer who represents REIGN fitness company and competes in body-building competitions. Yes, she is often over-extended and exhausted, and her coach pushes her too hard, but it’s all worth it…right? Ashley is a talented software engineer with her own consulting business. But she is very plus-sized in a world that tells her every day that she is too large, takes up too much space and needs to lose weight. Ashley finally finds acceptance in an elite and secret group of warrior-women who push back against diet and fitness culture. But Ashley isn’t sure what she has gotten herself into, when people in the diet and fitness world start getting killed and the leader of the group, Lydia, is acting in a suspicious manner. Gemma and Ashley’s opposing worlds are about to collide, and they better figure out who they can really trust, because things are about to get deadly.

This fascinating novel is more than a thriller. Throughout the story, the author deftly explores important issues such as societal judgment and condemnation of body size; the toxicity of diet and fitness culture; and the exploitation of vulnerable people by charismatic and influential leaders on both sides of the issue. The treatment of the fitness versus ‘fat acceptance’ culture is very even-handed and important to the understanding of the characters and storyline. While it tackles important social issues, the core of the story is still a whodunnit with several plausible culprits. It is a quick and enjoyable read – recommended for thriller readers who enjoy short chapters, a quick pace and multiple POV. Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the copy to read.