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The Fat Woman Mystery
Margaret Henze O'Brian, a widow, lives in a small Iowa town, in a big old house, with her cat Ruby. She considers herself half German and half Conehead. German, because that's her heritage, and Conehead because of her mass consumption of calories. The Fit Girls, Margaret's diet support group, think her recent weight gain is the result of depression over her husband, Harry's, death. Margaret thinks they're wrong, she's fine, "Just fine, thank you" Margaret has more than her diet to think of after she stumbles over a body, and a friend is accused of murder. In trying to clear her friend of the crime, Margaret finds a lot more than rice cakes on her plate. Not wanting to be left out of the excitement the Fit Girls join Margaret in her attempt to solve the crime, and are soon immersed in small town scandal, gossip, and mystery. Creeping through corn fields, window peeking, and tailing suspects may be more than the average reader of 'Modern Maturity' magazine deem proper, but Margaret finds it exhilarating. And when two handsome men seem interested in her ample body, life is suddenly fascinating.Now if only Margaret can stay alive long enough to enjoy this new lease on life.
- GenresMystery
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2013
16 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 10, 2014
Fun story, although the murderer is obvious soon into it.
I must say the author states in the blurb that the editing has been done, wish it would have been applied to the Kindle edition of this book. If there hadn't been so many, and egregious errors, I would have given this 4 stars. I won't be reading another by this author.
I must say the author states in the blurb that the editing has been done, wish it would have been applied to the Kindle edition of this book. If there hadn't been so many, and egregious errors, I would have given this 4 stars. I won't be reading another by this author.
May 28, 2014
This is a light, easy read with fun characters and an interesting plot. I could identify with the lead characters' yoyo life of dieting and enjoyed the romantic element. So, why not a higher rating? I'll give you some examples: shaped like a pair; your right; a little bravo on my part; the school Liberian; and poppy drawers (when poopy drawers were being described). These are just the teeth-grinding errors. Oh, and, also, commas can be helpful. I know they can be over-used but this time it goes in the opposite direction. Please, Sandra Noble, use a better proof reader next time!
February 15, 2014
Before I say anything about the story, I have to say one thing, this book needed some editing. Lexus was misspelled every time the car was mentioned and there was one section of a chapter that was repeated in the Nook format.
That said, if you can step away from that Sandra Noble really did deliver a fast, fun cozy mystery, with some other sleuthing going on, on the side.
I loved Margaret and her friends in The Fit Girls. They were fun and their struggles with weight really brought some "real life" to the story. I loved Sara and Karen because they really were different and they were different in their struggles with weight.
I also loved Ryan, Margaret's high school sweetheart and cop. I think what was great about Margaret and her friends is that though they are big girls struggling with their weight, they were accepting of themselves and Margaret gets noticed even though she's curvy. Woo to the hoo for that. I always hate authors that won't let the girl get the guy if she's overweight.
The mystery was a great one. A prominent lawyer found murdered near the house of his former lover. (Margaret literally stumbles over the body). The story revolves around Margaret trying to clear the good name of his wife, who has no alibi.
A lot of laughs ensue.
This really was a short fun read, which would be fabulous if the problems in editing were fixed.
That said, if you can step away from that Sandra Noble really did deliver a fast, fun cozy mystery, with some other sleuthing going on, on the side.
I loved Margaret and her friends in The Fit Girls. They were fun and their struggles with weight really brought some "real life" to the story. I loved Sara and Karen because they really were different and they were different in their struggles with weight.
I also loved Ryan, Margaret's high school sweetheart and cop. I think what was great about Margaret and her friends is that though they are big girls struggling with their weight, they were accepting of themselves and Margaret gets noticed even though she's curvy. Woo to the hoo for that. I always hate authors that won't let the girl get the guy if she's overweight.
The mystery was a great one. A prominent lawyer found murdered near the house of his former lover. (Margaret literally stumbles over the body). The story revolves around Margaret trying to clear the good name of his wife, who has no alibi.
A lot of laughs ensue.
This really was a short fun read, which would be fabulous if the problems in editing were fixed.
October 7, 2014
I got The Fat Woman Mystery on my Kindle for $2.99 after seeing it advertised. I enjoyed it, especially the realistic discussion of the differences between the casual dieter, 10 to 20 pounds to lose, and the life long dieter with serious issues with food in the obese to morbidly obese category. The main character, Margaret, is very likable and easy to relate to, at least for me. She doesn’t want pity or sympathy from her friends, other members of her diet club, as she deals with the death of her husband. She is in a not so small case of denial about her grief.
The mystery was interesting and tied together lots of pieces very nicely. My first issue with this is that I found that the book seemed short, either that or it was a very quick read. The second is that I found the theme really similar to another series that I really, really love by JB Stanley AKA Ellery Adams, the Supper Club Mysteries. I couldn’t help compare the two, with the Supper Club Mysteries coming out on top as far as character development and richness of setting and story line.
The mystery was interesting and tied together lots of pieces very nicely. My first issue with this is that I found that the book seemed short, either that or it was a very quick read. The second is that I found the theme really similar to another series that I really, really love by JB Stanley AKA Ellery Adams, the Supper Club Mysteries. I couldn’t help compare the two, with the Supper Club Mysteries coming out on top as far as character development and richness of setting and story line.
December 1, 2013
This was a very entertaining cozy mystery! I hope the author has plans to make this into a series. It would be one that I would like to continue reading.
The main character, Margaret, was very likable and someone that I connected with. But I really liked everyone in the book. They were all well developed and the author did a good job at having us get to know them.
As a person who always struggled with my weight, the diets, their diet group, stress eating, food cravings were all so well said and true to life!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery. And if you are a curvy person who loves food, you will doubly enjoy this fun book!
The main character, Margaret, was very likable and someone that I connected with. But I really liked everyone in the book. They were all well developed and the author did a good job at having us get to know them.
As a person who always struggled with my weight, the diets, their diet group, stress eating, food cravings were all so well said and true to life!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery. And if you are a curvy person who loves food, you will doubly enjoy this fun book!
February 14, 2014
The story was good, interesting twists and turns. The bad news is that there are errors on just about every page. The author should redo the kindle version of this book, even at .99 cents, people deserve a book with no grammatical errors.
February 28, 2014
An adequate story, though I had the plot twist figured out very early on. I agree with the other reviews that the editing left something to be desired. If you can overlook those annoyances, a reasonably good effort and ok beach book
May 6, 2014
Fast and fun. As noted by other reviewers, why can't the mistakes be edited out? How long would that take? How woman feel about dieting is all too true.
September 11, 2018
Fast, light read. Better than I thought it would be. Like most cozy mysteries, the plot was predictable but there was still some suspense. I did enjoy the characters and would read more of their small town adventures.
December 5, 2018
Stun fast read
I would recommend this charming book too all my middle age lady friends.besides being fun to read it describes how women who are constantly trying to lose weight get the “ Get Fit “ womeninthis book.but it’s still a good mystery.
I would recommend this charming book too all my middle age lady friends.besides being fun to read it describes how women who are constantly trying to lose weight get the “ Get Fit “ womeninthis book.but it’s still a good mystery.
December 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book
It was an easy read. Simple, funny, and kept me interested. I would recommend to women who want to put their feet up with a good book and a cup of tea.
It was an easy read. Simple, funny, and kept me interested. I would recommend to women who want to put their feet up with a good book and a cup of tea.
February 11, 2015
Self-published books are a crapshoot. This is definitely one of the better ones I've read. Main character Margaret, a 50ish gal with a weight issue and an exclusive weight loss support group, is very likable and relatable. I didn't want this story to end because getting together with Margaret and her cohorts has been like meeting up with friends. The mystery is good.
Unfortunately, this needed a better editor than the author's friend, or whoever it was that she thanked for the editing. When referring to a group of family members, for instance, it's "the Blandings," NOT "the Blanding's." The apostrophe makes it possessive. This error was made over and over, which was jolting to me as a reader. Also, the brand of car is Lexus, not Lexis. When using brand names, be careful.
This being said, the errors did not keep me from looking forward to spending time with the story and with the characters. I hope that another novel featuring Margaret is forthcoming. I will definitely snap it up. I want to know more of her story!
Unfortunately, this needed a better editor than the author's friend, or whoever it was that she thanked for the editing. When referring to a group of family members, for instance, it's "the Blandings," NOT "the Blanding's." The apostrophe makes it possessive. This error was made over and over, which was jolting to me as a reader. Also, the brand of car is Lexus, not Lexis. When using brand names, be careful.
This being said, the errors did not keep me from looking forward to spending time with the story and with the characters. I hope that another novel featuring Margaret is forthcoming. I will definitely snap it up. I want to know more of her story!
February 26, 2014
As much as I love cozies, and as a BBW, I support fatitude,this book only deserved a 1/4 star for a number of reasons, most of them editing, which is a real bugaboo for me.
NOT ALL PURALS ARE POSSESIVE! This book consistently made all plurals apostrophe S. According to The Elements of Style by Strunk and White:
"Form the possessive singular of nouns with 's.
Follow this rule whatever the final consonant. Thus write,
Charles's friend
Burns's poems
the witch's malice
This is the usage of the United States Government Printing Office and of the
Oxford University Press."
In lay terms: PLEASE don't use possessive when you mean plural and vice versa
OK, that done, this book is missing at least two important scenes. There is no transition in two BIG parts of the book. I kept looking for what I thought I'd missed....
I really wanted to like this but this just isn't a likeable book
NOT ALL PURALS ARE POSSESIVE! This book consistently made all plurals apostrophe S. According to The Elements of Style by Strunk and White:
"Form the possessive singular of nouns with 's.
Follow this rule whatever the final consonant. Thus write,
Charles's friend
Burns's poems
the witch's malice
This is the usage of the United States Government Printing Office and of the
Oxford University Press."
In lay terms: PLEASE don't use possessive when you mean plural and vice versa
OK, that done, this book is missing at least two important scenes. There is no transition in two BIG parts of the book. I kept looking for what I thought I'd missed....
I really wanted to like this but this just isn't a likeable book
December 31, 2014
When a prominent local lawyer is murdered, retired widow Margaret O'Brian finds the body and also a new reason for living. Her friend Cindy, as the lawyer's widow, is the main suspect, but certainly sweet-natured Cindy is innocent. Margaret and her two diet club friends, Karen and Sara, are already involved in keeping Karen's obnoxious brother-in-law on the straight and narrow; why shouldn't Margaret also find the killer? Her high school boyfriend is now sheriff, and can still set bells ringing, but the handsome newcomer next door is also pursuing her. Not bad for a woman who still has fifty pounds to lose!
February 14, 2014
The Battle of The Bulge Doesn't Keep Margaret from Sleuthing
Fat Girls can still be alluring and smart. You will discover this truth when you meet Margaret.
As you get too know the Fit Girls who are always one Krispy Cream
away from sabotaging their weight loss...you will find them extremely
loyal too their friends and each other. Especially as they seem to be at great risk of
losing their lives....one friend at a time. Is there really a serial killer in their quaint
little Town?
Always Happy to review good reads for book lovers everywhere,
PeggyAnn Smith
Fat Girls can still be alluring and smart. You will discover this truth when you meet Margaret.
As you get too know the Fit Girls who are always one Krispy Cream
away from sabotaging their weight loss...you will find them extremely
loyal too their friends and each other. Especially as they seem to be at great risk of
losing their lives....one friend at a time. Is there really a serial killer in their quaint
little Town?
Always Happy to review good reads for book lovers everywhere,
PeggyAnn Smith
June 14, 2015
Being a 50 something, BBW from Iowa myself, I completely related to Margaret and her small town lifestyle. I really enjoyed reading about the Fit Girls meetings and wished I had a group like that to help me with weight loss! The story line was interesting and had me giggling at several points, also a fast read. I agree with other reviewers that the editing left something to be desired. Would love to see this as a series, would enjoy reading more of these characters.
July 21, 2015
Well written!
I really liked the characters portrayed especially. The relationship dynamics rang true. I think this
Is the only novel I've ever read that revealed some of the underlying dynamics that exist between
Food and being fat and the continual struggle with the desire to eat. Well done! I hope there are
More Fat Woman stories to come. Being a cat lover I enjoyed Ruby. This is a cozy mystery so no
Graphic violence. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!
I really liked the characters portrayed especially. The relationship dynamics rang true. I think this
Is the only novel I've ever read that revealed some of the underlying dynamics that exist between
Food and being fat and the continual struggle with the desire to eat. Well done! I hope there are
More Fat Woman stories to come. Being a cat lover I enjoyed Ruby. This is a cozy mystery so no
Graphic violence. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!
February 15, 2014
Fat girl wins
Fat girl wins
drawn to the book because of the title, so glad. although I figured out the mystery, it was a good read and I will purchase more by this author
Fat girl wins
drawn to the book because of the title, so glad. although I figured out the mystery, it was a good read and I will purchase more by this author
July 13, 2014
This was a good story, but it needed better editing. I'm not one to judge a book by the editing, but when I have to read a sentence 2 or 3 times to understand it, it's frustrating. Better editing, better rating.
July 13, 2018
VERY GOOD,BUT.....
The story was well written and I am glad I read it. The mystery stayed hidden well to the end. However,there were TONS of typos...VERY ANNOYING. I will read another in the series and hope the editing is improved as I enjoyed this writer's style.
The story was well written and I am glad I read it. The mystery stayed hidden well to the end. However,there were TONS of typos...VERY ANNOYING. I will read another in the series and hope the editing is improved as I enjoyed this writer's style.
December 30, 2013
A Great fun silly romp. Nice brain candy
February 12, 2014
Fun, fun, fun
What a fun story. Just enough intrigue to keep you guessing with a little romance thrown in. Great non-traditional characters really set the stage. Loved it.
What a fun story. Just enough intrigue to keep you guessing with a little romance thrown in. Great non-traditional characters really set the stage. Loved it.
February 15, 2014
Loved it!
Maggie and her friends are a,hoot! I really hated putting it down, and now it's over! I hope there will be more misadventures with Maggie and her friends!
Maggie and her friends are a,hoot! I really hated putting it down, and now it's over! I hope there will be more misadventures with Maggie and her friends!
September 8, 2016
Cute story with likable characters.
March 8, 2014
Pretty funny with a not great but decent mystery. Main character is good and the other characters are fun.
April 23, 2014
Pretty cute. Only took an hour to read, so just a nice diversion. It needed a better editor though; lots of wrong punctuation & misspelled/wrong words used.
May 18, 2014
Entertains.
September 19, 2014
A fun fast read. And all the dieting references sure made sense to me. It was fun.
November 11, 2014
a comfortable murder mystery with a heroine for all us middle aged women to enjoy.
December 2, 2014
I truly enjoyed this book. The heroine is no sleek, trim, sexy woman, but rather an overweight woman with a group of friends to match. If you enjoy mystery mixed with comedy, give this book a try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews