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A Supper Club Mystery #4
Stiffs and Swine
James Henry and the Flab Five are invited to serve as judges at Hog Fest, a celebrated barbecue festival in the Virginia mountains. But when one of the "pit masters" is found dead and a member of the supper club is accused of the murder, James and his friends have to lick the sauce off their fingers and get to work catching a killer. Amid a fairground filled with colorful people and tempting food, The Flab Five are sure to fall off the diet wagon. But James Henry has more to worry about than his expanding waistline. His bookmobile is dead, suspicious activities are taking place in his beloved library, and his relationship with Murphy Alistair is on the rocks. James needs to focus less on brisket and fried pickles and more on solving problems because Hog Fest is clearly no picnic.
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First published October 8, 2008
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About the author
Ellery Adams
66 books5,251 followersUSA Today and New York Times bestseller author Ellery Adams has written over forty novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a Native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, and rescue animals. She likes to spend her free time rearranging the bookshelves in her home in central North Carolina.
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
March 31, 2018
This is a fun addition to the supper club mystery, featuring James Henry, a big hearted librarian.
The story continues with the flab five, but it seems that the weight loss of some of the members is beginning to show.
Murphy and James are on Rocky ground and Lucy continues to question her decision.
This is a light, fun cozy mystery that leaves you guessing until the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
The story continues with the flab five, but it seems that the weight loss of some of the members is beginning to show.
Murphy and James are on Rocky ground and Lucy continues to question her decision.
This is a light, fun cozy mystery that leaves you guessing until the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
July 17, 2018
It was late summer in Quincy's Gap and the Flab Five have been invited to be judges at the beauty contest of sows at a neighboring town's Hog Fest. They also end up judging the Brisket contest and the pie eating contest. It is several days at the festival eating fair food, and trying to figure out who killed the obnoxious BBQ contestant as well as who is selling drugs. At the same time, back in Quincy Gap, Scot and Francis are trying to figure out what the teens who are hanging out on Friday nights are doing in the library.
We learn more about Gillian in this story after she is taken in for questioning since she had an altercation with Jimmy the day before he was found dead. Since Lucy is now a deputy, her help was welcomed by Sheriff Jade Jones, but she wanted the rest to stay out of the situation. Bennett develops a crush on the Sheriff, which shows us another side to him. He is also studying to become a contestant on Jeopardy. He has a lot of trivia in his brain. James and Lucy's relationship was still a little strained after their breakup, but they still functioned well together as mystery-solving friends. James is drifting from Murphy since she seemed to have changed as well as keeping secrets from him. It was nice to see Scott and Francis solving their own mystery and what they do outside the library. Jackson and Mila are continuing to become closer in this story and James hopes that it progresses.
Between the police and the Flab Five, they figured out what was going on, but just like the police, they have to have enough evidence to arrest and prosecute. The ending of the story was tense and James has to make some quick decisions. I enjoy the fact that even though the friends are flawed and do not always agree with one another, they are true friends, loyal and always work together to solve the mystery. I would love to meet this group of friends and get the opportunity to solve a mystery with them.
We learn more about Gillian in this story after she is taken in for questioning since she had an altercation with Jimmy the day before he was found dead. Since Lucy is now a deputy, her help was welcomed by Sheriff Jade Jones, but she wanted the rest to stay out of the situation. Bennett develops a crush on the Sheriff, which shows us another side to him. He is also studying to become a contestant on Jeopardy. He has a lot of trivia in his brain. James and Lucy's relationship was still a little strained after their breakup, but they still functioned well together as mystery-solving friends. James is drifting from Murphy since she seemed to have changed as well as keeping secrets from him. It was nice to see Scott and Francis solving their own mystery and what they do outside the library. Jackson and Mila are continuing to become closer in this story and James hopes that it progresses.
Between the police and the Flab Five, they figured out what was going on, but just like the police, they have to have enough evidence to arrest and prosecute. The ending of the story was tense and James has to make some quick decisions. I enjoy the fact that even though the friends are flawed and do not always agree with one another, they are true friends, loyal and always work together to solve the mystery. I would love to meet this group of friends and get the opportunity to solve a mystery with them.
July 19, 2018
J.B. Stanley (Ellery Adams) writes several great cozy series but I think A Supper Club Mystery Series is the one that makes me smile the most. This is book 4 and it keeps getting better. There is usually a murder but nothing gruesome. The Flab Five are invited to be judges at a barbecue competition and are treated to great rooms, food and fun. When a competitor dies the group swings into action. James has several problems he's trying to solve, a gang of teens is using the library for illegal activity and he needs Lucy's help. Can be read as a stand alone but you'll get much more by reading the previous books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 1, 2018
Stiffs and Swine is the fourth book in Ellery Adams’ Supper Club Mysteries series and it’s an easy and enjoyable read. The storyline is well thought out and the well-developed characters are relatable. There isn’t any gratuitous adult situations or graphic violence, but there is some adult language. The twists and turns and multiple suspects kept me guessing until the reveal. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
James Henry returned from his Virginia Beach vacation, but after spending the last two days bickering with his girlfriend, Murphy Alistair, editor and reporter of the Shenandoah Star Ledger, he was second guessing their relationship. Lucy Hanover has finally a Sheriff’s Department Deputy and the other members of their group are so proud of and happy for her. After the last minute cancellation of their original guest judge for the forty-seventh annual Hudsonville Hog Festival, the Hudsonville Chamber of Commerce contacts the Flab Five offering them free rooms, food, and merchandise if they’d agree to choose this year’s Queen Sow and help with the Blueberry Pie-Eating Contest. Everyone except Gillian O’Malley agrees to accept the offer. Gillian’s offended by the slaughtering of animals for the barbeque, but sees the venture as a way to expand Pet Palaces to include doggie travel homes, and finally agrees. Bennett Marshall, a USPS mailman, is preparing to try to be a contestant on Jeopardy! by reading all the trivia books he can get his hands on. When Gillian discovers one of the BBQ contestants is Jimmy Lang, she confronts him, accuses him of killing her husband, and punches him in the face, so when he’s murdered, she becomes the primary person of interest. Sheriff Jade Jones asks the group to stay away from the investigation, but knowing their friend is innocent, James, Lucy, Lindy, and Bennett aren’t able to.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
James Henry returned from his Virginia Beach vacation, but after spending the last two days bickering with his girlfriend, Murphy Alistair, editor and reporter of the Shenandoah Star Ledger, he was second guessing their relationship. Lucy Hanover has finally a Sheriff’s Department Deputy and the other members of their group are so proud of and happy for her. After the last minute cancellation of their original guest judge for the forty-seventh annual Hudsonville Hog Festival, the Hudsonville Chamber of Commerce contacts the Flab Five offering them free rooms, food, and merchandise if they’d agree to choose this year’s Queen Sow and help with the Blueberry Pie-Eating Contest. Everyone except Gillian O’Malley agrees to accept the offer. Gillian’s offended by the slaughtering of animals for the barbeque, but sees the venture as a way to expand Pet Palaces to include doggie travel homes, and finally agrees. Bennett Marshall, a USPS mailman, is preparing to try to be a contestant on Jeopardy! by reading all the trivia books he can get his hands on. When Gillian discovers one of the BBQ contestants is Jimmy Lang, she confronts him, accuses him of killing her husband, and punches him in the face, so when he’s murdered, she becomes the primary person of interest. Sheriff Jade Jones asks the group to stay away from the investigation, but knowing their friend is innocent, James, Lucy, Lindy, and Bennett aren’t able to.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 10, 2018
It is now summer, months since their last crime case, and James and the Supper Club has its most important case yet in Stiffs and Swine by Ellery Adams. The Flab Five gets invited to serve as celebrity judges at Hog Fest, a festival celebrating BBQ everything and other activities. They first judge the pig beauty contest and are then asked to judge the BBQ brisket contest, with teams of people doing the barbecuing. Being a vegetarian, Jillian refuses, but the other four do the judging. When the winner is announced, Jimmy, the leader of the Pit Masters team, showboats his winning streak. At this point, Jillian walks toward Jimmy in a furious haze, saying he killed her husband, a fact that shocks her friends, none of whom knew that Jillian was once married.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
December 1, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/st...
Stiffs and Swine
A Supper Club Mystery, Book #4
By Ellery Adams
ISBN13: 9781946069627
Author’s Website: elleryadamsmysteries(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Having gained local fame for their role in solving murders, James and his friends are invited to serve as guest judges at Hog Fest, a celebrated barbecue festival in the Virginia mountains. The heavenly aromas and succulent samples are enough to make anyone fall off the diet wagon, but when the reigning champ rubs someone the wrong way and turns up dead, James and the others will find themselves hungry for justice.
Stewing over the murder with tensions simmering and no shortage of suspects, the supper club members will confront saucy chefs, heavy smokers, and a boisterous brisket king. And in a final showdown, a cold-blooded killer with his eye on the gravy train will force James and his friends into a rare display of courage, because Hog Fest is serious business and innocent lives are at stake.
This brand-new, fully revised edition includes mouth watering recipes! (Goodreads)
Review:
Stiffs and Swine is the fourth book in the Supper Club Mystery series by Ellery Adams. In true form, an enjoyable installment of this series that kept my interest until the very end. I love hanging with James and the rest of the gang (Bennett, Gillian, Lindy and Lucy).
The Flab Five have been asked to be judges at Hog Fest. Naturally all does not go smoothly and a murder occurs. There are many suspects in the eyes of the flab five but the local police believe and hold Gillian, one of their own, for the murder. Gillian is held because she has a past with the deceased, Jimmy Lang… and that past is intense. Many things come out that are a surprise to Gillian’s friends (and to this reader). Needless to say, the remaining four (James, Bennett, Lindy and Lucy) jump right in to find the real killer!
To confound matters, James current girlfriend, Murphy, shows up in Quincy’s Gap to get the story (she is a reporter after all). One quickly gets the sense that the relationship between James and Murphy seems a bit rocky. In a previous book in the series, Lucy and James dated for a bit. I know I was sad to see that did not work out and I must say this current pairing is not my favorite. Time will tell, though some good old fashioned advice for James on courting a woman might be in order.
“Thinking of his failed relationship with Lucy reminded him that he should check in with Murphy at some point, but that could wait…”
I really enjoyed Bennett find a woman he could be interested in… but did it have to be Sheriff Jones?
“Now, that’s a woman,” Bennett said a little breathlessly. “Holy smokes.” “Get a hold of yourself, Casanova.” Lucy gave Bennett a pinch on the arm. “Gillian needs us. Instead of daydreaming about Jade Jones, use your time in the car to think of specific statements to take the heat off Gillian.”
I love how each of the supper club members are able to pick out flavors in the food/beverages that Eleanor provides her guests. Definitely a skill worth having. While they were discussing what was in (for example – the tea had a subtle hint of almonds) my mouth was watering! And if the following does not wet your appetite, I do not know what will:
“Bennett received a mammoth bacon and Monterey jack burger accompanied by a mountain of French fries and a dish of baked beans. A platter of fried catfish and hush puppies was slid beneath Lindy’s nose, and Lucy was given slices of turkey resting on pillows of mashed potatoes and stuffing, a bowl of cranberry sauce, and a small pitcher of thick brown gravy.”
The setting was interesting, a BBQ festival. Lots of competition for first place and all the perks that go along with that (endorsements for one!). Now if that does not set the scene for some big time potential…not sure what does.
I quite liked the other sub stories underlying the main murder mystery. I felt this gave the story a bit more character than the classical cozy mystery. Why were all these teenagers hanging out in the library on Friday nights – what are the details and who is actually involved in these illegal activities being carried out right under their noses? How did this happen?
Another character whom I quite enjoyed was Bob Barker (and not just because of his name). He seemed like a genuinely nice guy who cared for Hailey Mellon (girlfriend of the deceased). Now that was a twisted triangle which I am sure you will enjoy reading about.
I have to say that I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer was, just the way I like my cozy mysteries! But this has been a theme throughout the Supper Club Mystery series. Now to move on the next book in the series, The Battered Body.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Stiffs and Swine
A Supper Club Mystery, Book #4
By Ellery Adams
ISBN13: 9781946069627
Author’s Website: elleryadamsmysteries(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Having gained local fame for their role in solving murders, James and his friends are invited to serve as guest judges at Hog Fest, a celebrated barbecue festival in the Virginia mountains. The heavenly aromas and succulent samples are enough to make anyone fall off the diet wagon, but when the reigning champ rubs someone the wrong way and turns up dead, James and the others will find themselves hungry for justice.
Stewing over the murder with tensions simmering and no shortage of suspects, the supper club members will confront saucy chefs, heavy smokers, and a boisterous brisket king. And in a final showdown, a cold-blooded killer with his eye on the gravy train will force James and his friends into a rare display of courage, because Hog Fest is serious business and innocent lives are at stake.
This brand-new, fully revised edition includes mouth watering recipes! (Goodreads)
Review:
Stiffs and Swine is the fourth book in the Supper Club Mystery series by Ellery Adams. In true form, an enjoyable installment of this series that kept my interest until the very end. I love hanging with James and the rest of the gang (Bennett, Gillian, Lindy and Lucy).
The Flab Five have been asked to be judges at Hog Fest. Naturally all does not go smoothly and a murder occurs. There are many suspects in the eyes of the flab five but the local police believe and hold Gillian, one of their own, for the murder. Gillian is held because she has a past with the deceased, Jimmy Lang… and that past is intense. Many things come out that are a surprise to Gillian’s friends (and to this reader). Needless to say, the remaining four (James, Bennett, Lindy and Lucy) jump right in to find the real killer!
To confound matters, James current girlfriend, Murphy, shows up in Quincy’s Gap to get the story (she is a reporter after all). One quickly gets the sense that the relationship between James and Murphy seems a bit rocky. In a previous book in the series, Lucy and James dated for a bit. I know I was sad to see that did not work out and I must say this current pairing is not my favorite. Time will tell, though some good old fashioned advice for James on courting a woman might be in order.
“Thinking of his failed relationship with Lucy reminded him that he should check in with Murphy at some point, but that could wait…”
I really enjoyed Bennett find a woman he could be interested in… but did it have to be Sheriff Jones?
“Now, that’s a woman,” Bennett said a little breathlessly. “Holy smokes.” “Get a hold of yourself, Casanova.” Lucy gave Bennett a pinch on the arm. “Gillian needs us. Instead of daydreaming about Jade Jones, use your time in the car to think of specific statements to take the heat off Gillian.”
I love how each of the supper club members are able to pick out flavors in the food/beverages that Eleanor provides her guests. Definitely a skill worth having. While they were discussing what was in (for example – the tea had a subtle hint of almonds) my mouth was watering! And if the following does not wet your appetite, I do not know what will:
“Bennett received a mammoth bacon and Monterey jack burger accompanied by a mountain of French fries and a dish of baked beans. A platter of fried catfish and hush puppies was slid beneath Lindy’s nose, and Lucy was given slices of turkey resting on pillows of mashed potatoes and stuffing, a bowl of cranberry sauce, and a small pitcher of thick brown gravy.”
The setting was interesting, a BBQ festival. Lots of competition for first place and all the perks that go along with that (endorsements for one!). Now if that does not set the scene for some big time potential…not sure what does.
I quite liked the other sub stories underlying the main murder mystery. I felt this gave the story a bit more character than the classical cozy mystery. Why were all these teenagers hanging out in the library on Friday nights – what are the details and who is actually involved in these illegal activities being carried out right under their noses? How did this happen?
Another character whom I quite enjoyed was Bob Barker (and not just because of his name). He seemed like a genuinely nice guy who cared for Hailey Mellon (girlfriend of the deceased). Now that was a twisted triangle which I am sure you will enjoy reading about.
I have to say that I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer was, just the way I like my cozy mysteries! But this has been a theme throughout the Supper Club Mystery series. Now to move on the next book in the series, The Battered Body.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
March 31, 2018
Review: STIFFS AND SWINE (SUPPER CLUB MYSTERY #4) by Ellery Adams
I've been "in hog heaven" since discovering the champion Supper Club Mystery Cozy series by prolific author Ellery Adams, and that's a really apropos expression, considering this particular installment focuses on the "Flab Five Supper Club" members judging a Blue Ridge community's popular annual Hog Fest. Invited as celebrity judges due to their growing reputations as small-town amateur sleuths and intuitive crime-solvers, the five friends quickly discover that where pride, corporate sponsorship, and large monetary prizes come into play, so do greed, envy, and resentment.
I've been "in hog heaven" since discovering the champion Supper Club Mystery Cozy series by prolific author Ellery Adams, and that's a really apropos expression, considering this particular installment focuses on the "Flab Five Supper Club" members judging a Blue Ridge community's popular annual Hog Fest. Invited as celebrity judges due to their growing reputations as small-town amateur sleuths and intuitive crime-solvers, the five friends quickly discover that where pride, corporate sponsorship, and large monetary prizes come into play, so do greed, envy, and resentment.
March 21, 2018
Another fun and engaging supper club mystery! The characters sound like they would be great cozy friends! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 7, 2018
The Flab Five have been so successful in solving murders around Quincy's Gap, a local Hog Fest has asked them to be guest judges. The group decides it sounds exciting enough to give themselves the weekend off from dieting and enjoy BBQ and all the festival treats. Unfortunately, murder has followed them to the festival and they decide to solve it if it is the last thing they do.
This was an exciting read from beginning to end. We are starting to get more backstory on everyone in the Flab Five and seeing the true colors of some other characters. This book has a mystery within a mystery for James. He must try and figure out what is going on with the teenagers on Friday nights in the library and help solve a murder. I like how James is evolving in each book. He is coming to realize that he is not only just a librarian. He is a boyfriend, lover, son, friend and respected pillar of the community. Everyone looks to him when help is needed to figure out problems. What a wonderful trait to have that others trust and respect you enough to look up to you.
James' romance life is still topsy turvy. Don't be looking for smooth sailing in this book. I have mixed feelings on how things turned out. I cannot talk much as I don't want to give too much away.
My biggest disappointment...cheese doddles did not make an appearance for the second book in a row. If James every needed comfort with his cheese doddles he needed them at the festival. Yes, I think of his cheese doodles as a character. They are part of who James is and I do not see that as a bad thing.
More yummy recipes are included in the back of the book just in time for a summer BBQ.
I have already downloaded the fifth book in the series to keep up with the Flab Five. Come on weekend so I can delve right back in.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley from Beyond the Page. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This was an exciting read from beginning to end. We are starting to get more backstory on everyone in the Flab Five and seeing the true colors of some other characters. This book has a mystery within a mystery for James. He must try and figure out what is going on with the teenagers on Friday nights in the library and help solve a murder. I like how James is evolving in each book. He is coming to realize that he is not only just a librarian. He is a boyfriend, lover, son, friend and respected pillar of the community. Everyone looks to him when help is needed to figure out problems. What a wonderful trait to have that others trust and respect you enough to look up to you.
James' romance life is still topsy turvy. Don't be looking for smooth sailing in this book. I have mixed feelings on how things turned out. I cannot talk much as I don't want to give too much away.
My biggest disappointment...cheese doddles did not make an appearance for the second book in a row. If James every needed comfort with his cheese doddles he needed them at the festival. Yes, I think of his cheese doodles as a character. They are part of who James is and I do not see that as a bad thing.
More yummy recipes are included in the back of the book just in time for a summer BBQ.
I have already downloaded the fifth book in the series to keep up with the Flab Five. Come on weekend so I can delve right back in.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley from Beyond the Page. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 10, 2009
This is my absolute favorite so far of the Supper Club mysteries, although all the MEAT in this one sorta got to me. I did appreciate that Gillian (the vegetarian) did not give in and eat meat as she has in the past. No vegetarian that I know of (myself included) that is vegetarian for ethical reasons (as I presume Gillian is) would give in and eat meat for any reason (unless faced with death by starvation, and perhaps not even then!!)
I enjoyed meeting a new (possibly reoccurring) character in this book. I also liked learning more of the back-stories of the characters. I can't wait for the next one! (Does Franklin finally get on Jeopardy! in the next book???)
I enjoyed meeting a new (possibly reoccurring) character in this book. I also liked learning more of the back-stories of the characters. I can't wait for the next one! (Does Franklin finally get on Jeopardy! in the next book???)
March 8, 2013
Another great book by J B Stanley, aka Ellery Adams. I really enjoyed the series, even though the main character is a man instead of a woman. I thought it might be harder to connect to the character being is it was a man but the author does a great job making you connect with him as well as the rest of the characters in the series. I have a few more books to read to complete this series and I am sure I will enjoy them just as well as I did this one.
January 29, 2016
I loved this book as much as the others in this series. I wish this series would continue, but I'm glad Ellery has other series that I haven't read yet. I highly recommend this book.
June 21, 2018
It was late summer in Quincy's Gap and our five friends had been invited to be guests of honor at a neighboring town's Hog Fest. They were going to judge the hogs in a dress-up contest and also help at the pie eating contest. When one of the barbecue contestants, a loud obnoxious man named Jimmy, was found dead in his camper, Gillian was taken in for questioning since she had had a meltdown with this guy the day before. Since Lucy was a deputy, her help was more welcomed by Sheriff Jade Jones (Bennett developed a crush on her) than the rest but overall, the police there were friendly enough and did their job without being condescending like Donovan at Lucy's home station was known for. James and Lucy's former relationship was still a little strained but they still functioned well together as mystery-solving friends. James had felt himself drifting a little from Murphy since she seemed to have changed. Then she told him she'd signed a book contract. She'd been writing about murders in their town but said the characters were loosely based on them. Bennett was definitely not amused when he heard that.
On the home front, Scott and Francis at the library had a little mystery of their own which really ended up so awesome at the end! What a cool little sting operation they pulled with James's, Lucy's and Mrs. Hasting's help. Jackson and Milla had become much closer and James was pleased to find out his dad had proposed to this lovely lady that he'd become so comfortable being around as a mother figure. During the trip, Bennett had been studying very hard for his chance on Jeopardy. When they got home, James had one more thing to take care of with Murphy. Even his beloved bookmobile that had broken down earlier got a happy ending.
I don't think this mystery was so much focused on guessing the killer because at one point, everyone pretty much knew who, now they had to figure out how to nail the person. The showdown was pretty exciting and James got to be in the spotlight. Gillian was happy to have her freedom and had told the whole story about why she'd had that meltdown a few days ago with the obnoxious barbecue man. She got to do something that was very generous as well as suggesting something very generous as well. That's what I love about all these people. Despite their personal demons, faults or whatever you want to call them, they are true friends to one another. Who wouldn't love to be friends with any one of this awesome Flab Five group?
I've read the next book but may go over it quickly before moving on to the sixth book. At least I have a good two-book fix for awhile for this series, since the seventh one has recently come out!
On the home front, Scott and Francis at the library had a little mystery of their own which really ended up so awesome at the end! What a cool little sting operation they pulled with James's, Lucy's and Mrs. Hasting's help. Jackson and Milla had become much closer and James was pleased to find out his dad had proposed to this lovely lady that he'd become so comfortable being around as a mother figure. During the trip, Bennett had been studying very hard for his chance on Jeopardy. When they got home, James had one more thing to take care of with Murphy. Even his beloved bookmobile that had broken down earlier got a happy ending.
I don't think this mystery was so much focused on guessing the killer because at one point, everyone pretty much knew who, now they had to figure out how to nail the person. The showdown was pretty exciting and James got to be in the spotlight. Gillian was happy to have her freedom and had told the whole story about why she'd had that meltdown a few days ago with the obnoxious barbecue man. She got to do something that was very generous as well as suggesting something very generous as well. That's what I love about all these people. Despite their personal demons, faults or whatever you want to call them, they are true friends to one another. Who wouldn't love to be friends with any one of this awesome Flab Five group?
I've read the next book but may go over it quickly before moving on to the sixth book. At least I have a good two-book fix for awhile for this series, since the seventh one has recently come out!
April 1, 2018
This is the 4th installment of Ellery Adams' Supper Club Mysteries, which is why I requested the book from NetGalley. Book 2 was fun, so I thought I'd give it a go!
The members for the club are invited to a neighboring town, to serve as guest judges at the Hudsonville Hog Festival. Apparently, their crime-solving reputations has earned them a bit of celebrity and when last minute replacements are needed, they are asked. The invitation includes lodgings at a B&B, plus free meals and other incentives. Who wouldn't like to go?!
Upon arriving at their B&B, the group is immediately assailed by Jimmy Lang, a large, obnoxious man who will be participating in the BBQ competition. While we later find out that his food is indeed great, Jimmy manages to annoy nearly everyone around him. When Jimmy is subsequently murdered, nobody is really shocked until they find out that Gillian is named a person of interest.
Having read book 2, but not book 3, I found out here that James is now dating Murphy but I cannot figure out why. She tells James he wouldn't want his father to propose to his new girlfriend "[b]ecause you'll finally have to grow up and move out of your boyhood room!" What a witch! Then Murphy runs into town pretending to be there for James, but really there for the story. And her surprise news for James is rather unsettling.
The murder actually doesn't occur until over 1/3 of the way through the book. Normally, I'd be annoyed but there is so much going on that I kinda forgot there wasn't a mystery to solve until the death! All the characters and contests keep it interesting. A good read!
The members for the club are invited to a neighboring town, to serve as guest judges at the Hudsonville Hog Festival. Apparently, their crime-solving reputations has earned them a bit of celebrity and when last minute replacements are needed, they are asked. The invitation includes lodgings at a B&B, plus free meals and other incentives. Who wouldn't like to go?!
Upon arriving at their B&B, the group is immediately assailed by Jimmy Lang, a large, obnoxious man who will be participating in the BBQ competition. While we later find out that his food is indeed great, Jimmy manages to annoy nearly everyone around him. When Jimmy is subsequently murdered, nobody is really shocked until they find out that Gillian is named a person of interest.
Having read book 2, but not book 3, I found out here that James is now dating Murphy but I cannot figure out why. She tells James he wouldn't want his father to propose to his new girlfriend "[b]ecause you'll finally have to grow up and move out of your boyhood room!" What a witch! Then Murphy runs into town pretending to be there for James, but really there for the story. And her surprise news for James is rather unsettling.
The murder actually doesn't occur until over 1/3 of the way through the book. Normally, I'd be annoyed but there is so much going on that I kinda forgot there wasn't a mystery to solve until the death! All the characters and contests keep it interesting. A good read!
May 2, 2019
3.5 stars
Seriously Ms. Adams, can’t you let James have a happy love life?
Like in real life, people get busy w/their lives & don’t always have time to hang out w/their friends. This has happened to the Flab Five.
B/c I’m doing an audio book binge listen, these characters have become old pals to me so I’m glad to hear they’re reconnecting.
As a vegan, the meat descriptions were a bit unnerving, but luckily Jillian was there. Her character is an animal lover & frequently mentions vegetarian entrees to their menus. (yeah! :) )
She evoked my sentiments which was nice. (but that's why i didn't give it the full 4 stars. sorry!)
The mystery part of the story is slow but I’m being entertained by the cozy part so I get caught up & listened anyway.
For this one in the series, the mystery is actually a good puzzle once it got going.
Seriously Ms. Adams, can’t you let James have a happy love life?
Like in real life, people get busy w/their lives & don’t always have time to hang out w/their friends. This has happened to the Flab Five.
B/c I’m doing an audio book binge listen, these characters have become old pals to me so I’m glad to hear they’re reconnecting.
As a vegan, the meat descriptions were a bit unnerving, but luckily Jillian was there. Her character is an animal lover & frequently mentions vegetarian entrees to their menus. (yeah! :) )
She evoked my sentiments which was nice. (but that's why i didn't give it the full 4 stars. sorry!)
The mystery part of the story is slow but I’m being entertained by the cozy part so I get caught up & listened anyway.
For this one in the series, the mystery is actually a good puzzle once it got going.
August 1, 2019
The "Flab 5" take the show on the road when they get invited to be guest judges at Hogfest a few counties over from theirs and the mayhem ensues! The characters once again get entangled in a murder investigation that turns out to be quite more than a simple issue! The plot is quite good and the characters personalities definitely progress in a manner to keep you intrigued and entertained! If you haven't started this series yet, I do recommend that you start at the beginning as each book builds upon the last. While it won't interfere with the mystery in the plot, you will miss out on a lot of character development that is definitely entertaining and worth the adventure to read or as in my case, listen to! The nice thing is that this series is fully available on audio.
May 2, 2018
The first three books of this series got progressively better as they went, but in comparison, this one fell a little flat. The barbecue festival setting was appealing at the outset, but my interest in reading about brisket and such ran out around the halfway mark. Gillian is also the member of the "flab five" that I relate to the least, so I had trouble feeling invested in proving her innocence. It just seemed too far-fetched to me that anyone could believe a peace-loving dog groomer was also a cold-blooded killer. Even her backstory, which had some interesting elements, was delivered in a way that felt very bland. The only storyline that really saved the book for me was the tension in James's relationship with Murphy and the occasional resurfacing of his feelings for Lucy. I have no intention of abandoning the series; this one just happens to be my least favorite thus far.
January 6, 2014
This is definitely one of the best cozy series with foodies and dieters. This is the fourth in this Supper Club Mystery Series. A diverse group of Virginia townsfolk have decided to gather once a week to share their dieting experiences, but still wanting to enjoy good food. There's James - the librarian, Lucy - the new deputy sheriff, Gillian - the new age pet guru, Bennett - the postman, and Lindy - the school teacher. There are also some twin technical genius librarian assistants that help this group whenever they get caught up in solving mysteries.
In this story, the Flab Five have become so famous from all their detecting skills, that the organizer of the 47th annual Hudsonville Hog Festival has asked them to come and judge the barbecue cooking contests. They're given free room and board at the local B&B, plus free tickets to all the local events. How can they pass this up? Their dieting is going to take a hiatus while they enjoy the fun and food.
They meet some interesting characters amongst the grillers. Especially one loud mouthed, barrel chested, griller who plans to win everything, thus getting himself a lucrative contract with a local meat packing plant. His food is terrific, but he has managed to offend just about everyone around him. So no big surprise, when he's found dead in his RV. But they are all surprised when one of their own is arrested for the murder.
I love the quirky characters in these books. The receipts aren't so bad either. Stanley manages to keep suspense within her mysteries without bringing in any gore or foul language. There are actually two mysteries to solve within this yummy story. These books are hard to find, but they are definitely worth reading! Two more in this series, and would love to see Stanley take up writing some more Supper Club Mysteries after those. One of my favorites!
In this story, the Flab Five have become so famous from all their detecting skills, that the organizer of the 47th annual Hudsonville Hog Festival has asked them to come and judge the barbecue cooking contests. They're given free room and board at the local B&B, plus free tickets to all the local events. How can they pass this up? Their dieting is going to take a hiatus while they enjoy the fun and food.
They meet some interesting characters amongst the grillers. Especially one loud mouthed, barrel chested, griller who plans to win everything, thus getting himself a lucrative contract with a local meat packing plant. His food is terrific, but he has managed to offend just about everyone around him. So no big surprise, when he's found dead in his RV. But they are all surprised when one of their own is arrested for the murder.
I love the quirky characters in these books. The receipts aren't so bad either. Stanley manages to keep suspense within her mysteries without bringing in any gore or foul language. There are actually two mysteries to solve within this yummy story. These books are hard to find, but they are definitely worth reading! Two more in this series, and would love to see Stanley take up writing some more Supper Club Mysteries after those. One of my favorites!
April 30, 2018
This was such a fun read. The Flab Five are asked as a group to come judge a hog beauty contest at Hog Fest in a close by town and they all agree. Most have been busy over the summer with projects and vacations so they look at this trip as a time to reconnect and just have some fun. Things are going well, there is food galore, fun activities to watch or join in on, and everybody is having a great time until one of the competitors ends up dead. Who killed this man and why? The way he died took knowledge but who around has those kind of smarts. The supper club feels they need to investigate when one of their own is looked at in the investigation. She had no reason to kill him or did she? Tag along as the group looks for clues, asks questions, and forgets all about diets. Who could pass up such great food, even with a murder investigation going on? This was such a fun read, you can truly relate to the characters and the troubles they have when it comes to food, weight loss, and the emotions that comes with it all. The author takes on a subject in a way that will have you feeling like you are part of the group whether you have weight issues or not. I can't wait to continue the journey the characters have set out on and I'm sure I'll learn something new along the way!
May 10, 2015
I have yet to read anything by J. B. Stanley/Jennifer/Stanley/Ellery Adams/Lucy Arlington that I haven't loved. STIFFS AND SWINE continues the tales of the "Flab Five," five friends who banded together to help each other lose weight. In this episode, perhaps to avoid the "Cabot Cove" problem, the friends travel to a barbeque contest in a neighboring town to participate as judges. The setting is well depicted and the plot and pace are delightfully convoluted and exhilarating as always. The thing about this series that makes it so special is the characters, whose friendship over the series keeps growing and changing. The reader feels a kinship with these five individuals, as they do on the pages, with each other. A delicious read!
August 14, 2013
I'm hooked on this series. (Ok, I'm a little late to it; it's true.) Each book really sets the bar for enjoyable cozy-mystery reading. I've read them out of order, but they work well as stand-alones, and it's easy to slip into the characters' lives and the seasonal events in Quincy's Gap. The pacing is taut, the writing is great, the characters are witty and down-to-earth, and there's always a hair-raising plot twist. What more could you ask for? Throw in entertaining recipes and dishes, and you're set.
January 12, 2015
This is the fourth book in the Supper Club Mystery series. This the members of the supper club are invited to become judges at a barbecue festival and cook off. When one of the cooks is murdered and one of the supper club members is held during the murder investigation. The club members try to prove that friend did not kill the cook but also discover a drug connection. This book had some twists and turns and the reader learned some background on one of the members. The book was a quick and easy read.
May 14, 2016
This is the fourth book in the Supper Club series. I love these books! The main characters, the Flab Five, are very interesting and diverse characters. In the latest installment the Flab Five are asked to be judges at a bar-b-q event. While there, a murder takes place, and one of the Flab Five is a suspect in the murder. They all ban together to help solve the murder and help their friend. The main characters are people that you can imagine meeting in everyday life, and the supporting characters add to the story. I would highly recommend this book and all the other books in the series.
May 15, 2015
Flab Five famous? And why not? :D
Our heroes got invited to be guest judges on one of the biggest BBQ contests in the county! They also were choosing the winning sow, oh, and did I mention looking for the killer of the most obnoxious contestant of the show? Yeah. :)
Loved this fast paced, multi-leveled cosy mystery, where the friendship stays strong, and the will power... well. Not so much ;) But they will get back to the diet, for sure :D
Our heroes got invited to be guest judges on one of the biggest BBQ contests in the county! They also were choosing the winning sow, oh, and did I mention looking for the killer of the most obnoxious contestant of the show? Yeah. :)
Loved this fast paced, multi-leveled cosy mystery, where the friendship stays strong, and the will power... well. Not so much ;) But they will get back to the diet, for sure :D
March 21, 2016
The Supper club members are invited to be guest Judges at a regional Barbeque contest. But the family oriented festivals finger licking fun turns sour. When a contestant is found dead. When one of the five friends is accused of murder and placed in jail . The other four must stick together to try to catch the real killer. meanwhile James and Lucy's relationship is still kind of strained. Will they ever be a couple again? Or is the relationship over for good!
October 2, 2008
I really enjoy this series. I really looking forward to seeing where all the characters will end up in the next book.
this book seen things end and new things start, and some promises of future happiness for other characters. I enjoyed the mystery parts of the book also. I was glad to see James end his relationship with the newspaper reporter.
this book seen things end and new things start, and some promises of future happiness for other characters. I enjoyed the mystery parts of the book also. I was glad to see James end his relationship with the newspaper reporter.
January 25, 2015
This is the fourth book in the Supper Club Mystery series.
The Flab Five are back together and have become so famous that they are asked to be judges at the Hudsonville Hog Festival.
At the festival a murder occurs, and the Flab Five are back to using their detecting skills.
I love the quirky characters, the setting and the plot.
A fun book to read!
The Flab Five are back together and have become so famous that they are asked to be judges at the Hudsonville Hog Festival.
At the festival a murder occurs, and the Flab Five are back to using their detecting skills.
I love the quirky characters, the setting and the plot.
A fun book to read!
May 26, 2015
If you haven't read book one "Carbs and Cadavers" try to read it. I liked the background it sets for James. It gives you a better idea of where he's coming from.
I love the Supper Club idea and the fact that the members become like family. The group is judging BBQ here and it keeps you guessing until the end.
I love the Supper Club idea and the fact that the members become like family. The group is judging BBQ here and it keeps you guessing until the end.
July 11, 2015
This was super! I enjoyed the visit to a barbeque festival and the murder of the scumbag contestant. All the clues were there to lead one to the right ending, and the other activities going on in the story really worked with the main theme. This is another excellent read, I'd encourage anyone to try.
February 17, 2018
This is the 4th book in the series. I really enjoy these cozy mysteries and I like the male protagonist. I enjoy all the supper club members except Lucy. I find her selfish and unlikeable and I really hope James doesn't try to rekindle their romance.
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