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A Supper Club Mystery #7
Pasta Mortem
A brand-new book in the harrowing and heartwarming Supper Club Mystery series by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams and Agatha Award–winning author Rosemary Stevens!
Librarian James Henry and his supper club sleuths will take a trip down memory lane searching for clues that will help catch a killer . . .
When the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local bed-and-breakfast where the show was filmed, the townsfolk are thrilled to meet the actors and relive their memories of a simpler time. Their nostalgic mood is broken, though, by an ambitious real estate developer who has also come to Quincy’s Gap with an eye toward turning the quiet town into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Tensions are boiling over, and when the developer gets a little too sauced one night at the B&B and turns up dead the next morning, James and the supper club will have to put aside their distaste for the victim to help nab the culprit.
It looks like an open-and-shut case, but James and his friends are convinced the main suspect is innocent and promise to help get her out of hot water. Dividing their time between the investigation and the reunion festivities, they’re shocked to discover that members of the cast are guarding some very unsavory secrets. With time running out before the actors leave town and the trail of clues goes stale, the supper club will have to turn up the heat on a suspicious character before the killer serves up another murder.
Includes mouthwatering recipes!
Praise for the Supper Club Mystery
“Heavy on fun, light on gore, this savory mystery comes complete with yummy recipes.” ― Publishers Weekly
“Foodies will love the recipes and fans the new adventures of the five friends.” — Kirkus Reviews
About the
New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Her series include the Supper Club Mysteries, the Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries, and the Book Retreat Mysteries, among others.
Agatha Award winner Rosemary Stevens is the author of the Murder-A-Go-Go Retro Mysteries, the Beau Brummell Mysteries, and four sweet Regency romances. She lives in Central Virginia with her family, including two Siamese cats whose wishes she caters to day and night. She loves British detective shows, anything vintage, chocolate, pizza, and Southern food, especially biscuits and gravy, and is perpetually on a diet.
Librarian James Henry and his supper club sleuths will take a trip down memory lane searching for clues that will help catch a killer . . .
When the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local bed-and-breakfast where the show was filmed, the townsfolk are thrilled to meet the actors and relive their memories of a simpler time. Their nostalgic mood is broken, though, by an ambitious real estate developer who has also come to Quincy’s Gap with an eye toward turning the quiet town into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Tensions are boiling over, and when the developer gets a little too sauced one night at the B&B and turns up dead the next morning, James and the supper club will have to put aside their distaste for the victim to help nab the culprit.
It looks like an open-and-shut case, but James and his friends are convinced the main suspect is innocent and promise to help get her out of hot water. Dividing their time between the investigation and the reunion festivities, they’re shocked to discover that members of the cast are guarding some very unsavory secrets. With time running out before the actors leave town and the trail of clues goes stale, the supper club will have to turn up the heat on a suspicious character before the killer serves up another murder.
Includes mouthwatering recipes!
Praise for the Supper Club Mystery
“Heavy on fun, light on gore, this savory mystery comes complete with yummy recipes.” ― Publishers Weekly
“Foodies will love the recipes and fans the new adventures of the five friends.” — Kirkus Reviews
About the
New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Her series include the Supper Club Mysteries, the Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries, and the Book Retreat Mysteries, among others.
Agatha Award winner Rosemary Stevens is the author of the Murder-A-Go-Go Retro Mysteries, the Beau Brummell Mysteries, and four sweet Regency romances. She lives in Central Virginia with her family, including two Siamese cats whose wishes she caters to day and night. She loves British detective shows, anything vintage, chocolate, pizza, and Southern food, especially biscuits and gravy, and is perpetually on a diet.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2018
182 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
About the author
Ellery Adams
66 books5,264 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 93 reviews
May 18, 2021
**3.5-stars rounded up**
It was truly a delightful treat for me to be back with James Henry, a small town librarian, and his jovial Supper Club friends!
Full of wit and Southern charm, this Cozy Mystery series is great for those who love food, fun, friends and murder.
In Pasta Mortem, the seventh installment of the Supper Club Mystery series, we return to Quincy's Gap, Virginia, at a time when the town is gaining a bit of unwanted attention.
A well-loved, no longer running television show has decided to host their 25th-reunion at a local B&B, bringing actors and fans alike to the normally quiet town.
Hot on the heels of the acting types and those who love them, comes an ambitious real estate developer, who has his sights set on a couple of large Quincy's Gap properties.
A few of the local residents, James among them, are more than dismayed to hear of his plans for the town.
The interactions between the locals and out-of-towners are tense, with many just wishing things would return to normal.
Before that can happen, however, the real estate developer ends up dead; bludgeoned to death in his bed at the B&B.
The prime suspect, resident nosey reporter, Murphy, has had run-ins with the Supper Club members before.
Although they do not trust her, they also don't believe her to be capable of murder.
So, as they do, James and the gang set out to discover the true culprit.
I have read every book in this series and I just adore them.
The characters are so fun and I love how they interact with one another. This one did feel a little more serious than some of the others as far as tone, but I still really enjoyed it.
The humor wasn't as prevalent either, but regardless of all that, it is still a really solid cozy.
You do not necessarily have to read them all, or in order, but I think you gain the best reading experience from doing so. Over the course of the series, you watch the different members of the group grow and change. It's lovely.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, love food and like to laugh, you should definitely check this series out. I highly recommend it to all my cozy friends. You know who you are!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Beyond the Page, for providing me with a copy to read and review. It was a ton of fun!
It was truly a delightful treat for me to be back with James Henry, a small town librarian, and his jovial Supper Club friends!
Full of wit and Southern charm, this Cozy Mystery series is great for those who love food, fun, friends and murder.
In Pasta Mortem, the seventh installment of the Supper Club Mystery series, we return to Quincy's Gap, Virginia, at a time when the town is gaining a bit of unwanted attention.
A well-loved, no longer running television show has decided to host their 25th-reunion at a local B&B, bringing actors and fans alike to the normally quiet town.
Hot on the heels of the acting types and those who love them, comes an ambitious real estate developer, who has his sights set on a couple of large Quincy's Gap properties.
A few of the local residents, James among them, are more than dismayed to hear of his plans for the town.
The interactions between the locals and out-of-towners are tense, with many just wishing things would return to normal.
Before that can happen, however, the real estate developer ends up dead; bludgeoned to death in his bed at the B&B.
The prime suspect, resident nosey reporter, Murphy, has had run-ins with the Supper Club members before.
Although they do not trust her, they also don't believe her to be capable of murder.
So, as they do, James and the gang set out to discover the true culprit.
I have read every book in this series and I just adore them.
The characters are so fun and I love how they interact with one another. This one did feel a little more serious than some of the others as far as tone, but I still really enjoyed it.
The humor wasn't as prevalent either, but regardless of all that, it is still a really solid cozy.
You do not necessarily have to read them all, or in order, but I think you gain the best reading experience from doing so. Over the course of the series, you watch the different members of the group grow and change. It's lovely.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, love food and like to laugh, you should definitely check this series out. I highly recommend it to all my cozy friends. You know who you are!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Beyond the Page, for providing me with a copy to read and review. It was a ton of fun!
May 31, 2018
Pasta Mortem is the seventh book in The Supper Club Mystery series.
I was so excited to hear that this wonderful series was continuing and an excellent story it is.
James and Jane are expecting the birth of their girl any day, Gillian and Bennett are doing fine, Luis and Lindy have gotten married, but Lindy is hopeful that Alma, her mother-in-law will soon return home. And Lucy and Sullie, will in this book, have some ups and downs.
Even though the Flab Five are still upset with Murphy Alistair for “fictional” book about life in a small rural Virginia town, they agree to have their pictures taken for a story, she says, will be published in the town’s newspaper. In reality, their pictures appear in Southern Style article on the Five Best Undiscovered Small Towns You Should Be Living In. At the same time, the cast of Hearth And Home, a show that was on tv in the 80’s will be returning to Cardinal’s Rest and the place where the show was originally filmed. The private home is now the B&B where the cast is staying. Also staying at there are Murphy and Ray Edwards, a real estate developers from Louisville. The Supper Club soon learn that Murphy, Edward and Joel Foster, a cast member, have formed a development company and will develop the Lydell Honey Farm into a massive planned community. Most residents of Quincy Gap are against the development as they like their quaint community and that the needed services to support the new development would be impossible to secure.
On the evening that all the cast members arrived there was a “welcome home” for the cast member and invited guests. A good time was had by most everyone, but Murphy and Ray seemed to have to much to drink and it appears that they have been having an argument about something. As the evening was beginning to wind down, Murphy and Edwards went to their room on the third floor. The next morning a blood-curdling scream is heard from Murphy. She has awakened to find Edwards dead beside her. Since their room was locked, Lucy and Sheriff Huckabee feel they have an open and shut case and Murphy is arrested for the murder of Edwards.
Even though Murphy is far from being embraced by the Supper Club, James, Gillian, Lindy, and Bennett don’t feel that Murphy is capable of murder and set off to prove her innocent of the murder. But then when Kitty Walters arrives at the B&B and also claiming to be engaged to Edwards like Murphy is, is also found dead, Murphy is once again jailed.
The Supper Club members, less Lucy, still feel that Murphy is innocent and decide to focus on the members of the cast of Hearth and Home and hoping there will be no other deaths.
This was very exciting and well-told story. It is well-plotted with most all of the characters from previous books involved with backing up and supporting the Supper Club members.
Delicious recipes are also included with the book.
I’m looking forward to more books in this entertaining series.
I was so excited to hear that this wonderful series was continuing and an excellent story it is.
James and Jane are expecting the birth of their girl any day, Gillian and Bennett are doing fine, Luis and Lindy have gotten married, but Lindy is hopeful that Alma, her mother-in-law will soon return home. And Lucy and Sullie, will in this book, have some ups and downs.
Even though the Flab Five are still upset with Murphy Alistair for “fictional” book about life in a small rural Virginia town, they agree to have their pictures taken for a story, she says, will be published in the town’s newspaper. In reality, their pictures appear in Southern Style article on the Five Best Undiscovered Small Towns You Should Be Living In. At the same time, the cast of Hearth And Home, a show that was on tv in the 80’s will be returning to Cardinal’s Rest and the place where the show was originally filmed. The private home is now the B&B where the cast is staying. Also staying at there are Murphy and Ray Edwards, a real estate developers from Louisville. The Supper Club soon learn that Murphy, Edward and Joel Foster, a cast member, have formed a development company and will develop the Lydell Honey Farm into a massive planned community. Most residents of Quincy Gap are against the development as they like their quaint community and that the needed services to support the new development would be impossible to secure.
On the evening that all the cast members arrived there was a “welcome home” for the cast member and invited guests. A good time was had by most everyone, but Murphy and Ray seemed to have to much to drink and it appears that they have been having an argument about something. As the evening was beginning to wind down, Murphy and Edwards went to their room on the third floor. The next morning a blood-curdling scream is heard from Murphy. She has awakened to find Edwards dead beside her. Since their room was locked, Lucy and Sheriff Huckabee feel they have an open and shut case and Murphy is arrested for the murder of Edwards.
Even though Murphy is far from being embraced by the Supper Club, James, Gillian, Lindy, and Bennett don’t feel that Murphy is capable of murder and set off to prove her innocent of the murder. But then when Kitty Walters arrives at the B&B and also claiming to be engaged to Edwards like Murphy is, is also found dead, Murphy is once again jailed.
The Supper Club members, less Lucy, still feel that Murphy is innocent and decide to focus on the members of the cast of Hearth and Home and hoping there will be no other deaths.
This was very exciting and well-told story. It is well-plotted with most all of the characters from previous books involved with backing up and supporting the Supper Club members.
Delicious recipes are also included with the book.
I’m looking forward to more books in this entertaining series.
June 23, 2018
I think this has to be the best book yet in this series! Just everything about it, the mystery itself to the characters' personal relationships just shines.
It was close to mid-February in Quincy's Gap and the town was buzzing for a couple of different reasons. A beloved TV show from the late 80s was having a reunion party in a neighboring town and one of the cast members just happened to be editor of a southern type living magazine that had just published an article on why Quincy's Gap was one of the most desired small towns to live in. The five friends were pretty livid about this as was the rest of the town. For one thing, nosy reporter and newspaper owner Murphy who had acted like she was their friend but had written some murder mysteries with them all as characters, had been going around taking everyone's pictures claiming she'd use it in one of her newspaper articles. Instead it was part of this magazine spread. Citizens were not happy since it would me overcrowding of schools and just generally overcrowding of everything. The people in Quincy's Gap liked being a small town and wanted it to stay that way.
When Murphy's new real estate partner was killed in that bed and breakfast, the police of course turned to Murphy as prime suspect. The five supper club friends were torn about working on this case since Murphy hadn't been so nice to them just recently. They all decided she could be nasty but she was not a killer. This mystery had a lot of fun twists and turns. I sure never saw the reveal coming. The very ending was probably the sweetest most awesome thing I've read in a long time!
I liked how the characters' personal lives all had something similar going on. The couples were having issues with their couple lives, just like real life people do, and they had to figure out how to fix that while working the case. I admired how they did put their family and personal problems first though. By Valentine's Day, everyone had a very satisfactory solution to their issues and all five friends could truthfully say they were very happy.
I really hope there are more books coming in this series. I would be sad if this series did end but I think this book was so good that if for some reason that happened, we have some great closure and memories of our friends knowing they're all doing well. More books would be better though so being an optimist, I will keep hoping! If you love the recipes in this series, you'll love that there are nine of them at the end of this book.
It was close to mid-February in Quincy's Gap and the town was buzzing for a couple of different reasons. A beloved TV show from the late 80s was having a reunion party in a neighboring town and one of the cast members just happened to be editor of a southern type living magazine that had just published an article on why Quincy's Gap was one of the most desired small towns to live in. The five friends were pretty livid about this as was the rest of the town. For one thing, nosy reporter and newspaper owner Murphy who had acted like she was their friend but had written some murder mysteries with them all as characters, had been going around taking everyone's pictures claiming she'd use it in one of her newspaper articles. Instead it was part of this magazine spread. Citizens were not happy since it would me overcrowding of schools and just generally overcrowding of everything. The people in Quincy's Gap liked being a small town and wanted it to stay that way.
When Murphy's new real estate partner was killed in that bed and breakfast, the police of course turned to Murphy as prime suspect. The five supper club friends were torn about working on this case since Murphy hadn't been so nice to them just recently. They all decided she could be nasty but she was not a killer. This mystery had a lot of fun twists and turns. I sure never saw the reveal coming. The very ending was probably the sweetest most awesome thing I've read in a long time!
I liked how the characters' personal lives all had something similar going on. The couples were having issues with their couple lives, just like real life people do, and they had to figure out how to fix that while working the case. I admired how they did put their family and personal problems first though. By Valentine's Day, everyone had a very satisfactory solution to their issues and all five friends could truthfully say they were very happy.
I really hope there are more books coming in this series. I would be sad if this series did end but I think this book was so good that if for some reason that happened, we have some great closure and memories of our friends knowing they're all doing well. More books would be better though so being an optimist, I will keep hoping! If you love the recipes in this series, you'll love that there are nine of them at the end of this book.
October 23, 2022
I love this series and I hope it will continue. If not, everyone in the supper club is in a good place. The mystery was interesting and the resolution was satisfying. The plot revolved around a reunion of actors in a hit show. The action takes place in the days leading up to Valentine's day. Of course the supper club members have some drama in their love lives. Happily everyone finds a happy ending.
October 9, 2019
4.5 stars
Woo hoo, I can finally finish this series.
I liked the way the writer introduced all the characters in the first chapter so concisely. It was a great way to remind the reader of the details of the Supper Club.
This time they’re trying the Mediterranean Diet and as usual, you root for them.
I’m still not a big fan of Jane but I’m glad that James is happy. He’s a very likable character.
You can’t help but root for the others to also lose weight& be happy in their romances but it appears to falter. Bummer!
And actually, I was so busy being catching up w/their lives(they’ve become comfy friends), that I didn’t figure out the mystery.
I hope this isn’t the last one b/c I do like it.
Woo hoo, I can finally finish this series.
I liked the way the writer introduced all the characters in the first chapter so concisely. It was a great way to remind the reader of the details of the Supper Club.
This time they’re trying the Mediterranean Diet and as usual, you root for them.
I’m still not a big fan of Jane but I’m glad that James is happy. He’s a very likable character.
You can’t help but root for the others to also lose weight& be happy in their romances but it appears to falter. Bummer!
And actually, I was so busy being catching up w/their lives(they’ve become comfy friends), that I didn’t figure out the mystery.
I hope this isn’t the last one b/c I do like it.
May 26, 2018
This is the seventh book in the Supper Club series, and I was so excited that the gang was back.
James and his wife are expecting their second child, Bennett and Gillian are still together, Lucy is dating, and Lindy has gotten married.
When a murder occurs, and the victim is not exactly liked. Another local is suspected, so James and the gang go looking for answers and the truth.
Twists and turns, characters you can relate to and an ending that surprised me.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
James and his wife are expecting their second child, Bennett and Gillian are still together, Lucy is dating, and Lindy has gotten married.
When a murder occurs, and the victim is not exactly liked. Another local is suspected, so James and the gang go looking for answers and the truth.
Twists and turns, characters you can relate to and an ending that surprised me.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
April 30, 2022
so good to be with the supper club again!
I really enjoyed catching up with the supper club. It was fun seeing where they were at. I loved seeing how they’ve changed and grown. The mystery was good and the sleuthing entertaining.
I really enjoyed catching up with the supper club. It was fun seeing where they were at. I loved seeing how they’ve changed and grown. The mystery was good and the sleuthing entertaining.
June 13, 2018
In this seventh book of the series things are going great for the members of the supper club. They may not be losing the weight like they want but everything else is looking good. James and his wife are expecting their second child, Lucy is dating another deputy, Bennett and Gillian are going strong and Lindy has married the love of her life. When Murphy, from the local paper, asks to take everyone's photo for a town inspiring column they all agree. When the group learns that Murphy lied and had their photos put into a magazine article no one is happy. You see the article is about the best undiscovered towns to live in and Quincy Gap is among them. Later they find out that Murphy has brought in an investor and bought a local farm to start building housing for the influx of people they hope will move to the tiny town after the article. No one wants the town to change so extremely but it doesn't look like they will have much of a choice, people are already visiting from all over looking to buy into the small town life Quincy Gap offers. When Murphy's boyfriend and fellow investor Ray is found dead Lucy thinks that Murphy is the killer. Follow along as James tries to persuade her otherwise and brings the group into investigate to figure out just who did such a horrible thing. Will James be able to change Lucy's mind? James can think of several other people who wished the man dead but are any of them killers? I've been reading this whole series recently trying to catch up so that I could get this one on the day that it came out and let me say that it didn't disappoint. This is a fun series that is filled with a treasure trove of characters who you'll fall in love with. The scenic town is definitely a place that you'll want to visit over and over again. I'm already looking forward to the next book, the new diet they'll try, and what mystery will be laid before them to solve.
Merged review:
In this seventh book of the series things are going great for the members of the supper club. They may not be losing the weight like they want but everything else is looking good. James and his wife are expecting their second child, Lucy is dating another deputy, Bennett and Gillian are going strong and Lindy has married the love of her life. When Murphy, from the local paper, asks to take everyone's photo for a town inspiring column they all agree. When the group learns that Murphy lied and had their photos put into a magazine article no one is happy. You see the article is about the best undiscovered towns to live in and Quincy Gap is among them. Later they find out that Murphy has brought in an investor and bought a local farm to start building housing for the influx of people they hope will move to the tiny town after the article. No one wants the town to change so extremely but it doesn't look like they will have much of a choice, people are already visiting from all over looking to buy into the small town life Quincy Gap offers. When Murphy's boyfriend and fellow investor Ray is found dead Lucy thinks that Murphy is the killer. Follow along as James tries to persuade her otherwise and brings the group into investigate to figure out just who did such a horrible thing. Will James be able to change Lucy's mind? James can think of several other people who wished the man dead but are any of them killers? I've been reading this whole series recently trying to catch up so that I could get this one on the day that it came out and let me say that it didn't disappoint. This is a fun series that is filled with a treasure trove of characters who you'll fall in love with. The scenic town is definitely a place that you'll want to visit over and over again. I'm already looking forward to the next book, the new diet they'll try, and what mystery will be laid before them to solve.
Merged review:
In this seventh book of the series things are going great for the members of the supper club. They may not be losing the weight like they want but everything else is looking good. James and his wife are expecting their second child, Lucy is dating another deputy, Bennett and Gillian are going strong and Lindy has married the love of her life. When Murphy, from the local paper, asks to take everyone's photo for a town inspiring column they all agree. When the group learns that Murphy lied and had their photos put into a magazine article no one is happy. You see the article is about the best undiscovered towns to live in and Quincy Gap is among them. Later they find out that Murphy has brought in an investor and bought a local farm to start building housing for the influx of people they hope will move to the tiny town after the article. No one wants the town to change so extremely but it doesn't look like they will have much of a choice, people are already visiting from all over looking to buy into the small town life Quincy Gap offers. When Murphy's boyfriend and fellow investor Ray is found dead Lucy thinks that Murphy is the killer. Follow along as James tries to persuade her otherwise and brings the group into investigate to figure out just who did such a horrible thing. Will James be able to change Lucy's mind? James can think of several other people who wished the man dead but are any of them killers? I've been reading this whole series recently trying to catch up so that I could get this one on the day that it came out and let me say that it didn't disappoint. This is a fun series that is filled with a treasure trove of characters who you'll fall in love with. The scenic town is definitely a place that you'll want to visit over and over again. I'm already looking forward to the next book, the new diet they'll try, and what mystery will be laid before them to solve.
July 17, 2019
Of all cozies, this is the worst kind. One where a murder happens and one person just thinks it's his right (because he wants to know) to find out what happened, and who the culprit is.
May 28, 2018
Pasta Mortem is the seventh book in Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens’ Supper Club Mysteries series and is an enjoyable read. The storyline is well thought out and the well-developed characters are affable. As their friendship continues to evolve, the members of the Flab Five have developed an enviable camaraderie as they continue to support each other in their quest to lose weight, supply moral support, and work together to solve mysteries. There aren’t any graphic adult situations or violence, but there is some adult language. Sufficient background information is provided to allow the books in this series to be read as standalones, but I’ve enjoyed watching the characters develop as I’ve read each nook. I really enjoy this series and look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
James Henry and the other Flab Five members, Gillian O’Malley, Bennett Marshall, Lucy Hanover, and Lindy Perez-Chavez, are bemoaning all the weight they’ve all gained but relishing in their friendship. It’s been awhile since they’ve had a mystery to solve, but when there is one, they make a great team with each person bringing a unique gift and ability to the table. Gillian suggests the group try the Mediterranean Diet and everyone agrees. The cast of the Hearth and Home television show gathers for a reunion at the Red Bird B&B in Cardinal’s Rest, where the show was filmed, and everyone is looking forward to meeting the cast members. Murphy Alistair is promoting her newest book, “Murder in the Caverns,” and has convinced the editor of Southern Style magazine, Joel Foster, to include Quincy’s Gap, Virginia as one of the best small towns to live in. Murphy’s also joined forces with Raymond Edwards, a real estate developer from Louisville, Kentucky, to build a massive planned residential community which most of the town is opposed to. James and Jane are eagerly awaiting the birth of their daughter and Eliot, their five-year- old son, has started kindergarten. With Milla’s loving care, Jackson’s doing well after his stroke, but he’s agitated with all the healthy restrictions put on his diet and daily activities. Lindy and Luis Chavez are married, but his mother’s still staying with them and giving Lindy fits. Gillian and Bennett are comfortable in their relationship, but only in private, because Bennett is worried people won’t accept their interracial relationship even though Gillian disagrees. Lucy is jealous when Sullie pays too much attention to Amber Ross, an actress in Hearth and Home turned makeup guru. When Mr. Edwards’ bludgeoned body is found in the locked bedroom he shared with Murphy at the Red Bird B&B, she becomes the prime suspect. The couple had been drinking heavily and arguing the previous evening. The authorities are convinced Murphy is guilty and is taken into custody for questioning, but her attorney, Cyril Morton, gets her released due to the lack of solid evidence. While Murphy is ruthless, has caused a lot of distress for the Flab Five, and they don’t like her, but with the exception of Lucy, they don’t think she’s capable of murder and set out to discover the truth.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
James Henry and the other Flab Five members, Gillian O’Malley, Bennett Marshall, Lucy Hanover, and Lindy Perez-Chavez, are bemoaning all the weight they’ve all gained but relishing in their friendship. It’s been awhile since they’ve had a mystery to solve, but when there is one, they make a great team with each person bringing a unique gift and ability to the table. Gillian suggests the group try the Mediterranean Diet and everyone agrees. The cast of the Hearth and Home television show gathers for a reunion at the Red Bird B&B in Cardinal’s Rest, where the show was filmed, and everyone is looking forward to meeting the cast members. Murphy Alistair is promoting her newest book, “Murder in the Caverns,” and has convinced the editor of Southern Style magazine, Joel Foster, to include Quincy’s Gap, Virginia as one of the best small towns to live in. Murphy’s also joined forces with Raymond Edwards, a real estate developer from Louisville, Kentucky, to build a massive planned residential community which most of the town is opposed to. James and Jane are eagerly awaiting the birth of their daughter and Eliot, their five-year- old son, has started kindergarten. With Milla’s loving care, Jackson’s doing well after his stroke, but he’s agitated with all the healthy restrictions put on his diet and daily activities. Lindy and Luis Chavez are married, but his mother’s still staying with them and giving Lindy fits. Gillian and Bennett are comfortable in their relationship, but only in private, because Bennett is worried people won’t accept their interracial relationship even though Gillian disagrees. Lucy is jealous when Sullie pays too much attention to Amber Ross, an actress in Hearth and Home turned makeup guru. When Mr. Edwards’ bludgeoned body is found in the locked bedroom he shared with Murphy at the Red Bird B&B, she becomes the prime suspect. The couple had been drinking heavily and arguing the previous evening. The authorities are convinced Murphy is guilty and is taken into custody for questioning, but her attorney, Cyril Morton, gets her released due to the lack of solid evidence. While Murphy is ruthless, has caused a lot of distress for the Flab Five, and they don’t like her, but with the exception of Lucy, they don’t think she’s capable of murder and set out to discover the truth.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 3, 2018
Pasta Mortem by Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens is the seventh tale in A Supper Club Mystery series. James Henry and his wife, Jane are awaiting the birth of their second child. The Supper Club has decided to start a new Mediterranean diet, but thanks to Murphy Alistair the group gets off to a poor start. They believed she was taking their picture for the Shenandoah Star Ledger. Unfortunately, she used their photos in Southern Style magazine to advertise her upcoming book and Quincy’s Gap as one of five undiscovered small towns in America (there goes their small town). Murphy has teamed up with real estate developer, Ray Edwards to build condos, apartments and shops on a local farm. In nearby Cardinal’s Rest is the twenty-fifth reunion of the cast of Hearth and Home. The Supper Club members are attending a special VIP event at Red Bird B&B. Murphy is on the arm of Ray Edwards and the two have overindulged in the liquid refreshment. The next day, James hears that Edwards is dead and Murphy is accused of the crime. Despite the groups dislike of Murphy, they know she is not a killer. When a second person turns up dead at the Red Bird B&B with Murphy present once again, James knows they need to narrow down their suspect list. If they do not identify the killer soon, Murphy will end up wearing an orange jumpsuit for the rest of her life.
Pasta Mortem is an enjoyable cozy mystery. It is nice to visit Quincy’s Gap and catch up with James Henry and the rest of The Supper Club. I like how the members of the group continue to develop. In each book we learn a little more about a different character. I like to see them change (personal growth which helps enrich their lives). The mystery was compelling. It had some unexpected developments that will surprise readers. However, with the aid of a few pointed clues, I was able to peg the killer before I was halfway through the novel. I thought Pasta Mortem was well-written and it had a steady pace. While it can be read alone, you will miss out on the characters back stories. I do recommend reading the books in order or at least reading Carbs & Cadavers first (that way you get the basics). There are many delightful cozy moments in Pasta Mortem that will having you smiling and chuckling. In Pasta Mortem the group is learning new recipes, going to events for Hearth and Home reunion, preparing for Valentine’s Day, Jane is expecting and having difficulties, Eliot is loving school, Lucy is having relationship issues, Luis’ mama has yet to leave town, and so much more. I am giving Pasta Mortem 4 out of 5 stars. I was left with unanswered questions at the end of the book. While the murder was wrapped up neatly, another issue was left unresolved. I just loved the name James and Jane picked for their new baby. I hope we get to revisit Quincy’s Gap again soon in another A Supper Club Mystery.
Pasta Mortem is an enjoyable cozy mystery. It is nice to visit Quincy’s Gap and catch up with James Henry and the rest of The Supper Club. I like how the members of the group continue to develop. In each book we learn a little more about a different character. I like to see them change (personal growth which helps enrich their lives). The mystery was compelling. It had some unexpected developments that will surprise readers. However, with the aid of a few pointed clues, I was able to peg the killer before I was halfway through the novel. I thought Pasta Mortem was well-written and it had a steady pace. While it can be read alone, you will miss out on the characters back stories. I do recommend reading the books in order or at least reading Carbs & Cadavers first (that way you get the basics). There are many delightful cozy moments in Pasta Mortem that will having you smiling and chuckling. In Pasta Mortem the group is learning new recipes, going to events for Hearth and Home reunion, preparing for Valentine’s Day, Jane is expecting and having difficulties, Eliot is loving school, Lucy is having relationship issues, Luis’ mama has yet to leave town, and so much more. I am giving Pasta Mortem 4 out of 5 stars. I was left with unanswered questions at the end of the book. While the murder was wrapped up neatly, another issue was left unresolved. I just loved the name James and Jane picked for their new baby. I hope we get to revisit Quincy’s Gap again soon in another A Supper Club Mystery.
September 22, 2020
In Pasta Mortem (love that title!) the cast of a tv show called Hearth and Homes is having a 25th reunion in Quincy's Gap and the supper club gang take a walk down memory lane as they all remember that show. The fun of having them in town is short lived with a real estate developer is killed and Murphy, the lovely journalist who they all love to hate, is in the hot seat because she was dating him and things are pointing to her as the killer.
The gang has decided that even though they are not big fans of Murphy they can't see her as a murderer so they decide to dive into the lives of the cast and the real estate developer and see what is really going on.
What I like about these books is the characters and in this one we get to find out why Bennett is so dead set on not showing public affection when him and Julianne are together. Bennett is a black man in a small town and he remembers a time in his childhood when interracial characters were frowned upon. His story was very sad but I am glad he finally is able to make a decision with his friends help and not let things of the past hold him down.
So I have completed 3 series from this author, I am close to finishing another but read some from other and I am going to say that I think out of all I have read from this author this is my FAVORITE series out of all the ones I have read. :) I would love to have more from this series but if not it ends on a good story.
The narrator of this series is one of my favorites, Karen White, and she does a great job as always!!
The gang has decided that even though they are not big fans of Murphy they can't see her as a murderer so they decide to dive into the lives of the cast and the real estate developer and see what is really going on.
What I like about these books is the characters and in this one we get to find out why Bennett is so dead set on not showing public affection when him and Julianne are together. Bennett is a black man in a small town and he remembers a time in his childhood when interracial characters were frowned upon. His story was very sad but I am glad he finally is able to make a decision with his friends help and not let things of the past hold him down.
So I have completed 3 series from this author, I am close to finishing another but read some from other and I am going to say that I think out of all I have read from this author this is my FAVORITE series out of all the ones I have read. :) I would love to have more from this series but if not it ends on a good story.
The narrator of this series is one of my favorites, Karen White, and she does a great job as always!!
August 24, 2018
I read this on my Kindle. The main character is James Henry with the rest of the supper club members being Gillian O'Malley, Bennett Marshall, Lindy and Lucy Hanover. James is now married and awaiting the birth of daughter while Gillian and Bennett are still dating and Lindy is now married with Lucy still single. Their town is hosting a reunion for the cast of a tv show. Also in town is a real estate developer who is dating Murphy the owner of the town's paper. When the developer is killed Murphy is the only suspect until James and his friends get involved.It was fun reading about the characters again. The book was a very quick easy read.
August 27, 2018
I just love this series. James and all the gang are some of my favorite characters.
I've enjoyed watching the characters grow and move on with their own lives, but yet they still band together when a murder takes place.
I really recommend this great series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
I've enjoyed watching the characters grow and move on with their own lives, but yet they still band together when a murder takes place.
I really recommend this great series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
September 5, 2019
I love this series and everything about it! There's mystery, friendship, romance, family-time, everything you want is in these books! Henry is a fun character and I liked having his point-of-view throughout the ups and downs of the supper club. Him and Jane got their happily-ever-after and it made me smile.
I'm not sure if this series is over or not, but if it is, the authors did a great job tying up everything!
I'm not sure if this series is over or not, but if it is, the authors did a great job tying up everything!
May 26, 2018
I enjoyed everything about this 7th book in the Supper Club series. The members struggle with their weight, so I can personally relate to them. I like watching all of the characters in the series progress, grow, and change. This book is a great continuation of the series, you don't really know whodunit until near the end, and yet it is full of happy events, too. I sure do hope this series continues!
June 17, 2018
Pasta Mortem is the new offering in Ellery Adams’ Supper Club series and she’s joined in writing it by Rosemary Stevens, which makes it a book by two of my favorite authors.
The Flab Five are once again stymied in their attempts to lose weight, and some of their lives aren’t going so well either (although librarian James Henry is happily back with his wife and they’re expecting a baby), so the reunion of the cast of an old TV show is a good distraction – until it isn’t. There are secrets, jealousies, and murder. Once again, despite distractions, the supper club members manage to pull together and solve the crime.
One of the things that made me love this series from the start is that none of the characters are the typical perky young heroine who moans about how fat she is wearing a size 12. These feel like real people with real struggles. I hope the series continues and that Adams and Stevens remain a team. For those who have read the books, the characters grow (and not just in girth) so it’s best to start with the first book, Carbs and Cadavers. It’s available now.
Required disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader’s Kindle copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which is what this is. #PastaMortem #NetGalley
The Flab Five are once again stymied in their attempts to lose weight, and some of their lives aren’t going so well either (although librarian James Henry is happily back with his wife and they’re expecting a baby), so the reunion of the cast of an old TV show is a good distraction – until it isn’t. There are secrets, jealousies, and murder. Once again, despite distractions, the supper club members manage to pull together and solve the crime.
One of the things that made me love this series from the start is that none of the characters are the typical perky young heroine who moans about how fat she is wearing a size 12. These feel like real people with real struggles. I hope the series continues and that Adams and Stevens remain a team. For those who have read the books, the characters grow (and not just in girth) so it’s best to start with the first book, Carbs and Cadavers. It’s available now.
Required disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader’s Kindle copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which is what this is. #PastaMortem #NetGalley
May 28, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“When the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local bed-and-breakfast where the show was filmed, the townsfolk are thrilled to meet the actors and relive their memories of a simpler time. Their nostalgic mood is broken, though, by an ambitious real estate developer who has also come to Quincy’s Gap with an eye toward turning the quiet town into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Tensions are boiling over, and when the developer gets a little too sauced one night at the B&B and turns up dead the next morning, James and the supper club will have to put aside their distaste for the victim to help nab the culprit.”
Ellery Adams wrote this last book of the series with another writer and I think that makes it just one step behind the others in some way I can’t put my finger on. One difference in this book is that the chapter names are not food items like all the others in the series which I personally enjoyed. Besides that the mystery is very good and cozy. I had a feeling who did it as soon as the character was introduced but wasn’t 100% sure which I love in a book and made me want to come back for more. I highly recommend this series and wish Ellery Adams would write some more.
“When the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local bed-and-breakfast where the show was filmed, the townsfolk are thrilled to meet the actors and relive their memories of a simpler time. Their nostalgic mood is broken, though, by an ambitious real estate developer who has also come to Quincy’s Gap with an eye toward turning the quiet town into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Tensions are boiling over, and when the developer gets a little too sauced one night at the B&B and turns up dead the next morning, James and the supper club will have to put aside their distaste for the victim to help nab the culprit.”
Ellery Adams wrote this last book of the series with another writer and I think that makes it just one step behind the others in some way I can’t put my finger on. One difference in this book is that the chapter names are not food items like all the others in the series which I personally enjoyed. Besides that the mystery is very good and cozy. I had a feeling who did it as soon as the character was introduced but wasn’t 100% sure which I love in a book and made me want to come back for more. I highly recommend this series and wish Ellery Adams would write some more.
September 30, 2022
When the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local bed-and-breakfast where the show was filmed, the townsfolk are thrilled to meet the actors and relive their memories of a simpler time. Their nostalgic mood is broken, though, by an ambitious real estate developer who has also come to Quincy’s Gap with an eye toward turning the quiet town into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Tensions are boiling over, and when the developer gets a little too sauced one night at the B&B and turns up dead the next morning, James and the supper club will have to put aside their distaste for the victim to help nab the culprit. [amazon synopsis]
Everyone of the cast has a secret. I enjoyed the actual mystery, but - why is James off solving a murder when his pregnant wife is home with a bratty 4 yr old. Since when does a 4 yr old get to dictate what everyone gets to eat? Eat what is put before you and shut up. The losing weight goal of the supper club has gone by the wayside. Too bad.
Everyone of the cast has a secret. I enjoyed the actual mystery, but - why is James off solving a murder when his pregnant wife is home with a bratty 4 yr old. Since when does a 4 yr old get to dictate what everyone gets to eat? Eat what is put before you and shut up. The losing weight goal of the supper club has gone by the wayside. Too bad.
May 27, 2020
https://openbooksociety.com/article/p...
Pasta Mortem
A Supper Club Mystery
By Ellery Adams
ISBN13: 9781946069726
Author’s Website: elleryadamsmysteries.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Librarian James Henry and his supper club sleuths will take a trip down memory lane searching for clues that will help catch a killer . . .
When the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local bed-and-breakfast where the show was filmed, the townsfolk are thrilled to meet the actors and relive their memories of a simpler time. Their nostalgic mood is broken, though, by an ambitious real estate developer who has also come to Quincy’s Gap with an eye toward turning the quiet town into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Tensions are boiling over, and when the developer gets a little too sauced one night at the B&B and turns up dead the next morning, James and the supper club will have to put aside their distaste for the victim to help nab the culprit.
It looks like an open-and-shut case, but James and his friends are convinced the main suspect is innocent and promise to help get her out of hot water. Dividing their time between the investigation and the reunion festivities, they’re shocked to discover that members of the cast are guarding some very unsavory secrets. With time running out before the actors leave town and the trail of clues goes stale, the supper club will have to turn up the heat on a suspicious character before the killer serves up another murder.
Review:
I am happy to continue with the series, A Supper Club Mystery, with James Henry – the town librarian and his supper club crew in Pasta Mortem – the seventh book in the series. I have always enjoyed this series and am happy to report that I enjoyed this book as well. The story centres around James Henry, the impending birth of his second child and of course the struggles with weight loss of the Supper Club members. Oh – and of course – the solving of a murder 🙂
Pasta Mortem fuses current time with events that happened in the past. The story is set just before Valentine’s day and the anticipated birth of James Henry’s second child – a daughter. Quincy’s Gap is the scene of a 25-year reunion of the television show ‘Hearth and Home’. All the original cast members come to town and stay at the B&B where the show was actually filmed. To muddy the waters, a money hungry real estate developer/mogul also comes to town – wanting to make Quincy’s Gap the next hot tourist town! Needless to say, the two groups mix like oil and vinegar. Much to the chagrin of the Supper Club – a murder occurs (the real estate mogul is the victim) and when one of their own, Murphy Alistair, is charged with the crime – the Supper Club members find it hard to believe (regardless of her past shenanigans) that she would murder someone. So what do they do – get on the case to find the real killer and prove that Murphy is innocent (at least of this murder anyways).
I found the murder investigation by the Supper Club well thought out with many twists and turns. Additionally, the integration of James’ current life events very well done. There are a number of side stories which added further depth to the book overall and I was intrigued to see how each storyline would play out.
I quite enjoyed one of the mundane story threads – James having a barely running vehicle and a reluctance to give up on the car. It still runs after all. But with a very pregnant wife, he had to face reality didn’t he? The ole Bronco was nearing its end of life. I felt that James’ reluctance to trade it in and get a bigger vehicle had more to do with him staying in his comfort zone with the family the way it was (himself, his wife and their son) and not specifically with the actual vehicle itself. Life was changing all around him with the new baby and at least he could control when to obtain a new car. By the way – really enjoyed the new mobile mechanic – Ace. He was priceless.
The cast members of ‘Hearth and Home’ provided a wide variety of suspects. The intertwining of their lives, both past and present, certainly added depth to the story as well as many possible red herrings???
This reader also got a bit more in-depth look at Lindy’s “new” newlywed life and what (or should I say who) is giving her and her husband Luis so much grief. The problem solving there worked out – providing a mini – happily ever after (or let’s hope so). I did enjoy the smattering of updates on the lives of the remainder of the Supper Club members, even though the prominent protagonist was James.
Definitely another enjoyable story to the Supper Club Mystery series. And the chuckles I got over their seemingly feeble attempts at dieting (the diet de jour – Mediterranean diet). I feel their pain. Diet is after all a bad four letter word (at least in my world).
A definite plus for Pasta Mortem, I did not figure out “whodunit” until the end. And once it was revealed, I thought, why did I not think of this person? Way to go! Keep this reader guessing. I cannot wait to go back and read a couple of other titles in this series that I have missed. 🙂
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Pasta Mortem
A Supper Club Mystery
By Ellery Adams
ISBN13: 9781946069726
Author’s Website: elleryadamsmysteries.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Librarian James Henry and his supper club sleuths will take a trip down memory lane searching for clues that will help catch a killer . . .
When the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local bed-and-breakfast where the show was filmed, the townsfolk are thrilled to meet the actors and relive their memories of a simpler time. Their nostalgic mood is broken, though, by an ambitious real estate developer who has also come to Quincy’s Gap with an eye toward turning the quiet town into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Tensions are boiling over, and when the developer gets a little too sauced one night at the B&B and turns up dead the next morning, James and the supper club will have to put aside their distaste for the victim to help nab the culprit.
It looks like an open-and-shut case, but James and his friends are convinced the main suspect is innocent and promise to help get her out of hot water. Dividing their time between the investigation and the reunion festivities, they’re shocked to discover that members of the cast are guarding some very unsavory secrets. With time running out before the actors leave town and the trail of clues goes stale, the supper club will have to turn up the heat on a suspicious character before the killer serves up another murder.
Review:
I am happy to continue with the series, A Supper Club Mystery, with James Henry – the town librarian and his supper club crew in Pasta Mortem – the seventh book in the series. I have always enjoyed this series and am happy to report that I enjoyed this book as well. The story centres around James Henry, the impending birth of his second child and of course the struggles with weight loss of the Supper Club members. Oh – and of course – the solving of a murder 🙂
Pasta Mortem fuses current time with events that happened in the past. The story is set just before Valentine’s day and the anticipated birth of James Henry’s second child – a daughter. Quincy’s Gap is the scene of a 25-year reunion of the television show ‘Hearth and Home’. All the original cast members come to town and stay at the B&B where the show was actually filmed. To muddy the waters, a money hungry real estate developer/mogul also comes to town – wanting to make Quincy’s Gap the next hot tourist town! Needless to say, the two groups mix like oil and vinegar. Much to the chagrin of the Supper Club – a murder occurs (the real estate mogul is the victim) and when one of their own, Murphy Alistair, is charged with the crime – the Supper Club members find it hard to believe (regardless of her past shenanigans) that she would murder someone. So what do they do – get on the case to find the real killer and prove that Murphy is innocent (at least of this murder anyways).
I found the murder investigation by the Supper Club well thought out with many twists and turns. Additionally, the integration of James’ current life events very well done. There are a number of side stories which added further depth to the book overall and I was intrigued to see how each storyline would play out.
I quite enjoyed one of the mundane story threads – James having a barely running vehicle and a reluctance to give up on the car. It still runs after all. But with a very pregnant wife, he had to face reality didn’t he? The ole Bronco was nearing its end of life. I felt that James’ reluctance to trade it in and get a bigger vehicle had more to do with him staying in his comfort zone with the family the way it was (himself, his wife and their son) and not specifically with the actual vehicle itself. Life was changing all around him with the new baby and at least he could control when to obtain a new car. By the way – really enjoyed the new mobile mechanic – Ace. He was priceless.
The cast members of ‘Hearth and Home’ provided a wide variety of suspects. The intertwining of their lives, both past and present, certainly added depth to the story as well as many possible red herrings???
This reader also got a bit more in-depth look at Lindy’s “new” newlywed life and what (or should I say who) is giving her and her husband Luis so much grief. The problem solving there worked out – providing a mini – happily ever after (or let’s hope so). I did enjoy the smattering of updates on the lives of the remainder of the Supper Club members, even though the prominent protagonist was James.
Definitely another enjoyable story to the Supper Club Mystery series. And the chuckles I got over their seemingly feeble attempts at dieting (the diet de jour – Mediterranean diet). I feel their pain. Diet is after all a bad four letter word (at least in my world).
A definite plus for Pasta Mortem, I did not figure out “whodunit” until the end. And once it was revealed, I thought, why did I not think of this person? Way to go! Keep this reader guessing. I cannot wait to go back and read a couple of other titles in this series that I have missed. 🙂
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
June 4, 2018
The long-awaited seventh outing of James Henry and the rest of the Supper Club will not disappoint die-hard fans. There's lots to talk about in Quincy's Gap these days, between the reunion of the Hearth and Home TV show and the town being named a hot, small-town tourist destination. Murphy, author of an unflattering book series based on the Supper Club's exploits as well as James' former lover, is extra conniving in the first part of the story-line and is bent on transforming Quincy's Gap with or without the support of the townspeople. In fact, Murphy has been painted so egocentric and shrewish that it's hard to remember why readers may have liked this character earlier on in the series. When she is accused of murdering the real estate developer (and her lover!), it's not hard to wonder why only James truly believes she is innocent.
Overall, there's plenty of camaraderie between the Supper Club members, food, and of course, a murderous whodunit. All the Supper Club members have forward momentum in their home lives, except seemingly Lucy who never appears to gain real traction in her personal life. Perhaps she will be the focus of the next book, if there is one. Pasta Mortem does read a lot like a finale of sorts, and I have a hard time seeing James wanting to go around investigating murders with a new baby in the house.
I would recommend this to fans of the series, but I would advice new readers to read some of the previous books. Otherwise, you might feel a little lost.
Overall, there's plenty of camaraderie between the Supper Club members, food, and of course, a murderous whodunit. All the Supper Club members have forward momentum in their home lives, except seemingly Lucy who never appears to gain real traction in her personal life. Perhaps she will be the focus of the next book, if there is one. Pasta Mortem does read a lot like a finale of sorts, and I have a hard time seeing James wanting to go around investigating murders with a new baby in the house.
I would recommend this to fans of the series, but I would advice new readers to read some of the previous books. Otherwise, you might feel a little lost.
February 16, 2025
Pasta Mortem by Ellery Adams is book 7 of the Supper Club mystery series set in contemporary Virginia. A wonderful wrap-up to the series! Must read this series in order, to know all the interesting back stories of each member of the Supper Club, and how their relationships have evolved.
James Henry, librarian at Quincy's Gap, is absolutely thrilled - Jane is pregnant with a baby girl. He's resisting upgrading his truck, although it breaks down often. Lucy is depressed; her fellow detective boyfriend is ogling another woman. The crew of the Hearth and Home TV series is in Quincy's Gap for a reunion. A hotshot real estate developer is buying up land in and around Quincy's Gap, with big plans to trash the homey feel of the town, turn it into a tourist trap, and rake in the big bucks. Never mind that all Quincy's Gap residents like their town as it is, don't want the changes. So they are being tricked into selling. And tempers are high.
No one is sad when the hated developer turns up dead. But the wrong person is arrested, and the police don't want to investigate further. The Supper Club members have to solve the case themselves.
All through the story, a newscaster is predicting a whopper of a snowstorm (slow but gradual suspense). When it doesn't come, residents stop believing in it. James takes his unreliable vehicle to another town to confront a murderer. The storm begins. He tries to pursue as the murderer flees, ends up stranded. WIth very little connection for help, cell signals weak or intermittent. The suspense ratchets up when he does manage to reach Jane - and then he's desperate to get to her. Lucy joins in the race to the hospital, light bar flashing. Guaranteed to make a reader smile. A grand finale to the series.
James Henry, librarian at Quincy's Gap, is absolutely thrilled - Jane is pregnant with a baby girl. He's resisting upgrading his truck, although it breaks down often. Lucy is depressed; her fellow detective boyfriend is ogling another woman. The crew of the Hearth and Home TV series is in Quincy's Gap for a reunion. A hotshot real estate developer is buying up land in and around Quincy's Gap, with big plans to trash the homey feel of the town, turn it into a tourist trap, and rake in the big bucks. Never mind that all Quincy's Gap residents like their town as it is, don't want the changes. So they are being tricked into selling. And tempers are high.
No one is sad when the hated developer turns up dead. But the wrong person is arrested, and the police don't want to investigate further. The Supper Club members have to solve the case themselves.
All through the story, a newscaster is predicting a whopper of a snowstorm (slow but gradual suspense). When it doesn't come, residents stop believing in it. James takes his unreliable vehicle to another town to confront a murderer. The storm begins. He tries to pursue as the murderer flees, ends up stranded. WIth very little connection for help, cell signals weak or intermittent. The suspense ratchets up when he does manage to reach Jane - and then he's desperate to get to her. Lucy joins in the race to the hospital, light bar flashing. Guaranteed to make a reader smile. A grand finale to the series.
July 16, 2025
3.5 stars
This mystery was okay. The supper club sounds nice but I hate the focus on diet rather than changing lifestyle. At least James's wife pointed out that smaller goals over a greater period of a time would be less stressful and less likely to miss and be depressing. She also told him she loved him regardless if he lost weight or gained it.
The relationships were very traditional and I find that really annoying. One couple is having trouble because the Black one doesn't want anyone to see them touch in public because he is worried that the community won't be okay with them being a mixed couple. I'm glad the discussed racism and how hard it is to be Black and specifically of a mixed race couple in the South. It makes me depressed about gay and trans people ever being accepted in small towns in the South. One person did mistake two men together as a couple (in a positive way) so that was nice. And a woman was irritated that meteorologist referred to a local storm as a woman.
The police officer would have been fired if anyone in law enforcement knew any one thing she did. It was ridiculous how bad she was including giving an important piece of evidence to someone she "trusted" like that matters in order to investigate.
I have no interest in reading the rest of the series but I'm sure they're fine. Just not for me.
The narrator was fine, a few different voices I think they all had the same pitch though. A lot of them sounded really old which didn't fit their characters.
This mystery was okay. The supper club sounds nice but I hate the focus on diet rather than changing lifestyle. At least James's wife pointed out that smaller goals over a greater period of a time would be less stressful and less likely to miss and be depressing. She also told him she loved him regardless if he lost weight or gained it.
The relationships were very traditional and I find that really annoying. One couple is having trouble because the Black one doesn't want anyone to see them touch in public because he is worried that the community won't be okay with them being a mixed couple. I'm glad the discussed racism and how hard it is to be Black and specifically of a mixed race couple in the South. It makes me depressed about gay and trans people ever being accepted in small towns in the South. One person did mistake two men together as a couple (in a positive way) so that was nice. And a woman was irritated that meteorologist referred to a local storm as a woman.
The police officer would have been fired if anyone in law enforcement knew any one thing she did. It was ridiculous how bad she was including giving an important piece of evidence to someone she "trusted" like that matters in order to investigate.
I have no interest in reading the rest of the series but I'm sure they're fine. Just not for me.
The narrator was fine, a few different voices I think they all had the same pitch though. A lot of them sounded really old which didn't fit their characters.
May 23, 2018
It Was A Dark and Stormy Night...
Wait! That is the end of the story. To be in at the beginning.
This latest installment of the Supper Club Mysteries has all of our favorite characters, and then some. We find James, his expectant wife Jane , and their son Elliot in the aftermath of Christmas. Jackson and Milla are married, and the town is up in arms over a proposed a new land development, as well as a reunion of the stars of a family television show from years gone by . (Whew!)
Our resident female that-we-all-love-to-despise shows up in her back stabbing finery. These authors are totally miracle workers in creating characters that allow the reader to get totally involved and gave gut level feelings. Murphy Alastaire shines again at the beginning as a really witchy female. In a twist, she finds herself as the prime suspect in the murder of her new boyfriend.
The Valentines day Cupid makes his appearance also . Although murder, ins and outs of personal relationships, and high level suspense are quite prevalent, there are sweet romances, surprises, and a beautiful little girl winding up the story .
This is a joyous read. Characters are real. Situations are not far fetched. Mental acuity is needed. Descriptions are so vivid, that I forgot it was in the 80's outside. Men are allowed to cry.
Get the book. Go into your special reading place. Cut off your phone. Then, dive in. What a day you will have.
Wait! That is the end of the story. To be in at the beginning.
This latest installment of the Supper Club Mysteries has all of our favorite characters, and then some. We find James, his expectant wife Jane , and their son Elliot in the aftermath of Christmas. Jackson and Milla are married, and the town is up in arms over a proposed a new land development, as well as a reunion of the stars of a family television show from years gone by . (Whew!)
Our resident female that-we-all-love-to-despise shows up in her back stabbing finery. These authors are totally miracle workers in creating characters that allow the reader to get totally involved and gave gut level feelings. Murphy Alastaire shines again at the beginning as a really witchy female. In a twist, she finds herself as the prime suspect in the murder of her new boyfriend.
The Valentines day Cupid makes his appearance also . Although murder, ins and outs of personal relationships, and high level suspense are quite prevalent, there are sweet romances, surprises, and a beautiful little girl winding up the story .
This is a joyous read. Characters are real. Situations are not far fetched. Mental acuity is needed. Descriptions are so vivid, that I forgot it was in the 80's outside. Men are allowed to cry.
Get the book. Go into your special reading place. Cut off your phone. Then, dive in. What a day you will have.
May 25, 2018
It's been awhile since I last thought of James, the head librarian and his fellow dieters. The charming group (sometimes less charming than others, ) formed a Supper Club to receive friendship and fellowship while trying to fight the endless battle of weight control.
James is well, as is his friends, and awaiting with his wife and son, their soon to be newest child. In fact I was waiting with James. I just knew that he was going to struggle to be there on time to meet the baby...why? Well, that is what you can find out by reading this true cozy murder mystery.
Quincy's Gap, Virginia is under the threat of change. A magazine article, filled with photos of the members of the Supper Club, has made their small town sound so delectable that expansion is a real possibility. Oh no. Or, okay? It depends on who you are in the community.
Meanwhile, a reunion of an old, but, beloved television series is going on at the Bed and Breakfast that used to be where the series opening was filmed. However, these actors have changed in the decades since the filming and perhaps are not the sweet personalities they once were.
When a murder occurs and a local is implicated, James and the Supper Club determine to go in and find the truth. With promised snow drifts and babies coming, James relentlessly goes after the culprit.
This novel is a true cozy. It follows the rules of a cozy. No on-scene violence, gore, sex, or language. It is a gentle read but was very enjoyable. Well done.
James is well, as is his friends, and awaiting with his wife and son, their soon to be newest child. In fact I was waiting with James. I just knew that he was going to struggle to be there on time to meet the baby...why? Well, that is what you can find out by reading this true cozy murder mystery.
Quincy's Gap, Virginia is under the threat of change. A magazine article, filled with photos of the members of the Supper Club, has made their small town sound so delectable that expansion is a real possibility. Oh no. Or, okay? It depends on who you are in the community.
Meanwhile, a reunion of an old, but, beloved television series is going on at the Bed and Breakfast that used to be where the series opening was filmed. However, these actors have changed in the decades since the filming and perhaps are not the sweet personalities they once were.
When a murder occurs and a local is implicated, James and the Supper Club determine to go in and find the truth. With promised snow drifts and babies coming, James relentlessly goes after the culprit.
This novel is a true cozy. It follows the rules of a cozy. No on-scene violence, gore, sex, or language. It is a gentle read but was very enjoyable. Well done.
June 12, 2018
Librarian James Henry is enjoying life in Quincy's Gap. He and his wife Jane are expecting their second child. James is still a remember of the supper club and fighting to lose those extra pounds.
Excitement rises in town when the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local B&B where the show was filmed. But the reunion is tainted when ambitious real estate developer Ray Edwards is killed. Edwards had plans to turn Quincy's Gap into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Edwards' business partner and girlfriend Murphy Alistair is the prime suspect. It looks like an open-and-shut case to the police but James and his friends are convinced about Murphy's innocence. With time running out before the actors leave town, James and the rest of the supper club members have limited time to catch the killer. The story concludes with a Valentine's Day ending that James Henry will never forget.
This was a quick, fun read and a welcome return of the characters in the Supper Club mystery series.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
Excitement rises in town when the cast of the old Hearth and Home TV show gather for a twenty-fifth reunion at a local B&B where the show was filmed. But the reunion is tainted when ambitious real estate developer Ray Edwards is killed. Edwards had plans to turn Quincy's Gap into the South’s hottest new tourist destination. Edwards' business partner and girlfriend Murphy Alistair is the prime suspect. It looks like an open-and-shut case to the police but James and his friends are convinced about Murphy's innocence. With time running out before the actors leave town, James and the rest of the supper club members have limited time to catch the killer. The story concludes with a Valentine's Day ending that James Henry will never forget.
This was a quick, fun read and a welcome return of the characters in the Supper Club mystery series.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
March 17, 2021
It has been a cold winter and Librarian James and friends are trying to get back on track with their dieting and have been discussing the upcoming reunion of a TV that was filmed locally 25 years ago. What they did not expect was the throng of people coming to town to buy land and homes. This is a result of an article extolling the perfection of small-town Qunicy's Pass. Unfortunately, the eagerness and greediness of the one responsible for this crowd result in murder. Can James and friends solve the crime before the epic snowstorm of the century falls on the town?
I am sad I am at the end/caught up on this series. I slowly worked my way through as I loved knowing I had another book to read. I am not sure if there are more to come but I sure hope so. This book made me cry just as the book previously did. A good cry. If a book makes me cry then I know it was written beautifully.
I had no clue who the murderer was until revealed. There were plenty of red herrings and they certainly threw me off.
A great series for foodies. Recipes included.
I am sad I am at the end/caught up on this series. I slowly worked my way through as I loved knowing I had another book to read. I am not sure if there are more to come but I sure hope so. This book made me cry just as the book previously did. A good cry. If a book makes me cry then I know it was written beautifully.
I had no clue who the murderer was until revealed. There were plenty of red herrings and they certainly threw me off.
A great series for foodies. Recipes included.
May 22, 2018
Heartwarming, engaging, and entertaining, Pasta Mortem will keep you entertained until the final page.
Sub-Themes
food, culinary cozy, libraries, close friends, small town
Can You Start this Series in the Middle?
This was the first book I read in the Supper Club Mystery Series. And although I did sense the characters had past histories, I did not feel left behind at all and felt very comfortable starting the series with this book.
If You Like…
Miranda James’ Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series, you’ll enjoy this book.
In past cozy mysteries I’ve read, I’ve always enjoyed the change of pace and voice a male protagonist brings to the table, and this book was no exception. James is an excellent protagonist and you can’t help but invest in him and his journey throughout the book. The plot engages you and keeps you guessing until the very end. A great book – I would recommend it to any cozy mystery lover!
https://cozyexperience.com/pasta-mort...
Sub-Themes
food, culinary cozy, libraries, close friends, small town
Can You Start this Series in the Middle?
This was the first book I read in the Supper Club Mystery Series. And although I did sense the characters had past histories, I did not feel left behind at all and felt very comfortable starting the series with this book.
If You Like…
Miranda James’ Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series, you’ll enjoy this book.
In past cozy mysteries I’ve read, I’ve always enjoyed the change of pace and voice a male protagonist brings to the table, and this book was no exception. James is an excellent protagonist and you can’t help but invest in him and his journey throughout the book. The plot engages you and keeps you guessing until the very end. A great book – I would recommend it to any cozy mystery lover!
https://cozyexperience.com/pasta-mort...
September 18, 2025
Sadly, this is the last book in this addictive series...
I have enjoyed listening to the audio versions of each book in the series, and the books will live in my memory as some of my favorite cozy mysteries.
This last book wrapped up everything in the end, and we are left with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Nowadays it is so popular to leave readers (or viewers of TV Mystery series and movies) hanging. Suppposedly this is to inspire continuing thoughts? I am not a fan of leaving things undone, so even though I am sad that there will not be any more books in this series, at least everything was tied up with a silk ribbon.
Ms. Ellery Adams continues to wow me with her many mystery series, so at least I have more books written by her to look forward to reading. I am also a fan of narrator Ms. Karen White, and I look forward to listening to more mystery books narrated by her.
I highly recommend this series to any mystery lover, and would suggest you start by reading book #1.
I have enjoyed listening to the audio versions of each book in the series, and the books will live in my memory as some of my favorite cozy mysteries.
This last book wrapped up everything in the end, and we are left with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Nowadays it is so popular to leave readers (or viewers of TV Mystery series and movies) hanging. Suppposedly this is to inspire continuing thoughts? I am not a fan of leaving things undone, so even though I am sad that there will not be any more books in this series, at least everything was tied up with a silk ribbon.
Ms. Ellery Adams continues to wow me with her many mystery series, so at least I have more books written by her to look forward to reading. I am also a fan of narrator Ms. Karen White, and I look forward to listening to more mystery books narrated by her.
I highly recommend this series to any mystery lover, and would suggest you start by reading book #1.
April 19, 2023
Murphy sets the Flab Five’s teeth on edge once again, as they discover the photos they’d posed for, which she said were for a feature article in the local paper, were really for a national magazine touting Quincy’s Gap as one of the country’s best small towns to visit and live. Their anger doesn’t distract them from helping her, however, when she’s accused of murdering her business partner; it looks bad for her, with him being found bludgeoned to death in their bed at an inn, behind the locked door of their suite. Who else could have done it? The puzzle consumes James Henry, even as he tries to be present to Jane, who is about to deliver their second child. Investigating the death will bring the Flab Five close to some actors from a popular family show from their childhoods - but will the theme, “All because two people fell in love…” shed any light on whodunnit?
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