A Diet of Death

by Jinny Alexander

A light-hearted cosy mystery set in rural Ireland

Ballyfortnum Get Slim group – putting the die in diet
In the close-knit Irish village of Ballyfortnum, getting slim might just get you dead. Mystery-lover Jess O’Malley is distraught when her elderly friend dies, but that’s not all – he’s the third of the local slimming group to die this year and it’s only February. Is something amiss in the Get Slim group?
Jess, aided by sidekick Fletcher, her boisterous Labrador, must convince local policeman Marcus that there may be a murderer at large in the village. If she doesn’t solve the mystery, will another of the dieters end up dead? Or worse - if she doesn’t stop asking awkward questions, will Jess become the next victim?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

Paperback

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Jinny Alexander and Goddess Fish Promotions. I'm excited to be a part of this tour. Now onto my review! 😀

A Diet of Death is the first in the Jess O’Malley Mystery series. In this book we find a Jess O’Malley is distraught after her elderly friend dies. Interestingly, he is the third member of the local slimming group to die mysteriously and its only February. Jess, aided by her boisterous Labrador, Fletcher must convince local policeman Marcus that a murder may be at large before it’s too late.

This cozy mystery is highly engaging and kept my interest from start to finish. I was intrigued by the plot and enjoyed how the author weaved together a variety of red herrings intended to keep the reader guessing. At one point, I suspect all of them! I also love the relationship between Jess and her dog, their antics were hilarious as they did their sleuthing. The cast of characters are hilarious and add well to the plot. The dynamic between Jess and Marcus had me in stitches as she did everything, she could to make her point and for him to take her seriously. I’ve not been to Ireland, but I enjoyed the scenery and the local banter in the book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery with a cast of entertaining yet suspicious characters. I look forward to book 2!

[Geraldine Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start of a great new series

A classic British style whodunnit.

With an engaging and believable heroine - Jess O'Malley - and set in rural Ireland, this is a fun mystery with lots of heart. Jess is worried when several members of the local slimming club die and sets out to uncover the truth. Along the way we get to meet lots of local characters, chase red herrings and cheer Jess on, especially as she gets to know the local garda, Marcus.
An enjoyable read leading to a satisfying solution, already looking forward to the next book.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Diet of Death is a warm, comforting crime mystery, set in a small Irish town. When members of the local slimming group begin dying in mysterious circumstances, Jess is suspicious. Her close-knit community of friends and neighbours don't at first share her concerns, and she must investigate things herself. This tale is a homage to those much loved classic detective authors, and is perfect for escaping the worries and stresses of the world.

[Kate S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Jinny Alexander’s debut book last year and after reading this one, I’ve come to realise you’re in safe hands when reading her books. Yet again, she transports me to a rural Irish village and it’s many memorable characters, where the local shopkeeper can fill you in on all the latest gossip. As Jess O’Malley notices members of the local slimming group are dying, she tries to solve the mystery. It’s a perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold evening and left me guessing to the very end. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Mairi Chong · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a series of unexpected deaths in the village of Ballyfortnum occur, Jess O'Malley, one of the villagers isn’t convinced all is what it seems. Even the village policeman, Marcus, who befriends Jess while walking his dog, tells her that the deaths are unrelated and quite natural. But Jess is worried. Every person involved belonged, at least temporarily, to the local slimming club ‘Get Slim’ run by a fellow villager, Kate. Jess sets about a well-meaning but haphazard attempt to discover the truth but will she regret what she’s begun?
This is a light-hearted cosy that will delight fans of M C Beaton’s Agatha Raisin. Jess is a warm-hearted protagonist and the descriptions of Irish small village life are well observed. The references to well-known detectives in the pet’s names are fun for fellow classic crime enthusiasts also. Highly recommend it to those looking for a frothy, enjoyable read that is low on violence and high on feel-good entertainment!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Diet of Death gave me everything I love in a cosy mystery – a tiny village, an assortment of entertaining yet suspicious townspeople, and an amateur sleuth I wanted sit down and chat with over tea. The story was so well crafted, with a pace like a meandering brook, that I didn’t want it to go any faster. I adored the characters, who were so rich and real, and loved watching the growth of Jess throughout the book. The village develops into a character as well, with vibrant visual descriptions, which I hope means it will be featured in other mysteries in the future. I cannot wait for the next one because the only thing I hated was when it ended! I wanted to hop right onto the next mystery with this bunch of misfit detectives (and their dogs). The whole book was a warm, comforting read for anyone who loves mysteries. Highly suggested for fans of Thursday Murder Club.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed following Jess and Fletch on their adventures around their rural Irish village as they pieced together the mystery behind the deaths from the local slimming group. The characterisation throughout made it engaging and it was refreshing to have a mystery protagonist who wasn’t a salad fanatic nor enjoyed waking up at crack of dawn for a habitual run.

When there are a few characters it’s easy to mix them up and forget who is who. However, Ginny does a wonderful job in keeping you with each character — their individual characteristics and dialogue plays a huge part in this.

I’ve never been to Ireland, yet I could visualise the local scenery as I followed Jess around the houses (literally!) . Such a wonderful book to settle down to with a cuppa. Looking forward to following Jess throughout the next book. I’m invested in her and Marcus’ relationship!

[Abigail Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two points you need to know before I start:
I am a shameless and enthusiastic ingester of cosy crime whatever the media, and,
I was given an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The set up? Well, what's not to like. A tight-knit community in a pretty rural Irish village, friendly neighbours, copious amounts of tea drunk at every occasion possible, shopkeepers, a priest, a Garda detective, our lovely protagonist Jess O'Malley, and if that's not enough, plenty of dogs. There's just one thing you shouldn't do... don't, whatever you do, join the local Get Slim group.

Jess gets suspicious as members of her community start to lose more than they bargained for when they join the diet group. As the body count grows, Jess and her trusty canine sidekick, Fletch, start to investigate. A new friend, in the shape of local Garda Detective Marcus Woo, tries to discourage her, but gets lured into the mystery but Jess' persistence and unstoppable curiosity. Is there a killer, or is Jess merely overimaginative?

As you can see, A Diet of Death has every ingredient necessary for a good old murder mystery and Alexander doesn't let us down. Jess is hugely likeable and relatable and I'll be delighted to read her further adventures. There is a good cast list of suspects, and more twists and turns than a country lane, meaning finished this book highly satisfied.

Highly recommended for those of you who, like me, are a sucker for this genre.

[FRANCA BASTA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first taste of the cosy mystery genre and, after reading A Diet of Death, I now understand why it's called that. Jinny Alexander paints such a vivid picture that I felt I was in the kitchen with the protagonist, Jessie O'Malley and her lovable dog Fletcher, holding a cup of tea and chatting with one of Jessie's many neighbours. I even found myself wondering what was in her neighbour Linda's biscuit tin each day. The mystery takes place in a sleepy Irish village but the pace keeps you on your toes and intrigued until the very end. There's no gore or torrid sex and is all the more enjoyable for it. I loved it and look forward to the next in the series.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not fully finished the book but yet but, so far I am enjoying it….. great to read in the sun a nice little mystery, the more I read the more I’m getting into it.

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

With A Diet of Death, the first book in he Jess O'Malley Mystery series, author Jinny Alexander presents a complex murder mystery that is rife with suspects despite being set in a small Irish village. Full of detailed descriptions of the village of Ballyfortnum that make the setting come alive, the book presents a growing set of suspects in a mystery that not even the police believed existed until the main character insists on sharing her suspicions.
The character development and relationships in the book are moving and at times tug at the heartstrings, and by the end of the book the reader recognizes familiar traits in the characters, making them sympathetic and realistic despite any cultural differences that may arise. Add to those characters a varied group of canine companions that are all adorable, and a smattering of a developing romance or two, and you have a cozy mystery well worth reading.
Well-written and intriguing, this mystery revolving around members of a weight-loss group is one that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[John L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading the new 2023 edition of Jinny Alexander's 'A Diet of Death - A Jess O' Malley Mystery'.
This is what I wrote about the earlier version of this wonderful novel!
I stand by my comments, then.... which equally apply to this latest edition!

'Do you like your ‘Mysteries’ tightly written, well plotted, with a positive ‘holding cell full’ of possible perpetrators, then ‘A Diet of Death’ by Jinni Alexander is waiting for you to pick it up! You will not be disappointed!
Follower the main character, who lives in an idyllic beautifully drawn Irish rural village setting, getting the first whiff that all is not it as it appears,….. as,... one after the other,….. a series of ‘accidental’ deaths strike at the small community, all with an apparent ‘link’ to an everyday innocent village activity!
Become like the main character, slowly awakening to the possibility and dawning realization of what has ….. and still is …… happening in a community where….. literally,…… EVERYONE knows EVERYONE else!
The cosy mystery is spiced with a number of gentle romantic ‘what ifs?’
Follow the clues given…..!
Can YOU whittle down the long list of potential perpetrators …. to a shortlist ….. and reveal the guilty party ………. or ……… parties?
Enjoy a myriad of beautifully drawn characters ‘brought to life ……. And sometimes death!’’ by Jinni Alexander’s masterly style of writing!
This author has another novel due out soon!
I am looking forward to reading that, too!'
I also prefer the new front cover of this new edition!!!

[Diane Billas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I really liked that it was set in a small town in Ireland. The author did a great job at describing the setting, it felt like I was almost there. I also enjoyed the cast of character involved and that you are still guessing who did it until the very end. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a joyful book, with lots of interesting and suspicious characters, giving the reader a lot to think about. Some ingenious murder methods too, and no spoilers but it should put anyone off joining a slimming group forever. I really warmed to Jinny’s characters and look forward to joining them on their next sleuthing case.

[J. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jinny Alexander’s outstanding cosy mystery A Diet Of Death is a real treat. (And not the kind with calories!) Having been involved in both the client and the staff side of slimming/dieting centres through the decades, I’ve had a taste of how murder might get sugar-coated to look like natural or accidental death. Alexander does this deftly indeed, but her protagonist, Jess O’Malley, is not fooled. Heartbroken from losses in her own family as well as potentially irreparable relationships, Jess struggles with another weighty issue - the fact that a friend might be the killer.

As in true cosy tradition, the murders are quick, mostly ‘off-screen’, and relatively painless (for the empathetic reader), while the setting of Ballyfortnum, Ireland feels very much like the comfortable, friendly/neighbourly (ALMOST entirely!) village in which we best like to imagine our protagonists living and solving puzzles. Fletch and Snowflake are wonderful canine companions along for the feast of fun. Bonds, affairs and liaisons, both old and new, are garnished with excellent, natural dialogue among most of the members of the cast of suspects. Thick sauces of rich diversity are drizzled over the descriptive paragraphs with just the right amount of balance to help enhance the flavouring. And lastly, a hint of a spicy romance stirred in makes the visit to Jess O’Malley’s world well worth the visit."

- J. Ivanel Johnson, author of the Just (e)State mysteries

[Katherine Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delicious, offbeat mystery with humour and suspense. Set in a village where the gossip flows and a slimming group comes with a body count, the writing has an easy-reading style that’s excellent.

The clever tone sets up our relatable heroine, Jess. I love that she carries an extra few pounds and is known to waddle. She's the friend you’d want to walk your dog with, but she’s taking in every word you say as she chases down a killer between cups of tea.

The story blends everyday life with the very un-everyday happenings in the village. The setting feels alive, quirky and familiar. We all know the characters. It’s a small village that feels claustrophobic when suspicion spreads.

I come back to the writing because it strikes a confident balance between funny, warm and sinister. Whether you’re in it for the mystery or the biscuits, A Diet of Death serves up a cosy crime story slap bang on genre point.

I often wondered what happened to Cagney and Lacey.

[C. A. Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Expanding my range and being a fan of detective crime fiction, this one caught my eye. I am glad I gave it a go because it's a gem. Cosy and reminiscent almost of 'Murder She Wrote' I remember as a child, (not that the MC is old!) Jess O'Malley is all too believable in a cast of well-written characters. Jess's theory that the murders are linked to the local diet group is cast aside by the powers that be.  Her tenacity and investigation skills are put to the test as she sets about uncovering the plot against a backdrop of everyday life and relationships.  Well written and of a good pace, I did manage to figure out the killer before the end, but it wasn't easy.  Which is why books like this are so good!  Recommended, and have got Book 2 ready to go.  Great job. 

[Carole Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cosy mystery with a doggy subplot. Set in a small Irish village, which the author describes to perfection, members of the local slimming group are dying. Their deaths are seemingly accidental, but our heroine sleuth is intrigued by them and is searching for the truth of what’s going on. Seeking the confidence of the local policeman, Marcus, she finds she’s developing a soft spot for him, but there’s another man who also makes her blush. The tutor of her local gardening course. We’ll have to read the next book in the series to see how that love angle develops.

If you love a mystery where most of the suspects are dog owners, you’ll love this. There’s lots of doggy interaction in it. I’d recommend it to those who love a more gentle mystery murder read.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Charming Irish Village Cozy Murder Mystery

The small quiet village of Ballyfortnum is rocked by some deaths that on paper don’t seem suspicious and are a tragic accidents that the police won’t investigate. But when all the victims are linked to a slimming club, Jess and her trusty dog Fletch turn detective and investigate. Could it be that the murderer’s motive is that the victims are all slimmers of the year and they want the coveted title? During Jess’s investigations she has to content with the handsome Marcus, her best friend Kate’s dramas and it rather sensitively deals with the issues of eating disorders too. This is a rather charming and cozy murder mystery with manages to build some tension and keeps you hooked until the end.

[Becca Sllivn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy murder mystery! The book was so realistic and just felt very close to home, and it was as comforting as it was entertaining. I felt completely absorbed in the community of Ballyfortnum, and all of the characters were very intriguing and above all, felt so realistic and rounded. The portrayal of diet culture was really unique and deeply interesting, and handled in a very real way that I haven't seen before. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a true escapist read, and anyone who enjoys a well-written and thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery in the tradition of the greats!

[Ross MacKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a hot bowl of tasty soup and crunchy bread, curled up in a blanket. This is the definition of cosy crime. It reminds me of early afternoon re-runs of Murder She Wrote and Columbo.

And my goodness does the writing transport you. I would swear I have been to Ballyfortnum - the way I can picture this village in my mind. Jinny Alexander can really paint a picture with her words.

The book does the wonderful thing few writers can pull off - paying beautiful homage to the wonderful mystery writers of the past while still delivering fresh intrigue and clever twists.

I am looking forward to diving into more Jess O'Malley books in the future.

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess O’Malley lives in the close-knit little village of Ballyfortnum, a peaceful place where she is recovering from the death of her father. Never one to diet herself, she tries to be supportive of her best friend, who is running the local slimming club. However, when no less than three members of the club die in a short period of time, Jess is suspicious, though the police seem satisfied the deaths were tragic accidents. Jess is determined to investigate and befriends the handsome Marcus, a local policeman, and seeks his help. This is a cosy little who-dun-it, which I enjoyed, and I love the very apt title.

[Leigh Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time Jinny Alexander fan I looked forward to discovering the Jess O'Malley cosy crime series. I was not disappointed. The village of Ballyfortnum - complete with map - is a lovely setting, and Jess is a protagonist it is easy to get behind - from her scepticism about dieting to her longing after the local village copper, Marcus Woo. Is it reciprocated? You'll long to find out! An enjoyable and entertaining read.

What I liked most, though, was the whole concept of a "Diet of Death" and how members of a slimming group could mysteriously start dying off, apparently of natural causes or accidents. Very spooky, as well as funny. In fact, perfect "cosy/cozy crime". Enjoy!

[Mike Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Me, Oh My, O’Malley
Welcome to the beautiful Irish village of Ballyfortnum and the fabulous new Jess O’Malley Mystery Series where bad things sometimes happen to nice people. And it’s up to Jess O’Malley to get to the bottom of the mystery. I love Jess and Fletcher and the other amazing characters that spring to life in this charming part of the world. Thanks to author Jinny Alexander for bringing this all to life. And death. A great start to a new series.

[Anthony Hulse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess lives in a small village in Ireland and her love of mysteries prompts her to investigate a series of suspected murders related to a local slimming group. The police, including her friend Marcus doubts her suspicions, but Jess is adamant. The book is enhanced with wonderful scenic descriptions, great dialogue, and a host of well-defined characters, as well as the pets. I admit to not guessing the identity of the killer. I really enjoyed this.

[Samantha Burnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read

Set in beautiful Ireland this is a great read for cosy mystery fans. The characters and the village setting are beautifully described, creating a rich and vibrant background for the mystery. The mystery is well thought out with a few nice plot twists along the way to throw you off and have you suspecting the wrong people.
Looking forward to book 2.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story

The story itself is good but to much unnecessary long boring descriptions. Made it get very boring at times. It also repeated certain descriptions that were totally unnecessary to story once would have been enough. If you take out some of the fluff the book would have been a five star

[Sophie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful cosy read.I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I am a sucker for a murder mystery with a hint of romance and plenty of animal friends.my only problem was I occasionally read what I read aloud to my child and I did find it a bit of a tounge twister at some points.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is killing them and why??? She couldn't get on the list??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.