This is the 2nd book in this series by Ellery Adams.
I love the idea of a supper club to support a group of friends who are trying to lose weight.
The Flab Five are off again, this time looking for answers at the new ice cream shop.

Fans of the author will enjoy this fun series.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Negligent Fire or Arson?
Fit to Die is the second book in Ellery Adams’ Supper Club Mysteries series and it’s an easy and enjoyable read. The storyline is well thought out and the well-developed characters are likeable. The main characters are relatable; they all have hopes, aspirations, regrets, and flaws, and they continue to develop an enviable camaraderie as their friendship grows, support each other in their quest to lose weight, and work together to solve another mystery. There isn’t any gratuitous adult situations or graphic violence, but there is some adult language. The twists and turns and multiple suspects kept me guessing. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

James Henry recently moved back to his childhood home in Quincy’s Gap, Virginia to care for his father, Jackson, after the passing of his beloved mother. He gave up his job as an English literature professor at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg and took over the position of head librarian at Shenandoah County’s main library, the King Street Branch. He loves his new job and joined a supper club that focusing on losing weight. They named themselves the Flab Five. In addition to James, Lindy Perez, Lucy Hanover, Bennett Marshall, and Gillian O’Malley are members and they’ve all lost weight, but the holidays wreaked havoc on their diets, and each admits to cheating and regaining some of the lost weight. James and Lucy encounter Veronica Levitt, who is soliciting business for the weight loss center, Witness to Fitness, she’s preparing to open. The Flab Five agree they need to get back on track and probably need someone to coerce them back on track, so they agree to join the expensive weight loss center. Willy Kendrick opening a new ice cream shop, Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda, has caused a lot of controversy. First, Savanna Lowndes, President of the Shenandoah County Historical Society, confronts Willy concerning the architecture. Next, Gloria Emerson, a minister’s wife, and a group of leaders of her church’s youth group are upset about the wording on the promotional t-shirts Willy was selling. Finally, Veronica Levitt is upset about the ice cream shop promoting bad eating habits and causes a scene at its grand opening. Pete Vandercamp works the evening shift at Chilly Willy’s Polar Pagoda and he perishes when it burns down. The fire inspector and Fire Chief Lawrence ruled the fire was a result of negligence and the insurance company is refusing to compensate Willy. The Flab Five want to help Willy and decide to investigate the fire’s cause. James has been attracted to Lucy since he first saw her and has finally asked her on a date.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Ellery Adams always writes an enjoyable mystery. We always buy her for our library.

Ellery Adams is a phenomenal author, and I highly recommend Fit to Die. The group of friends were caring people who rallied around the community to help their neighbors, and each other. It was refreshing to read about characters who had flaws, and were not perfect. This story flowed, and I wish it didn't have to end. This book is a must read!

Review: FIT TO DIE by Ellery Adams (Supper Club Mystery #2)

Everything about this series is delightful: plots, characters, setting, suspense, writing. This time around we also get our emotions wrenched, more than once, as we're offered a glimpse into several sad lives. The villain here is really "villainous," self-centered, more white-collar crime than "down and dirty," but even negligence can result in fatality. We also watch the budding connection between two of our characters, growing friendships, and a beginning resolution to an ongoing situation for our protagonist, with a family member. I really am eager to continue on with this series.

More frolicking mischief from the Flab Five. A new ice cream shop has opened up and the Flab Five friends become frequent customers. So when the Witness to Fitness weight loss center opens they figure they should give it a go after some very unhealthy eating has taken a bigger toll on their waistlines. Although they start off struggling to slim down, they soon find themselves struggling to figure out the town crime. The town is struck by arsonist and a murderer. Will the inquisitive Flab Five figure out whodunnit and why? They may just be better at solving crimes than sticking to a diet! This series is full of silly fun, are fast reads and include a hint of romance.

A reissue published under a different name originally, but what's not to love about ice cream, unless your are on a diet. Fun series set in Virginia featuring a diet supper club. well written with good characters and wonderful descriptions that sent me rummaging for a snack!