Fit to Die
J.B. Stanley
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Fit to Die is the second book in J.B. Stanley's Supper Club Mystery
series. It includes the same characters from Carb
and Cadavers but it is not necessary to read that one first. A
mystery in a series that can also stand alone is always beneficial to
readers. Stanley is able to introduce her new readers to the main
characters without boring or losing the interest of returning fans.
James Henry is the head librarian for his small town library. After a
career as a college professor he is forced to return to his home town
to care for his father. He is learning to enjoy his new life a bit,
likes his job and his new friends. He and his friends have formed a
dinner club to try to support each other in their weight loss efforts.
Two new businesses in town seem like they will have an effect on their
efforts- one positive and one negative. Friendly new comer Willy has
opened up a delightful new ice cream shop with many wonderful
creations. Next door, Veronica Levitt has introduced a diet and
exercise program she calls Witness to Fitness. James Henry has an
uncomfortable feeling about Veronica and her whole program but is
convinced by his friends to join also.When Chilly Willy's is
burned to the ground with its night employee still inside it is proven
to be arson. James and his friends get involved to help their new
friend Willy.
The Supper Club mysteries are comfortable cozies. The characters are
likable, the plots are complex enough to keep the reader's interest.
The daily lives of the main characters add a nice touch of interest-
from James' simmering romance with fellow dieter Lucy, to his
relationship with his father and Lucy's quest to be taken more
seriously by the sheriff's department. The on going story lines are
easy to follow without having to read each book- but reading both
will enhance the reader's emotional involvement with the
characters.
J.B. Stanley is also the author of the Collectable Mystery series with A Fatal Appraisal and A Killer
Collection.