“I started reading this series not only because I like cozy mysteries but because I am on what seems like a perpetual diet, and thought that I might pick up some tips from the series. Ummmm...... not really! If you are looking for dieting tips and healthy recipes, do NOT look to this series. Because while there's plenty of talk about food and recipes printed in the books, hardly any of them are going to help you lose weight. The recipes in this book - which came from the BBQ and B&B themes, looked especially yummy but not exactly diet friendly. (The recipe for cheesy grits called for a full pound of cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of butter. But dang those cheesy grits sounds good!)
The writing and plotting of these books is OK, but could be much better. The characters frequently overreact - and the author at times uses waaaaaaay too many exclamation points. And it was pretty obvious who the murderer was long before the end of the book.
So if the books aren't helping me stay on my diet and the writing style and mysteries are only OK, why am now reading the FOURTH book in the series? Because, as happens with many cozy mystery series, I have become attached to the characters. I care about James Henry and his family and friends. And frankly, it's very realistic that the Supper Club members yo-yo in their dieting success - because that's what many people do. So in a way that's also endearing to me.
So I'm going to keep reading the series - and in fact have the 5th book on my bedside TBR. I can only hope that the Supper Club gets back to healthy eating - and healthy recipes - soon!
”
