Step into the cozy, calorie-laden world of the Supper Club Mysteries, where a chubby librarian named James Henry dishes up murder mysteries with a side of mouthwatering recipes! Set in the charming small town of Quincy Gap, Virginia, this delightful cozy mystery series by Ellery Adams (writing as J.B. Stanley) blends suspense, humor, and culinary delights, making it a feast for fans of lighthearted whodunits.
James, a divorced former professor nicknamed 'Professor Puff,' leads the Flab Five, a group of diet-conscious friends who form a supper club to tackle their weight loss goals. But when murders start popping up in their picturesque town, these food-loving sleuths trade diet tips for detective work, unraveling crimes while savoring delectable dishes. With romance, friendship, and a sprinkle of Southern charm, the series is as heartwarming as it is thrilling.
How Supper Club Mysteries Began
The Supper Club Mysteries sprang from the creative mind of Ellery Adams, a New York Times bestselling author known for her knack for crafting cozy mysteries with rich settings and relatable characters. Writing under the pseudonym J.B. Stanley, Adams launched the series in 2006 with Carbs and Cadavers, inspired by her love for small-town life and culinary adventures. Her goal was to create a mystery series that paired the comfort of food with the excitement of crime-solving, appealing to readers who crave both a good story and a good recipe.
Adams drew from her experiences living in landlocked towns, infusing Quincy Gap with the nostalgic charm of community and connection. The series’ unique hook—dieting detectives who solve murders—set it apart in the cozy mystery genre, offering a fresh take on the amateur sleuth trope.
The Heart of Supper Club Mysteries
The series kicks off with Carbs and Cadavers (2006), where James and the Flab Five investigate the death of a local bully, uncovering secrets over low-carb meals. Fit to Die (2007) sees the group tackling a murder at a new fitness center, with temptations of ice cream threatening their diets. Chili Con Corpses (2008) spices things up with a Mexican cooking class turned deadly, while The Battered Body (2009) mixes wedding cake drama with a shocking crime. Each book serves up a standalone mystery, laced with recipes that readers can recreate at home.
At its core, the Supper Club Mysteries explore themes of friendship, self-improvement, and resilience. James’s journey from a shy, overweight librarian to a confident sleuth mirrors the group’s collective growth, as they balance personal struggles with their crime-solving escapades. The cozy setting of Quincy Gap, with its rolling hills and tight-knit community, grounds the series in a comforting atmosphere, while the culinary focus—complete with recipes for dishes like quesadillas and vegetarian treats—adds a delicious layer of immersion.
The series’ light tone and humor make it a perfect escape, with just enough suspense to keep readers guessing. Adams’s vivid character development, especially James’s romantic entanglements with Lucy and his bond with his son Eliot, adds emotional depth, ensuring the Flab Five feel like old friends by the final page.
Why Supper Club Mysteries Resonates
The Supper Club Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, delighting fans with their blend of food, friendship, and fun. Readers praise the series for its relatable characters and engaging plots, with reviews highlighting the recipes as a standout feature that brings the stories to life. The series’ emphasis on personal growth and community resonates with those who love heartwarming tales of underdogs triumphing against the odds.
Though not as widely known as some blockbuster mysteries, the series has a loyal following, with fans eagerly awaiting each new installment. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to offer comfort and excitement in equal measure, proving that even a small-town librarian can serve up big thrills.
- Publication Years: 2006–2018
- Number of Books: 7
- Notable Titles: Carbs and Cadavers, Chili Con Corpses, Pasta Mortem
Ready to savor a mystery that’s as tasty as it is thrilling? Grab Carbs and Cadavers and dive into the Supper Club Mysteries’ delicious world of cozy crime-solving!