Books On Board

Supper Club Mysteries Books in Order

  • 7 Books
  • 2006 – 2019 Published

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How to Read the Supper Club Mysteries in Order

The Supper Club Mysteries, written by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams under the pen name J.B. Stanley (and later re-released under the Ellery Adams name), is a beloved seven-book cozy mystery series. Set in the peaceful but secretly eventful town of Quincy's Gap, Virginia, the series revolves around the "Flab Five"—a group of five diet-conscious friends who form a weekly supper club to support their weight loss goals, only to find themselves repeatedly solving local murders.

Because the relationships, personal struggles, and character arcs of the Flab Five evolve continuously, readers will get the most enjoyment by following the series in its publication order, which aligns perfectly with its chronological timeline.

Publication and Chronological Reading Order

Here is the recommended reading path for the Supper Club Mysteries:

  1. Carbs & Cadavers (2006): Former English literature professor turned librarian James Henry moves back to Quincy's Gap to care for his aging father. Struggling with his weight, he joins a new low-carb supper club. However, when a local bully is found dead, James and his new friends must investigate.
  2. Fit to Die (2007): The Flab Five try to keep up their diet goals by joining a local fitness center, but their workout plans are cut short when a fitness guru is murdered. James must sift through clues while resisting the temptation of sweet treats.
  3. Chili Con Corpses (2008): A group cooking class featuring spicy Mexican dishes turns deadly. The Flab Five are tasked with finding the killer before their own members are burned.
  4. Stiffs and Swine (2008): The group heads to a local barbecue festival, but the festive mood is ruined when a prominent local hog farmer is found murdered.
  5. The Battered Body (2009): Wedding bells and pastry dough take center stage as the Flab Five try to navigate wedding cake drama and a shocking crime that strikes close to home.
  6. Black Beans and Vice (2010): James and the club look forward to a relaxing time, but secrets in the local community bubble over into another murder mystery.
  7. Pasta Mortem (2018/2019): Co-authored with mystery writer Rosemary Stevens, this final volume was released digitally in 2018 (and in paperback in 2019) after a long hiatus. The Flab Five return to solve a final, pasta-themed mystery that wraps up their story.

Understanding the "Flab Five" Sleuths

Unlike many cozy mysteries that feature a single amateur detective, the Supper Club Mysteries shine due to their ensemble cast of five unique characters who form the support group. Understanding their roles is key to appreciating the series:

  • James Henry: The main protagonist, a divorced former literature professor and current head librarian nicknamed "Professor Puff" due to his love of cheese puffs.
  • Lindy: A creative high school art teacher who initially conceives the idea of forming a healthy-eating supper club.
  • Lucy: A clerk working in the local Sheriff's office who dreams of entering the police academy but struggles with physical requirements. She serves as James's primary love interest.
  • Bennett: A local mail carrier who keeps track of odd statistics and wants to regain the athletic physique of his youth.
  • Jillian: The energetic owner of the local dog-grooming shop, "The Yuppie Puppy."

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the books, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of the Supper Club Mysteries:

The Pseudonym Connection

The books were originally published under the pen name J.B. Stanley (Jennifer Stanley). As the author grew in popularity under her primary pen name, Ellery Adams, newer editions of the Supper Club Mysteries were printed and sold under the Ellery Adams name. If you are searching for physical or digital copies, check under both names, as the content remains identical.

Co-Authored Later Works

The final book in the series, Pasta Mortem, was co-written by Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens. Stevens is an established cozy and historical mystery author who brought a fresh spark to the series after a nearly decade-long hiatus following Black Beans and Vice.

Recipes Included

True to its culinary theme, each book includes mouthwatering, health-conscious, and low-carb recipes at the back. Readers can recreate the very dishes that the Flab Five prepare during their weekly support meetings.

Frequently Asked

What is the best order to read the Supper Club Mysteries?

You should read the series in publication order, starting with Carbs & Cadavers and ending with Pasta Mortem. The chronological events follow the publication years exactly.

Who wrote the Supper Club Mystery series?

The series was written by Jennifer Stanley under the pen name J.B. Stanley, and later re-published under her more famous pseudonym, Ellery Adams.

Who are the members of the Flab Five?

The "Flab Five" consists of librarian James Henry, art teacher Lindy, sheriff's clerk Lucy, mail carrier Bennett, and dog groomer Jillian.

Do the Supper Club Mystery books contain recipes?

Yes, each book contains a collection of low-carb and healthy recipes inspired by the dishes the club prepares during their meetings.

Why did the series have a long gap before the final book?

After the release of Black Beans and Vice in 2010, the series went on a long hiatus while the author focused on other projects. It finally returned in 2018 with Pasta Mortem, which was co-written with Rosemary Stevens.