Member Reviews

In Pasta Mortem by Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens, we return to Quincy Gap, Va. and the Supper Club. A former TV show, Hearth and Home, was taped in a house that has now been made into a B&B. The cast returns to celebrate a 25 year reunion. Also coming to town is a real estate developer, who is involved with Murphy, that wants to buy up the area farm land and put in housing developments that will bring hordes of people to the quaint town. The residents are not happy with the thought of the little town being changed. When the developer turns up murdered in bed with Murphy the only suspect is Murphy, it looks like the end for her. James has his doubts and recuits the members to investigate themselves. Of course, Lucy being on the force, is skeptical.
Not only is James trying to find the murderer, he is dealing with his old Bronco, Jane ready to give birth, a wacky weatherman that keeps predicting the “Storm of the Century”, his employees, the twins, and his diet.
The characters are real and relatable. The plot flows and and keeps you guessing until the end.
Not only is there mystery, but romance and humor. There are also some yummy sounding recipes included.
This is a great cozy mystery.
I was given a copy from NetGalley for an honest opinion/review.

Was this review helpful?

This is another superb installment in the Supper Club mystery series. Adams is an excellent writer, and it shows in this book. While its possible to read this without reading the prior books in the series, I'd recommend reading them in order because you will get so much more from the interactions of the characters. I would definitely recommend this, and every other Ellery Adams book I've read, to cozy readers. You won't be sorry.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first introduction to a Ellery Adams heard this series and I can sum it up in one word, YUMMMM!

The characters, the town, the Supper Club members all made this a delightful read. As with live in a smaller town, every one seems to know each other and while not everyone is a fan of each other, people will stick up for those they believe are innocent.

Great writing, dynamic characters, and a solid plot. A great read for your beach bag this Summer!

Was this review helpful?

The Supper Club is drawn into a murder investigation when a developer is murdered in the bed of an acquaintance of the group, even though she's not popular at the moment. When she's released on bail and is in close proximity to the murder of a woman she's just had a scuffle with, it makes it just that much harder to find the real killer.
Written with realistic characters, a little angst, humor, romance and plenty of mystery and a nice twist at the end.
I requested it on Netgalley and was thankfully granted an ARC.
I really enjoyed the tale and recommend it if you like your mystery with plenty of suspects.

Was this review helpful?

Pasta Mortem by Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens is the seventh tale in A Supper Club Mystery series. James Henry and his wife, Jane are awaiting the birth of their second child. The Supper Club has decided to start a new Mediterranean diet, but thanks to Murphy Alistair the group gets off to a poor start. They believed she was taking their picture for the Shenandoah Star Ledger. Unfortunately, she used their photos in Southern Style magazine to advertise her upcoming book and Quincy’s Gap as one of five undiscovered small towns in America (there goes their small town). Murphy has teamed up with real estate developer, Ray Edwards to build condos, apartments and shops on a local farm. In nearby Cardinal’s Rest is the twenty-fifth reunion of the cast of Hearth and Home. The Supper Club members are attending a special VIP event at Red Bird B&B. Murphy is on the arm of Ray Edwards and the two have overindulged in the liquid refreshment. The next day, James hears that Edwards is dead and Murphy is accused of the crime. Despite the groups dislike of Murphy, they know she is not a killer. When a second person turns up dead at the Red Bird B&B with Murphy present once again, James knows they need to narrow down their suspect list. If they do not identify the killer soon, Murphy will end up wearing an orange jumpsuit for the rest of her life.

Pasta Mortem is an enjoyable cozy mystery. It is nice to visit Quincy’s Gap and catch up with James Henry and the rest of The Supper Club. I like how the members of the group continue to develop. In each book we learn a little more about a different character. I like to see them change (personal growth which helps enrich their lives). The mystery was compelling. It had some unexpected developments that will surprise readers. However, with the aid of a few pointed clues, I was able to peg the killer before I was halfway through the novel. I thought Pasta Mortem was well-written and it had a steady pace. While it can be read alone, you will miss out on the characters back stories. I do recommend reading the books in order or at least reading Carbs & Cadavers first (that way you get the basics). There are many delightful cozy moments in Pasta Mortem that will having you smiling and chuckling. In Pasta Mortem the group is learning new recipes, going to events for Hearth and Home reunion, preparing for Valentine’s Day, Jane is expecting and having difficulties, Eliot is loving school, Lucy is having relationship issues, Luis’ mama has yet to leave town, and so much more. I am giving Pasta Mortem 4 out of 5 stars. I was left with unanswered questions at the end of the book. While the murder was wrapped up neatly, another issue was left unresolved. I just love the name James and Jane picked for their new baby. I hope we get to revisit Quincy’s Gap again soon in another A Supper Club Mystery.

Was this review helpful?

The lives of the Supper Club crew in Quincy's Gap have become complicated with an imminent birth, serious relationship challenges and another murder. Once again these issues are deftly handled with a cheerful and instructive intensity. I hope there is still more to come in this delightful series.

Was this review helpful?

The long-awaited seventh outing of James Henry and the rest of the Supper Club will not disappoint die-hard fans. There's lots to talk about in Quincy's Gap these days, between the reunion of the Hearth and Home TV show and the town being named a hot, small-town tourist destination. Murphy, author of an unflattering book series based on the Supper Club's exploits as well as James' former lover, is extra conniving in the first part of the story-line and is bent on transforming Quincy's Gap with or without the support of the townspeople. In fact, Murphy has been painted so egocentric and shrewish that it's hard to remember why readers may have liked this character earlier on in the series. When she is accused of murdering the real estate developer (and her lover!), it's not hard to wonder why only James truly believes she is innocent.

Overall, there's plenty of camaraderie between the Supper Club members, food, and of course, a murderous whodunit. All the Supper Club members have forward momentum in their home lives, except seemingly Lucy who never appears to gain real traction in her personal life. Perhaps she will be the focus of the next book, if there is one. Pasta Mortem does read a lot like a finale of sorts, and I have a hard time seeing James wanting to go around investigating murders with a new baby in the house.

I would recommend this to fans of the series, but I would advice new readers to read some of the previous books. Otherwise, you might feel a little lost.

Was this review helpful?

A cute culinary cozy. This is the 7th in the series and although it could be read as a solitary novel, you definitely get the feel that these characters have history together.

The story focuses on the murder of a real estate developer that has come to change this tiny village and the members of the supper club that band together to see that justice is served.

A fun beach read with lots of twists and turns.

Was this review helpful?

Pasta Mortem is the seventh book in The Supper Club Mystery series.

I was so excited to hear that this wonderful series was continuing and an excellent story it is.

James and Jane are expecting the birth of their girl any day, Gillian and Bennett are doing fine, Luis and Lindy have gotten married, but Lindy is hopeful that Alma, her mother-in-law will soon return home. And Lucy and Sullie, will in this book, have some ups and downs.

Even though the Flab Five are still upset with Murphy Alistair for “fictional” book about life in a small rural Virginia town, they agree to have their pictures taken for a story, she says, will be published in the town’s newspaper. In reality, their pictures appear in Southern Style article on the Five Best Undiscovered Small Towns You Should Be Living In. At the same time, the cast of Hearth And Home, a show that was on tv in the 80’s will be returning to Cardinal’s Rest and the place where the show was originally filmed. The private home is now the B&B where the cast is staying. Also staying at there are Murphy and Ray Edwards, a real estate developers from Louisville. The Supper Club soon learn that Murphy, Edward and Joel Foster, a cast member, have formed a development company and will develop the Lydell Honey Farm into a massive planned community. Most residents of Quincy Gap are against the development as they like their quaint community and that the needed services to support the new development would be impossible to secure.

On the evening that all the cast members arrived there was a “welcome home” for the cast member and invited guests. A good time was had by most everyone, but Murphy and Ray seemed to have to much to drink and it appears that they have been having an argument about something. As the evening was beginning to wind down, Murphy and Edwards went to their room on the third floor. The next morning a blood-curdling scream is heard from Murphy. She has awakened to find Edwards dead beside her. Since their room was locked, Lucy and Sheriff Huckabee feel they have an open and shut case and Murphy is arrested for the murder of Edwards.

Even though Murphy is far from being embraced by the Supper Club, James, Gillian, Lindy, and Bennett don’t feel that Murphy is capable of murder and set off to prove her innocent of the murder. But then when Kitty Walters arrives at the B&B and also claiming to be engaged to Edwards like Murphy is, is also found dead, Murphy is once again jailed.

The Supper Club members, less Lucy, still feel that Murphy is innocent and decide to focus on the members of the cast of Hearth and Home and hoping there will be no other deaths.

Pasta Mortem is the seventh book in The Supper Club Mystery series.

I was so excited to hear that this wonderful series was continuing and an excellent story it is.

James and Jane are expecting the birth of their girl any day, Gillian and Bennett are doing fine, Luis and Lindy have gotten married, but Lindy is hopeful that Alma, her mother-in-law will soon return home. And Lucy and Sullie, will in this book, have some ups and downs.

Even though the Flab Five are still upset with Murphy Alistair for “fictional” book about life in a small rural Virginia town, they agree to have their pictures taken for a story, she says, will be published in the town’s newspaper. In reality, their pictures appear in Southern Style article on the Five Best Undiscovered Small Towns You Should Be Living In. At the same time, the cast of Hearth And Home, a show that was on tv in the 80’s will be returning to Cardinal’s Rest and the place where the show was originally filmed. The private home is now the B&B where the cast is staying. Also staying at there are Murphy and Ray Edwards, a real estate developers from Louisville. The Supper Club soon learn that Murphy, Edward and Joel Foster, a cast member, have formed a development company and will develop the Lydell Honey Farm into a massive planned community. Most residents of Quincy Gap are against the development as they like their quaint community and that the needed services to support the new development would be impossible to secure.

On the evening that all the cast members arrived there was a “welcome home” for the cast member and invited guests. A good time was had by most everyone, but Murphy and Ray seemed to have to much to drink and it appears that they have been having an argument about something. As the evening was beginning to wind down, Murphy and Edwards went to their room on the third floor. The next morning a blood-curdling scream is heard from Murphy. She has awakened to find Edwards dead beside her. Since their room was locked, Lucy and Sheriff Huckabee feel they have an open and shut case and Murphy is arrested for the murder of Edwards.

Even though Murphy is far from being embraced by the Supper Club, James, Gillian, Lindy, and Bennett don’t feel that Murphy is capable of murder and set off to prove her innocent of the murder. But then when Kitty Walters arrives at the B&B and also claiming to be engaged to Edwards like Murphy is, is also found dead, Murphy is once again jailed.

The Supper Club members, less Lucy, still feel that Murphy is innocent and decide to focus on the members of the cast of Hearth and Home and hoping there will be no other deaths.

This was very exciting and well-told story. It is well-plotted with most all of the characters from previous books involved with backing up and supporting the Supper Club members.

Delicious recipes are also included with the book.

I’m looking forward to more books in this entertaining series.This was very exciting and well-told story. It is well-plotted with most all of the characters from previous books involved with backing up and supporting the Supper Club members.

Delicious recipes are also included with the book.

I’m looking forward to more books in this entertaining series.

Was this review helpful?

I love this series! James Henry and his friends are back to help solve another murder. The twists and turns in this book grabbed my attention from beginning to end, and I couldn't put it down. Murphy, the resident author who loves to stir the pot, is once again in the thick of things. The "Flab Five" are a close knit group of friends, who also consider each other family. I wish I had a group of friends like them. The writing is phenomenal, and I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

In this seventh book of the series things are going great for the members of the supper club. They may not be losing the weight like they want but everything else is looking good. James and his wife are expecting their second child, Lucy is dating another deputy, Bennett and Gillian are going strong and Lindy has married the love of her life. When Murphy, from the local paper, asks to take everyone's photo for a town inspiring column they all agree. When the group learns that Murphy lied and had their photos put into a magazine article no one is happy. You see the article is about the best undiscovered towns to live in and Quincy Gap is among them. Later they find out that Murphy has brought in an investor and bought a local farm to start building housing for the influx of people they hope will move to the tiny town after the article. No one wants the town to change so extremely but it doesn't look like they will have much of a choice, people are already visiting from all over looking to buy into the small town life Quincy Gap offers. When Murphy's boyfriend and fellow investor Ray is found dead Lucy thinks that Murphy is the killer. Follow along as James tries to persuade her otherwise and brings the group into investigate to figure out just who did such a horrible thing. Will James be able to change Lucy's mind? James can think of several other people who wished the man dead but are any of them killers? I've been reading this whole series recently trying to catch up so that I could get this one on the day that it came out and let me say that it didn't disappoint. This is a fun series that is filled with a treasure trove of characters who you'll fall in love with. The scenic town is definitely a place that you'll want to visit over and over again. I'm already looking forward to the next book, the new diet they'll try, and what mystery will be laid before them to solve.

Was this review helpful?

Pasta Mortem is the seventh book in Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens’ Supper Club Mysteries series and is an enjoyable read. The storyline is well thought out and the well-developed characters are affable. As their friendship continues to evolve, the members of the Flab Five have developed an enviable camaraderie as they continue to support each other in their quest to lose weight, supply moral support, and work together to solve mysteries. There aren’t any graphic adult situations or violence, but there is some adult language. Sufficient background information is provided to allow the books in this series to be read as standalones, but I’ve enjoyed watching the characters develop as I’ve read each nook. I really enjoy this series and look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

James Henry and the other Flab Five members, Gillian O’Malley, Bennett Marshall, Lucy Hanover, and Lindy Perez-Chavez, are bemoaning all the weight they’ve all gained but relishing in their friendship. It’s been awhile since they’ve had a mystery to solve, but when there is one, they make a great team with each person bringing a unique gift and ability to the table. Gillian suggests the group try the Mediterranean Diet and everyone agrees. The cast of the Hearth and Home television show gathers for a reunion at the Red Bird B&B in Cardinal’s Rest, where the show was filmed, and everyone is looking forward to meeting the cast members. Murphy Alistair is promoting her newest book, “Murder in the Caverns,” and has convinced the editor of Southern Style magazine, Joel Foster, to include Quincy’s Gap, Virginia as one of the best small towns to live in. Murphy’s also joined forces with Raymond Edwards, a real estate developer from Louisville, Kentucky, to build a massive planned residential community which most of the town is opposed to. James and Jane are eagerly awaiting the birth of their daughter and Eliot, their five-year- old son, has started kindergarten. With Milla’s loving care, Jackson’s doing well after his stroke, but he’s agitated with all the healthy restrictions put on his diet and daily activities. Lindy and Luis Chavez are married, but his mother’s still staying with them and giving Lindy fits. Gillian and Bennett are comfortable in their relationship, but only in private, because Bennett is worried people won’t accept their interracial relationship even though Gillian disagrees. Lucy is jealous when Sullie pays too much attention to Amber Ross, an actress in Hearth and Home turned makeup guru. When Mr. Edwards’ bludgeoned body is found in the locked bedroom he shared with Murphy at the Red Bird B&B, she becomes the prime suspect. The couple had been drinking heavily and arguing the previous evening. The authorities are convinced Murphy is guilty and is taken into custody for questioning, but her attorney, Cyril Morton, gets her released due to the lack of solid evidence. While Murphy is ruthless, has caused a lot of distress for the Flab Five, and they don’t like her, but with the exception of Lucy, they don’t think she’s capable of murder and set out to discover the truth.

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

Was this review helpful?