Bodies to Die For is a murder mystery set in the world of female fitness competitions. Someone has killed several women connected to the competition--could it be a jealous rival, a spurned coach, or possibly the group of diet culture protesters that seem to be ramping up? I was interested in the book because of the conflict between the fitness industry and the body positive movement, and this conflict does play a major role in the story. As a story, it felt a little bit like a cozy mystery,

Overall, however, I liked but did not love this book, as I often found myself rolling my eyes at the gross stereotypes portrayed by the characters and the simplistic conflicts and conversations between characters. Some of my responses were likely due to the audiobook narration, in which one of the characters was read with a cadence and tone that I found annoying (although this may have been an intentional choice due to the less than likeable character). I likely would have enjoyed the book more in print format.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Audio for the complimentary audio copy of Bodies to Die For by Lori Brand. The opinions in this review are my own.

I just....first off, if fat phobia is a trigger for you, do not read this book. its almost on every page. 90% of the book I had no idea what the point of the book was. It just gave me the ick. SOrry.

I enjoyed the multiple POVs in this mystery thriller. I wouldn’t say it’s the type of thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat, afraid to read on while simultaneously needing to know what happens next, but it was a decent read. I enjoyed that was something different. I have never read a story surrounding the world of women’s bodybuilding/bikini competitions so it was interested. Normally I finish audiobooks this size in one sitting, but I did take a few breaks with this one as I wasn’t fully invested in any of the characters. I enjoyed the narration and felt the narrators voice suited the story well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lori Brand for this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Lori Brand's "Bodies to Die For" is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge. Centered on a series of mysterious deaths in a small town, the novel expertly weaves suspense with intricate character dynamics. Brand's sharp prose and vivid descriptions create an atmosphere of palpable tension. The story delves into themes of trust and betrayal, revealing dark secrets and hidden motives. With its unexpected twists and well-crafted narrative, "Bodies to Die For" is a compelling read for fans of the genre, offering both intrigue and psychological depth.

This wasn’t for me but it always was not a genre I often read. The topic of fit/fat culture seemed relevant in parts but didn’t make any new or novel points. I was not invested in any of the characters or the mystery.

I have to start by saying that I was a bit hesitant to even apply for the #alc of this audiobook because of the tough topics it tackles. As someone who’s spent her life caught in the web of diet culture but now knows better, I was intrigued but cautious. Plus, as a plus-size woman who’s struggled with weight and self-acceptance for as long as I can remember—losing weight, gaining it back, losing it again—I’ve been on both sides of this story. I’ve been the person dieting, strength training, and counting calories, and I’ve been the plus-size person tired of society judging me just based on my weight. This book hit close to home in many ways.

Now, about the book itself. Bodies to Die For is marketed as a psychological thriller, but honestly, I wouldn’t call it that. It’s more of a murder mystery with a heavy dose of social commentary on the extreme lengths people go to for thinness—think waist trainers, dangerous competitions, and sketchy diet products. It sometimes felt like a reality TV show, a bit like a train wreck you can’t stop watching.

The story is told from multiple POVs, and to be honest, I felt there were too many, especially the male perspectives, which I could’ve done without. None of the characters were particularly lovable. They had me cringing most of the time, and I suspected everyone at some point—they were all pretty terrible people.

Ashley, the plus-size software engineer, was the most relatable to me. I loved that she was a female programmer! But I didn’t always agree with her actions. Gemma, on the other hand, felt a bit too naïve to be the main character in a whodunit.

Despite my criticisms, both characters showed personal growth by the end, which I appreciated.

The narration by Jennifer Aquino, Chelsea Stephens, and Joe Hempel was decent, though Gemma’s voice annoyed me (sorry, narrator!). The audiobook format really helped me stick with it, despite the multiple POVs, which might have been a deal-breaker if I were reading it in print.

This book stirred up a lot of emotions for me because of its focus on diet culture and fat shaming. Despite everything, I’d give it somewhere between 3.75 and 4 stars. I’ll probably round up to 4 stars because the audiobook kept me engaged!

Thank you to @netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Lori Brand for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

"Bodies to Die For" by Lori Brand is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of the fitness industry and the pressures of social media. The novel follows two main characters, Gemma and Ashley, whose lives intersect in unexpected and dangerous ways.

Gemma is a popular fitness influencer who has built her brand on the image of perfection. She has transformed herself into a thriving business woman with and a seemingly perfect life. However, beneath the surface, Gemma struggles with the constant pressure to maintain her image. Her personal life is also in turmoil, with a husband who shows little concern for her well-being.
On the other side, Ashley is a software engineer who is frustrated with failed diets and societal expectations. Ashley finds a sense of purpose and belonging within a fat activists group, but her newfound zeal leads her down a dangerous path.

Lori Brand expertly explores themes of body image, societal pressure, and the impact of social media on mental health. Through Gemma and Ashley’s contrasting experiences, Brand highlights the extremes of both the fitness and body positivity movements, showing how both can be harmful when taken to the extreme. The alternating perspectives between Gemma and Ashley add depth to the narrative, allowing readers to see the story from different angles. Brand’s background as a former bodybuilder and fitness instructor lends authenticity to the portrayal of the fitness industry and its challenges. ⠀

Brand’s writing is engaging and fast-paced, with short, punchy chapters that keep the reader hooked. The suspense builds steadily throughout the novel, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The mix of top-notch suspense and social satire makes Bodies to Die For a compelling read. ⠀

"Bodies to Die For" is a thought-provoking and thrilling debut novel that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries. Lori Brand’s keen insights into the fitness industry and social media culture make this book both entertaining and enlightening. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the darker side of the quest for physical perfection.

This book may be a great fit for someone either passionate about fitness or the body positivity movement but neither are areas I have a huge interest in so this book did not hold my interest. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book but not the surrounding characters or set pieces.

I enjoyed the narration of this. It was well done. I struggled with the story. I appreciate the warnings for content. But I just wasn’t super into the story. I wanted more focus on the mystery and the weird things happening

This book was fun, but a bit too cheesy/kitsch for me overall. What I did like was the different POV and guessing whodunit. It was pretty lighthearted for a serious story, which almost made it feel like a cozy mystery.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book! I give it 4 stars. I thought it was very interesting and different being that it was a thriller based on female body builders. It was a plot setting I haven’t seen before, so I was so excited for it, and it did not disappoint. This book touches on the insecurities of women, and how catty women can actually be,m to each other. The character development was great, I had strong feelings, either good or bad, for every character, and I really thought I knew whodunit! It kept me guessing until the last chapter!

Thank you NetGalley, Lori Brand, and Blackstone Publishing for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and words are my own.

Short Synopsis:
I always recommend going into thrillers blind, but it’s a psychological thriller that centers around a bikini model and body shaming activists.


My Thoughts:
I loved how unique this thriller is. The multiple POVs and juxtaposition of the bikini competitors and the fight against body shaming was entertaining to read. It was well written with great drama and bodies piling up.

I did see the twist coming, but it was a fun ride getting there.

What You’ll Find:
Psychological thriller
Short chapters
Multiple POV
Fitness and body shaming
Serial killer

I enjoyed this book. It was a fast read & kept me reading. I loved the ending with a twist. The character buildup was intense. The writer really made me feel like I was in the middle of the body building industry.

This book is SO MUCH FUN! The action is non-stop, the fitness influencers are dropping like flies, and there is a dark sense of humour that permeates every aspect of the storytelling.

Ashley hates the fact that being a large woman means enduring continuous contempt from the people around her. When she meets the mysterious and fascinating Lydia though , her entire life changes. She becomes a fatness activist and feels increasingly empowered - until things threatens to careen out of control.

Meanwhile, Gemma seems to have the perfect life as a successful fitness influencer, with a good-looking husband and excellent prospects of winning a forthcoming bikini bodies contest.

But with someone apparently picking off other "fitness girls" she knows, Gemma starts feeling that she is up against a serial killer who may target her next!

Meanwhile , although Ashley and Gemma find themselves in an increasingly adversarial relationship, given that Gemma was once a fat girl like Ashley, they may find out that they have more in common than they ever dreamed...

With plenty to say about society's attitudes towards women's physical attributes, and the widespread prevalence of body shaming, this book comes with a razor sharp message and is delivered by a writer with an equally sharp wit. Highly recommended!

This was so much fun! It sucked me in and wouldn’t let go! The narration was amazing and the plot was unique. I highly recommend this read. I devoured this and it’s an easy read. I was not bored a single second during this audiobook.

I was a little apprehensive- this thriller warns the readers of the potentially triggering subject - eating disorders. I gave myself grace and decided to stop if it was too much for me…..

It was not - in fact I feel so inspired! Ladies this book speaks loudly and so joyously with such sincerity and truth

Influencer Gemma has transformed herself from the fat “before” to the washboard abs “after”

Meanwhile, Ashley is desperate not to be fat, constantly shamed by media, strangers, even her mother

This lighthearted story is told through multiple POVs over the countdown to the Ms Olympia contest… where the contestants keep turning up dead!

This was such a fun, quick and easy read. I admire how popcorn fun this was, but still managing to capture the many issues and judgements made to women’s’ bodies

I suspected everyone at one point or another of being the serial killer - so many outrageously awful people!

The audiobook was great, and I especially loved Gemma - her intonation was adorable and I loved listening

The slapstick humor worked well and arriving at the competition was thrilling! I loved the twists and the ending made me feel great! This was an awesome inspiring, kickass, light thriller!

Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobook for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

I am glad the Bodies to Die For started with a warning. It was needed. It was on okay storyline, but seemed to tie up too neatly, too quickly.

This story was really unique and different. I appreciated the trigger warning at the beginning, because if someone is struggling with issues around weight or eating disorders, this one would be difficult for sure. I was intrigued by the two extremes, with the one storyline about the fitness influencer, and the other about a heavier woman battling expectations around her body. Despite some of the extremes, I would classify this one as a cozy mystery that still felt fun and light, despite some of the heavier themes.

Interesting to see how Gemma and Ashley's storylines would come together, did not see the reveal coming!

Story reminded me of Miss Congeniality but from the perspective of the contestants, even had the bomb explode at the coronation scene. i enjoyed following Gemma through her journey to independence and acceptance of Fat Gemma, and her shifting relationships with her husband and the guy she was cheating with, all while dealing with a serial killer murdering her fellow beauty contestants and friends.
It was hard to listen to the constant body shaming and disgust for fat bodies (under the guise of "concern for your health!")

Great voicework by Jennifer Aquino, Chelsea Stephens, and Joe Hempel. I look forward to more titles by this author!

Thanks NetGalley for the free advanced copy

Thank you to Netgalley, Lori Brand, and Blackstone Publishing-audiobooks for an advance copy of Bodies To Die For in exchange for an honest review. This was a new and refreshing whodunit story that was set in the competitive fitness world. We meet Gemma, who turned herself into a competitive fitness model/competitor who desperately wants to win an upcoming contest. At the same time, we meet Ashley who is overweight and sick & tired of the diet industry and what it stands for. Throughout the story, we meet many other characters who cross paths with our two main characters and somehow may be part of a series of murders that is happening to other fitness models. This one had me questioning every character until the end and I as happy with how the story wrapped up. The narrator has me fully immersed in the story and drew me in from page one. I think this narrator would do a fantastic job keep any listener engaged in the story. This quote is from the goodreads synopsis but it really hits to the core of what this book represented to me so I had to share it. "Bodies to Die For takes a hard look at social media, the $70 billion diet industry, and the war on women's bodies--the wars we wage with each other, and with ourselves." I hope you take a chance on this book and give it a go because it was so so good! This is out now!