Title: Chili Con Corpses
Author: J.B. Stanley
First published January 8, 2008
275 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780738712598 (ISBN10: 0738712590)
Rating: 3.69
Overview
Get ready to be enraptured by the explosive story of Brandi Vaughn in Unforgiven. Brandi has always felt like she’s lived in the shadow of her socialite family.
But when her half-sister Dani, the most powerful vampire of their kind, is targeted by a dangerous rogue vampire, Brandi’s true potential is revealed. With a secret elemental power that she struggles to control, Brandi must navigate the dangerous world of vampire politics and choose between the light and the dark.
As war looms between the vampire nation and the Shade army, Brandi finds herself torn between two lovers, each on opposite sides of the conflict. This full-length novel contains adult content and is sure to leave you breathless.
About the Author
J.B. Stanley is actually Ellery Adams, a bestselling author who spent her childhood on a beach by the Long Island Sound. Although she’s lived in various landlocked towns as an adult, she still fondly remembers the open water, thunderous storms, and salty sea air.
Along with various jobs like catering, retail, and teaching, Adams has always been a writer, creating poetry, children’s books, and novels. Nowadays, she writes full-time at her Virginia home.
If you’re looking for more thrilling mysteries, be sure to check out her work.
Editoral Review
Chili Con Corpses by J.B. Stanley is a cozy mystery novel first published on January 8, 2008. J.B. Stanley, also known as Jennifer Stanley, is an American author who has written various mystery and suspense novels.
This particular book is the third installment in the “Supper Club Mystery” series. The genre, cozy mystery, is characterized by a lighthearted tone, an amateur detective, and a focus on the puzzle-solving aspect of a crime.
The story takes place in a small town in Virginia where the protagonist, James “Professor” Henry, is a member of the “Flab Five,” a group of overweight friends who meet once a week for a themed dinner. This time, the theme is Mexican food, and the main dish is chili con carne.
However, the evening takes a turn for the worse when a guest at the dinner party is found dead in the backyard. James, being a true crime enthusiast, takes it upon himself to solve the murder.
The setting of the story is a charming small town in Virginia, and the main conflict is obviously the murder mystery. However, the author incorporates themes of body image, friendship, and personal growth throughout the novel.
These themes are explored through the characters, especially James, who struggles with his weight and his passion for true crime. It adds depth to the story and makes the characters more relatable.
J.B. Stanley’s writing is lively and engaging. The plot is well-crafted with twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes.
The pacing is also well-done, with the story progressing at a steady pace without dragging on. The character development is excellent, especially with James, who goes through a personal journey throughout the novel.
The author uses humor and wit effectively, making the story enjoyable to read. Chili Con Corpses excels in its cozy mystery genre.
The plot is unique and interesting, and the characters are endearing. However, the book’s flaws are minimal.
There are instances where the clues seem too obvious, and the ending itself feels a bit rushed. It’s a minor criticism, but it does take away from the overall satisfaction of solving the mystery.
Overall, Chili Con Corpses is a charming and enjoyable mystery novel that will delight fans of the genre. It’s well-written with engaging characters and an entertaining plot.
While it has some flaws, they do not detract from the overall quality of the book. As such, I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
If you’re a fan of cozy mystery novels, then this book is definitely worth reading.
