"Cynde's Tuesday Morning Book Review"

As an aspiring writer who had lost over 100 pounds through diet and willpower myself, I was very anxious to read Kathryn Lilley’s debut novel entitled “Dying To Be Thin: A Fat City Mystery”. I am pleased to report that I am delighted with the story, and as an added bonus, the diet tips that she offered throughout the book were authentic, helpful and even witty.

Smart, pretty, and plus-sized Kate Gallagher accepted an assignment working freelance for a small, local television station in Durham, North Carolina after losing both her job and her boyfriend in the span of a week while still living in her hometown of Boston, Massachusetts.

Then, instead of starring exclusively in a television special about her transformation from “a beast” to “a beauty”, she would now also have to work undercover to get the scoop on who, only a day after her arrival, had murdered Dr. Hoffman, the diet guru in charge of the weight-loss clinic where Kate would be staying.

Depicting Kate as desirable to the men in this story, even though she was quite a bit overweight, was an enchanting surprise. Not only does it amaze Kate that they would see her as attractive, but at the same time, to portray obese individuals in such a positive light is a welcome departure from the norm.

The action in this captivating mystery is fast-paced with no questions left unanswered at the end, plus it kept me guessing “whodunit” all the way through until almost the last, agonizing minute, which is unusual for me. In addition to that, the characters are likeable as well as entertaining, and I am looking forward to reading the next Kate Gallagher mystery, which is entitled “A Killer Workout”.

Before I forget, I have to tell you about another one of my favorite parts of “Dying To Be Thin”. Kathryn has added a cute little section to the back of the book called “Glossary of Durham Dieters’ Terms”. This glossary includes words and phrases with their definitions, including my choice for the two cutest ones, which are:

BSP = Born Skinny Person ~and~ WCP = Weight Challenged Person

In conclusion, I think that this is an excellent debut book for Kathryn Lilley. I enjoyed every word of it and I think you would, too. If you don’t go out and buy it, you’ll be missing out on a well-written, light-hearted mystery, and if you do purchase it, you’ll be so glad that you did. Thank you.



~CONTEST~

To win a free copy of Kathryn Lilley's debut novel entitled:
"Dying To Be Thin: A Fat City Mystery"
all that you need to do is
answer the following question correctly:
What is the name of Kathryn Lilley's new book that is being released in 2009?

The contest ends at midnight on Sunday, 12 July 2009. The winning name will be selected from all the correct entries received. (Please be sure to include your email address or the url for your blog with your entry, so that I can get in contact with you in the event that you are the winner.) Best Wishes to all of you!

Please submit your entries here





Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may God bless you all.

Cynde

Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!