Below is the complete list of Ellery Adams’ Supper Club Mysteries books in publication order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Supper Club Mystery Books in Publication Order
- Carbs & Cadavers (2006)
- Fit to Die (2007)
- Chili Con Corpses (2008)
- Stiffs and Swine (2008)
- The Battered Body (2009)
- Black Beans and Vice (2010)
- Pasta Mortem (2019)
About Supper Club Mysteries
Ellery Adams’ Supper Club Mysteries series (originally written under the pen name J.B. Stanley) blends culinary themes, small-town life, and classic cozy mystery storytelling. The series centers on a group of women who come together through a supper club—an informal gathering where food, conversation, and friendship play as important a role as solving the occasional murder that disrupts their quiet Virginia town. With its focus on food culture, strong female friendships, and community dynamics, the series fits comfortably within the cozy mystery tradition while adding a flavorful culinary twist.
The central character is James Henry, often called “James” despite the traditionally masculine name. After experiencing a painful personal loss, James returns to her hometown of Quincy’s Gap, Virginia, seeking a slower pace of life and a chance to rebuild. Cooking becomes both a personal refuge and a way to reconnect with people around her. Food is more than a hobby—it is a language through which James expresses care, creativity, and comfort.
Soon after returning to town, James becomes involved with a local supper club made up of several women with very different personalities and backgrounds. Their regular gatherings revolve around preparing elaborate meals together, sharing recipes, and discussing life’s ups and downs. These dinners form the social backbone of the group and serve as the backdrop for many of the conversations that ultimately lead to solving crimes.
The series begins with Carbs & Cadavers (2008). In this first installment, James is still adjusting to life back in Quincy’s Gap when a murder shakes the community. The victim is someone connected to the local culinary scene, and the investigation quickly reveals tensions among residents that had been hidden beneath the town’s friendly surface. James and the members of the supper club begin asking questions, often noticing details that others overlook. Their shared meals become informal strategy sessions where theories are debated alongside carefully prepared dishes.
The second novel, Fit to Die (2008), introduces a mystery tied to the world of dieting and health fads. When a prominent fitness advocate dies under suspicious circumstances, James once again finds herself drawn into the investigation. As she and her friends examine the victim’s relationships and business dealings, they uncover secrets that reveal how ambition and image can mask darker motives.
In Chili Con Corpses (2009), the third book in the series, Quincy’s Gap prepares for a chili cook-off competition that brings visitors and excitement to the town. What should be a fun community event turns troubling when a competitor dies unexpectedly. The supper club members must sort through rivalries, grudges, and competitive tensions among the contestants to determine what really happened.
The fourth installment, Stiffs and Sweets (2009), revolves around the town’s bakery and dessert culture. When another suspicious death occurs, James once again becomes involved in uncovering the truth, relying on her instincts and the insights shared by her friends.
Across the series, Ellery Adams emphasizes the importance of community and friendship. The supper club is more than just a dining group—it is a support system where members help each other navigate personal challenges and celebrate small victories. Their investigations often succeed not because they possess formal detective skills, but because they understand the social fabric of their town.
Food remains a defining element of the series. Recipes, cooking techniques, and culinary traditions frequently appear throughout the books, reinforcing the comforting atmosphere typical of cozy mysteries. Meals become moments where characters reflect on events, exchange ideas, and strengthen their bonds.
Reading the Supper Club Mysteries in publication order allows the relationships within the group to develop naturally. As each new mystery unfolds, the friendships deepen and the town of Quincy’s Gap becomes more richly developed, revealing how a simple supper club can grow into a powerful force for uncovering the truth.