Fitness Kills: A Nora Franke Mystery

by: Helen Barer

Published by: Thomson-Gale

Reviewed by Kathy Johnson

Fitness Kills is the debut book in the Nora Franke mystery series by Helen Barer.

Nora Franke is a New York food critic. Overweight and struggling in a relationship, she jumps at the chance to work as a short-term menu consultant at a fitness spa in Baja. Nora feels this will give her the distance and time needed to put her life and relationship into perspective. And maybe loose 30 pounds in the process. Little did she know she would end up being more than a menu consultant.

Nora’s work is not demanding, leaving her plenty of time to enjoy the spa and investigate murder. Murders, drugs, secret partners, all seem to conspire against her as she meets and devolves new friendships. Trying to stay alive after attempts on her life, she wants to solve the murders before she becomes one of the victims.

Enjoyable description of spa life, culinary delights, and Baja California which made you feel you are there.

Very early in the book you have all the clues you need to know “who done it.” There were no surprises at the end, although many red herrings were given out to the reader.

A delightful new voice in the mystery genre.

Armchair Interviews says: Fast-paced, easy-to-read mystery.