Customer Reviews

Size 14 Is Not Fat Either (A Heather Wells Mystery)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(27)
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2 star:		(1)
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I'm a huge fan of Meg Cabot's chick lit and I wasn't let down by this sequel to Size 12 Is Not Fat. Really, who wouldn't love to read about Heather Wells? She's a loveable character that anyone (whether you're a size 2 or a 12) can relate to. The only thing I didn't like was that it was a little too gruesome for me. Maybe the next mystery wont involve a missing body and a boiled head.

I'm really looking forward to reading the next Heather Well's mystery.

Twenty-nine-year-old ex-pop star, and current assistant resident hall advisor, Heather Wells, never thought that her mall tour fame from years ago would follow her through over ten years of her life, and various pants sizes. But, as much as she'd like to shake her old image, it seems to suck the life out of her wherever she goes. Of course, it doesn't help that her ex-fiance (and ex-Easy Street boy band member) Jordan Cartwright, won't get out of her face, or keep his new top of the charts fiance, Tania Trace, from feeling threatened by the newly-plus sized Heather. However, as she attempts to avoid Jordan's constant calls inviting him to his Celebrity Wedding, she finds herself colliding headfirst with a severely disturbing incident in her dormitory - the discovery of the head cheerleader, Lindsay Combs' decapitated head boiling in a pot in the dormitory kitchen. With the first day of the new semester in full swing, Heather feels bombarded by whiny students, and an ex-con father who has suddenly shown up on her doorstep looking to make amends, and actually welcomes the chance to put on her Detective shoes, and do a little sleuthing of her own. Getting the chance to work side-by-side with her landlord, and the love of her life - Private Eye Cooper Cartwright (yes, Jordan's older brother) - doesn't hurt a bit either. But as the murder trail begins leading Heather into a shady world, where students don't start partying until the break of dawn, and spend their time smoking anything that they encounter, she realizes that she's playing with fire. And, if she isn't careful, she may be singing her last melody.

You don't need many words to describe Meg Cabot's writing. The words flawless and magnificent seem to be accurate enough. Which is why those are the two words that fit perfectly, when talking about SIZE 14 IS NOT FAT EITHER. After encountering Heather Wells in her first sordid detective tale, I thought she was an intriguing character with a hearty appetite, and the ability to win over fans both young and old. Now, given the chance to delve into her delusional world once more, I realize that Heather is much more. She's the host with the most, with the ability to outsmart killers - and detectives - with one switch of the wrist. Her self-deprecating humor regarding her weight leaves you in stitches, while the tumultuous relationship she appears to have with all the males in her life - from Jordan to Cooper, and now to her jailbird father - is relatable, and enjoyable to read about, as she traverses the difficulties she encounters on a daily basis. A detective who wets the palate, and leaves you stuffed!

Erika Sorocco

I find Meg Cabot rather irresistible. I imagine her to be the sort of sunny girlfriend who always has a great story to tell and who has a knack for making you laugh, no matter how lousy of a day you've had. The style translates to her work and that is what makes it so enjoyable to me. Cabot's novels are pure fun, just like an afternoon spent gossiping and laughing with a close female friends.

The engaging Heather Wells is back in this novel. The premise of her being a former pop princess who is now broke courtesy of her mother running off with her money in probably the most original back story I've heard for a character in some time. Still, though her background is rather dramatic, Heather is not bitter. If there's one criticism I have of the character it would be that she perhaps lacks a bit of nuance. I don't think I'd be as forgiving as she is but Cabot portrays her as a woman who's satisfied enough with her lot in life. This makes her a bit unrealistic but Cabot does save her from being too perfect, which would kill the character all together. At any rate, Heather is fun and funny and the kind of person with whom I would get along famously in real life.

As with the previous novel, Size 12 Is Not Fat, Heather stumbles her way into the midst of a mystery. Given that she aspires to a major in criminal justice, it's not entirely surprising. Still, Heather's no Nancy Drew. She's so inept at times that she bears more resemblance to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and her ineptitude is used to great effect. Though Heather eventually triumphs, she hits many obstacles and makes many mistakes along the way--small wonder her roommate and would-be-love Cooper doesn't want to clue her in to his activities.

Along with the mystery, there is the added tension of Heather's father's reappearance in her life and while she deals with his return fairly calmly, she is also wary of him. There is also the continued romantic tension between Cooper and Heather. Cooper is determined to believe that Heather is not yet over his brother Jordan, though I found this to be a bit debatable. I get the impression that Cooper's conflict may be more to do with the fact that perhaps he's not quite ready to get into a relationship with Heather which would, admittedly, be quite complex. Cabot is a master of orchestrating that kind of frustration that keeps readers eager to experience that sweet moment of vicarious bliss in which their well-loved heroine finally gets the man she wants and deserves.

I think one of the things I like most about this series is the frank way in which Cabot treats the issue of Heather's weight. It makes me wonder if Cabot has some first-hand experience. Though Heather is aware of her size and knows that her eating habits have a great deal to do with it, she remains a confident and centered person. Cabot strikes a very nice balance here and steers clear of making the books all about Heather's size. The fact that she wears a 12 and then probably a 14 is just one part of who she is. Perhaps others underestimate her because of it but it makes me happy to see that Heather is as well-adjusted as she is and that she likes herself even though society likes to tell women her size that they should despise themselves.

Cabot has left a lot of room for this character to grow, which is good. While Heather is a lot of fun, I don't think she'd make much of a private eye--at least not at this point. I'm glad about that, though, because it hints that Cabot may treat us to more Heather Wells novels for some time to come.

When last we left Heather Wells, former pop star turned assistant dorm director, she had just solved a murder mystery and was a size 12. Now she has put on a few --- well, okay, 10 --- pounds over the holidays. But believe me, that is the least of her worries.

A wee bit higher on the priority scale just might be the discovery by the kitchen staff of cheerleader Lindsay Combs's head simmering in a pot on the stove. (This prompts many cringe-worthy puns.) Since Magda, Heather's cafeteria worker friend, shows Heather the head first, and because Heather knew and liked Lindsay, Heather feels compelled to investigate. Plus, there's her knowledge that whoever beheaded Lindsay has a cafeteria key --- and so must work on the housing staff. However, Heather is adamantly warned off the case by everyone. So she won't be acting as detective, right? Hardly.

Heather can't help wondering where exactly Lindsay's body might be. Her urge to get to the bottom of the case is reinforced when Magda begs Heather to investigate. Even while Heather is telling Magda that she can't act as detective, she (and we) knows she will. For one thing, she must protect Lindsay's reputation as others feel free to besmirch the murdered girl's name.

Meanwhile, Heather is trying to break in her new boss, Tom, while avoiding the calls of her ex-fiancé Jordan. She also continues to lust for her ex-fiancé's brother, Cooper, who happens to be her platonic but hot landlord/roommate.

When Jordan catches up to Heather, he pleads with her to come to his wedding. Heather refuses, but she must fend off another offer when her friend Frank urges her to sing with his band. And then the most bizarre thing of all happens: Heather's father calls to tell her he's just been released from federal prison where he had been doing time for tax evasion. He just happens to be in town and needs a place to stay.

Of course, Heather continues to insist that she's not investigating Lindsay's murder, even as she asks the dead cheerleader's boyfriend and friends a few brief questions. When she just happens to grill the despicable wealthy guy whom Lindsay's best friend has been seeing, Cooper and the police detective rather forcefully encourage her to butt out (again). In fact, Cooper is so angry with Heather that she is worried about her upcoming request to have her father move in temporarily.

When Heather stumbles across someone who has been stabbed, that person admits to giving something to Lindsay. But when Heather discovers what was given, the mystery only deepens. The cryptic clues keep on gathering while Heather continues to deny that she's trying to solve the case.

There are a couple of truly surprising twists in the tale, plus tons of LOL moments (not to mention some really bad song lyrics). As always, Heather is an endearing character; trying to solve the case alongside her makes the reader feel like a partner in a hilarious buddy detective movie. SIZE 14 IS NOT FAT EITHER is yet another example of Meg Cabot's enjoyable storytelling.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (terryms2001@yahoo.com)

I sat on my couch one Sunday and read this whole book before dinnertime, and it was a very refreshing and relaxing read. Heather Wells had me on the edge of my seat at some times, and laughing out loud the rest of the time.

Unfortunately I don't think that this book would be for everyone. Many of my friends who would probably find it too light and silly. And really not much of a mystery. I don't always agree with the label chick lit, but when I think of it, even in abstract terms, I think of Meg Cabot. This book is a fun read, but it does not really challenge a reader or provoke deep thought.

The only downside to the book is that Cabot's writing is sometimes too obvious. She spells absolutely everything out for the reader, from the sarcastic self depricating POV of the protagonist. That annoyed me a bit, but didn't keep me from enjoying the story!

Heather Wells, ex-pop star and current assistant director at a residence hall, is back with her second mystery set in Fischer Hall. With the discovery of a severed head in the hall cafe, Heather involves herself in trying to find the culprit even though she swears she won't. With Heather, we all know that what she swears she won't do, she does, and usually with a taste of comedy and klutz.

This entry is indeed a bit gruesome; Cabot gives us details of the head and keeps reminding us throughout of the incident. Some of the characters are over-the-top, and this includes the Winer brothers whom Heather finds herself investigating. But the appearance of Heather's father is a nice addition, and the presence of both Jordan and Cooper are fun and electric. Heather is really coming into her own in this book, no longer as insecure or second-guessing as in Size 12. The ending is very silly, in my opinion; Cabot really could have done a better job of winding up the actual crime, though what happens to Heather is still funny. Overall, this book serves its purpose: fun, light, and engaging; not for anyone looking for a great mystery, but perfect brain candy for a winter afternoon. I enjoyed it.

I would put this book in the genre of teen lit. Most of her books seem to be lacking something and to me it seems like this is a modern day Nancy Drew book. However, with that being said I have been disappointed wtih the lack of substance in her books for older readers. While I, SIZE 14 IS NOT FAT EITHER was full of mystery and fun it was definately lacking something and for that fact it gets three stars.

I'm not a huge fan of chick lit the teen chick lit genre, but this was a bit interesting with the mystery intertwined. I actually liked Size 12 is not fat and thought that this book didn't add anything to the first book. I'm not sure if she is going to add "substance" to the third book in the series or continue on the teen chick lit/mystery path.

Heather Wells is a bit of a washed up teen singing sensation. Okay, a lot washed up. Her mother ran off with all her money. Her dad is in prison for white collar crime. Her ex-fiance is getting married to the pop star du jour. Heather is getting her degree at New York College and helping to pay her way by working as assistant directory of a dormitory at NY College. She lives with her ex-fiance's brother who she is also madly in love with. Heather is also a very observant, smart young woman who has lost confidence in her musical ability.

Right now, she's channeling all her energies in solving the mystery of the death of New York College's cheerleading captain, Lindsey Combs. At first blush, Lindsey seems the all American girl, but during the investigation a lot dirty ugly secrets come out about Lindsey's partying habits and her sexual relationships. It seems that there are always more than one person with a motive.

The gruesome nature of the murder is offset by humor although sometimes inappropriately so. Heather doesn't intentionally get involved in solving the mystery. It's just that she's there and she really cares about the students. Cooper, her landlord, part-time employer, full time crush, is a private detective and cares enough for Heather to try to keep her out of trouble.

The best thing about this series isn't really the mystery, but Heather herself. She's fun. She's smart. She's a bit insecure but always very caring. If a reader liked you before, he or she will enjoy this entry too. The drawbacks would be that sometimes Heather is too insecure (i.e., her best friend's husband is a famous rocker and wants Heather to jam with him at a pub) and despite all her declarations of insane love for Cooper, she never really pursues it. If I could see a bit more character development and more movement in the romance arena, I would be thrilled.

After singlehandedly solving a rash of murders at New York College's Fischer Hall last year, this year assistant residence hall director Heather Wells is trying to start the year off slowly and with much less drama. That's easier said than done when, on her first day back on the job, a cheerleader's severed head is found in the cafeteria and no one knows what's become of her body. Heather tries valiantly to stay out of the investigation and mind her own business, but when the local police don't seem to be catching any leads, Heather uses her connections in the dorm to dig a little deeper and try to figure out who wanted one of the school's most popular girl's dead.

In the follow up to Size 12 Is Not Fat, heroine Heather Wells is still struggling with her weight, attempting to get things back to normal in the dorm (residence hall) she works in, and trying desperately not to fall too hard for her landlord/roommate/ex-potential-brother-in-law--unsuccessfully. The cast of characters who I fell in love with in the first book (including boy bander Jordan Cartwright, cafeteria worker Magda, and college student Gavin McGoren) are back this time and are funnier and more intriguing than ever. Also in this book Heather's ex-con father makes an appearance after getting out of prison, Heather decides to go back to school and get the BA she lied about on her resume, and Jordan FINALLY gets things together for his wedding.

Size 14 Is Not Fat Either is fun, escapist chick lit with a little mystery thrown in for kicks. If you enjoyed the first book, I'm sure you'll like this one, and I'm pretty sure you won't be too lost if you just jump right in with this one. The book also includes a first look at Cabot's next Heather Wells mystery, tentatively titled Big Boned, where Heather finally finds a man of her own.

Heather Wells has adjusted from being a teen music sensation to an out of the spotlight student-life assistant dorm director at New York College. Keeping students in line in Manhattan has proven much more difficult than she expected especially with the female corpse in the elevator shaft at Heather's residence hall (see SIZE 12 IS NOT FAT). Just as she adjusted from the end of her singing career due to getting too big to be a star and her mom running to South America with her savings, Heather hopes that homicide is the last major problem she faces at the school.

However, the head of popular cheerleader Lindsay Combs is found boiled to a prune inside a cafeteria's cooking pot. Though she knows to leave it to the cops, Heather remembers they wrote off the elevator death as a suicide, so in spite of it being obvious that murder occured, she does not trust the police or the administration to solve the case. Heather investigates by learning what she can about the victim; Miss Bubbles slept with several drug-selling frat students. Interrupting her inquiries is her dad, just released from prison after two decades, who needs a place to crash.

This is a fun cozy due to the enthusiasm of the heroine who takes hits but keeps on moving in a positive manner. Heather is delightful as she copes with the end of her music career quite nicely, investigates the latest murder at the college, and struggles with her dad's desire to relate after all these years. She has good reasons not to trust her parents. The number of suspects seems small as this is a college in New York, but no one will care due to the appealing Heather.

Harriet Klausner