Heather’s roommate, ex-fiancé’s brother Cooper, doesn’t see what Heather sees in the granola guru, but isn’t ready to tell Heather his true feelings for her, so stands by, ready to pick up the pieces.  Heather’s dorm has the reputation of collecting dead bodies, so when the new administrator is found shot in his office, Heather isn’t too surprised, though the execution style is a bit extreme even for Death Dorm.  She is surprised when a peace loving member of a student employee group is arrested for the murder.  The group had been lobbying the college’s administration to be treated as regular employees, with all the same benefits and perks, and have been protesting in nearby Washington Square Park. 

Still, Heather can’t believe the peace loving group would resort to cold-blooded murder, and begins looking into the administrator’s rumored mob connections and his ex-wife who REALLY wanted the wedding china.  In between running laps around the park and finding the real murderer, Heather’s recently returned father has come up with a way to jump start Heather’s career, involving a new line of children’s videos, something Heather is not sure she wants to get involved with. And now Heather is beginning to have doubts about Mr. Wonderful, not just because of the running business, but because they really are quite different. 

With a dose of often self-depreciating humor, Heather manages to successfully navigate all aspects of her ever crazy life, even finding time to offer romantic advice to pal Magda. 

Big Boned is a fast-paced, smart chick lit mystery with a down to earth heroine whose devotion to friends and family makes her all the more likable.  Readers will likely guess who the murderer is early on, but spending time with Heather and all her friends and zany adventures is reward enough.  A happy ending for both Heather and Magda is an added bonus, as is the suggestion that there are more adventures for Heather in Death Dorm.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry