Big Boned (Heather Wells Mysteries)

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780060525132
• Notes: Sort New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Ready: NEW

Description

Life is reasonably rosy for plus-size ex-pop star turned Assistant Dormitory Director and sometime sleuth Heather Wells. Her freeloading ex-con dad is finally moving out. She still yearns for her hot landlord, Cooper Cartwright, but her relationship with "rebound beau," vigorous vegan math professor Tad Tocco, is more than satisfactory. Best of all, nobody has died lately in "Death Dorm," the aptly nicknamed student residence that Heather assistant-directs. Of course every silver lining ultimately has some black cloud attached. And when the latest murdered corpse to clutter up her jurisdiction turns out to be her exceedingly unlovable boss, Heather finds herself on the shortlist of prime suspects—along with the rabble-rousing boyfriend of her high-strung student assistant and an indecently handsome young campus minister who's been accused of taking liberties with certain girls' choir members.

With fame beckoning her back into show business (as the star of a new kids' show!) it's a really bad time to get wrapped up in another homicide. Plus Tad's been working himself up to ask her a Big Question, which Heather's not sure she has an answer for . . .

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Customer Reviews

A fun book
I really enjoy reading the Heather Wells books. They are very light hearted, fairly juvenile books, but they are fun. Big Boned really delivers what the Heather Wells fans want and leaves room for Meg's next book!

2010-02-07 (Texas) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Entertaining
This was a fast moving story, not great but pretty enjoyable. But, I found that in this story there was alot of rambling and I was able to skip entire chapters and not miss a thing. I'm looking forward to the next Heather Wells' book. I feel that Heather could be anyone I meet, she is very personable and her character is believeable and endearing. Cabot definetly has a talent of writing characters that we've come to love.

2010-01-04 | bookworm (Utah USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Quick Review (no story plot)
Not my favorite Meg Cabot book but still good. A light hearted read with her usual loveable characters and mystery. Definite read if your a Meg Cabot fan!

2009-09-23 | bookworm chick (NC) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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DON'T WORRY! THIS IS NOT THE END!!!
Let me start by saying that I am a huge Meg Cabot fan. I think that she is an absolute genius when it comes to chick lit, and I love all of the books that she's written (excluding the Princess Diaries series, which is odd because they are the books the rocketed her to superstardom). Anyway, back to the point.

This book is my favorite of the series (they're all pretty closely tied), mostly because of the ending. I'm not going to reiterate the summary of the book, because if you are truly a Heather Wells fan, you don't care what the book is about, as long as Heather makes an appearance.

I am just here to let everyone (who is freaking out about how the series is over and how the book was too short and the ending seemed like it needed a few more chapters) that the series IS NOT OVER!!!!! I know that 2 years have passed since Big Boned was released, but have no fear! Meg Cabot fully intends to write more sequels, 2 to be exact. If you don't believe me just check her website and read the FAQs.

Like the rest of us, I wish she would get a move on with the Heather Wells series, but I understand that she also needs to release new books for the teenage (Airhead, Being Nikki, etc) and young children (Allie Finkle) audiences. She has said that she just needs to find time to write the books (which should be out around 2009 to 2010, though I'm sure that now it will probably 2010 to 2011 as it has been a while since she has updated that part of her FAQs. (I know, because I check weekly.)

*Big Boned Spoilers Below*

I read somewhere that the fourth book would be about Heather helping at a camp with Jordan's wife Tania Trace and then the fifth would most likely be Heather and Cooper's elopement. I can't recall where I read that at, but I'm sure that I read it somewhere.

*End of Big Boned Spoilers*

Okay, I found it, sort of. I searched through her blog, because I suddenly had a stroke of genius and remembered where it was I read it, and it appears that:

1) In March of 2008 Meg posted the following: "Quick update: It's official....There will be two more Heather Wells books! No titles to announce yet for the new books. The books themselves won't be out until next year. The fourth one will take up soon after Big Boned (Size Doesn't Matter in the UK) left off. It will probably take place over summer break and be about Tania Trace Rock Camp. The fifth one will be about Heather and Cooper's you-know-what and take place the following fall."

2) In April of 2008 she said: "...I'm far too busy writing new Heather Wells books..."

3) In March of 2009 she updated, saying: "Oh, and I'm working on Allie Finkle #5, too (for the scoop on #4, go here) as well as more Heather Wells...."

And finally...

4) In April of 2009 she said: "Wow, it's weird how things change. But New York isn't all that different! I mean, Washington Square Park is all cleaned up and spiffy (I had to check it out as research for the next Heather Wells novel, coming soon! And by soon I mean next year because I haven't turned it in yet, or finished writing it)."

So, rest assured, more Heather Wells books are on the way and should be here by next year, 2010. Hooray! Hope that helped some of you in your Heather Wells distress!

2009-06-12 | Avid reader and movie watcher (Rogersville, Mo United States) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Chick-Lit and Mystery Combo
I finished it in less than a day (it wasn't a hefty read, but I did spend a few hours on it). It is the last installment of the Heather Wells series (sad!), and she helps to solve another murder case (this time of her newest boss). Character relationships get even more developed in this one, as the graduate assistant who works in Heather's office is involved with a possible suspect. The ending provided some resolution for me, but mostly made me want to read another book about Heather and the things that happen at the end of the book (sigh). While I realize the murders that happened in the other two books weren't entirely realistic, this one seemed the least realistic of all (but it's okay, I adored the chick lit + mystery combination).

2009-06-07 (Big Rapids, MI) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Boy Meets Girl

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780060085452
• Fit out: NEW
• Notes: Characterize New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Description

Meet Kate Mackenzie. She:

• works for the T.O.D. (short for TyrannicalOffice Despot, also known as Amy Jenkins,Director of the Human Resources Divisionat the New York Journal)
• is sleeping on the couch because herboyfriend of ten years refuses to commit
• can't find an affordable studio apartmentanywhere in New York City
• thinks things can't get any worse.

They can. Because:

• the T.O.D. is making her fire the most popularemployee in the paper's senior staff dining room
• that employee is now suing Kate for wrongfultermination, and
• now Kate has to give a deposition in front ofMitch Hertzog, the scion of one of Manhattan's wealthiest law families,who embraces everything Kate most despises ... but also happens to have a nice smile and a killer bod.

The last thing anybody -- least of all Kate Mackenzie -- expects to findin a legal arbitration is love. But that's the kind of thing that canhappen when ... Boy Meets Girl.

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Customer Reviews

probably meg's best....
she doesn't just tell the story in emails, she also tells it through menus, grocery list, receipts....bank statements....invoices, etc...i think this takes the prise for the most creative book i've ever read..it's fluff but i enjoyed all the characters....and i was not bored once.....

2010-02-12 (Brooklyn, New York) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Voyeurism on a Whole New Level
THREE QUICK POINTS
* Point 1: Voyeurism on a whole new level. The entire story unfolds via correspondence such as office emails, forms, IMs, phone messages, lists, and journal entries. Very clever.

* Point 2: Where'd the time go? Since the story unfolds via correspondence, it's difficult (if not completely impossible) to track how much time has passed. That also contributes to the disingenuous evolution of Kate and Mitch's relationship.

* Point 3: Predictable ending with a nifty twist. This being the type of book that it is, it won't be a surprise that Girl ends up with Prince Charming, but it's the twist at the end that makes it worthwhile.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:
Boy Meets Girl opens with Kate Mackenzie working on a warning letter for an employee named Ida Lopez, the company's dessert lady, because she sometimes refuses to serve dessert to certain people whom she deems undeserving. These people, of course, find it necessary to complain. Due to an unfortunate series of events, Kate is forced to fire Ida. Ida retaliates by filing a lawsuit. This lawsuit brings Mitch Hertzog, the company's lawyer, into Kate's life and it turns everything upside down and inside out.

MY THOUGHTS:
This book was infectious. I thought I would pick it up to pass a couple hours, but ended up reading it straight through. First, the fact that this book evolves through correspondence and journal entries was well done and clever. There are so many ways I could have seen such a format crashing and burning, but in this story, it worked. One quirk I did happen to catch, however, is that sometimes individual personalities weren't completely respected.

For instance, Kate often clarifies who she's talking about by tacking on a fragmented sentence, such as "Mitch, I mean" and as the story continued, I caught other people doing the same thing, even when their previous correspondence wouldn't have suggested that it wasn't one of their idiosyncrasies. It didn't detracted greatly from the story or the reading though.

The handling of Ida was beautifully done (until the end). If you're just breezing through the book, it would be easy to miss, but aside from making delectable treats, she's also a bit psychic. The premise of the book hinged on Ida's decisions. Another clever aspect of the book was the recipes sprinkled throughout. I haven't tried any of them yet, but they do look like recipes you can use. My only quarrel was with Ida's ending. I understand why and was glad for her, but I just didn't like the how.

But you're probably wondering about the juicy bits, the actual romance that unfolds through the story. What I liked about this particular romance is that it was cute and seemed like a natural unfolding. What made it unnatural, however, was the lack of time transpiring. Love was declared, but it seems odd considering Kate and Mitch could not have known each other very long--or it just seemed as though it was rushed.

For the most part, each character was very well drawn. What I found surprising (and pleasantly so) was the depth of evil that dwelled within some of the characters' hearts and that they were rendered without censure onto the page. Kind of like getting to peer in the minds of people when they think no one is looking.

On a final note, this book may cause hysterical laughter.

2010-01-27 (USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Loved this book!
This is the first book I read by Meg Cabot and I just absolutely loved it!! Can't wait on reading more from her. Written in e-mail format.. it takes a little while to get used to it, but once you do, you cannot stop reading. Loved the characters and the plot!! Funny, romantic, drama!! everything a good chic lit book should have!! I just wish they would make this book into a movie. I sure would be standing in line!

2009-12-06 | book lover (Austin, TX) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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ANNOYING FORMAT..
I could not even get to page 100. This format of reading only emails,text messages, and voicemails may be unique but it is extremely irritating. The heroine also seemed too annoying. Not too many would date a non-committing rock star/loser for 10 years.

2009-06-19 (Texas) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2

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Hilarious
4.5 stars

This is a story about Kate Mackenzie, a HR personnel, who had to fire an employee for not serving her desserts to a certain person. Even though it was her boss's fault, she was being sued for wrongful termination suit. Mitch Herzog, a lawyer, took over her case and soon find himself attracted to Kate. The story revolves around the incidents that was caused by the result of the lawsuit.

This is the first Meg Cabot's book I have ever read. And I have to tell you, it's HILARIOUS! It wasn't laugh out of loud funny, but more you shake your head in disbelief kind of funny. It was written in letter, emails, IMs and other forms of communications. It was a different style of reading for me than the usually format. It wasn't confusing, but it was annoying with the extra footnotes and such, but I mostly skimmed through those. The reason I liked this story so much was the fact I could relate. Not that we have anything like this at work, but I can totally understand. My favorite part is about the usage of communications in the office. Something similar happen to us at work so I can only say, kudos. Her witty dialogues and writing got to me and totally addicted me.

The characters were likable. And Mitch is a really great guy. I wished there was more to the ending. But that's just me.

A great read! Definitely worth picking up.

2009-03-15 (Philadelphia, PA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Runaway (Airhead)

Description

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope. . .what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope. . .what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Will Christopher be able to put aside his personal feelings and help her expose her employer to the world? Is it even fair to get Christopher involved--since if he agrees, there's every chance that Stark Enterprises will try to have them both killed--this time, permanently?

Maybe it would be better for Em to just keep on running.

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Shadowland (The Mediator, Book 1)

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780060725112
• Train: NEW
• Notes: Kind New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Description

Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind ... and Suze happens to be in the way.

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Customer Reviews

3.5 Stars for Shadowland
3.5 Stars - A fun, light, easy paranormal read - this book is nice beginning in the Mediator Series. The main Character Suze is true to most teens - going her own way to deal with the ghosts she's trying to send to the "other side". She's head strong and knows just how she likes to do things, which maybe isn't always the right way. However, throughout the book it makes you question whether or not she'll be able to get the job done.

With some mystery - ghost's and a head strong teen, I look forward to find out more and what's coming next for Suze, not to mention finding out more about Jessie and to see where his part of the story leads.

If your looking for a light mysterious read with ghosts? Then this is the perfect series for you.

2010-02-26 | A Life Bound By Books (US & UK, both I call home) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Amazing Series!!!
This series is amazing. I was reluctant to read it due to the appearance. I had always heard don't judge a book by its cover but I never thought that I would. The book seems to be a superficial chick-flickesk novel, but it has wonderful plot twists and compelling characters combined with action, fantasy, and of course, romance. This was the first series I ever reread. I first read it when I was 13 years old. Now, at 20, I still love these books, Cabot's relatable characters, and her funny wit! If you have not read this series yet I recommend you go read one today. You will not be able to put it down.

2010-02-12 | E | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A quick, enjoyable read...
I discovered this book when I was trying to find another series after having read everything in the Twilight saga. Now, I would never say that this is great literature or anything, but I read this book in a few hours because I just didn't want to put it down. Beyond the fantasy/paranormal angle, this book really doesn't have a lot in common with Twilight beyond the fact that it is a wonderful book. Suze Simon is a strong-willed, exciting main character, and the "mediator" concept is quite intriguing.

I'm just glad I still have 5 books to go in the series!

2009-11-12 (Columbus, OH United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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OK read
The Mediator series is alright. It's not awesome, and the writing is not genius, but it's a story. At times, I felt kind of dumb reading this series because it seemed to drag on. The main character is a bit annoying too. Read if you have nothing better to do.

2009-10-20 | Jenny (Carson City, NV) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Suze Simon Delivers with a Punch
Right off the bat, I'll `fess up - I've come to the Meg Cabot party a little late. Meg started writing her young adult novels after I had already passed through that stage of my life and in fact after I had written my first young adult novel. After taking a too long break from writing, I am back to it and forging ahead, and along with that, I am reading more than ever. I knew I wanted to read some of Meg Cabot's work, but didn't want to start with the Princess Diaries series as it was ten books in length, and knowing me, I would have to read them all one right after the other and I had a book of my own to write. So, I started in November last year with the Heather Wells Mystery series (I have read all three currently available, but have only written the one review for Size 12 is Not Fat so far). Then in July while I was waiting for some feedback on my completed novel, through @compelledtoread on Twitter, I was led to her post about the Mediator series by Meg Cabot. The description of the series captured me, so I grabbed my Kindle and downloaded a sample of the first book in the series Shadowland.

To say I consumed this series would almost be an understatement. As soon as I completed one book, I downloaded the next and continued to read. Bless the ease and accessibility of Kindle to more reading material and thanks to Meg for having the books available in Kindle format so I didn't have to go to the bookstore or wait for a delivery. Sometimes instant gratification can be wonderful.

We meet sixteen year old Suze Simon (short for Susannah) as she arrives in Carmel, California from New York City to move in with her mother, new stepfather, and three stepbrothers. She's been living with her grandmother for the last six months since her mother married Andy because there was no space available at Mission Academy for her to attend school. Suze, who doesn't let anyone except her mom call her Susie, is trying to make the best of it, but is not really excited to be leaving her friends, well, friend Gina, to move in with a new family in a strange new place, but wants to make her mom happy. She is distressed to learn that not only is the school she will be attending old, but her new house was built in 1849, and Suze doesn't like old buildings. This may seem like a really strange dislike until you realize the reason Suze doesn't like old buildings is that they are much likely to contain other things that are old, like old ghosts. And while in many ways, Suze is a normal, angsty, maladjusted teenager, the thing which sets her apart is she can see and talk to ghosts.

To cap things off, the first thing she runs into in the new house, in her room of all places, is Jesse, a ghost who has been living in the house, in her room, since the mid-1800's and refuses to leave. When Suze starts Mission Academy, a catholic school, she is less than thrilled to almost immediately run into a ghost. It is the ghost of a girl who committed suicide and is the reason the vacancy opened up for Suze to attend school. What is mind blowing to Suze is she is not the only person who can see this particular ghost. Father Dominic, the principal of Mission Academy, is a mediator just like Suze. They are both shocked to find someone else with their gift, or as Suze sometimes thinks - curse. Father Dominic considers this to be a fortuitous sign and decides he must tutor Suze on the proper mediation methods, as Suze tends to mediate a little after the fashion of Rambo, striking first and asking questions later. As mediators, it is their job to help the ghost determine why they are still on this earth and help them pass on into the next life. Suze has found getting physical from time to time with the ghost in question is sometimes necessary, because it comes as a shock to them that she can actually touch them, and her punches hurt.

One of the true powers of Cabot's writing is her ability to draw the reader into the story. Her characters are penned with authority, and they are quirky, yet lovable, even though sometimes a little prickly. We, the reader, can identify with Suze Simon as she worries about the minutiae of normal teenage girl life - how to fit in at a new school, boys, how to make friends, boys, clothes, boys, etc. We've all been there, or are there. Suze makes some poor decisions, and learns to regret some of her choices, but the teenager within understands why those choices were made. The writer in me pays homage to the power of Cabot's pen. Meg you rock.

2009-08-24 | Happy Reading! | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Reunion (The Mediator, Book 3)

Product Details

• Notes: Characterize New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Teach: NEW
• ISBN13: 9780060725136

Description

The RLS Angels are out for blood, and only Suze can stop them--since she's the only one who can see them. The four ghostly teenagers died in a terrible car accident, for which they blame Suze's classmate Michael... and they'll stop at nothing until he's joined them in the realm of the dead.

As Suze desperately fends off each attempt on Michael's life, she finds she can relate to the Angels' fury. Because their deaths turn out not to have been accidental at all. And their killer is only too willing to strike again.

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Customer Reviews

Good Series
It was in really good condition. I'm happy that now I have the whole series and finally got to read all of them.

2010-02-27 | juliark | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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favorite books EVER!!!!!!
I looooove these books they were very entertaining and fun it was also action packed.It also had a different romance than any other book i have read.it was impossible to get bored with these books because of all the events happening.I would consider this book for anyone.All six books were great i absolutly loooved the ending of the six book.I found these books to be the perfect lenght.I can honestly say i was hooked to these books i couldnt let it go for even a minute.These books also had sad moments but also had many happy moments.For me this was an awesome written book!!!

2009-05-10 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Reuion hits home!
Smart, clever, witty, intresting; these are just a few words describing Suze's exciting mystery known as the RLS Angels, four successful teenagers who were murdered although the killer set it up to look accidental. Then theres Micheal. The one who crashed into the car the sent the RLS Angels plummeting off a mountian side to the untimley death. His sister in is a coma from falling into a pool drunk at one of the RLS Angel's parties. Everyone gave up hope on her ever awakining. There is Micheals motive but did he really kill four people. And is he the one who attempted to kill Suze's family? A real thrill, a must read series for all teens!

2008-07-07 | SarahLou=] (Indiana) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Great Book
Such an awsome book the whole series is great everyone who loves romance action all in one should read!

2007-04-09 (Dallas, Tx) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Ghostly Good Read!!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has lots of great details. When Susannah found out about this murder, she just had to investigate it. With the help of Father Dom and Jesse she finally got the killer but was put into hospital. It would help if you read the first two books or else you will get really confused with all the names and places. This book has lots of twists and turns and will keep you reading. You won't want to put it down!

2007-03-08 (Frankenmuth, MI United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Mediator #6: Twilight

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780060724696
• Notes: Characterize New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Persuade: NEW

Description

Suze has gotten used to ghosts. She's a mediator, after all, and communicating with the dead is all in a day's work. So she certainly never expected to fall in love with one: Jesse, a nineteenth- century hottie. But when she discovers that she has the power to determine who becomes a ghost in the first place, Suze begins to freak. It means she can alter the course of history ... andprevent Jesse's murder, keeping him from ever becoming a ghost -- and from ever meeting Suze.

Will Jesse choose to live without her, or die to love her?

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Customer Reviews

Right on the dot
This is the exact ending that I imagined appreciating after I read the five books in the series before this one. Suze Simon is almost exactly the kind of person I am - well, except for the fact that she can see ghosts. I loved how Meg Cabot ended the story. I hung on to every word. Excellent description from the protagonist's point of view. It was simply an amazing book.

2009-09-12 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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med#6
Purchased this for my daughter and she loved it and has read all of these books

2009-01-21 | Jenni (Lexington, KY USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Wonderful Book
I loved this book. I read the entire series and felt that Meg Cabot did a great job. Meg Cabot gave Suze a great ending and also a wonderful beginning. She also didnot make the story cliche like other books do when tackling the human and ghost relationship. Throughout the series, Meg Cabot kept hinting the Suze and Jeese are meant to be together and she kept to her word. There is no storyline like Jeese moves on and Suze is sad but she finds someone just like him to comfort her. It is a genuine love story. I wish Meg Cabot wrote more on the series.

2009-01-14 (bronx, NY) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Paranormal romance like "Twilight Saga"
First let me say that I work in the Children's Department of a bookstore. I first read the Mediator series 5 years ago & loved it. We have carried the series on & off for the past few years. When I read the Stephenie Meyer Twilight Saga, I felt that there were similarities between the two series - the whole paranormal romance aspect (female girl, not-so-human boy). I have had lots of teens ask me for books that are similar to the Twilight Saga, so I've started recommending this series. It doesn't take itself as seriously as the Meyer's series does, but I still think that readers would like it, even if there aren't any vampires in it.

Just today I finished rereading the entire series & I must say that I still think it's wonderful & would highly recommend it. I really loved the relationship between Jesse & Susannah and how it grew and changed over the course of the 6 books. I'm glad Meg Cabot finished up the series, just as Stephenie Meyer's did. And I loved the way she brought Jesse back to life - it's nice to think of Jesse & Susannah having a real future together (but then again, I'm a sucker for a happy ending).

2009-01-09 | Bookseller (Succasunna, NJ) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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JESSE IS HOT!!
i read this book 24/7 because of love the make out seen and paul i think paul is a hottie but he a jerk somtimes but he ok i would love to be a mediator so i can kiss a ghost so it can help me out with my life it would be very awesome!!

2008-05-22 | unique (USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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