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 "I'd like to spend more time with Sue Ann Jaffarian's Odelia, a plus-size fat-liberationist with a handsome wheelchair-bound loverOdelia, a paralegal from Costa Mesa, Calif., is as infectiously optimistic, despite frequent humiliation, as Alexander McCall Smith's dear Precious Ramotswe is serene. And like Miss Zukas and Agatha, she does not hesitate to give justice a small, well-plotted forward shove at every opportunity." The New York Times

 

"Told in an engaging first-person narration, this is the second book in the humorous Odelia Grey series (Too Big to Miss, 2006). Libraries will want both, as Jaffarian offers the perfectly flawed alternative for readers sick and tired of picture-perfect characters. The wonderfully human Ophelia's adventures will continue in the forthcoming Mother Mayhem." Booklist

           

"The Curse of the Holy Pail is a fast paced and well plotted book. Jaffarians writing is sharp and sassy- like her protagonist- and she knows how to keep the suspense high. If this second-in-the-series is any indication, Jaffarian and Odelia have a bright future."  Mystery Scene Magazine

 

"Odelia Grey is a wonderful addition to the mystery genre, a smart, funny, engaging plus-size heroine who takes readers on a plus-size ride. You root for her, laugh with her and cheer at her ultimate triumph. If I were in trouble, I'd want Odelia on my side."
Denise Hamilton, Edgar Allen Poe and Willa Cather awards finalist and bestselling author of Prisoner of Memory


"Jaffarian plays the formula with finesse, keeping love problems firmly in the background while giving her heroine room to use her ample wit and grit."  Kirkus Reviews

"In this second adventure of Odelia Grey, the plus size sleuth is back and better then ever. From the opening paragraph to the exciting climax, this novel has it all Jaffarian has a way of making her characters come alive on the page. She draws each one so realistically that each has freshness. Jaffarian is a writer with the skills to create believable characters and plots. There are just enough twists and turns that keeps the story flowing effortlesslyI enjoyed this soft-boiled mystery series by this extremely talented writer."  A Reader Told Me So, Twinsburg, Ohio Public Library

 

"With a legendary curse, a possibly murderous little person, ruthless heirs, [and] charismatic thugs... a lively caper that will keep you guessing right till the end." Kris Neri, award-winning author of the Tracy Eaton mysteries [about The Curse of the Holy Pail]

 

"Over 40, overweight, and over the notion that she has to live up to any standards but her own, Odelia Grey is the cozy heroine for women who are comfortable in their own lives and skinsThe characters and the plot, like the heroine, are well-rounded[The Curse of the Holy Pail] is a good mystery for someone who likes cozies with some brain and complexity to them." — Reviewingtheevidence.com

 

"[THE CURSE OF THE HOLY PAIL] keeps the reader engaged to the end[Odelia Grey] is a keeper."  Library Journal

 

"I have enjoyed both books in the series.  Odelia is a resourceful woman, and I didn't chafe at her amateur sleuthing. The book has an inspired cookie recipe."  Deadly Pleasures, Rated it a B+

 

"On one level, Too Big to Miss is a classic, fast-paced mystery; on another, it's a passport into a world we either inhabit or live next-door to, but rarely see in popular fiction. Sue Ann Jaffarian breaks rules and breaks ground, with humor, insight and compassion." — Harley Jane Kozak, author of Dating Dead Men and Dating is Murder, winner Anthony and Agatha  awards

"A plus-sized thumbs up. Jaffarian's a new sharpshooter in crime fiction, so set your sights on this Odelia Grey mystery for a tightly coiled intrigue that targets a sexy shocker." — Brian M. Wiprud, author of Stuffed and Pipsqueak, winner of Lefty Award for Most Humorous Novel

Too Big to Miss is too good to miss, a fun-filled romp that introduces the delightful 'Odelia Grey' and leaves you anxious for more of her. Odelia's definitely worth her weight in reading enjoyment."  — Robert S. Levinson, author of Ask a Dead Man and Hot Paint


Balancing her professional skills as a paralegal with her self-doubt as a sleuth, Odelia is one of the most believable amateur detectives in recent fiction. Beautifully plotted and carefully crafted, this is a marvelous start to an exciting new series. Strongly recommended.”  —  Library Journal [about Too Big To Miss]

“Sue Ann Jaffarian does a bang-up job of portraying Odelia's world (skillful paralegal who is adept at dealing with obnoxious lawyers); loyal friend (refusing to accept the mystery of Sophie's death at face value); and romantic lover (meeting an exceptional guy and accepting him with his flaws). TOO BIG TO MISS is touching; hilarious; has a killer plot that keeps winding round and round; and of course has characters who feel real and struggle through their personal challenges.” Midwest Book Review

“There is a lot of humor, and a fair amount of underlying angst in this book, which serves to make the story realistic…With a cast of diverse characters, an intriguing plot, and a credible heroine, this is an enjoyable read.”  Mystery Scene Magazine [about Too Big To Miss]


“This one’s a keeper: more twists and turns than a mountain trail. Odelia Grey is a never-married, middle-aged, plus-sized woman I would love to meet…It’s a good plot, and well-written; I loved the word pictures Jaffarian draws. A true wordsmith.”  — Mystery Book Store (Westwood, CA)  [Too Big To Miss was selected as a February “Staff Pick” by Mystery Book Store and as a March read for their “Delicate but Deadly” Book Club.

       

“This book [Too Big To Miss] was enjoyable on so many levels. First and foremost, it is very well written. Second, it confronts the prejudice that is openly shown to fat people in today’s society and gives a gentle nudge toward developing tolerance. And finally, it leaves you impatiently awaiting the next installment in the life of Odelia Patience Grey…the best new heroine to spring from the pages of a book in years.”    —  Joanne Benham, Reader Views

 

“[Odelia Grey] is an intriguing character, a true counter against stereotype, who demonstrates that life can be good, even in a world where thin is always in.” —   Booklist

 

“Author and comedian Sue Ann Jaffarian has written a sharp, snappy mystery novel …This is a fast and furious read that should be fun to see as a series with Odelia as the lead character.”  AmaZe Magazine 

"Jaffarian's characters are delightfully rich and robust and add a dose of comfort and comedy to the mystery. You'll feel right at home with the wacky relatives, neighbors and friends who mirror those we can all relate to. Set in California , there's a fun look at life in sunny climes and, yes, there is even a hint of romance for our hefty heroine. There are lots of clues for the armchair sleuth and enough plot twists to make you dizzy, but you'll love the ride."  Mysterical-E

 

"I loved this book [Too Big To Miss]. It is entertaining and thought provoking. It looks at parts of our society that we don't always want to acknowledgeI would definitely recommend this book to everyone. It's a good mystery, a twist on the locked room mystery. After all, how can a suicide, witnessed by an untold number of people, be a murder? It's funny, and warm, and soothing. And the resolution of the story is very satisfying." Gumshoe Review

 

“The book is a good mystery with a good twist at the end…The characters themselves are nicely drawn, Odelia is a powerful women who just doesn’t not know it yet. Her love interest is a nice parallel of her own experiences of prejudice and again nicely developed. The other subsidiary characters are brought to life enough to make the story move along…If this book does become as popular as I think it will be, it will introduce the idea of size acceptance and give a glimpse in to every day prejudices large size people experience. Enough of all this, just go out and buy this book and enjoy a damn good read!” SizeNet.com


"…Ms. Jaffarian's work exudes humor, good characterization and good writing…"  Who-Dunnit.com

 

 “This book was full of insights into "invisible people" like the disabled, and overweight, and how they have to cope with their life, as well as discrimination and misconceptions people have about our differences….There is an abundance of humor and snappy dialog, and a golden retriever (always a plus for me).” Looking for Books, posted on killerbooks.org

 

“This book would be a great gift for those mystery lovers who want to read about a character with a disability who actually adds to the drama, intensity, and humor of the plot."   Audacity Magazine








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