Fat Chance

A Finley Anderson Tanner Mystery #3

by Rhonda Pollero

Finley becomes a homeowner in this new adventure when her mother sells her a little cottage on trendy Palm Beach that her mother and her late stepfather bought years ago. But odd things start happening at the new house, scaring Finley and forcing her to call sexy P.I. Liam McGarrity. To make matters worse, the law firm has hired Tony Caprelli to head up a criminal division, and he insists that Finley take continuing education courses so she can assist him. The only thing Finley hates more than work is school, but she goes along with the plan because Tony is primo dating material. Between the pressures of work and school, a creepy new house to renovate and decorate, and an attractive new attorney to think about, Finley investigates the murder.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Humor, Adult Fiction

309 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Rhonda Pollero also writes under the name Kelsey Roberts.

Reviews

[Maureen DeLuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 3 star, but I'm adding another for I did finish it, and I'm very picky about my cozy books...for I only read them when I need some pop corn for the brain. This is the third in this series, and it was kinda ok to kinda good. Your typical cozy, hot looking ex- cop, now turned detective. Another x love interest and a new hunky man thrown in for good measure.

Finley, the main character, is always looking for great buys on designer clothes on eBay, works in a law office as a paralegal, and always seems to find a dead body along the way.

A fun cast of characters, I would suggest reading from the fist in this series....IF you are into these kinds of books. Like I said, I need them every once in a while , then I go back to my psycho, serial stalker looney people who just loves to kill and or cut up a body along the way!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Finley and the messes she gets herself into. This was a fun story with her finding a skeleton in her closet (literally) in the new house she "bought" (don't even get me started on how her mother treats her). Because the skeleton dates back I somehow never got a good grip on the dates she was going back to but that didn't really detract from the story or my enjoyment. I even figured things out a step or two ahead of Finley and even though I was expecting something creepy to happen it still got me when it did.

[Iowalibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it should have been about 50 pages shorter. I got it because it sounded like a Janet Evanovich novel, and it mostly was like one--but a little less funny.

I figured out "the mystery" pretty early, and had to wait for Finley to catch up. My other problem is that while the main character--Finley Anderson Turner--is fun, I can't identify with her. She is a little too concerned with materials things and is actually pretty lazy.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley's mother sells her a house with conditions and gives her a line of credit which is added to the monthly payment. Well, you know something is odd about the whole thing and it gets odder when Finley discovers a skeleton in the closet. Finley wants to find out who the skeleton belonged to and what it was doing in her closet. Of course, Finley keeps on with her bargain hunting for designer items that have been marked down always a fashionista.

[Domenique Ashford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read! The main character Finley is a sassy, fearless, and funny character to follow along throughout the story. The book has twists and turns with some foreshadowing that makes it interesting to try and figure out what will happen next. Pollero did an awesome job of making this book intriguing and interesting with every page flip. I know what author I will be looking for in the future!

[Kathryn Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read alot of cozy mysteries, and this is a fun series...a little like the Stephanie Plum type with a good mix of supporting cast members to make things interesting. I am not a fashionista by any stretch but I enjoy Finley's descriptions of her bargain outfits, and how she accessorizes EVERYTHING, even her pajamas. Very entertaining.

[Lynn K Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read

This was a great story and happy ending. I. Had never heard of lulu Guinness fragrance so I ordered a tester off of amazon. Just in case I didn't care for it. But I like it better than my David Thurman fragrance from neimans.

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the last two this one is a dream come true.

Don’t get me wrong the MC is still completely irritating and thoroughly shallow, but I only rolled my eyes a bit instead of A LOT so hey, I’ll take it.

Only two left and I can banish this series to a donation box

[Libby]

(E-Lib) These books definitely aren't my favorite, but are good to read in a pinch. I feel like they should be shorter, though. I can't believe Finely let Parker come in the way of her dalliance with Liam at the end. Brother.

[Meghan Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book a lot ! At first it was a slow read. Once you get to the middle of the book - it was hard to put the book down . Really enjoyed the second half of it. Wish it had a better ending though ! Really wanted to see how her and Liam worked out

[Ginger Paro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa!!!

This was a great book with a great story and it's the best one so far in the series!!! I can't wait to start the next one.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially liked this one. Such a mystery and she's finally getting somewhere with Liam. Go away Patrick!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 stars.

[The Peon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished the entire series of Finley Anderson Tanner books by Rhonda Pollero. This series was a VERY VERY simple read. It was a combination of Chick-Lit and Mystery…but mostly Chick-Lit, the mystery was much to be desired. The author’s writing is beginner level at best. Do not get me wrong, I read the books and enjoyed them to some degree, however the plots were sub par and unbelievable. The author would introduce a problem but often times would not resolve it. Another thing that was annoying was that she would literally copy and paste pages of the same information in subsequent books, which I guess would not have mattered if I did not read all the books in order. It was so obvious that I skipped several pages, not one or two but 10 to 15, at a time. In one book, Knock’em Dead, there was a character whose name was spelled several different ways throughout the book. Overall, I did enjoy the books and look forward to the next one. These books can definitely be read over the weekend, not all at once, unless you are a super reader. If you decide to read this series do not have high expectations. I recommend this series but with caution.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fat Chance is the third installment to the Finley Anderson Tanner series. It keeps getting better and better. It's light, humorous, and most definitely entertaining. It has a bit of everything: romance, humour, chick-lit, mystery, danger, and a bunch of surprises to keep you on your toes. This time Finley's bought a home at a bargain price - but it comes at a cost. Especially as it is sold to her by her IRRITATING mother (when will she ever do something about her???). If you're a regular reader to the series then you know what I mean. She's also wrapped up in more trouble in the form of a skeleton found in her new home (clutching her father's medallion) which catapults Finley into new danger.

There were definitely parts that I feel the story could have done without but I would have to say on an entertainment scale, this book gets 9/10. Everything else is fine as I found myself barely being able to put the book down for more than a minute. I definitely recommend this series. The snippet of the next installment has got me eagerly anticipating Slightly Irregular. 4.5/5 stars.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

adult mystery/chick lit. This is a quick, light read--but only if you can overlook the fact that the narrator (Finley Anderson Tanner--apparently the author is just going to use phrases with the word "FAT" in it for titles, rather than trying to come up with something that conveys any meaning about the stories within) is not nearly as clever, as funny, or as fashionable as she thinks (Tiny cherries on a print dress? How old are we--12? or 55?). The reader can also make some pretty good guesses about the perpetrators of the crimes committed about 8 chapters before Finley eventually clues in, so I wouldn't recommend this to serious mystery readers. The main characters happen to be all be beautiful, which may be "normal" in the plasticky circles of Palm Beach, but the reader has to sit through tiresome descriptions of each, as well as what they are wearing (also somewhat meh) as they lunch at various meh restaurants (the Cheesecake factory? Are you kidding me?). That said, if you enjoy light reads, this one is quick-paced and an easy read.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find Finley Anderson's cheerfully covetous attitude fun to read, as she breezes through life one step ahead of the debt that plagues her. In this installment of her mystery series, Rhonda Pollero has her heroine dealing with major contractor issues in an attempt to rescue her new home from ruin. It doen't help that she has to solve a murder while withstanding the temptations of two men, hot private investigator Liam McGarrity, and her new boss; all while making sure she's dressed in the height of fashion.

It's surprising, I have always considered myself a label-free person, but as I read Pollero's books I realize that I am way too familiar with the brands and designers that are an integral part of her stories. It's shocking to me that I can picture the dresses, the shoes, even the makeup! I suppose that I am much more affected by popular culture than I thought. Still fun to read though...

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just re-read this in anticipation of the next book, Slightly Irregular. I had actually thought this series was cancelled, so I was thrilled to see the next two books out.

I love this series - I think it's a lot of fun to read; very entertaining with a great cast of characters. Finley is an absolute idiot when it comes to personal finance, but still a hoot. Lots of interesting romantic tension, and really excellent mysteries.

Fat Chance is about a corpse Finley finds in her new 'handyman special' beach house her mother railroads her into purchasing. Her attempts to identify the decade-plus old corpse lands her in the thick of things. Lots of humour, a bit of action, a new romantic possibility. Just a really entertaining read. I can't wait to get started on Slightly Irregular.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2 Beans Worth: Yeah, go ahead and say it. Another fashionista, wannabe detective story? In a way, yes. In another way, no.

Pollero was a never-heard-of-her author before this read, but sometimes taking the chance pays off. Such is the case with Pollero. She is another author who can mix the genres and make a really readable story. Even though there's a mystery (gruesome skeleton in the closet), and Tanner's mom is a complete Capital B (Tanner even starts to think her mom is involved in the murder), there is also a bit of humor to lighten the story from time to time.
Any story that can entertain, intrigue, and gives a few chuckles is always a winner around here.

So worth the read? Yep. Sometimes change is good. And sometimes a new perspective on an old idea is good too. Both hold true with Pollero and Fat Chance, respectively.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Florida paralegal Finley Anderson Tanner is stunned when her cold, much-married mother demands that Finley buy a beach house on Palm Beach for way under the normal price. She can't afford it, but Finley goes for it anyway (the story of her life), only to find the interior barely salvagable, and a mummified dead body in the closet. The police are ready to write it off as an old crime, but Finley, helped by too-attractive private eye Liam McGarrity, can't dismiss the woman that easily. Tracing back the tenant, once assistant to Finley's beloved, now-dead stepfather, she finds that the woman served as foster parent to a wide variety of delinquent teens.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just as great as the other 2 in the series. If you haven't read them, I strongly suggest starting with those, rather than with this one, only because the characters are so great and you'll miss some of the back story if you read them out of order. However, that said, Pollero does make references to the other 2 books so you won't be totally lost if you haven't read them.

What I like so much about this series is that not only are the characters fun, but the actual mysteries themselves are really top notch.

If you like Stephanie Bond and Lois Greiman, I highly recommend Rhonda Pollero's series. (And if you haven't read Bond or Greiman, I recommend them too!)

[Heather Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am torn on how well I like the book. It is very well written, great storyline, but the detailed fashion and shopholic portions break the rythmn and I just cannot get fully invested. I do hope to see more books by here and want to read the rest of the series (I picked this book up at a book sale) and am interested in the characters. I just do not think it is a series I will be able to binge read. She makes it seem that shopping thrifty is a bad thing and belabors it cross the point it needs to be made. I applaud Finley for shopping thrift but can do withouth the whole fashion overfocus.

[A.B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a very slow start. Turns out it is the third in a series, but nothing needed to be known from the previous two that wasn't reveled to me anyway eventually so it worked. I do like it, it was exciting, even if I figured out the ending with fifty pages or so left. It got to the point I really didn't want to put it down, which is always a plus for a book. It is not great Literature, but was a fun summer read. I will have to look for the first two and the next one as well.

[Charles Duvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like humorous mysteries and Fat Chance fit the bill. While the multiple ways that Rhonda Pollero's heroine Finley Tanner goes to hide her wardrobe shortcomings was not of much interest to a guy like me I have known some women that are exactly like that who would go to those same lengths. A quick breezy read without getting lost in the characters. Great for reading at the beach and will keep a smile on your face.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely lightweight, but sort of fun and quirky for a mystery/romance. I would have given it 3 stars, but there were too many plot holes, lack of in-depth characterization, and unresolved issues. The "heroine" became very annoying as she constantly complained about not being in a relationship, but kept pushing men away from her. The author is pretty darn funny, however.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are just light mysteries with a dash of romance. I did figure out this mystery long before the main character and I don't normally do that. So you know it must have been very obvious. The main character is so involved with buying designer clothes that sometimes I have a hard time relating. But that all said, I really enjoy these books. They are not deep -- just fun.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, this mystery features Finley Anderson Tanner as she tries to find out who murdered the dead girl who was stashed in the closet of the house Finley's mother just sold to her. Finley thinks she knows, but has it all wrong up until the last second when she almost loses her own life. Definitely a page-turner!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likeable heroine, hot and helpful men, evil boss, mean girl, shopping...this one has it all. I have seen it compared to Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich's character) but frankly, I think Finley is more cerebral and likeable than Stephanie. I am about done with Stephanie Plum, but Finley is a satisfactory and refreshing female amateur sleuth to take her place.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am totally hooked! Love Finley, and this book redeemed the series--after the second F.A.T. mystery, I wasn't sure that this would be a series I continued to follow. I felt like this was a book that made some substantial turns with the character and the supporting characters in her life--and I like where I'm imagining the author will take Finley. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Tina Axell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and each one seems to get better. The characters are so well-developed and the storyline a great mixture of friendship, mystery, romance. Even though I figured out the clues this time well before Finley did, I still enjoyed reading to the end. What an ending! Rhonda Pollero really knows the meaning of cliffhanger, I can't wait to find out what happens next!