Book review and Giveaway: Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

Many may best know Meg Cabot as the author of the young adult series, the Princess Diaries, on which two popular Disney movies were based. She’s also a successful writer of adult fiction as well. Size 12 and Ready to Rock is the fourth book in the Heather Wells mystery series geared toward the adult population.

Heather Wells is somewhat of a has-been. Her days as a pop sensation are over. Gaining a few pounds will do that when your record label thinks you’ve lost that “it girl” factor. Life doesn’t get any sunnier when she walks in on her fiancé, Jordan Cartwright,  bedding her replacement, up and coming pop star, Tania Trace.

Heather’s not about to give up on love. It may not have been planned, but she’s found her match with Jordan’s brother Cooper and neither Jordan’s discomfort with the idea or the shenanigans of a murderer  with an axe to grind, is going to get in the way of her walk down the aisle or her duties as an assistant residence hall director at New York College—even if it is supervising the occupants of the “Death Dorm.” Crazed teen girls and their mothers, the needs of a reality TV  show, nor a maniacal killer, are a match for Heather Wells when she makes up her mind to get the job done—or are they? And just what is the secret, Tania Truce is hiding anyway? Is it the key to solving the murder and preventing another one? Or will Heather lose the love of her life and more, again?

If you’ve only read Cabot’s young adult books, you’re missing out. Size 12 and Ready to Rock showcases Cabot’s witty, humorous and well-honed ability to craft an effective and engrossing mystery.  There are shades of Sophia Kinsella  and dare one say, chick lit, in this thoroughly light-hearted, but definitely not light-weight story.

Each chapter starts with the song lyrics of either the main protagonist, Heather Wells or her quasi-rival Tania Truce.  It’s an entertaining and fun way to infer where the story may be heading and add your own musical spin on the lyrics.

There are several simultaneous plot points to keep the tale interesting and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing what’s going to happen and anxious to learn if you’re  right.

Size 12 and Ready to Rock may be the fourth book in the series, but if it’s the first book readers encounter, they will still gain an excellent sense of who Heather Wells is as a character. It only makes one more intrigued to go back to the earlier books and learn more about her and how weight gain has played a significant role in her life. Weight is such a huge factor in many woman’s lives, Cabot has certainly touched on a key point of interest as a continuing thread throughout this series.

Cabot expertly blends a fun story with weightier, more serious issues like stalking and domestic abuse. Not every writer would have the skill to pull this off. Get ready for laugh-out-loud moments and heart-pounding intrigue as the reader is led down the path of another Heather Wells adventure.

If you'd like the chance to win this ARC, leave a comment that answers two questions:  do you think a size 12 is overweight and what other Meg Cabot book have you read? If you haven't read any, that's fine, just say so. Don't forget your email--please! That is all.

Size 12 and Ready to Rock was released July 10, 2012 by William Morrow/HarperCollins. My thanks to the publisher for sending me the Advanced Readers Copy.

Giveaway is open to residents of the US, Canada and the Caribbean. It ends Friday, July 20, 2012.

Toodles!