What do you think?
Rate this book
Country Store Mystery #4
Biscuits and Slashed Browns
“With twists and turns and various forks in the road . . . takes readers on a wild journey”—from the author of Nacho Average Murder. Includes recipes! (Read Your Writes Book Reviews)
For country-store owner Robbie Jordan, the National Maple Syrup Festival is a sweet escape from late-winter in South Lick, Indiana—until murder saps the life out of the celebration . . . As Robbie arranges a breakfast-themed cookoff at Pans ’N Pancakes, visitors pour into Brown County for the annual maple extravaganza. Unfortunately, that includes Professor Connolly, a know-it-all academic from Boston who makes enemies everywhere he goes—and this time, bad manners prove deadly. Soon after clashing with several scientists at a maple tree panel, the professor is found dead outside a sugar shack, stabbed to death by a local restaurateur’s knife. When an innocent woman gets dragged into the investigation and a biologist mysteriously disappears, Robbie drops her winning maple biscuits to search for answers. But can she help police crack the case before another victim is caught in a sticky situation with a killer?
“A fast-paced tale, with a well-plotted mystery that left me hanging onto my seat through all of the twists and turns.”—Lisa Ks Book Reviews
“Maddie Day goes above and beyond with her Country Store Mystery series with each book drawing you deeper and deeper into South Lick, Indiana and Robbie Jordan’s life.”—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
For country-store owner Robbie Jordan, the National Maple Syrup Festival is a sweet escape from late-winter in South Lick, Indiana—until murder saps the life out of the celebration . . . As Robbie arranges a breakfast-themed cookoff at Pans ’N Pancakes, visitors pour into Brown County for the annual maple extravaganza. Unfortunately, that includes Professor Connolly, a know-it-all academic from Boston who makes enemies everywhere he goes—and this time, bad manners prove deadly. Soon after clashing with several scientists at a maple tree panel, the professor is found dead outside a sugar shack, stabbed to death by a local restaurateur’s knife. When an innocent woman gets dragged into the investigation and a biologist mysteriously disappears, Robbie drops her winning maple biscuits to search for answers. But can she help police crack the case before another victim is caught in a sticky situation with a killer?
“A fast-paced tale, with a well-plotted mystery that left me hanging onto my seat through all of the twists and turns.”—Lisa Ks Book Reviews
“Maddie Day goes above and beyond with her Country Store Mystery series with each book drawing you deeper and deeper into South Lick, Indiana and Robbie Jordan’s life.”—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
866 people are currently reading
1754 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Day
30 books1,564 followersMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
May 16, 2025
Biscuits and Slashed Browns is the 4th installment in the Country Store Mysteries written by Maddie Day. I've read the previous three, as well as another series from this author, and I'm looking forward to the next one. They take place in a rural Indiana town where Robbie Jordan runs a country store and solves murders in her spare time. Accidentally, of course. In this case, the town's maple festival is in full swing, and there's a clash between college professors and scientists over climate change impacts. While this is just a minor piece of the story, the real question is whodunnit, given another body turns up and throws the town in a tizzy?
Robbie's relationship with Abe is heating up, which she's very happy about... but when Aunt Adele finds the body of the nasty professor this time, things get ugly very quickly. Everyone from a former lover (new friend of Robbie's) to sparring colleagues and the father of Robbie's own waiter/short-order cook are accused of knifing the man. Except it seems there might be multiple killers. The new detective in town doesn't warm up to Robbie at first, but then later, we find they have a connection. Overall, the mystery itself was good, but by midway it became obvious there could really only be one murderer who actually did the crime. That said, the backdrop and characters make up for the slightly easy crime-solving, and I always feel like it's time to start the next one as soon as one ends.
Robbie's relationship with Abe is heating up, which she's very happy about... but when Aunt Adele finds the body of the nasty professor this time, things get ugly very quickly. Everyone from a former lover (new friend of Robbie's) to sparring colleagues and the father of Robbie's own waiter/short-order cook are accused of knifing the man. Except it seems there might be multiple killers. The new detective in town doesn't warm up to Robbie at first, but then later, we find they have a connection. Overall, the mystery itself was good, but by midway it became obvious there could really only be one murderer who actually did the crime. That said, the backdrop and characters make up for the slightly easy crime-solving, and I always feel like it's time to start the next one as soon as one ends.
February 15, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We arrive in South Lick just in time for the 5th Annual National Maple Syrup Festival. The cook-off will be held at Pans ‘N Pancakes and Robbie is excited about her maple flavored entry, Maple Curry Biscuits. There is also a conference on maple tree science with many professors taking part. Some of them will also be judging the cook-off. Professor Warren Connolly from Boston is one of the judges. Robbie finds he not well liked by his fellow academics. When the man is found dead at another festival event, stabbed with a chef’s knife that happens to belong to Robbie’s friend and her employee’s father, a research biochemist disappears Robbie finds herself trying to find a missing person and a murderer. Could they both be the same person?
Robbie is running her butt off quite literally in this story. One worker is searching for his dad and her assistant Danna injured herself at a volleyball tournament so she is unable to work. Visitors are pouring into town and into Pans ‘N Pancakes and most of the time Robbie is doing the cooking, the waitressing, and bussing the tables. Her plate is overflowing and she doesn’t have much time to investigate anything, but she does and gets herself into some mighty stick situations too.
I have enjoyed this series from the start. Ms. Day has created wonderful characters. The dialect of the area and the dialogue including some authentic expressions make these stories so much fun to read.
The pacing is swift and so much happens within these pages that is very difficult to put the book down. There was a little shakeup in the police department. The new/old investigating detective is very unique. Buck is back with his overly hearty appetite to keep Robbie in the loop of the investigation as much as he can. The suspect pool isn’t too deep but they all have a motive in one way or another so it wasn’t an easy mystery to solve.
I have to mention the setting at Pans ‘N Pancakes. I have a clear picture of it in my head, not sure how truly accurate it is, but a place that serves food like Robbie does, decked out with all kinds of old kitchen gadgets sounds like my kind of place. She is also adding rooms to the place and her first guest should be arriving in the next book. It is definitely a place I would love to visit.
We arrive in South Lick just in time for the 5th Annual National Maple Syrup Festival. The cook-off will be held at Pans ‘N Pancakes and Robbie is excited about her maple flavored entry, Maple Curry Biscuits. There is also a conference on maple tree science with many professors taking part. Some of them will also be judging the cook-off. Professor Warren Connolly from Boston is one of the judges. Robbie finds he not well liked by his fellow academics. When the man is found dead at another festival event, stabbed with a chef’s knife that happens to belong to Robbie’s friend and her employee’s father, a research biochemist disappears Robbie finds herself trying to find a missing person and a murderer. Could they both be the same person?
Robbie is running her butt off quite literally in this story. One worker is searching for his dad and her assistant Danna injured herself at a volleyball tournament so she is unable to work. Visitors are pouring into town and into Pans ‘N Pancakes and most of the time Robbie is doing the cooking, the waitressing, and bussing the tables. Her plate is overflowing and she doesn’t have much time to investigate anything, but she does and gets herself into some mighty stick situations too.
I have enjoyed this series from the start. Ms. Day has created wonderful characters. The dialect of the area and the dialogue including some authentic expressions make these stories so much fun to read.
The pacing is swift and so much happens within these pages that is very difficult to put the book down. There was a little shakeup in the police department. The new/old investigating detective is very unique. Buck is back with his overly hearty appetite to keep Robbie in the loop of the investigation as much as he can. The suspect pool isn’t too deep but they all have a motive in one way or another so it wasn’t an easy mystery to solve.
I have to mention the setting at Pans ‘N Pancakes. I have a clear picture of it in my head, not sure how truly accurate it is, but a place that serves food like Robbie does, decked out with all kinds of old kitchen gadgets sounds like my kind of place. She is also adding rooms to the place and her first guest should be arriving in the next book. It is definitely a place I would love to visit.
February 8, 2018
March brings a maple syrup festival to Brown County, Indiana, and Robbie Jordan is hoping to snag some of the tourists into her shop, Pans ‘N Pancakes. However, the festival has also brought Dr. Warren Connolly to town, a professor hated for many reasons. He is found murdered one morning before the day’s events can get started, and the police begin to look at one of Robbie’s friends as the killer. Then a local maple syrup farmer goes missing. What is going on?
I thought we might be in for some lectures as Dr. Connolly is first introduced to us as a climate change denier, however, this was dropped after the second chapter as we begin to find real motives for his murder. In fact, we get several strong motives and suspects that kept me turning pages and guessing until the end. While I missed one of the regular characters, the rest were present and accounted for and were as charming as ever. The setting is fantastic, too. I’d love to visit Robbie’s store.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I thought we might be in for some lectures as Dr. Connolly is first introduced to us as a climate change denier, however, this was dropped after the second chapter as we begin to find real motives for his murder. In fact, we get several strong motives and suspects that kept me turning pages and guessing until the end. While I missed one of the regular characters, the rest were present and accounted for and were as charming as ever. The setting is fantastic, too. I’d love to visit Robbie’s store.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 28, 2018
Loved it!! It had all of the elements of a great cozy--great female protagonist, small town setting, interesting and multi-layered plot, well-placed red herrings, and Robbie's friends. But this book goes even further. I've never been to Indiana but with the author's excellent use of dialogue, local dialect, customs and foods, I feel like I am right there in South Lick for the Maple Syrup Festival. The writing is simply a "cut" (pardon the pun) above the rest!
The book can be read as a standalone, though I have read the prior three books in the series. The author includes four recipes at the end, including the one for maple curry biscuits.
***Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC. My review is voluntary.
The book can be read as a standalone, though I have read the prior three books in the series. The author includes four recipes at the end, including the one for maple curry biscuits.
***Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC. My review is voluntary.
February 6, 2018
Once I started reading I realized how much I had missed the mysteries around Robbie Jordan. It is fast paced but not rushed and I didn't want to put the book down. The ending seems just a tad "rough" for a cozy...
Robbie becomes multi-dimensional through her many interests. She is not only owning and running her restaurant the Pans ‘N Pancakes but also selling antique cookware, renovating and remodeling rooms over her restaurant into a B&B, loves to solve and create crossword puzzles and riding her road bike. Then thrown in is a little bit of romance and ..... a murder!
It is the maple syrup festival in South Lick, Indiana and a maple baking contest is held at Robbie's restaurant. One of the judges almost chokes to death and is later found dead at the festival.
One of my favourite mystery series....It was a great read!
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with an advance copy.
Robbie becomes multi-dimensional through her many interests. She is not only owning and running her restaurant the Pans ‘N Pancakes but also selling antique cookware, renovating and remodeling rooms over her restaurant into a B&B, loves to solve and create crossword puzzles and riding her road bike. Then thrown in is a little bit of romance and ..... a murder!
It is the maple syrup festival in South Lick, Indiana and a maple baking contest is held at Robbie's restaurant. One of the judges almost chokes to death and is later found dead at the festival.
One of my favourite mystery series....It was a great read!
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with an advance copy.
January 14, 2018
Biscuits And Slashed Browns is the fourth book in the A Country Store Mystery series.
Robbie Jordan own Pans ‘N Pancakes, a restaurant and country store specializing in useful and collectible kitchenware items in South Lick, Indiana.
Spring is on the way and the sap is beginning to run and South Lick is getting ready for Brown County’s annual Maple Festival. Robbie will also be hosting and an entrant in a contest for the best breakfast item with maple syrup as an ingredient.
Also going on this weekend is an academic conference on maple sciences. On the morning when everything is to get under, Warren Connolly, a maple scientist, enters Pan ‘N Pancakes and is accosted by Sonia Genest about the value of his research work. As Connolly is having his breakfast Dr. Roa approaches him and has a similar discussion as Genest.
The next day, Adele, Robbie’s aunt, finds the body of Connolly, whose throat has been cut, on Dr. Roa’s maple farm. When the police go to question Dr. Roa, they are unable to find him. Turner, Dr. Roa’s son, who has been filling at Robbie’s and she doesn’t think or at least hopes Dr. Roa was involved in the killing and starts her own little investigation. When she goes to talk with Dr. Roa’s wife she senses that the wife isn’t being forthcoming about where her husband might be. Soon she learns that her close friend, Christina, had once been physically attacked by Connolly and one of her knives was the murder weapon, so she comes up on the police radar. She soon feels that for ever step forward she is taking two back. She hopes she can find the killer before someone else meets a similar fate.
I love all of Maddie Day/Edith Maxwell’s books and living in Northern Indiana that just makes this one more that much more enjoyable, along with the use of some “Hoosier” dialect. Ms. Day once again provides the reader with a well-plotted and exciting story with an interesting cast of characters.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
Robbie Jordan own Pans ‘N Pancakes, a restaurant and country store specializing in useful and collectible kitchenware items in South Lick, Indiana.
Spring is on the way and the sap is beginning to run and South Lick is getting ready for Brown County’s annual Maple Festival. Robbie will also be hosting and an entrant in a contest for the best breakfast item with maple syrup as an ingredient.
Also going on this weekend is an academic conference on maple sciences. On the morning when everything is to get under, Warren Connolly, a maple scientist, enters Pan ‘N Pancakes and is accosted by Sonia Genest about the value of his research work. As Connolly is having his breakfast Dr. Roa approaches him and has a similar discussion as Genest.
The next day, Adele, Robbie’s aunt, finds the body of Connolly, whose throat has been cut, on Dr. Roa’s maple farm. When the police go to question Dr. Roa, they are unable to find him. Turner, Dr. Roa’s son, who has been filling at Robbie’s and she doesn’t think or at least hopes Dr. Roa was involved in the killing and starts her own little investigation. When she goes to talk with Dr. Roa’s wife she senses that the wife isn’t being forthcoming about where her husband might be. Soon she learns that her close friend, Christina, had once been physically attacked by Connolly and one of her knives was the murder weapon, so she comes up on the police radar. She soon feels that for ever step forward she is taking two back. She hopes she can find the killer before someone else meets a similar fate.
I love all of Maddie Day/Edith Maxwell’s books and living in Northern Indiana that just makes this one more that much more enjoyable, along with the use of some “Hoosier” dialect. Ms. Day once again provides the reader with a well-plotted and exciting story with an interesting cast of characters.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
February 21, 2018
It’s the month of March and time for the Brown County Maple Syrup Festival in South Lick, Indiana. Robbie Jordan, owner and chef of Pans ‘N Pancakes, has just finished hanging a “Join Maple Madness” banner on the front porch of her quaint little diner. Along with festival there was a conference being held on the maple tree science. Attending the conference were a local Professor Sonia Genest, Dr. Sajit Rao (who is the father of Robbie’s sous chef, Turner Rao), Professor Warren Connolly from Boston, as well as others. There was no love lost among Dr. Rao and Professor Sonia Genest with Professor Connolly. Turner Rao’s father and his family owned a tree farm and would be hosting a demonstration where a process called sugaring off was being held. When Robbie’s Aunt Adele walks into the diner the next day, she seemed shaken and Robbie is worried something had happened to her aunt’s boyfriend. But her aunt shared she had found the dead body of someone who had already had a close call the day before, Professor Warren Connolly. He was stabbed with a knife owned by Chef Christina James. Now it was Robbie’s time to find out who killed Connolly and was attempting to frame her friend Christina as well as Turner’s father.
The characters are all well developed, and the pace of the book is constant. This is the fourth in the Country Store Mystery series and although I hadn’t read any of the previous books, I found this story could be read as a stand-a-lone. The various descriptions of the maple syrup process was interesting and helped tie in the festival well.
The characters are all well developed, and the pace of the book is constant. This is the fourth in the Country Store Mystery series and although I hadn’t read any of the previous books, I found this story could be read as a stand-a-lone. The various descriptions of the maple syrup process was interesting and helped tie in the festival well.
Want to read
February 8, 2018I’ve loved this series from the very first page of book one, FLIPPED FOR MURDER. The characters, the location, and of course author Maddie Day’s writing, continue to bring me back again and again.
BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS was a fast paced tale, with a well plotted mystery that left me hanging onto my seat through all of the twists and turns. When the action packed reveal came, I was really taken by surprise.
Another delightful installment of the Country Store Mysteries, BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS is one mystery fans will want to add to their ever growing TBRs.
As always, you’ll find some amazing, tasty recipes at the back of the book.
BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS was a fast paced tale, with a well plotted mystery that left me hanging onto my seat through all of the twists and turns. When the action packed reveal came, I was really taken by surprise.
Another delightful installment of the Country Store Mysteries, BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS is one mystery fans will want to add to their ever growing TBRs.
As always, you’ll find some amazing, tasty recipes at the back of the book.
August 5, 2021
The Maple festival is in full swing when a dead body threatens to disrupt the fun for everyone! An excellent plot with a strong female main character always makes for a good book, but this one is definitely worth a read or listen as the case may be. I will say the narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. I am absolutely loving the series and this book definitely keeps the love rolling!
January 21, 2018
I finished reading Biscuits and Slashed Browns Friday. This is the 4th book in the Country Store Mystery Series by Maddie Day. This one had a ripped from the headlines feel with two interesting storylines for a cozy mystery. I enjoyed the idea of the environmental side and the medical side of the twists and turns of this mystery. Main character Robbie has her hands full and is kept very busy in this cozy mystery. With staff issues, a maple festival and a town full of scientists, she is already run off her feet, add a murder to the list of things Robbie takes on and you realize just how amazingly complicated her life can become. Good read. I enjoyed the story. This one comes out January 30th.
July 20, 2018
The first two in the series were enjoyable and the third wasn't too bad. This one, however, is bad. Robbie, the main character, comes off as far too much of an interfering fool getting lots of innocent people in trouble. There wasn't much redeeming in her portrayal. Also, the killer was fairly obvious, even for someone who doesn't read it for "whodunit" but rather for the characters.
Also, the unbelievably of the instant forgiveness from one couple for Robbie messing with access to affordable medicine came across as completely false.
The other books are good enough for me to read the next in the series, but if it's like this one I'll stop there.
Also, the unbelievably of the instant forgiveness from one couple for Robbie messing with access to affordable medicine came across as completely false.
The other books are good enough for me to read the next in the series, but if it's like this one I'll stop there.
September 22, 2020
The owner of Breakfast place in small town Indiana is helping out at the usual local festival. A jerk shows up, and is soon murdered. Various friends of the owner's are under suspicion, so she begins to investigate, and makes herself unpopular with everybody.
Predictable, but at least her boyfriend is not a super cop.
Predictable, but at least her boyfriend is not a super cop.
January 20, 2018
Every time I read a new book in this series, I think it's the best one yet. This one did not disappoint! South Lick is having a maple syrup festival and one of the judges ends up murdered so of course Robbie is going to do her best to find out what happened so that none of her friends ends up being blamed. As always she has to watch her back so the murderer doesn't make her the next headline.
I love how Abe and Robbie's relationship is growing. It's refreshing that he doesn't get on her case for investigating even though he gets worried about her. Danna was away for most of the book and I missed her fun, quirkiness but Adele was there so at least I feel like I got my share of favorite characters that I've grown to love. Turner is a new employee but he fits right in.
I found myself missing Octavia Slade who has been detective in the last two books but this time we have a guy who is local but back from whatever leave he was on.
Like all the books in this series, one of the ongoing themes is family and that it doesn't always have to be people related to you to be your family. That's one of the things I love about cozies, the warm family feeling to be had.
I love how Abe and Robbie's relationship is growing. It's refreshing that he doesn't get on her case for investigating even though he gets worried about her. Danna was away for most of the book and I missed her fun, quirkiness but Adele was there so at least I feel like I got my share of favorite characters that I've grown to love. Turner is a new employee but he fits right in.
I found myself missing Octavia Slade who has been detective in the last two books but this time we have a guy who is local but back from whatever leave he was on.
Like all the books in this series, one of the ongoing themes is family and that it doesn't always have to be people related to you to be your family. That's one of the things I love about cozies, the warm family feeling to be had.
November 26, 2017
OOOOOOOOOO-you all have to wait until February of 2108 to get this installment of the Country Store Mysteries, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC. Trust me-it will be well worth the wait. It gives you time to catch up on the first three books in this delicious series. In Slashed Browns we find Robbie deep in the sticky stuff as she's preparing to host part of the Maple Mayhem Festival...and mayhem is what she gets. A dead professor, a missing knife, an assistant with a sprained foot, a family with more secrets than Victoria, some prescription shenanigans, and Robbie's tasty food...and a good time was had by all, especially the reader! Maddie Day has a knack for painting vivid characters and locales-the reader knows these characters and can see Robbie's restaurant/store. This series is truly like visiting old friends and the 4th installment is no exception. Come in, order the maple biscuits, pull out a book and set a spell!
December 26, 2017
It is maple syrup time in South Lick, Indiana and business at Robbie Jordan's restaurant is booming. A professor who is attending an environmental conference nearby the area is found murder behind a sugar shack. He was killed with a special knife used by a local restaurateur. The father of one Robbie's workers is missing and is a person of interest in the killing. Robbie decided to do some investigating. Answers need to be found before another person is killed. I highly recommend this book and series.
Recipes used in the book are included.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Recipes used in the book are included.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 3, 2018
Robbie Jordan is back in the fourth "Country Store Mystery". She is one of my favourite protaganists. She is smart, loves to solve puzzles, has some flaws, is loyal and caring and is in a burgeoning relationship. I also like how she recently found her father and is also developing a relationship with him and his family. She does not inject herself into investigations unless she has a good reason and is usually welcomed by the small town police force.
This visit to South Lick, Indiana finds them celebrating Maple Syrup. It is a festival that involves a baking contest and activities out at the local maple tree farm. Robbie's newest employee, Tucker, is the son of the farm owner. When a visiting professor, Warren Connolly, ends up dead at the farm, after a public argument between him and the owner of the farm, a fellow professor as well, Robbie tries to find the real culprit and get Tucker's father released from jail. Her friend and chef, is alos being investigated as it appears it was her knife that was found with the victim. With some drug busts also going on and Robbie short handed due to Danna's soccer injury, she has her hands full.
I love the townsfolk in this series. They are all supportive of one another, although gossip still reins. The sayings that both Buck, the sheriff and Robbie's Aunt Adele come up with, have me chuckling throughout the book. The Pans 'N Pancake store is a great setting for these stories. An old time country store that serves breakfast and lunch as well as selling old time and antique kitchen implements is just the thing to make these stories seem real. The relationship of Abe and Robbie is sweet and developing at a nice pace. I so hope things continue for them. Overall, this was a great story, well written, great pacing that kept me hooked until the end. I will say I pretty much figured out the murderer about halfway through, but the reasons for the murder were still a surprise. I definitely recommend this wonderful Cozy Mystery book and the series as well. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
This visit to South Lick, Indiana finds them celebrating Maple Syrup. It is a festival that involves a baking contest and activities out at the local maple tree farm. Robbie's newest employee, Tucker, is the son of the farm owner. When a visiting professor, Warren Connolly, ends up dead at the farm, after a public argument between him and the owner of the farm, a fellow professor as well, Robbie tries to find the real culprit and get Tucker's father released from jail. Her friend and chef, is alos being investigated as it appears it was her knife that was found with the victim. With some drug busts also going on and Robbie short handed due to Danna's soccer injury, she has her hands full.
I love the townsfolk in this series. They are all supportive of one another, although gossip still reins. The sayings that both Buck, the sheriff and Robbie's Aunt Adele come up with, have me chuckling throughout the book. The Pans 'N Pancake store is a great setting for these stories. An old time country store that serves breakfast and lunch as well as selling old time and antique kitchen implements is just the thing to make these stories seem real. The relationship of Abe and Robbie is sweet and developing at a nice pace. I so hope things continue for them. Overall, this was a great story, well written, great pacing that kept me hooked until the end. I will say I pretty much figured out the murderer about halfway through, but the reasons for the murder were still a surprise. I definitely recommend this wonderful Cozy Mystery book and the series as well. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
January 31, 2018
It’s always a delight to open a new book in a long-enjoyed series and visit with friends. Such is the case with BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS, the fourth book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. The protagonist, Robbie Jordan, is a no-nonsense, can-do type of young woman. Not only is she a great chef at her restaurant, Pans ‘N Pancakes, in South Lick, Indiana, but she is also a skilled carpenter. Robbie has a keen intelligence, solving the hardest crossword puzzles (in ink, no less!) and creates her own crossword puzzles when trying to figure out murder mysteries. She is an admirable character who cares for not only her friends but the townspeople and visitors alike. The town of South Lick is preparing for the fifth annual National Maple Syrup Festival and Robbie is gearing up by creating maple themed dishes. I enjoyed the bits and pieces about the maple production along with the description of festivities the town has planned.
When a visiting professor is found murdered after arguing with Robbie’s assistant’s father, Robbie knows she needs to get involved. Even when the family appears to be hiding something and clearly does not want her help, Robbie is driven to find the truth. She feels a compelling urge to protect her town especially when it appears the local law enforcement is on the wrong track. I love how the community rallies behind each other, pitching in to help each other no matter what. The local colloquialisms are quaint and adds to the charm of both the characters and the setting. Ms. Day captures the essence of a small mid-west farming community perfectly, and I could see and experience it all as I read. There are plenty of viable suspects provided to keep you guessing and a suspenseful, dangerous climax wraps the story up for an exciting ending.
Robbie, being such a great cook, serves up lots of delectable dishes at Pans ‘N Pancakes, often with an ethnic culinary theme involved. Fortunately for the reader, the author provides several delicious recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When a visiting professor is found murdered after arguing with Robbie’s assistant’s father, Robbie knows she needs to get involved. Even when the family appears to be hiding something and clearly does not want her help, Robbie is driven to find the truth. She feels a compelling urge to protect her town especially when it appears the local law enforcement is on the wrong track. I love how the community rallies behind each other, pitching in to help each other no matter what. The local colloquialisms are quaint and adds to the charm of both the characters and the setting. Ms. Day captures the essence of a small mid-west farming community perfectly, and I could see and experience it all as I read. There are plenty of viable suspects provided to keep you guessing and a suspenseful, dangerous climax wraps the story up for an exciting ending.
Robbie, being such a great cook, serves up lots of delectable dishes at Pans ‘N Pancakes, often with an ethnic culinary theme involved. Fortunately for the reader, the author provides several delicious recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 3, 2020
Robbie Jordan meets Professor Connolly for the first time in her restaurant. He doesn't seem to be liked among his peers. During a friendly cook-off, he almost chokes on her biscuit. Then much later, he is found dead, stabbed by an expensive chef knife. Now, her new employee's dad is missing.
Well-written and enjoyed the country breakfast restaurant setting. Yet another cozy that made me hungry. Robbie is a great, solid heroine. The mystery was good, but I figured out who the killer was. I hope to read the others in this series soon.
Well-written and enjoyed the country breakfast restaurant setting. Yet another cozy that made me hungry. Robbie is a great, solid heroine. The mystery was good, but I figured out who the killer was. I hope to read the others in this series soon.
January 24, 2018
Another great installment in this cozy mystery series. The mystery was well planned with many suspicious characters that had me guessing until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series where hopefully Robbie's Italian family will play a role.
October 13, 2021
This series just gets better and better!
May 18, 2020
Robbie Jordan owns Pans 'N Pancakes restaurant, and is hosting one of the Brown County Maple Festival's events there. When she meets one of the judges - Professor Warren Connolly - she's not impressed. The man is arrogant and obnoxious. He's already had a disagreement with one of Robbie's regular customers, and also the father of her employee Turner, Dr. Rao. But when he's found dead by her Aunt Adele - murdered - there are suspects that hit a little too close to home. He was found on Dr. Rao's land, and killed with a knife belonging to her chef friend Christina. There's a detective who's investigating that isn't forthcoming with information, and Robbie is determined to do a little probing on her own to prove the two innocent and find out who hated Connolly enough to kill him. But since he was a man with secrets that are slowly coming to the forefront, and so are her friends, she's going to have to be careful or she might find herself not only piecing a puzzle, but being the next one to get sliced permanently...
This is the fourth book in the series and I think I've liked it the most. While it wasn't all that involved as far as having tons of action, it was still an interesting book to read. Robbie still isn't sure of her relationship with Abe, having been burned a couple of times in the past, and she's also afraid she might ruin her relationship with her newest employee, Turner. But she forges ahead, because she doesn't want Christina to be suspected, and she wants to help Turner's family. Her heart is in the right place, but sometimes her actions make things go awry.
Robbie, for her part, I do think acts a little too hastily, and since she does get involved, I would like to see her either tell someone where she's going every time she decides to do something rash, or take someone with her. It would show a little more responsibility on her part. Saying that, I do like the characters of Buck, Abe, and Adele quite a bit. They seem to be a little more level-headed than Robbie and keep her grounded somewhat. It would also be nice for her to either spend more time with her cat, Birdy, (they do get lonely) or at least get a second one so they'd have a playmate. The poor thing is alone almost all the time.
Anyway, the murder itself was done nicely, and even though I knew the identity of the killer early on, it didn't stop my enjoyment of the book, since I like to see how the protagonist puts everything together. When the ending comes there was a dicey climax that kept me reading, and I am glad to say that all in all it was satisfying when the book ended. Recommended.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
This is the fourth book in the series and I think I've liked it the most. While it wasn't all that involved as far as having tons of action, it was still an interesting book to read. Robbie still isn't sure of her relationship with Abe, having been burned a couple of times in the past, and she's also afraid she might ruin her relationship with her newest employee, Turner. But she forges ahead, because she doesn't want Christina to be suspected, and she wants to help Turner's family. Her heart is in the right place, but sometimes her actions make things go awry.
Robbie, for her part, I do think acts a little too hastily, and since she does get involved, I would like to see her either tell someone where she's going every time she decides to do something rash, or take someone with her. It would show a little more responsibility on her part. Saying that, I do like the characters of Buck, Abe, and Adele quite a bit. They seem to be a little more level-headed than Robbie and keep her grounded somewhat. It would also be nice for her to either spend more time with her cat, Birdy, (they do get lonely) or at least get a second one so they'd have a playmate. The poor thing is alone almost all the time.
Anyway, the murder itself was done nicely, and even though I knew the identity of the killer early on, it didn't stop my enjoyment of the book, since I like to see how the protagonist puts everything together. When the ending comes there was a dicey climax that kept me reading, and I am glad to say that all in all it was satisfying when the book ended. Recommended.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
January 17, 2018
BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS in the Country Store Mystery Series is a riveting cozy murder mystery that has you on the edge of your seat at times while you’re pulling for Robbie Jordan to solve the case before anyone else gets hurt, including Robbie.
The characters in the book are enduring, colorful and times irritating like lots of small town folks. You will fall in love with townsfolk as well as their quaint southern sayings. If like me, a southerner, it will make you smile remembering hearing them from the time you were a small child. There’s a nice mix of nationalities, genders and ages in this book which I found really nice.
The story is face paced making you to want to keep reading. I know it was very hard for me to put the book down. It has a bit of romance with the continued involvement between Robbie and Abe, but it takes a back seat to the case of the whodunit mystery.
I was glad she included some of the recipes for the dishes that were mentioned in the book. Made my mouth water when they were mentioned in the book and I know I’ll definitely be trying them!
Maddie Day did NOT disappoint us in BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS! I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see what adventures Robbie and the town of South Like, Indiana can get into.
The characters in the book are enduring, colorful and times irritating like lots of small town folks. You will fall in love with townsfolk as well as their quaint southern sayings. If like me, a southerner, it will make you smile remembering hearing them from the time you were a small child. There’s a nice mix of nationalities, genders and ages in this book which I found really nice.
The story is face paced making you to want to keep reading. I know it was very hard for me to put the book down. It has a bit of romance with the continued involvement between Robbie and Abe, but it takes a back seat to the case of the whodunit mystery.
I was glad she included some of the recipes for the dishes that were mentioned in the book. Made my mouth water when they were mentioned in the book and I know I’ll definitely be trying them!
Maddie Day did NOT disappoint us in BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS! I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see what adventures Robbie and the town of South Like, Indiana can get into.
December 20, 2017
Biscuits and Slashed Browns is the fourth book in Maddie Day’s Country Store Mysteries series. This is an easy read and it flows smoothly at a steady pace. The storyline is well plotted and the characters are relatable. Ms. Day did an excellent job of incorporating the local dialect in the “spoken” words, but not in the narrative, which I believe adds to the readability of her book and allowed the characters to come to life. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Robbie Jordan owns a cafe/antique cookware shop, Pans ‘N Pancakes, in South Lick, Indiana. The town is getting ready for the Fifth Annual Brown County Maple Festival and Pans ‘N Pancakes is hosting the kickoff culinary competition and Robbie is one of eight contestants. During the competition, one of the judges, Professor Warren Connolly, chokes after stuffing a biscuit into his mouth. Robbie tries to get to him, but isn’t able to. Robbie’s boyfriend, Abe O’Neill, and performs the Heimlich on him. Professor Connolly is an arrogant and obstinate know-it-all academic who teaches and researches at Boston College and seems to make enemies wherever he goes, so it isn’t surprising that no one else made a move to help him. The next morning, Robbie’s aunt, Adele, finds Warren’s body behind the woodpile near Sijit Rao’s sugar shack. He was stabbed to death with an expensive chef’s knife that belongs to one of Robbie’s friends and fellow chefs, Christina. Robbie knows she should to keep out of Detective Oscar Thompson’s investigation, but she loves a good puzzle and is determined to clear Sijit’s name since he’s the father of one of her employees, Turner.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Robbie Jordan owns a cafe/antique cookware shop, Pans ‘N Pancakes, in South Lick, Indiana. The town is getting ready for the Fifth Annual Brown County Maple Festival and Pans ‘N Pancakes is hosting the kickoff culinary competition and Robbie is one of eight contestants. During the competition, one of the judges, Professor Warren Connolly, chokes after stuffing a biscuit into his mouth. Robbie tries to get to him, but isn’t able to. Robbie’s boyfriend, Abe O’Neill, and performs the Heimlich on him. Professor Connolly is an arrogant and obstinate know-it-all academic who teaches and researches at Boston College and seems to make enemies wherever he goes, so it isn’t surprising that no one else made a move to help him. The next morning, Robbie’s aunt, Adele, finds Warren’s body behind the woodpile near Sijit Rao’s sugar shack. He was stabbed to death with an expensive chef’s knife that belongs to one of Robbie’s friends and fellow chefs, Christina. Robbie knows she should to keep out of Detective Oscar Thompson’s investigation, but she loves a good puzzle and is determined to clear Sijit’s name since he’s the father of one of her employees, Turner.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 27, 2017
The Pans and Pancakes cozy restaurant/antique kitchenware store in South Lick, Indiana is the setting for this sweet and sleuthing cozy mystery. It's the fourth in the series but I had no problem with jumping in while not reading the other stories yet.
During the Maple Sugaring Off festival a contentious professor is found dead. Robby Jordan, the restaurant's owner puts her overzealous sleuthing skills to work to try and figure out who the culprit is. Motives abound from several suspects.
Robbie finds herself dealing with her missing cook Tucker Rao, a friends stolen knife that was used as the murder weapon, and lots of shenanigans lead up to a satisfying ending.
Some of my favorite characters in the book were Buck, a local law enforcement officer and Adele, Robbie's full of zest aunt. There are lots of quirky sayings in the book that will bring laughs.
Cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this sweet and satisfying story.
During the Maple Sugaring Off festival a contentious professor is found dead. Robby Jordan, the restaurant's owner puts her overzealous sleuthing skills to work to try and figure out who the culprit is. Motives abound from several suspects.
Robbie finds herself dealing with her missing cook Tucker Rao, a friends stolen knife that was used as the murder weapon, and lots of shenanigans lead up to a satisfying ending.
Some of my favorite characters in the book were Buck, a local law enforcement officer and Adele, Robbie's full of zest aunt. There are lots of quirky sayings in the book that will bring laughs.
Cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this sweet and satisfying story.
October 1, 2017
Quick fun read, can't wait to hear how Robbie's visit with her dad goes. Good mystery. Very enjoyable! Already looking forward to the next one!
December 17, 2017
BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS by Maddie Day
Warning, may cause insomnia and/or dereliction of chores. My cure for insomnia is a cup of warm milk with a smidgeon of rum and reading to a point where Robbie preps the kitchen for the next morning’s rush and goes to sleep. No cure for neglected chores; they can just wait.
Despite her best intentions and her friends’ warnings, Robbie can’t help turning her puzzle-solving mind to mystery, especially when the shadow of murder falls upon friends she is SURE are innocent. It's a very engrossing book, with many little clues to intrigue. I do appreciate it when murder victims are not nice people . . . one still disapproves of murder, but it's not a tragic loss. Many twists and turns. “Since when did life ever go as planned?” I felt for Robbie when kitchen help fell through and Pans ‘N Pancakes was busy — thank goodness for helpful friends! (Reminded of why I stopped playing Diner Dash, too nerve-wracking with unhappy customers).
In addition to the mystery, there are friendships and cooking and maple syrup making. These people begin to feel like real friends, so I want to tell Betsy about the combination lockbox our Ambulance Service installed to hold front door keys, so she won’t be locked out ever again. I felt sorry for the guy having oatmeal on Italian Day, could some herbs be added so he has something special?
I was intrigued by the Leatherdos multi-tool (I looked it up) but fear it wouldn’t stay in my hair either. I also looked up Gruelle paintings — lovely indeed.
The regional expressions were a bonus pleasure.
If you don’t like this book, “I’ll eat my hat and swallow the feather whole.”
“A river dirt cheap” for now.
Warning, may cause insomnia and/or dereliction of chores. My cure for insomnia is a cup of warm milk with a smidgeon of rum and reading to a point where Robbie preps the kitchen for the next morning’s rush and goes to sleep. No cure for neglected chores; they can just wait.
Despite her best intentions and her friends’ warnings, Robbie can’t help turning her puzzle-solving mind to mystery, especially when the shadow of murder falls upon friends she is SURE are innocent. It's a very engrossing book, with many little clues to intrigue. I do appreciate it when murder victims are not nice people . . . one still disapproves of murder, but it's not a tragic loss. Many twists and turns. “Since when did life ever go as planned?” I felt for Robbie when kitchen help fell through and Pans ‘N Pancakes was busy — thank goodness for helpful friends! (Reminded of why I stopped playing Diner Dash, too nerve-wracking with unhappy customers).
In addition to the mystery, there are friendships and cooking and maple syrup making. These people begin to feel like real friends, so I want to tell Betsy about the combination lockbox our Ambulance Service installed to hold front door keys, so she won’t be locked out ever again. I felt sorry for the guy having oatmeal on Italian Day, could some herbs be added so he has something special?
I was intrigued by the Leatherdos multi-tool (I looked it up) but fear it wouldn’t stay in my hair either. I also looked up Gruelle paintings — lovely indeed.
The regional expressions were a bonus pleasure.
If you don’t like this book, “I’ll eat my hat and swallow the feather whole.”
“A river dirt cheap” for now.
December 17, 2017
Full review to follow in February 2018 (book tour), but for now I'll say: delicious, dedicated and dangerous! :)
January 28, 2022
Things are going well at Pans n' Pancakes. Robbie has been able to hire extra help, much needed extra help as Danna has gone to a volleyball tournament and come home injured. With the maple festival happening outside of town, there's a number of tourists and extra visitors to the cafe. Robbie is excited to enter her special maple biscuit in the judged food competition but when one of the judges starts to choke after taking a bite of her biscuit, Robbie is worried someone tried to murder him as she had seen Professor Connelly get into conflicts with no less than two people. Then Professor Connelly turns up dead behind the sugar shed at her assistant's family farm putting Turner's dad on the suspect list. Robbie's friend Christina is grilled by the police and Robbie herself seems under suspicion, she knows she has to start asking questions to find out who killed the professor and clear her friend's name and save her business from ruin.
This series just is not one of my favorites. The mystery was too easy to solve and not even the cafe could save the story for me. There's too much repetitive daily activity and too much savory and healthy cooking. I skimmed a lot of the details and still managed to get the whole story.
Robbie's thoughts often turn judgmental towards others who are above average size. SHE may have big hips but she is on her feet at the cafe all day and then on her off days she's doing construction or bicycling. Robbie is also a bit judgmental towards her neighbors who use colloquialisms and speak with a country twang. She gets insecure the second she sees her boyfriend with another woman but at least this time she didn't fly off the handle and ruin things. Naturally there was an innocent explanation which he brought to her attention in spite of not knowing she saw Abe with the woman. The one thing I couldn't stand in this novel was her investigation. Robbie is WAY out of line. She trespasses, shares suspicions with the police who then speak to a family member as if they know the truth for sure and Robbie meddles in private family business to the point of nearly ruining a lot of people's lives. She totally crosses the line and then her nosiness nearly gets her killed.
Turner Rao, Robbie's new assistant, is deeply passionate about cooking. His dream is to be a professional chef and his help is truly needed and appreciated by Robbie. Turner goes against his dad's wishes. His dad, from India and a practicing Hindu, wishes his son to be a doctor or scientist like himself, something that will make money. Turner's mom, a Hoosier, is accepting of his dreams. I feel bad for him but Turner is an adult and can make his own decisions including not living at home. Once Robbie gets her upstairs fixed she should not make it a B&B but apartments for her staff. I suspect Turner may be the murderer or know something about it. A chef's knife was found at the scene of the crime.
Warren Connonlly was a truly awful person. I almost felt like murdering him myself by the time all was revealed. He's a scientist who took money from climate change deniers to do "research". This caused numerous clashes with legitimate researchers trying to save the planet. This dispicable professor was sexist, lecherous and an immoral, unethical businessman. He actually reminded me of someone... On the other hand, Warren Connolly was also a father, apparently a loving, doting father and that makes his death hard to take.
Professor Sonia Genest hated Professor Connolly for taking grants away from legitmate research. His climate change denial tactics hampered legitimate investigation. She was seen getting into an argument with him at the cafe. She won't share her alibi for the night of the murder with the police which makes her suspicious. Robbie also spies Sonia being very cozy with another suspect. Could the two of them be working together? I don't think Sonia is a very nice person. She's a bit arrogant and passionate about her work. I can't argue with that but she takes her frustrations and anger out of another professor in public away from campus. That I have a problem with. Complain to the Dean or something legitimate. I didn't like the way she cozied up to Nick, a stranger and much younger man. I do agree with Robbie that it seems like they may be up to no good together.
Dr. Sajit Rao is old-fashioned, patriarchal and strict but he's also passionate about saving trees which brings him into conflict with Professor Connolly. Sajit also clashed publicly with Warren Connolly and the body was found on his property. Now he's nowhere to be found and the family is frantic. Are they worried he's a killer on the run? Are they worried he saw something he shouldn't and the killer abducted him? It sure looks bad for him. What does Turner know? I think his wife, Mona, knows more than she is telling anyone. She seems to love her husband very much and is worried about him but I wonder if she's the murderer and trying to protect her family? Or does she know what her husband did and helped him run away? Mona is a suspicious character for sure. I figured out long before Robbie what her secret is and would never have dreamed of doing what Robbie did.
Christina is Robbie's friend and a professional chef. She doesn't appreciate being grilled by the police and neither does her boss. Robbie tries to help but Christina's knife was found at the scene of the crime and Christina isn't all that forthcoming. What motive would she have for murder? Just that a customer made a scene about not liking her food? That probably happens a lot. Do those people end up dead too? It doesn't look good for Christina.
Nick Mendes took Christina's place as chef at the Nashville Inn. He's young but seems talented. Christina thinks there's something fishy about Nick. She says his affect is off, he's anti-social or something, weird. AHHHH! Does he have autism? It sounds like he could be on the spectrum from her description and I am NOT happy with Christina for judging him harshly. So what if he doesn't have a sparkling personality? He's a chef, he spends his time in the kitchen cooking and directing others, not socializing. As Robbie starts to ask questions, she sees Nick as personable enough. He sure can turn on the charm when he wants to. I don't think he has a likable personality. Something about him is off-puting. I don't get an autism vibe, just kind of like he's a bit egotistical, giddy with his early success. He's also from Boston so he probably seems anti-social to midwesterners because that's the way we are in New England. (Also, most educated people here don't have strong accents pahk the cah, idearrr).
Warren Connolly leaves behind a college aged daughter, Noreen. She appears distraught over her father's murder and angry at whoever did it. Doth she protest too much or is she truly brokenhearted? He can't possibly have been as good a father as she describes. However, Noreen is friends with Robbie's friend Phil. Could he be decieved?
Detective Oscar Thompson is back on the force after an extended semi-retirement leave. He's tough, no-nonsense and doesn't have time or interest in sharing pleasantries or stopping for a huge meal and gossip the way Buck does. Detective Thompson seems better suited for the big city. I don't really like him but I don't have to, as long as he finds the murderer. I think he's smart enough to figure this one out on his own but Robbie's interference can wreck the case.
This story needs more Phil! He's the best character in the series and only appears in one scene. There is plenty of Buck though. I love Buck with his folksy sayings and his hollow leg. Abe isn't in the story mcuh either. He's acting secretive, glancing at his phone and not sharing with Robbie. I don't think he's seeing another woman though. I assume it's family problems and he'll share what he can when, which he does. Robbie needs to chill before she loses another great guy. They seem like a mismatched pair. She's an uptight, educated Californian and he's a Hoosier electrician. He should ditch Robbie for being as dumb as a brick. He says "My son's aunt..." and she says "Oh I didn't know you had a sister." Would he say "My son's aunt" if he meant his sister? Wouldn't she know by now if he had a sister? We haven't seen much of Corinne Beedle since she was elected mayor but she has a minor role in this story, helping at Pans n' Pancakes. She's smart, no-nonsense and truly loves her community so much she's willing to set aside her free time to help out at the cafe.
I read this to use up Hoopla borrows so I probably will read more for the same reason but only for that reason. This series doesn't appeal to me as much as bakery cafe series or traditional breakfast series.
Content:
mention of rape
One character in a same sex relationship
mention of drug ring/illegal prescription drug buying
This series just is not one of my favorites. The mystery was too easy to solve and not even the cafe could save the story for me. There's too much repetitive daily activity and too much savory and healthy cooking. I skimmed a lot of the details and still managed to get the whole story.
Robbie's thoughts often turn judgmental towards others who are above average size. SHE may have big hips but she is on her feet at the cafe all day and then on her off days she's doing construction or bicycling. Robbie is also a bit judgmental towards her neighbors who use colloquialisms and speak with a country twang. She gets insecure the second she sees her boyfriend with another woman but at least this time she didn't fly off the handle and ruin things. Naturally there was an innocent explanation which he brought to her attention in spite of not knowing she saw Abe with the woman. The one thing I couldn't stand in this novel was her investigation. Robbie is WAY out of line. She trespasses, shares suspicions with the police who then speak to a family member as if they know the truth for sure and Robbie meddles in private family business to the point of nearly ruining a lot of people's lives. She totally crosses the line and then her nosiness nearly gets her killed.
Turner Rao, Robbie's new assistant, is deeply passionate about cooking. His dream is to be a professional chef and his help is truly needed and appreciated by Robbie. Turner goes against his dad's wishes. His dad, from India and a practicing Hindu, wishes his son to be a doctor or scientist like himself, something that will make money. Turner's mom, a Hoosier, is accepting of his dreams. I feel bad for him but Turner is an adult and can make his own decisions including not living at home. Once Robbie gets her upstairs fixed she should not make it a B&B but apartments for her staff. I suspect Turner may be the murderer or know something about it. A chef's knife was found at the scene of the crime.
Warren Connonlly was a truly awful person. I almost felt like murdering him myself by the time all was revealed. He's a scientist who took money from climate change deniers to do "research". This caused numerous clashes with legitimate researchers trying to save the planet. This dispicable professor was sexist, lecherous and an immoral, unethical businessman. He actually reminded me of someone... On the other hand, Warren Connolly was also a father, apparently a loving, doting father and that makes his death hard to take.
Professor Sonia Genest hated Professor Connolly for taking grants away from legitmate research. His climate change denial tactics hampered legitimate investigation. She was seen getting into an argument with him at the cafe. She won't share her alibi for the night of the murder with the police which makes her suspicious. Robbie also spies Sonia being very cozy with another suspect. Could the two of them be working together? I don't think Sonia is a very nice person. She's a bit arrogant and passionate about her work. I can't argue with that but she takes her frustrations and anger out of another professor in public away from campus. That I have a problem with. Complain to the Dean or something legitimate. I didn't like the way she cozied up to Nick, a stranger and much younger man. I do agree with Robbie that it seems like they may be up to no good together.
Dr. Sajit Rao is old-fashioned, patriarchal and strict but he's also passionate about saving trees which brings him into conflict with Professor Connolly. Sajit also clashed publicly with Warren Connolly and the body was found on his property. Now he's nowhere to be found and the family is frantic. Are they worried he's a killer on the run? Are they worried he saw something he shouldn't and the killer abducted him? It sure looks bad for him. What does Turner know? I think his wife, Mona, knows more than she is telling anyone. She seems to love her husband very much and is worried about him but I wonder if she's the murderer and trying to protect her family? Or does she know what her husband did and helped him run away? Mona is a suspicious character for sure. I figured out long before Robbie what her secret is and would never have dreamed of doing what Robbie did.
Christina is Robbie's friend and a professional chef. She doesn't appreciate being grilled by the police and neither does her boss. Robbie tries to help but Christina's knife was found at the scene of the crime and Christina isn't all that forthcoming. What motive would she have for murder? Just that a customer made a scene about not liking her food? That probably happens a lot. Do those people end up dead too? It doesn't look good for Christina.
Nick Mendes took Christina's place as chef at the Nashville Inn. He's young but seems talented. Christina thinks there's something fishy about Nick. She says his affect is off, he's anti-social or something, weird. AHHHH! Does he have autism? It sounds like he could be on the spectrum from her description and I am NOT happy with Christina for judging him harshly. So what if he doesn't have a sparkling personality? He's a chef, he spends his time in the kitchen cooking and directing others, not socializing. As Robbie starts to ask questions, she sees Nick as personable enough. He sure can turn on the charm when he wants to. I don't think he has a likable personality. Something about him is off-puting. I don't get an autism vibe, just kind of like he's a bit egotistical, giddy with his early success. He's also from Boston so he probably seems anti-social to midwesterners because that's the way we are in New England. (Also, most educated people here don't have strong accents pahk the cah, idearrr).
Warren Connolly leaves behind a college aged daughter, Noreen. She appears distraught over her father's murder and angry at whoever did it. Doth she protest too much or is she truly brokenhearted? He can't possibly have been as good a father as she describes. However, Noreen is friends with Robbie's friend Phil. Could he be decieved?
Detective Oscar Thompson is back on the force after an extended semi-retirement leave. He's tough, no-nonsense and doesn't have time or interest in sharing pleasantries or stopping for a huge meal and gossip the way Buck does. Detective Thompson seems better suited for the big city. I don't really like him but I don't have to, as long as he finds the murderer. I think he's smart enough to figure this one out on his own but Robbie's interference can wreck the case.
This story needs more Phil! He's the best character in the series and only appears in one scene. There is plenty of Buck though. I love Buck with his folksy sayings and his hollow leg. Abe isn't in the story mcuh either. He's acting secretive, glancing at his phone and not sharing with Robbie. I don't think he's seeing another woman though. I assume it's family problems and he'll share what he can when, which he does. Robbie needs to chill before she loses another great guy. They seem like a mismatched pair. She's an uptight, educated Californian and he's a Hoosier electrician. He should ditch Robbie for being as dumb as a brick. He says "My son's aunt..." and she says "Oh I didn't know you had a sister." Would he say "My son's aunt" if he meant his sister? Wouldn't she know by now if he had a sister? We haven't seen much of Corinne Beedle since she was elected mayor but she has a minor role in this story, helping at Pans n' Pancakes. She's smart, no-nonsense and truly loves her community so much she's willing to set aside her free time to help out at the cafe.
I read this to use up Hoopla borrows so I probably will read more for the same reason but only for that reason. This series doesn't appeal to me as much as bakery cafe series or traditional breakfast series.
Content:
mention of rape
One character in a same sex relationship
mention of drug ring/illegal prescription drug buying
February 11, 2018
Synopsis:
For country-store owner Robbie Jordan, the National Maple Syrup Festival is a sweet escape from late-winter in South Lick, Indiana--until murder saps the life out of the celebration . . .
As Robbie arranges a breakfast-themed cook-off at Pans 'N Pancakes, visitors pour into Brown County for the annual maple extravaganza. Unfortunately, that includes Professor Connolly, a know-it-all academic from Boston who makes enemies everywhere he goes--and this time, bad manners prove deadly. Soon after clashing with several scientists at a maple tree panel, the professor is found dead outside a sugar shack, stabbed to death by a local restaurateur's knife. When an innocent woman gets dragged into the investigation and a biologist mysteriously disappears, Robbie drops her winning maple biscuits to search for answers. But can she help police crack the case before another victim is caught in a sticky situation with a killer? (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well wounded and well developed. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Robbie, her aunt Adele and her friends. Robbie works hard to keep her cafe/store successful and her friends are always ready to help her in any way they can. I found the sayings and southern ways endearing and they really made me feel like I was in a quaint southern town. The nosiness of the citizens and the helpfulness of them also added to this feeling.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, visiting Pans ‘N Pancakes, and it made my hungry. The mystery was well paced and had enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through that it was not an easy one to solve. I had the culprit narrowed down to two and I was right with one of them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is a relaxing read with lots of southern charm and a series definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
For country-store owner Robbie Jordan, the National Maple Syrup Festival is a sweet escape from late-winter in South Lick, Indiana--until murder saps the life out of the celebration . . .
As Robbie arranges a breakfast-themed cook-off at Pans 'N Pancakes, visitors pour into Brown County for the annual maple extravaganza. Unfortunately, that includes Professor Connolly, a know-it-all academic from Boston who makes enemies everywhere he goes--and this time, bad manners prove deadly. Soon after clashing with several scientists at a maple tree panel, the professor is found dead outside a sugar shack, stabbed to death by a local restaurateur's knife. When an innocent woman gets dragged into the investigation and a biologist mysteriously disappears, Robbie drops her winning maple biscuits to search for answers. But can she help police crack the case before another victim is caught in a sticky situation with a killer? (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well wounded and well developed. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Robbie, her aunt Adele and her friends. Robbie works hard to keep her cafe/store successful and her friends are always ready to help her in any way they can. I found the sayings and southern ways endearing and they really made me feel like I was in a quaint southern town. The nosiness of the citizens and the helpfulness of them also added to this feeling.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, visiting Pans ‘N Pancakes, and it made my hungry. The mystery was well paced and had enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through that it was not an easy one to solve. I had the culprit narrowed down to two and I was right with one of them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is a relaxing read with lots of southern charm and a series definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 25, 2017
It's a sticky murder. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this cozy murder mystery that revolved around a Maple syrup festival. Robbie's witnesses a couple of people arguing with a visiting professor who is later discovered dead by Robbie's aunt. Robbie's employee at her country shop and her friend are both personally involved in the investigation. Robbie gets involved because of her curiosity and love of puzzle solving. All the while she has to run her country shop/restaurant. I liked the main and side story lines including the little romance side story, it seemed more realistic than in other murder mysteries I've read. Add to this the recipes at the end of the book and you have a wonderful combination for an afternoon curled up on the couch reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews