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Country Store Mystery #6
Strangled Eggs and Ham
Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!
While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . .
Includes Recipes for You to Try!
While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . .
Includes Recipes for You to Try!
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 25, 2019
775 people are currently reading
2289 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Day
28 books1,519 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
July 27, 2025
Strangled Eggs and Ham is the 6th book in the Country Store Mysteries written by Maddie Day. I've been on a binge to catch up to the current release (#10) this year, and I've read one of her other series in its entirety too. I'm not sure why I waited so long because they've truly all been great reads. Already ordered #7 to read next week.
In this installment, a land developer is hoping to build a new resort atop a local mountain. The townsfolk of South Lick, Indiana are split down the middle on preserving natural beauty versus bringing in more jobs. Robbie Jordan, 30ish owner of a country store and B&B, listens to both sides, but her aunt, Adele, is firmly against the project. Someone is found strangled after a big argument between the two teams, and Robbie is thrust into solving another mystery. Too bad her aunt has been a target of dangerous pranks and hurtful tricks. Will Robbie save the town and her aunt before another person is killed?
Definitely a strong one in the series. The characters are all memorable, and there is lots of growth from book to book. Abe, Robbie's boyfriend, is out of town, but they talk on the phone. It's a nice way to savor the relationship and ensure we don't get bored of happy couples (which are usually problematic in a mystery). One scene in which both sides of the quarrel pull out their guns (since they are permitted to in the area) was a bit too realistic for me, but that's a great way to bring reality in a setting too. The final scene to catch the perp was suspenseful too.
In this installment, a land developer is hoping to build a new resort atop a local mountain. The townsfolk of South Lick, Indiana are split down the middle on preserving natural beauty versus bringing in more jobs. Robbie Jordan, 30ish owner of a country store and B&B, listens to both sides, but her aunt, Adele, is firmly against the project. Someone is found strangled after a big argument between the two teams, and Robbie is thrust into solving another mystery. Too bad her aunt has been a target of dangerous pranks and hurtful tricks. Will Robbie save the town and her aunt before another person is killed?
Definitely a strong one in the series. The characters are all memorable, and there is lots of growth from book to book. Abe, Robbie's boyfriend, is out of town, but they talk on the phone. It's a nice way to savor the relationship and ensure we don't get bored of happy couples (which are usually problematic in a mystery). One scene in which both sides of the quarrel pull out their guns (since they are permitted to in the area) was a bit too realistic for me, but that's a great way to bring reality in a setting too. The final scene to catch the perp was suspenseful too.
June 27, 2019
Everyone who follows the Country Store Mysteries think that they are the series’ biggest fan. Well everyone, you’re wrong. I am! ;-) Seriously, author Maddie Day has created such a delightful series, it’s no wonder it is so well loved.
I’m very excited each time I read a new book in this series. But also a little nervous at first. I mean, how can author Day pen a story even better than the one before? How can she keep it fresh, and interesting? Because she’s brilliant, that’s how! Every book in this series is better than the last, and STRANGLED EGGS AND HAM is no exception. From page one until the end, I was glued to my seat. I’m telling you, it would have had to have been an emergency of global proportions to drag me away from this book.
The best in the series to date (if you didn’t already get that from everything I said above), STRANGLED EGGS AND HAM is a fabulous mystery within an equally wonderful character centric tale. I found myself so invested in the story, that when my dog barked, I was startled to find I wasn’t really in South Lick, Indiana within the walls of Pans ‘N Pancakes. I’m honest in saying, I could even smell the food! Speaking of, the recipes included are high on the yummy scale.
Exciting, fun, engrossing, surprising . . . I could go one and on with positive adjectives to describe just how much I loved STRANGLED EGGS AND HAM. But instead, I think you should get a copy and see for yourself. You’ll be happy that you did!
I’m very excited each time I read a new book in this series. But also a little nervous at first. I mean, how can author Day pen a story even better than the one before? How can she keep it fresh, and interesting? Because she’s brilliant, that’s how! Every book in this series is better than the last, and STRANGLED EGGS AND HAM is no exception. From page one until the end, I was glued to my seat. I’m telling you, it would have had to have been an emergency of global proportions to drag me away from this book.
The best in the series to date (if you didn’t already get that from everything I said above), STRANGLED EGGS AND HAM is a fabulous mystery within an equally wonderful character centric tale. I found myself so invested in the story, that when my dog barked, I was startled to find I wasn’t really in South Lick, Indiana within the walls of Pans ‘N Pancakes. I’m honest in saying, I could even smell the food! Speaking of, the recipes included are high on the yummy scale.
Exciting, fun, engrossing, surprising . . . I could go one and on with positive adjectives to describe just how much I loved STRANGLED EGGS AND HAM. But instead, I think you should get a copy and see for yourself. You’ll be happy that you did!
May 15, 2019
The six installment of the Country Store mysteries finds Robbie Jordan trying to stay neutral in the current cause of jobs versus environmental but it is difficult as Aunt Adele is leading the fight against the development of the hilltop cutting the trees and building condos. One of her B&B guest is found murdered at the site. There a protest of stopping traffic, angry tempers, a shooting at the traffic blockage vandalism, and endangering animals It is handled well-making story thought-provoking. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Recipes used in Robbie's restaurant are included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Recipes used in Robbie's restaurant are included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2019
This is such a fun series and I enjoy each new book. Ms. Day has created a wonderful community and set it in the Midwest town of South Lick Indiana. One of the reasons I love cozy mysteries is that they are so character driven. However, I am not a fan when the author skimps on the mystery. Ms. Day's series hits all the points I look for in a cozy series. These are strong, quirky, well round, three dimensional characters. The setting is perfect as I live in the Midwest and tend to identify with stories set there. The author does a great job of capturing the small town feel while peppering the dialogue with authentic Midwest accents that give the characters and setting a realistic feel. The mystery is well done and is woven nicely throughout the entire story. While the identity of the killer was not a surprise, the author does a good job of dropping hints and clues that threw me off track. She also threw in a little twist during the reveal that I wasn't expecting. I always walk away from a Country Story Mystery having been entertained and wanting more.
If you are looking for a series that has wonderful characters, engaging mysteries and written in a way that makes you feel like you are right there in small town Midwest, they I would recommend you try this series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
If you are looking for a series that has wonderful characters, engaging mysteries and written in a way that makes you feel like you are right there in small town Midwest, they I would recommend you try this series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
December 1, 2020
Every time I read a book in this series, I gain 5 lbs just thinking about all the wonderful food served up at Pans N Pancakes! I like that this series is more than a mystery, it's a strong community of likable and relatable people that make you feel like you know them personally.
In this book, a developer is in town trying to build a resort just outside of town and not everyone is happy about it, chiefly Robbie's aunt Adele and her cronies who plan to do everything they can to prevent it from happening. A lawyer happens to be visiting South Lick and offers to take up the cause and is later found murdered at the resort building site. Robbie jumps into action to solve the case while juggling the diner, Adele's campaigning and keeping the peace on both sides. What a handful!
The plot moved along swiftly with lots of suspects, leading up to an action packed ending that kept me glued to the book. Another great read in a lovable series, looking forward to the next!
In this book, a developer is in town trying to build a resort just outside of town and not everyone is happy about it, chiefly Robbie's aunt Adele and her cronies who plan to do everything they can to prevent it from happening. A lawyer happens to be visiting South Lick and offers to take up the cause and is later found murdered at the resort building site. Robbie jumps into action to solve the case while juggling the diner, Adele's campaigning and keeping the peace on both sides. What a handful!
The plot moved along swiftly with lots of suspects, leading up to an action packed ending that kept me glued to the book. Another great read in a lovable series, looking forward to the next!
August 7, 2021
Life is busy enough running a restaurant, shop and small B&B, but when your 70+ year old aunt decides to be an activist, life is going to get even more complicated. Toss a dead body into the mix and life is almost too much! Great plot, super characters and great setting all equal a great entertaining read or listen if you are in to audiobooks like I am!
July 6, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We’re back in South Lick, Indiana where it isn’t just the weather that is making people HOT!
Fiona Closs is pressuring the South Lick relevant committees to approve her plans to build a luxury resort on a beloved scenic hilltop just outside of town. Robbie’s Aunt Adele is leading the charge to stop the project in its tracks. Robbie’s B&B lodgers even join the cause. When one of the protestors is killed at the site for the proposed resort Robbie gets fired up and is determined that killer will rot behind bars. She really turns up the gas when her aunt looks like the killer’s next target.
I have such a clear picture of Pans ‘N Pancakes in my mind that as soon as I open up a new book it feels like I am walking across the porch, through the front door and plopping myself at a corner table so I can just sit back and relax with a bird’s eye view of everything happening in South Lick. Robbie’s shop is a popular place and all the key players come through its doors at one time or another. The restaurant’s regulars are fonts of information too.
Ms. Day introduces the new characters and gives them substance before the crime takes place. She also gives a little background of the recurring characters for new readers of the series. She is truly an expert at character development.
Robbie Jordan is an excellent protagonist. She has a huge heart and she often wears it on her sleeve. She is also smart and resolute. As in a previous book, she is shorthanded at the restaurant but that doesn’t keep her from asking questions or making her puzzles to find the killer. She has grown so much over the course of this series as have all the others in the regular cast. With her beau out of town, she had one less sounding board but I loved that Robbie caught herself before making one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) decisions and even commented on it.
Adele is another strong character with her fingers in almost everything going on around her. This time I was really impressed at the way she was open to listening to her opposition. It may not have changed her mind but she did give them a chance.
We are kept on our toes by the author too. She sets a very fast pace and she gives us a small heap of suspects. There was an abundance of twists and I always enjoy following Robbie’s lead and the way she organizes her thoughts. The story really builds to an exciting ending.
Robbie Jordan has become quite a home in her adopted community. I have enjoyed each of her adventures/investigations. I can’t wait for more.
You can’t go wrong with a book by Maddy Day or her other pseudonyms. She always pens a wonderful whodunit!
We’re back in South Lick, Indiana where it isn’t just the weather that is making people HOT!
Fiona Closs is pressuring the South Lick relevant committees to approve her plans to build a luxury resort on a beloved scenic hilltop just outside of town. Robbie’s Aunt Adele is leading the charge to stop the project in its tracks. Robbie’s B&B lodgers even join the cause. When one of the protestors is killed at the site for the proposed resort Robbie gets fired up and is determined that killer will rot behind bars. She really turns up the gas when her aunt looks like the killer’s next target.
I have such a clear picture of Pans ‘N Pancakes in my mind that as soon as I open up a new book it feels like I am walking across the porch, through the front door and plopping myself at a corner table so I can just sit back and relax with a bird’s eye view of everything happening in South Lick. Robbie’s shop is a popular place and all the key players come through its doors at one time or another. The restaurant’s regulars are fonts of information too.
Ms. Day introduces the new characters and gives them substance before the crime takes place. She also gives a little background of the recurring characters for new readers of the series. She is truly an expert at character development.
Robbie Jordan is an excellent protagonist. She has a huge heart and she often wears it on her sleeve. She is also smart and resolute. As in a previous book, she is shorthanded at the restaurant but that doesn’t keep her from asking questions or making her puzzles to find the killer. She has grown so much over the course of this series as have all the others in the regular cast. With her beau out of town, she had one less sounding board but I loved that Robbie caught herself before making one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) decisions and even commented on it.
Adele is another strong character with her fingers in almost everything going on around her. This time I was really impressed at the way she was open to listening to her opposition. It may not have changed her mind but she did give them a chance.
We are kept on our toes by the author too. She sets a very fast pace and she gives us a small heap of suspects. There was an abundance of twists and I always enjoy following Robbie’s lead and the way she organizes her thoughts. The story really builds to an exciting ending.
Robbie Jordan has become quite a home in her adopted community. I have enjoyed each of her adventures/investigations. I can’t wait for more.
You can’t go wrong with a book by Maddy Day or her other pseudonyms. She always pens a wonderful whodunit!
June 27, 2019
Summer may be winding down in South Lick, Indiana, but tensions are on the rise thanks to the proposed resort on the edge of town. Some residents want the jobs it would bring, but others, like Robbie’s Aunt Adele, don’t want the increased traffic and impact on the environment. When a dead body turns up on the proposed construction site, Robbie’s restaurant, Pans ‘N Pancakes, becomes gossip central once again. Can Robbie gather enough clues to solve this case?
The book takes a little time setting up the characters and motives before the murder takes place, but once the murder happens, things are off and running. Robbie combines what she learns while working at her restaurant with sleuthing outside of work hours to reach the logical conclusion. I appreciated how both sides of the resort issue were presented fairly because both sides did have views that needed to be heard. Part of that comes from well-rounded suspects. The series regulars are as fantastic as always; I enjoy spending time with them. If the book leaves you hungry, you’ll be happy with the five recipes at the end. Spending time with Robbie is always a pleasure and this book is no exception.
Note: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The book takes a little time setting up the characters and motives before the murder takes place, but once the murder happens, things are off and running. Robbie combines what she learns while working at her restaurant with sleuthing outside of work hours to reach the logical conclusion. I appreciated how both sides of the resort issue were presented fairly because both sides did have views that needed to be heard. Part of that comes from well-rounded suspects. The series regulars are as fantastic as always; I enjoy spending time with them. If the book leaves you hungry, you’ll be happy with the five recipes at the end. Spending time with Robbie is always a pleasure and this book is no exception.
Note: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 28, 2019
Strangled Eggs And Ham
Country Store Mysteries, Book #6
Maddie Day
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!
While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . . (Amazon)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story right from the very start. South Lick, Indiana, seems like a fun place to visit, even with all of the murders.
The characters are well developed and well developed. Robbie is a strong character with lots of great qualities. She loves her family and friends and she is not afraid of putting herself out there when she sees an injustice. I enjoyed spending time with her and her Aunt Adele, you can tell they care a lot about each other. Aunt Adele is a real firecracker. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The mystery was well developed and carried on well throughout the book. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and the mystery was not easily solved.
I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. When I spend time with Robbie, I know I am in for a great time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Country Store Mysteries, Book #6
Maddie Day
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!
While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . . (Amazon)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story right from the very start. South Lick, Indiana, seems like a fun place to visit, even with all of the murders.
The characters are well developed and well developed. Robbie is a strong character with lots of great qualities. She loves her family and friends and she is not afraid of putting herself out there when she sees an injustice. I enjoyed spending time with her and her Aunt Adele, you can tell they care a lot about each other. Aunt Adele is a real firecracker. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The mystery was well developed and carried on well throughout the book. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and the mystery was not easily solved.
I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. When I spend time with Robbie, I know I am in for a great time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
June 17, 2019
Thank to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
Hungry for mystery? Haha I couldn't resist! I sure was, after reading about some of the yummy things getting churned out in this kitchen! The problem with themed mysteries is you open the fridge to a piece of KFC from the week before and some dubious looking celery while the main character whips up masterpieces! -sigh- and the mystery was pretty good as well!
I liked the host of characters in this small town, and that we got a bit of a look at the murder victim before he died. It made Robbie's quest that much more believable, and added to the mystery. It didn't matter that this was book 6; it was easy to fall into and enjoy.
This is yet another great mystery series, and yes, I went and did groceries after finishing. Five stars!
Hungry for mystery? Haha I couldn't resist! I sure was, after reading about some of the yummy things getting churned out in this kitchen! The problem with themed mysteries is you open the fridge to a piece of KFC from the week before and some dubious looking celery while the main character whips up masterpieces! -sigh- and the mystery was pretty good as well!
I liked the host of characters in this small town, and that we got a bit of a look at the murder victim before he died. It made Robbie's quest that much more believable, and added to the mystery. It didn't matter that this was book 6; it was easy to fall into and enjoy.
This is yet another great mystery series, and yes, I went and did groceries after finishing. Five stars!
June 23, 2019
Robbie Jordan's restaurant and B&B business continues to thrive in this sixth installment of the Country Store series. One of her guests is a bike riding enthusiast and also an environmental lawyer, who becomes interested in a resort project dividing the town of South Lick, Indiana. The project can bring jobs to the community but will also result in negatively affecting the long-standing natural environment. Robbie's Aunt Adele and a group of her close friends decide to protest the development and recruit Greg, the attorney, to their cause. When he is found strangled to death near the resort, the stakes rise to a whole new level.
This is a great series and I have read all of the preceding books. It can be read as a standalone as the author gives enough background information for the reader. It is very well-written and exceptional attention is given to local dialect and speech patterns. Robbie's character continues to develop as an independent woman, especially since her boyfriend Abe is at a out-of-town seminar for this book. I enjoyed learning more about Aunt Adele and her relationship with Robbie, especially since she is the one who was the original owner of the property. There are several delicious recipes at the end which are featured in the book. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for a digital ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
This is a great series and I have read all of the preceding books. It can be read as a standalone as the author gives enough background information for the reader. It is very well-written and exceptional attention is given to local dialect and speech patterns. Robbie's character continues to develop as an independent woman, especially since her boyfriend Abe is at a out-of-town seminar for this book. I enjoyed learning more about Aunt Adele and her relationship with Robbie, especially since she is the one who was the original owner of the property. There are several delicious recipes at the end which are featured in the book. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for a digital ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
June 22, 2019
Phew! Maddie Day has done an excellent job of raising the temperatures in South Lick and the tensions in her book! 8 out of 5!
The heat is on in South Lick, Indiana and not just the thermometer, there is a resort before the planning committee and the local townsfolk are well and truly divided between wanting it to happen and hating the very idea of it, Robbie's Aunt Adele falls in the latter camp and she is determined to be a disruptive as possible, it doesn't help matters when Robbie goes cycling up to see what the fuss is about, only to discover they believe it will pass without a hitch and so they have started work by clearing the trees! It turns out that one of her B & B guests is an environmental lawyer and he is prepared to act with Adele and the rest of the protesters on a Pro Bono basis, but before too much can happen he ends up well and truly dead.
Now Robbie is stuck in the middle between those that want her to support the protest and those that want her to talk the protesters down, add in the fact that her boyfriend is away on a course, Adele is suffering from a rash of vandalism, and then the vandal strikes at Robbie and so she is determined to help the police out to find the murderer ... whether the police want her help or not!
The heat is on in South Lick, Indiana and not just the thermometer, there is a resort before the planning committee and the local townsfolk are well and truly divided between wanting it to happen and hating the very idea of it, Robbie's Aunt Adele falls in the latter camp and she is determined to be a disruptive as possible, it doesn't help matters when Robbie goes cycling up to see what the fuss is about, only to discover they believe it will pass without a hitch and so they have started work by clearing the trees! It turns out that one of her B & B guests is an environmental lawyer and he is prepared to act with Adele and the rest of the protesters on a Pro Bono basis, but before too much can happen he ends up well and truly dead.
Now Robbie is stuck in the middle between those that want her to support the protest and those that want her to talk the protesters down, add in the fact that her boyfriend is away on a course, Adele is suffering from a rash of vandalism, and then the vandal strikes at Robbie and so she is determined to help the police out to find the murderer ... whether the police want her help or not!
June 27, 2019
It's like going home to friends every time I read a book in this series! This latest installment gave aunt Adele and her pal Vera a lot of storyline, and that was fun, since Adele is such a hoot and probably my favorite character. Vera is no slouch either. They both did great holding their own against a killer at the end of the book. I liked how Robbie has become even smarter when it comes to security and reporting everything to the police rather than taking off and winging it alone. Ok, well maybe she did the alone thing which was a bit nerve-wracking to read, but it was all good. I liked that Oscar Thompson and Buck's cousin Wanda were back.
I was pretty close on who the killer was, but the chase was the best part and nailing this person. Robbie had a close encounter that she escaped from--as I said, she's getting better at this. Abe was away for this story, but they at least kept in touch. Danna had a little more storyline as well. I love all Robbie's employees. Each one of them has such an awesome personality and brings different and fun things happening when it's their turn to work. As always, I'm anxious for the next book in the series!
I was pretty close on who the killer was, but the chase was the best part and nailing this person. Robbie had a close encounter that she escaped from--as I said, she's getting better at this. Abe was away for this story, but they at least kept in touch. Danna had a little more storyline as well. I love all Robbie's employees. Each one of them has such an awesome personality and brings different and fun things happening when it's their turn to work. As always, I'm anxious for the next book in the series!
May 25, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I love this series and am always happy when a new book releases and I can spend some time again with Robbie in her country store Pans and Pancakes. In Strangled Eggs and Ham Robbie has her hands full again, business is going well so she has a lot of work. Then tensions are brewing with a potential new resort coming to town and not everyone is happy with it. And then someone ends up death and the mystery starts in earnest.
I liked the mystery in this book. The tensions with the possible resort felt realistic and with two sides and lots of people having an opinion for or against the resort. I liked how from the start there are 4 main suspects and a few other potential ones, but no one has a solid alibi and at the same time there is no strong evidence pointing to anyone. And that's how it stays for most of the book, with more clues and information being uncovered, but till the end I wasn't quite sure who had done it. I was thinking in the right direction and it made sense when the reveals happen at the end.
Besides the solid mystery, I really like the every daily life style of this series. We see Robbie working at her restaurant, biking and just living her life. While it might sound bland, I find it really interesting to read about Robbie's daily life and how the store is doing. I also like how Robbie isn't running away from work to investigate, she only investigates on her free day or after her work and sometimes she picks up conversation or clues while she is working.
Robbie is a great main character, she acts responsible and handled the mystery in a smart manner. She rarely runs off anywhere along when she knows it might be dangerous. And she communicates well with the police, who also are quite capable. I like her interactions with the police and how Buck comes to eat at her restaurant quite regularly as well. I also like to read how she handles her business and how her bed and breakfast and her store is doing.
There are a bunch of familiar side characters again and a bunch of new ones who are relevant to the mystery. Robbie's aunt Adele plays an important role in this book as she's the leader of the anti resort group and Robbie is afraid she might get herself in danger.
To summarize: this was such a fun read and this continues to be one of my favorite cozy mysteries. This one has a solid mystery and a main character who is likable, smart and capable. There also is enough of Robbie's daily life and other plot lines sprinkled in. I just enjoy reading about Robbie's life and her pans and pancake store. I liked how the mystery was set up, there are some main suspects form the start and those stay suspects till the end when you finally find out who did it. All in all another great installment in this series and I am already looking forward to the next book.
I love this series and am always happy when a new book releases and I can spend some time again with Robbie in her country store Pans and Pancakes. In Strangled Eggs and Ham Robbie has her hands full again, business is going well so she has a lot of work. Then tensions are brewing with a potential new resort coming to town and not everyone is happy with it. And then someone ends up death and the mystery starts in earnest.
I liked the mystery in this book. The tensions with the possible resort felt realistic and with two sides and lots of people having an opinion for or against the resort. I liked how from the start there are 4 main suspects and a few other potential ones, but no one has a solid alibi and at the same time there is no strong evidence pointing to anyone. And that's how it stays for most of the book, with more clues and information being uncovered, but till the end I wasn't quite sure who had done it. I was thinking in the right direction and it made sense when the reveals happen at the end.
Besides the solid mystery, I really like the every daily life style of this series. We see Robbie working at her restaurant, biking and just living her life. While it might sound bland, I find it really interesting to read about Robbie's daily life and how the store is doing. I also like how Robbie isn't running away from work to investigate, she only investigates on her free day or after her work and sometimes she picks up conversation or clues while she is working.
Robbie is a great main character, she acts responsible and handled the mystery in a smart manner. She rarely runs off anywhere along when she knows it might be dangerous. And she communicates well with the police, who also are quite capable. I like her interactions with the police and how Buck comes to eat at her restaurant quite regularly as well. I also like to read how she handles her business and how her bed and breakfast and her store is doing.
There are a bunch of familiar side characters again and a bunch of new ones who are relevant to the mystery. Robbie's aunt Adele plays an important role in this book as she's the leader of the anti resort group and Robbie is afraid she might get herself in danger.
To summarize: this was such a fun read and this continues to be one of my favorite cozy mysteries. This one has a solid mystery and a main character who is likable, smart and capable. There also is enough of Robbie's daily life and other plot lines sprinkled in. I just enjoy reading about Robbie's life and her pans and pancake store. I liked how the mystery was set up, there are some main suspects form the start and those stay suspects till the end when you finally find out who did it. All in all another great installment in this series and I am already looking forward to the next book.
June 2, 2019
Reading a book that features Robbie Jordan is bound to be awesome. I was not disappointed. Maddie Day is an incredible author who makes writing seen like an easy task. When I read the first sentence in Strangled Eggs and Ham, I knew I was going to love it. The story flower seamlessly and I could actually picture myself sitting in Pans and Pancakes, sipping on a cup of hot coffee, eating some biscuits slathered in butter, enjoying the other diners and taking in the atmosphere.
I loved every but if this story and was sad when it ended.
Reading a book in this series is like catching up with an old friend, and the mystery itself was intense and we'll plotted.
Thank you to NetGalley for approving me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I can't wait for the next book in this fabulous series.
I loved every but if this story and was sad when it ended.
Reading a book in this series is like catching up with an old friend, and the mystery itself was intense and we'll plotted.
Thank you to NetGalley for approving me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I can't wait for the next book in this fabulous series.
June 24, 2019
Strangled Eggs And Ham is the sixth book in the Country Store Mystery series.
Things are in a turmoil in South Lick, Indiana. Fiona Closs a developer wants to build a huge luxury resort just outside of South Lick. Many residents are in favor as there are residents that need employment, but just as many oppose it saying that ruin the serene little community.
One summer day, Robbie and her girlfriend Lou Perlman head out to Lake Lemon for a day of relaxing and swimming. While there they meet Gregg DeGraff, an environmental lawyer from Indianapolis. Soon they are discussing the proposed construction and Greg offers to handle, pro bono, the fight to block the construction of the resort. Robbie on her drive home passes the proposed site and notices that the developer has already started to cut down some trees on the land. The next day she gets a call from Lou who tells her that while out cycling she has found Gregg’s dead body along the side of the road.
The group opposing the development is hit hard by this news, but Robbie’s feisty Aunt Adele says the group is still going to go ahead with their plan to block the road passing the site as a peaceable protest in hopes of gaining support. Then when Adele finds one of her sheep entangled in barb wire, which she has none on her farm, and then she has her tires slashed while at Pan ‘N Pancakes where NIMBY(not in my backyard) are having a strategy meeting for their protest. Robbie soon finds that there is no shortage of suspects for the murder of Gregg.
I really love this series, not only is it well-plotted and told, but I truly enjoy how Ms. Day includes some of the dialects of Brown County, IN., which I find to very interesting. As I live in Northern Indiana, I have heard many of them, but I can always count on learning a few new ones.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the books.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
Things are in a turmoil in South Lick, Indiana. Fiona Closs a developer wants to build a huge luxury resort just outside of South Lick. Many residents are in favor as there are residents that need employment, but just as many oppose it saying that ruin the serene little community.
One summer day, Robbie and her girlfriend Lou Perlman head out to Lake Lemon for a day of relaxing and swimming. While there they meet Gregg DeGraff, an environmental lawyer from Indianapolis. Soon they are discussing the proposed construction and Greg offers to handle, pro bono, the fight to block the construction of the resort. Robbie on her drive home passes the proposed site and notices that the developer has already started to cut down some trees on the land. The next day she gets a call from Lou who tells her that while out cycling she has found Gregg’s dead body along the side of the road.
The group opposing the development is hit hard by this news, but Robbie’s feisty Aunt Adele says the group is still going to go ahead with their plan to block the road passing the site as a peaceable protest in hopes of gaining support. Then when Adele finds one of her sheep entangled in barb wire, which she has none on her farm, and then she has her tires slashed while at Pan ‘N Pancakes where NIMBY(not in my backyard) are having a strategy meeting for their protest. Robbie soon finds that there is no shortage of suspects for the murder of Gregg.
I really love this series, not only is it well-plotted and told, but I truly enjoy how Ms. Day includes some of the dialects of Brown County, IN., which I find to very interesting. As I live in Northern Indiana, I have heard many of them, but I can always count on learning a few new ones.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the books.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
June 6, 2019
Strangled Eggs and Ham is the 6th book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. Even though this is the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along easily so it can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed it and practically read in one sitting and have since purchased the other books in the series.
Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!
While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . .
I love the setting of South Lick, Indiana and the quirky characters. The protagonist Robbie is strong and independent and i especially love her aunt Adele who is spunky as all get out. The characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to each of them.
There were enough twists to keep me intrigued and wanting to know how it ends. The plot and story were good and seemed to flow at a good pace. This has been added to my favourite series pile, I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a cozy filled with down home characters and a small town atmosphere.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!
While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . .
I love the setting of South Lick, Indiana and the quirky characters. The protagonist Robbie is strong and independent and i especially love her aunt Adele who is spunky as all get out. The characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to each of them.
There were enough twists to keep me intrigued and wanting to know how it ends. The plot and story were good and seemed to flow at a good pace. This has been added to my favourite series pile, I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a cozy filled with down home characters and a small town atmosphere.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 10, 2022
3.25 stars - plus because mystery was good, plus because the baking was good, minus because main character is awful, Hoosier characters are mildly racist and own guns.
Real-estate developer Fiona Closs's plan to build a fancy resort is dividing the town of South Lick. On one side are those who are excited the project will being much-needed jobs and money into town. On the other side are the environmentalists, including Robbie Jordan's Aunt Adele, who fear the destruction of nature, increased traffic and overall drop in the well-being of the town. When Aunt Adele plans to stag a protest, with help from one of Robbie's guests, Robbie tries to stay out of it. She can see both sides of the issue. Her friend Lou is attracted to the lawyer, Gregory De Graaf, who has promised to help Aunt Adele's group but when Lou goes to the construction site to meet Gregory, she discovers his dead body lying on the ground. Terrified and upset, Lou calls Robbie, who promises the police she'll stay out of it this time. She has enough on her plate running Pans 'n Pancakes. She's worried for Adele though and for Lou who found the body. Maybe it couldn't hurt to ask questions, after all, Gregory was one of her guests so Robbie deserves answers.
This is the best of the series yet. I couldn't put it down and it kept my interest the whole time. All the drama that went down had me on the edge of my bed. I did not figure out whodunit although the suspect list was pretty small. The local color isn't too over-the-top annoying and the food actually sounds good for a change. Waffles made in an antique waffle iron? bring them on! Southern Jam Cake sounds great too! I can see both sides of the debate like Robbie but I'm sorry Robbie, the environmental impact is too great to ignore in favor of jobs. Mayor Beadle needs to figure out how to bring green jobs to town and how to retrain people for them and for new jobs. The proposed development is technically outside town limits so it's someone else's problem but Mayor Beadle could do something to help from South Lick. Robbie needs more help but she seems to be unable to afford more staff at this time.
Robbie is a little easier to take in this book. She's still focused on other people's looks though. Her thoughts are a LOT outdated for someone from southern California. She describes someone as "maybe on the high-functioning end of the Asperger's spectrum." Um no. Asperger's is a form of Autism. We say "person with autism" or "person who has autism" or "on the autism spectrum." It's rude to judge people if you don't know for sure. She's nosy but not over the top and always shares her findings with the police.
As always, the regulars are delightful. I liked getting to know Turner and his culinary journey better. However, "thoughts of his father's hometown" should be "thoughts of his father's native country" or "thoughts of his Dadji's kitchen." Buck's reluctance to try foreign foods is a microagression against Turner and should not be included in the story. He could just say spicy foods give me indigestion or I don't know if I can handle foods that spicy. I've never tried it. I don't even know where this author's head is sometimes.
Gregory, the unfortunate victim, is quick to help the environmentalists in spite of being on sabbatical. We don't know him very well. It's tragic his life was cut short at such a young age.
Fiona Closs is tough. She's a bodybuilder and a high-end developer. Fiona doesn't seem to take no for answer but she is willing to listen to Adele's concerns. She's a well-developed character for someone who only appears in a few scenes. I'm not sure I fully trust her though. Micaela "Mike" Stiverton, construction truck driver, is a single mom of 4-year-old twin boys. They must go banannas for Mom's trucks. She has the BEST job for a mom of small boys. However, she's been unenployed and this new development is a blessing for her. She needs the money and the other jobs in construction are a long commute. Mike seems friendly and nice at first but then she appears with Lonnie, the security guard who helped Robbie find Abe and her Dad last summer. Being with Lonnie seems to bring out the worst in Mike. She's stressed, I get it, and worried about the future but she appears snippy and rude in public. Lonnie is good with her boys but maybe more like a kid himself and that's what's bugging her. Lonnie is eager for a job at Closs Creek and supportive of the project. I don't think he's totally innocent but would he stoop to murder? I hope not. I hope it's not Mike. Why would she give up her life, her kids and do something like that?
Yolene Wiley is a local who lives in the forest near the proposed development. She is 100% in support of the project because she sold her land to pay her taxes. She's in an unfortunate situation. Maybe if she didn't buy cigarettes ... I don't think the development is going to be what she hoped for. I have a strong feeling Fiona won't let Yvonne keep her dilapidated house. It won't like nice when the tourists come. Yvonne won't like the traffic and snooty tourists complaining about her eyesore of a house. She won't like her lack of privacy either. It sounds like she would be a big loser if the project is fulfilled and is deluding herself that she'll be the big winner.
Robbie's other guests are a couple, Wayne and Emily, a woman who "looked like she might have one parent from an Asian country." (GAAAHHH NO!! If you HAVE to go there, say she might have some Asian heritage but better not go there at all.) Emily seems nice, a bit timid and shy but nice. Wayne does not. He seems like the grumpy, overbearing type Emily would be well rid of. In fact, Adele's friend believes she saw Wayne cozy up with a woman who is NOT his wife. Jerk. I bet he's the murderer. I bet it has to do with a woman and not the resort at all and the resort was a red herring designed to keep the police busy with other suspects.
Oscar Thompson, the detective, seems to have a major bug up his butt AGAIN. He's so single-minded and laser focused. He can't look around and see what's going on around him and MUST interrupt Robbie's insanely busy day to question her - twice. HELLO pitch in and help out or go away. His romance shouldn't be fodder for gossip but he shouldn't be embarassed. I'm happy for Wanda. She's intense, he's intense. They both love police work. why not?
Barb Bergen at Shamrock Hardware is on the planning board. She hears both sides of the issue and really wants to be neutral but needs the evidence to decide for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up dead next. She seems fair and very nice so I hope not.
I'm interested enough to read another book but I do hope Robbie gets with the 21st century and learns how not to judge people by their race, ethnicity, percieved disability or weight.
Content warning:
racist microaggressions
microagressions against people of above average size and people with possible disabilities
guns-one character insists it's his God given right to carry a gun! Even Aunt Adele carries concealed. It's legal in Indiana is NOT an excuse.
Real-estate developer Fiona Closs's plan to build a fancy resort is dividing the town of South Lick. On one side are those who are excited the project will being much-needed jobs and money into town. On the other side are the environmentalists, including Robbie Jordan's Aunt Adele, who fear the destruction of nature, increased traffic and overall drop in the well-being of the town. When Aunt Adele plans to stag a protest, with help from one of Robbie's guests, Robbie tries to stay out of it. She can see both sides of the issue. Her friend Lou is attracted to the lawyer, Gregory De Graaf, who has promised to help Aunt Adele's group but when Lou goes to the construction site to meet Gregory, she discovers his dead body lying on the ground. Terrified and upset, Lou calls Robbie, who promises the police she'll stay out of it this time. She has enough on her plate running Pans 'n Pancakes. She's worried for Adele though and for Lou who found the body. Maybe it couldn't hurt to ask questions, after all, Gregory was one of her guests so Robbie deserves answers.
This is the best of the series yet. I couldn't put it down and it kept my interest the whole time. All the drama that went down had me on the edge of my bed. I did not figure out whodunit although the suspect list was pretty small. The local color isn't too over-the-top annoying and the food actually sounds good for a change. Waffles made in an antique waffle iron? bring them on! Southern Jam Cake sounds great too! I can see both sides of the debate like Robbie but I'm sorry Robbie, the environmental impact is too great to ignore in favor of jobs. Mayor Beadle needs to figure out how to bring green jobs to town and how to retrain people for them and for new jobs. The proposed development is technically outside town limits so it's someone else's problem but Mayor Beadle could do something to help from South Lick. Robbie needs more help but she seems to be unable to afford more staff at this time.
Robbie is a little easier to take in this book. She's still focused on other people's looks though. Her thoughts are a LOT outdated for someone from southern California. She describes someone as "maybe on the high-functioning end of the Asperger's spectrum." Um no. Asperger's is a form of Autism. We say "person with autism" or "person who has autism" or "on the autism spectrum." It's rude to judge people if you don't know for sure. She's nosy but not over the top and always shares her findings with the police.
As always, the regulars are delightful. I liked getting to know Turner and his culinary journey better. However, "thoughts of his father's hometown" should be "thoughts of his father's native country" or "thoughts of his Dadji's kitchen." Buck's reluctance to try foreign foods is a microagression against Turner and should not be included in the story. He could just say spicy foods give me indigestion or I don't know if I can handle foods that spicy. I've never tried it. I don't even know where this author's head is sometimes.
Gregory, the unfortunate victim, is quick to help the environmentalists in spite of being on sabbatical. We don't know him very well. It's tragic his life was cut short at such a young age.
Fiona Closs is tough. She's a bodybuilder and a high-end developer. Fiona doesn't seem to take no for answer but she is willing to listen to Adele's concerns. She's a well-developed character for someone who only appears in a few scenes. I'm not sure I fully trust her though. Micaela "Mike" Stiverton, construction truck driver, is a single mom of 4-year-old twin boys. They must go banannas for Mom's trucks. She has the BEST job for a mom of small boys. However, she's been unenployed and this new development is a blessing for her. She needs the money and the other jobs in construction are a long commute. Mike seems friendly and nice at first but then she appears with Lonnie, the security guard who helped Robbie find Abe and her Dad last summer. Being with Lonnie seems to bring out the worst in Mike. She's stressed, I get it, and worried about the future but she appears snippy and rude in public. Lonnie is good with her boys but maybe more like a kid himself and that's what's bugging her. Lonnie is eager for a job at Closs Creek and supportive of the project. I don't think he's totally innocent but would he stoop to murder? I hope not. I hope it's not Mike. Why would she give up her life, her kids and do something like that?
Yolene Wiley is a local who lives in the forest near the proposed development. She is 100% in support of the project because she sold her land to pay her taxes. She's in an unfortunate situation. Maybe if she didn't buy cigarettes ... I don't think the development is going to be what she hoped for. I have a strong feeling Fiona won't let Yvonne keep her dilapidated house. It won't like nice when the tourists come. Yvonne won't like the traffic and snooty tourists complaining about her eyesore of a house. She won't like her lack of privacy either. It sounds like she would be a big loser if the project is fulfilled and is deluding herself that she'll be the big winner.
Robbie's other guests are a couple, Wayne and Emily, a woman who "looked like she might have one parent from an Asian country." (GAAAHHH NO!! If you HAVE to go there, say she might have some Asian heritage but better not go there at all.) Emily seems nice, a bit timid and shy but nice. Wayne does not. He seems like the grumpy, overbearing type Emily would be well rid of. In fact, Adele's friend believes she saw Wayne cozy up with a woman who is NOT his wife. Jerk. I bet he's the murderer. I bet it has to do with a woman and not the resort at all and the resort was a red herring designed to keep the police busy with other suspects.
Oscar Thompson, the detective, seems to have a major bug up his butt AGAIN. He's so single-minded and laser focused. He can't look around and see what's going on around him and MUST interrupt Robbie's insanely busy day to question her - twice. HELLO pitch in and help out or go away. His romance shouldn't be fodder for gossip but he shouldn't be embarassed. I'm happy for Wanda. She's intense, he's intense. They both love police work. why not?
Barb Bergen at Shamrock Hardware is on the planning board. She hears both sides of the issue and really wants to be neutral but needs the evidence to decide for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up dead next. She seems fair and very nice so I hope not.
I'm interested enough to read another book but I do hope Robbie gets with the 21st century and learns how not to judge people by their race, ethnicity, percieved disability or weight.
Content warning:
racist microaggressions
microagressions against people of above average size and people with possible disabilities
guns-one character insists it's his God given right to carry a gun! Even Aunt Adele carries concealed. It's legal in Indiana is NOT an excuse.
June 30, 2019
Robbie's Bed & Breakfast portion of her business is in full swing, with her three rooms booked. One of her guests is an environmental lawyer who is on sabbatical and just happens to be in the right place. With a new resort trying to get approved just outside South Lick, Adele, Robbie's aunt, is trying to stop it and he has agreed to help them. The next day, he's dead. Things start to happen that have Robbie worried about Adele, so she steps in to help solve the mystery.
I love this series, it is one of my favourite places and people to visit. Adele has a much larger role in this book and I enjoyed that. She is just so sassy and does not act like others believe a septuagenarian should act. Her friend Vera jumps right into the fray with Adele and they are wonderful. I hope I can be like them when I get older. Robbie is a much smarter investigator in this book. She has installed all kinds of security and reports whatever she finds right away to the police so she does not put herself in danger. The characters that I love from previous books are back. Buck is there with his southern phrasing that always makes me laugh. Abe was away for this story, but they kept in touch on a regular basis and their relationship seems to be strong. Danna had a larger role in the story, and I love how she supports Robbie in the restaurant. As much as this series is very character based, the mystery is well-written and woven into the story maintaining a great pace. While the identity of the killer was not a surprise, the author does a good job of dropping hints and adding red herrings to throw the reader off track. The final reveal had a twist that I was not expecting, but I loved. Overall, this was a great story. I am already looking forward to the next Country Story Mystery. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I love this series, it is one of my favourite places and people to visit. Adele has a much larger role in this book and I enjoyed that. She is just so sassy and does not act like others believe a septuagenarian should act. Her friend Vera jumps right into the fray with Adele and they are wonderful. I hope I can be like them when I get older. Robbie is a much smarter investigator in this book. She has installed all kinds of security and reports whatever she finds right away to the police so she does not put herself in danger. The characters that I love from previous books are back. Buck is there with his southern phrasing that always makes me laugh. Abe was away for this story, but they kept in touch on a regular basis and their relationship seems to be strong. Danna had a larger role in the story, and I love how she supports Robbie in the restaurant. As much as this series is very character based, the mystery is well-written and woven into the story maintaining a great pace. While the identity of the killer was not a surprise, the author does a good job of dropping hints and adding red herrings to throw the reader off track. The final reveal had a twist that I was not expecting, but I loved. Overall, this was a great story. I am already looking forward to the next Country Story Mystery. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
June 25, 2019
I had to ask myself why I requested a book which was well into a series, something I hardly ever do. Most cozy mysteries require a deep-rooted emotional attachment to the lead characters in order to wade your way through the tale. Starting part way after most important connections and attitude forming events have already occurred is usually a bad idea.
I wonder if you noticed the use of the word 'usually', because this time it was not the case. This sixth book of the series is strong enough on its own to hold your attention and tell you a complete story. We meet our leading lady at the beach, she has already obtained a name for herself as an amateur sleuth and with her connection to the murder that occurs (it happens well after the beach scene), ensures no one questions her poking around while trying to figure the solution out. The town is currently in the grips of a dilemma, there is a resort being proposed which will bring in work for the locals but on the other end, it will cause destruction of natural resources. Robbie is mentally for the resort and its possible benefits but all her near and dear are against so she keeps her counsel while watching it all play out. The death may or may not make much sense once everything is revealed but the daily nitty-gritty of running a local B&B and all the 'local' vs non-local lingo as well as thought process are what I enjoyed about the book. The explanations given for the mystery part of the tale are pretty standard and follow a linear path.
The narrative is interesting and keeps you engaged and the bonus are recipes for all the interesting stuff they cook up in the kitchen some of which I can adapt into a vegetarian version for myself, something I intend to do in the near future!
I received an advance copy thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
I wonder if you noticed the use of the word 'usually', because this time it was not the case. This sixth book of the series is strong enough on its own to hold your attention and tell you a complete story. We meet our leading lady at the beach, she has already obtained a name for herself as an amateur sleuth and with her connection to the murder that occurs (it happens well after the beach scene), ensures no one questions her poking around while trying to figure the solution out. The town is currently in the grips of a dilemma, there is a resort being proposed which will bring in work for the locals but on the other end, it will cause destruction of natural resources. Robbie is mentally for the resort and its possible benefits but all her near and dear are against so she keeps her counsel while watching it all play out. The death may or may not make much sense once everything is revealed but the daily nitty-gritty of running a local B&B and all the 'local' vs non-local lingo as well as thought process are what I enjoyed about the book. The explanations given for the mystery part of the tale are pretty standard and follow a linear path.
The narrative is interesting and keeps you engaged and the bonus are recipes for all the interesting stuff they cook up in the kitchen some of which I can adapt into a vegetarian version for myself, something I intend to do in the near future!
I received an advance copy thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
September 23, 2019
Strangled Eggs and Ham, the sixth book in Maddie Day’s Country Store Mystery series finds the citizens of South Lick, Indiana and the surrounding communities at odds with one another. South Lick and the Brown County area are known for its hills and scenic views. In fact, tourists from all over come to visit. Fiona Closs, a real estate developer wants to cash in on the tourism. Fiona wants to build a luxury resort at the site of one of the best hillside locations in Brown County. The construction and subsequent opening of the resort will bring in much-needed jobs to the area. However, at the same time, the construction will mess with the unguarded beauty of the hillside, bring far more people to the area, and affect the ecosystem.
Robbie Jordan has been hearing people talk about the resort at her restaurant/store Pans ‘N Pancakes. She doesn't have an opinion one way or the other about the resort. Robbie is surprised to find out her aunt Adele is vehemently opposed to the resort and plans to do something about it. While casually speaking with one of her B&B guests, Gregory DeGraaf, Robbie mentions the resort and that her aunt and several people are against it. Gregory, an environmental lawyer on sabbatical offers to represent the group for free. Everyone is shocked to learn another murder has taken place in South Lick when Jordan's friend Lou discovers Gregory's body at the construction site.
Robbie loves to figure out puzzles. So, of course, she's curious about who would have killed Gregory and why. Robbie has learned her lesson and isn't really trying to get involved in the investigation. However, you know what they say about curiosity. Before she knows it, Robbie becomes suspicious of several people who frequent her restaurant. When her aunt becomes a victim of various crimes, Robbie knows the resort and those who want it are at the heart of things.
Strangled Eggs and Ham proved to be a nice little mystery. Maddie Day did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing until the big reveal. My biggest complaint with the story is the way that Robbie talks. I don't know if I ever noticed before or if this something new. Robbie is a California girl who has only been in Indiana for a short time, approximately a little less than a year. It's completely possible for her to pick up some Midwest sayings. However, she is in her 30s and at times, sounds like she's a 60 to 70-year-old person. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
**Received a copy from Kensington and reviewed voluntarily.**
Robbie Jordan has been hearing people talk about the resort at her restaurant/store Pans ‘N Pancakes. She doesn't have an opinion one way or the other about the resort. Robbie is surprised to find out her aunt Adele is vehemently opposed to the resort and plans to do something about it. While casually speaking with one of her B&B guests, Gregory DeGraaf, Robbie mentions the resort and that her aunt and several people are against it. Gregory, an environmental lawyer on sabbatical offers to represent the group for free. Everyone is shocked to learn another murder has taken place in South Lick when Jordan's friend Lou discovers Gregory's body at the construction site.
Robbie loves to figure out puzzles. So, of course, she's curious about who would have killed Gregory and why. Robbie has learned her lesson and isn't really trying to get involved in the investigation. However, you know what they say about curiosity. Before she knows it, Robbie becomes suspicious of several people who frequent her restaurant. When her aunt becomes a victim of various crimes, Robbie knows the resort and those who want it are at the heart of things.
Strangled Eggs and Ham proved to be a nice little mystery. Maddie Day did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing until the big reveal. My biggest complaint with the story is the way that Robbie talks. I don't know if I ever noticed before or if this something new. Robbie is a California girl who has only been in Indiana for a short time, approximately a little less than a year. It's completely possible for her to pick up some Midwest sayings. However, she is in her 30s and at times, sounds like she's a 60 to 70-year-old person. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
**Received a copy from Kensington and reviewed voluntarily.**
May 31, 2019
Another awesome book by Maddie Day. I love reading about Robbie and her gang. This was a great story with arguments on both sides of the issue. I liked that Robbie was on her own this time without Abe, it made her seem more strong and independent. As always, love Adele and her spirit. Good mystery. Didn't see the ending coming until it was revealed. Can't wait for the next book!
May 26, 2019
This small town keeps things exciting with debate over a resort development project that leads tp murder. With easily relatable characters and great descriptions, this book is a must read. My mouth was watering from the delicious depictions of the food at Pans 'N Pancakes and you'll want to try the recipes in the back. I laughed at Adele's unique sayings and the references to Carmen Sandiego and Murder, She Wrote took me back to my childhood. This book is easy enough to follow if you haven't read the previous ones in the series, but it's so good, why wouldn't you want to?
July 15, 2019
Robbie's Aunt Adele, along her friend Vera and others, are very active in
protesting the new luxury resort. Several desperate neighbors are just as
adamant advocating how important building the resort would be to the area.
Although, Robbie tries to stay neutral; the pro-resort faction is blaming
her for her Aunt's groups actions. Murder and mayhem pursues throughout the
book.
Find Strangled Eggs and Ham at Westminster Public Library today!
protesting the new luxury resort. Several desperate neighbors are just as
adamant advocating how important building the resort would be to the area.
Although, Robbie tries to stay neutral; the pro-resort faction is blaming
her for her Aunt's groups actions. Murder and mayhem pursues throughout the
book.
Find Strangled Eggs and Ham at Westminster Public Library today!
May 26, 2019
I just finished reading, no - devouring, Maddie Day's latest Country Store Mystery, and it did not disappoint! I sometimes wonder how Maddie (AKA Edith Maxwell) can be such a prolific writer and yet still come up with fresh, original plotlines, but I'm just grateful that she does.
When trouble brews between a real estate developer and Robbie's Aunt Adele, someone ends up dead and Robbie steps in. The pacing is just fast enough to keep you breathing hard. And one of the most charming things about this series is the careful attention to Indiana colloquialisms. (I used to live in the Cincinnati area, and the characters sure do sound down home to me.)
Be sure to pick up Strangled Eggs and Ham when it comes out or, better yet, pre-order so you don't miss a minute!
When trouble brews between a real estate developer and Robbie's Aunt Adele, someone ends up dead and Robbie steps in. The pacing is just fast enough to keep you breathing hard. And one of the most charming things about this series is the careful attention to Indiana colloquialisms. (I used to live in the Cincinnati area, and the characters sure do sound down home to me.)
Be sure to pick up Strangled Eggs and Ham when it comes out or, better yet, pre-order so you don't miss a minute!
February 24, 2020
The Country Store mysteries by Maddie Day is definitely a favorite. I enjoy seeing what Robbie and the rest of the crew is up to and look forward to finding out what the new specials at Pans N" Pancakes will be. It is exactly the kind of place I would frequent if I lived in South Lick (minus the murders)!! A cozy mystery with enough twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 1, 2019
Life seems to be going well for Robbie Jordan. She's the owner of the country store/restaurant Pans 'N Pancakes, a business that is hugely successful. Her bed and breakfast above the store is doing well too. She's got a great boyfriend and is surrounded by many friends in South Lick, Indiana.
But not everything is all sunshine and roses. A land developer is looking to build a resort on a nearby hilltop. The townspeople are split over this news. The group that is for the resort wants the jobs that the new business would bring. But those opposed, which includes Robbie's aunt Adele, worry about the destruction of the hilltop's natural beauty as well all the traffic and potential trouble that the resort could bring to their "quiet" little town.
Robbie is neutral over the whole matter so as not to alienate any of her customers, but neutrality goes out the window when one of the anti-resort protestors, who was a guest at her B&B, turns up dead at the proposed building site. Robbie's worried that as the ringleader of the anti-resort crowd her aunt could be threatened or worse. Robbie winds up poking around the murder being careful not to step on the toes of the cops investigating the case. Her nosing around pays off as Robbie begins to uncover clues that could lead to the discovery of the murderer.
But there are any number of possible suspects, particularly among the group of people pushing for the approval of the resort construction. When a not so veiled threat is made against Adele, Robbie knows she must find the killer before any harm can befall her beloved aunt. But will Robbie have to put herself in harm's way to do so? And just why was the victim killed? Was it because of his opposition to the resort or was there something else in his life that led to his death?
Of course, the murder investigation isn't the entire story in "Strangled Eggs and Ham". The mysteries are always top notch, drawing the reader in to discover right along Robbie just "Whodunnit?". But it's the way Day has made Robbie such an important part of her adopted community that helps give the series that extra bit of charm.
I know that as I read each book, I feel like I'm a part of the fabric of the community or at least that proverbial fly on the wall observing the day to day life of the citizens of South Lick. Robbie is just such a vibrantly interesting character that I've taken to wishing that Pans 'N Pancakes was a real restaurant that I could visit. Much like police officer Buck Bird, I'd eat there for both breakfast and lunch. The descriptions of the food and its preparation tend to leave my mouth watering in hunger driven anticipation.
The extended supporting cast once again floats in and out of the book based on the needs of the story. Some characters are absent or have a minimal presence, but then you have characters like Danna or Turner, Robbie's employees that you find yourself rooting for. Aunt Adele is a spitfire of the first order. The quirky detective Oscar Thompson's manner can be disquieting at times but in Day's hands, the quietly competent and efficient detective is always a welcome addition.
The best part of all these characters is how their characters advance and develop with each successive book. They aren't just reset with each new story. The most surprising element of the book was how one of the foods prepared (yes there are the requisite recipes) saw Maddie Day tying the Country Store mysteries to her Quaker Midwife mystery series (written under her real name, Edith Maxwell). I have to admit that my jaw dropped when I realized that connection. Even better still was that the cake described had me and my co-workers wanting a slice! In fact, there are three recipes in all that had me wanting to give them a shot. Well, not making them but I'd sure be happy to eat them if someone else made it.
Much like the long-running comic strip "For Better Or For Worse", when you spend time with Robbie and her quirky little family, you feel as if you are a part of that family as well. I know that when one of the characters suffered an accident, I gasped and found myself thinking "Oh man, I hope they are going to be OK".
"Strangled Eggs and Ham" once again demonstrates why I love this series so much. You have a fearless and forthright protagonist in Robbie Jordan. The actual mysteries are crafted to maximize intrigue in finding the killer and the series has that hefty serving of heart that endears the series to readers and keeps them coming back.
For anyone who has yet to start reading this series, let me just say as plainly as I can put it: The Country Store Mysteries series is my favorite among the cozy genre of crime fiction. You NEED to be reading this series because Robbie Jordan kicks as much butt as Jack Reacher...with way better food!
But not everything is all sunshine and roses. A land developer is looking to build a resort on a nearby hilltop. The townspeople are split over this news. The group that is for the resort wants the jobs that the new business would bring. But those opposed, which includes Robbie's aunt Adele, worry about the destruction of the hilltop's natural beauty as well all the traffic and potential trouble that the resort could bring to their "quiet" little town.
Robbie is neutral over the whole matter so as not to alienate any of her customers, but neutrality goes out the window when one of the anti-resort protestors, who was a guest at her B&B, turns up dead at the proposed building site. Robbie's worried that as the ringleader of the anti-resort crowd her aunt could be threatened or worse. Robbie winds up poking around the murder being careful not to step on the toes of the cops investigating the case. Her nosing around pays off as Robbie begins to uncover clues that could lead to the discovery of the murderer.
But there are any number of possible suspects, particularly among the group of people pushing for the approval of the resort construction. When a not so veiled threat is made against Adele, Robbie knows she must find the killer before any harm can befall her beloved aunt. But will Robbie have to put herself in harm's way to do so? And just why was the victim killed? Was it because of his opposition to the resort or was there something else in his life that led to his death?
Of course, the murder investigation isn't the entire story in "Strangled Eggs and Ham". The mysteries are always top notch, drawing the reader in to discover right along Robbie just "Whodunnit?". But it's the way Day has made Robbie such an important part of her adopted community that helps give the series that extra bit of charm.
I know that as I read each book, I feel like I'm a part of the fabric of the community or at least that proverbial fly on the wall observing the day to day life of the citizens of South Lick. Robbie is just such a vibrantly interesting character that I've taken to wishing that Pans 'N Pancakes was a real restaurant that I could visit. Much like police officer Buck Bird, I'd eat there for both breakfast and lunch. The descriptions of the food and its preparation tend to leave my mouth watering in hunger driven anticipation.
The extended supporting cast once again floats in and out of the book based on the needs of the story. Some characters are absent or have a minimal presence, but then you have characters like Danna or Turner, Robbie's employees that you find yourself rooting for. Aunt Adele is a spitfire of the first order. The quirky detective Oscar Thompson's manner can be disquieting at times but in Day's hands, the quietly competent and efficient detective is always a welcome addition.
The best part of all these characters is how their characters advance and develop with each successive book. They aren't just reset with each new story. The most surprising element of the book was how one of the foods prepared (yes there are the requisite recipes) saw Maddie Day tying the Country Store mysteries to her Quaker Midwife mystery series (written under her real name, Edith Maxwell). I have to admit that my jaw dropped when I realized that connection. Even better still was that the cake described had me and my co-workers wanting a slice! In fact, there are three recipes in all that had me wanting to give them a shot. Well, not making them but I'd sure be happy to eat them if someone else made it.
Much like the long-running comic strip "For Better Or For Worse", when you spend time with Robbie and her quirky little family, you feel as if you are a part of that family as well. I know that when one of the characters suffered an accident, I gasped and found myself thinking "Oh man, I hope they are going to be OK".
"Strangled Eggs and Ham" once again demonstrates why I love this series so much. You have a fearless and forthright protagonist in Robbie Jordan. The actual mysteries are crafted to maximize intrigue in finding the killer and the series has that hefty serving of heart that endears the series to readers and keeps them coming back.
For anyone who has yet to start reading this series, let me just say as plainly as I can put it: The Country Store Mysteries series is my favorite among the cozy genre of crime fiction. You NEED to be reading this series because Robbie Jordan kicks as much butt as Jack Reacher...with way better food!
June 28, 2019
How delightful, to be back at Robbie's restaurant and country store, Pans 'N Pancakes! Even if it is a hot and sticky August, we are treated to an excellent mystery, some of the best neighbors in the Midwest, and all the down home breakfast delights one could ever want.
Robbie Jordan was raised in California, a vast difference year-round from southern Indiana. She enjoys this small town, however, and adores her Aunt Adele, her mother's sister. One of the things she learned this time from Adele is a brief bit of family history that will be explored more at another time. She and the town are currently listening to the arguments about the new resort that is just a few signatures away from approval. Some folks want the increased taxes generated from tourists and new jobs so they don't have to move away. Others want the wetlands on the property preserved and don't want all the traffic and strangers that are sure to appear.
Fiona Closs is the developer of Closs Creek Resort. Adele is leading a group of local people into being part of a peaceful demonstration as she had participated in during the 1960's. People on both sides of the argument are passionate about their beliefs. An attorney from Indianapolis, down on a vacation and staying in the Bed and Breakfast upstairs from the restaurant, offers his time and advise for Adele's group. He would have been a great addition to the group as an environmental attorney who works against developers until he was found dead at the resort site. He was to have met Robbie's friend Lou at the site on the hill to go for an early bicycle ride, but someone was up early that day also. With the vandalism going around Adele, however, Robbie wants the killer found before her aunt is the next person killed. The stakes are higher than anyone would have imagined to build this resort, and I don't just mean financial stakes.
This is the best novel in the series so far. I am always interested to see Robbie get out her clues - motives - suspects chart, being a champion puzzle solver. It was a challenge to determine who the most likely suspects are, even though motives seem to be related to the resort. With his negative rep for working against developers, it could be someone from any of his past legal proceedings who knew he was vacationing in South Lick, Indiana. I found the mystery fresh and exciting, with surprises to be had throughout. The characters are unique and described well through words and actions. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries that include restaurants, a Midwest setting, good recipes, and a variety of down-home characters.
From a thankful heart: I had an arc of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Robbie Jordan was raised in California, a vast difference year-round from southern Indiana. She enjoys this small town, however, and adores her Aunt Adele, her mother's sister. One of the things she learned this time from Adele is a brief bit of family history that will be explored more at another time. She and the town are currently listening to the arguments about the new resort that is just a few signatures away from approval. Some folks want the increased taxes generated from tourists and new jobs so they don't have to move away. Others want the wetlands on the property preserved and don't want all the traffic and strangers that are sure to appear.
Fiona Closs is the developer of Closs Creek Resort. Adele is leading a group of local people into being part of a peaceful demonstration as she had participated in during the 1960's. People on both sides of the argument are passionate about their beliefs. An attorney from Indianapolis, down on a vacation and staying in the Bed and Breakfast upstairs from the restaurant, offers his time and advise for Adele's group. He would have been a great addition to the group as an environmental attorney who works against developers until he was found dead at the resort site. He was to have met Robbie's friend Lou at the site on the hill to go for an early bicycle ride, but someone was up early that day also. With the vandalism going around Adele, however, Robbie wants the killer found before her aunt is the next person killed. The stakes are higher than anyone would have imagined to build this resort, and I don't just mean financial stakes.
This is the best novel in the series so far. I am always interested to see Robbie get out her clues - motives - suspects chart, being a champion puzzle solver. It was a challenge to determine who the most likely suspects are, even though motives seem to be related to the resort. With his negative rep for working against developers, it could be someone from any of his past legal proceedings who knew he was vacationing in South Lick, Indiana. I found the mystery fresh and exciting, with surprises to be had throughout. The characters are unique and described well through words and actions. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries that include restaurants, a Midwest setting, good recipes, and a variety of down-home characters.
From a thankful heart: I had an arc of this novel, and this is my honest review.
June 27, 2019
This was my first read from the 'Country Store Mystery' series and it was so good! With great characters, a cohesive plot and an abundance of suspects, it would have been difficult not to like this story. The setting, a store and diner called Pans 'N' Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana. selling antique cookware and also serving breakfast and lunch, was a perfect backdrop for this engrossing cozy mystery. The story held my attention throughout and I look am looking forward to reading the other books in this delightful series. A well-deserved five stars!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 31, 2021
I love this series! It was great to spend time with Robbie again, although I missed Abe during this one. Hope he is back for #7. Great addition to the series.
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