When the Grits Hit the Fan, is the third book in the Country Store Mysteries series and every book has been great. With greater complexity than many cozy mysteries and characters that have depth, the books of the series stand head and shoulders above many of the traditional cozy mysteries that are out now. I love when I discover a series that leaves me anxious for the next book without relying on a cliffhanger!

Robbie's life has gone through quite a few changes in the last few years in romance, in her career, and in her new habit of finding dead bodies! Using the skills that her cabinet maker mother taught her, Robbie has completed work on her new restaurant and is taking advantage of a slower winter work week to renovate her second floor to create bedrooms for a small bed and breakfast. The work apparently has someone spooked because at least one person has managed to sneak in leaving no clues as to how they got in or what they were seeking. It doesn't seem reasonable that the death of a townsman can be related to what is happening in her building but Robbie can't help feeling their might be a link.
I requested an advanced readers' copy of this book via NetGalley. The review is completely voluntary; I always review books that I love.

Robbie Jordan is plagued with finding bodies...and unfortunately, if she isn't the suspect...a friend is.
Working hard at remodeling the upstairs in her restaurant, she finds time to try to clear a friend, and she puts herself directly in the killer's sights....just as she figures it out. Follow her logic and go along for the ride.

Out of the three books in this series, this one is my favorite. The series has finally hit its stride, showcasing the flavor of southern Indiana with a picturesque setting, colorful characters and an absorbing plot that pulls you right into the wonderful world of South Lick. Picture it: the snow gently falling on the rolling hills, the small town diner serving delicious food with a heaping side of gossip, and the warmth of friends and family - it's all so inviting that it's easy to get comfortable. And that's what I like most about cozy mysteries, how comfortable you are sinking into them, and the Country Store series is an excellent example; it's a great place to spend a few hours, even if there is a murderer on the loose. Throw in a victim that you love to hate (let's face it, it's always satisfying when a thoroughly disagreeable character is the victim, isn't it?) and no shortage of suspects, each with their own good motive for murder, plus hidden tunnels, puzzling objects found in the walls during remodeling and an action packed ending and you have the perfect recipe for a great cozy mystery.

Thank you for letting me read and review this book, I have read all of Maddie Day's books and thought this one was the best yet and didn't disappoint. Brilliant twists and turns and I'm glad that the unsolved murder was finally solved. Can't wait for the next instalment!

WHEN THE GRITS HIT THE FAN by Maddie Day

Business is slow at Pans ‘N Pancakes, with cold weather keeping folks at home, but soon enough Robbie and friends wish for a return to slow and quiet days. Snowshoeing across a frozen lake would be a quiet, if strenuous, endeavor, but for a gruesome surprise under the ice. Solving puzzles can be more dangerous if the the puzzle is a murder instead of the NY Times puzzle.
Renovations bring dust and dirt, but usually not hidden tunnels and mementos of crime. This was a compelling book, edging out all other pursuits to be finished before bed. It still resonated as I tried to sleep, so many twists, so much tension, such a good ending. Now morning, and I wish I could go have some eggs and grits at Pans ‘N Pancakes, but I guess I’ll have to fix my own . . . good thing there are recipes!
Beautiful description: “the flakes glistened in the illumination like fairies dancing.”
Metaphor: “dishes . . . crashing to the floor echoed the . . . disturbance . . . of our peaceful little town.”
My Connections:
I cross-country skied in Minnesota, wonderful exercise and a good chance to see natural settings.
Renovations at the home of friend in Kirkwood, MO, found a hidden underground tunnel under her kitchen (explained the chill and frozen pipes) with clues that it might have been part of the Underground Railroad.
Similar persistent stubbornness: “Being warned off the case . . . had produced entirely the opposite effect. I was determined . . .”
Books and libraries: “You couldn’t beat the physical book, and at the library the price was right, too.”
Ah, and all those people with no alibis — that would often be me as well, living my life in the absence of alibis.

This is another engaging entry in the Country Store mystery series. It has down to earth characters and enough plot twists to keep you guessing who killed Professor Stilton all the way through. The author skillfully weaves in several plot threads throughout the book which challenges you to figure out the who and the why of the crime. The author gets you involved in the characters and keeps you interested throughout the book. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it,