This is by far one of my favorite books in this series. Adele was hilarious and I always love going back to the country store. My favorite part of this series is always the characters and setting. The mystery of someone being killed because of a property development is nothing new, yet there was wonderful twists and turns that had me guessing until the very end about who the killer was. I highly recommend this book and series. If you haven't read the other books in the series you can still read this book and not feel lost.

I really enjoyed this book I found the mystery interesting and the characters engaging, The story had many twists and turns and keep me interested until the end

This was another fun mystery with Robbie and the gang. I thoroughly enjoyed this story which revolves around a proposed resort going in near South Lick. The book moved well and had a few surprises along the way. Mostly I like that reading one of these books is like I am visiting old friends. A easy fun read that leaves me happy once I have closed the book.

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This is a fun series. I love Robbie, she is a character that you can relate to. The setting of the small town of Salt Lick, Indiana adds to the coziness. The mystery is well plotted and draws you in from the beginning.

I loved this newest installment in The Country Store Mystery series. This cozy has everything that makes a great story for me. Great believable. Charming characters. A small town setting, recipes, an animal or two. A nice mystery that keeps me guessing. I cant wait for the next book.

I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook for this addition to the series. I much prefer to read the books than listen as I am not a fan of the narrator on the audiobook. She makes Robbie sound a lot older than she is and it kept throwing me off as I thought Aunt Vera was talking.

Book six is a strong addition to the series. Plenty of red-herrings to keep you guessing who the murderer could be. You can read each book as a standalone with no problems. Day does such a good job of describing the area around Bloomington, Indiana that you can't help wish you could drop in and visit with Robbie and eat some pancakes at Pans-n-Pancakes.

A clean read in that there is no foul language, sexual situations or overly grisly murder scenes.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Robbie’s Pans ‘N Pancakes is the kind of place that makes me yearn for small town living, country stores, and breakfast restaurants. I enjoy being back in South Lick, Indiana and seeing how there is never a dull moment in this town. In the ten months since opening the store, there have been six murders. Robbie Jordan, breakfast chef extraordinaire, has helped solve each of them, especially when she or a loved one is the suspect or are at risk.

Pans ‘N Pancakes was formerly a country store. When it was up for sale, Robbie’s mother’s sister, Aunt Adele, talked her into purchasing it. Robbie’s dream has been realized, to have the breakfast and lunch restaurant as the heart of the town, a B&B upstairs, and retain a bit of the store with antique cooking implements, some for sale and some for display. Twenty-eight-year-old Roberta “Robbie” Jordan is content with her life, having moved from California after the sudden loss of her mother and now dating Abe, the beset guy she could ever imagine meeting.

Aunt Adele, a protester back in the 60’s, is planning to lead a non-violent protest against the proposed resort and spa that will be built on the most picturesque hill in the county. Closs Creek Resort, named after the developer, Fiona Closs, will increase the influx of strangers from all over the country, but being outside of town might not bring more business to the town. It will bring new jobs, but at the cost of loss of forest, wildlife, and increased traffic. Robbie chooses to stay out of the debate as she could see the benefits of both sides, including jobs for those who need work closer to home.

One of the guests at Robbie’s B&B, Gregory DeGraaf, came with an biking club from Indianapolis, and stayed for an extra week after they left. He and Lou, one of Robbie’s friends, have hit it off and are spending time together. Gregory is a real estate and environmental attorney who has a reputation for fighting against developers like Fiona Closs and winning. He has offered his services for Adele and those who want to fight the construction of resort to make use of while he is in town. Fiona was not happy to meet him, nor were others involved in the resort. They actually began work on the site before the planning board had done their final approval sign-off, and a cease and desist order was issued.

The following day, Gregory is found dead at the job site, murdered. Somebody strangled him. Not a good day for the local police lieutenant, Buck, to accidentally order strangled eggs when he went for breakfast at Robbie’s! She understood, as she and her mom used to call them strangled eggs. Vandalism begins to occur at Adele’s farm and to her vehicle. Afraid for Adele’s life with her high-visibility, Robbie was determined to find out who killed Gregory. After all, Gregory was a strong, fit bicyclist, not one to easily be overcome by another.

The characters are very well-defined. We learn something new about the primary characters in every novel; even so, this is like going to visit old friends rather than meeting new friends. Each of the regulars is likable, even if some are a bit odd, such as Detective Oscar Thompson. I particularly enjoy the wit and wisdom of Buck. He knows more southern sayings than several other folks put together. It would be a mistake to see think he is less intelligent based on his speech, as he knows far more than some give him credit for. It was a delight to meet Adele’s childhood friend Vera, in town to join the protest.

I liked this sixth helping of Country Store Mysteries. The characters keep getting better, the setting reminds me of the hot Midwest summers, and the mystery is challenging. This reader couldn’t help wondering who she was missing when thinking through who the killer could be. In a way, the resolution was a surprise due to how the crime actually occurred. I highly recommend this to fans of the author and series, and those who like cozy mysteries with delicious recipes included.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

Maddie Day's series is always a fun read, and this one didn't disappoint. It was a fun, fast read with an interesting mystery at the heart of it. And I still love the fact that Robbie actually runs her business as she solves the mysteries, rather than spending most of the book snooping elsewhere.

I enjoy spending time in South Lick, with Robbie and her friends and look forward to more.

Great and Fast Moving Cozy Mystery
This is a wonderfully entertaining book to read. It is fast-moving and still checks a lot of boxes by including a cute cat, great recipes, a B&B, a small town, lots of ethnic groups and physical fitness. The plot is very well done. There are quite a few suspects with motives to spare. I am putting this author on my favorites list. I saved 4 of the recipes that she included to try myself. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Who doesn't love the old Country Store? What if there was murder involved?! I love Maddie Day's series. Her characters are both witty and loveable with a small town setting that just makes you crave the country. LOVE!!

**thanks to the publishers for the ARC**

Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day is a Country Store Mystery featuring Robbie Jordan as the owner of a restaurant, a small B&B upstairs, and a vintage cookware shop which often acts as waiting space for the restaurant. The restaurant is open until mid-afternoon leaving plenty of time for bike riding with her friend Lou, or spending time with her aunt Adele. Adele is a big one for causes and presently is involved with protesting a resort that is trying to build on the outskirts of this lovely southern Indiana town. The populace is divided: some hope for jobs, some decry destroying the natural beauty of the area. Both have strong arguments. This particular afternoon they meet Gregory DeGraf, a tenant of Robbie's, who has also ridden to the lake. He appears to be a friendly, nice guy, who is also an environmental lawyer who volunteers to help Adele and her group of protestors. of course, murder ensues.

As a first time reader of Maddie Day's work, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a delightful representation of southern Indiana, with all kinds of interesting characters as part of the action. Robbie is savvy and clever; her aunt Adele is a hoot, and the peripheral characters have their individual personalities. Cozy mysteries make the ugly and unpleasant not so bad. Day has done a good job with that. This book is pleasant, warm, and interesting, despite murders and mayhem. It gives the reader a sold perception of this particular area of the country and its inhabitants as well as giving a mystery to follow and solve. It was a great read. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of this book. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #strangledeggsandham

I really enjoyed both the plot, characters and setting. The plot was fast paced and had enough twists and turns to make it interesting. There were also a few laugh out loud moments.

This series is totally fantastic!!! Robbie runs the cutest store and I really wish I could eat there. Things are heating up in South Lick, Indiana from a heat wave and drama. A big developer has arrived wanting to build a big luxury resort. Well like most places some are for and some are against it with Robbie adamantly opposed. During a day of fun she runs into a lawyer that offers to help fight against the development which makes things look up but he is found dead the next day leaving things up in the air. Robbie of course has to find out what happened in her own way leading us to the thrilling conclusion that leaves you happy and satisfied while still wanting more. Perfect for fans of culinary cozy mysteries. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

Strangled Eggs and Ham is a charming cozy mystery. It can be read alone if you have not read the previous books in A Country Store Mystery series. I like the setting of South Lick, Indiana and how the author captured the accents and colloquialisms of individuals who live in the Midwest. Buck certainly has some unique phrases and I am amazed at that man’s appetite. Robbie Jordan has her hands full running the restaurant and her B&B. Robbie is a friendly main character and who likes to be active (bikes all over) and stay proactive. Aunt Adele is a hoot. Adele is spry and has no qualms about breaking the law (she actually hopes to get arrested). She is against the proposed resort and has some plans in place that will cause quite a ruckus. Her friend, Vera is a willing coconspirator. The mystery provided a couple of suspects and there are good clues to aid the reader in solving Geoffrey’s death. The reveal is suspenseful, and action packed. There are a couple of unanswered questions at the end. There is supposition, but I wish we had a firm resolution. I enjoyed how the resort issue was handled by the town. There are recipes at the end for some of the delights Robbie whipped up for guests at Pans ‘N Pancakes. Strangled Eggs and Ham is an enticing cozy mystery with the friendly town, quirky residents, tantalizing food, good gossip, and one nosy parker out to solve a perplexing puzzler of a whodunit.

Enjoyed the setting, the characters and the plot. This was a definite page turner. The mystery is fast paced and contains enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end! Thank you Maddie Day for this great book and I am looking forward to reading more!

Robbie Jordan owns a country store/restaurant/bed and breakfast in Indiana. The business seems to be going well; however, there’s a possibility of a resort being built in the area. Robbie isn’t concerned about competition and sees the possibility of employment for those in the area. However, others are more concerned about the environment and loss of habitat. When one of Robbie’s bed and breakfast visitors is found dead at the construction site, concerns rise.

This is my first experience reading in this series. I find the characters enjoyable and the mystery well-written. Read and enjoy, I did.

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!

Is this development worth killing over?
Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day is a wonderfully woven tale of politics, development, mystery, and murder in small-town Indiana.

Roberta “Robbie” Jordan
Robbie runs a local breakfast and lunch eatery with a store filled with antique cooking items and a B&B. She is very busy with her businesses and keeping her Aunt Adele out of trouble. Although that doesn’t seem to be working for her. Robbie also likes riding bikes, has a cat, and likes puzzles. She is somewhat of an amateur sleuth, although she is trying to stay out of this whole mess.

I like Robbie as she is a hard worker, seems to be honest with a good head on her shoulders. Robbie was busy as her workers were expectantly off work, and her restaurant business is taking off. Her boyfriend was away at a training seminar. So, I don’t know if it would have been different with him around. Perhaps Robbie would have gotten into more trouble.

What I liked
• I enjoyed the way the townsfolks mostly got along and how they were neighborly. It was nice to see them stepping up to assist Robbie when her help called in.
• The way the author brought the development into the story and showed both sides of how it would affect the town and the people were friendly. Well, most of them.
• I also enjoyed the way the author used the Hoosier slang, totally loved it. I haven’t heard those expressions for the longest time.
• But I think my favorite part was Adele. That woman is a kick in the pants. Here is a quote from the book that describes Adele.
“That Adele,” the man’s wife said, “No flies on her. No sirree, Bob.”

5 Stars for Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day
My rating for A Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day is five stars. This book is excellent; the whole thing comes together and flows perfectly. The ending is a bit of a surprise.

Oh, and at the end of the book are some recipes that Ms. Day used in the book. One is for a Southern Jam Cake with Carmel Icing, and I can’t wait to try that recipe. I don’t think I have ever heard of such a cake and it sounds sinful.

I highly recommend this book to all Cozy Mystery readers. It’s the bomb.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Crafter Hooks a Killer by Holly Quinn Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

Strangled Eggs and Ham is the sixth entry into the Country Story Mystery series, and although I had not yet read the earlier books in this series, I had no problem figuring out who was who as well as the relationships in the story; the author is not one who spends a lot of time speculating on past events, which is something I rather like as she also doesn't give away who-dun-its from previous books either, a bit of a pet peeve of mine. This book was light but rather enjoyable, a quick read for those looking for something light and easy.

First of all, it is rather difficult to balance all the elements in a cozy mystery as they are so character driven, which means that often the mystery gets left behind or the characters. This one manages to maintain a rather nice balance between the two without disparaging official figures either, and by that, I mean the investigating officers. I tend to get turned off now by books that mock or downplay the importance of detectives and their role in solving crimes as well as ones where the main character seems to feel they should know everything about an investigation. This one was full of quirky characters and I enjoyed them all. I like how the author manages to give them all different personalities which really enhances the story and makes the dialogue and interactions between them rather fun.

Robbie is one of those people who doesn't go out of her way to solve crimes and tries to stay out of people's business. She just happens to run a restaurant where a lot of people come to eat and where she happens to overhear some interesting conversations. She is smart and knows to report evidence when necessary. When she does get into a jam, it's not because she broke into someone's house looking for evidence, but it just happened while out bike riding or doing her thing, something anyone could have done. I really like her character and thought she was sensible and caring. I just tended to identify with her spirit as someone who was simply looking to run her business, enjoy her friends, but have peace at the end of the day. Sounds nice, doesn't it?

The mystery in this book wasn't all that original as I've seen it come up in several cozy mysteries lately, but it was well done and certainly something that is a huge issue today nonetheless. The tensions between the two sides are quite realistic and I could see how it could blow up quite easily. I definitely understood both sides and the reasons for why or why not and I'm not really sure if there is a solution that would have satisfied everyone. I actually think the tensions could have become a lot more severe than this book but the author did a credible job outlining them in ways that were interesting and made you think about the side you may be on.

Strangled Eggs and Ham was a fun read and I am definitely going to be looking for the previous books in this series as I am curious as to what happened before this entry. And while I don't feel like the mystery was original or nail-biting, it was solid with a main character who was intelligent, intuitive, and used common sense. Learning more about Robbie's business, and the time it takes her to do things to prepare for the day was interesting, and that's one of the things I like about cozy mysteries. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for another series to read. Plus, some great recipes at the end to try!!

South Lick, IN is in the middle of a feud – those who want a luxury resort at the top of a beautiful hilltop and those who do not. Robbie’s aunt is at the top of the list of protesters who don’t want to see a hoity-toity resort on the majestic and breathtaking hilltop. While Aunt Adele is organizing protests and ways to cause inconvenience, Robbie is trying to keep up with Pans ‘N Pancakes. When one of Aunt Adele’s fellow protesters is discovered dead near the construction site, Robbie becomes reluctantly involved in order to protect her aunt and help keep the peace in South Lick.

One of my favorite cozy mystery series’, Country Store Mysteries consistently delivers engaging mysteries, multiple storylines, and wonderful characters. The plot of Strangled Eggs and Ham is full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The weaving of several themes throughout the story and expertly connecting everything at the end is wonderfully done. The interwoven storylines keep the story fresh, exciting, and engaging. The author provided several characters who may be involved in the murder and kept the real suspect a surprise. The story was fun, exciting, engaging, and full of suspenseful moments.

The character development continues, and the world building allows for visualization of the characters, locations, and settings. The characters are likeable, realistic, and well-written. Robbie is a great main character. She continues to exude kindness and generosity and is hard working – in and out of Pans ‘N Pancakes. She treats people with respect and dignity, the perfect person to work in a retail/food establishment. She gets involved in things she shouldn't much to the chagrin of the police department, but her heart is in the right place. Her relationship with Abe is sweet and just a small part of the story. Their romance does not overshadow they mystery or take over.

If you are looking for a cozy mystery that is fast paced (never a dull moment) and will keep you on the edge of your seat, I suggest you give Strangled Eggs and Ham a try.