I enjoy the Country Store mystery series and was excieted to see that Robbie was finally taking a vacation. The fact that she was visiting Santa Barbara Californoa was a bonus for me because I grew up near Santa Barbara so it was nice to read about a location I knew about. This was a good book it moved a little slow but it was still a good book. and the mystery had me second guessing who he killer was until the end

In Nacho Average Murder Robbie is happy to attend her high school reunion that is until memories of her mother's untimely death start to resurface. Then rumors surface that may have been foul play. The more Robbie investigates the more dangerous it gets for her.

The story is told in a way that is entertaining and leaves you guessing until the very end. Great character development! Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a great cozy mystery.

I was complaining in my last review that I was finding the action in this series primarily taking place in Pans 'n Pancakes getting a little stale. The author must have felt the same because Robbie is off to her home state for her 10th reunion.

The state is California and many issues that play a big role in California are brought up. It rings true, but apparently many reviewers are unhappy that real life issues ended up in a cozy mystery. So, if you want your cozies to not have any realism this may not be the book for you. I didn't feel it was excessive.

What I didn't like was the weak, open ended ending. I want a definitive whodunnit and exactly why. We get supposition here. I also didn't believe that Robbie wasn't told something for 2 years (not 10 as another reviewer mentions) just because a guy had to go to his minimum wage job. It would have taken 2-3 minutes, plus he couldn't call or write?

This was also a very dense story, despite not being terribly long. Every page is packed with detail or information about the people, the setting, food, etc.

I'd give it 3.5/5.0 instead of a solid 4 for the unsatisfactory ending.

I received a copy of Nacho (loved the title) from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Robbie leaves Indiana for a California high school reunion. It was fun to see Robbie interact in a whole new setting, with old classmates and friends. When rumors surrounding her mother's death become too much to bear, she decides to look into the accusations. While I missed the South Lick vibe, this was kind of a fun respite.

Nacho Average Murder is the 7th book in the Country Stores Mystery series. Our heroine, Robbie Jordan, has returned to her hometown of Santa Barbara, California for her tenth high school reunion. Robbie stays at a quaint B and B called the Nacho Average Cafe, run by a friend of Robbie’s deceased mother..

Robbie is soaking up the sunshine, reuniting with high school friends and getting tips for her own cafe/ B & B in Indiana. Then, Robbie gets word that instead of passing away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm, there is some suspicion that Robbie’s mother was poisoned. Robbie knew that her mother was heavily involved in environmental activism, especially targeting a specific company and their chemicals, but could not imagine someone would be willing to murder her.

As Robbie begins to look into her mother’s death, another person associated with the environmental group is murdered. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, and I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

My thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thanks

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting with the story taking place in a different location. I liked that we were able to meet some new characters.

The mystery was well written. There were plenty of suspects to choose from and I bounced back and forth between who I thought the killer was. The reveal caught me by surprise.

I always enjoy all of the different foods that are mentioned in the stories and loved seeing the recipes in the back of the book. I'm definitely going to try some of them out.

Nacho Average Murder

by Maddie Day

Robbie Jordan leaves wintry Indiana for a week’s vacation in sunny Santa Barbara. The initial draw is her tenth high school reunion, but she is excited to catch up with two of her best friends from her high school years, Alana and Jason, who will also be attending. It is fun for Robbie to revisit locales from her childhood, but the trip is tinged with sadness as her mom passed away two years prior.

Robbie finds herself in the midst of several investigations that may be tied together. There is a murder, and Robbie wonders if it could be connected to her own mother’s death as both of the deceased were young to be afflicted with the diagnosed aneurysms. She becomes involved in an ongoing battle between concerned citizens and Walter Russom of Agrosafe, a company that manufactures a spray on fumigant that is making workers and animals in nearby fields very sick. Russom’s daughter Katherine was a dominating force back in their high school days and is still making her presence felt. There are other persons of interest that lead Robbie and Alana down new areas of investigation, and Robbie seems to have danger following her by car and on foot. She wonders if it is real or if she being paranoid.

Maddie Day’s Nacho Average Murder, besides its great title, is an all-round good cozy mystery. Don’t start reading this while you are hungry. Robbie, who runs a B&B/restaurant back home, is staying at a South of the Border styled B&B. It has Mexican flavor extending from Carmen, the charming hostess, and Mamá, her Spanish speaking mother, who are excellent cooks, to the colorful Southwestern decor. Robbie also tries out a lot of the local restaurants so we are treated to descriptions of yummy dishes beginning with king crab ceviche appetizer and delicious guacamole. With Carmen’s blessing, Robbie takes pictures to remind her of the food and stores away ideas for her own B&B. Mamá, who could win tortilla making speed records, even teaches Robbie how to flatten out tortillas by hand.

Start reading this book because it is part of an excellent series, keep reading to solve the murder, and revisit this cozy to try out some of its recipes. It’s almost like a mini vacation. Put on your shorts and sandals and enjoy the beach, the food, and the scenery. You’ll meet some great characters and maybe even a few of the local alpacas.

I would like to extend my thanks to Netgalley and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.


Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: 1. #7 in the Country Store Mystery Series, but it is perfect as a standalone because the main character is away from the usual setting and cast of characters.
2. Includes 6 delicious sounding recipes.

Publication: June 30, 2020—Kensington Books

Memorable Lines:

“Remember when we came here on that double date our junior year?” She groaned. “With those twins, Whoosit and What’s His Name? That was a disaster and a half.” “No kidding.” I snorted.

“You came!” She walked up to us with a smile wider than the San Andreas Fault and a lot less dangerous.

As I hurried between the wooden tables, my footsteps resounded louder on the gravel than a hundred monks crunching popcorn.

Maddie Day is the author of several different cozy series, and they all seem to be well-written and fun. Nacho Average Murder is the seventh installment in The Country Store Mystery Series, and finds Robbie Jordan, the protagonist, traveling from her home in South Lick, Indiana, where she owns a pancake house, Pans ’N Pancakes, to Santa Barbara, California for a high school reunion. Traveling back to her home town brings back memories, and Robbie is reminded of her mother’s recent untimely death, and the fact that it may not have been natural as the experts have said. Robbie’s mother had been involved in some environmental issues, and when Robbie gets to California, a man her mother had interacted with was found murdered. Robbie, who wants answers, calls on her Mom’s friends while following the clues in her personal investigation.

Robbie is a likeable character, and her mother’s friends are very warm and kind to her. One friend owns a restaurant in the place that Robbie is staying, and serves mouthwatering dishes that will make readers want to take a break and eat. Luckily there are recipes at the end of the novel, and they sound good enough to actually prepare at home. Day is also a good storyteller, and the story is easy to follow and the plot is good (albeit a bit tree-huggerish since it’s set in California). Of course, like any good cozy mystery, there is no sex, foul language, or graphic violence, which makes this novel a good choice for all ages. And of course the dénouement comes at the very end and is quite surprising.

All told, this is a fun series, and with the food references, may incite a cooking session in reader’s own kitchens.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I love cozy mysteries and this is a good one. The plot keeps you guessing and the characters kept me engaged, I can't wait to read more

Title: Nacho Average Murder
Author: Maddie Day

Ch: 56

Pg: 324

Series: Country Store Mystery book 7

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Kensington

Robbie's not in Indiana anymore, in book 7 of the Country Store mystery series. In which Robbie is back in California for her high school reunion where she is hit with questions about her mother's death. Determined to get answers she starts investigating only to get sucked into another mystery.

The California setting was a nice change, but I will admit I miss the small Indiana town in which the rest of the books in this series is set. This wasn't my favorite of the series but I still enjoyed it. It was a little slower paced that other books in the series. I do look forward for the next book in the series and hopefully back in Indiana.





I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Robbie goes to California for her 10th year high school reunion. Eats a lot. Drinks a lot. Sticks her nose in a police murder investigation. A fair cozy mystery, but felt it ends with a whimper, and left some questions unanswered. My first read in the series, which may be why I felt this way. Overall a good story, but felt parts could have been added to. Also, felt no big romance or passion with the supposed love she left in Indiana. Would recommend, especially if you are a fan of the series.

I was so hungry reading this book. *insert the laughing emoji* Goodness. The food in this book! Mexican food is one of my most favorite kind of cuisine. If you enjoy Mexican flavors, prepare for this.
In this book Robbie leaves Indiana to attend her high school reunion in California. I wasn’t sure how well I would do with this change. Obviously, the town wasn’t going with her so this meant new characters to meet. I was excited to see where Robbie was from. I expected it to be fun. I was just having mixed feelings because I’m a character type reader. I look at the characters as friends and tend to pick my favorite series by the people in them. I had no reason to worry, though. I really enjoyed Robbie’s friends. It was interesting to see her with friends from her school days. I felt that I got to know Robbie a bit more with this plot. I loved Carmen. She brought to mind a friend I haven’t seen in years making her a special character for me. The mystery was especially interesting to me. Robbie learns that her mother might have not died of natural causes but my have been murdered! I can’t even imagine learning that. Of course, she had to look into it. Who wouldn’t want answers? Who wouldn’t want justice? I don’t want to go into this as it would be too easy to ruin it for others reading. I thought it was well done. It certainly added a more personal touch, for me. I enjoyed visiting California but I think I really like being in Indiana.
This is book 7 in the Country Store Mysteries series. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone. I think I had such an easy time thinking of this as a stand-alone because of the change in location. I personally like this series in order.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review consideration. My review is voluntary and based upon my reading enjoyment. I enjoyed it enough to buy the audiobook.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Robbie Jordan is excited to return to Santa Barbara for her 10th-year class reunion. She is looking forward to catching up with her old friends but it also brings back memories of her mom who passed away 2 years ago. Shortly after she arrives she hears a rumor that her mother, an environmental activist, may not have died of natural causes. A fellow activist then dies of a brain aneurysm, just like her mom. Robbie just has to find the truth so she enlists the help of a couple of high school friends and her mother’s best friend to get the answers she needs. This is not her first investigation but it may be her last.

After six books Maddie Day takes her protagonist on a trip. This can be good and bad. Readers are accustomed to the core characters and the lifestyle of South Lick, Indiana so the new characters we are introduced to have to get us to warm up to them quickly because unless they visit Pans ’N Pancakes in a future book this may be the last we see of them. I will say Ms. Day did a fine job of fleshing out these new characters. I really enjoyed the senior characters, Luisa, the mother of the owner of the B&B where Robbie is staying, and Liz, her mother’s best friend.

The main mystery plot was interesting. I mean if someone told you that your mom may have been murdered, wouldn’t you want to investigate? Robbie took some really questionable risks that had me shaking my head though. I had two suspects high on my list so the reveal wasn’t too surprising, I just needed a few more details. The subplots all flowed naturally alongside of the mystery.

Like the rest of this series, a main focus is the food. This time instead of the usual breakfast fare we are treated to several Mexican dishes served, and yes, recipes are included at the end of the story. From Mexican Chocolate Almond Cakes to Flaky Chicken Empanadas and Nachos, of course. There was an Avocado Huevos Rancheros served at the Nacho Average Cafe that may soon be served at Robbie’s Pans ’N Pancakes.

New characters and an intriguing mystery made Nacho Average Murder a very entertaining read. I do hope some of the characters we met visit Robbie in Indiana.

I adored this cozy! Each book in the series is better than the last. The descriptions of food and the California setting are so captivating. I loved the characters and the mystery. Looking forward to the next one!

Nacho Average Murder by Maddie Day is the seventh book in the County Store Mystery series. Robbie has left Indiana for a class reunion in California. While there someone shares some startling news about her mother's death. The book was okay, but I found myself missing the country store setting. The characters seemed a bit disjointed in this one. The story itself jumped from one thing to the next with no flow. While I love this series, this book is not at the top of my list.

Drawing on her time spent at the University of Indiana, Edith Maxwell, aka Maddie Day set her Country Store Mystery series in the fictitious town of Salt Lick Indiana. Salt Lick and Robbie Jordan suit each other well. This is book 7 of the popular series. Maxwell is a prolific and disciplined author. she has created 5 mystery series, her short stories have been published in several anthologies and literary reviews. A well known blogger, she is part of The Wickeds-Wicked Good Mysteries. crew.

Nacho Average Murder is not your usual Country Store novel. Day has moved the setting from Salt Lick to Santa Barbara CA. She uses the change of setting to show us more of Robbie's background. Robbie is in CA to attend her 10th High School reunion. Away from her support system, and from Pans and Pancakes, Robbie feels a bit like a fish out of water. This feeling of insecurity is increased by the troubling news that her mother's death may not have been from natural causes. Who can she turn to for help?

She finds the answer in the owners of the Bed and Breakfast where she is staying. They provide an attentive ear as well as a loving willingness to share culinary tips on Cali-Mexican cuisine. Happily some of her classmates can also open doors for her.. Robbie needs to investigate despite being on vacation. What follows is a great plot that covers both environmental issues and reflections on life both in high school and afterwards.
While this is part of the series, it also can be read as a stand alone.

An enjoyable read with some very tempting recipes.

Full disclosure: I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.

Robbie Jordan is temporarily leaving Pans ’N Pancakes, her country store in South Lick, Indiana, to visit Santa Barbara, California where wildfire smoke tinges the air, but a more immediate danger may lie in wait.

While looking forward to her high school reunion back in California, Robbie’s anticipation is complicated by memories of her mother’s untimely death. At first, she has fun hanging out with her old classmates and reuniting with the local flavors—avocados, citrus, fish, and spicy Cali-Mex dishes. But then she gets wind of rumors that her mother, an environmental activist, may not have died of natural causes. With the help of friends, Robbie starts clearing the smoke surrounding the mystery but what she finds could make it hard to get back to Indiana alive.

I didn't find this mystery to be up to the authors usually standard of writing, and it may have been that she took the main character and has put her into new surrounding. The mystery wasn't as well written as the other six books in the series it lacked suspects, red herrings, twists, and turns. There were plenty of clues but not all of them had anything to do with tracking down the killer. The new characters we are introduced to weren't as developed as the characters we have gotten to know since book one. A few of the characters lacked depth and it seemed that the author just rushed creating them to get them in the book.Several times throughout the book Robbie seems to act in ways that are very contrary to how her character has been established in the previous six books.

I did enjoy meeting Robbie's friends from high school but would have liked them to have more character detail and depth. I would have also liked to know why Kathleen didn't considered Robbie an enemy since they were in high school that story line seemed to be left unfinished to me. I did enjoy seeing the similarities and differences between Robbie's B&B back in Indiana and the B&B she is staying at in California. I look forward to reading the next book and getting back to familiar surroundings and getting to see what the holidays bring for the residents of South Lick.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.

Maddie Day’s newest addition to her cozy food series, “A Country Store Mystery” Nacho Average Murder, is out now. Readers who are long time fans of this series will enjoy having Robbie out of Pans ’N Pancakes and into a world they have never known. For Robbie, it’s a look back at her youth, her school days, and her mother. Finding out that someone may have murdered her mom and that same person may be out killing others, spurs her into action.

Robbie is a beloved character, but she isn’t without faults. She is very human in that she has issues, some of which stem from her childhood. Jumping into the middle of a murder investigation of a stranger isn’t without danger. Add in all the food she is eating, and her trip could be a recipe for trouble. I enjoyed learning about Robbie’s old classmates; I would love to see Alana and Jason show up in future books. They gave Robbie a backstory we hadn’t heard before, and it makes her a much more rounded character.

The murder is a real mystery, as no one is sure it is a murder. When the homicide is finally confirmed, it leads to intriguing suspects, including people Robbie knows, some cook up her favorite food dishes, and those she doesn’t know but all have opportunity and motive. When the true killer is revealed, it isn’t a great surprise, but it is a satisfying one.

I enjoyed Nacho Average Murder and the unusual circumstances Robbie finds herself in. The writing was as always top-notch, heartwarming, and filled with lovely sights, sounds, and in this case, tantalizing food smells that leave the reader hungry for more.

What a fun book set in a great location (Santa Barbara)) for a summer read. Robbie is on vacation For her ten year high school reunion and comes across information that her mother, who died of a brain aneurysm, might have been murdered instead. Before she knows it, she’s trying to sort out a feud with a high school nemesis, a toxic chemical, and an old friend trying to get her life together. This has a few twist and turns with no shortage of clues. I liked the ending but kept expecting one more twist that left me feeling a little unsettled. Would definitely recommend.

I find it fun to read at least one book in a series where the main character takes a vacation. It makes them more real to me.

In book 7 of the Country Store series, we go to California with Robbie for her high school reunion. It was the perfect vacation to take with Robbie during the Covid-19 restrictions. We get to visit sunny Santa Barbara and "taste" some very yummy food and my favorite were the dishes with avocado as I am always looking for new ways to eat avocados. Of course, it would not be a cozy mystery without an unfortunate murder. This one had me guessing to the big reveal. I liked the addition of her high school best friend as her investigating sidekick but I will be happy to have the regulars back in book 8.

I listened to a few chapters of the audiobook from my library app, Hoopla, and I was not fond of the narrator. She is not bad but her voice did not match how I think Robbie sounds.

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