After reading Maddie Day's Country Store mysteries, I always wish that I could travel to Pans ‘N Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana. The town is so quaint and charming (even when hit with murder). My favorite character is police officer Buck Bird. I love his insatiable appetite and his endearing colloquialisms. I also appreciate the fact that Abe is a single father and Robbie gets along well with his son. The story flows smoothly and Candy Slain Muder is a fun holiday read!

The cold case was interesting. I liked Buck. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series.

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.

Maddie Day is one of my favorite cozy writers. Christmas is one of my favorite times to read a cozy, and this one doesn't dissapoint.

As the book begins the protagonist, Robbie, is coasting into the holiday season. Soon murders and a fire happen and she is thrown into solving mysteries - which may be what she does best

Cozy mysteries set in winter are my favorite and I must say that Candy Slain Murder was such a fun read.

The story unfolds as Robbie is getting ready for the holiday season to find that one thing after another going wrong. Then to make matters worse the house of a rather controversial resident is set on fire. Robbie is racing against time to catch a killer. Will she survive?

You will have to read the book but trust me you will really enjoy it. Love the characters and the overall storyline!!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Christmas in South Lick, Indiana is coming to town with some interesting news. A young man comes into Pans ‘N Pancakes and surprises employee, Danna Beedle by claiming to be her half-brother. She is excited by this news by does have some questions that need to be answered.

The second piece of news is an interesting find in a house after a fire, a human skeleton. The home belongs to a local doctor who claims his wife left him several years ago.

Pans ‘N Pancakes owner Robbie Jordan finds herself intrigued by both events. She tries to find out what she can about the young man but she really gets herself totally wrapped up in finding out who the deceased is and how that skeleton got into the attic. Before she gets the answers she needs another person is murdered and this death is definitely connected to the older death. Robbie is doing her best to juggle her busy restaurant/country store, take part in South Lick’s Christmas festivities, and uncover a killer. This isn’t new for her so I am confident she can handle it all.

It is great to have Robbie back in South Lick with all the residents we have come to love and it is for Christmas no less. Pans ‘N Pancakes is super busy serving up fantastic food but plenty of people are Christmas shopping at her Country Store as well. The author serves up this unique cast of characters as only she can. Pans ‘N Pancakes is the central location for everyone to meet to hear and pass on the local gossip and catch up on any developments on the two mysteries taking place in this story. I really enjoyed catching up with everyone. My heart was warmed by the way Robbie treated Sean but I would have been surprised if she acted any other way. It also shows much promise as this series continues.

As I said, there are two mysteries in this story but one just really affects Danna and her family. Any involvement by others was just to confirm an identity and to be sure Danna doesn’t get hurt in any way. Not everyone treated this young man well though. A man’s racism broke out in public going so far as to try to drag the young man into the other mystery, surprising a lot of people I did appreciate the way his appearance was handled by Danna and her family.

The second mystery is one the whole town is crowing about. First, the skeleton is found, and then another person is killed. What I really liked was that any information Robbie gleaned was shared with Lt. Buck Bird and Detective Octavia Slade. She was able to get information they couldn’t and did move the case along nicely. There were some nice twists and the mystery was well-plotted but I did hone in on the solution early and was very pleased with how the whole thing played out.

Not a mystery but a fabulous event occurs that will have fans of this series smiling ear to ear before we wrap up this visit to South Lick and excited for the next installment. No Grater Crime will be out August 24 and Batter Off Dead hits shelves February 22, 2022.

Candy Slain Murder is a fun whodunit. You really can’t go wrong with a story written by Maddie Day or Edith Maxwell.

This book is the eighth in the series and I have missed a few. I had no problems following this storyline as you can enjoy as a stand-alone. The characters are well-developed and likable. The feel like visiting old friends. There are enough red herrings and suspects to keep the mystery intriguing and me guessing whodunnit.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

I really enjoyed this book, this was the first book i had read by Maddie Day and it will not be the last.. Reading for me is an escape from my everyday life and this book did it for me.. Candy Slain Murder is a really good book.

Release Date: September 29th 2020

The Christmas season in South Lick, IN is dampened by the discovery of a skeleton in the local doctor's attic that appeared to be tied to an old cold case. As if that wasn’t enough another body (fresh this time) turns up keeping Robbie and the police quite busy!

The political and social comments/situations weren't necessary. The book dragged and despite the red herrings the killer was pretty easy to pick out. Not worth the time to read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#bookstagram #netgalleyreads #bookrecommendations #candyslainmurder

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I jumped into this series at book 8, but that did not stop me from enjoying it at all. Robbie runs her diner/country store, Pans and Pancakes, and loves her small town. With the holidays approaching, life is good. Until a skeleton is found in a burned house followed by another dead body soon after. Can she help the professional crime fighters, Buck and Octavia, before this ruins the season for everyone?

I really like this book, and I will definitely read more. Again, I’m noticing that cozies are discussing more topical subjects, like anti-Muslim beliefs and adoptions, more often, and it is welcome. The feel of 5he stories are still cozy, but more modern.

One complaint I do have is the author trying to write in the accent of the people. I’m not familiar with Indiana, but it seemed more like a fake Southern accent, and the purposeful poor grammar that she had some of her characters use distracted from the very enjoyable story.

Welcome to South Link, Indiana. We will go to Pans ’N Pancakes cafe for a bite to eat. Robbie Jordan owns and runs the cafe, store and B & B. A house fire in town reveals a human skeleton in the attic. The body was of a woman who had gone missing years ago. Then a murder occurs. Mix in an adopted man looking to met his mother, sister and grandmother plus social issues of the day for truly enjoyable read which includes antics, interesting characters and lots of mouthwatering foods. This is book # 8 in the Country Store Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone effortlessly. I volunteered to read Candy Slain Murder. Thanks to Kensington Publisher via NetGallery for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my own. Recipes included at the end for: Gingerbread People, Holly Cookies, Teriyaki Chicken Wings, Corrine’s Beef Stew, Spinach-Red Pepper Egg Bake and Peppermint Mocha Muffins.

When skeletal remains are found after a fire at the home of a local doctor, speculation runs rampant that they belong to the doctor's long missing wife. shortly thereafter, the missing woman's sister is found dead. With no shortage of suspects, starting with the miserable doctor himself and including
former lover and step-son of the dead women, a possibly grieving estranged husband, an unhappy tenant, and even the newly discovered long lost brother of her assistant, Robbie finds herself digging for clues to figure out who's responsible before she becomes victim number 3!

I vaguely remember reading books 1 and 2 in the series, many moons ago...now I'm wondering why I didn't continue with the series! While the main characters are engaging and enjoyable, this tale does introduce some extremely unlikeable ones, including the racist, bigoted misogynist doctor who leads the list of suspects. The setting itself leaves the reader with the desire to go visit this small town, where breakfast and lunch are always freshly served at the charming little restaurant and the adorable aw-shucks demeanor of the local law enforcement officer hides a mind more clever than the casual observer might expect. The mystery itself with was fun, containing enough clues to point you in different directions before wrapping up pretty much how you might (probably) anticipate.

I definitely plan on going back to re-read the first books, as well as the rest of the series that I missed!

I've really enjoyed other books by Maddie Day that I've read - and while I have not yet read the other books in this series, this was no exception. Maddie Day does a good job of giving enough information to readers who have yet to read the previous books in the series, that that isn't an issue. Great cozy holiday theme, as well!

Maddie Day is one of my favorite cozy authors. This is such a fun series, and I had a great time with this cozy mystery. I loved the plot, the twists and turns, and the characters! I am anticipating the next book already!

It did not grab my attention until the end and I did not finish it, but there were interesting characters and a nice little village.

Candy Slain Murder

by Maddie Day

December arrives to provide a Christmassy backdrop to this cozy mystery set in the little town of South Lick, Indiana, where Robbie Jordan owns a breakfast and lunch restaurant that also features vintage cookware for sale. There is a cast of regulars making their appearance in Maddie Day’s Candy Slain Murder, but remain fearless, dear Reader, as the author’s talents include bringing the reader quickly on board with Robbie’s friends and family.

This mystery includes a cold case and a new murder case that appear to be connected. There are a number of characters with potential motives that Robbie has to sort through as she informally interviews various persons of interest as well as those whose knowledge might contribute to her investigations.

Another thread in the story is the surprise appearance of the mysterious half-brother of one of Robbie’s employees. Protective of those she loves, Robbie is concerned that this man’s claims might not be legitimate. Even his religious ties as a former Quaker turned Muslim are odd. They lead to a discussion of inclusiveness versus discrimination in South Lick with some B&B guests. This thread is interesting, but seems an afterthought as the couple appears only once besides meal times.

I enjoyed the book as I tried to discover the murderer or murderers along with Robbie. There were plenty of distractions to keep me guessing, although I had in mind a resolution that I wanted to see. Happily, I was correct, but it was fun to follow the characters to a satisfactory conclusion.

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. #8 in the Country Store Mysteries Series. I have read, out of order, a few of the books in this series. All, including Candy Slain Murder, have worked well as standalones.
2. Six recipes are included in the book and several are holiday appropriate.
3. I am puzzled by Robbie’s critical comment on the celebration of Christmas in the little town. They were having a Christmas tree lighting and a visit by Santa. Robbie said of the mayor, “Corrine could have slanted the celebration in a more secular direction.” As a Christian, I think the celebration was very secular. There was no nativity scene and no mention of the birth of Jesus, which is the origin of Christmas celebrations.

Publication: September 29, 2020—Kensington

Memorable Lines:

“You’re more full of questions than one of them robots on the phone. At least you ain’t asking me to press one for this and two for that.”

Buck poured on the syrup and tore into his cranberry pancakes so fast I thought they would catch on fire.

“It’s one of them, you know, fifty percent of one and a dozen of the other.” My jaw dropped at his fractured metaphor.

Writing as Maddie Day, Edith Maxwell offers a cozy Christmas mystery for her Country Story Mystery fans. This is book 8 in her series. Snow is on the ground, Salt Lake is decorated for Yule, and Robbie is hopeful the days ahead will be merry and bright. Unfortunately, the cold weather is not the only thing happening. A skeleton is found in the attic, of a burned out house. In addition, a long lost sibling comes to Pan's n Pancakes looking to reunite Robbie's assistant.

Maxwell, while adhering to the parameters of the cozy genre, also takes the term 'contemporary cozy' seriously. I appreciate that she introduces serious topics into her story lines. In this case, the growing Muslim population, and the emerging conversion of some to this faith, is an important part of the plot. I especially welcomed the discussion about faith in a season where one view point tends to dominate. The ending brings us back to the season where warmth and lights brighten our lives

Recommended for readers of all ages who love a good mystery.

Full disclosure: I received this ARC from netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an unbiased review. In addition, I follow Edith Maxwell on Facebook. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

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

Book 8 in the series.

It's Christmas time in South Lick.

I really like this series. For one thing, Robbie actually spends time at her business, not just snooping around. And Robbie is likeable, and a down to earth person who genuinely cares for her friends.

This book had an old murder, a new murder and a mysterious stranger too. All in all, it had an interesting plot, and I was really hoping that the stranger turned out to have honest motives, so I wasn't disappointed.

My one complaint is the amount of local slang used. Do people in Indiana really talk like this all the time? I grew up in the Midwest and we might have had some local slang, but for the most part just talked like normal. This quirky addition kind of makes all the local folks feel a bit too "local yokel" and I find it distracts from the story.

All in all, I liked it and I look forward to seeing Robbie and South Lick again soon.

I really loved this book in a new to my series. Tha characters and location really and to the story. I can't wait to read the next one. This book keeps you guessing until the end.

This series keeps getting better and better. I love that this installment is set at Christmas time. Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Another great cullinary cozy!

I used to love this series, but something happened over the last two books. The book was less fictional, cozy entertainment and more of an attempt to lecture to readers. The author's attempt to follow the popular "woke" culture fell flat. I read for entertainment and not for politically motivated preaching. Finally the characters changed from fun people into tired cliches. Their styles of speaking are completely different than in previous books. What was once a favorite series is now on my list to never read again!