Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie

Pans ‘N Pancakes is the happening place in South Lick any time of year for people to enjoy Robbie and her assistants’ excellent cooking, catch up with each other, and learn the local news. The town is preparing for the Christmas holiday with Santa Claus, tree lighting ceremonies, and at Robbie’s, tree trimming with boyfriend Abe and his son Sean, and keeping the country store portion of the restaurant stocked with gift items.

On the first day of December, Robbie’s assistant Danna receives an incredible surprise. A young man about five years older than her, came into Pans ‘N Pancakes to see her. Marcus said that he is Danna’s half-brother who had been adopted when he was born. He clearly loves his adoptive family, and only recently learned who his birth mother is. He and Danna share a family resemblance and have some similar interests, including cooking. They could only talk briefly but plan to get together very soon. Danna, an only child, is thrilled to have an older brother, but her mom has some explaining to do!

Later that night, the home of an anesthesiologist burns. An interesting find is made when the firemen go in through the roof. On the floor of the attic is someone’s skeletal remains. There is much speculation as the owner, Dr. William Geller, had a wife who had disappeared about a decade ago. A few people knew he was abusive toward Kristina, but he has maintained that she left him a long time ago. Adding to the speculation is that he is a known white supremacist and member of the Klan.

Two days later, Kristina’s twin, Toni, was found murdered in the duplex she lived in. Her renter in the other half never heard anything. There was no love lost between the two women, as Toni did nothing to make repairs to Shirley’s portion of the duplex. Then Shirley disappeared after describing to Robbie a person she saw leaving Toni’s side of the duplex the night she was killed.

Dr. Geller came into Pans ‘N Pancakes several times; each time he made his disdain for those he was prejudiced against known. He wanted Marcus arrested for Toni’s murder due to his religious preference and background. Geller wasn’t going to go back into Robbie’s restaurant/ store yet he did.

Robbie didn’t want to be part of the investigation yet couldn’t stop herself from asking questions. She did pass along anything she learned to her nemesis, Octavia, the state police detective called in to investigate the death of Geller’s late wife. Buck, a friend, South Lick police lieutenant and regular customer at Pans ‘N Pancakes, assisted Octavia when requested. Octavia had a few surprises up her sleeve for Robbie this time.

I enjoy how there is a variety of characters who, overall, live peaceably in South Lick and the surrounding area. Each of the primary characters is well-developed and defined, and the new characters we learn about as Robbie does. Even as a relative newcomer to the area, Robbie has a way of learning about others and being trusted by most, as she doesn’t use what she learns to hurt anyone but simply to help find justice for victims. I do miss reading about her woodworking talents as we did when remodeling for her B&B rooms and briefly mentioned this time.

Several suspects are brought to light. Marcus, Danna’s brother, is even noted as a suspect due to some events from his past. The plot comes together well, and I was surprised at the end by the fact that this reader’s attention is so well diverted from one individual that others seemed more viable. There are special surprises at the end, leaving all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this riveting mystery; it can be read as a standalone or within the order of the series.

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

This is the 8th book in the popular cozy series "Country Store Mystery Series" by Maddie Day AKA Agatha Award winning cozy author Edith Maxwell. I always love returning to this fun series set in a restaurant called " Pans 'N Pancakes." in South Lick Indiana. The charcters are vibrant and all add fun to the series, the sleuthing is fabulous fun and I love the setting of the small town amid the holidays for this next in series. The food descriptions will make every reader mouth water while reading this book.

Two mysteries are woven together in this book that kept this reader guessing. I love the red herrings throughout and the surprises to conclusion. The Holiday theme was wonderfully done and enjoyable to read. I loved this next in series and will not give away the details of the sleuth as every reader should enjoy this to conclusion.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinions are my own.

Candy Slain Murder by Maddie Day is the latest in her Country Store Mysteries series featuring Robbie Jordan and her country store/restaurant, Pans 'N Pancakes. There hasn't been a murder in South Lick in nearly a year. Everyone was mighty pleased with that fact. Still, things were far from boring. Just that day a young man had come in and announced to Danna that he was her brother, well, half-brother that her mother had given up for adoption years before she was born. That had everyone hopping for a day or two. Corrine admitted it right away and told Danna the whole story. Just a couple nights later Corrine hosted a big dinner for her whole family and included Abe and Robbie. It all seemed to be going well. There was a big storm and the news reported a house aflame, the house of a local doctor, William Geller. Abe called her to report that when they hacked through the roof to put out of fire, they found a skeleton. That was a lot to take in. it was a funny thing, how people related to these crimes in South Lick ended up in Robbie's store within a few days. Some had been there before, some hadn't. Within just a couple of days, the sister of the skeleton was found dead in her home. Murder?

This is a terrific series with lots of great characters. Like all cozies, it is character driven. Robbie has at last found a home in South Lick. She has a business, a pet, a boyfriend, her aunt, and after 30 years, her father, although he is in Italy. She's a terrific friend and an important member of the community. Her staff, Danna and Turner, love their jobs and the three of them really enjoy working together. The first murder was almost the perfect crime. If the house hadn't caught on fire, who knows when the skeleton would have been discovered? The suspects were so inter-related that it was difficult to navigate. They author did a fabulous job with the mystery and the investigation. It was a joy to read, leaving the read satisfied but unsure until the end. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Candy Slain Murder by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #candyslainmurder

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
This has been a favorite series for me from the beginning and I was glad to see that Robbie was home from California. I like the hometown group of friends and family. However, I did not enjoy this addition to the series as much as others.
There were several horrible, hateful people who were suspects but it was not a surprise to find out who the culprit was. This book did not work as a cozy for me but I will try the next one, even so.

Robbie is a fun, lovable character who makes readers want to visit her wonderful pancake cafe and spend the Christmas season with her friends, family, and customers. In the newest addition to the "A Country Store Mystery" series, Candy Slain Murder, Maddie Day has made this series even more thrilling.

It's almost Christmas in South Lick, and Robbie and crew are working on their newest creations at Pans ‘N pancakes. Everything seems to be going great until an unexpected murder, a long lost brother, and a handful of strange events leave Robbie stuck in the middle of another murder investigation. This time the murder I sold long before her time, but that doesn't make it any less important. Several mysteries need to be solved, but time is not a friend, and before you know it, there is another victim. Add in the unexpected introduction of Danna's brother, one she never knew she had, and you have the makings of a holiday story that will lift your spirits and keep you happy.

Characters in this series have held the reader's fascination since the beginning. They keep the action moving, add flavor to the town, and keep readers happy. Suspects are found around every corner, and motives abound. Even with Christmas and the holiday season on the horizon, everyone knows Robbie will be knee-deep in whatever horrendous murder occurs. Readers know that Robbie will place herself in danger, solve the murder, and catch the bad guy.

The killer isn't a surprise, but this book's ending will have fans smiling with holiday cheer. Candy Slain Murder is a quick, easy read that gives readers a chance to spend some quality time with the characters they have come to love. This latest addition to the series is the book everyone wants to read and savor this merry Christmas season.

This was a very cute and whimsical cozy Christmas mystery. The characters were all so unique and very memorable. The story was engaging and there were even recipes at the end to boot. The ending was super sweet and I look forward to reading more in this series.

Candy Slain Murder by Maddie Day is book 8 in the A Country Store Mystery series. I have been a fan of this series since the first book.
Christmas will soon be upon South Lick and business is booming for Robbie and her store/cafe/B&B. When a stranger shows up claiming to be one of her employee's brother, Robbie is skeptical of him and wants to dig into his claims,. Then a house burns and a skeleton is found in the attic and it's obvious it has been there for decades. Is it the missing wife of the home owner who disappeared.
Robbie is running around asking questions, running her business. and enjoying the holiday festivities, Will she get all the answers she needs to have a relaxing Christmas.
This book has it all, plenty of suspects and twists and turns. She has wonderful characters, I especially like police officer Buck,. There is always family, friendship, humor, romance, and recipes in this series.
I was given an ARC by Kensington and NetGalley for an honest review.

This Christmas is bringing plenty of surprises to Robbie Jordan’s life. The first is the young man who walks into Pans N’ Pancakes, Robbie’s country store and restaurant, and claims to be Robbie’s assistant’s half brother. Danna never knew she had any siblings. The bigger surprise is the skeleton discovered when a house catches fire. As gossip about who the remains belong to heats up, a fresh murder takes place, and Robbie is once again drawn into the case. Can she figure out what happened?

Since the last book took place outside of South Lick, it was fabulous to be back and see all the regulars again. Everyone gets a scene or two to shine and give us updates on their lives. Unfortunately, the plot could be stronger. While there are plenty of suspects and red herrings, the suspects are weaker than they need to be. The climax is suspenseful and does answer all our questions, however. I’m a sucker for Christmas set cozies, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. The scenes in the restaurant will make you hungry for the six recipes at the end. Fans of the series will certainly welcome this Christmas entry.

This was my first book by Maddie Day but I will certainly be reading more of her books. There are 2 twins, both murdered. One who was murdered 10 years ago and just now found in the attic of her home after a fire there. The other one murdered now. Robbie and her boyfriend Abe along with Buck and Octavia who are law officers all seek to get to the bottom of the truth about what happened. There are times in the book that Maddie throws in some humor which makes it a delightful read and I had some " laugh out loud" moments with it. But the humor does not detract at all from the main story. A joy to read and I would highly recommend it. I received an e-book copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

It's holiday time in South Lick, Indiana and Robbie, as usual, has her hands full! Candy Slain Murder is the 8th book in the Country Store Mysteries and it's as delightful as all the others.

Robbie is looking forward to the holidays, business at Pans 'N Pancakes, Robbie's restaurant and country store, is hopping. An unexpected surprise arises in the form of Danna's supposed half-brother, whom Danna immediately accepts but Robbie remains suspicious. In the midst of this drama the house of a local doctor catches fire and a skeleton is discovered in the attic, causing Robbie, Danna and others to wonder if it is the remains of the doctor's wife who disappeared years earlier. While investigating this decades old death, another murder occurs. Robbie puts on her sleuthing cap and tries to help the police and detective assigned to the older case solve what appears to be two murders.

This is such a well written mystery! Not only is the reader pulled into the solving of the murders, but Robbie's day-to-day relationships with Danna, Abe, Sean, Aunt Adele, as well as the running of the restaurant. In addition to the main storyline there are elements of current social issues with which the reader can relate. The story mixes normal life with the mystery and the reader becomes wrapped up in the lives of the residents of South Lick. Adding to the enjoyment of the mystery is the local colloquialisms that cause you to laugh out loud and tuck away for later use!

Really great series, highly recommended and can't wait till the next one!

Thanks much to Kensington and NetGalley for the review copy!

Am loving these books in the Country Store Mysteries and the good folks who hang out at the Pans N’ Pancakes Country Store. This is another great story with even a cold case thrown in just for some fun. We have a new character or two, who I hope will be around for a while. I love these people and how they take care of each other. I feel like I’m right there with them, through the good and bad and they are my friends. I can’t wait to hang out with them again. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Candy Slain Murder
Country Store Mysteries, Book #8
Maddie Day
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Christmas cheer has sent the griddle into overdrive at Robbie Jordan’s popular country store and café. And this year, there’s a new seasonal special to feast on: murder!

As December sweeps through South Lick, Indiana, Robbie’s life seems merry and bright like the string lights glistening around town. But strange happenings signal a bumpy ride into the holidays. First a man raises eyebrows at Pans ‘N Pancakes when he claiming to be the long-lost half-brother of Robbie’s assistant. Then a fire destroys the home of a controversial anesthesiologist, exposing skeletal remains in his attic. Helplessly intrigued, all Robbie wants for Christmas is to stop her winter wonderland from becoming a real nightmare. With a decades-old mystery taking shape, can she run as fast as she can in pursuit of a killer who’s harder to crack than a stale gingerbread man?

Includes Recipes for You to Try! (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Robbie cares about all of her employees, they are like family to her. So when someone claims to be a long-lost half brother of one of employees, Robbie is not going to take him at his word, she's going to check him out. She has a lot going on, besides getting ready for Christmas, but she is up to the challenge. Throw in a murder mystery and Robbie might need a Christmas miracle.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and had me second guessing my choice of the killer. Which is not really a surprise!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This book has a lot to offer a reader, which is great.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Candy Slain Murder is the 8th instalment of the Country Store Mystery series set in South Lick, Indiana. In typical small-town fashion Robbie Jordan's store Pans 'N Pancakes is busy as the holiday season approaches. Of course, it is never smooth sailing at Pans 'N Pancakes as Robbie becomes enmeshed in solving a cold case involving the wife of Dr. Geller, a local surgeon who is greatly disliked by the community for being racist and a known white supremacist.

Robbie's assistant Danna also has a mystery of her own when a long lost half brother shows up at Pans 'N Pancakes to introduce himself. Danna's Mom, the mayor of South Lick Corrine made the difficult decision to have her first-born son adopted so he could have a better chance at having a great life. Now, it looks like the family has the opportunity to come back together.

When a second body is found a roster of likely suspects emerges, and someone in town alleges that Danna's brother Marcus might have had something to do with it.

I have noticed lately that many cozy writers are attempting to had more diversity to their books and I am so glad! Marcus as a character identifies as being a Muslim, and faces racism throughout the book. Robbie Jordan also identifies faults with South Lick being very Christmas-centred stating that the town would benefit from recognising other faiths/beliefs at the Christmas lighting ceremony. Maddie Day hits the sad reality that systemic racism is very much a thing that needs to be addressed, while still keeping this book cozy.

I am glad that I gave this series a second chance.

Thank you to Kensington Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. (

Candy Slain Murder is the 8th book in the Country Store Mysteries series. I picked up this series with Strangled Eggs and Ham (book 6), and I also thoroughly enjoyed book 7, Nacho Average Murder.

In this fabulous cosy mystery, Robbie Jordan is looking forward to Christmas in South Lick, Indiana. It's the start of the holidays and a stranger is in town, claiming to be Robbie's employee, Danna Beedle's, half-brother. Adding to the excitement, a local doctor's house is set on fire and skeletal remains are found. Robbie can’t help but get involved.

Protagonist, Robbie was kept busy at her restaurant and country shop, called Pans’ N Pancakes, and spent some time with her boyfriend, Abe, and Abe's teenaged son, Sean. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop in this book. Maddie Day's writing style continued to impress me and the story was amusing and easy to follow. Narrator Robbie is a great character and I loved her methods, determination and her single-mindedness.

The author delightfully conveyed the sights and tastes the Festive season has to offer, with the falling snow, Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and gingerbread cookies. The mystery aspect was great with plenty of opportunities for the most diligent of armchair detectives to play along. Abundant clues were scattered around and I found myself caught out by the misdirection several times. As the reveals unfolded everything started to gel together into a terrific, cohesive, read.

This tremendously good novel was a hit for me and I am looking forward to reading book nine, as well as reading some of Maddie Day's back catalogue and getting to know all of the characters to a greater degree. If you adore a fantastic cozy mystery with oodles of scrumptious sounding recipes and foodie references, don't miss out on Candy Slain Murder.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Candy Slain Murder by Maddie Day is the 7th book in the Country Store Mystery series, and another delightful book. Robbie Jordan owns Pans N Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana. Robbie and her staff are busy with Christmas, coming up with new recipes. Robbie's assistance meets her long lost brother, and two local sisters are murdered, ten years apart. This book kept me guessing until the end. I strongly recommend this book/series for cozy mystery book fans. The story is fast paced with a lot of character development and mystery that keeps your attention. I look forward to reading the in the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
I should start out by saying that this book is part of a well established cozy mystery series, and I have not yet read the other books that preceded this one. However, I never felt lost, I’m just curious to know the backstories now of some of the characters and want to know the reasoning behind some of the animosities. This didn’t distract me from the pleasure of reading this book, and I think you can quite happily read it out of order.
It is set at Christmas time and features a local store/diner in the build up to the busy season. And just because these things tend to happen, a mysterious skeleton is discovered in an attic. With all the crazy Christmas hullabaloo going on, our main character sets about trying to solve this murder as well as run her business.
It was a really fun read and I just gobble up these books in a couple of sittings. And talking of gobbling, this one will have all the foodies out there salivating with all the festive fare that’s mentioned. There is of course some very tempting recipes at the end as well.
I didn’t find it overly glazed and dripping with Christmas schmaltz, so if you prefer just a touch of the festive cheer this one could be just want you need. To be honest I’m quite happy to read Christmas cozy mysteries in July though, as I hope the colder setting will make me feel cooler in the hot summer weather!
Definitely a series I will continue with.

Robbie is back in South Lick and her Pans and Pancakes is hopping at the start of the Holiday Season. There’s a fire at a local house which reveals an old skeleton. And Danna’s unknown half brother shows up. Robbie is keeping her ears to the ground to hear all the gossip about both.

It is good to return to South Lick with all the familiar characters. There are wonderful characters in this book and I love the interactions. If you’re a Country Store fan you do not want to miss this book!

Christmas time in South Lick, Indiana at the Pans N' Pancakes cafe/shop/B&B. The perfect time to be with family and friends to enjoy a hearty bowl of stew and some chocolatey mocha peppermint muffins. Yes the recipes are included so be sure to skip to the end, get cooking, and then relax as Robbie Jordan solves not one but two murder mysteries this time. Mayor Corrine meets her son, Dr. William Geller finds his "long lost" wife, and Robbie finds herself in hot water during a very cold time of the year. This has a definete Sherlokian feel to the plot, with plenty of unusual characters with more than enough motive to have committed the crime. Although Robbie is not a native of South Lick, she is treated like a local and her restaurant is a great setting for meeting all of the friendly and some not so friendly people. With each book you get to know the characters all over again and learn some new tidbits which makes it easy to pick up in the middle of the series and not become lost or confused by the different characters. As always, I LOVE a cozy that has food no matter what part it plays and the recipes are the BEST and Ihave already made the stew and the mocha peppermint muffins. YUM!

Holiday Time Murder in South Lick
This is the eighth book in a series. The background and storyline are very good. The mystery has lots of twists and turns that keep it more than interesting. However, there is so much standing on a soapbox about racial and religious tolerance in inclusion. Some of it is disguised as bits of the story. Much of it is flat out preaching. And it is present in every chapter! I prefer my entertainment to be just that. If I wanted a lesson in civil discourse I would not be looking for it in a cozy mystery. There was so much of it that it ruined the story for me. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

CANDY SLAIN MURDER, the eighth book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day, finds South Lick, Indiana in the midst of holiday cheer. While not overdone to distract from the mystery, the author still conveys the sights, sounds, and tastes the season has to offer. The protagonist, Robbie Jordan, is keeping busy at her restaurant and B & B, Pans’ N Pancakes, and spending time with her boyfriend, Abe, and his teenaged son. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop in this newest book since Abe hasn’t been featured much in past installments. I also like how Robbie juggles her more than full-time job, her relationships, and trying to solve a murder without shirking her responsibilities. It makes the characters feel more authentic. The reader also learns a lot more about Danna, Robbie’s employee, along with Danna’s mother, the town’s mayor. Interwoven into the mystery is the appearance of Danna’s half-brother, someone she had no idea existed. I have always admired Ms. Day interjecting social issues into her stories, and this book is no exception. Adoption, single parenting, racism, and intolerance are addressed and woven into the fabric of the plot without slowing down the pace. I appreciate her ability to balance entertainment with social conscience.

When a woman’s body is discovered after being missing for a decade and when a new murder occurs, Robbie gets involved asking questions and listening to the folk who visit her café. Are the two murders related, even though there are ten years between the deaths? I enjoy Robbie’s methodical mind and musings over the evidence as it unfolds. It helps the reader link the clues together, and while I had a very strong suspicion (and was correct), I was intrigued to find out why. The well-plotted mystery and the engaging characters kept my attention until the very last page!

Running a popular breakfast and lunch café, Robbie is always cooking up mouthwatering dishes. As with previous books in the series, Ms. Day provides several recipes at the back of the book which all sound fantastic!