Robbie owns a diner and has recently gotten married. She and her husband attend a fireworks show. While there they meet several old folks from a nearby assisted-living home. After the fireworks are done, one of the old folks is dead.

Robbie's diner is the center of town. Locals and tourists alike visit and she is very friendly. People just talk to her about anything. So as Robbie gathers information, she sets out to find the killer,

This is a fun and engaging story. The characters are quirky, but loveable. The writing style is easy to read.

Batter Off Dead
A Country Store Mystery, Book #10
Maddie Day
5 Stars

Synopsis:

In South Lick, Indiana, fine foods and classic cookware can be found at Robbie Jordan’s Pans ’N Pancakes. Unfortunately, her country store also seems to stock up on murder . . .

Robbie and her new husband Abe O’Neill are enjoying a summer evening in the park with fellow townsfolk excited for some Friday night fireworks. In attendance are senior residents from Jupiter Springs Assisted Living including Roy Bird, father to South Lick’s very own Police Lieutenant Buck Bird. Despite his blindness, Roy is a member of his group home’s knitting circle, spending quality time with some lovely ladies.

But when the lightshow ends, one of the knitters who sat with Roy is found dead, a puncture wound in her neck. The poor woman’s death echoes that of Buck’s mother and Roy’s wife—an unsolved homicide. To help find the killer, Robbie’s going to have to untangle the knotty relationships deep in the victim’s past . . .

Includes Recipes for You to Try!

“This deliciously clever cozy—set in a deceptively charming little town—is fresh, intelligent and delightful. A winner!”
—Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, Macavity and Mary Higgins Clark Award-Winning Author for Flipped for Murder (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Robbie and her friends and family are like one big happy family. She loves her employees and they work together very well. While Robbie and her husband are enjoying some fireworks, someone from the Jupiter
Springs Assisted Living is murdered. Robbie has to figure who the murder is to be sure they do not kill again. She will get help from Roy Bird, who is the father of Buck Bird, the Police Lieutenant.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and the descriptions brought the story to life in my mind’s eye. The writing style flows smoothly and the book was an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and it was not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The whole series is very good and if you haven't read them give them a try.

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

Princess Fuzzypants here: Robbie and her new husband Abe are enjoying their first summer of married life but while they attend a fireworks display, the lady friend of their friend Buck’s elderly father is murdered. Even though there were crowds of people, no one witnessed the murder. As she becomes friendly with the elderly and blind Grant, she learns more about the victim. What makes her even more invested in finding the killer is when she learns Buck’s own mother was murdered in a similar way with the same people present decades earlier.

His mother was part of a group that called themselves Bitch and Stitch. But as Robbie looks deeper, she discovers it may not have been just a way for married women to let off steam while doing crafts. In fact, it is quite possible that the secret activity in which they were involved may have lead to two deaths. And if Robbie is not careful, she could be the third.

I have enjoyed this series from the start. I love Pancakes and Pans, her country store. All sorts of wonderful and colourful characters come together under its roof and it has become the social centre of South Lick. Buck has always had respect for Robbie’s powers of observation and it seems all of the local police now hold her in some regard. She is actively involved in passing on information but her reputation is also a target. Evil doers, including the ones in this story, fear her involvement and that could be very dangerous.

It is a fast paced and interesting story with an exciting conclusion. Like a good meal, it leaves the reader wanting more. Five purrs and two paws up.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

While the fireworks fly a resident of the Jupiter Springs Assisted Living dies, and not from natural causes. There was a killer in their midst and Police Lieutenant Buck Bird’s father Roy may have heard the murder happen. Roy is blind but his other senses work just fine. In a weird twist, this person’s death is similar to an unsolved homicide from years ago. The victim then was Roy’s wife and Buck’s mother. Robbie just knows she has to help whisk up the killer and maybe even solve both homicides.

Wow, this is the 10th book in the series and these characters continue to excite me as soon as I open the book. Robbie and Abe are happily married and settling nicely into their lives together. Her team at the restaurant is kept hopping by a crush of locals and tourists eager to fill their stomachs and catch up on the latest news/gossip. Danna is a little under the weather this time but doesn’t miss much work. Robbie is lucky that she can usually find people to help when she is in a pinch. Buck arrives daily usually for breakfast and lunch depending on what case he is working on. Man, that man can put away food! It is always nice to catch up with these primary characters.

This time we meet two new fantastic characters. Buck’s dad Roy resides at Jupiter Springs Assisted Living Home. He is such a kind man that has not had an easy life. He handles his blindness with such courage. He knows his limitations, has a great outlook on life, and likes to knit too. But he was very close to the victim, Vi Perkell, and is truly grieving. We also meet Simone, Buck’s grandmother, and that woman is as sharp as a razor and keenly remembers things from the past. Robbie gets to visit with both of them and they become fast friends. They are also able to give her some great insight to help in her pursuit to find the truth.

Readers are also introduced to Edna Warner and Joan Lindell. Two sisters who have come west from Connecticut. Joan is moving into Jupiter Springs Assisted Living to be closer to family and her sister is staying in one of Robbie’s upstairs rooms for a few days to get her sister settled before she returns back east. They get a front-row seat to everything happening in South Lick. Edna even steps in to help Robbie out when she is short-staffed. These ladies were fun to get to know.

We meet other new characters as Robbie starts to dig into Vi Perkell’s death and there are quite a few but this author does an excellent job fleshing them out and making each one unique.

The mystery is very complex with plenty of moving parts. The connection between the current death and the one in the past really adds to the story, especially because it is personal to folks Robbie cares about. I really enjoyed the tenderness she had with Roy and Simone and how she could then turn tough to get answers from others. It wasn’t an easy solve either because there were so many things knit together that had to be unraveled to get the full picture.

What I enjoy most is Ms. Day’s writing style. She is very descriptive giving readers a clear sense of everything and she blends the mystery and everyday life seamlessly. While not a Hoosier, she always makes me feel right at home with the Midwest dialogues and idioms too.

Batter Off Dead is a sensational addition to this series. Each visit to South Lick passes way too fast and I am always sad to turn that final page. I can’t wait for my next escape to visit these wonderful characters again.

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day is the 10th book in the Country Store Mystery series, and another delightful book. Robbie Jordan owns Pans N Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana. Robbie and her new husband Abe are enjoying a summer fireworks show, afterwards a women from the senior group home is found dead. 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 next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Number ten in the newest entry in the Country Store series by Maddie Day. This was short and sweet. N big surprise as the murderers and the motives. I like Abe but Robbie getting married and much talk about babies may portend the end is coming soon to this series.
All the usual town citizens are so enjoyable. I also like the colloquialisms that some of the characters use.

I just love this series. It is set in fictional South Lick, Indiana outside of the real Bloomington, Indiana. The author does a great job of adding in real places. Bloomington is one of my favorite places to visit. A beautiful college town.

In book 10, we find Robbie and Abe settling into married life, and during a local fireworks display, an elderly lady is murdered. The deceased was the late-in-life love interest of the local policeman Buck’s dad. The investigation centers around the Stitch in Bitch knitting club that has been around for decades.

I enjoyed getting to know more about Buck and his family. He is a character. You can’t help but love him.

The murder plot was well spaced out and interesting. I figured out who but not the why. That was a shock. I didn’t quite follow Danna’s (Robbie’s employee) story. I keep wondering what I missed.

Recipes are included at the end of the book and I for one am excited for warmer weather to get here to try them out.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

Everyone loves Robbie and I am no exception. I've come to love her and her country store a lot over this series and I love how down to Earth she is while interacting with friends and strangers. She is always kind even to those she suspects of murder and though she may be seen as nosy, the police actually respect her and her abilities (especially since she runs a business where people love to share info with her). She takes the initiative to be kind to her friends' parents and grandparents and spends her time off helping others. I love her and Abe together and their loving union and how he doesn't stop her from her hobby of investigation. This book stumped me because I just couldn't see who would want to kill an older lady, and especially in such a dangerously public place! I love love how most of this story takes place at the store and enjoy reading about the every day parts of running the business. I can't wait for this series to continue.

A new book in a good, long running series! It's hot and summery in South Lick, Indiana and while at the community fireworks with her still new husband Abe, Robbie's evening ends on a sour note when a local resident is found murdered as the crowds clear. I really liked how Vi's murder added twisty threads to the book and the cold case of a local policeman's mom death many years ago. Robbie spends time at local senior homes while unraveling the information between the present and past and the residents are a wonderful addition to the story. And being the owner of a local restaurant, there are lots of good food descriptions and a recipe for a corn salad that sounds perfect for fresh summer produce.

This is the second book I’ve read in the Country Store series. I liked it a lot and will be reading all of the books in this series. The mystery is interesting and involves the present day and the past. As Robbie once again works to solve the crime, you get to know new characters and discover relationships from the past. I love the individuals of Pans ‘n Pancakes. They are a great crew and are so supportive of each other. This is a wonderful series that keeps your attention and has you looking forward to the next adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I've read some, but not all, of the Country Store series. I thought this one was a good installment--maybe because Grant reminded me so much of my dad in his assisted living place! But there were a couple of instances of people suddenly recalling things from the past that were more than just little details, and it seemed unlikely they'd not have remembered them right away. Overall, the mystery itself is okay, and I like Robbie--she's why I keep coming back to the series. Sometimes the dialog feels a bit wooden or the pacing feels a bit slow, but it's still an enjoyable escape read for a couple of hours.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell) is one of my all-time favorite cozy authors. Every series she writes brings a smile to my face and a lightness to my heart. The “A Country Store Mystery” series is never dull. The newest addition, Batter Off Dead, is a perfect example of what this writer and this series exude. The characters are delightfully funny, warm, and alluring. From Robbie and Abe to the seniors that populate the town of South Lick, every one of them will give readers a reason to be happy. Add in fireworks, knitting, murder, and you have a wonderful picture of a lovely town and people that fill you with interest.

It's summer, and Robbie and Abe are enjoying marital bliss and fireworks. The seniors from Jupiter Springs assisted living facility are lined up with their knitting and their gossip. Among them is Roy, Police Lieutenant Buck Bird’s father. He may be blind, but he loves his knitting. After the firework show ends, one of the seniors is found dead. Oddly enough, the murder resembles one from long ago, the victim, Buck’s mother. It doesn’t take long for the gossip mill to start churning, and Robbie jumping in headfirst.

Suspects are all around; just about anyone could be the killer. During the fireworks, no one would hear anything, and the seniors had been dozing or concentrating on their knitting. The witnesses are numerous, yet no one saw a thing. Or… was there a witness that no one knows about? There are plenty of red herrings to keep readers rooted in their seats. It doesn’t take long for Robbie to connect the dots and come up with the killer's name; even though she doesn’t want to believe it, she is faced with no choice. It doesn’t take her long to figure out that the person who killed Buck’s mother all those years ago is the same person responsible for this latest death.

Fireworks explode as the killer and the motive is revealed. The seniors, especially Roy, are grateful for Robbie’s sleuthing skills. Readers will adore the characters and the town. Robbie and Abe will make you believe in love and hope. This book has a lot of fireworks, and not all of them are in the night sky. Batter Off Dead brings Robbie’s country store, the hometown feel of South Lick, and the citizens, seniors, and others to the forefront. It allows readers to enjoy a couple of hours without the worries of the world on their shoulders.

BATTER OFF DEAD is the tenth book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. While this can be read as a standalone, I’ve found it to be a delightful journey following protagonist Robbie Jordan’s character development over the course of the series. And Ms. Day has done an outstanding job in keeping the characters fresh and appealing. In this new release, Robbie is newly married and settling into life with her husband, Abe. I enjoyed getting to see more interaction between the couple this time around. Another core character, whose backstory has been mysterious thus far, is police lieutenant Buck Bird. I was happy to see him take more of a co-starring role in Batter Off Dead, and find out more about his life and his family. The author does an admirable job in weaving Buck’s past into the current day mystery. Set in the small town of South Lick, Indiana, Ms. Day captures the colloquialisms of the residents giving the reader a feel for the area. Her strong descriptive voice helps the reader feel like they’re right alongside Robbie, from friends gathering together, to the wicked heat, to the delicious food served at Robbie’s café.

With a murder set against the backdrop of exploding fireworks, a senior citizen is murdered right amongst her friends. Buck’s blind father sat right next to the victim, who was killed in the same manner as Buck’s mother when he was a kid. Could someone be targeting the seniors? Does someone have a vendetta against Buck’s family? Robbie delves into asking questions and trying to bring comfort to Buck as the past is dredged up. One of the things I like about the Country Store mysteries is that Robbie is a working woman with a strong work ethic. While she gets involved in investigating, her café takes center stage and she doesn’t shirk her duties or her customers. As a result, Robbie is often frazzled by the end of the day but it gives the story a realistic feel. As she finds threads to the clues she seeks, it becomes apparent that the past is connected to the current day murder. Robbie’s tenacious quest for answers and for justice lead to a suspenseful and heart wrenching reveal. But rest assured, Ms. Day leaves the reader with a warm feeling as she hints at what might be in store for Robbie in future books.

The setting and the characters in this series are so inviting that it really feels like coming home when I pick up a copy. This time, we also got to meet Buck's dad and learn more about him (it's about time!). The mystery was a tough one as some parts were rooted in the past and I had somewhat of an idea of who might have done it but wasn't ever really sure until the very end. It was also nice to get a glimpse into the married life of Robbie and Abe. Looking forward to the next one.

I’ve been a long-time fan of this series and was thrilled obtain a NetGalley of Batter Off Dead, the tenth book of the series. The action stars on the first page and doesn’t let up. Every chapter turns up the heat. By the end of the second chapter, I knew sleep was out of the question. Newlyweds Robbie Jordan and her husband, Abe O’Neil attend the local Friday night fireworks display in South Lick. While there, she meets up with local Officer Buck Bird who introduces her to his father Grant, and Grant’s lady friend, Vi. By the end of the evening, Vi is dead and her murder a replica of Buck’s mother’s. The ending is bittersweet and one I didn’t see coming. Kudos to Day for keeping this long-running series fresh as the day book one released.

Robbie and her new husband, Abe O’Neill just finished enjoying fireworks in the park and are ready to head home when they hear a scream. Vi Perkell had come to the park with some of her fellow residents from Jupiter Springs Assisted Living. She was with Lieutenant Buck Bird’s father, Grant Bird. Unfortunately, Vi is dead from a puncture wound to her neck. The next morning, Buck stops by Pans ‘N Pancakes for sustenance and mentions that the crime is eerily similar to his mother’s murder which has never been solved. Robbie has good instincts when it comes to solving crimes. With Robbie’s restaurant being the equivalent of an office water cooler, she can pick up the latest gossip and ask some subtle questions. Robbie will need to unravel the clues and knit them together if she is going to help catch the killer. Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day is the tenth A Country Store Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. However, if you read the series in order, it allows you to get to know the characters and the town. I thought Batter Off Dead contained good writing and developed characters. The book moved along at a steady pace. I like the small-town atmosphere in this series. Robbie Jordan is happily married to Abe and her restaurant is doing very well. The restaurant is busier than ever. We follow Robbie as she goes about her day-to-day life in South Lick, Indiana. I like how the author incorporates Indiana phrases and history of the area into the story. The mystery has two components. It involves a murder in the present and one in the past. Both have a tie to Lt. Buck Bird. There were a handful of suspects in the death of Vi Perkell. Robbie asks questions and listens to diners to gather clues. Robbie needs to be careful, or she could get burned. The whodunit is wrapped up with a tense reveal and all my questions were answered. I like that we get to meet Buck’s father and grandmother. Simone, Buck’s grandmother, is sharp as a tack and a stylish dresser. Grant, Buck’s father, is a sweet man who can no longer see but creates lovely, knitted items. A friend of Robbie’s is pregnant, and it makes her think about the future. I enjoyed my visit to South Lick where I got to catch up with Robbie, Abe, Buck, and the others plus I got to solve a crime. There are recipes at the end for some of the items served at Pans n’ Pancakes. Batter Off Dead is a warm tale with delectable crepes, a cold case, a copycat crime, a crafting club, curious clues, and a caught killer.

I have loved the Country Store Mystery series from the beginning, but Batter of Dead is my favorite yet! The mysteries are great throughout the series, and the focus on Robbie's friends brings even more to the series. I appreciate that Abe is allowed to continue at the same level as before. I adore her new husband and feared that he would almost disappear as so often happens when a main character gets married. Their romance is lovely without taking over the story and he is wonderfully supportive. The introduction to Buck's dad, Roy, was perfect and I look forward to spending more time with him. He is an absolutely delightful character!
The mystery, was as always, complex, intriguing, and a bit heart touching. Maddie Day build mysteries that involved character and background as well as clues so even the worst villain comes to matter. The murder of a senior citizen during a big fireworks display boggles the mind and leads to questions about the past.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for allowing me to read an ARC the newest winning presentation in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. I can't wait for my friends to discover the newest in the series!

#NetGalley #BatteroffDead #Kensignton #MaddieDayI have loved the Country Store Mystery series from the beginning, but Batter of Dead is my favorite yet! The mysteries are great throughout the series, and the focus on Robbie's friends brings even more to the series. I appreciate that Abe is allowed to continue at the same level as before. I adore her new husband and feared that he would almost disappear as so often happens when a main character gets married. Their romance is lovely without taking over the story and he is wonderfully supportive. The introduction to Buck's dad, Roy, was perfect and I look forward to spending more time with him. He is an absolutely delightful character!
The mystery, was as always, complex, intriguing, and a bit heart touching. Maddie Day build mysteries that involved character and background as well as clues so even the worst villain comes to matter.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for allowing me to read an ARC the newest winning presentation in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. I can't wait for my friends to discover the newest in the series!

#NetGalley #BatteroffDead #Kensignton #MaddieDay

This was another fun adventure with Robbie, Abe, Buck, Oscar and the good folks of South Lick. It would be so much fun to hang out at the Pans ‘N Pancakes. I love how these friends have each other’s backs. How about that bunch at Jupiter Springs Assisted Living place? Seniors are the best! You never know what surprises they may throw at you. This story is great and definitely held my interest. The characters are awesome. I can’t wait to go visit again. You’ll find some delicious recipes at the back of the book. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I absolutely loved meeting Buck Bird's dad, Grant (yep, the blurb has his name wrong). He cracks me up and always refers to Buck as Buckham, but Robbie loved him the minute they met and visited him several times. He did have a valuable clue even though he couldn't see what was going on at the murder scene. I really hope Grant stays as an occasional character, and I'd love to see him come have breakfast with his bottomless pit son--wonder if he can still eat as much as Buck? lol

This was a twisty mystery with lots of red herrings and a tie to a cold case. I found myself favoring one suspect then changing my mind to someone else. Wow what a showdown, and go Robbie! She let that perp have it, never mind that Robbie might've been shaking in her boots the whole time. She acted brave, and that's what counts. I love that despite her strong exterior, she can admit that it's nice having a husband like Abe to hug on when all was said and done. He's been so sweet in his support of her investigating.

Alana's call to Robbie has me wondering now if the next book's gonna have a fun little announcement. I know Robbie wants a kid or two, so when the time comes, I imagine even Aunt Adele might curb her traveling bug to be with the little stinker! I can't wait to see Samuel whenever Robbie and Abe have kids--he'd be over the moon. I missed those two being physically present in this book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day is a Country Store mystery featuring Robbie and her new husband, Abe. The have just enjoyed a fireworks display when they noticed a commotion nearby. It was a group from a nearby assisted living and someone was dead, a woman named Vi whom Robbie had just met. She'd been murdered. The more Robbie heard about the murder, the stranger it got. Buck's father, Grant, lived in the home, in fact, was sitting next to the dead woman. They had been special friends. Her carotid artery had been punctured by a thin, sharp object. It was exactly the way Buck's mother had been killed 40 years earlier, including the fireworks. It was a small town and every one knew every one, but the level of interest in this case was phenomenal and it seemed like they all came into Pans 'n Pancakes to talk about it. They had never been so busy.

Maddie was happy and when her friend called her to say she was pregnant, it got Maddie thinking. She and Abe had talked about kids and he was open to the idea, despite the fact his son, Sean, was nearly grown. What did she want to do? Day has developed Maddie slowly over many books and she is a character that has grown comfortable in her life, uprooted from California to this small Indiana town. In this story she become friends with several elderly who lived in homes. She had not realized how much she enjoyed them. The mystery was a good one, rooted in the past, and possibly related to others. And how could you not love Robbie and her life? It was daring, right in plain sight. Who would do such a thing? Robbie worked with Buck and Oscar, both working as lawman, although different agencies, but shared information. It came in snips and snaps: the information. Putting it all together was challenging, but eventually they were ready to make an arrest. A good book.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Batter Off Dead by Kensington, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #kensington #maddieday #batteroffdead