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Country Store Mystery #7
Nacho Average Murder
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 . . .
Includes Recipes for You to Try!
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 . . .
Includes Recipes for You to Try!
324 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
659 people are currently reading
1709 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Day
29 books1,555 followersMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
June 3, 2020
In this seventh installment in Maddie Day's A Country Store Mystery series, Robbie Jordan has returned to her hometown of Santa Barbara, California, to attend her high school reunion. While catching up with old friends, she learns that her mother, an environmental activist who died suddenly from a brain aneurysm two years ago, may have been murdered by a wealthy and powerful man named Walter Russom. Walter is the father of Robbie's high school nemesis and owns a pesticide company. His products are known to be very harmful to living things, and Robbie's mother was determined to get his company shut down. With the help of her high school friends, Alana and Jason, she sets out to uncover the truth about her mother's death.
This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series and each book gets better and better. It was fun seeing where Robbie grew up and meeting her old friends. I enjoyed the California setting and the mouthwatering descriptions of food. The mystery was well-plotted, with enough clues, suspense, and suspects to keep readers on their toes. I really liked the ending and thought it was a refreshing change from the action-packed reveals that you normally see in cozy mysteries. This is a delightful series, with a charming setting, wonderful, well-developed characters, and delicious recipes. South Lick, Indiana, is one of my favorite fictional small towns, and I look forward to my next visit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series and each book gets better and better. It was fun seeing where Robbie grew up and meeting her old friends. I enjoyed the California setting and the mouthwatering descriptions of food. The mystery was well-plotted, with enough clues, suspense, and suspects to keep readers on their toes. I really liked the ending and thought it was a refreshing change from the action-packed reveals that you normally see in cozy mysteries. This is a delightful series, with a charming setting, wonderful, well-developed characters, and delicious recipes. South Lick, Indiana, is one of my favorite fictional small towns, and I look forward to my next visit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2022
Nacho Average Murder is the 7th book in the Country Store Mysteries written by Maddie Day. I have been enjoying this cozy series for a while, as the characters and setting are always vibrant and charming. Usually the mysteries are quite strong, drawing in several side arcs and intelligent clues. Unfortunately, this one seemed to stall for a bit and leave much too open-ended in the last few chapters. That said, it was still enjoyable and totally a series I'd recommend... just wasn't my favorite of the bunch so far.
Robbie travels to California for a 10-year high school reunion. While there, she learns that her mother's accidental death two years earlier might have been murder. During the investigation, the person who told her that it wasn't natural causes also dies in a similar way. They must be connected, right? Several awkward trips down memory lane and scary moments with big bad bio-farming companies leave Robbie harboring nagging concerns. As she puts the puzzle together, the truth comes out, and she cannot wait to get back home to Indiana.
The mystery fizzled some in the final pages. It kept building and building, and then a perp was caught in a very casual manner with the hint of a second conspirator. It seemed to go nowhere, tho, and we were left with a guess about her mother's death. I was hoping that we had a scene between the killer and Robbie, especially given all that had happened in this book. Can't say more without giving away spoilers. So... I was just kinda bummed about the ending. But the writing is solid, the characters are great, and the setting was beautifully described. Already bought the next one, as the overall series is fantastic.
Robbie travels to California for a 10-year high school reunion. While there, she learns that her mother's accidental death two years earlier might have been murder. During the investigation, the person who told her that it wasn't natural causes also dies in a similar way. They must be connected, right? Several awkward trips down memory lane and scary moments with big bad bio-farming companies leave Robbie harboring nagging concerns. As she puts the puzzle together, the truth comes out, and she cannot wait to get back home to Indiana.
The mystery fizzled some in the final pages. It kept building and building, and then a perp was caught in a very casual manner with the hint of a second conspirator. It seemed to go nowhere, tho, and we were left with a guess about her mother's death. I was hoping that we had a scene between the killer and Robbie, especially given all that had happened in this book. Can't say more without giving away spoilers. So... I was just kinda bummed about the ending. But the writing is solid, the characters are great, and the setting was beautifully described. Already bought the next one, as the overall series is fantastic.
June 30, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. The release date for this book is 30 June 2020
If you are a foodie you will definitely love this cozy mystery. Food is intertwined throughout the entire story and even though I am on a very strict diet I did enjoyed reading about all the yummy food. I really enjoyed the story and the characters were endearing. This followed your typical mystery formula and there was no big surprise and who the killer was but it was a fun read and definitely a good book for the beach.
If you are a foodie you will definitely love this cozy mystery. Food is intertwined throughout the entire story and even though I am on a very strict diet I did enjoyed reading about all the yummy food. I really enjoyed the story and the characters were endearing. This followed your typical mystery formula and there was no big surprise and who the killer was but it was a fun read and definitely a good book for the beach.
June 30, 2020
If you are a foodie you will definitely love this cozy mystery. Food is intertwined throughout the entire story and even though I am on a very strict diet I did enjoyed reading about all the yummy food. I really enjoyed the story and the characters were endearing. This followed your typical mystery formula and there was no big surprise and who the killer was but it was a fun read and definitely a good book for the beach.
July 1, 2020
Robbie Jordan is taking a well-deserved vacation and heading back to Santa Barbara for her high school reunion. This is the first time she’s been back since her mother died, and it is definitely a struggle for her even before she hears a rumor that her mother might not have died from natural causes. When someone else dies under similar circumstances, Robbie can’t help but investigate. Will she learn the truth before she has to return home?
Vacation books can be tricky to pull off while satisfying fans. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work. I enjoyed seeing a different side of Robbie as she interacted with her old friends, and I did like the new characters. However, I missed the series regulars. The plot wasn’t as strong as it could have been, although things were wrapped up by the time we reached the end. I enjoyed spotting the parallels between where Robbie stayed and her own place back in Indiana. Instead of my normal breakfast food cravings while reading this book, I was left craving Mexican food, which I didn’t mind in the least. The recipes at the end will help everyone with that. As a fan of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone mysteries, I enjoyed the references to that series in this book. If you are a fan of the Country Store Mysteries, you’ll still want to pick up this book. But if you are new to the series, back up and read the earlier entries in the series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Vacation books can be tricky to pull off while satisfying fans. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work. I enjoyed seeing a different side of Robbie as she interacted with her old friends, and I did like the new characters. However, I missed the series regulars. The plot wasn’t as strong as it could have been, although things were wrapped up by the time we reached the end. I enjoyed spotting the parallels between where Robbie stayed and her own place back in Indiana. Instead of my normal breakfast food cravings while reading this book, I was left craving Mexican food, which I didn’t mind in the least. The recipes at the end will help everyone with that. As a fan of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone mysteries, I enjoyed the references to that series in this book. If you are a fan of the Country Store Mysteries, you’ll still want to pick up this book. But if you are new to the series, back up and read the earlier entries in the series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 22, 2020
Nacho average murder is the 7th book in the country store series, and another great addition to a fabulous series. I can always count on a good solid read. Ms. Day has created a great setting at the pans n' pancakes store, but this installment has Robbie in California for her high school reunion. It was fun to see Robbie in a new setting, and meeting some of her childhood friends. The mystery was engaging, and I was intrigued from start to finish. If you are in the mood for a great cozy....look no further. This is "nacho average" read!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Maddie Day, and the publisher for this opportunity.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Maddie Day, and the publisher for this opportunity.
July 12, 2020
Let me start by saying, I usually really enjoy this series. However, that was not the case with this book. Robbie, the MC, hears a rumor that her mother may have been murdered. May have... and only one person suspects this. Robbie then feels the need to investigate. It doesn’t make sense. Then a man she met one time dies and she runs around town investigating his murder. Again, I’m not sure why she was invested. I sure wasn’t. I also felt this story ended very abruptly. The saving grace of this book was the delicious food Robbie talked about non-stop and made me hungry! I hope the next book is better. Robbie will be home in Indiana and have her supporting cast around her.
August 9, 2021
High school reunions can really suck when the mean girl is still mean, but they go into serious bad lands when a dead body pops up. Our intelligent sleuthing chef is on the case when someone mentions that her mom's accident, may not have been so accidental after all then another death pops up so the sleuthing kicks into high gear. It was fun having the main character travel to another setting, but I am looking forward to the next book being in her "normal" location so we get to see all the other characters that she normally interacts with. Definitely worth the read or listen as you prefer and now I am off to try to recreate some of the mouth watering meals that were described!
October 25, 2020
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.
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.
July 4, 2020
Nacho Average Murder is the seventh in the series 'A Country Store Mystery' by Maddie Day. I've read another of the author's books from this series so I decided to give this one a try.
In this fabulous cosy mystery, Robbie Jordan is taking a holiday and heading back to Santa Barbara for her high school class reunion. This is the first time she’s been back to her hometown since her mother died, and it is a difficult time for her even before she hears a rumour that her mother might not have died from natural causes. When her mother's friend dies under similar circumstances, Robbie can’t help but investigate. Will she learn the truth before she has to return to Pans ’N Pancakes, her country store in South Lick, Indiana?
I liked that Robbie felt like she’s moved beyond the self-doubt her peers inflicted on her in high school and how she tried to connect with them. The writing style of Maddie Day continued to impress me and the story was easy to follow. Narrator Robbie is a great character and I love her determination and her singlemindedness. The mystery aspect was great with plenty of opportunities for the most diligent of armchair detectives to play along. An abundance of clues were dotted around and I found myself caught out by the misdirection several times. As the reveal unfolded everything started to gel together into a pleasurable, cohesive, read.
This tremendously good novel is a hit for me and I am looking forward to reading book eight, Candy Slain Murder 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 cosy mystery with oodles of scrumptious sounding recipes and foodie references, don't miss out on Nacho Average Murder.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
In this fabulous cosy mystery, Robbie Jordan is taking a holiday and heading back to Santa Barbara for her high school class reunion. This is the first time she’s been back to her hometown since her mother died, and it is a difficult time for her even before she hears a rumour that her mother might not have died from natural causes. When her mother's friend dies under similar circumstances, Robbie can’t help but investigate. Will she learn the truth before she has to return to Pans ’N Pancakes, her country store in South Lick, Indiana?
I liked that Robbie felt like she’s moved beyond the self-doubt her peers inflicted on her in high school and how she tried to connect with them. The writing style of Maddie Day continued to impress me and the story was easy to follow. Narrator Robbie is a great character and I love her determination and her singlemindedness. The mystery aspect was great with plenty of opportunities for the most diligent of armchair detectives to play along. An abundance of clues were dotted around and I found myself caught out by the misdirection several times. As the reveal unfolded everything started to gel together into a pleasurable, cohesive, read.
This tremendously good novel is a hit for me and I am looking forward to reading book eight, Candy Slain Murder 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 cosy mystery with oodles of scrumptious sounding recipes and foodie references, don't miss out on Nacho Average Murder.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
June 19, 2020
Synopsis:
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 . . .
Includes Recipes for You to Try! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Robbie is smart, strong and caring and she likes to see justice served. She goes back to California for her high school reunion, she just wants to have a good time. But that changes when a member of an activist group is murder, she wants to help solve the murder. Especially since her mother was killed in a similar way, and she was an activist too. Robbie has some help from old friends from school and her mom’s old friend. But I really missed Robbie not being in South Lick, Indiana, where her family and friends are and having them help her. But Robbie deserves to go on vacation too.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions made the book much more enjoyable. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. I thought 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. This is a great series and I look forward to reading the next one when it comes out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
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 . . .
Includes Recipes for You to Try! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Robbie is smart, strong and caring and she likes to see justice served. She goes back to California for her high school reunion, she just wants to have a good time. But that changes when a member of an activist group is murder, she wants to help solve the murder. Especially since her mother was killed in a similar way, and she was an activist too. Robbie has some help from old friends from school and her mom’s old friend. But I really missed Robbie not being in South Lick, Indiana, where her family and friends are and having them help her. But Robbie deserves to go on vacation too.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions made the book much more enjoyable. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. I thought 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. This is a great series and I look forward to reading the next one when it comes out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
May 16, 2020
I have been a fan of this series since the beginning and have enjoyed each one of them. With Nacho Average Murder, Ms. Day takes Robbie Jordan outside of South Lick and returns her to her childhood home of Santa Barbara. Robbie returns to California to attend her high school reunion and some well-deserved vacation. Unfortunately, while there she is confronted with news about her mother's death two years earlier, and the death of the man who raised the possibility that it might not have been due to natural causes. Robbie being who she is, can't resist asking questions and trying to figure out whether this death was natural causes or homicide. This time around, she is aided in her endeavors by her mother's best friend, and two of her friends from high school. They were enjoyable characters, but to be honest, I missed South Lick and all its midwestern quirks and people. For me, that is what makes this series so enjoyable.
The mystery is solid. Robbie does what she always does and begins asking questions that start to get her into trouble. There are several viable suspects to choose from, but for me, I was concentrating on two specific individuals. As a result, the killer's identity was not a surprise and I would have liked a bit more to have been flushed out about this character's motive for the murder. It felt a bit rushed at the end.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read, but I will be happy when Robbie is back in South Lick. For me, the town has become so much a part of the series that I missed it when Robbie left. I wouldn't mind seeing some of the characters from this book make a visit. I think it could be interesting.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The mystery is solid. Robbie does what she always does and begins asking questions that start to get her into trouble. There are several viable suspects to choose from, but for me, I was concentrating on two specific individuals. As a result, the killer's identity was not a surprise and I would have liked a bit more to have been flushed out about this character's motive for the murder. It felt a bit rushed at the end.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read, but I will be happy when Robbie is back in South Lick. For me, the town has become so much a part of the series that I missed it when Robbie left. I wouldn't mind seeing some of the characters from this book make a visit. I think it could be interesting.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2021
I don't know what happened with this book but it's very different from previous ones, and not in a good way. The attempts to give the story local Santa Barbara color pretty much fall flat to anyone who has spent much time in that area. And why in the world does Robbie need to keep telling everyone she's from Indiana? Even the waiter taking her order! And tossing it into conversations with people who were told a few chapters before where she now lives. There is no reason at all for her to keep doing that, and for that alone, were I a character in this book, I'd be avoiding conversation with her. But even worse is the constant attempt to throw in her irrelevant and highly judgmental musings about political correctness. All this would have been almost bearable if the plot had been in any way believable or interesting. As it is, she's a busybody with too much time on her hands and curiosity that makes absolutely no sense. Not to mention her habit of leaving her phone out of reach.
No person her age does anything of the sort in real life. The solution is handed to her - she doesn't figure out anything. So glad I borrowed this from the library.
No person her age does anything of the sort in real life. The solution is handed to her - she doesn't figure out anything. So glad I borrowed this from the library.
October 15, 2020
A first by me by this author and I’m wondering how did I miss the books that came before! I read this a stand-alone and I’m in love with this series! Robbie is having mixed feelings on her high school reunion. After talking with old friends she starts to wonder if her mom didn’t die a natural death. But will looking for the answer cost Robbie her own life? You’ll have to read to find out! I’ll can’t wait to read the rest of this series! Loved this book!
August 18, 2020
Most of the book is a 3. It didn't really pull me in and, while Robbie snooped a lot, she didn't actually figure anything out. The person with information just came forward near the end of the book. But, I dropped one star because there are so many unanswered questions at the end. One a, sort of, friend of a friend is still under suspicion and not completely cleared at the end of the book, which never happens in a cozy. We know who the mastermind behind the murder was, which is absolutely no surprise, but we don't know if they had an accomplice, or, if not, how they did it. I was really rooting for Robbie to prove the "friend" was innocent and figure out who the real accomplice is or prove the mastermind worked alone, but the book ended instead. That's the mystery Robbie should have solved. I'll give this series one more chance, but I'm afraid the best books of this series are in the rearview mirror.
November 2, 2020
This was my least favorite of the series so far. The setting was beautiful and the storyline was OK, but it almost felt like somebody else was writing it. I got so frustrated with Robbie making stupid, reckless decisions and running her mouth so much to people she barely knew. Then the story never seemed to climax—I kept waiting for something big and it just sort of fizzled.
I have the next book in the series and I really hope it’s better because I usually enjoy these.
I have the next book in the series and I really hope it’s better because I usually enjoy these.
April 12, 2021
I am only about halfway through the book at this point. This is easily the most annoying book of the series. How the hell many times can the term 'dude' be used in a book that doesn't involve hippies. Put Robbie back in Indiana and leave her there.
Edit: Ok, I have now finished this book. All I can say is 'Please Ms. Maxwell, never, ever use the word 'dude' in your writing again. You have already blown your lifetime quota of 'dude' in this one book.
Over all this was NOT the best of the country store mysteries. Ok, so they are cozy mysteries and one expects them to be light and cheesy, but the cheese factor on this one was far greater than any of the others. Not the author's best work by any measure.
Edit: Ok, I have now finished this book. All I can say is 'Please Ms. Maxwell, never, ever use the word 'dude' in your writing again. You have already blown your lifetime quota of 'dude' in this one book.
Over all this was NOT the best of the country store mysteries. Ok, so they are cozy mysteries and one expects them to be light and cheesy, but the cheese factor on this one was far greater than any of the others. Not the author's best work by any measure.
October 2, 2020
Robbie Jordan returns to Santa Barbara for a high school class reunion and to connect with old friends. However, when people start making suggestions that her mother's recent death was not natural causes as thought but murder Robbie knows she needs to investigate.
The story did a good job of getting me caught up in the Santa Barbara local and had some excellent ideas for yummy food. Top that with a mystery filled with clues that kept me guessing made it an enjoyable read. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
The story did a good job of getting me caught up in the Santa Barbara local and had some excellent ideas for yummy food. Top that with a mystery filled with clues that kept me guessing made it an enjoyable read. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 11, 2020
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.
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.
June 28, 2020
Robbie is in California for her 10 year high school reunion. Meeting up with friends has kept Robbie happy, but when a casual acquaintance tells Robbie that her mother's death might have been intentional, it sets her into investigative mode.
This book is filled with mouthwatering food, an intriguing mystery and the chance to meet more of her friends.
I really loved this story.
This book is filled with mouthwatering food, an intriguing mystery and the chance to meet more of her friends.
I really loved this story.
August 22, 2021
Robbie is in California for her 10 year reunion. She is catching up with old friends, when someone mentions that Robbie's mother's death was not by natural causes. She starts asking questions with the help of her old friends. I really like the characters in this book. This is the first book in this series I have read and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
July 4, 2024
Robbie has gone back to Santa Barbara for her high school reunion. Despite looking forward to visiting with friends Robbie's memories of her mom make her feelings about her trip a little complicated. However, when an environmentalist is found dead in the same fashion as Robbie’s mother, Robbie wants her mother’s death looked at in a little more detail.
I was excited for Robbie to attend her class reunion. Meeting her high school friends and learning more about her mother helps Robbie’s character development. Robbie is very relatable and interesting. The mystery is well-developed with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing who the murderer is and why.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
I was excited for Robbie to attend her class reunion. Meeting her high school friends and learning more about her mother helps Robbie’s character development. Robbie is very relatable and interesting. The mystery is well-developed with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing who the murderer is and why.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
October 2, 2020
Why are all her books ending so abruptly? I feel like nothing was concrete and not very well wrapped up. The last few in the series have been like this too, I'm a bit disappointed to be honest. The story is good but it feels unfinished and rushed.
June 6, 2020
NACHO AVERAGE MURDER, the seventh book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day, is a delightful visit to Santa Barbara, California! I was especially thrilled when I found out that the protagonist, Robbie Jordan, was making a trip from her Indiana residence back to her hometown. I grew up in the area and it was obvious that Ms. Day researched it thoroughly. She accurately captures the sights, sounds, flavors, and smells of the location, from the beaches to the mission grounds, to the restaurants and Latin-inspired food, to the quaint shops and the historical culture. I enjoyed how she infuses her story with our Southern California Latino heritage via the dishes Robbie ate and the Spanish phrases we use frequently, no matter our ethnic background. It added to the authenticity of the locale.
Robbie’s visit is instigated by her tenth high school class reunion, where the mean girls are still the mean girls. I liked that Robbie feels like she’s moved beyond the self-doubt they inflicted on her in high school and how she reaches out to try to connect. It shows an insight into Robbie and the growth of her character over the years. While in town, she finds some disturbing information that perhaps her mother’s untimely death might have really been a murder connected to her involvement with local environmental activism. It becomes even more suspicious when her mother’s friend dies in the same manner.
Ms. Day weaves an intriguing mystery that involves a possible cold case and questionable environmental agriculture practices. Robbie treads carefully as she begins to ask questions to find out what really happened to her mother and friend since her usual posse of friends and law enforcement aren’t there to back her up. I did feel that Robbie took a few too many chances walking in deserted areas on her own but the author’s tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of her foolhardiness brought some humor to the scenes. As the story develops it becomes clear that people are hiding secrets and as a result, there are lots of suspects to keep the reader guessing. Plenty of clues are sprinkled throughout and I fell for the misdirection thrown in several times. But as the reveal unfolds it all begins to tie together into a cohesive, entertaining read!
While Robbie may not be doing the cooking in this newest installment, she does partake of some amazing meals while in Santa Barbara. Always on the lookout for new recipes to add to her menu at Pans ‘N Pancakes in Indiana, she makes notes of the dishes and takes pictures. Ms. Day shares those recipes with a Southern California flair, at the back of the book, and they all sound fantastic!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Robbie’s visit is instigated by her tenth high school class reunion, where the mean girls are still the mean girls. I liked that Robbie feels like she’s moved beyond the self-doubt they inflicted on her in high school and how she reaches out to try to connect. It shows an insight into Robbie and the growth of her character over the years. While in town, she finds some disturbing information that perhaps her mother’s untimely death might have really been a murder connected to her involvement with local environmental activism. It becomes even more suspicious when her mother’s friend dies in the same manner.
Ms. Day weaves an intriguing mystery that involves a possible cold case and questionable environmental agriculture practices. Robbie treads carefully as she begins to ask questions to find out what really happened to her mother and friend since her usual posse of friends and law enforcement aren’t there to back her up. I did feel that Robbie took a few too many chances walking in deserted areas on her own but the author’s tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of her foolhardiness brought some humor to the scenes. As the story develops it becomes clear that people are hiding secrets and as a result, there are lots of suspects to keep the reader guessing. Plenty of clues are sprinkled throughout and I fell for the misdirection thrown in several times. But as the reveal unfolds it all begins to tie together into a cohesive, entertaining read!
While Robbie may not be doing the cooking in this newest installment, she does partake of some amazing meals while in Santa Barbara. Always on the lookout for new recipes to add to her menu at Pans ‘N Pancakes in Indiana, she makes notes of the dishes and takes pictures. Ms. Day shares those recipes with a Southern California flair, at the back of the book, and they all sound fantastic!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 6, 2025
GOOD. BEST REVEAL SO FAR. BUT NOT 5 STARS WORTH FOR ME.
PREMISE: 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 . . .
THOUGHTS: The book was a solid 4 star read. Cons: It took place away from South Lick. Had to meet an entirely new bunch of characters. Pros: Robbie as an MC is arguably the kindest MC I've ever met. I love when anything Latin comes up in a cozy, so was fun having the Mexican restaurant owned by a monther and daughter team. Looking forward to getting back to southlick in the next one.
4 Stars
xoxo.
PREMISE: 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 . . .
THOUGHTS: The book was a solid 4 star read. Cons: It took place away from South Lick. Had to meet an entirely new bunch of characters. Pros: Robbie as an MC is arguably the kindest MC I've ever met. I love when anything Latin comes up in a cozy, so was fun having the Mexican restaurant owned by a monther and daughter team. Looking forward to getting back to southlick in the next one.
4 Stars
xoxo.
September 26, 2022
A nice little break from South Lick Indiana. I was nervous at first since she wouldn't be at Pans N Pancakes cooking that there would be less descriptions of food, but I think they were more! The descriptions of all the Cali-Mex dishes she encountered at "Not your Nacho average Cafe" had my mouth watering, and since the food was different from what Robbie usually makes at Pan 'N Pancakes made it even more enjoyable as if I was on vacation with her.Plus, The mystery was good as well!
June 28, 2020
Robbie is in California for her 10 year high school reunion. Meeting up with friends has kept Robbie happy, but when a casual acquaintance tells Robbie that her mother's death might have been intentional, it sets her into investigative mode.
This book is filled with mouthwatering food, an intriguing mystery and the chance to meet more of her friends.
I really loved this story.
This book is filled with mouthwatering food, an intriguing mystery and the chance to meet more of her friends.
I really loved this story.
July 14, 2020
I hover between 3 and 4 stars for this addition to the Country Store Mystery series. I think the reason is that the mystery is quite different from others in the series. Robbie is in Santa Barbara, California for her 10 year class reunion. She sees old friends and the mean girl in the class, Katherine Russom.
Robbie hears rumors that her mom’s death two years ago may have been murder so Robbie investigates and gets to know Paul, who is later murdered.
There is a corrupt company dealing in a toxic fumigant, there are old friends on both sides of the law, there are tense moments when Robbie feels she is being followed or is in danger.
Robbie gets a dose of what other cozy sleuths deal with, the local police won’t tell her information about the investigation.
There are a bunch of great sounding meals that Robbie enjoys while vacationing.
Robbie gets bored and takes risks that could put her in danger, but she is smart enough to seek help from the police.
I think it has got to be hard to insert your sleuth into a new location part way into a series. I had wanted a book set in Italy when Robbie her father, but I can see from how this trip to Santa Barbara went that it would have been even more difficult given the differences in policing between the U. S. and Italy. So I guess 3.5 stars because the ending didn’t feel complete.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review an early copy of the book.
Robbie hears rumors that her mom’s death two years ago may have been murder so Robbie investigates and gets to know Paul, who is later murdered.
There is a corrupt company dealing in a toxic fumigant, there are old friends on both sides of the law, there are tense moments when Robbie feels she is being followed or is in danger.
Robbie gets a dose of what other cozy sleuths deal with, the local police won’t tell her information about the investigation.
There are a bunch of great sounding meals that Robbie enjoys while vacationing.
Robbie gets bored and takes risks that could put her in danger, but she is smart enough to seek help from the police.
I think it has got to be hard to insert your sleuth into a new location part way into a series. I had wanted a book set in Italy when Robbie her father, but I can see from how this trip to Santa Barbara went that it would have been even more difficult given the differences in policing between the U. S. and Italy. So I guess 3.5 stars because the ending didn’t feel complete.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review an early copy of the book.
October 28, 2022
This book is different from the other books in the Country Store Mystery series because it is set in Santa Barbara, California, when Robbie Jordan is there for her ten-year class reunion. Although I missed the usual characters from South Lick, Indiana, there were some guest characters who were interesting enough to make it a good story. I especially enjoyed the cat who lived at the B&B where Robbie was staying! I also enjoyed hearing more about the life of Robbie's mother who had passed two years earlier. Still, I will be glad to return to South Lick, Indiana for the rest of the series. There is something special about the Hoosier country and the Hoosier residents!
June 28, 2020
Nacho Average Murder is the seventh book in the Country Store Mystery series.
Robbie Jordan is headed for Santa Barbara to attend her high school ten-year reunion, and while she is there she wants to learn more about her mother’s death. It was reported that she died from an aneurysm, but Robbie has never seen the results of an autopsy.
Robbie is excited when she meets up with her BFF Alana. Alana works as a biochemist and has recently become engaged. They also met up with their friend, Jason Chang, who works for the SBPD as a Cybercrime investigator. She also meets her nemesis from high school, Katherine Russom.
The next morning Robbie is enjoying the aroma coming from the kitchen at Nacho Average Cafe, she’s planning on taking some recipes back to her Pan’s and Pancakes diner. Robbie is happy when Liz, her mother’s best friend, shows up. Robbie is enjoying talking with Liz and soon Liz tells her to get in touch with Paul Ebxeberria, an environmentalist that Robbie’s mother was working with before she died. Robbie sets up a meeting with Paul. He tells her of the work they had been doing and that her mother probably died from an aneurysm, which he thinks was caused by fertilizer produced by Agrosafe, which is owned by Katherine Russom’s father. It seems that several farmers have been losing their crops and some have had to relocate their farms to save their animals. Before too long, Robbie learns of Paul’s death, also from an aneurysm.
Robbie will dig into the history of Agrosafe to see if the environmentalist work has caused financial difficulties for the company, enough so that they will silence the environmentalist. Robbie and Alana also decide to visit with Katherine Russom pretending to engage her to plan Alana’s upcoming marriage, hoping that Katherine will divulge information about her father’s company. Robbie also asks Jason if he can get her in contact with the coroner. She is hopeful that she will be able to convince the coroner to look for traces of chemicals that could cause an aneurysm. She’s hoping they will find the answer before any more people lose their lives.
Another wonderful and well-written book from Maddie Day. The characters are well developed and believable, but I did miss the residents from South Lick. The book will leave one desiring for Cal-Mex food that is described throughout the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book, Candy Slain Murder due out on September 29th of this year.
Robbie Jordan is headed for Santa Barbara to attend her high school ten-year reunion, and while she is there she wants to learn more about her mother’s death. It was reported that she died from an aneurysm, but Robbie has never seen the results of an autopsy.
Robbie is excited when she meets up with her BFF Alana. Alana works as a biochemist and has recently become engaged. They also met up with their friend, Jason Chang, who works for the SBPD as a Cybercrime investigator. She also meets her nemesis from high school, Katherine Russom.
The next morning Robbie is enjoying the aroma coming from the kitchen at Nacho Average Cafe, she’s planning on taking some recipes back to her Pan’s and Pancakes diner. Robbie is happy when Liz, her mother’s best friend, shows up. Robbie is enjoying talking with Liz and soon Liz tells her to get in touch with Paul Ebxeberria, an environmentalist that Robbie’s mother was working with before she died. Robbie sets up a meeting with Paul. He tells her of the work they had been doing and that her mother probably died from an aneurysm, which he thinks was caused by fertilizer produced by Agrosafe, which is owned by Katherine Russom’s father. It seems that several farmers have been losing their crops and some have had to relocate their farms to save their animals. Before too long, Robbie learns of Paul’s death, also from an aneurysm.
Robbie will dig into the history of Agrosafe to see if the environmentalist work has caused financial difficulties for the company, enough so that they will silence the environmentalist. Robbie and Alana also decide to visit with Katherine Russom pretending to engage her to plan Alana’s upcoming marriage, hoping that Katherine will divulge information about her father’s company. Robbie also asks Jason if he can get her in contact with the coroner. She is hopeful that she will be able to convince the coroner to look for traces of chemicals that could cause an aneurysm. She’s hoping they will find the answer before any more people lose their lives.
Another wonderful and well-written book from Maddie Day. The characters are well developed and believable, but I did miss the residents from South Lick. The book will leave one desiring for Cal-Mex food that is described throughout the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book, Candy Slain Murder due out on September 29th of this year.
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