Batter Off Dead

Country Store Mystery #10

by Maddie Day

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 Grant Bird, father to South Lick’s very own Police Lieutenant Buck Bird. Despite his blindness, Grant 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 Grant is found dead, a puncture wound in her neck. The poor woman’s death echoes that of Buck’s mother and Grant'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…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Romance

295 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2022

About the author

Maddie 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.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author but I still enjoyed it despite it being the tenth book in the series. It was easy to get to know all the characters and to understand their relationships.

Robbie Jordan owns Pans 'N Pancakes which sounds like a very interesting store. There is a small but very busy restaurant attached to a shop which sells heritage kitchen ware. During the course of the book we get to see just how much work goes on in such a business and also share in some really delicious sounding food.

I liked Robbie's relationship with her new husband, Abe, and enjoyed all the other fun characters. The mystery is extra interesting given that it involves a cold case and a copy cat new murder. I found it all very entertaining and will read more by this author.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batter Off Dead is the 10th book in Maddie Day's Country Store Mysteries. I have read all ten books in the series throughout the last four months, and I've finished several in her other series too. I'm always impressed with how easily immersed I am in her fictional world; this one was no exception. Robbie's good friend, Buck Bird - the local detective, introduces her to his father, a blind knitter whose wife was murdered years ago. Shortly after meeting him, the woman he'd been sitting next to was found dead, in the exact same manner as Buck's mother. What is the connection?

Robbie delves into an array of clues, ranging from gambling rings to dark knitting circles! Even the county/state police are asking for her help this time... plus she gets to know her local retirement / assisted living home neighbors. All the charms are present, the mystery is clever, and the new characters are memorable. The series is definitely one my favorites, and it's so comforting to visit with all the residents of South Lick, even the not so nice ones! I am thrilled to be caught up, recommend this one, and now that I'm current on all Maddie Day books, I might have to start reading books the author's written under her pseudonym, Edith Maxwell (or is that her real name!!!).

[Natalia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robbie is the proprietor of a restaurant and country store in small-town Indiana. When someone is murdered at the town fireworks event, she becomes involved informally in the police investigation. (This book is part of a series which I hadn't read before, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone.) Could have the elderly woman's children have done it to get some much-needed money? Is her former business partner as shady as he seems? What about the members of the seemingly-innocuous Stitch and Bitch needlework group? A pleasant small town atmosphere and likable characters make this a good choice for cozy mystery readers. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day is a great culinary cozy mystery that is the tenth book in the amazing Country Store Mystery series. It is a perfect addition.

I have read all ten books and all of the additional novellas, and I still love this series.

As always, this takes place in South Lick, Indiana and along with the down home country feeling and backdrop, we also get to salivate to all of the amazing food that is cooked up at Robbie’s Pans ‘N Pancakes country store and restaurant. I love how despite things changing, despite a new murder/mystery some things still stay the same. The full character cast is charming, and at this point in the game, I feel as if I am a part of their extended family.

This is the first book that covers Robbie’s new day to day life being a married woman to the wonderful Abe. I enjoyed seeing everyone trying to settle in and find their respective place and footing after the adorable marriage from the last book.

Of course it can’t be that simple, and Robbie is roped into solving another murder…this time it being associated with Lieutenant Buck Bird’s father, Roy. This present-day murder ends up bringing up another murder in the past…that of Roy’s wife.

Can Robbie and her gang find the culprit, solve the crimes past and present, all the while avoiding a treacherous end themselves? I loved going along for the ride to find out.

I enjoyed the plot, the multi-layer mystery aspect, and I loved visiting the gang again. I definitely recommend to anyone that loves cozy mysteries, and anyone that is a fan of this amazing series. I hope it continues for a long time to come.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/22/22.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re back in South Lick, Indiana to check on Robbie Jordan and Pans and Pancakes, her country store and restaurant. An outing to the park for fireworks ends in the death of Buck Bird’s father, Grant Bird’s lady friend Vi Perkell. One of the oddest things about Vi’s murder is it’s similarity to the murder of Grant’s wife and Buck’s mother back when Buch was just a teenager.
Robbie starts gathering clues and information, which she shares with the police.
There are many possible suspects each with motive and opportunity.
We get to revisit Robbie’s friends, her employees and the community that have become part of Robbie’s heart.
I will continue to read this series if there are anymore books written for it.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batter Off Dead is the tenth book in the Country Story Mystery series by author Maddie Day. This is a cozy mystery series that I very much enjoy so I look forward to each new book that is released. Robbie Jordan is a very likable protagonist and part of what continues to draw me to this series is the depth and maturity of the well-written characters. Robbie and Abe are settling into married life and attending a fireworks show in the park when one of the town's senior citizens is murdered. Before the murder, Robbie is introduced to the victim through Buck's father Grant. When the victim is discovered it raises many questions as the murder is eerily similar to the murder of Buck's mother, which was never solved. I love how Ms. Day allowed us to get to know Buck Bird in this book. We are able to learn more about his history and his character as the story unfolds.

As Robbie starts to ask questions, there are plenty of suspects to choose from, but Ms. Day does a good job of establishing plausible motives for the more prominent suspects. It's up to the reader to follow the clues to see if they can come to the right conclusion. As the mystery winds up and the story comes to a conclusion, Robbie once again finds herself in danger as the murderer tries to silence her. In the end, Robbie prevails and the murder of the senior citizen as well as the murder of Buck's mother are wrapped up nicely.

I enjoy this series and will continue to stop in at the Pans "N Pancakes to see what new mystery is in store for Robbie Jordan.

I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by the manner in which I received this book.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in a long running series. I love Robbie and the rest of the cast of characters, even with her marriage Robbie continues to cement her place in the community and expand her circle. This volume revolves around the murder of Lt Buck's father's lady friend, and although the elder Buck was there, the gentleman is blind and the murder occurred under cover of a fireworks display. While working hard at the Pans and Pancake, Robbie manages to meet the folks involved and draw on connections enough to earn herself a threat.
Will Robbie's new found happiness be a short lived thing?

[Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is book 10 in this series, having not read the previous 9, I found that this was very easy to read as a stand alone and had no problem catching on to what was going on. I love cozy mysteries and when I saw the opportunity to read one of Maddie Day’s cozies, I was more than excited to read this one since I’ve followed Maddie Day for a very long time on Facebook.

The setting for this book is South Lick, Indiana in the southern part of the state. It’s main focal point seems to be Robbie’s Pans & Pancakes which seems to be the hub for the small town rumor. As one of the elderly residents is murdered at an outdoor event, Robbie puts her sleuthing hat on and starts to try and unravel why and who did it, Interesting about this case is the fact that it closely resembles that murder that occurred years before to Police Lieutenant Buck Bird’s mother that remains unsolved. With twists and turns this is an enjoyable story,

I love stories that revolve around small towns and the community within. It’s easy to feel as if you are part of the community while reading the story and I’m sure for those that have read all the books in this series makes you feel as if you are connecting with old friends.

Thank you to #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own and were not influenced by the publisher.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robbie and her husband go to a fireworks show, and meet some people. One of them soon turns up dead, stabbed during the show. She's stabbed in the same way a victim of an unsolved murder from years ago was stabbed. Robbie's pretty busy, but she investigates anyway.

Pretty decent.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another terrific installment in the Country Store mystery series! A cold case seems to be linked to a current case and it is dredging up all sorts of memories when the cold case is that of the local sheriff's mother! Once again Robbie is prone to "overhearing" and flat out snooping to find answers to pass along to the authorities and it seems someone does not like it one bit! I love these characters and the northern Midwest feel that the infuses throughout the book via settings and vernacular. She weaves common day occurrences and issues throughout the story to tie them into reality while weaving delightfully entertaining mysteries throughout. I love how the author sprinkles the lives of the locals into the book so you feel more connected to everyone in town and not just the main characters. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for allowing me to read and ARC of another 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

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batter Off Dead is the tenth book in the A Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day.

Robby and Abe are settling in well to married life. Abe’s son is spending time with his grandparents, and both are looking forward to having him home.

South Lick has weekly fireworks during the summer, and Robbie and Abe have decided to attend this Friday’s show.
Shortly after setting up their chairs, Lt. Buck Bird stops by and asks if they would like to meet his father, unaware that he was alive and living so close. They meet Mr. Bird, his lady friend, Vi, and some other ladies from the Jupiter Springs Assisted Living place who seem to be enjoying their time knitting.

Shortly after the fireworks end, there is a call for help from a man. Robbie and Abe head over to where the call came from and find that Vi is dead. It was discovered that Vi died from a tiny puncture wound to her neck, possibly from a knitting needle. Buck will share that his mother died from similar circumstances and still hasn’t been learned who killed her.

Robbie, having recently gotten married, the last thing Robbie wants to do is to get involved in another murder investigation. But since Vi’s death touches Bird’s father’s life, she wants to get closure for Mr. Bird. Robbie will soon learn that Vi and a couple of the other women at the fireworks were members of a club, the Stitch and Bitch, and she will find out that Bird’s mother was also a member of the club. Robbie soon discovers that the club might have been involved in some of the club's illegal activities. She needs to learn more about these activities and who might want to keep them secret.

I always enjoy my visits to South Lick. The residents are all interesting and are always interested in helping Robbie in any way they can. I would be pleased to call them my friends. The book is well-written and plotted, and moves at a good pace. There are plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing until the killer was revealed.

There are also delicious-sounding recipes included in the book.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

In BATTER OFF DEAD, the 10th Country Store mystery by Maddie Day, it is the dead of summer in South Lick, Indiana, home to Robbie Jordan's Pans 'N Pancakes restaurant. Robbie is doing brisk business and still basking in her new marriage to longtime beau Abe O'Neill. She's surrounded by friends and family while serving up the best breakfast and lunch orders in town.

But on a hot summer night, while watching a fireworks lightshow in the park, murder winds up on the menu as well. The lady friend of Abe's father Roy is found stabbed after the fireworks display ends. Roy, who was at the park with the woman and others from the assisted living home where he lives since going blind, is devastated but can't provide any clues to what happened since he can't see.

Making matters worse, once it is clearly established as a murder, the case is discovered to be eerily similar to another death years earlier. That victim? The mother of South Lick police lieutenant Buck Bird! Given the stakes, both Robbie and Buck have plenty of personal reasons to find the killer.

Robbie ends up digging into the investigation, not exactly welcomed but not discouraged by the police this time around. This leads her not only to finding answers to questions but getting to know more of Buck's extended family. These new characters make for an even greater story tapestry for Maddie Day to work from. Buck's grandmother alone was a real hoot!

As Robbie uncovers evidence for both the past and present murders, she has to balance her search for the truth with the day to day running of her restaurant. You'd think after ten books, the multiple scenes describing breakfast and lunch service and the business of making all that food, choosing daily specials and such would become rote by now. But I look forward to each and every day's action in the eatery with my mouth watering at all the delicious food. And it was in the early scenes where I thought I had an idea of what was going on with Robbie's employee Danna. She seemed uncharacteristically out of sorts and my mind thought Maddie Day was about to introduce one storyline but it went in a completely different direction. And that's the thing about the Country Store series, I never know what is coming next. I was completely wrong in my speculation meaning even in what could be considered just a very minor subplot, you get surprised.

Of course, the murder is at the forefront of BATTER OFF DEAD and it doesn't take long for Robbie and the police to see that there are multiple suspects who had their own reasons for killing the woman. The backbiting at the assisted living facility, the woman's grown children who provide plenty of reasons to be suspicious of them and then there's the path that might just lead to solving the cold case death of Buck's mom. Along the way, Robbie is threatened to back off the case and this new threat to her safety intensifies as she gets closer and closer to the truth. Can Robbie survive long enough to bring about a measure of justice for two families before the killer makes their move to shut Robbie up...forever?

I received an advance copy of BATTER OFF DEAD and I tell you, I couldn't read it fast enough. Ten books into the series and the Country Store mysteries show no sign of slowing down or becoming bogged down with narrative boredom. Author Maddie Day brings Robbie Jordan's world to life anew with each successive book and then populates that world with invitingly compelling characters that you want to spend time getting to know. The fact that those characters get woven in and out of books depending on how they fit into the story also enlivens the proceedings. The balance between an energetically told murder mystery and that way better food on the Pans 'N Pancakes menu always rings true and leaves me wanting more.

I've been a fan of the Country Store mysteries since first discovering them and I never want to see it end, both the individual books and the series. it is the first series on my list when friends ask for book recommendations. When a body hits the metaphorical (and sometimes literal) floor, Robbie Jordan is on the case and for the citizens of South Lick and for Maddie Day's devoted readers this can only be a great thing. BATTER OFF DEAD continues the top-notch storytelling that not only provides those fans with a twisting and turning mystery to "help" Robbie Jordan solve but amply demonstrates once again (without me engaging in too much hyperbole), as the series marks its ten-book anniversary, the Country Store Mysteries is the singular benchmark cozy mystery series by which all others should be judged.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed all Maddie Day's Country Store Mystery books and Batter Off Dead is not exception. Ten books in, and this series is still enjoyable. Robbie Jordan’s Pans ’N Pancakes is still going strong in South Lick, Indiana and murder still seems to abound in the small town. Following a Friday night firework display in the park, a woman is found dead with a puncture wound in her neck. She was one of a group of knitters from the Jupiter Springs Assisted Living Centre. One of them, Grant Bird, is Police Lieutenant Buck Bird's father. Although he is blind, he has a great memory and is able to shed light on the various people that were there, as well as thing that happened in the past that might have a bearing on the case.

I enjoy the various characters in this series, and I liked that this book let us get to know Buck Bird a bit better. Buck's mother was killed years earlier in a crime eerily similar to the one that he is trying to solve, in fact, his mother had been friends with the victim. Robbie is happily married by this time in the series, and I liked seeing her and Abe together. Not only are they married, but he helps her out somewhat while she investigates. There are no shortage of suspects in this mystery, and she has to sort out whether the "Stitch and Bitch" knitting group have anything to do with the deaths. I love how people open up to Robbie and share all sorts of information. I don't understand why the police don't find the same people to question. One thing I like is that Robbie always shares whatever she finds out with the police, usually Buck, instead of putting herself in danger. The motive is interesting for this murder as well. With older folks, sometimes the memory isn't always the best, but these seniors are sharp and as long as Robbie can put together all the clues, this murder can be solved and they can move on. I love the humor, quaint town, quirky characters, talk of good food and well plotted mystery in this book. This is a cozy mystery that kept me interested and guessing from start to finish and I highly recommend this book and the complete series. This is a 5 star cozy for me.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Patricia Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Country Store Mystery #10

We are back in South Lick, Indiana at Pans ‘N Pancakes. Robbie sells both at her country store.

She and her new husband, Abe, are out with the entire town enjoying a nice summer evening with fireworks. Even the folks from the assisted living center are there including Buck’s dad, Roy, and his lady friend Vi. Even with his blindness Roy can still knit with the ladies and let his other senses wander.

When the fireworks end, Vi is found dead in her chair. Murdered with what looks like a knitting needle maybe. Buck’s father is devastated not just for Vi but for his own wife who was murdered long ago. The killer was never caught.

Robbie is going to have to run her business and solve a murder. And she is good at both. Snooping and feeding people is what she does best. But someone out there wants her to mind her own business. But we know she isn’t going to do that.

This is a favorite series of mine. The food descriptions are to die for. And the recipes are included!

NetGalley/ February 22nd, 2022 Kensington

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable! I have not read any of the other books in this cozy mystery series, and I definitely want to go back and read the other books beginning with book number one. I love the main characters and also the cozy environment at Pans 'N Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana. I can sense that I missed a lot of character development from the earlier books, and I want to absorb all of it!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day is the tenth book in her Country Store Mystery series. This author has treated her readers to another entertaining cozy mystery. The storyline flows well, is complex and attention-getting. I really like the characters in this series. I feel like I could enjoy having them as friends. Can't wait to see what Robbie's next adventure will entail.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batter Off Dead” the 10th book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. I just love this series!

Part-time sleuth Robbie Jordan must untangle the clues to find the killer of a knitting circle member... 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…

I love the setting of South Lick, Indiana and I love Robbie and her staff at Pans N Pancakes they are like one big family. We learned more about Buck and what happened to his mother, and meet a bunch of seniors from Jupiter Springs assisted living. I loved how Robbie was so good with Grant, Simone, and Melissa.

There were enough twists to keep me intrigued and wanting to know how it ends. The plot and story were good and seemed to flow at a good pace.

I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a cozy filled with down home characters and a small town atmosphere.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Robbie is delighted to meet Buck's elderly father at a fireworks show one sultry summer evening. He introduces his companion, Violet Perkell. Robbie is charmed by the older couple and the other seniors from the Jupiter Springs Assisted Living place, which is why Robbie is absolutely horrified to discover Vi has been murdered while the everyone oohed and ahhed over the fireworks! Poor Grant Bird has lost both his loves to murder, and curiously enough, the same way. Is there a possible connection to the murder of Buck's mother years ago and the murder of Vi Perkell now? Robbie is determined to find out and help the kind old man. She does have a restaurant to run though so she'll have to wait for the information to come to her.

This was another painfully obvious whodunit. The why was a mystery but I knew right away who the murderer was. The other suspects were certainly possibilities though. I skipped to the end and it was unclear how a certain suspect was connected, if at all. Even going back and reading it through, there didn't seem to be a connection, at least not a known one. I didn't care for the reminders of the pandemic in these last tw0 books either. I like my cozies to escape the news, not relive it. There's no evidence any South Lickers died at least. There are a bunch of references to other mystery authors and series, including contemporary ones like Hank Phillippi Ryan and Maddie Day's fellow Kensington author Rhys Bowen.

As usual Robbie is an annoying, judgmental, arrogant woman. Because SHE is from Santa Barbara, California, SHE is vastly superior to the locak yokels of South Lick who speak with uneducated twangs. She comments on how Buck's father and grandmother don't speak the way he does and yet Buck is educated. (eyeroll) Her investigation was borderline cruel. She had no business poking her nose in, demanding the police include her in their discussions and fill her in when it was over. Robbie interrogates a young woman with special needs even after promising not to upset her. She pokes her nose into the business of everyone, invites herself to dinner at the assisted living facility and worries about getting there on time but if a stop to grill a witness makes her late, so be it. No Robbie the customers do NOT know how much you are charged per credit card fee. Why don't you post signs saying "cash only" or "cash preferred" or ask if one designated person can pay. That's on you girl, not the customer! She's run off her feet at the diner yet doesn't call Len to see if he can help or better yet- hire more staff! Yes the three work well together, now four, but she seems to be making enough for another part-timer. Robbie now has a reputation that precedes her and everyone thinks she's a detective or PI. She demures and says she's not. She's right. She's a nosy chef.

Abe is barely in the story and Adele is in India with Samuel. Danna is sick off and on and only appears in a few scenes. Phil pops in with a lame dessert- Snickerdoodles with red and blue sprinkles. I can make that at home. Corinne is the only main regular besides the police. She's focused on her community still but also her daughter. She's met someone on a dating app and is now in love for the first time since Danna was born. I have a bad feeling she may have picked the wrong man. I hope it works out for her this time. Josie appears once to share some information but overall, the story was lacking in South Lick charm. Buck is the only regular to make frequent appearances. I don't understand how he's never heard of crepes, let alone eaten one. Crepes are not that foreign, Buck. (Also, Len, that's not the way they make crepes in France). Buck has to deal with not only a murder case but one that could be connected to the murder of his mother. That's a lot to deal with. Oscar is officially on the new murder case but Buck lends a hand. Buck is a sweetheart even if he is xenophobic.

I can see where Buck comes by his charm. His father, Grant, is a lovely elderly gent. He's blind but makes do just fine without sight. He even knits! Grant is charming, a bit of ladies' man I think. He loves Violet Perkell, his neighbor at the assisted living place. They seem like a sweet couple. How incredible horrific to be a witness to your love's murder and not know it. Buck's maternal grandmother, Simone, is around 100 and as sharp as ever. She takes a liking to Robbie for some reason and is quick to share stories about her daughter, Yolande. Simone is lovely and I'm sure her daughter was as well. Buck seems to take after his mother who loved being home with her family and knitting with her gal pals.

Another concert goer from the assisted living home is Nanette Russo. She likes to complain about everything. Nanette comes across as a *itch! Is she really that mean or does she have dementia? Poor Horace is like my grandmother. She's prone to burst into a weird, random poem about getting jacknifed in the outhouse. Horace doesn't deserve to get shushed in a mean way by Nanette. Maybe she's just tough because she had to swim in the big bond with the good old boys when she worked as an actuary. Nanette is friends with Kristopher Gale, a former business partner of Vi's. He gives off a weird, creepy vibe and seems suspicious of Robbie. Was he involved in Vi's murder? Vi's children, Tina and Upton are nasty adult children who argue like teenagers. He wants to get his hands on mom's money and Violet didn't even want to see her mother to say goodbye as they left the concert. They didn't even sit near their mother. That's just horrible. I hope she didn't leave them anything. Tina is hiding secrets in her past that may have some bearing on the present. Pat Blake is another suspicious character. She isn't very friendly and appears to be spying on Robbie. Pat is still very fit for a senior and also fierce. It's rumored she killed her husband but it was never proven. I would steer clear of her if I were Robbie. Let Buck handle her.

Edna Warner and her baby sister Joan Linnell are two elderly visitors to South Lick. Joan is moving into the same facility as Grant while Edna is still living independently back east. (snooty Robbie is amused by the description of Indiana as "out west.") Edna sounds like she might be a hot ticket. She still has a lot of energy and brains left. She's a good sister and looks after Joan and is protective of her sister's welfare. Joan seems to be Grant's next conquest. They strike up a friendship pretty quickly. I hope she's not on some kind of hit list of Grant's loves! That would be awful!

Quinton Blake has a checkered past. Does he know more than he's sharing about what caused Vi's murder and perhaps even Yolande Bird's years ago? Will he share with the police now after all these years or is he wary of them because of his past misdeeds? He's a devoted father to Melissa, a young woman with special needs. She attends a day program while he works but lives her her father otherwise. Poor Melissa seems to have witnessed something the night of Vi's murder but can't or won't say what she saw. I would discount her as a witness unless she talks to one of the staff. Robbie's interrogration, mild as it was, is inexcusable. Then she's have to tell her story all over again to the police and that would make her upset. She seems like a sweet young woman and doesn't deserve to be grilled about what she MAY have seen.

I'm done with this series now I'm all caught up. I don't like the characters enough to continue and Robbie and Abe will be starting a family together sooner than later (pressured by Alana, Robbie's BFF). BARF! Not for me, thanks.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Batter Off Dead is the tenth installment in the A Country Store Mystery series set in South Lick, Indiana and featuring Robbie Jordan, owner of Pans 'n Pancakes. Newlyweds Robbie and Abe are gathered with friends to watch the weekly Friday night fireworks including Police Lieutenant Buck Bird. Buck invites Robbie to walk over and meet his father Grant and the other residents of the Jupiter Springs Assisted Living Center. Robbie is delighted to meet Grant and quickly realizes the older gentleman has a soft spot for his neighbor Vi Perkell. Sadly, the fireworks come to an end with Vi dead in her lawn chair.

Robbie is drawn into the murder investigation, which seems to be related to the cold case murder of Buck's mother many years ago. As she digs deeper into both murders alongside Detective Oscar Thompson, Robbie discovers that the common thread seems to center around a decades old crafting group - Stitch and Bitch.

An enjoyable afternoon read with the return of series regulars and delicious sounding recipes, that culminates in the resolution of two murders. The only thing questionable thing for me is how after all of these years living in South Lick, has Robbie never met Buck's wife or even knew that his father lived in town since Buck spends what seems like many hours a day seated at "his" table in the restaurant. I also have a slight problem with the way that Buck talks - why is he the only one in town who seems to have a distinct Hoosier way of speaking?

I received an advanced copy of Batter Off Dead from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.