Cover Image: Strangled Eggs and Ham

Strangled Eggs and Ham

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I’ve been reading the Country Store Mysteries by Maddie Day since the first book was released back in 2015. I’ve enjoyed the community that Ms. Day has created, and that’s what kept me coming back. So, when I came across Strangled Eggs and Ham, I didn’t hesitate to jump right in.

Strangled Eggs and Ham follows Robbie Jordan as a guest at her B&B is murdered, and she’s determined to help the police find the killer. Most of the regular cast of characters, including Robbie’s aunt and employees, are back to make things more interesting. In particular, Robbie’s aunt has gotten involved with protesting the building of a new resort in their small town and becomes a target of the killer.

As I said earlier, the community of characters is a big reason I keep returning to this series. I like this town of South Lick and its inhabitants. Robbie is likable, and her little cafe, shop, and B&B are a nice touch. Robbie’s aunt is a hoot, and I just shake my head at the near incompetence of the police force.

The weak part of this book is the mystery. I mean, the motive for the murder was pretty obvious, but a handful of suspects could have been the actual murderer. And in the end, Robbie doesn’t “solve” the murder but rather stumbles into a situation that reveals whodunit. I feel this is really a copout and, more often than not, how the books in this series end. Robbie does some good detective work but can’t pull it all together.

I’ll probably revisit this series because I really do like the characters. Strangled Eggs and Ham was just a little weak in the mystery, but the rest of the story was enjoyable. And if you like books with recipes included, this one has a few that look rather interesting.

Was this review helpful?

The story was good despite the few suspects. I like the characters and the realism Day brings to Robbie's situation. She is the owner of the store/diner and only has two employees so she can't o galivanting off to solve crimes which happens in my cozies. Since it's a small town and Pans and pancakes is the main eating establishment, it seems logical too that so much info. should pass before Robbie. Unfortunately, it's now book 6 and it's becoming a bit wearisome despite Robbie getting out at times to just live or investigate.

A lot of time is spent in working restaurant detail. It fits and keeps the action going, but it's repetitive. It didn't bother me much in the first few books but this is book 6. So, this is more a modest like than a full thumbs up like, 3.5/4.0.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Amateur sleuth Robbie Jordan puts on her detective shoes to try and catch the killer of a protester. Fiona, a real estate developer, wants to build a luxury resort on a scenic hilltop in town and not all are happy to hear this including Robbie's Aunt Adele. She needs to find the killer quickly before something happens to Aunt Adele.

This is a fun cozy. I enjoyed the characters and the writing. I would read more of this series.

Was this review helpful?

Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day is the 6th instalment in the Country Store Mystery Series. Robbie Jordan's country store turned breakfast restaurant and B&B is thriving, and she is enjoying her summer getting back onto her bike, swimming in the lake, and spending time with her loved ones. One of her guests staying at her B&B Gregory DeGraaf is an environmental lawyer who loves bike riding and seems to hit it off with Robbie's friend Lou. South Lick has a new development planned, and tempers flare between those in the town opposed to the large development and those who will benefit and support the project. Gregory decides to assist with a group that develops to oppose the development. However, Gregory is later found dead at the job site.

This was not my favourite cozy mystery to date. This is the first book in the series I have read, and found the pace of the novel to be slower moving. There was really no action until the last few chapters as everything comes together. By the sixth book, usually characters are pretty developed, and those that were in this book did seem well formed. I missed some romance elements to the book which were practically non-existent as Robbie's boyfriend was away making only appearances in brief phone calls or text messages.

I plan to go back and read the earlier novels as this may change my opinion on this one.

Was this review helpful?

Description
Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!

While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . .

My Review
Strangled Eggs and Ham is the sixth installment in the Country Store Series by Maddy Day.

The novel starts off with Lou and Robbie at Riddle Point Beach. But, as you can imagine things take a turn for the worse when someone is murdered. Robbie decides she needs to solve the murder before it gets too close to home.

This is an enjoyable cozy mystery with well-crafted characters.

This ARC was provided in exchange for my honest opinion, thank you. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then definitely read Strangled Eggs and Ham.

I give this a 5 Star

Was this review helpful?

The Country Store mysteries by Maddie Day is definitely a favorite. I enjoy seeing what Robbie and the rest of the crew is up to and look forward to finding out what the new specials at Pans N" Pancakes will be. It is exactly the kind of place I would frequent if I lived in South Lick (minus the murders)!! A cozy mystery with enough twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

This book is the 6th in the Country Store series, but can certainly be read as a standalone. I had no problems following the plot or the characters.

This was an adorable little cozy mystery that was the perfect break in after a long day. It had great characters, a nice plot and some delicious food descriptions.

Robbie Jordan is running her store/restaurant when she finds herself in the middle of a town dispute about a new possible resort coming to the area. When one of her B&B guests, who happened to be helping the dissenters, turns up dead, she once again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery in small-town Indiana.

I loved Robbie and her friends - especially her aunt and her little “crew.” They really were the type of people you wanted to just sit down and hang out with - dare I say, eat breakfast with? The characters were all well drawn and different and distinct.

The mystery itself was also very good, if a little obvious. Really, it provided a good atmospheric element for the whole book, which really centers around the conflict with the resort. Adding that life-and-death element really sets the stage and gives the book a little edge. I enjoyed it and it ended well.

If you’re in the mood for a cute cozy that will take your mind off things, look no further. This appears to be a great series to just sit back, relax and enjoy while on a break. But be warned - you will be hungry after reading!

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book that I’ve read in the Country Store Mystery series but I only had to catch up a little bit to figure out who is who. The characters are nicely drawn and layered… and yes, a lot of them are quintessentially cozy-Mystery quirky

Adele and Vera very much fit that definition, and every scene they were in had me grinning from ear to ear. Throw in Buck, too, and you’re sure to be entertained from beginning to end.

The author keeps the story moving, giving us a peek behind the scenes of the restaurant & B&B that Robbie owns as well as the scoop on the latest murder mystery in this small southern Indiana town. You’ll easily feel like you’ve grabbed a table at Pans N’ Pancakes to quietly observe everything that unfolds around you. The mystery and the solving of it were a little slow for me but the rest of the story is so charming & fun that I didn’t care if we meandered a bit to get to the whodunnit.

Bottom Line: Strangled Eggs & Ham brims with clever characters and a delightful small town that’s starting to feel a little too much like Cabot Cove for the heroine’s liking. The plot is multi-dimensional and the “voice” progresses through the pages at a steady pace. Great weekend read!!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book!!! I have a soft spot for Small Town America and this has that plus great food and a real estate developer wanting to build a luxury resort on the hill with the best view. Needless to say trouble brews and we are in the middle of a murder investigation. I am now going to have to go back and read the first five books in the series.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery by a new-to-me author. Robbie Jordan keeps busy with her restaurant and country store and now she's concerned about her aunt's involvement in a protest against a new resort. The situation becomes more heated when a man is discovered murdered at the site of the future resort and sides are taken for or against the new development.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Loved the charm of the country store setting and the characters were very real. I read the whole series and hope there are more upcoming. I love being able to follow characters from book to book to see what happens in their lives. Very enjoyable series.

Was this review helpful?

Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers and murder!

While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next.

The author does a nice job of keeping the story moving at a nice pace so you don't get bored with the story line. The Mystery is well written and has plenty of clues that are spread out throughout the story. There are plenty of suspects who are both for and against the building of the resort so you don't really know who the guilty party is. All of the mysteries threads are nicely woven together into a suspenseful and satisfying conclusion. The book is full of well written, well developed, and charismatic characters who all feel like old friends that you're dropping by to catch up with.

I like how Robbie and her aunt Adele seem to be cut from the same type of cloth, they are both caring, will get involved in any way they can to right a wrong that has happened, and they are both willing to help those who are in need. I did miss having Abe in this book. Robbie seems to be a happier person when she gets to spend time with Abe and his son Sean. I can't wait to read Nacho Average Murder to get a glimpse of what Robbie's teen years were like while growing up in California.

I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and Kensington Books for my review.

Was this review helpful?

The sixth book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day is Strangled Eggs and Ham. Robbie, owner of the Pans 'N Pancakes and the newly opened B&B, is happy to have have both of her businesses thriving. The town is buzzing with news of a proposed resort outside of town. Some people are in favor while others are completely opposed. A guest at Robbie's B&B is also a lawyer and offers to help the group trying to stop the resort. When he is found murdered ahead of a scheduled protest, those involved with the resort at the top suspects. Several twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.

Was this review helpful?

Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day is about Robbie Jordan and her rustic country store, Pans ‘N Pancakes, which is growing in popularity. A real estate developer plans to build a luxury resort but tensions boil over and a protestor is found dead. Robby needs to solve the murder before her flapjacks fall flat. This was an excellent book. I loved the country store and restaurant combo at the center of town. The Plot was good and the characters were friendly. The protestors certainly had an edge. The book was exciting until the end when the killer is caught. Thank you to Net Galley for providing an advanced reader’s copy for review.

Was this review helpful?

Strangled Eggs and Ham, the sixth book in Maddie Day’s Country Store Mystery series finds the citizens of South Lick, Indiana and the surrounding communities at odds with one another. South Lick and the Brown County area are known for its hills and scenic views. In fact, tourists from all over come to visit. Fiona Closs, a real estate developer wants to cash in on the tourism. Fiona wants to build a luxury resort at the site of one of the best hillside locations in Brown County. The construction and subsequent opening of the resort will bring in much-needed jobs to the area. However, at the same time, the construction will mess with the unguarded beauty of the hillside, bring far more people to the area, and affect the ecosystem.

Robbie Jordan has been hearing people talk about the resort at her restaurant/store Pans ‘N Pancakes. She doesn't have an opinion one way or the other about the resort. Robbie is surprised to find out her aunt Adele is vehemently opposed to the resort and plans to do something about it. While casually speaking with one of her B&B guests, Gregory DeGraaf, Robbie mentions the resort and that her aunt and several people are against it. Gregory, an environmental lawyer on sabbatical offers to represent the group for free. Everyone is shocked to learn another murder has taken place in South Lick when Jordan's friend Lou discovers Gregory's body at the construction site.

Robbie loves to figure out puzzles. So, of course, she's curious about who would have killed Gregory and why. Robbie has learned her lesson and isn't really trying to get involved in the investigation. However, you know what they say about curiosity. Before she knows it, Robbie becomes suspicious of several people who frequent her restaurant. When her aunt becomes a victim of various crimes, Robbie knows the resort and those who want it are at the heart of things.

Strangled Eggs and Ham proved to be a nice little mystery. Maddie Day did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing until the big reveal. My biggest complaint with the story is the way that Robbie talks. I don't know if I ever noticed before or if this something new. Robbie is a California girl who has only been in Indiana for a short time, approximately a little less than a year. It's completely possible for her to pick up some Midwest sayings. However, she is in her 30s and at times, sounds like she's a 60 to 70-year-old person. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

Strangled Eggs and Ham is the sixth installment in the Country Store Mysteries series featuring cook and cookware shop owner Robbie Jordan, set in the small town of South Lick, Indiana. Temperaments and temperatures are both sizzling hot with the possibility that developer Fiona Closs may actually get the necessary permits to construct a high end luxury resort on the most scenic piece of land in South Lick.

Robbie's Aunt Adele is furious about the proposed development and she and her friends have joined forces to protest and picket the site, she's also managed to garner support from the folks renting rooms upstairs from the restaurant. But some of the townspeople are looking forward to the potential for new jobs and a boost to the local economy, so while tempers flare, Robbie tries to stay neutral. That is until one of Robbie's guests, a lawyer whose been helping Aunt Adele, turns up dead.

Robbie quickly finds herself drawn into yet another hunt for a killer and the target of some nasty vandalism in this fast paced plot. A well rounded mystery with the return of series regulars and mouthwatering recipes.

I received an advanced copy of Strangled Eggs and Ham from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

In the hot August heat of South Lick, Indiana tempers are running high. Fiona Cross has plans to build a luxury resort on one of the most scenic hilltops in the county. Several residents are opposed to this including Robbie’s Aunt Adele. Adele and a group have decided to protest this construction with a road blockade. With already one murder Robbie has to help catch a killer despite her running her growing business to keep her aunt out of the killer’s clutches.

This is the 6th book in this series, I have only read the first couple in the series before now. I had no problems picking this series back up so the book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. Although it's been a little while since I read the last book I felt like I was coming back to a beloved series. The characters are more developed and complexed but still the same personable and quirky characters they have been from the beginning. The storyline is well written and plotted. The setting of Pans and Pancakes reminds me of a country store in the community I grew up in that I loved to visit. The mystery moves at a quick pace with only a few suspects but there are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the big reveal. If you like recipes, there are recipes included in the book. I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers, and I plan on catching up on the books I missed.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

Was this review helpful?

The grass is always greener, especially when it's a parcel of land that a developer wants to replace with a high end resort. Robbie's Aunt Adele is the leader of the resistance group wanting to save the town of South Lick from urbanization. A visiting eco lawyer and bike enthusiast is more than happy to wade in and give fight, at least until he is found dead on the property in question. The developer is your typical city slicker, Fiona Closs, polished and all about the progress. Aunt Adele is your typical down to earth matron who doesn't back down to anyone or anything, which has Robbie worried for Adele's safety as the protesting starts. I'm not sure how Robbie manages to run a successful restaurant with delectable dishes (recipes included YUM), B&B, country store, and find time for a steady guy plus a little side sleuthing.  Although, it would seem that local law enforcement does help to keep the bottom line healthy since Officer Buck is pretty much a fixture when it comes to meal times offering both tidbits of info and tidbits of comedy and local flavor. The story was as engaging as its predecessors and I look forward to the next installment.

Was this review helpful?

I am now a fan of the Country Store series! This was the first book I've read and it will definitely not be the last. The characters are so well developed and I loved how they were so different, lovable, quirky, interesting. The mystery grabs you from the beginning and you are quickly turning the pages to see what will happen next. With the small town feel, the aspect of a small B&B and restaurant, and the dynamics of the relationships, you are in for a delightful visit to South Lick, Indiana.

You will assume you have figured out who is guilty of murder, there are enough twists and turns, random clues, and surprises that you wonder if you are correct. But it's worth staying invested in the book until the last page!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is by far one of my favorite books in this series. Adele was hilarious and I always love going back to the country store. My favorite part of this series is always the characters and setting. The mystery of someone being killed because of a property development is nothing new, yet there was wonderful twists and turns that had me guessing until the very end about who the killer was. I highly recommend this book and series. If you haven't read the other books in the series you can still read this book and not feel lost.

Was this review helpful?