Scan barcode
bowyer's review
4.0
I won it through a giveaway and I give it a 3.6/5. I've never read the other books but it was super easy to follow. The southern setting and characters were wholesome and the story wasn't too bad. I would definitely recommend this if you like classic murder mystery formula.
tessakwebb's review
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
There's something so wholesome and charming about the owner of the country store/PI that I really enjoyed. Really made me romanticize Midwestern life 🫶
jaime_of_gryffindor's review
3.75
This was a pretty good cozy mystery! This was the first book I’ve read from this series and I loved that I could just jump right into it without needing to have read the others. This I was a quick and easy read and I might look into reading more of this series.
kristirose's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
melmo2610's review
4.0
Another likable and enjoyable installment in one of my favorite cozy series. Robbie and the gang have another murder to solve, that ties in to an unsolved murder from 30ish years ago with personal ties to one of Robbie's friends. Fun plot and characters I know and love makes for a great read.
tmleafs42's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic 10th installment of this series. I just adore the characters and enjoy coming back to visit them time and time again.
morticia32's review
3.0
Book 10 in the series.
I've enjoyed this series all along, but lately Buck's way of speaking has just been bugging me. I get that it's the local Hoosier patois, but why only Buck? Is it deliberately meant to make him look like a hayseed, and therefore lesser at his job so he needs Robbie's help? It really pulls me out of the story, which is too bad.
The mystery was interesting, and I did like that in the end they were able to solve a cold case, too, and give Buck and his dad some closure. It was an entertaining, fast read for me. As always, it was nice to visit South Lick and I look forward to more in the future.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
I've enjoyed this series all along, but lately Buck's way of speaking has just been bugging me. I get that it's the local Hoosier patois, but why only Buck? Is it deliberately meant to make him look like a hayseed, and therefore lesser at his job so he needs Robbie's help? It really pulls me out of the story, which is too bad.
The mystery was interesting, and I did like that in the end they were able to solve a cold case, too, and give Buck and his dad some closure. It was an entertaining, fast read for me. As always, it was nice to visit South Lick and I look forward to more in the future.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
dollycas's review
lighthearted
mysterious
5.0
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
rebeccasreadingrambles's review
4.0
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.