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darumachan's review
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
It's a cute premise, and I liked the inclusion of recipes for dishes that appeared in the story.
I didn't love the characters, especially since many of the author's representations came across as insensitive or ignorant of other cultures, abilities, and economic groups despite seeming to be trying to create a diverse group of people.
I didn't love the characters, especially since many of the author's representations came across as insensitive or ignorant of other cultures, abilities, and economic groups despite seeming to be trying to create a diverse group of people.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
a minor character reveals that the victim had sexually assaulted her in a scene that doesn't actually contribute much to the larger plotline.shemeladyv's review
This installment was a bit slower than the others. Hoping the pace picks up in the next book.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
3.0
Biscuits and Slashed Browns by Maddie Day is the fourth book in A Country Store Mystery series. Robbie Jordan owns Pans ‘N Pancakes in South Lick, Tennessee. It is March and time for the Fifth Annual Brown County Maple Festival. Robbie has arranged for a breakfast cook off to be held at her restaurant and Robbie will be making her maple biscuits. Professor Warren Connolly is one of the judges for the contest, but several people are not happy with him. Robbie witnesses him having a disagreement with Professor Sonia Genest and Dr. Sajit Rao. The next morning Warren is found dead by the sugar shack on the Rao’s maple farm. The murder weapon turns out to be one of Christina James’ Tojiro knives. Christina is Robbie’s best friend and she has an excellent motive for wishing harm to come to Warren. Robbie knows that her friend did not kill Warren and sets out to find the culprit. The suspect list is quite long since Warren seemed to make enemies wherever he ventured. Then Robbie’s prime suspect, Sajit goes missing. While searching for Sajit, Robbie stumbles upon an illegal venture. Will Robbie find the killer, or will she end up the next victim?
Biscuits and Slashed Browns is well-written and entertaining. The book was easy to read and had a good pace. The characters are well-developed, colorful and relatable (they will remind you of your family and friends). I appreciate that the author includes characters of various ages and nationalities. I enjoy the great small-town locale. While Biscuits and Slashed Browns is the fourth book in the series, it can be read alone. The author provides readers with Robbie’s history and touches on past storylines. There is a dash of romance which plays out softly in the background. I like that Abe supports Robbie in her sleuthing (though he does worry about her). The mystery was nicely woven into the story, there are several suspects and the author provided good clues to aid readers. I love the vintage implements featured in the story. The cozy elements include family, friends, the making of maple syrup, cooking, Southern colloquialisms, humor, romance and a smidgen of jealousy. There are recipes included at the end of the book. Biscuits and Slashed Browns is my favorite book in A Country Store Mystery series.
Biscuits and Slashed Browns is well-written and entertaining. The book was easy to read and had a good pace. The characters are well-developed, colorful and relatable (they will remind you of your family and friends). I appreciate that the author includes characters of various ages and nationalities. I enjoy the great small-town locale. While Biscuits and Slashed Browns is the fourth book in the series, it can be read alone. The author provides readers with Robbie’s history and touches on past storylines. There is a dash of romance which plays out softly in the background. I like that Abe supports Robbie in her sleuthing (though he does worry about her). The mystery was nicely woven into the story, there are several suspects and the author provided good clues to aid readers. I love the vintage implements featured in the story. The cozy elements include family, friends, the making of maple syrup, cooking, Southern colloquialisms, humor, romance and a smidgen of jealousy. There are recipes included at the end of the book. Biscuits and Slashed Browns is my favorite book in A Country Store Mystery series.
starthelostgirl's review
2.0
This one really did not appeal to me. The mystery wasn’t very interesting to me, a lot of new characters seemed to be underutilized, and I found myself thinking “why, Robbie, WHY” much too often for it to be an enjoyable listening experience. She comes across as nosy rather than curious, which is irritating. If this was my introduction to the character, I wouldn’t want to continue the series. As is, I’ll give the series one more book before I make any decisions.
Minor SPOILERS BELOW:
I didn’t like the attempt to make the crime and suspects seem more serious by having the victim be a rapist. For a book that calls wine “adult beverage” more often than not and where “dumbass” is the worst expletive used, it just felt uncomfortably out of place. This is a cozy mystery series, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t like the attempt to make it more “serious.” I also am just sick of the trope of raping LGBTQ characters.
Minor SPOILERS BELOW:
I didn’t like the attempt to make the crime and suspects seem more serious by having the victim be a rapist. For a book that calls wine “adult beverage” more often than not and where “dumbass” is the worst expletive used, it just felt uncomfortably out of place. This is a cozy mystery series, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t like the attempt to make it more “serious.” I also am just sick of the trope of raping LGBTQ characters.
kimdavishb's review
5.0
It’s always a delight to open a new book in a long-enjoyed series and visit with friends. Such is the case with BISCUITS AND SLASHED BROWNS, the fourth book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. The protagonist, Robbie Jordan, is a no-nonsense, can-do type of young woman. Not only is she a great chef at her restaurant, Pans ‘N Pancakes, in South Lick, Indiana, but she is also a skilled carpenter. Robbie has a keen intelligence, solving the hardest crossword puzzles (in ink, no less!) and creates her own crossword puzzles when trying to figure out murder mysteries. She is an admirable character who cares for not only her friends but the townspeople and visitors alike. The town of South Lick is preparing for the fifth annual National Maple Syrup Festival and Robbie is gearing up by creating maple themed dishes. I enjoyed the bits and pieces about the maple production along with the description of festivities the town has planned.
When a visiting professor is found murdered after arguing with Robbie’s assistant’s father, Robbie knows she needs to get involved. Even when the family appears to be hiding something and clearly does not want her help, Robbie is driven to find the truth. She feels a compelling urge to protect her town especially when it appears the local law enforcement is on the wrong track. I love how the community rallies behind each other, pitching in to help each other no matter what. The local colloquialisms are quaint and adds to the charm of both the characters and the setting. Ms. Day captures the essence of a small mid-west farming community perfectly, and I could see and experience it all as I read. There are plenty of viable suspects provided to keep you guessing and a suspenseful, dangerous climax wraps the story up for an exciting ending.
Robbie, being such a great cook, serves up lots of delectable dishes at Pans ‘N Pancakes, often with an ethnic culinary theme involved. Fortunately for the reader, the author provides several delicious recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When a visiting professor is found murdered after arguing with Robbie’s assistant’s father, Robbie knows she needs to get involved. Even when the family appears to be hiding something and clearly does not want her help, Robbie is driven to find the truth. She feels a compelling urge to protect her town especially when it appears the local law enforcement is on the wrong track. I love how the community rallies behind each other, pitching in to help each other no matter what. The local colloquialisms are quaint and adds to the charm of both the characters and the setting. Ms. Day captures the essence of a small mid-west farming community perfectly, and I could see and experience it all as I read. There are plenty of viable suspects provided to keep you guessing and a suspenseful, dangerous climax wraps the story up for an exciting ending.
Robbie, being such a great cook, serves up lots of delectable dishes at Pans ‘N Pancakes, often with an ethnic culinary theme involved. Fortunately for the reader, the author provides several delicious recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mefrost's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cpgunning's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
kristirose's review
5.0
It's the annual maple extravaganza in South Lick, Indiana. The town is excited when a science research conference is scheduled to coincide with the festival. They hope that it will bring an influx of much needed tourist dollars to town. However, they didn't expect one of the scientists to be found murdered. Can Robbie uncover the murderer's identity before they strike again?
The book is extremely well written. Robbie's usual assistant in the restaurant was absent during the majority of the novel due to an injury. I absently thought at one point that perhaps they did that because the actress was injured. That's how realistic the characters and storyline is written. I cannot wait to read the next installment in the series.
The book is extremely well written. Robbie's usual assistant in the restaurant was absent during the majority of the novel due to an injury. I absently thought at one point that perhaps they did that because the actress was injured. That's how realistic the characters and storyline is written. I cannot wait to read the next installment in the series.
noble_jay's review against another edition
5.0
Great installment in the series!
I have enjoyed the Country Store series since I discovered the first one at the library, and this installment didn't disappoint! I enjoy the protagonist's, Robbie Jordan's, spunk. She's a truely independent lead, when other cozy mystery heroines seem to get more dependent as the series progresses. Can't wait for the next one!
I have enjoyed the Country Store series since I discovered the first one at the library, and this installment didn't disappoint! I enjoy the protagonist's, Robbie Jordan's, spunk. She's a truely independent lead, when other cozy mystery heroines seem to get more dependent as the series progresses. Can't wait for the next one!