A review by theavidreaderandbibliophile
Candy Slain Murder by Maddie Day

4.0

Candy Slain Murder by Maddie Day is the 8th A Country Store Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series. I thought Candy Slain Murder was easy to read thanks to the author’s conversational writing style and steady pacing. The story has developed characters and a charming small-town setting. There is a cast of quirky characters that add humor to the story. It is time for the holidays in South Lick, Indiana. The shops are decked with lights, snow is falling, and it is almost time for the town’s tree lighting ceremony. Robbie Jordan has been run off her feet at the restaurant which is good for her bottom line. We get to see what it takes to run her small restaurant. Her interactions with customers and her employees as well as coming up with the daily specials. Robbie decorates her Christmas tree with help from Abe and Sean. I enjoyed this sweet scene. The romance between Robbie and Abe is progressing nicely. Robbie can imagine spending the rest of her life with Abe and his son, Sean. Danna Beedle is stunned when a man comes into the restaurant and introduces himself as her half-brother. She is looking forward to getting to know him, but Robbie wonders if the man is on the up and up. There are two mysteries to solve this time around. A current one and one from a decade ago. Robbie questions multiple suspects gathering information that she passes along to Lt. Buck Bird and Detective Octavia Slade. I would have preferred a more unique solution. The case wraps up nicely with some suspenseful drama. The book has a very special ending that fans of the series will love. There are recipes at the end for those items that had our mouthwatering while reading this heartwarming tale. Candy Slain Murder is a sweet story with buttery biscuits, a skeletal sibling, handmade hats, a toxic twin, a chilly climate, plus festive fun with family and friends.