Edith here, writing as Maddie Day from north of Boston.
But first – a special news break: Jessica Ellicott’s Murder in an English Village: A Beryl and Edwina Mystery (Jessica being our own Jessie Crockett) and my Called to Justice: A Quaker Midwife Mystery are BOTH nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel! The nods are cause for much celebration, and you, dear readers, will be hearing more about the nominations in the forthcoming weeks. In the meantime, Jessie and I are happy to accept accolades, toasts, and whatever else seems appropriate.
Now, back to today’s topic – also a cause for celebration…
Yes, it’s my book birthday! I’m so excited for the fourth Country Store Mystery to slide into the hands of eager readers.
For country-store owner Robbie Jordan, the Maple Syrup Festival is a sweet escape from late-winter in South Lick, Indiana—until murder saps the life out of the celebration. Robbie drops her maple-curry biscuits to crack the case before another victim is caught in a sticky and murderous trap.
Some pretty awesome reviews are already in:
- “…wonderful culinary cozy mystery series … great characters, terrific local dialect, a charming setting … engaging mystery”
- “…well-plotted and exciting story”
- “…vivid characters and locales”
- “…fast paced plot… just the right touch of romance … a delightful addition”
- ” …suspenseful, dangerous climax wraps the story up for an exciting ending”
- “…delicious recipes…”
I was amazed when I learned that Brown County, Indiana, has hosted a National Maple Festival, and I knew I had to use it in a book. The county is hilly and wooded and looks a lot like Vermont despite being quite a bit farther to the south, so it’s no surprise one of its products is high-quality maple syrup.
I hope you enjoy the story! Now I’m off to find a cake and a bottle of bubbly to celebrate.
Readers: Do you make the recipes in the back of foodie cozies like mine? If so, which ones have you liked best? If not, why not?