loribonesscaswell

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It is getting close to Christmastime in South Lick, Indiana. Robbie Jordan has a welcome home party booked at Pans ‘N Pancakes before she can start decorating. Erica Shermer is back in South Lick after the death of her husband, but she sure doesn’t seem to be grieving. I completely understand we all grieve in our own way but flirting with her departed husband’s brother and every other man in the room seems just a bit off. When Robbie finds Erica’s very dead body spread out on the floor next to the pickle barrel the next morning she knows right away there could be plenty of suspects. She just never imagined the police would hone in on her friend Phil. It is up to her to find the clues that will send them in another direction or Christmas in South Lick will be far from Merry.

This second installment to this series was a very fast read for me. Ms. Day’s well crafted mystery drew me right in and didn’t let go.

I really like Robbie Jordan and the place she has created with Pans ‘N Pancakes. A gathering place for the community and great comfort cooking too. Robbie is quick and smart and so friendly. She can easily question several people with simple conversation over breakfast. She also passes along what she knows to the police, although she is putting herself in the line of fire when the real murderer sees she is getting to close to the truth. I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and the bit Indiana – ish way of speaking added a true local feeling.

This mystery moves along at a good clip. Several twists had me truly wondering if the person I wanted to be the guilty party would actually be the guilty party. You will have to read the story to see if I was right.

There was some unexpected drama on the romantic front too. I am anxious to see how it continues to play out in future stories, regarding both parties.

Grilled For Murder is a down home kind of cozy with colorful characters, a comfortable setting and a fun mystery.

I do suggest starting with Flipped for Murder, but the author gives plenty of detail if you start with this one. The 3rd book in the series When the Grits Hit the Fan will be released March 28. I have added it to my reading schedule.