Edith writing from north of Boston, as always, and today wearing my Maddie Day hat .

I’m delighted to wish my thirteenth Country Store Mystery a Happy Book Birthday!

I truly never thought ten years ago that the series would run this long. I’m so happy a ton of fans got hooked on Robbie Jordan, her renovated country store and restaurant, and the sleepy but somehow murderous hamlet of South Lick, Indiana.

Here’s the cover copy for Scone Cold Dead: After a body is found in a local farmer’s field, Jordan suspects that a newcomer in South Lick, Indiana, may not be a stranger to everyone in town . . .

Country store and café owner Robbie Jordan is just weeks away from giving birth. While her husband Abe scrambles to get the house ready for their baby’s arrival, Robbie makes last minute arrangements to keep her shop and restaurant, Pans ’N Pancakes, up and running when she’s on maternity leave. And it seems Robbie and Abe aren’t the only ones grappling with anxiety—a stranger is causing a stir in town and Robbie’s Aunt Adele appears unusually preoccupied at the baby shower . . .
 
But when someone finds a body in the ram field on Adele’s sheep farm, it’s Robbie’s turn to be worried. Especially after Chief Buck Bird uncovers a troubling link between Adele and the possible murder victim. Robbie has no choice but to knit the clues together and solve this mystery before anything else gets flocked up . . .

The reviews have been awesome:

“This book really makes my heart fill with joy, not only for a brand new baby character, but because Robbie was wicked in this book. She was so strong and fearless at times, I was so proud of her.” -Goodreads Review

“…several twists I didn’t see coming…wonderful characters…emotional depth … a highly satisfying read.” -K.A. Davis, reviewer

But this one about Robbie from several books ago is still my favorite:

“Fearless and forthright protagonist …crafted to maximize intrigue…hefty serving of heart…Robbie Jordan kicks as much butt as Jack Reacher…with way better food!” – Jay Roberts, reviewer (and a good friend of the Wickeds).

I’ve had fun in the last couple of months presenting several recipes from the book over at my other group blog, Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen:

Robbie’s Guacamole, Cinnamon Pecan Scones, and the Celebrating Baby Cocktail. On April 8 Kim Davis will share my Apple Cider Muffins recipe over on her Cinnamon, Sugar & and a Little Bit of Murder blog. Bon appetit!

SO many friends and fans have helped with this series. My former agent, John Talbot, who got excited about my idea for cozy mysteries set in southern Indiana. My older sister Barbara Bergendorf, who lived in Indiana for decades. Kathy Boone Reel and Jane Carter, who contributed recipes. Hoosier-of-origin Tim Mundorff, who told me about fried biscuits and various dialect bits. Jay, with his glowing reviews. My fellow Wicked Authors, always, who boosted me and helped spread the word. My Indianapolis Maxwell relatives, my sons, and my sisters, always my biggest boosters. And more whom I am sure I’ve forgotten.

Plus every single reader who said this is their favorite series, that they can’t wait to get back to Robbie and gang in the next story, that they miss South Lick between books (I do, too!), readers who preordered each book or asked their library to acquire it and who left positive reviews. You’ve all kept me going, and I’m grateful.

Readers: Do you have a favorite book in the series? A favorite character? I’ll send three readers a signed copy of the book, and if you’re in Canada or elsewhere, I’ll give you an audiobook code, instead.

PS: You still have until tonight at 11:45 pm EDT to bid on all of the fabulous donations to the Crime Writers for Trans Rights auction!

Most of the current and former Wickeds have items in the auction for readers and for writers. Click here to explore and bid before it’s too late.