University Politics Lead to Murder

It always seems as if there is conflict in university departments among the professors and grad students. In When the Grits Hit the Fan by Maddie Day, the tension between professor and graduate student boils over into a full blown battle. Totally unlikable professor Charles Stilton is accused by his graduate student Lou of stealing her work, which he loudly denies. As he leaves Charles  makes an insulting remark to his department chair Zenobia Brown.

But events take a turn for the worse when Robbie Jordan, owner of Pans 'N Pancakes, and Lou discover Charles' body under the ice of an ice fishing hole. As Lou was last seen arguing with Stilton, she is terrified that she will be arrested. Although Robbie has been warned by Detective Octavia Slade to stay out of the investigation, she disregards her advice and begins her own investigation. Robbie knows her friend is innocent and uses her agile crossword puzzle mind to prove it.

With her Country Store as gossip central, Robbie has her hands full with hungry customers and those

just wanting the latest news. It keeps her hopping, but in her mind she is still trying to figure out who killed Stilton. His abrasive personality rubbed up against several members of his department as well as his own wife and son.

I always love these little Country Store places. Not only do they have great breakfasts, they sell all kinds of vintage kitchen gadgets and make a great place to stop when on a road trip. Maddie Day brings Pans 'N Pancakes to life and you just know there is a real place somewhere in Indiana that resembles this shop.

As usual Robbie finds herself in the thick of things to the point of being in serious jeopardy herself as well as endangering her boyfriend Abe as she tries to clear her friend. Secrets from the past rear their head in the dramatic conclusion of When the Grits Hit the Fan.

For my review of the first book in the series, click here.

For more books by Maddie Day, click here.