Apple Cider Slaying
A Cider Shop Mystery, Book #1
Julie Anne Lindsey
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
Apples are at the core of the family business run by Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe. But this year’s crop is unseasonably ripe with murder . . .
ONE ROTTEN APPLE
Blossom Valley, West Virginia, is home to Smythe Orchards, Winnie and her Granny’s beloved twenty-five-acre farm and family business. But any way you slice it, it’s struggling. That’s why they’re trying to drum up business with the “First Annual Christmas at the Orchard,” a good old-fashioned holiday festival with enough delicious draw to satisfy apple-picking locals and cider-loving tourists alike–until the whole endeavor takes a sour turn when the body of Nadine Cooper, Granny’s long-time, grudge-holding nemesis, is found lodged in the apple press. Now, with Granny the number one suspect, Winnie is hard-pressed to prove her innocence before the real killer delivers another murder . . .
Includes Recipes! (Goodreads)
Review:
This is the first book in a new series and I thought it was great. It has everything I look for in a cozy mystery: fantastic characters, a charming setting and a killer mystery.
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. I really enjoyed meeting Winnie and her Granny. They have a deep love for each other and they will do anything for each other. The secondary characters added a lot to the story and brought the story to life.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Each scene was so vivid in my mind and at times I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. I think this is a hard thing to do but this author pulled it off perfectly.
The mystery was well plotted and well paced. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was very surprised at who the culprit turned out to be, which is how I like my mysteries.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read the next one. If I could, I would give this book more than 5 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
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