Quick Take

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!

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Apple Cider Slaying (A Cider Shop Mystery, #1)

Introduction

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey is the first book in the A Cider Shop Mystery series. The story revolves around Winona Mae Montgomery, who returns to her hometown of Blossom Valley, West Virginia, to help her grandmother turn around their family apple orchard business. However, when a body is found during a holiday festival, suspicion falls on Winona's grandmother, and she must investigate to clear her name. This cozy mystery combines elements of fall, apple cider, and small-town charm with a well-crafted mystery.

About Julie Anne Lindsey

Julie Anne Lindsey is an award-winning and bestselling author known for her cozy mystery and romantic suspense novels. With over fifty published works under her belt, Lindsey has established herself as a skilled storyteller. Her diverse writing career includes works under various pen names, showcasing her versatility as an author. Lindsey's dedication to her craft and her ability to create engaging stories have garnered her a loyal following among readers.

Analysis of Views

Appeal to Cozy Mystery Fans: Many readers who enjoy cozy mysteries found Apple Cider Slaying to be a delightful read. The combination of fall, apple cider, and a charming small town setting resonated with them, creating a cozy atmosphere that they appreciated.
Character Development: Readers praised the character development in the book. Winnie Montgomery, the protagonist, was described as likable, determined, and relatable. Her strong bond with her grandmother and her optimism in pursuing her dreams were aspects that readers found endearing. Additionally, the secondary characters were quirky and added depth to the story.
Mystery Craftsmanship: The mystery in Apple Cider Slaying was well-crafted, keeping readers engaged throughout the book. While some felt that the mystery could have been more fleshed out in certain areas, overall, readers found the plot to be well-paced and enjoyable. The inclusion of red herrings and twists added to the suspense and kept readers guessing until the end.
Setting and Atmosphere: The setting of Blossom Valley, West Virginia, was praised for its vivid descriptions and its ability to transport readers into the story. The small-town charm and the holiday festival atmosphere added to the overall ambiance of the book. Readers appreciated the attention to detail in describing the apple orchard and the surrounding area, making it feel like a real place they could visit.
Balance of Humor and Development: Some readers appreciated the balance between humor and character development in the book. While there were moments where they felt the story strayed from the mystery to focus on other aspects, they found that these elements contributed to making the book more enjoyable overall. The humor added lightheartedness to the story, making it more relatable and entertaining for readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Mystery: Apple Cider Slaying offers an engaging mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. The well-crafted plot and red herrings add suspense and keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Charming Setting: The setting of Blossom Valley, West Virginia, is described in such detail that readers feel transported into the story. The small-town charm and holiday festival atmosphere create a cozy atmosphere that makes readers want to curl up with a cup of apple cider while reading.
Likable Characters: Winnie Montgomery and her grandmother are relatable characters that readers can root for. Their strong bond and determination to save their family's business resonate with readers. Additionally, the secondary characters add depth and quirkiness to the story, making it more enjoyable.
Balance of Humor and Development: While some readers found that the story strayed from the mystery at times, others appreciated the balance between humor and character development. The inclusion of humor adds lightheartedness to the story and makes it more relatable for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of humor.

Conclusion

"Apple Cider Slaying" by Julie Anne Lindsey is a promising start to the A Cider Shop Mystery series. With its engaging mystery, charming setting, likable characters, and balance of humor and development, this cozy mystery has garnered positive reviews from readers who enjoy fall-themed stories with a touch of suspense. While some readers felt that certain aspects could have been explored further, overall, they found Apple Cider Slaying to be a delightful read that leaves them eagerly anticipating future installments in the series. If you're looking for a cozy mystery with a mix of apple cider charm and a well-crafted mystery, "Apple Cider Slaying" is definitely worth considering.