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 . . .
My Review
4 out of 5 stars
| This is a promising start to a fun new cozy mystery series. I’m all about holiday settings so this book drew me in from the start. I enjoyed getting to know Winnie and her Granny. They have such a strong relationship. It really made me miss my Granny that I lost at a really early age.
Even though she could bit a bit overly emotional at times, I liked Winnie as a character. She was very hardworking and was willing to do whatever it took to make her dreams come true, while also helping out her Granny. I really admired her determination. I didn’t like Sheriff Wise very much at the beginning of the book, but he grew on me as the story progressed. However, I wish there wasn’t already a hint about a romance brewing between him and Winnie. It seems like more and more cozies now feature a romance. As much as I don’t like that in a cozy, it looks like I’m just going to have to get used to it. I have to give major props to the author for the reveal of the killer. It was someone that wasn’t even on my radar, so that was a nice twist that I wasn’t expecting. I love when an author is able to stump me or take me by surprise like that. There were several yummy sounding recipes at the back of the book that I am definitely going to give a try some time. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series. *I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. |
Good review. I have this book on my table, waiting for me to read it. I’m looking forward to it. 🙂
I hope you enjoy it!
It sounds to be just the one book for xmas!!