When I arrived in Granford, Massachusetts, I was ready to turn around and run after a week. My mother wanted me to fix up and sell a family home she’d inherited, that I’d seen only once in my life. It was the middle of a New England winter, and it was cold and damp (both inside and outside the house). The problem was, I’d lost my job and given up my Boston apartment, and I really had nowhere to go.
That was before my ex-boyfriend was found dead in the septic tank in my yard. And then I disrupted a town meeting to get at the truth of how he died. Heck of a way to introduce myself in a new town.
What a difference a couple of years can make! I’ve just married the “boy next door,” Seth Chapin, who literally lives next door, as his family has done for centuries. He was the one who found that body I mentioned. He really didn’t like me much when we first met. Well, that changed.
I needed a job, and I kind of knew there were apple trees on the property where I was staying (it took me a while to think of the place as “mine”), and it definitely didn’t occur to me that I could make a living from those spindly bare trees. Wrong again: Now I manage (with some skilled help) an orchard and sell my crop, and I’ve even expanded it to include more heirloom varieties. I even helped create a new and much-needed restaurant in the center of town, featuring local produce.
And I’ve solved more than one murder. I really didn’t see that coming—but who would? I don’t go looking for murder, and I don’t pretend I have any knowledge or expertise that applies, but somehow I keep getting pulled in. Don’t blame Seth, because one of those murders happened in my parents’ back yard in New Jersey.
Sadly, the latest victim was Monica Whitman, a nice, friendly older woman who retired to Granford with her husband. She threw herself into town activities and made friends quickly—and then she died suddenly and unexpectedly. Did I tell myself, “oh, I must go investigate?” No, of course not. I simply offered her husband my sympathy and asked if he needed help, and things got more complicated from there. The fact that the local police chief is a friend to both Seth and me is purely coincidental.
But I’m not a busybody or a know-it-all. I’m simply a member of the Granford community, by marriage and by choice. If something goes wrong in the town—and murder is the biggest wrong I can think of—I want to see it put right, and mostly I’ve been able to help. That’s what being part of a community means, and Granford is my home now.
You can read more about Meg in A Late Frost, the 11th book in the “Orchard” mystery series.
The usually quiet town of Granford, Massachusetts, is even drowsier during the colder months. But this year it’s in for a jolt when Monica Whitman moves into town. She’s a dynamo who wants to make friends fast in her new home, and she throws herself into community activities. Meg Corey, now Chapin after her marriage to Seth Chapin, is intrigued by the new arrival, who has already sold the town board on a new, fun way to bring in visitors during the off-season: WinterFare, which will feature local foods (such as Meg’s apples) and crafts, as well as entertainment.
Tragically, Monica falls ill and dies after the event in what looks like a case of food poisoning. When all the food served at WinterFare has been tested, including Meg’s apples, it becomes clear that there’s a more sinister explanation to the older woman’s sudden demise.
Meg’s investigation uncovers a bushel of potential suspects, one of whom is rotten to the core.
Includes Delicious Recipes
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Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of A Late Frost. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends November 18, 2017. Good luck everyone!
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About the author
Sheila Connolly, Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated and New York Times bestselling author, writes mystery series set in Philadelphia (the Museum Mysteries), rural Massachusetts (the Orchard Mysteries), and Ireland (the County Cork Mysteries), as well as a paranormal romance series (the Relatively Dead series). She will introduce a new Victorian Village series set in Maryland in 2018. In addition, her short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies. Formerly a professional genealogist, she currently lives in Massachusetts, surrounded by many, many departed ancestors, with her husband and three cats, and owns a cottage in West Cork in Ireland, where her father’s family came from.
All comments are welcomed.
Looks Great Added Them all on GR
and Tweeted to Share https://twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/931040899466973185
Thank you!
I’ve never been to Massachusetts but I like books that are set there. Thanks.
Good! Let’s see what Meg and Seth are up to now.
I enjoy this series. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this post!
This is such a captivating series! I always learn something about apples and get to read about Meg’s extracurricular endeavors as well! Looks and sounds like another great addition to the series. Thanks Shelia for your generosity in offering a chance to win a copy! Thanks Dru Ann for another great post. 🙂
I really enjoy this series and can’t wait to read the newest entry!
Waving at responders now from Ireland–lovely to see you here (on the blog, not in Ireland). Thanks, Dru Ann, for having me!
Looking forward to reading this one, thank you for the chance to win a copy.
wfnren at aol dot com
I’d love to read more about Meg. Thanks for the giveaway Dru Ann and Sheila (big wave to you in Ireland!)
Thanks for the chance to win this book!
Sounds like a good book.
I always enjoy Sheila Connolly. Please! I want this one.
I love this series. Always enjoy any of her series. This has likable characters who seem so very real as they go about their daily lives and mystery adventures.
Curious about who will replace Bree.
I haven’t read this series yet, but I enjoyed reading about Meg. Looking forward to reading the series.
I’m excited for Meg’s next story!
Loved the post & thanks for the giveaway.
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The first Orchard Mystery series was one of the first cozy series that got me truly hooked on cozies!!.
It has been such a joy to read about MA where I have now lived for MANY years. With a bit of a connection to apple farming (my cousin in NY) these stories have real appeal to me. (Catch the pun? or do I just find myself humorous? 😊) With wonderful plots and adventures it is easy to love this series. Due to vision problems I have not yet finished the book previous to this newest release but have it on my end table once again and will very soon be ready for A Late Frost. Keeping my fingers crossed to be chosen for this. Your blog is wonderful Dru Ann and, Sheila, I hope your stay in Ireland goes great and the rod you took in your suitcase fits perfectly!!
Thank you. Have a beautiful weekend.
And Congratulations on the release, Sheila.
Cynthia B
This is a great series. Can’t wait to read the latest book.
I love her books set in Ireland and am looking forward to this one as well.
I really like the premise of this book (cause I’m kinda a busybody too, lol)… I’m looking forward to checking it out!
Shared on Twitter (https://twitter.com/69steelers2/status/931598070927806464)
Cheers~
Kelly Braun
Would love the opportunity to become acquainted with this series-sounds delightful. Thank you.
Super excited for the new book! And I always like Shelia’s post about Ireland and how she is doing with her home there. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
This book looks great and so does the series. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds wonderful. I like the whole sound of it…disappearing women and bodies in Septic Tanks…even busybodies why Jessica Fletcher is one of my favorites…
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I really like this author and would love to win! Thanks for offering this chance!
This is one of my favorite series. I love all of Sheila Connolly’s books and series.
**** WINNER ****
A Late Frost is Cynthia Blain
Congratulations!