Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey is the first book in the NEW “Cider Shop” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Kensington Books, coming October 29, 2019.

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 . . .

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This was an engaging romp that was delightfully charming. Winnie has a dream and when it looks like it can come to fruition, nefarious doings interfere and she must protect her granny’s name and orchard by looking for the person responsible for the murder. When she starts an investigation, someone wants to stop her in her track, hitting a little bit closer to home.

I enjoyed this well-written whodunit from beginning to end. The mystery was nicely executed with enough intrigue to keep me devouring every little detail. The author did a great job in setting this up with the murder, the various mischief by the perpetrator and the determination of Winnie to set things right. Along the way we might the residents of Blossom Valley that included her best friend Dot, the local sheriff Colton and the adorable Kenny and Dolly, all who had pivotal roles in the apprehension of the killer.

This was a fun read and I enjoyed the blossoming friendship between Winnie and Colton. This book is a welcome addition to the cozy genre and I look forward to the next book in the series.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.