Apple Cider Slaying

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey 2019 by Kensington Books

[image error]This cozy mystery hits all the elements of the genre with cute names like Granny Smythe, two playful kittens, a small town, and the murder of someone everyone disliked, Nadine Cooper.

Winnie and widowed grandmother, Granny Smythe, are trying to turn the farm and orchard into a tourist attraction to pay the bills. She has been making cider recipes since a child and the author includes the recipe of one as well as other dishes in the back of the book.

Winnie is hoping to impress the banker. Mr. Sherman, so he’ll approve a loan to turn the Mail Pouch barn into a gathering place she can rent out for parties. While showing him around, they find the body of neighbor, Nadine, in the cider press.

The new sheriff, Colton Wise, begins his investigation. He’s former military and has worked with the FBI. He doesn’t like Winnie asking questions around town, and warns her more than once to stay out of his investigation.

After Winnie receives a threatening note, she agrees, but then she is nearly run off the road. Someone doesn’t like her snooping around.

Lindsey gives the reader several suspects and throws in an ex-boyfriend. The story builds to a dangerous confrontation for Winnie.

The book is the first in a series and Lindsey has introduced plenty of characters to bring back in the next book. She has left room for her ex-boyfriend to cause problems, especially with any romance with Colton, who has a secret not revealed in this book.

For someone looking for a cozy mystery series, this is one to try. The writing is clean of errors, fast paced, and entertaining.