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Orchard Mystery #12
Nipped in the Bud
The New York Times bestselling author of A Late Frost returns with orchard owner Meg Chapin trying to stem the tide of crime . . .
Winter still has a firm stranglehold on the small town of Granford, and newly married orchard owner Meg Chapin is restless to begin her spring pruning and planting, while Seth busies himself with a new project of his own. But their relative peace is shattered when a gunshot breaks the winter silence and they discover the body of a dead woman on their land. What’s just as troubling is that the state police have hushed up the murder and are warning Meg not to investigate.
Never one to sit by idly with a killer on the loose, Meg starts digging for clues and probing for answers as discreetly as she can. When the victim turns out to have been an undercover reporter doing a story on the blossoming trade in illegal drugs in the area, Meg’s stunned to learn that this very modern crime has come to sleepy Granford. Unwilling to accept that the nasty business has put down roots so close to home—and led to a murder that occurred literally in her own backyard—Meg is determined to nip it in the bud before the town she knows and loves turns rotten . . .
Praise for he Orchard Mysteries:
“Delightful. . . . [A] fascinating whodunit filled with surprises.” —The Mystery Gazette
“Connolly’s cozy has sympathetic characters who are not stereotypes, nice details about life in a small town, and information about a heritage orchard—all of which make this a warm, very satisfying read.”—RT Reviews
“Sheila Connolly’s Orchard Mysteries are some of the most satisfying cozy mysteries I’ve ever read. . . . Warm and entertaining from the first paragraph to the last.” —Lesa’s Book Critiques
About the Author:
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author of numerous bestselling cozy mystery series, including the Orchard Mysteries, the Museum Mysteries, the County Cork Mysteries, and the Relatively Dead Mysteries. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; and a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
Winter still has a firm stranglehold on the small town of Granford, and newly married orchard owner Meg Chapin is restless to begin her spring pruning and planting, while Seth busies himself with a new project of his own. But their relative peace is shattered when a gunshot breaks the winter silence and they discover the body of a dead woman on their land. What’s just as troubling is that the state police have hushed up the murder and are warning Meg not to investigate.
Never one to sit by idly with a killer on the loose, Meg starts digging for clues and probing for answers as discreetly as she can. When the victim turns out to have been an undercover reporter doing a story on the blossoming trade in illegal drugs in the area, Meg’s stunned to learn that this very modern crime has come to sleepy Granford. Unwilling to accept that the nasty business has put down roots so close to home—and led to a murder that occurred literally in her own backyard—Meg is determined to nip it in the bud before the town she knows and loves turns rotten . . .
Praise for he Orchard Mysteries:
“Delightful. . . . [A] fascinating whodunit filled with surprises.” —The Mystery Gazette
“Connolly’s cozy has sympathetic characters who are not stereotypes, nice details about life in a small town, and information about a heritage orchard—all of which make this a warm, very satisfying read.”—RT Reviews
“Sheila Connolly’s Orchard Mysteries are some of the most satisfying cozy mysteries I’ve ever read. . . . Warm and entertaining from the first paragraph to the last.” —Lesa’s Book Critiques
About the Author:
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author of numerous bestselling cozy mystery series, including the Orchard Mysteries, the Museum Mysteries, the County Cork Mysteries, and the Relatively Dead Mysteries. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; and a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2018
297 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Connolly
65 books1,392 followersSheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 12, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It is always good to catch up with Meg and Seth. The newly married couple is trying to fill their days as they anxiously await Spring to come to Granford, Massachusetts. Meg has a new orchard manager and he and Seth are building him a “tiny house” to give him and the couple their privacy.
Seth and Meg are out for a walk with their dog Max when they hear a gunshot and Max takes off to investigate. Seth is not far behind. He is stunned when he finds Max standing near a woman’s body. He notifies police, and they first decide it must have been a hunting accident. The warn Meg to stay out of their investigation, but with all the free time on her hands and the fact that the woman was killed on her property, there is no way she is going to sit this one out. She is going to nip this death in the bud come hell or high water.
I am thrilled this series has found a new home!
This is such a comfortable cozy. The characters are friendly, believable, and genuine. Meg and Seth going about their lives, still sorting things out now that they are married and dealing with the downtime of winter. They are still getting to know Larry the new orchard manager. He does not live in their house as Bree did. He is renting a room in Seth’s house along with a few other guys until his tiny house is built. I love that they are using the foundation of the old chicken coop to build the house on.
Not so cozy is finding another dead body. Ms. Connolly has produced a delightful mystery for her readers to enjoy. With this one happening so close to Meg and Seth’s home, it keeps the characters and us readers on high alert. The state police add to the intrigue by trying to keep the murder under wraps but Meg is keen to follow each twist and turn herself. What she finds opens several sets of eyes about things happening in the sweet little town of Granford. The story is so well-written and thought-provoking too.
The story was perfectly paced. I liked that it took place in the offseason for the orchard. It gave Meg plenty of time to snoop, but with Bree gone and Larry being so quiet, she worried a lot about things that needed to get done.
Strong characters and a great mystery. A grand addition to this series. Fill up your bushel basket and enjoy them all!
It is always good to catch up with Meg and Seth. The newly married couple is trying to fill their days as they anxiously await Spring to come to Granford, Massachusetts. Meg has a new orchard manager and he and Seth are building him a “tiny house” to give him and the couple their privacy.
Seth and Meg are out for a walk with their dog Max when they hear a gunshot and Max takes off to investigate. Seth is not far behind. He is stunned when he finds Max standing near a woman’s body. He notifies police, and they first decide it must have been a hunting accident. The warn Meg to stay out of their investigation, but with all the free time on her hands and the fact that the woman was killed on her property, there is no way she is going to sit this one out. She is going to nip this death in the bud come hell or high water.
I am thrilled this series has found a new home!
This is such a comfortable cozy. The characters are friendly, believable, and genuine. Meg and Seth going about their lives, still sorting things out now that they are married and dealing with the downtime of winter. They are still getting to know Larry the new orchard manager. He does not live in their house as Bree did. He is renting a room in Seth’s house along with a few other guys until his tiny house is built. I love that they are using the foundation of the old chicken coop to build the house on.
Not so cozy is finding another dead body. Ms. Connolly has produced a delightful mystery for her readers to enjoy. With this one happening so close to Meg and Seth’s home, it keeps the characters and us readers on high alert. The state police add to the intrigue by trying to keep the murder under wraps but Meg is keen to follow each twist and turn herself. What she finds opens several sets of eyes about things happening in the sweet little town of Granford. The story is so well-written and thought-provoking too.
The story was perfectly paced. I liked that it took place in the offseason for the orchard. It gave Meg plenty of time to snoop, but with Bree gone and Larry being so quiet, she worried a lot about things that needed to get done.
Strong characters and a great mystery. A grand addition to this series. Fill up your bushel basket and enjoy them all!
January 20, 2019
Nipped in the Bud is part of the delightful An Orchard Mystery series. I was happy to see the series find a new publisher so it could continue. However, Nipped in the Bud is not on the same level as the other books in An Orchard Mystery (lots of fluff). Granford is a charming small town with a variety of residents (many of whom were not in the book). I am happy to see Seth and Meg settling into married life (plenty of internal dialogue from Meg on this point). But I did not like how Meg came across in Nipped in the Bud. She is bored and whiney. Their new orchard manager is introduced, and I like that he will be building a tiny home. It is great that they are using the old chicken coop foundation for his new abode (though, their estimate on how long it will take to build seemed off). I must admit that I miss Bree, the old orchard manager, with her friendly demeanor. There are some cozy moments with chatting, eating, having coffee, talking about pruning and the building of the tiny home. The mystery was straightforward, but it was light. There was more discussion than sleuthing (lack of action too). The case details are rehashed along with oodles of speculation. The resolution was incomplete. When a crime is solved, I want to know the facts instead of supposition. Detective Marcus comes across as the cliché nasty detective and warns Meg to not investigate (of course). I did not like that Meg kept putting him down (seemed unlike her). I was surprised that Seth rented rooms out of his house without getting references or doing background checks. There were also inconsistencies in character details especially with Meg’s friend, Lauren. The characters seem to be behind the times when it comes to using modern technology (cell phones, tablets) which was puzzling (there were some odd comments). While Nipped in the Bud can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order. I have enjoyed An Orchard Mystery series until Nipped in the Bud. I am giving Nipped in the Bud 3 out of 5 stars. I hope the author is back on her game with the next An Orchard Mystery.
January 24, 2024
4.5 stars
May 12, 2019
This is one of my favorite series. However, I felt like this book fell short. From the beginning, it is very obvious who the murderer is and why. However it takes until the end of the book for any resolution. Meg, the main character, spent most of the book serving coffee because she didn't really need to investigate. I love the characters and the premise of this series. This book just fell short.
November 1, 2018
NIPPED IN THE BUD by Shelia Connolly is the 12th installment of her Orchard Mystery series.
This is a cozy mystery series. One can spend a ‘cozy’ afternoon reading and it is very pleasant, like catching up with old friends.
I don’t read many cozy mysteries, but this is one I have kept up with. I like the characters (most of the time), the locations, the ‘localness’ of the place, and the apple orchard.
This title, however, fell flat on its face for me. The plot points were very sparse; many of the local characters were not included in this title; there was little talk of apple varieties, or orchard management - all those little snippets that made the series palatable. There wasn’t even a recipe at the end. There was no charm or folksy feel to it.
Most of the book centered on Meg’s constant, constant whining and outrage that she was not included in a state narcotics force investigation. Really? Meg’s character was annoying, disrespectful and ignorant. And her constant moralizing about being a ‘faithful wife’ and a ‘traditional woman’ and Seth doing ‘man stuff’ was nauseating. Seth was portrayed as an appendage only. And I can’t believe that a tiny house (even a really tiny house) can be completed and livable in just a few days. I also can’t believe that anyone would rent out a family home to 4 strangers without asking for references and deposits.
I did like the colorful, stylized cover and the reference to Norm Abram of This Old House fame (produced by Boston PBS). That’s about it.
A disappointing read.
This is a cozy mystery series. One can spend a ‘cozy’ afternoon reading and it is very pleasant, like catching up with old friends.
I don’t read many cozy mysteries, but this is one I have kept up with. I like the characters (most of the time), the locations, the ‘localness’ of the place, and the apple orchard.
This title, however, fell flat on its face for me. The plot points were very sparse; many of the local characters were not included in this title; there was little talk of apple varieties, or orchard management - all those little snippets that made the series palatable. There wasn’t even a recipe at the end. There was no charm or folksy feel to it.
Most of the book centered on Meg’s constant, constant whining and outrage that she was not included in a state narcotics force investigation. Really? Meg’s character was annoying, disrespectful and ignorant. And her constant moralizing about being a ‘faithful wife’ and a ‘traditional woman’ and Seth doing ‘man stuff’ was nauseating. Seth was portrayed as an appendage only. And I can’t believe that a tiny house (even a really tiny house) can be completed and livable in just a few days. I also can’t believe that anyone would rent out a family home to 4 strangers without asking for references and deposits.
I did like the colorful, stylized cover and the reference to Norm Abram of This Old House fame (produced by Boston PBS). That’s about it.
A disappointing read.
November 12, 2018
Nipped in the Bud by Shelia Connolly is the 12th book in the Orchard Mystery series and my 2nd book in the series. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to going back and reading the rest. In this book Meg and Seth are happy newly weds, anxious for spring to come to begin work in the orchard for Meg and construction projects for Seth. One evening while taking a walk they over hear a gun shot, than Seth and his dog find a women's body. When the couple are concerned about the police finding the murderer, they set out investigating. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 18, 2018
Nipped in the Bud is an exciting addition to this series by Sheila Connolly.
Meg Chapin is embracing married life, but is itching to get her apple orchard ready for the next season.
When a dead body is found on her property, Meg can't resist the temptation to investigate. What she discovers shatters her image of small town living.
This story is full of twists and turns and will leave the reader on the edge of their seat.
I would highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Meg Chapin is embracing married life, but is itching to get her apple orchard ready for the next season.
When a dead body is found on her property, Meg can't resist the temptation to investigate. What she discovers shatters her image of small town living.
This story is full of twists and turns and will leave the reader on the edge of their seat.
I would highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
February 23, 2019
This is the first book in this series that I have read, but I will pick up others to see what has already happened. I know that I have missed a lot of character development along the way and they may have diminished my enjoyment of the story somewhat. The main characters, Seth and Meg are newly married and trying to keep busy waiting for Spring to come. They have a new orchard manager, Larry, and he and Seth are building a tiny house for him to live in. He is currently renting a room in Seth's house along with several college students. When Seth and Meg are out for a walk with their dog Max one night, they hear a gunshot and Max takes off to investigate. What they find is a dead woman on their property. Of course, Meg is warned to stay out of the investigation, but because it occurred on her property, she doesn't listen.
This cozy was easy to read (less than a day) and enjoyable. The story was perfectly paced. One thing I liked is that the story is set in the offseason for the orchard. It gave Meg plenty of time to snoop, which is always something I wonder about when reading a cozy with a protagonist who owns their own business. Meg does not put herself in danger, nor does she interfere in the investigation, but asks good questions, finds people to talk to and is able to tell when someone is hiding something, all great traits for an amateur sleuth. The mystery is well plotted and the story interesting. Sheila Connolly does a great job weaving in concerns about drug dealing in small towns, yet still penning an interesting and engaging mystery.
This cozy was easy to read (less than a day) and enjoyable. The story was perfectly paced. One thing I liked is that the story is set in the offseason for the orchard. It gave Meg plenty of time to snoop, which is always something I wonder about when reading a cozy with a protagonist who owns their own business. Meg does not put herself in danger, nor does she interfere in the investigation, but asks good questions, finds people to talk to and is able to tell when someone is hiding something, all great traits for an amateur sleuth. The mystery is well plotted and the story interesting. Sheila Connolly does a great job weaving in concerns about drug dealing in small towns, yet still penning an interesting and engaging mystery.
April 1, 2019
This is the 12th book in the Orchard Mystery series. Newly married Meg and Seth are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring in the orchard. They are taking a walk and hear a gunshot and find a dead woman on their land, which leads them to take an interest in the murder.
I didn't like this book as much as I have enjoyed other books in the series, This one felt slower to me, and I had trouble getting through it. I do recommend reading the series, however.
Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't like this book as much as I have enjoyed other books in the series, This one felt slower to me, and I had trouble getting through it. I do recommend reading the series, however.
Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2018
In an interesting twist, this Orchard Mystery deals with the murder of an unknown woman and frustrating turf issues among the law enforcement groups.
Newlywed Meg and Seth hear a gunshot while walking Max, their golden retriever. Before they can stop him, Max takes off in the direction of the gunshot and Seth follows to find a dead woman, shot in the back, on their land.
Local police chief Art Preston begins investigating only to be shut down by homicide detective Marcus who in turn is told to back off by the narcotics unit, who, by the way, knows the dead woman is Jenn Chambers, a freelancer for the Boston Globe, working undercover on a drug dealing story.
Both Meg and Seth find themselves waiting for their respective busy seasons to begin. So, Seth is working with Larry Bennett, Meg’s new orchard manager, to convert an old chicken coop into a tiny house for living quarters. Currently Larry is renting a room at Seth’s old house along with three other guys – two UMass students and one employed fellow – which doesn’t suit him. Unfortunately, Larry becomes a suspect in Jenn’s murder due to circumstances in his background.
The mystery is well plotted and the story fascinating. Author Sheila Connolly efficiently weaves observations and concerns about drug dealing in small towns throughout without compromising this very engaging adventure. Ms. Connolly also fleshes out her newer characters while she continues to detail the evolving relationships among her primary characters. Nipped in the Bud is an excellent read.
Newlywed Meg and Seth hear a gunshot while walking Max, their golden retriever. Before they can stop him, Max takes off in the direction of the gunshot and Seth follows to find a dead woman, shot in the back, on their land.
Local police chief Art Preston begins investigating only to be shut down by homicide detective Marcus who in turn is told to back off by the narcotics unit, who, by the way, knows the dead woman is Jenn Chambers, a freelancer for the Boston Globe, working undercover on a drug dealing story.
Both Meg and Seth find themselves waiting for their respective busy seasons to begin. So, Seth is working with Larry Bennett, Meg’s new orchard manager, to convert an old chicken coop into a tiny house for living quarters. Currently Larry is renting a room at Seth’s old house along with three other guys – two UMass students and one employed fellow – which doesn’t suit him. Unfortunately, Larry becomes a suspect in Jenn’s murder due to circumstances in his background.
The mystery is well plotted and the story fascinating. Author Sheila Connolly efficiently weaves observations and concerns about drug dealing in small towns throughout without compromising this very engaging adventure. Ms. Connolly also fleshes out her newer characters while she continues to detail the evolving relationships among her primary characters. Nipped in the Bud is an excellent read.
October 31, 2018
In this twelfth book of the series it is winter time so it's the off season for both Meg and Seth. With not much for either of them to do when it comes to their work they are both looking for projects to fill their time. Seth has decided to turn an old chicken coop into a tiny house and Meg is looking forward getting some stuff done around the house. While out for a walk one evening the two hear a gunshot which isn't to unusual with it being hunting season. Things turn on there head though when Max, their dog, runs off into the woods and ends up finding the body of a young woman. Who is she and what brought her out into the woods at such an hour? They call the police who come to investigate, hopefully they will be able to identify the woman. They soon learn that the young woman was a reporter doing a story on the local drug trade in their area. The problem is Narcotics doesn't want to release the woman's identity which makes it harder for Homicide to truly investigate. Meg and Seth decide they must look for clues themselves hoping they can figure out who the killer is and why. She was killed in their backyard and they feel a need to help find the truth. Follow along as the two ask questions, look for clues, and delve into a mystery that just might get them killed. This was a wonderful whodunit that had me asking who the culprit was the entire time.
November 20, 2018
I have enjoyed this series up until this point but I didn’t like this one. I felt like nothing happens. There is the a murder but once that happens there is just so much talking that I got bored. I kept putting the book down and then coming back just to figure out who the killer was. The book was so slow that I just couldn’t enjoy the book and it was often very repetitive. For example the characters sit down to go over everything in the case, which is basically a rehash of everything that has happened and really added nothing to the story. I have always found that the main character, meg, to a bit annoying but in this book she is downright whiney and I got frustrated with her pretty quickly. Although I would recommend the earlier books in the series I do not recommend this one and I’m not sure I’ll be continuing with the series anymore.
October 22, 2018
Nipped In The Bud is the twelfth book in the Orchard Mystery series. I was very happy that the series found a new publisher, as I really enjoy reading about Meg Corey Chapin’s endeavors on her apple farm.
Warmer weather is around the corner and Meg and Seth are looking forward to getting back to their work. Soon Meg will be huddling with Larry, her new orchard manager and discussing the plans for the orchard for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Seth had earlier posed making a “small house” for Larry on an existing foundation of an old chicken coop and is anxious to get started on it. While Meg and Seth are out for a breath of fresh air early one evening, the hear a rifle shot. Max, their dog, immediately heads off to where the shot came from, with Seth in pursuit. Soon, Seth comes upon the body of a female. The site is between Meg and Seth’s house and Seth’s former residence, that he now renting to some college students. Seth notifies police chief Art Preston and homicide detective is also called in.
A couple days later Seth and Meg meet with Preston and Marcus, where Marcus identifies the body as Jenn Chambers, a reporter with the Boston Globe. She has come to Granford to do research on drug problems in the area for a story she wants to write. Marcus also informs them that the narcotics unit has ordered everyone to stop any investigation into the murder. They are also unwilling to share any of their investigation with anyone.
With the location of the murder and a possible drug-related problem, Meg and Seth set off on an investigation of there own to try and learn who else might have known of Chamber’s research hoping that is doesn’t bring back to Larry.
Another interesting, well-written and plotted story from Connolly. She includes an enjoyable and believable cast of characters. It was nice to see that Lydia, Seth’s mom, and Christopher, Meg’s mentor for her farm, just might be having a blossoming romance.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series, especially since Meg will probably be working in the orchard and I love to read about what it takes to have a successful orchard.
Warmer weather is around the corner and Meg and Seth are looking forward to getting back to their work. Soon Meg will be huddling with Larry, her new orchard manager and discussing the plans for the orchard for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Seth had earlier posed making a “small house” for Larry on an existing foundation of an old chicken coop and is anxious to get started on it. While Meg and Seth are out for a breath of fresh air early one evening, the hear a rifle shot. Max, their dog, immediately heads off to where the shot came from, with Seth in pursuit. Soon, Seth comes upon the body of a female. The site is between Meg and Seth’s house and Seth’s former residence, that he now renting to some college students. Seth notifies police chief Art Preston and homicide detective is also called in.
A couple days later Seth and Meg meet with Preston and Marcus, where Marcus identifies the body as Jenn Chambers, a reporter with the Boston Globe. She has come to Granford to do research on drug problems in the area for a story she wants to write. Marcus also informs them that the narcotics unit has ordered everyone to stop any investigation into the murder. They are also unwilling to share any of their investigation with anyone.
With the location of the murder and a possible drug-related problem, Meg and Seth set off on an investigation of there own to try and learn who else might have known of Chamber’s research hoping that is doesn’t bring back to Larry.
Another interesting, well-written and plotted story from Connolly. She includes an enjoyable and believable cast of characters. It was nice to see that Lydia, Seth’s mom, and Christopher, Meg’s mentor for her farm, just might be having a blossoming romance.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series, especially since Meg will probably be working in the orchard and I love to read about what it takes to have a successful orchard.
October 25, 2020
This book feels like it was written by someone who had not read, much less wrote, any of the books in the series. There are so many errors with the characters that it has made it almost impossible to finish. In fact, if I didn't have so much invested, I would quit. My advice, if you haven't started it, don't bother. The last book should be A Late Frost. I have enjoyed this series of books and had hoped for a few more, but if they would be like this, I'm happy with them ending.
Sorry Sheila, but this was a BIG fail.
Sorry Sheila, but this was a BIG fail.
March 27, 2025
Although it didn't really tie up the series due to the author's death, I feel good about this last Orchard Mystery & that Seth & Meg Chapin will live happily ever after, growing apples & fixing homes. This has been an enjoyable series & this final novel gives us a taste of outsiders coming in to sleepy Granford & disrupting the peace, although Meg & Seth manage to help their friend, Art the police chief, solve the murder.
April 1, 2021
The story is set in Granford during the slow wintry month of February. The main characters are a newly married couple who discover a dead woman on the wife's property. The state police investigate the murder keep all information under wraps because it might have a bearing on a drug case. However, Meg, the wife can't stop wanting justice for the woman who was killed. The book was an easy read.
September 20, 2023
It’s winter at the orchard and Meg is at loose ends, luckily she finds a body in the backyard. I enjoyed the story in this one and it was a bit different from the usual murder investigation. It’s a shame it’s the last book in the series, I could get used to Larry as the orchard manager, he’s much more likeable than Bree was.
December 9, 2020
Sheila Connolly is gone from this mortal plane, but I am so glad we have her books as part of remembering her fondly. This series was my introduction to her books many years ago. It's as much a wonderful look at a woman who wants a change in her life and goes about doing it as much as it is a mystery series. I really think all of Sheila's book series are like this.
I've not read this series in any kind of order and it hasn't made a difference in my enjoyment of each one.
Meg is now married to Seth and they are settling into married life. Also trying to keep busy during this slower paced winter when there's not much to do with the apple orchard or building or reconstruction. Then a woman is found dead, practically in their backyard. They both get involved in the investigation rather naturally since it feels personal and it involves the police looking at them and their family and friends as persons of interest.
It's a look at small town life, both the bucolic and the seamier side that has crept in.
An excellent book that moves quickly.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
I've not read this series in any kind of order and it hasn't made a difference in my enjoyment of each one.
Meg is now married to Seth and they are settling into married life. Also trying to keep busy during this slower paced winter when there's not much to do with the apple orchard or building or reconstruction. Then a woman is found dead, practically in their backyard. They both get involved in the investigation rather naturally since it feels personal and it involves the police looking at them and their family and friends as persons of interest.
It's a look at small town life, both the bucolic and the seamier side that has crept in.
An excellent book that moves quickly.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
December 2, 2018
Borderline boring installment
I have really enjoyed the majority of this series up until now. This book, however, felt like a long slog to me. At a high level this books events are rather short and to the point. But the way it has been put together makes it feel slow and meandering. There is more internal discussion than action. Which I realize is how this series usually is, however that internal discussion happens during other parts of life. Since the main character is admittedly bored with her day to do for this entire book there isn’t anything to keep me interested in the slog between the action. On some level I think that was the point. But man did it make it tough to get through.
I have really enjoyed the majority of this series up until now. This book, however, felt like a long slog to me. At a high level this books events are rather short and to the point. But the way it has been put together makes it feel slow and meandering. There is more internal discussion than action. Which I realize is how this series usually is, however that internal discussion happens during other parts of life. Since the main character is admittedly bored with her day to do for this entire book there isn’t anything to keep me interested in the slog between the action. On some level I think that was the point. But man did it make it tough to get through.
December 16, 2018
I generally enjoy this series but this one was kind of boring. The orchard is what makes it interesting and different from other cozies, but since it was winter time they weren’t doing much in the orchard. I found there to be a few inconsistencies, like it was presents that Meg’s Boston friend Lauren was unfamiliar with Granford, but, in fact, in previous books she spent quite some time there and even was involved with Det. Marcus, if I recall. It also annoys me that the characters are pretty behind on technology (i.e. they figured that if Jenn, as a waitress drifting about, had a computer, that might seem suspicious! Most folks have a laptop or tablet, if only to watch Netflix 🤪. )
At any rate, I hope future books in the series focus back on the orchard, if only to give Meg something to do other than play the happy housewife!
At any rate, I hope future books in the series focus back on the orchard, if only to give Meg something to do other than play the happy housewife!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
I have really enjoyed this series, but I found this book a little distressing. We have a murder of a newspaper reporter on meg and seth’s land. In the process of helping to solve the murder, Meg was continually putting down the state police (Detective Marcus). In addition, Meg kept wondering how to keep herself busy during the off orchard time. In the previous books, Meg was busy during her off time. I felt this was a step back instead of a step forward in this series.
November 24, 2019
Meg and Seth are taking a relaxing after dinner walk with Max when they hear a gun shot...and it's not hunting season. Thus begins another murder investigation. Very enjoyable to visit Granford again as Meg and Seth match wits with a killer, discovering drugs may have reached their sleepy corner of the world along the way. Another great read!
October 29, 2018
Love this series. Obviously, I did not love this one. It is okay, but there is too much repetition of the known facts and not much forward progress. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
February 27, 2020
3.5 stars
May 3, 2023
While the quality of the Orchard Mysteries has declined somewhat over the last few books, this is a sad end to what was once an engaging series. It truly reads like a first draft that has not been proofed for errors or plot inconsistencies. Just a few examples. Within the first few pages, Meg and Seth see a fox and Meg asks Seth if they should be worried. He says no because even though foxes can get mange, their dog Max is safe because dogs can't get it. I have never owned a dog, but a simple online search will tell you that dogs do in fact get mange and it can be quite harmful to them. Then there is a discussion about what causes mange and how to treat it. Even though the fox looks beautiful and has no signs of mange. And that is one page in a 200 page book. It is fitting that this conversation takes place in Meg's kitchen because 95% of the book is conversations in the kitchen. They never even go into town, so in this last book we don't get to revisit any of the townspeople that we have gotten to know in the series except for the police chief Art.
The plot centers around a Boston Globe reporter who is shot in the back on Meg's property while investigating drug trafficking in their small community. A lot of the book is Meg lamenting that such bad things could be coming to disrupt their quiet life--even though this is the 12th book about murders in their small community. She even thinks, "Should she be worrying about letting strangers in? She hadn't since she'd arrived, but she hadn't had a murder on her property before." The plot of the first book in the series is about a dead body found on Meg's property. How can I remember this and the author doesn't?
The plot is filled with too many inconsistencies and "what?!" moments to enumerate, but here a few examples.
And finally, the book was just boring. There was nothing about the orchard except Meg saying over and over that it was almost time to prune the trees. Her new orchard manager is so socially awkward that he can barely function, but . Then the resolution of the mystery is awful: The whole thing just makes me sad.
One of life's lessons is that people have widely differing opinions, but I am still shocked at the number of four and five star ratings for this book. I think it might actually be the worst book I have ever read. I would have DNFed it except it was the last book in the series and I wanted to see how things wound up for these characters I enjoyed reading about in the first 8 or 9 books of the series. But it doesn't even do that. Murder solved. Book over. No winding everything up in a satisfying way. A complete disappointment.
The plot centers around a Boston Globe reporter who is shot in the back on Meg's property while investigating drug trafficking in their small community. A lot of the book is Meg lamenting that such bad things could be coming to disrupt their quiet life--even though this is the 12th book about murders in their small community. She even thinks, "Should she be worrying about letting strangers in? She hadn't since she'd arrived, but she hadn't had a murder on her property before." The plot of the first book in the series is about a dead body found on Meg's property. How can I remember this and the author doesn't?
The plot is filled with too many inconsistencies and "what?!" moments to enumerate, but here a few examples.
And finally, the book was just boring. There was nothing about the orchard except Meg saying over and over that it was almost time to prune the trees. Her new orchard manager is so socially awkward that he can barely function, but . Then the resolution of the mystery is awful: The whole thing just makes me sad.
One of life's lessons is that people have widely differing opinions, but I am still shocked at the number of four and five star ratings for this book. I think it might actually be the worst book I have ever read. I would have DNFed it except it was the last book in the series and I wanted to see how things wound up for these characters I enjoyed reading about in the first 8 or 9 books of the series. But it doesn't even do that. Murder solved. Book over. No winding everything up in a satisfying way. A complete disappointment.
January 2, 2024
This was about par for the series, somewhere between a 3 and 4 stars. I found it enjoyable, and I am still enjoying the characters.
Although we had enough information to know vaguely the direction this was going, there weren't enough clues for us to settle on one person before it was announced.
I don't know why, since a woman was shot in the dark on her property, that no one considered if it was a case of mistaken identity and that the killer thought the woman was Meg. (I won't say whether or not it was the case. It just seemed odd to me that it wasn't considered.)
For parts of this, I wish the narrative had followed Seth (finding the body, going up the hill at the end), or one of the law-enforcement characters (Art or even Marcus) rather than Meg. Why were we with Meg in the house serving coffee and cookies while all the excitement happened elsewhere and she only heard about it second-hand? It just seemed like this could've been more engrossing if it had been written closer to the action.
This is at least the third book in this series that picks on introverts, trying to fix them, or suspecting them, or waiting for them to relax and open up, or develop social skills, rather than letting them be content in who they already are. (#8 "Picked to Die" and #11 "A Late Frost") Finally in this book - glory halleluiah! - Meg said, "I understand. You're a private person and there's nothing wrong with that."
By the way, as today is "World Introvert Day," Jan. 2nd, I'll give a little synopsis of the distinctions that many people miss.
Antisocial: I refuse to socialize.
Lack of social skills: I can't socialize.
Shy: I'm afraid of trying to socialize.
Introvert: I get tired socializing and need solitude to recharge.
Other reviewers pointed out continuity problems with this book, and it almost did seem to be written by someone else. That seemed to happen to Joanne Fluke's books, too, over time, that they seemed to be dumbed down with information repeated or explained unnecessarily, and I had wondered if the editors had decided the series should be written on an easier reading level.
In this case, several reviewers mentioned that Sheila Connolly passed away the year soon after this book came out. So, maybe she just wasn't feeling very well as she wrote it. (Hmmm. Maybe she didn't feel up to walking around in the snow herself, which was why Meg spent so much time in the kitchen serving coffee and cookies.) Or maybe, because she didn't feel well, the publisher got a ghost writer to finish it, or to put it together from some notes that Ms. Connolly had.
One reviewer pointed out that dogs can, in fact, get mange. I thought so.
Some reviewers complained that Meg spent so much time considering gender roles between her husband and herself in their new marriage. I think that's a normal part of marriage, figuring out who's better suited at what, and who wants to do what, and even .... who's designed to do what. Marriage can be a time to re-evaluate and re-explore ideas such as gender equity on a practical day to day level. For all Meg's complaining that she's an independent woman, that she doesn't need Seth to protect her, she didn't join in the charge up the hill. Women can be and are brave, as history's shown, but Meg didn't feel the need to participate.
Although we had enough information to know vaguely the direction this was going, there weren't enough clues for us to settle on one person before it was announced.
I don't know why, since a woman was shot in the dark on her property, that no one considered if it was a case of mistaken identity and that the killer thought the woman was Meg. (I won't say whether or not it was the case. It just seemed odd to me that it wasn't considered.)
For parts of this, I wish the narrative had followed Seth (finding the body, going up the hill at the end), or one of the law-enforcement characters (Art or even Marcus) rather than Meg. Why were we with Meg in the house serving coffee and cookies while all the excitement happened elsewhere and she only heard about it second-hand? It just seemed like this could've been more engrossing if it had been written closer to the action.
This is at least the third book in this series that picks on introverts, trying to fix them, or suspecting them, or waiting for them to relax and open up, or develop social skills, rather than letting them be content in who they already are. (#8 "Picked to Die" and #11 "A Late Frost") Finally in this book - glory halleluiah! - Meg said, "I understand. You're a private person and there's nothing wrong with that."
By the way, as today is "World Introvert Day," Jan. 2nd, I'll give a little synopsis of the distinctions that many people miss.
Antisocial: I refuse to socialize.
Lack of social skills: I can't socialize.
Shy: I'm afraid of trying to socialize.
Introvert: I get tired socializing and need solitude to recharge.
Other reviewers pointed out continuity problems with this book, and it almost did seem to be written by someone else. That seemed to happen to Joanne Fluke's books, too, over time, that they seemed to be dumbed down with information repeated or explained unnecessarily, and I had wondered if the editors had decided the series should be written on an easier reading level.
In this case, several reviewers mentioned that Sheila Connolly passed away the year soon after this book came out. So, maybe she just wasn't feeling very well as she wrote it. (Hmmm. Maybe she didn't feel up to walking around in the snow herself, which was why Meg spent so much time in the kitchen serving coffee and cookies.) Or maybe, because she didn't feel well, the publisher got a ghost writer to finish it, or to put it together from some notes that Ms. Connolly had.
One reviewer pointed out that dogs can, in fact, get mange. I thought so.
Some reviewers complained that Meg spent so much time considering gender roles between her husband and herself in their new marriage. I think that's a normal part of marriage, figuring out who's better suited at what, and who wants to do what, and even .... who's designed to do what. Marriage can be a time to re-evaluate and re-explore ideas such as gender equity on a practical day to day level. For all Meg's complaining that she's an independent woman, that she doesn't need Seth to protect her, she didn't join in the charge up the hill. Women can be and are brave, as history's shown, but Meg didn't feel the need to participate.
September 17, 2020
Orchard #12 weaker than previous books in the series. Seemed forced, too diving in to solve the murder.
This time they hear a go shot, and Seth chasing after his dog Max, discovers the body of a young woman, Seth and Meg’s age, on their property. Larry Bennett, Meg’s new temporary orchard manager, is living in Seth’s house over the hill, as are three other young men in local colleges or jobs, but is uncomfortable with the noise, constant comings and goings of lots of people. In the quiet Feb. lull, Seth is gung ho converting the old chicken house into a Tiny House with Larry’s help. Local policeman Al is shut out of the investigation by State Police Detective Marcus, who in turn is told hands off by the State Narcotics investigation working on a sting operation. Frustrations on all sides mount. When window in Meg’s car is shot out, and Seth’s mom Lydia and university Professor Christopher report cars day and night at Seth’s nearby house, lights shining through their windows, the Granford locals take it personally and start investigating on their own.
This time they hear a go shot, and Seth chasing after his dog Max, discovers the body of a young woman, Seth and Meg’s age, on their property. Larry Bennett, Meg’s new temporary orchard manager, is living in Seth’s house over the hill, as are three other young men in local colleges or jobs, but is uncomfortable with the noise, constant comings and goings of lots of people. In the quiet Feb. lull, Seth is gung ho converting the old chicken house into a Tiny House with Larry’s help. Local policeman Al is shut out of the investigation by State Police Detective Marcus, who in turn is told hands off by the State Narcotics investigation working on a sting operation. Frustrations on all sides mount. When window in Meg’s car is shot out, and Seth’s mom Lydia and university Professor Christopher report cars day and night at Seth’s nearby house, lights shining through their windows, the Granford locals take it personally and start investigating on their own.
August 17, 2020
Bittersweet to read this knowing author Sheila Connolly passed away earlier this year and there will be no more of her wonderful books. In this last book of the series, Meg and Seth are out for a walk with their dog, Max, when they hear a rifle shot. Max takes off and Seth finds him by the dead body of an investigative journalist who was in town to do a story on drugs. Meg and Seth feel the need to do something since this occurred in their backyard. They investigate with some help from local police chief, Art, and Meg's orchard manager, Larry. It was nice to get to know Larry a little better in this book. I will truly miss Meg, Seth, Lydia, Christopher, Bree, and Larry as well as the town of Granford. These characters have felt like family. I highly recommend reading this wonderful series!!
October 7, 2021
Sadly the final book in the series as Connolly died in 2020. This fell really short. It also looks like it got switched to a new publisher. So maybe it had something to do with the quality of the book?
There were continuity errors. Meg makes a passing reference to her friend Lauren 'who is in banking'. But Meg is no longer friends with Lauren who left banking to be a campaign manager for a local congressman back in book 6. Then even though at the end of A Late Frost, it is springtime in this book we're somehow still in the middle of winter.
I'm sad that Conolly wasn't able to wrap the series up on her own terms. I really enjoyed Meg Corey Chapin as a character. Before reading this series I had not come across female characters who are rural farmers in their thirties in stable and happy relationships who neither want nor have kids.
There were continuity errors. Meg makes a passing reference to her friend Lauren 'who is in banking'. But Meg is no longer friends with Lauren who left banking to be a campaign manager for a local congressman back in book 6. Then even though at the end of A Late Frost, it is springtime in this book we're somehow still in the middle of winter.
I'm sad that Conolly wasn't able to wrap the series up on her own terms. I really enjoyed Meg Corey Chapin as a character. Before reading this series I had not come across female characters who are rural farmers in their thirties in stable and happy relationships who neither want nor have kids.
August 8, 2023
Deel 12 is vooral saai en zeker niet zo goed als de delen in het begin. Dat ligt vooral aan de personages en een teveel aan dialoog. Bovendien zijn ze wel in de boomgaard maar speelt dat eigenlijk geen rol waardoor de boomgaard-charme mist.
Megg is vooral irritant, Seth verhuurt zijn huis aan vreemden zonder hun achtergrond te onderzoeken, Bree is weg en opgevolgd door een competente jongen van wie er om de haverklap wordt gezegd dat hij geen sociale vaardigheden en vrienden heeft, Art is een gezellige agent die veel met Meg praat maar als tegenwicht is er de norse Marcus.
Hoe dan ook, er wordt een journaliste vermoord die aan een drugsonderzoek werkte. Uiteraard op Meg's land. Je weet gelijk wie er achter de drugs zit/zitten en wie er achter de moord zit/zitten. Het is voorspelbaar en niet eens duidelijk hoe Meg het uitvindt.
Megg is vooral irritant, Seth verhuurt zijn huis aan vreemden zonder hun achtergrond te onderzoeken, Bree is weg en opgevolgd door een competente jongen van wie er om de haverklap wordt gezegd dat hij geen sociale vaardigheden en vrienden heeft, Art is een gezellige agent die veel met Meg praat maar als tegenwicht is er de norse Marcus.
Hoe dan ook, er wordt een journaliste vermoord die aan een drugsonderzoek werkte. Uiteraard op Meg's land. Je weet gelijk wie er achter de drugs zit/zitten en wie er achter de moord zit/zitten. Het is voorspelbaar en niet eens duidelijk hoe Meg het uitvindt.
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