Apple Cider Slaying

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey is the debut of A Cider Shop Mystery series. Winnie Montgomery and her Granny Smythe run Smythe Orchards in Blossom Valley, West Virginia. Winnie wants to add a cider shop in the Mail Pouch barn, but she needs a loan from the local bank. Winnie is showing around Mr. Sherman, the local loan manager, around the property when they discover Nadine Cooper, Granny’s longtime neighbor and nemesis, dead on the cider press. Sheriff Colton Wise quickly sets his sights on Granny which sends Winnie on the hunt for the real culprit. Apple Cider Slaying is a cute new cozy mystery that gets off to a solid start. We are introduced to Winona Mae Montgomery and her grandmother, Granny Smythe. They have a close relationship that I admired (so sweet together). I like that the author took the time to establish the main characters and introduce readers to their orchard. The descriptions of the orchard, Blossom Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains were wonderful. It was interesting to learn about the different apple varieties and how cider is made. The mystery had a couple of suspects and there was plenty of action. While it is a snap to identify the killer, I enjoyed following the investigation. I was curious as to why Mrs. Cooper was killed which took longer come to light. I enjoyed the author’s conversational writing style which made Apple Cider Slaying a breeze to read. There are also two adorable kittens in the story. I could tell the author has experience with kittens from the scenes she wrote. Kittens sharp little claws and how it feels is accurately described (they love to climb up a person’s legs). Winnie also dreams up a Christmas festival for the orchard and spends time getting it organized. She has clever ideas and is a Martha Stewart wannabe. There is romance in the air for Winnie as well. I will definitely be reading Pulp Friction when it comes out next spring. Apple Cider Slaying is a charming new cozy mystery with a strong minded sheriff, cinnamon cider, classic cars, cute kittens, a polluted press and Christmas cheer.

So, I was already SUPER excited to have an ARC of Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey. Then I happened to find out about a Kensington Cozy Con happening about 2 hours from me. You know who was going to be there? Yep! Julie Anne Lindsey. I met her and you guys…she is SO sweet. After meeting her, I was even more excited to read Apple Cider Slaying. My first visit to Blossom Valley, West Virginia did not disappoint. Winnie and Granny wriggled right inside my heart from the very first page. I loved the setting. Being from small-town, eastern Ohio, bordering West Virginia, it felt like home. Winnie was so easy to like. The story swept me up and I was on pins and needles wanting to see how this one turned out. Apple Cider Slaying is a thoughtful mystery perfect for curling up with on a crisp fall evening. You’ll find yourself loving the mystery…and craving some of Winnie’s apple cider! I’m ready to start a countdown for the release of book two…I can’t wait to read it!

Love this series!