Apple Cider Slaying

Cider Shop Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Julie Ann Lindsey

Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley

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 25-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....

©2019 Julie Anne Lindsey (P)2019 Tantor

Overall a Fun & Cozy Listen for the Holidays

The characters are likable and I do have to admit I did not figure out the mystery which I always appreciate. There’s nothing worse than a mystery in which you figure it out during the first half of the book. Narrator was ok when reading the female parts but made the Sheriff sound 100 years old, lol, so I found that distracting. I’m familiar with the northern panhandle of WV and Winchester VA so I found some of the geographic descriptions way off, which I know is author’s choice. My husband grew up in Winchester and it’s quite busy now - not a sleepy little town. The mention of the New River and national park also threw me off as that’s hours away in southern WV. Was the author talking about the national park of Harper’s Ferry? Idk. That was confusing to me. Choose one geographic region and stick with it. Loved the concept of the apple cider stand so much so that I made myself a cup of hot cider while listening. Best wishes to the author. Anyone who puts pen to paper deserves to be celebrated.

so cozy...

Great new series with interesting and likable characters. Narrator is fantastic too. Hope this becomes a series!

Awesome

I liked this book, it was a mystery ,a little romance, friendship, and a small town that come together and help and encourage when things get tuff.

Sweet Cozy Mystery

Rather old-fashioned, family-oriented mystery that takes place in WV. I made some apple cider while listening- inspired by one of the recipes from Winnie. I normally like more snark and adult themes - but this was soothing on a winter day. I listened at 1.3x speed.

Picturesque Town

The author did a wonderful job building a town and characters I would love to visit and meet all the people.

Nice Christmas story

kept me interested all the way through so I can't wait to start her next book and the reader was good.

Fun!

Loved the enigma until the end! Good work!
Will recommend! Thank you so much for including it with my membership.

Great Story

I love her writing style, characters, and story line! The narrator is excellent too. All of the books I have read by Julie Anne Lindsey have been great!

The down home / gourmet apple cider business main story

I was enjoying all aspects, but am sad that the last of the 3 books was written in 2021... i hope there are more...

Wonderful Story Line

I am a big fan of these kinds of books, and this one did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend.