Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey is the first book in the new cozy A Cider Shop Mystery series. As with most cozy series each book should have it’s own mystery completely solved within and only carry over the character development.

Winona Mae Montgomery is doing her best to help her Granny Smythe save the family business, Smythe Orchards, located in Blossom Valley, West Virginia. The orchard has been barely getting by so Winnie is excited to bring in some fresh, new and hopefully money making ideas for the business.

Winnie and her granny have the orchard hopping with it’s First Annual Christmas at the Orchard. With customers everywhere on the property Winnie hopes it’s the perfect time to pitch another of her ideas to the bank but as she and the loan officer scope out the property during Winnie’s pitch they walk in on the body of Granny Smythe’s long time rival Nadine Cooper.

Apple Cider Slaying was a solid opening to a new cozy series. Being the first of the series I was of course just getting used to the characters and setting so while they were nice enough I wouldn’t say it overly stood out from the myriad of other cozies out there just yet. However, I did like this opener enough to rate it at 3 1/2 stars and would continue on with book two.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Apple Cider Slaying is cute, charming mystery set in a Hallmark Channel-esque town named Blossom Valley. Winnie, a smart and savvy young women, lives on a sprawling apple orchard owned by her grandmother, Granny Smythe. The farm and orchard has had some financial trouble and Winnie, known for her famous apple cider, has decided to pursue opening a separate cider shop on the property. She stumbles upon a crime scene, her granny's nemesis is found dead on the property just as Winnie is giving a tour, and the handsome sheriff shows up on the scene-linking Granny to the death. What ensues is a fall mystery perfect in time for Halloween with a dash of romance thrown in. Easy reading and a cute story.

Thanks fo the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Apple Cider Slayer, the first book in the Cider Shop Mysteries, is the perfect cozy mystery to read when you feel like dropping in on an apple orchard in that magical time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Trying to revive their struggling orchard by creating new events, staying open year-round, and opening a cider cafe, Winnie and her granny have their hands full when their argumentative neighbor is found dead in their own cider press. Granny becomes the main suspect, and Winnie has to work hard to clear Granny's name, while keeping the orchard afloat. This is a wonderfully enjoyable read that kept me guessing right to the surprising end. And had me heading to find a jug of apple cider! I liked the characters and look forward to getting to know them better in future books. I'm so glad I got a chance to read this book and eagerly await book two!

I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

Apple Cider Slaying is a well written cozy Mystery. Loved the plot, the quirky characters and the setting. I certainly look forward to reading more books in this series. Mystery fans will love this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey 4 stars

This is the first book in The Cider Shop Mysteries. I have been a fan of Ms. Lindsey since her first Kitty Couture Mystery writing as Julie Chase.
I was eager to read the beginning of a whole new series and it did not disappoint.

We are introduced to Winona Mae Montgomery aka "Winnie" and her loving Granny Smythe. Her family runs a twenty five acre orchard in northern West Virginia. However, the business has suffered a setback and Winnie is trying to improve the finances by having other events. She is having tours stop at the orchard and selling cider and other apple products to visitors. A contentious neighbor showsup to talk to Granny who was giving a tour. While taking a bank representative on a tour, Winnie finds the neighbor dead in her cider press room. The local law shows up in the form of Sheriff Colton Wise. There are interviews conducted and Winnie starts to see that the line of questions is pointing to her Granny as the prime suspect.

The rest of the book is Winnie listening to local gossip and following up on the leads. We get more background on Winnie and her friends and learn more about the mysterious Sheriff Wise. The interaction between Winnie and Colton is perfect set up for a future relationship. There were several red herrings and I didn't suspect the real villain until the last part of the book. This book was a fast and enjoyable read and I look forward to "Pulp Friction" next Spring.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for this ARC.

A strong start to what promises to be a fun new series. The setting of this book is so unique, which is definitely a draw. Likable characters, a strong plot, and a story that is entertaining with a mystery you will be hard pressed to guess. I cannot wait for more.

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Ann Lindsey is the 1st book in A Cider Shop Mystery series, and I loved it. I rarely come across a new series whose first book is this good. Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe are running the family's apple farm business. To get more business, and to save the farm, Winona Mae plans the First Annual Christmas at the Orchard. Unfortunately Granny Smythe arch enemy if found dead on their farm, and Granny is the main suspect. I can not wait for the next book in the series. Excellent cozy mystery that I strongly recommend.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

Great winter setting that will get any cozy mystery lover ready for the holidays.

Winnie is smart and is determined to save her granny orchard at any cost. I really enjoyed reading this page-turner that offers readers, danger, whimsical setting, and fun-loving characters and some love interest for Winnie. I really loved the vision Winnie has for the future for the Orchard and she goes over and beyond to try to bring her vision to life as she constantly has to battle solving the murder and the threat that is on her own life.

I recommend Apple Cider Slaying to any cozy mystery reader.

Apple Cider Slaying is the debut of the A Cider Shop Mystery series set in Blossom Valley, West Virginia and featuring Winona Mae "Winnie" Montgomery. Winnie has grown up on Smythe Orchards, raised by her grandparents when her mother abandoned her as an infant and now she's attending college part time, working as a waitress at the local diner and trying to help her Granny keep the farm above water. Faced with mounting debt Winnie hatches a plan to open a cider shop at the orchard featuring her homemade flavorful ciders, but in order to see her dream come to life she first must convince bank manager, Mr. Sherman to give her a loan.

Unfortunately when Mr. Sherman arrives for a site visit, the two discover dying trees and the body of nosy neighbor, Nadine Cooper bludgeoned in the cider press. Granny and Nadine have a not so pleasant history so it's not a shock when the new Sheriff in town targets Granny as the killer. But, Winnie knows that her sweet grandmother is not a killer and she sets out to clear her name.

A fast paced mystery with twists and turns, a cast of friendly characters, a pair of delightful kittens, a blossoming romance and mouthwatering cider descriptions transport you into the heart of Blossom Valley from page one. A fantastic debut!

I received an advanced copy of Apple Cider Slaying from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Apple Cider Slaying
(A Cider Shop Mystery #1)
by Julie Anne Lindsey

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: October 29th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation





Goodreads synopsis:
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 . . .


***

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the A Cider Shop Mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey.

What a great start to a new cozy series! I think the author did a fantastic job introducing us to this new world and all the citizens of Blossom Valley. In this book like in many others, the main character never does what they are told. And that is why we follow along with them, right? So, when a dead body ends up in the cider tank, the first thing Winnie does is worry whether her cider business will survive this fiasco!

And from there on it was a roller coaster of action with Winnie stumbling over clue after clue and trying to evade Sheriff Wise when she isn’t wondering if he might be a possible love interest. But she has mixed feelings about the police man since she and her Granny are his top suspects! This makes Winnie want to discover the truth even when the Sheriff Wise tells her to stay out of it. She has to prove Granny’s innocence!

I really enjoyed this and look forward to all the new cider stories Julie Anne Lindsey plans for us. If you love cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

A cute cozy Halloween mystery. Winnie and her grandma’s farm is in trouble. Winnie has many ideas to fix it but a neighbor gets killed in their orchard. Afterwards, a series of events are sabotaging the farm. Winnie investigates as a civilian while also trying to start up her cider business, keep the orchard together, care for everyone including kittens she adopted, and work her part time job in a diner. Also her ex is back in town, and the police are mad at her investigating.
I like that this musters is taking place in late Autumn and early winter. An apple farm is a fun setting for the time of the year. The characters are well developed. Winnie grows a lot as the main character, but so do others. I will be interspersed to read more about all of them, and I I hope for a Halloween themed book in the series.

Julie Anne Lindsey is able to write cozy mysteries that readers will be able to connect with as they move from character, murder and trying to solve the case before granny is thrown in jail.

The story moves quickly while giving reader a town farm that will have readers wanting to visit.

The author writing style has changed and evolved in a more confidante writer as readers start with her new series that is a cant miss. The characters come alive on the pages as readers connect with everyone in the story.



Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Julie Anne Lindsey Apple Cider Slaying.

Title: Apple Cider Slayer

Series: Cider Shop Mystery #1

Author: Julie Anne Lindsey

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 320

Kensington Publishing

October 29,2019

Rating: 4.5

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 . . .


My thoughts

Would I recommend it? yes

Will I read more of this series? yes

Would I read more by this author ? yes

A nice start to a new series that is cute and adorable and very sweet as well , and the characters are funny as well. And the story just seems to flow so well that you get lost in to and just want to see what happens next , and the story is a mixture mystery . hummer and twists that keep you guessing, with that said I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read and review it .

Who likes apple cider? Me, too! One of the first things that attracted me to this book was the cheery red Christmas cover, and the thought of hot cider on a cold winter day.

Winnie Montgomery’s passion is creating savory homemade apple ciders! Her cider is sold at her Granny Smythe’s Orchard in gorgeous Blossom Valley, West Virginia. Winnie’s dream is to renovate an old barn on the property into a cider shop and for that, she needs a bank loan. When Mr. Sherman, the banker, comes for a tour and they stumble across a corpse; Winnie fears that’s killed her chances for loan approval, however; she’s a determined protagonist and isn’t going to let a murderer ruin her project. She decides if she solves the murder and can get the bank officer to come back, then maybe she can still get a loan.

Full of home, hearth, and love of family, friends, and community; I constantly felt the coziness as I savored this story. Winnie and her Granny have such wonderful memories that crop up throughout the fast-paced storyline. As the mystery and suspense build, there’s so much more to this story than picking apples and sipping cider. The author led me on such a merry chase that the killer snuck up on me! Scrumptious sounding recipes round out the ending of this delicious read. Grab a warm beverage and enjoy this cozy!

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing with an honest, unbiased opinion. Thank you.

Winnie Montgomery is trying her best to drum up business for her family's apple orchard. She's hoping that when the bank manager sees how well the business is doing, he'll approve the loan she needs to open a cider shop. When he arrives to tour the property, they discover her grandmother's nemesis dead in the apple press. The police immediately suspect her grandmother of the crime. Winnie knows her grandmother is innocent and is determined to uncover the truth. I loved every minute of this fast-paced, suspenseful cozy mystery! The characters are likable and easy to relate to. Winnie's a hard worker, and I admired her optimism, and her determination to succeed. I loved her strong bond with her grandmother. The mystery was well-plotted and kept me guessing. This is a wonderful introduction to a new series and I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Ann Lindsey is the first book in A Cider Shop Mystery series.

In small town of Blossom Valley in West Virginia, Winnie and her Granny are trying to save Smythe Orchards. Times are hard but they are willing to work even harder and they organize First Annual Christmas at the Orchard hoping to drum up business to be able to get a loan from the bank to develop even further.

However that is put to the test as her Granny's nemesis Nadine Cooper is found stuck in apple press. First and obvious suspect is Granny and Winnie is devastated and worried about police not looking any further than her grandmother.

I liked the characters. they are realistic and believable. I liked how hard working and determined they are and the loving relationship between two main protagonists is truly touching.
I found the story somewhat stilted and forced.
I loved the atmosphere and that special cozy feel that this book definitely has.

Umm. It's never good to find a body in a cider press but let's face it- it's especially awkward and distressing if you, like Winnie, are showing the bank loan officer around the property. Winnie's Granny Smith has owned the orchard in Blossom Valley, West Virginia for years and Winnie is hoping to spruce things up and increase profits. Unfortunately, the dead woman, Nadine Cooper, has been a problem for Granny so she's the number one suspect (as silly as that sounds since killing her in the. press is definitely going to be bad for business!). Winnie finds there's more to Nadine than anyone had put together and she works to find the villain. Sheriff Wise is a good guy (I think), Winnie and Granny are good characters, and Lindsey has taken advantage of her setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A nice start to a new series!

Winnie and her grandma run an apple orchard until a body is found in the press room. A hunky cop, cute cats and an array of interesting characters make a nice cozy mystery. I liked the book fine, although also easy to put down. Would recommend.

Thank you @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the review copy of this cozy mystery. All opinions are my own. Apple Cider Slaying will release on 10.29.19. Just in time to be at the top of your Fall / Holiday reading list!!

This was such a wonderful start to a new series. The setting takes place at Smythe Orchards, a family owned, historical apple farm. Winona lives there with her beloved grandma, Granny Smythe, and is anxious to use her business sense to expand and operate a new cider shop. A place where locals can enjoy homemade cider blends, purchased baked goods and even rent out the space for private events. Business has been rough though and Winona needs to secure a loan in order to move forward with her plans. When the banker comes to interview her and take a look around the property he’s in for an unpleasant impression. A meddlesome neighbor is found dead in the apple press. Seems someone isn’t too thrilled about the idea of the farm expanding. Winona must clear their names and find the real culprit before all her dreams are ruined.

The mystery is so well done in this book. I was stumped and totally thrown off by numerous suspects until the big reveal at the end!! Kudos to the author for keeping me guessing and making the storyline totally plausible.

The cast is another huge win for this book. I loved Winona. She’s smart, a hard worker and quite stubborn when it comes to being a sleuth. Her vision for the cider shop was wonderful and it was fantastic to see her community rile around the farm in their time of need. Granny is a hoot. Never underestimate a sarcastic woman with a shotgun! I enjoyed the slow build up of chemistry with the love interest too. Curious to see what his secrets hold and what will happen now that Winona’s ex is moving back to town.

Already anxious to get my hands on book 2, Pulp Friction. I wonder what random rescue animal Winona will take in to fulfill that last random act of kindness.

The book does include a few recipes.

Apple Cider Slaying was the first book in a new series and it started off great. I loved the family dynamic between Winnie and Granny Smythe. Predictably the love interest is going to be the detective and her ex is moving back to town bringing together the ever present love triangle in cozy mysteries. Really enjoyed reading about the process of making the different ciders and the idea of a Cider shop in the works. The descriptions of the orchard were great and it makes you feel like you are actually there. The kittens Kenny and Dolly just round out the cuteness in this book. Can't wait to see what else Winnie and Granny get into in future books. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

I absolutely love the cover of this book! It is gorgeous!! Reviews will be posted on Goodreads and Amazon on publishing day!!