This is the second in the series but can easily read as a standalone
There were plenty of twists which lead to a gripping suspenseful read.
An excellent cosy mystery

I loved this book. It was an attention getter from the beginning. It kept me interested and held my attention throughout the entire story. this is such a great series. I recommend this book and author.

Great cosy mystery. I haven't read the first in this series, but don't feel I was disadvantaged here, and was able to follow all the relationships in the village and so on. (I've bought it to read now though, so I can properly catch up with Eve!)
This has everything I love about classic cosies - right down to the nosy villager (in this case, she's running the village shop). who can tell you loads of details about everyone, but is it the info you need? Eve is a great character and I also became very fond of Viv, who runs the cafe, and who Eve works with. Eve's little dog is another new favourite - as I'm sure he will be with many readers of this series. But of course, the setting is also important, and as a Suffolk native, I enjoyed this immensely. There are many little touches that make Saxford perfect and reminiscent of many real Suffolk locales. Very nicely done.
The plotting is great too, with clues and red herrings a-plenty. I really don't want to say much about the plot because who wants to spoil a mystery? Suffice to say, this is a satisfying read, with the right balance of letting you guess along and making it surprising but not ridiculous/feel cheaty. Definitely recommended for traditional mystery fans looking for a new series to get into.

I was really pleased to read the next in the Eve Mallow series after reading Mystery on Hidden Lane.

This book finds obituary writer Eve Mallow called into help when her friend’s son is murdered in the village.

Ashton Foley is a troubled teen and knows everyone in Saxford St Peter, despite his reputation he is a charmer. So when he is found dead at Apple Tree Cottage there are several suspects that could be responsible.

The police move quickly but Ashton’s mother think they have made a mistake. However Eve thinks the arrested suspect is guilty too, so what can she do?

I really enjoyed this next instalment in the series, the author has created a lovely village atmosphere along with some great characters. Anyone who likes the St Marys Mead of Miss Marple or the Carsely of Agatha Raisin will love this series. Eve is a very likeable character who uses her skills to delve into whatever she is investigating.

An excellent read.

Despite living in London for years American Eve fits effortlessly into the little Sussex coastal village she calls home. Working in the village cafe for her friend Viv and writing obituaries she is enjoying the slower pace of life. The downside is she attracts murder and has a unique talent for solving them. It's lovely to reacquaint, with characters introduced in book one, but this is a complete mystery and reads as a standalone.

When Ashton returns to the village, reformed and rich, there's something about him that unsettles Eve. The victim has a chequered past and is a player, the possible suspects are many, including the person the police arrest.

Eve asked to help by Ashton's mother uses her communication and observation skills to good effect. The plot is fast-paced with subtle twists. The characters are complex and suit the cosy mystery ethos.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Eve Mallow is an obituary writer turned sleuth. A previous writing assignment (see Mystery on Hidden Lane, the first book in the series), which was to write a musician’s obituary. The way things worked out Eve ended up investigating his death. Is this the way that she is going to approach every obituary she plans on writing?

Ashton Foley left town some time ago and folks know about his involvement in drugs. It seems that Ashton has turned a new leaf as he has made a success of himself. While his mother is pleased he is back in town, others are not so sure. Before long, his body is found and it is proved to be murder.

When the police decide that the most likely suspect is Ashton‘s mother’s partner, Howard, they go ahead and arrest him. So Ashton’s mother begs Eve to prove Howard’s innocence. As she is then asked to write Ashton’s obituary, Eve becomes an amateur sleuth yet again. The problem is Eve does not go in thinking that Howard is innocent. So not only does she have a lot of people to talk to and have a lot of questions to ask, she must work with her own doubt.

Eve does an excellent job ferreting information from what proves to be a barrage of suspects. The deeper she goes the more Eve depends on sharing the information she turns up with former Chief Inspector, Robin. It will be interesting to know whether or not in future books if the two will develop a relationship. This second book in this series is a very nice cozy mystery with a few twists and turns and leaves readers with a satisfying conclusion.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Mystery at Appletree Cottage is the second installment in the Eve Mallow Series by Clare Chase, which features an obituary writer turned amateur sleuth based in the picture postcard pretty Saxford St. Peter, Suffolk. I did read the first installment, but they give a quick catch up so you won't feel lost (but I would go back and read the first one, it was great!). Ashton Foley, an interior designer, businessman and reformed juvenile delinquent, returns to Saxford to visit his family and he asks Eve if she will write an article on him while he is there and able to answer any questions. She agrees to do so, but before she is able to, he's murdered. The police are convinced that they have their suspect and that this is an open and shut case. Eve, however, it isn't quite so sure. So while beginning to write a obituary for Ashton, she quietly begins her own investigation.

The author has written another excellent mystery. It is filled with a wonderful cast of well detailed characters and enough twists and turns in the book to keep any reader interested. I love books set in charming little British villages. They just seem to be the perfect place to visit, live in and set a murder! I find the author's writing to be interesting and quick paced. She doesn't feel the need to include gratuitous nudity, profanity or violence, which is refreshing. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I would like to thank Clare Chase, Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage by Clare Chase is the second book in the Eve Mallow Mystery series. Eve finds herself being talked into writing a story about the living rather than the dead when Ashton Foley returns to Saxford St Peter. The former rebellious teenager is now a designer to the stars. When he is found murdered near his mother's home, the suspect list is long and includes people from both his past and present. Eve returns to her normal job of obituary writer and begins digging into Ashton's life. The mystery kept me guessing to the end. I love Eve's life in the small English village. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series.

This was a very entertaining mystery. The dead man was known for stirring up trouble and it looks like he found more than he could handle. Set in a small town atmosphere, it should be easy to find his killer. When the police set their sites on a local man with ties to the victim, our erstwhile obituary writer becomes involved in the investigation. Clare Chase has developed a community and characters that will remind you of many you know while still mixing in some very puzzling clues. Eve solves the crime in the end but the story along the way will have you binge reading.

There is something especially charming about this mystery series set in the picturesque Saxford St. Peter. I felt it when reading the first book, and the laconic, peaceful feeling continues (despite the murder) in Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage, the second installment in Clare Chase’s Eve Mallow mysteries.

Obituary writer Eve Mallow has just settled in to her new part-time job at Viv’s tea shop when Ashton Foley, the town’s reformed bad boy, returns to raffle off his plant-based interior design services to three lucky locals. Shortly after the raffle is held, however, Ashton’s body is found in the woods near the cottage owned by his mother, Betty, and her boyfriend, Howard, is named the prime suspect. Betty, who is out of country visiting her sick aunt, can’t believe that Howard would have murdered Ashton, and Eve, who tends to believe her, agrees to investigate.

This is a well-written mystery, with several layers of complication. There are a multitude of suspects, each having one (or more) secrets from the past that come to light during the investigation. With so many people having a reason, past or present, to kill Ashton, there is plenty for Eve to investigate. A subplot involving Ashton’s efforts to get Eve to write a press piece about him for a design magazine adds both interest and, ultimately, poignancy to the book. The characters are charming, especially Eve, with her matter-of-fact spreadsheets and inquisitive nature. Likeable, too, is Robin, the erstwhile police inspector who is now serving as a gardener. His relationship with Eve – like his covert contacts in the police – prove to be invaluable to the story.

At its core, Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage has all the earmarks of a traditional cozy. While the mystery is indeed the focus, the town and its often-colorful residents are so endearing that I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this delightful series.

Note: I received an ARC of Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage from NetGalley and Bookouture. The above is my honest review.

Eve Mallow has now settled into the village of Saxford after the murderous experience in book 1 of the series, Mystery on Hidden Lane.
Ashton Foley, bad boy made good, returns home to the village to support the church roof fund and see his mum. He asks Eve to write about him but she is back to business as usual as an obituary writer when he is found dead. His mum asks Eve to investigate in order to protect her lover who  never got on with her son, but this puts Eve in danger...
This book continues the gentleness of the series despite the content of murder and drug trafficking/grooming! The village characters spring to life in the same way as in Agatha Christie and MC Beaton books, producing plenty of suspects and potential motives.
I felt that this was a less personal book in terms of Eve's character. We saw little of her relationship and emotions with her ex husband and children compared to the first book. Her love interest Simon has moved on but she is developing a solid friendship with retired police officer Robin.
The pace of Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage is reasonably fast despite the cosy feeling of the narrative. Eve is a fun and interesting lead character and it is easy to get carried along with her escapades. Overall, a very enjoyable murder mystery!

This is the second book in the series but could be read as a stand alone.

I really like that the love interest has turned as it adds a different dimension to the usual cosy murder mystery books.

This is a quick paced, easy read and I'd recommend it to others. I have it 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for providing an arc.

Yet another excellent book by Chase and another enticing mystery for our protagonist, obituary writer Eve.
When the body of a local trouble maker turned celebrity home stylist turns up in the woods, Eve is asked to write his obituary and during the course of her research she discovers many motives for his death.

Chase writes with an excellent style and draws you in to the characters from the very beginning. The plot moves quickly and there are many rabbit holes before the murder is revealed.

Thank you Netgalley and the promoter for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

A modern day Agatha Christie type novel with a mature lady more able to get to the bottom of the two deaths in the village.

The characters are well drawn and perfectly likeable and the plot draws the reader in from the very beginning. One does have to suspend one's disbelief every once in a while but this mystery makes for a perfectly satisfying read.

Favorite Quotes:

As a freelance obituary writer, she interviewed the living to unearth the secrets of the dead…

‘I’m sure Simon’s ready to settle down now. And he’s looked very subdued lately.’ ‘You have a vivid imagination. He looks like a dog that’s been let off the leash each time I see him.’

She wasn’t busy at the moment, but a fascinating obituary subject could turn up at any time. It wasn’t like you got advance notice.

Still, he seems like a nice guy, not like he’s portrayed in the press. I’d guess he works hard at his bad-boy image, then goes home and brews up a cocoa.

I know what you’re thinking. I can see it in your face. Nothing would delight you more than having me as a houseguest, but you can’t imagine how to express your thanks. Well, don’t worry, you don’t have to. I want to come. If any dodgy characters turn up on your doorstep, I can frighten them away with my violent hair colour.

Villagers at the ready! Deploy!

He might not be chatty, but he’s easy on the eye. And great with a hoe. So there you are, double benefits. Nice scenery, which will lead to nice scenery.


My Review:

This engaging cozy mystery was a proper conundrum and complete head-scratcher with a full slate of suspects for such a small village. There appeared to be ample circumstantial evidence to put several under suspicion, yet no actual proof on anyone. Color me intrigued. I delighted in this amusing and observantly insightful tale with clever and generous servings of wry humor along with well-paced tidbits and red herrings that had my cynical nature spinning in all directions.

Ms. Chase’s character development continually comes up aces with dynamic and well-honed descriptions and colorful personality traits. I have yet to decide on my favorite, between the vivacious Viv and ever-curious Eve, they are still neck and neck and tied for the top spot.

The second book in the series. Eve is a writer and part time tea shop worker. She writes obituaries. When a somewhat famous man is murdered, she is asked to write his obit, and naturally ends up talking to the suspects and pieces the clues together. Liked this one a lot, and really like her cute pop Gus. A nice twist at the end that took me off guard. Also like the Robin character and would like to learn more about him. Highly recommend this cozy mystery book and series.

In Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage, obituary writer and amateur sleuth Eve Mallow is back with another murder/mystery to solve.
In this cozy-style mystery, American born Eve is in the sweet little Suffolk village of Saxford St Peter, relishing the gentle pace of the village in springtime. While she is tending the garden, listening to the birds, and taking gentle strolls in the woods with her beloved dachshund Gus, Ashton Foley returns. Ashton - a juvenile delinquent turned interior designer to the rich and famous - is mad, bad and dangerous to know, but also rather charming, as Eve herself can testify.
His mother Betty is thrilled by his reappearance, but when her aunt has a stroke, Betty leaves for New Zealand. When Ashton is found murdered in the woods near his mother’s home, Apple Tree Cottage, having been shot in the head, there’s no shortage of suspects. Eve, initially a suspect herself, soon starts investigating...
Clare Chase has written another cracking cozy mystery with a well thought-out, compelling plot, and enough twists and surprises to keep the most demanding armchair sleuth satisfied. This type of novel is right up my street and I very much appreciated Clare Chase's superb and varied characterisation, even though some of the characters weren't particularly personable. Clare Chase writes with such flair and an easy style. Also admirable were the wonderful depictions of the setting. There was a plethora of suspects to choose from who were not particularly fond of Ashton and might have had the motive to kill and I enjoyed the way in which Eve evaluated the information acquired from her observations and questions.
As before in book #1, Mystery on Hidden Lane, I immediately warmed to Eve, finding her ebullience, confidence and intuitiveness very refreshing.
I appreciated the sub-plot snippets that incorporated Eve's personal life, sprinkled in with the murder investigation. All in all, this was a story that held my attention well and I loved that things came together for a great resolution, wrapping things up very neatly. I am eagerly anticipating what Clare Chase has in store for Eve Mallow next!
Reading Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage has motivated me to catch up with the first two books in this talented author's excellent Tara Thorpe Series, Murder on the Marshes and Death on the River .

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This is the second in the Eve Mallow series but can be easily read as a standalone.

I’m back with obituary writer/amateur sleuth Eve Mallow and this time she has the tricky job of finding the killer of bad boy done good Ashton Foley, who seems to have no shortage of enemies!

Mystery At Apple Tree Cottage is a solid cosy mystery with an idyllic setting and nosy main character, that is a nod to classic mysteries.

What I love about this series is Clare Chase manages to set a vivid scene while still creating a puzzling mystery.

Eve is still her determined self, even though she is warned off, yet again, from investigating, she can’t help herself using her obituary writing as a cover to interview the suspects. I have enjoyed seeing Eve grow with confidence since the last book and can’t wait to see what is in store for her next.

I think this one improved on the last, not getting quite so bogged down in the details and a good steady pace.

Mystery At Apple Tree Cottage is a great cosy mystery with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing.

I loved the first instalment in this series and I loved this one.
It's an excellent cozy mystery, engrossing and entertaining.
The cast of characters is well thought and likeable, the setting lovely, the mystery is solid and it kept me guessing till the end.
Can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.