I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a good cozy mystery, especially one with a unique setting. So when I spotted “Apple Cider Slaying” by Julie Anne Lindsey on the bookstore shelf, with its charming illustrated cover of an apple orchard, I knew I had to give it a read. The fall season was just beginning, and curling up with a mystery set in a cider shop sounded like the perfect way to embrace the changing leaves and crisp autumn air.
From the very first page, I was transported to the world of Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe, proprietors of the family apple orchard and cider shop. Lindsey’s vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there among the fruit-laden trees and oak barrels of fresh-pressed cider. The small-town setting was utterly charming, and I found myself wishing I could pay a visit to the cider shop myself.
But of course, this picturesque world is shaken when a murder occurs, and Winona Mae finds herself drawn into the investigation. As an amateur sleuth mystery, the story follows some familiar beats, with Winona Mae poking around, asking questions, and putting together the clues. However, Lindsey manages to keep things fresh with an engaging cast of supporting characters and the unique elements the apple orchard setting brings to the table. I especially enjoyed how the rhythms and challenges of running the orchard business were woven into the mystery plot.
One of the strengths of “Apple Cider Slaying” is Lindsey’s brisk, easy-to-read prose. The pages seemed to fly by, and I found myself stealing every spare minute to read just one more chapter. Lindsey has a gift for snappy, playful dialogue that suits the cozy genre perfectly. Some of the exchanges between Winona Mae and Granny Smythe had me chuckling out loud.
I will say the mystery itself was perhaps a tad predictable, as I guessed the culprit a bit before the big reveal. But the journey to get there was so fun, I didn’t really mind. And Lindsey throws in just enough twists and red herrings to keep things interesting. I particularly loved the climactic scene in the cider shop, where all the suspects were gathered together and secrets came spilling out. It was like something out of a classic Agatha Christie novel, and I was grinning the whole way through.
More than just an entertaining read, though, I found “Apple Cider Slaying” surprisingly thought-provoking at times. There are some lovely themes woven throughout about the importance of family, honoring the past while still making your own way, and the value of community. Winona Mae’s reflections on her changing role in the family business really resonated with me, as I’ve been going through a career transition myself. It was a reminder that it’s never too late to chart a new course.
I also appreciated the snippets of apple lore and cider-making details that Lindsey included. It lent an air of authenticity to the story and made me feel like I was learning something too. I never knew there were so many apple varieties! After reading the book, I’m eager to visit my local apple orchard and sample some new-to-me cider flavors.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with “Apple Cider Slaying.” It was exactly the kind of fun, feel-good read I was craving, perfect for a lazy autumn weekend. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, or just looking for something light and entertaining to escape into, I highly recommend picking this one up and savoring it like a mug of spiced cider. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series. Here’s hoping Winona Mae has many more apple-themed adventures ahead of her!