This was a delightful start to a new series. In it, we meet Winnie and her grandmother, Granny Smythe, at their orchard. Money has been tight since Winnie’s grandfather died, and in an effort to bring in more revenue, Winnie has asked the bank for a loan to open a cider shop on the grounds. As she takes the loan officer on a tour, however, they find a dead body, and Winnie watches her dreams go down the drain.

I loved meeting the characters in the book. The book mostly focuses on Winnie, her granny, and Sherriff Wise, though supporting characters are introduced and begin to get fleshed out just a bit. It is easy to picture Blossom Valley and the grounds of the orchard. I don’t know that this was really worth five stars because I generally lean toward four for good books to leave room for five stars at the top of the list, but this was truly an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next installment.

Really enjoyed this new series and look forward to the next book. Quite a good romance simmering along as well.

This book did a great job of putting the "cozy" in cozy mystery. Today is officially the first day of fall 2019, but here in Maryland, it feels more like the 20th day of summer. I just asked my Google assistant what the current temperature was here at 1:00 and it is currently 88 with temperatures expecting to rise all the way up to 91... One of my favorite things about this book was how atmospheric it was. It takes place in late November and December in West Virginia. The descriptions of the weather there helped me to beat my sweltering blues while also getting me more and more in the mood for fall, all things apple, and snowy days.
This book had everything you can want from a cozy mystery- the charming small town, loveable characters to cheer for, a budding love triangle, a hunky policeman, CATS, and a relatable and hard-working main character. The murder was light and not graphic and like any first in a series, we spend more time getting to know the setting and characters than focusing on the murder. For me, I knew who the murderer was pretty early on, but that is a hazard of reading too many mysteries, especially too many cozies. It didn't stop my enjoyment of watching Winnie and Colton and Dot and Granny work their way through the clues, though. First books are always hard for me, and I tend to rate them lower than the rest of the series. Once I learn the town and the people I tend to rate higher, so don't be fooled by my 3.75 rating, I did really really enjoy this book and I am looking forward to continuing on with this series! The book is set to be published on October 29, 2019, be sure to read it with a big mug of cider!! 3.75/5 stars.

Loved it! Thrilled to see it is the first of a series. I am eager to read the next one. The kittens, the cars, the people, all were a delight. Some scary moments. A surprise ending.

Apple Cider Slaying is a delightful new mystery and has the potential to become a fantastic series! Julie Anne Lindsey has written a book that not only held my attention from beginning to end, but also made me excited to see what's in store for the rest of the series! I highly recommend this one if you enjoy the cozy mystery genre.

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey is the first book in a new cozy mystery series, A Cider Shop Mystery, and was a great beginning.

Winnie and Granny Smythe are wonderful warm characters that I found to be very likable; and I look forward to spending more time with them as this series continues. Sheriff Wise was not too likable at first; but he began to loosen up as he got to know Winnie and Granny. He's an enigma that I look forward to getting to know better in the next book. A swiftly paced plot, very few suspects, red herrings and twists that kept me turning the pages. The reveal was a little scary so I was gripping my Kindle throughout the scene. The perfect cozy mystery for me. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.

I really liked this book. It's fast-paced and well written. I was hooked from the get go and ended up reading it in one sitting. I really liked the main characters and all the small town togetherness. It helped the budding relationship between Winnie Mae and Colton to develop. I can't wait to see where it goes next. The ending was a complete surprise to me. #AppleCiderSlaying #NetGalley

Quick fun weekend read. Lots of twists and turns, Very enjoyable. Did not expect the ending at all. The food and cider descriptions were mouth watering. I've had a yerning for cider ever since!

Unfortunately, I have not been able to make a connection to any of the characters or to the setting. It does seem like it should be a good mystery, but it just isn't for me. I may try the 2nd book in the series when it comes out so that there is less background information.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Apple Cider Slaying” by Julie Anne Lindsey is the first in the “A Cider Shop Mystery” set in Blossom Valley, WV. What a great start to a new series! This will be another series in my favourite list.

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 . . .

Protagonist Winnie Montgomery is relatable, smart and very likeable she lives with her grandmother (Granny Smythe) on Smythe Orchard. I loved the assortment of characters like Granny, Dot her bff and who can resist a couple of orange rescue kittens. I also loved the chemistry between Winnie and Colton.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and there are plenty of twists and turns in this story. Kept me guessing till the very end.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends!

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books, the Author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Apple Cider Slaying
1st book in a new series.
Amazing I couldn’t put it down, I was hooked from the first page to the last .
Highly entertaining, I laughed at some of the antics Kenny and Dolly got up to.( kittens).
Loved the characters especially Winnie ,granny best friend Dot .also the new Sheriff Colton Wise.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars ⭐️ I would.
Plenty of red herrings to keep you on you toes.
Soooo looking forward for Julie’s next book to come out.
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for advance copy for a honest review.

This was a lovely book with a gentle tone of voice and levelheaded yet human characters. Exactly what I need for escapism with some laughter and thankfully cats (!!):

'Orange cats are usually male, but the business end of one of them said otherwise.'

If this is a first in a series we'll be in for a treat.

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey is the first in an excellent series of cozy mysteries located in Blossom Valley, WV. Winnie , a 28 y/o local gal, lives with her grandmother (Granny Smythe) on their own Apple Orchard.

I love the location jn WV, and being from WV, this series makes me proud, and does justice for the Wild and Wonderful state. I love the Christmas setting, the murder/mystery, and the heartfelt message.

I love all of the characters that I was introduced to: Winnie, Granny, Dot, Granny’s knitting club, Jake, and Sheriff Colton Wise. The author even introduced some pesky characters (I am talking to you Hank). Winnie is an excellent character. I identify with her, she is smart, hometown, humble, realistic, sweet, feisty, and imperfect. I love the chemistry between her and Colton.

I loved everything about this book. This is my new favorite series, and I am excited about the next book and getting to read more about Winnie and Colton, as well as the crazy antics with Kenny Rogers and Dolly.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

This is posted to my GR account immediately and will be posted to my Amazon, Bookbub, and B&N accounts upon publication.

First in a new series
Winona Montgomery and her granny Smythe are running their apple orchard as best as can be.
Winnie is becoming known for her her cider making skills.
Winnie is trying to get a loan so she can be open all year long, which will help immensely with the cost of having an orchard.
When touring the property with the bank manager, they make a gruesome discovery, which puts her granny at the top of the suspect list
Winnie won’t stop asking questions and when she puts her favorite person in harms way, she will stop at nothing to find the monster who is trying to ruin her and her dreams.

I absolutely loved this book. Winnie and granny are so easy to like and relate to. The bond between them is amazingly strong and it adds a great dimension to the story.
This book literally had me on the edge of my seat! It kept me guessing until the end, and I was gobsmacked at the reveal.
This is a perfect start of a new series and I will be watching for the next book.

This was a fun mystery. I loved the setting, and the characters were interesting. The book was well written and had plenty of suspense. I really enjoyed the relationship between Winnie and Granny Smythe. I can't wait to read more in this series.

I received a free copy of APPLE CIDER SLAYING (Cider Shop Mystery, Book 1) by Julie Anne Lindsey in exchange for an honest review. Winnie’s family business, Smythe Orchards, is in serious financial trouble. Winnie has some ideas on how to save the business, but she’ll need a loan from the local bank. Winnie’s plans to impress the loan officer with a tour of the farm are upset when they find a body in apple press. The sheriff, new to town, focuses on Granny Smythe as the primary suspect since the victim was Granny’s longtime rival. With the sheriff seeming to focus only on Granny Smythe and accusing Winnie of fabricating vandalism at the farm to create reasonable doubt, Winnie knows she must now save her grandmother and her family reputation as well as the farm.

I liked this book. I thought it was a good start to a new series. The characters were engaging, and the setting was enchanting. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries set in rural farm towns.

#AppleCiderSlaying #NetGalley