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Murder in the Orchard: Ozarks Cozy Mystery Series
When Apple Days turns deadly, vintage store owner Della Fox must peel back layers of secrets to catch a killer before the harvest claims another victim.
Della Fox is finally enjoying a peaceful autumn in Clover, Missouri. Business at her vintage store is thriving, her relationship with Bryce is flourishing, and she's even found time to relax—until Apple Days at the Broomfield Orchard shatters the small town's seasonal serenity.
When renowned orchard owner Claudine Broomfield is found murdered behind the barn during the festival's opening day, the entire community is left reeling. The shocking discovery sends ripples through Clover, especially when witnesses realize they initially mistook the victim for someone else. Was Claudine the intended target, or did the killer strike the wrong person?
As Della investigates alongside Sheriff Jared Metcalf and Chief Raelyn Dalton, she uncovers a tangled web of old grudges, unpaid debts, and buried secrets. The list of suspects grows with each Claudine's own son who argued with her that morning, a disgruntled volunteer with a grudge, a mechanic owed money, and an equipment manager with a suspicious timeline. Even more troubling, an older woman in gloves keeps appearing in witness accounts—but no one can identify her.
Just when Della thinks she's found the truth about Claudine's murder, a shocking connection emerges to the decades-old disappearance of Lydia Bland—a mystery Della hasn't been able to let go. A surprise visit from a woman with ties to both cases reveals that powerful forces in Clover have been pulling strings for years, and some people will do anything to keep the past buried.
With Bryce at her side and danger closing in, Della must navigate a maze of deception where the town's most respected citizens may be its most dangerous. Can she expose the truth before the killer strikes again? And will finally solving one mystery only lead her deeper into another?
Della Fox is finally enjoying a peaceful autumn in Clover, Missouri. Business at her vintage store is thriving, her relationship with Bryce is flourishing, and she's even found time to relax—until Apple Days at the Broomfield Orchard shatters the small town's seasonal serenity.
When renowned orchard owner Claudine Broomfield is found murdered behind the barn during the festival's opening day, the entire community is left reeling. The shocking discovery sends ripples through Clover, especially when witnesses realize they initially mistook the victim for someone else. Was Claudine the intended target, or did the killer strike the wrong person?
As Della investigates alongside Sheriff Jared Metcalf and Chief Raelyn Dalton, she uncovers a tangled web of old grudges, unpaid debts, and buried secrets. The list of suspects grows with each Claudine's own son who argued with her that morning, a disgruntled volunteer with a grudge, a mechanic owed money, and an equipment manager with a suspicious timeline. Even more troubling, an older woman in gloves keeps appearing in witness accounts—but no one can identify her.
Just when Della thinks she's found the truth about Claudine's murder, a shocking connection emerges to the decades-old disappearance of Lydia Bland—a mystery Della hasn't been able to let go. A surprise visit from a woman with ties to both cases reveals that powerful forces in Clover have been pulling strings for years, and some people will do anything to keep the past buried.
With Bryce at her side and danger closing in, Della must navigate a maze of deception where the town's most respected citizens may be its most dangerous. Can she expose the truth before the killer strikes again? And will finally solving one mystery only lead her deeper into another?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
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5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 17, 2025
The latest in the Ozark Cozy Mystery series. Della Fox, antique store owner and amateur sleuth, heads to the annual apple fest to relax and enjoy her hometown festivities. Strolling through the displays, enjoying the apple orchard, comes to an end with a scream and the discovery of a body. She and her friend, Bryce, are asked to assist in the investigation. It seems the more they discover, the more people had secrets and a motive. I love the flow of the story, there are no duplicate screens. The central character feels real, as you see the story unfold through her eyes.
December 17, 2025
Another good read in the Ozark Cozy Mystery Series
I have enjoyed all 18 books in this series. I always look forward to the next book and mark it in my calendar. I like the characters in these books. It was nice to see Ryan’s getting back to the dating scene. Very touching.
Robert Ericksen
I have enjoyed all 18 books in this series. I always look forward to the next book and mark it in my calendar. I like the characters in these books. It was nice to see Ryan’s getting back to the dating scene. Very touching.
Robert Ericksen
January 5, 2026
Ozarks
Another great adventure in this next book in this series. I love reading about Della Fox’s adventures. This story is filled with every expectation of a cozy mystery.
Another great adventure in this next book in this series. I love reading about Della Fox’s adventures. This story is filled with every expectation of a cozy mystery.
January 22, 2026
Enjoy all books! Patiently? waiting for next book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews