Cooking the Books

Apple Orchard #2

by Chelsea Thomas

An Apple a Day Can’t Keep the Murder Away

Chelsea Thomas is just getting settled into life back in her hometown of Pine Grove, New York, when a sled race at the annual festival turns deadly. Chelsea doesn’t want to be involved in another murder investigation, and neither does her aunt, Miss May.

But everybody in town had a motive in this case, including Miss May’s friend, town lawyer Tom Gigley. So Chelsea and Miss May start hunting down clues with their trusty sidekick Teeny, learning some dark secrets and strange twists along the way.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Humor, Ebooks, Contemporary

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2019

About the author

Everyone loves a secret.

So here's a good one...

...Chelsea Thomas is technically two people, married writing team Chelsea and Matthew Thomas.

Matt and Chelsea write cozy mysteries set on an apple orchard in upstate New York. They also write television and film. As screenwriters, they have worked with several studios, including Nickelodeon, SONY and CBS.

Chelsea and Matt are graduates of Duke University and they are members of the Writers Guild of America. And they are USA Today Bestselling authors.

Chelsea enjoys spending time with animals and practicing yoga. Matt loves playing music. They both enjoy spending time near the water.

Want a free novella PLUS a free cozy mystery cookbook?

Join the Chelsea Thomas Reader Club at www.chelseathomasauthor.com.

Reviews

[Ninoska Goris · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even funnier than the first one! Chelsea came face-to-face with the body of a the very dead accountant/investor that the town already couldn't stand. Charles Fitz had been cheating the citizens of the town out of their life savings that had previously been entrusted to his father when he was able to run the business.

Now Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny had to do some fast footwork if they wanted to solve this murder (and another one that would happen) as well as get the people in town their money back. Town lawyer Tom Gigley was looking like the best suspect that the police had due to some scathing emails he'd sent the deceased.

I laughed so much while reading this book! The ladies' trip to New York was hilarious--I could just picture Teeny driving like a maniac too! These girls always get their killer, and this time was no exception. I didn't even really guess who did it because the authors are very good at tossing out red herrings and causing a false sense of whodunit, which I love!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the authors via BookSprout and my opinions are my own.

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the first one in this series. Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are back at solving murders. I thought the murder mystery was better in this book. The clues are better and easy to follow. The characters are warm and interesting. The murder victim is suspected of having 'robbed' his clients of the money they invested with him. His clients included Miss May along with many of the folk in town. So, not only do they have to figure out who the murderer is but also where the money is.

[Celia Buell (semi hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not going to say Cooking the Books made me decide that this series is the best cozy mystery since Agatha Christie, but it was better than the first one by a lot.

For one thing, the main characters seem to be more involved in this detective thing, and seem to have gotten better at it. Their distrust of the incompetent police was more on brand for a cozy mystery than in the first book, and they weren't being absolutely uncooperative.

That still doesn't mean I actually like Chelsea Thomas (the writer OR the character - yes, I still cringe about the name thing) but it was more tolerable, especially because some parts actually made me laugh out loud. For instance, this gem:

“Alpaca law is arcane and convoluted. We needed a legal eagle to make sure we weren’t getting screwed. I’d do it myself, but alpacas were never my specialty. More of a llama woman.”

(Okay, I know it doesn't make any sense out of context, but I laughed out loud at this and other parts.)

And yeah, I still don't like the character Chelsea, but I also don't want her to end up with Wayne. He seems like as much of a dick as her ex, not going to lie.

One other thing I didn't like was how much this referenced the events of A Knead to Kill. I've always been under the impression that .5 books in a series are optional, but that was not the case with this as there's a lot of references I feel like I would have needed to know from this last book that was 1.5 in the series. I have it, but I didn't think I'd need to read it before this to get some of the context. Oh well. I'll know for next time I guess.

But yeah, if it turns out I need Candy Apple Killer for a task any time soon, I won't be completely opposed. I wouldn't spend money on this series, but the books I have for free are okay. I guess I'm glad I gave this one a chance.

[Koni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh Out Loud Funny

I’m hooked on this series! Fast, fun reads!! This is my favorite in the series so far. Grab the compiled 10 book sets - so worth it. I joined an online book club so I’m jumping around with what books I read, but each can be a stand alone read. She is now one of my favorite authors!!!

[Erin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I listened to the audiobook and it was absolutely fantastic. Jill Smith is the narrator and she was awesome. The main character - Chelsea, her Aunt May and Teeny are absolute hoots when they are together and the narrator, Jill played them all perfectly. A fun and funny ‘read’. Can’t wait to listen to more in the series. Highly recommend you give the audiobook a try.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea Thomas back in her hometown of Pine Grove, New York. While she never imagined she’d be back, she is finding life outside of the city to be very peaceful. Teeny convinces Chelsea to enter a sled race at the town’s annual festival. When she veers off course Chelsea makes an unfortunate discovery in the woods, a frozen stiff, Charles Fitz.

Over half of the town has a motive for killing Charles, including Miss May’s friend, Tom Gigley. Chelsea and Miss May agree to help clear his name start looking for clues with help from Teeny. Can this trio solve another murder?

This book is the second in a series. I enjoy the main characters very much. I found myself laughing aloud a couple times. They are well developed. The new characters, introduced to round out this story were also developed well.

The plot is very good. It moves at a steady pace and keeps the reader engaged. Descriptions in this book are vivid and create a picture in your mind. There is a subplot, Petey the dropout, that is a bit intriguing. It has to be going somewhere.

I identified the killer early in the book. It was just a feeling I had. As the book went on and other suspects had motive I realized my main suspect seemed to have motive as well. Then, I decided I was wrong. When the murderer was revealed I was happy to be right for once.

Cooking the Books is a very good book and I recommend it to cozy mystery lovers. While the book can stand alone I recommend reading book one first. Thanks to a preview I can't wait to read Book 3!


I was provided a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money, Murder, and #HBL

When the sleazy town 'wealth manager' turns up dead at Pine Grove’s annual Winter Festival, there are more questions than answers. Once again Chelsea stumbles across a dead body, in this case its Charles Fitz.

Over half of the town has a motive for killing Charles, including Miss May and her friend, Tom Gigley. It’s clear that Chelsea and Miss May with help from Teeny must solve another murder.

This is the second in the Apple Orchard Mystery series. I really enjoy the main characters and their interactions with each other had me laughing a couple times. I love the relationship that Chelsea and her Aunt May have with each other and find it to be very realistic. The new characters, introduced in this book were just as quirky and true to a rural small town.

The plot is very good it pulled me in right away and moves at a steady pace. I can imagine the character coming to life in my mind as if I was really there. There is one character named Petey whom Teeny teases for being a dropout, just the way the author is entwining him into the story makes me feel like he could become an intrinsic part of the next book.

I thought I had identified the killer early in the book but as I read on there were red herrings galore that I second guessed myself. When the murderer was finally revealed was partially right.

I highly recommend this series to all my fellow cozy mystery lovers. For those that don’t read books in order, you could read on its own but for a complete backstory on the protagonist I recommend reading book one first. I can't wait to read Candy Apple Killer Book 3 in the series.

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a very slow read. Chelsea and her Aunt ( Chelsea calls Miss May) and Teeny Miss May friend have businesses they run. Miss May has a Apple 🍎farm and Teenyy have a restaurant. Chelsea is A interior decorator ( but they don't really go into what she does) A man was Charles was telling mostly all the town's people that that if they invest with him they will be millionaires. Well he died and he had all their money. So they are trying to find out who murdered him and a second murder took place it was getting very suspicious. I did not read the 1st book of the series and maybe I should have. I don't know why Chelsea calls her Aunt Miss May. Most of their characters names are kinda different. Don't get me wrong some of the parts made me laugh. Like the snow sledding part and the ice angels in the snow. Maybe I will try to read first book

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor Filled Cozy Murder Mystery
This is book 2 in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series. The authors seem to have found their stride in this book. It has all of the good attributes of the first book, only more so. The plot is great and the characters realistic. I love the small town humor – they have that down pat. I can't wait for future episodes, I plan to read them all. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in a series of cozy mysteries, but worked fine as a stand alone. It wasn't anything spectacular, but a good example of the amateur detective cozy mystery. The characters were likable and interacted well. I'll probably give the authors another try with the next title in the series.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

I loved this cozy mystery filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
Most of all I loved the zany characters.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Well, I read book 4 first (courtesy a free copy) but it didn't make much difference (except for a new character introduction). Miss May is still a favorite, and Chels is obviously stumbling all the way.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read enjoyable cozy, a “little ditzy and still trying” approach - nice alternative to some formula reads. Plot was interesting and I’ll read authors again.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I especially enjoyed the characters in this book. They were quirky in the best possible way. The plot was good with enough red herrings to start a school.

[Deb Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice cozy mystery. I enjoyed it and might read more in the series. The characters are likable and for mystery readers there were clues throughout the story.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cooking the Books” earns 5/5 Frozen Conundrums…Yeah, Karma!

It is common to say “An Apple a day…,” but in Pine Grove, New York it is “Some Karma a day…” The Winter Festival is an exciting time for the town, but everything “heats up” when a frozen body is found. Chelsea is convinced to enter the sled race, and after veering off course, she discovers the local accountant and investment counselor...dead. He has been managing, maybe mismanaging, the life savings for many townspeople, including Miss May, so the suspect pool is huge and close to home.

Once again the author duo Chelsea and Matthew Thomas, writing under the name Chelsea Thomas, have penned a delightfully engaging story. Yes, Chelsea Thomas is also the lead character in their Apple Orchard Mystery series which gives an air of realism. The plot is well-written with enough suspects and motives from which Karma can take a bite, but also enough twists, turns, and trips to New York City to make the search entertaining and giving your own inner detective time to uncover the killer’s identity. Me? I had my suspicions, but the final reveal was still a pleasant surprise. It is not an intense read with enough fun, humor, and endearing relationships to make this a favorite series. The characters are developing with a nice dynamic between Chelsea and her Aunt May, BFFs, and townspeople along with side stories that will weave throughout the series. All this is entertaining, engaging, and fulfilling…I love how this duo gives Karma top billing! My only complaint is minor…I'd love a couple of savory and sweet recipes included in the book. However, you can sign up for their “Thomas Tuesday” newsletter to receive updates, exclusive giveaways, and enjoy Chelsea’s Secret Recipe Club.

"Disclose: I received an ARC from Booksprout. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Cooking the Books”, second in the Apple Orchard series has a stronger and more convoluted plot than the first.
This time round someone has killed a dodgy accountant who held much of the townspeople's funds – and the money is missing.
Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny investigate at great length, mostly finding red herrings (some of them are quite interesting).
In the end the trail narrows down to a single suspect, one who has clearly gone completely bonkers ... and it is not her :)
Like the previous book the best thing about it for me is the writing. It's excellent, snappy when needed, and always interesting.
“The sounds of the night were like a “Greatest Hits” album of ominous ambient noise.
“Howling wind? Check. Random whistling sound? Check. Branches snapping? Check. Sirens in the distance? Check. The sound of a crying baby, abandoned somewhere in its bassinet? I swear I heard that too.”
Another line I liked - “Germany was nice but too many sausages.” There's a grain of truth in that statement. Ditto France for cheese :)
And - given the glacial pace of Chelsea's attraction to Det. Wayne, this is almost a swoonworthy moment: - "Wayne met my eyes, as then, as if in slow-mo, he reached out and brushed a piece of hair off my face. A hair grace! Just like in the movies! Oh my gosh, this was so incredibly, divinely romantic -
"You've got a piece of food in your hair," Wayne said."
One oddity, I could have sworn that in the first book Chelsea didn't like coffee and only drank it on Fridays - this time round she's a fan.
Chelsea Thomas does have moderate case of “If only I had known then” Syndrome – it can get a tad annoying over time.
Great fun!

[Angie Boyter · Rating 2 out of 5]

2+ probably, but I am not going to go back to read Book 1 in the series, even though I discovered I own it.
I wanted a nice light entertaining cozy, and for a while I was very pleased with this, until WAY TOO MANY big and small unbelievable items cropped up. A number are involved in the plot, so I won't mention them, but to give you an example that is not a spoiler, when a guest at a very small inn is murdered and the team want to follow up on the victim, Peach the proprietor goes to the check-in records and finds that the ONLY information about the victim is the first name, no last name, address, credit card, etc. Peach does not say who checked the guest in or follow up in any way apparently, either, even though they are trying to solve the murder. I don't care; this does not happen. There are LOTS more examples I could cite.
I read books like this for entertainment, but I am increasingly disappointed by the serious inattention to details or plausibility and almost as concerned at the apparent acceptance of such elements, as they seem to get high ratings anyway. I get a lot of Kindle Unlimited books ar books on $1.99 Daily Deals. Is this just a case of "getting what you pay for"?

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series Apple Orchard Cozy Mysteries. It is a standalone story and can be read without reading the prior book in the series. There are references to the events which occurred in the prior book. The prior book does provide the backstory of how Chelsea ends up in Pine Grove working at Aunt May's orchard/bakery/inn and how they got involved in solving murders.

Here, Chelsea, who is a people-pleaser and a stick-your-foot-in mouth kind of gal, gets signed up for sled race by her friend Teeny -- despite the fact that Chelsea is not very good with steering or racing a sled. Unsurprisingly, soon after the race has begun, Chelsea is unable to control her sled and ends up off course and in for quite the ride until her sled unceremoniously crashes in a dead body. Turns out the body is that of Charles, the husband of the high school principal who is also a philanderer and has stolen a lot of money from the town's people in a financial scheme. So, suspects abound in the small town, including May's friend Gigley who had sent Charles several very nasty and threatening emails. Gigley hires May and Chelsea to find the real killer.

The story moves along at a good pace with plenty of quirky townspeople and red herrings along the way. Chelsea is at her clumsy say the wrong thing at the wrong time best while Aunt May leads the charge. There was plenty of humor, keeping it light, and a further exploration between Detective Wayne and Chelsea starting a romance. Good clean fun.

I received a free copy of this ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.5 stars, not 3.

Apple Die #1 - This is my first read by these two authors and I thought it was just OK. This quickly read story reminded me too much of the Mom and Christy Mystery Series by Christy Murphy, just not as funny or interesting. For me that made the book disappointing; the characters were too similar in both their personalities and their storylines to Ms. Murphy's characters and plots. At least they copied a good author, even if their attempt fell short. Maybe with their next two books, the authors will try to be original. A couple of the characters did not stay true to themselves but flip-flopped in and out of character. 3*

Cooking The Books #2 - While this book still reminds me of the Mom and Christy Mystery Series by Christy Murphy, it is better than the first book of this series, Apple Die. There is decent humor with plenty of storylines running through this small town full of secrets and suspects. There's more than one dead body and Missy May is throwing her single niece at the single cop without a bit of embarrassment. Teeny is doing her best as a cross between Murphy's story mom and aunt, Plum's grannie and Estelle from The Golden Girls. I probably would have like this series better if I hadn't read Murphy's work. There's too many similarities and Murphy's the best. I contacted the author to review this book since I had the first book already and received it from Booksprout. 3.5*

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss May is having a loud discussion with her investor, Charles Fritz. She wants some of her money and he wants her to keep it where it is. She says she needs some of it, and he keeps telling her to leave it and she would have more. Finally, Chelsea can't take it anymore, and says something that makes Miss May want ALL of her money. Fritz gives her a song and dance about it will take a few days. Later on at The Winter Festival, Chelsea is riding a sled in a race and her sled veers off the course, low and behold she finds Charles Fritz and he is dead! Enter Detective Wayne someone who Chelsea and he have a love/hate non-relationship relationship. Now Chelsea is a suspect because she once again found another dead body! It is later discovered that Fritz has swindled the whole town out of their money. Plus there are other things they find out. Then there is another dead body! Can Chelsea prove she and her Aunt May aren't the guilty party? Then Gigley hires them to proof him innocent. This causes another rift between Chelsea and Detective Wayne. How does it turn out? A surprise twist I did not see coming! You will have to read the book to find out what that is.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Chelsea virtually sleds into the body of a sleazy wealth manager at the Winter Festival, she knows that she has her hands full. It appears that he has swindled almost all of the town out of their nest eggs. So once again she along with Miss May and Teeny have a mystery to solve and a long list of suspects to sort through to find out whodunit.

This book has a great combination of strong female characters. Miss May has a way of getting anyone to talk just with her smile and a hidden pie in her purse. Teeny loves to be in the action but doesn’t always use her head and her mouth usually gets her into trouble. While Chelsea is the youngest, but seems to be the one with the level head and is always trying to talk them out of getting into a jam.

If you like cozy, humor, quirky, and lots of madcap adventure, then this book is just right for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Candy Robosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea and Miss May are at it again and this time include May's best friend Teeny. This time they must solve 2 murders as well as save most of the town from financial ruin. While Miss May is still my favorite character I do like how Chelsea is finally starting to grow up and mature in this book. As the local financial manager is coming under fire he is murdered and of course Chelsea again finds the body. Only this isn't just about murder because a vast majority of the business owners in town have entrusted him with their money but no longer know if they will ever see their money again. Chelsea finally starts to stand up to others and start to get over Mike her jerk ex-fiance. I love the comical tones in this as very often Chels and Teeny are about 5 steps behind May and blunder as they try to catch up.
I received this book as part of a free boxed set and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the people in town have given Charles Fritz money to invest and Miss May is one of them. People are asking for their money back so they can use it for other things and Charles doesn’t seem to want to give it up. Poor Chelsea is entered into a sled race at the Winter Festival and literally sleds right into the frozen body of Charles Fritz. There a lots of suspects and somehow Detective Wayne keeps putting Chelsea on the suspect list either because he really believes she might have had something to do with the murder or he just wants to irritate her so he can be close to her. Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny are out to solve the crime since they have now been hired by someone to solve the crime which irritates Detective Wayne. Love the love/hate relationship going on with Chelsea and the Detective. The interaction between the women is hilarious. I still have to wonder how big Miss May’s purse has to be to carry all the pies she seems to hand out.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Book two in the series and was just as good as the first, better as we get to know the characters better. When the son of the towns investment counsellor took over for his father after his death, no one was excited about the son but no one pulled their money either. When Miss May tries to get some of her capital to make improvements to the apple farm he waffles and tells her it will take time to get her funds. Miss May soon learns other town folk have been told the same thing and soon everyone suspects he has absconded with their money and when he turns up murdered and there is no money the town is set on its ear. Miss May, Teeny and Chelsea determine they must find the killer if they want their money back! An excellent read.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Chelsea hasn't had much luck since moving home as she has managed to tumble upon yet another dead person, this one is non other than the investment broker who pretty much everyone in town was worried had taken all their money. The mystery of who done it is too much for Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny (who missed out on all the adventure of solving the first murder) especially after Gigley begs them to find the real killer as he is currently the number one suspect. I just love all the red herrings that keep you guessing and changing who you think the killer is as well as the great characters who I have come to know and love in this series, it was also good to find out the relationship status of a certain person Chelsea has her eye on ;)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow up to Apple Die. Can also be read as a stand alone. Continued development of characters we already know and great introductions to some new ones. Miss May and Chelsea do another great job of figuring out who the murder was and saving the town, this time from individual financial ruins. Nice (I'm assuming) foreshadowing of the budding relationship between Chelsea and Detective Wayne. Great plot. I thought I had it and then there was new info and then ... wow! My only negative remark is that I did not like that Chelsea took something (sorry I'm not giving it away but when you get there - this is important) from one of the victim's. Other than that, loved it. Already downloaded the next in the series from Kindle. Alas, real life calls for a few hours before I can again escape among the orchard.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss May and Chelsea are faced with another mystery. Charles Fitz is holding the money of many of the townspeople, including Miss May. The problem is when Miss May asks for her investment to be returned Charles hesitates and tries to delay her money return.
Events of Winter Fest have begun and Teeny signs up Chelsea for the sled race, normally for children only, she and one other adult are participating.
Unfortunately for Chelsea her sled veers off the track into the forest and lodges onto the frozen body of now dead Charles Fitz. Of course Officer Wayne wants to know why Chelsea and dead bodies are so often in the same place.
Although the town mourns for Charles’ death and have sympathy for his wife Principal Fitz, they are equally concerned if they will ever get back their investments…

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read cozy mysteries for a break from more thought-provoking books and Chelsea Thomas doesn't disappoint. Her Apple Orchard series is however more interesting than the typical cozy mystery and packed full of hysterical one-liners. I do wish that the book included the recipes talked about in the book, specifically Teeny's Hashbrown Lasagna in Cooking the Books. Really looking forward to Candy Apple Killer.