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Apple Orchard #1
Apple Die
An Apple a Day Can’t Keep the Murder Away
When Chelsea Thomas was left at the altar, she moved home to live on the family orchard with her quirky aunt, Miss May. All she wanted was hot cocoa, and apple pie.
Then she found a dead body, face down in her favorite stream.
Now she’s in the middle of a murder investigation, and a killer is on the loose in her quaint small town.
Miss May is a former New York City lawyer, so she thinks she and Chelsea can catch the criminal on their own. Local business owner Teeny is nosy, opinionated, and convinced the murder was inspired by her favorite British mystery series. And Chelsea is caught up in the amateur investigation, a timid Watson on her first case.
Will the stress of the amateur sleuthing be enough to break Chelsea for good? Or will it be exactly what she needs to get over her ex, and learn to be happy? Most importantly, will this rag-tag crew find the killer before he strikes again?
When Chelsea Thomas was left at the altar, she moved home to live on the family orchard with her quirky aunt, Miss May. All she wanted was hot cocoa, and apple pie.
Then she found a dead body, face down in her favorite stream.
Now she’s in the middle of a murder investigation, and a killer is on the loose in her quaint small town.
Miss May is a former New York City lawyer, so she thinks she and Chelsea can catch the criminal on their own. Local business owner Teeny is nosy, opinionated, and convinced the murder was inspired by her favorite British mystery series. And Chelsea is caught up in the amateur investigation, a timid Watson on her first case.
Will the stress of the amateur sleuthing be enough to break Chelsea for good? Or will it be exactly what she needs to get over her ex, and learn to be happy? Most importantly, will this rag-tag crew find the killer before he strikes again?
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2018
2281 people are currently reading
1912 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Thomas
56 books807 followersEveryone 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
December 10, 2018
This was a quick and fun first in a new series by new cozy author Chelsea Thomas, which is really made up of husband and wife writing team, Chelsea and Matthew Thomas. (Yes I do read the acknowledgments in a book lol). I really enjoyed the quirky characters, especially Miss May's best friend, Teeny. She just loved comparing this murder to a TV show she always watched. The writing style is fun and the dialogue reads very smoothly, just like someone is really saying those words. The main character's name is also Chelsea Thomas, and I thought her first person account of everything was so funny sometimes. I found myself laughing out loud at times. I'm anxious to see what happens in the next book!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via BookSprout, but also received a free copy for signing up for the Chelsea Thomas e-newsletter. My opinions are my own. This book releases December 26, 2018.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via BookSprout, but also received a free copy for signing up for the Chelsea Thomas e-newsletter. My opinions are my own. This book releases December 26, 2018.
October 10, 2020
After Chelsea Thomas(MC named after the author) is left at the altar, she is left with nothing. Miss May gives her the opportunity to assist her but this means returning back to her hometown of Pine Grove in Upstate NY. A quaint & quiet little town where everyone knows everyones business. That is until Chelsea discovers a body on the day of her cousins wedding rehearsal. With the authorities filing the incident as an accident death, the two find themselves enthralled in their own investigation of the event.
“I felt, like a boa constrictor had been wrapping around me for the whole drive, and it had begun to squeeze” (85).
Look, I really tried. I figured out the assailant's identity & motive by page 76. The MC made this book difficult for me to finish. Even though she is an adult, she continued to act like a child. The things that she would say did not rub me the right way. One example I can think of is when leaving Sudeer's home & someone makes a comment about keeping the kids strong. Her contribution to the conversation: “Before you know it, they’ll be broken-hearted and moving back in with you” (90). I didn't find this funny, more like she was projecting her emotions onto children. Girl, I get it. You went through something heartbreaking when he left you at the wedding but why would you say something like this?! Don't get me started on her romantic crush. The fact that she drools when the Detective first appears... ugh.
“Why was I jealous? I had just met this man” (42).
ME = “Love at first sight? Girl, please” (37)
So what did I like? I loved Miss May & Teeny. Both their character's and friendship warmed my cold heart. They brought light humor to the book. Miss May has a background in law who in her older age has retired to tend the farm which has been in the family for about a century. Teeny owns the bake shop with her mother. Both women are spry, adventurous and opinionated. Another redeeming quality were moments of prose that I wish the novel had more for. These little pieces were glimpses to the author's true writing skills. I will include an example.
“But at that moment, washed in all those harsh police lights, it felt almost eerie. Haunted, even. A chill shimmied down my spine and through my legs, all the way to my toes” (34).
Numerous people have recommended the cozy mystery genre to me. I wanted to like this... but I think it comes down to the fact that this genre is not my cup of tea. And that's okay. Maybe I will revisit the genre another time. For now, I will stick with my dark & bloody mysteries.
“Look, we all do crazy things sometimes,” Miss May said. “Things that might seem wrong on paper, but… things that have to be done” (160).
“I felt, like a boa constrictor had been wrapping around me for the whole drive, and it had begun to squeeze” (85).
Look, I really tried. I figured out the assailant's identity & motive by page 76. The MC made this book difficult for me to finish. Even though she is an adult, she continued to act like a child. The things that she would say did not rub me the right way. One example I can think of is when leaving Sudeer's home & someone makes a comment about keeping the kids strong. Her contribution to the conversation: “Before you know it, they’ll be broken-hearted and moving back in with you” (90). I didn't find this funny, more like she was projecting her emotions onto children. Girl, I get it. You went through something heartbreaking when he left you at the wedding but why would you say something like this?! Don't get me started on her romantic crush. The fact that she drools when the Detective first appears... ugh.
“Why was I jealous? I had just met this man” (42).
ME = “Love at first sight? Girl, please” (37)
So what did I like? I loved Miss May & Teeny. Both their character's and friendship warmed my cold heart. They brought light humor to the book. Miss May has a background in law who in her older age has retired to tend the farm which has been in the family for about a century. Teeny owns the bake shop with her mother. Both women are spry, adventurous and opinionated. Another redeeming quality were moments of prose that I wish the novel had more for. These little pieces were glimpses to the author's true writing skills. I will include an example.
“But at that moment, washed in all those harsh police lights, it felt almost eerie. Haunted, even. A chill shimmied down my spine and through my legs, all the way to my toes” (34).
Numerous people have recommended the cozy mystery genre to me. I wanted to like this... but I think it comes down to the fact that this genre is not my cup of tea. And that's okay. Maybe I will revisit the genre another time. For now, I will stick with my dark & bloody mysteries.
“Look, we all do crazy things sometimes,” Miss May said. “Things that might seem wrong on paper, but… things that have to be done” (160).
March 2, 2022
Book 1. Chelsea got jilted at the alter literally. So her Aunt May decided to come gather and she bake and do inferior decorations for the farm. They both went to diner in town and saw Teeny the waitress of Grandma's. She was Chelsea aunt age. Then the fun began. Until her cousin Maggie was getting married then it was spiral bound of the 3 to catch a killer. This was a funny book. The charactes Teeny and Miss May are hilarious. I recommend these books. If you want a laugh out loud good time
December 31, 2018
An Apple a Day Can't Keep the Murder Away - When Chelsea Thomas was left at the altar, she was left with nothing. Her quirky Aunt May comes and takes her to live on the family apple orchard. Then she found a dead body! Now she’s in the middle of a murder investigation, and a killer is on the loose in her quaint small town.
I must admit I had trouble at first getting into this book, not sure if it was because its written in first person or the chapters on Chelsea being left at alter didn't flow. But once Miss May came, the story flowed and I became invested in the quirky characters and the story. Although, I was able to read it in a few short hours I found the characters were well-written. It’s set in a small, close-knit town and orchard. I did suspect who the killer was, but I wasn’t sure of the hows and whys of it until the end. I already feel like Miss May, Teeny and Chelsea are old friends and cannot wait to read book two in the series..
I must admit I had trouble at first getting into this book, not sure if it was because its written in first person or the chapters on Chelsea being left at alter didn't flow. But once Miss May came, the story flowed and I became invested in the quirky characters and the story. Although, I was able to read it in a few short hours I found the characters were well-written. It’s set in a small, close-knit town and orchard. I did suspect who the killer was, but I wasn’t sure of the hows and whys of it until the end. I already feel like Miss May, Teeny and Chelsea are old friends and cannot wait to read book two in the series..
August 1, 2022
I love the cover and the punny title … that applies to every book in this series.
So I accidentally read the 16th book in this series first since I got it as an arc, but I figure that I might as well start from the beginning. It was definitely better to actually meet the characters first and see all their backstories like how they met. They mystery itself was really interesting so I can’t wait to continue with this series.
Also, I love how they use the term “Hot Detective” because that’s my go-to for cozy mysteries.
So I accidentally read the 16th book in this series first since I got it as an arc, but I figure that I might as well start from the beginning. It was definitely better to actually meet the characters first and see all their backstories like how they met. They mystery itself was really interesting so I can’t wait to continue with this series.
Also, I love how they use the term “Hot Detective” because that’s my go-to for cozy mysteries.
June 4, 2019
This is a well-written cozy mystery. The characters are sweet and the mystery is interesting. I thought parts of the story were choppy and other parts flowed nicely. I connected a bit more with Miss May than with Chelsea and yes the main character and the author share the same name. This is the first book in the series and I expect the writing and flow will smooth out as the series develops.
December 26, 2020
A fun and fast read—looking forward to reading more in this series!!
December 25, 2018
“Apple Die” earns 5/5 Apple Pies Sprinkled with…Murderous Karma!
“An Apple a Day…” right, the doctor may stay away, but the dead body proves murder is not amused. Chelsea Thomas is a “left at the altar” bride having gotten to the “Do you…?” and then the “I don't” sent her world reeling out of control…single, kicked out of “his” apartment, her interior design business taken, and living on Chinese delivery, Aunt May decides to take charge. Her “big idea” suggests Chelsea come work at her apple orchard, help out at the bake shop, and use her design talents when needed. First assignment…help with her cousin’s wedding. But at the wedding rehearsal Chelsea overhears a terrible fight between the bride and groom, she fears the wedding might end with someone else left at the altar like her. But, in this case? It's a dead body “left” face down in the river. It's official Chelsea’s wedding disaster has been surpassed!
I am a big fan! At first I was a bit confused seeing that the author and lead character shared the same name. It is made clear in the “Notes From the Authors,” and the quirky issue didn't effect my enjoyment. Although the story follows a traditional cozy formula (drama sends girl back home, fresh start ensues, Karma delivers a dead body), but the writing duo kept me engaged adding a fun first-person narrative sharing Chelsea’s inner thoughts, vivid descriptions, and laying out the investigation with its secrets and back door intrigue. The characters have lots of room to grow, and I'm eager to follow Chelsea’s plans to grow “at least a little, every single day.” Karma sure took a big enjoyable bite in this one.
"I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. My insights and comments are honest."
“An Apple a Day…” right, the doctor may stay away, but the dead body proves murder is not amused. Chelsea Thomas is a “left at the altar” bride having gotten to the “Do you…?” and then the “I don't” sent her world reeling out of control…single, kicked out of “his” apartment, her interior design business taken, and living on Chinese delivery, Aunt May decides to take charge. Her “big idea” suggests Chelsea come work at her apple orchard, help out at the bake shop, and use her design talents when needed. First assignment…help with her cousin’s wedding. But at the wedding rehearsal Chelsea overhears a terrible fight between the bride and groom, she fears the wedding might end with someone else left at the altar like her. But, in this case? It's a dead body “left” face down in the river. It's official Chelsea’s wedding disaster has been surpassed!
I am a big fan! At first I was a bit confused seeing that the author and lead character shared the same name. It is made clear in the “Notes From the Authors,” and the quirky issue didn't effect my enjoyment. Although the story follows a traditional cozy formula (drama sends girl back home, fresh start ensues, Karma delivers a dead body), but the writing duo kept me engaged adding a fun first-person narrative sharing Chelsea’s inner thoughts, vivid descriptions, and laying out the investigation with its secrets and back door intrigue. The characters have lots of room to grow, and I'm eager to follow Chelsea’s plans to grow “at least a little, every single day.” Karma sure took a big enjoyable bite in this one.
"I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. My insights and comments are honest."
January 22, 2022
Okay, I can't remember if I've ever read a cozy with a less detective-y MC, and that includes the first three books in the Country Cottage series. First of all, the author tries to make her characters against working with the police, while at the same time, still attempting to keep the trope of the MC falling for the hot police detective. And I mean, NO involvement with the police, at all. The MCs decide they're inept and that they would be better at solving the case, all by themselves and with no outside help.
Then there's the elements that make a cozy a cozy. Even in some of my least favorites, there was still a sense of the MC being more important than the mystery. Instead, you can tell that the author added this as an afterthought. As in, the book should have some element of Chelsea Thomas getting over her failed marriage and discovering herself, and Chelsea Thomas seems to know this, but isn't sure how it works.
Side note about the Chelsea Thomas / Chelsea Thomas thing - how middle school cringe do you have to be to make your MC a self-insert? It's not like that wasn't obvious from the minute I read the freaking summary!
Basically, a lot of things about this novel seemed a lot more like a first draft than something that should have been published as is. Still, since I do have the boxset of the first three free from Amazon, I will consider reading the sequel if the opportunity arises.
Then there's the elements that make a cozy a cozy. Even in some of my least favorites, there was still a sense of the MC being more important than the mystery. Instead, you can tell that the author added this as an afterthought. As in, the book should have some element of Chelsea Thomas getting over her failed marriage and discovering herself, and Chelsea Thomas seems to know this, but isn't sure how it works.
Side note about the Chelsea Thomas / Chelsea Thomas thing - how middle school cringe do you have to be to make your MC a self-insert? It's not like that wasn't obvious from the minute I read the freaking summary!
Basically, a lot of things about this novel seemed a lot more like a first draft than something that should have been published as is. Still, since I do have the boxset of the first three free from Amazon, I will consider reading the sequel if the opportunity arises.
December 28, 2018
Delightful Cozy Mystery!
A great start to this new series. Entertaining, fun, fast-paced, easy read. I loved the zany trio of sleuths-Chelsea, her aunt Miss May, and restauranteur Teeny. The characters are warm, funny and believable. The storyline is well written and enjoyable. Sit back and enjoy!
I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
A great start to this new series. Entertaining, fun, fast-paced, easy read. I loved the zany trio of sleuths-Chelsea, her aunt Miss May, and restauranteur Teeny. The characters are warm, funny and believable. The storyline is well written and enjoyable. Sit back and enjoy!
I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
May 21, 2019
A great cozy mystery. I will be checking out other Chelsea Thomas books. Highly recommend.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
July 9, 2019
This cosy mystery started weakly but improved. I think this was deliberate on the part of the duo of authors. Our lady sleuth has been dumped at the altar and is not feeling strong when her aunt May invites her to come and design wedding décor in a New Jersey apple orchard barn setting. Leaving New York's glitz feels like failing.
When a death unexpectedly occurs during rehearsals for the town wedding, Chelsea is floundering. (And empty-headed as soon as she sees the cliché of the handsome cop.) She's a mere observer as May tugs her along to investigate whether a murder occurred and if so, which of their friends and relatives could have committed the crime.
By the end however, Chelsea is starting to pick up, act with strength and she has gained a whole new reputation about town.
I'd be interested in seeing if Chelsea can maintain this progress and act with more self-determination in the next books. The mystery is nicely worked out and clues are provided mostly through conversation.
This is an unbiased review.
When a death unexpectedly occurs during rehearsals for the town wedding, Chelsea is floundering. (And empty-headed as soon as she sees the cliché of the handsome cop.) She's a mere observer as May tugs her along to investigate whether a murder occurred and if so, which of their friends and relatives could have committed the crime.
By the end however, Chelsea is starting to pick up, act with strength and she has gained a whole new reputation about town.
I'd be interested in seeing if Chelsea can maintain this progress and act with more self-determination in the next books. The mystery is nicely worked out and clues are provided mostly through conversation.
This is an unbiased review.
April 19, 2022
Apple Orchard wedding or not!
Fun start to what seems to be an interesting series. Lots of twists when Miss May and Chelsea are trying to find the killer of the groom. Murder, mystery, and mayhem are sprinkled throughout the book with a satisfying ending to whet appetite for more excitement and entertainment sure to be in each book of this series!
Fun start to what seems to be an interesting series. Lots of twists when Miss May and Chelsea are trying to find the killer of the groom. Murder, mystery, and mayhem are sprinkled throughout the book with a satisfying ending to whet appetite for more excitement and entertainment sure to be in each book of this series!
July 21, 2020
Really good writing but with some editing errors. Likable characters; the trio of Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny is a fun one.
October 14, 2021
Apple Die by Chelsea Thomas is the first book in the Apple Orchard Mystery series. Having been left at the altar, Chelsea Thomas is persuaded by her Aunt May to move back to the family orchard and help with her cousins wedding but instead finds the to be groom floating dead in the stream. I found it difficult to like the main character who seeemed a bit wimpy and childish but luckily her aunt was otherwise sensible and capable. I liked the setting and the descriptive writing but the mystery itself was rather obvious. A quick, light read.
December 24, 2020
Nice story
This book is a nice typical cozy, I gave it 4 stars, If your looking for a quick cozy to read this one fits the bill just fine.
This book is a nice typical cozy, I gave it 4 stars, If your looking for a quick cozy to read this one fits the bill just fine.
December 27, 2018
After Chelsea is left at the altar, she heads back home to live on the family’s orchard with her Aunt May. All that Chelsea wants is to hide out for a while and eat apple pie, the last things she wants is to get roped into planning the wedding for her cousin. But what Chelsea wants and what she is forced into doing are totally opposite.
While trying not to relive her own wedding day disaster, Chelsea discovers a dead body faced down in her favorite stream. With the help of Miss May (a former NY City lawyer) and May’s best friend Teeny (a nosy and opinionated diner owner), Chelsea gets involved in the murder investigation to prove her cousin’s innocence.
This is a fun clean read mystery with whimsy characters and amateur sleuths. Miss May seems to thrive on the adventure and is the driving force. You can’t help but laugh at Teeny and her love of crime shows who believes she knows who the murderer is. Then there is Chelsea who seems to unwillingly get dragged along and tries to keep everyone safe. A perfect trio ready to solve the mystery before someone else winds up dead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While trying not to relive her own wedding day disaster, Chelsea discovers a dead body faced down in her favorite stream. With the help of Miss May (a former NY City lawyer) and May’s best friend Teeny (a nosy and opinionated diner owner), Chelsea gets involved in the murder investigation to prove her cousin’s innocence.
This is a fun clean read mystery with whimsy characters and amateur sleuths. Miss May seems to thrive on the adventure and is the driving force. You can’t help but laugh at Teeny and her love of crime shows who believes she knows who the murderer is. Then there is Chelsea who seems to unwillingly get dragged along and tries to keep everyone safe. A perfect trio ready to solve the mystery before someone else winds up dead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2019
good start to this cozy series.
December 7, 2019
Perfectly Cozy
I expected this book to be a quick light read. I didn’t expect to become invested in the lives of these characters. I loved everything about this book; from the breathtaking location to the nosy neighbors to the story itself.
I enjoyed cruising around the small, hilly, suburban town with Miss May, Chels, and sometimes Teeny, in the bright yellow VW bus while hunting for the true murderer.
I love how the story unveiled itself. We learned a bit of history sprinkled with unsolved mysteries of the farm from its early days, paving the way for possible future investigations. We also learned ways to cope with stress and grow as individuals.
I do look forward to reading more about Chelsea and her friends in the next Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery.
I expected this book to be a quick light read. I didn’t expect to become invested in the lives of these characters. I loved everything about this book; from the breathtaking location to the nosy neighbors to the story itself.
I enjoyed cruising around the small, hilly, suburban town with Miss May, Chels, and sometimes Teeny, in the bright yellow VW bus while hunting for the true murderer.
I love how the story unveiled itself. We learned a bit of history sprinkled with unsolved mysteries of the farm from its early days, paving the way for possible future investigations. We also learned ways to cope with stress and grow as individuals.
I do look forward to reading more about Chelsea and her friends in the next Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery.
January 12, 2019
Cute Cute Story!
Okay, so murder mysteries aren't supposed to be cute. But cozy mysteries can be. And humorous, too. And this one fills all the qualifications. It kept me reading until way past the time that I should have been doing something else. The characters are engaging and well defined and even better, you care about them. The plot is different than the usual and keeps you guessing. This is a great read for a laid back Saturday.
Okay, so murder mysteries aren't supposed to be cute. But cozy mysteries can be. And humorous, too. And this one fills all the qualifications. It kept me reading until way past the time that I should have been doing something else. The characters are engaging and well defined and even better, you care about them. The plot is different than the usual and keeps you guessing. This is a great read for a laid back Saturday.
January 12, 2019
This is the first in the series and the first time reading this author. The main character is Chelsea and she ends up back home after being left a the altar. Her cousin ,Maggie, is getting married and Chelsea is helping out. She ends up finding the groom to be dead in the lake. With her aunt she is figuring out who did it. I look forward to more of her adventures.
September 20, 2019
When Chelsea Thomas was left at the altar she was blindsided and devastated. She lost her love, her home and her business in one fell swoop. After living on Chinese food in Jersey City walk-up and wallowing in her misery, Chelsea was rescued by her formiddble but aunt, Miss May. Miss May brings Chelsea back to the apple orchard where she grew up surrounded by nature, family and friends. Miss May offers to host Chelsea's cousin Maggie's wedding in the barn party space and everyone is thrilled to see Chelsea's interior design skills at work but before the I dos are said, Maggie's fiance turns up dead. Chelsea is really freaked out by finding the body and the sexy but intimidating detective who doesn't seem to trust her. Miss May feels the police are too hasty in declaring the death an accident and sets out to investigate with the help of Chelsea and Teeny from the diner. Miss May doesn't take NO for an answer and if it takes brangling with a killer to find out who dared tarnish her family orchard's good reputation, so be it! Chelsea is a little less sure.
This is a cute traditional cozy mystery. The killer isn't too difficult to figure out but there are plenty of suspects. I didn't want it to be that person because it was kind of obvious and I liked that person. The cozy stuff is certainly a lot of fun. This small town is full of quirky locals who add a lot of humor to the story. I could do without the too sexy cop but hopefully that will turn into something or nothing sooner than later.
Chelsea is a unique heroine. She's not nosy! Chelsea is rather a neurotic, anxious, basket case which makes her more appealing. Chelsea needs meditation and yoga to calm her down and is not eager to go around confronting murder suspects. One thing I like about her is that she HATES coffee! Yes it's gross so don't drink it! Miss May is the exact opposite. Miss May barges in where angels fear to tread as the saying goes. She is formidable! Miss May does not take no for an answer, she is protective of her family and her orchard. There's very little character development in this novel but Chelsea realizes the orchard is Miss May's happy place and that's why she's so upset by the murder. Miss May is also VERY serious about pie and always carries one with her just in case she needs it!
The secondary characters are eccentric and fun as well. Liz, the editor of the Pine Grove Gazette is a serious journalist (wannabe) stuck with a tiny paper. She's determined to find a big story but doesn't seem to be observant enough to figure things out on her own. I find her personality a bit abrasive and off-putting. Teeny is Miss May's sidekick. She is the nosy one. She likes to gossip and be at the center of things. She may be small but she's also very feisty. I think she's a little irritating sometimes. Granny, elderly and deaf, is a hoot but I feel bad laughing at an elderly woman who obviously doesn't know what's going on. Aunt DeeDee, Maggie's mother, is nearly as formidable as her sister. Aunt DeeDee is the "granola cruncher" type but can be a Mama Bear for her daughter when she has to. Tom Gigley, Miss May's lawyer, know the ethics of his profession but they are no match for Miss May. He tries his hardest to keep her at bay but her tenacity wins out. I don't think he's working in her best interests if he dismisses her claims that Chelsea's parents didn't die in a normal auto accident.
Vinny, the murder victim, is not at all a nice guy. He's a total stereotype of an Italian Guido - think Godfather meets Jersey Shore. Yuck. Please writers, get to know some real Italians! Vinny is such a sleaze and Maggie is the total opposite. I fail to see why sweet Maggie would want to marry an obnoxious caveman like Vinny. Lance, Vinny's brother, is also the complete opposite of Vinny. How can two men raised in the same family be so different? Lance is the strong, silent type and better suited to Maggie.
Detective Wayne Hudson is a tough cop. He may be good looking but he isn't reassuring. He has a suspicious mind and that's a good quality in a detective but it doesn't make him a character I want to root for. It also really bothered me when he referred to Officer Flanagan as a pretty girl in front of Chelsea. That was a really unprofessional moment. I really could do without Chelsea's obsession over Wayne's looks and I hate how she turns into a puddle of drool around him.
Murder suspects include Sudeer, Vinny's business partner. He was acting suspicious right before Chelsea discovered the body. If he stands to inherit the business it could be motive for murder. Chelsea thinks since he was the quiet, nerdy kid in school he's too nice to be a killer but in the heat of the moment could he commit a crime of passion? Another good suspect is Rita, an Italian stereotype of the worst sort. She's the bad girl of Chelsea's school days and still cranky and mean. I really don't like her or feel sorry for her.
This book has some formatting and editing errors and it needs recipes. I signed up for the author's mailing list so I can get her free cookbook. Miss May's apple baked goods sound delicious! I may want to catch up with these characters again soon if I have time.
This is a cute traditional cozy mystery. The killer isn't too difficult to figure out but there are plenty of suspects. I didn't want it to be that person because it was kind of obvious and I liked that person. The cozy stuff is certainly a lot of fun. This small town is full of quirky locals who add a lot of humor to the story. I could do without the too sexy cop but hopefully that will turn into something or nothing sooner than later.
Chelsea is a unique heroine. She's not nosy! Chelsea is rather a neurotic, anxious, basket case which makes her more appealing. Chelsea needs meditation and yoga to calm her down and is not eager to go around confronting murder suspects. One thing I like about her is that she HATES coffee! Yes it's gross so don't drink it! Miss May is the exact opposite. Miss May barges in where angels fear to tread as the saying goes. She is formidable! Miss May does not take no for an answer, she is protective of her family and her orchard. There's very little character development in this novel but Chelsea realizes the orchard is Miss May's happy place and that's why she's so upset by the murder. Miss May is also VERY serious about pie and always carries one with her just in case she needs it!
The secondary characters are eccentric and fun as well. Liz, the editor of the Pine Grove Gazette is a serious journalist (wannabe) stuck with a tiny paper. She's determined to find a big story but doesn't seem to be observant enough to figure things out on her own. I find her personality a bit abrasive and off-putting. Teeny is Miss May's sidekick. She is the nosy one. She likes to gossip and be at the center of things. She may be small but she's also very feisty. I think she's a little irritating sometimes. Granny, elderly and deaf, is a hoot but I feel bad laughing at an elderly woman who obviously doesn't know what's going on. Aunt DeeDee, Maggie's mother, is nearly as formidable as her sister. Aunt DeeDee is the "granola cruncher" type but can be a Mama Bear for her daughter when she has to. Tom Gigley, Miss May's lawyer, know the ethics of his profession but they are no match for Miss May. He tries his hardest to keep her at bay but her tenacity wins out. I don't think he's working in her best interests if he dismisses her claims that Chelsea's parents didn't die in a normal auto accident.
Vinny, the murder victim, is not at all a nice guy. He's a total stereotype of an Italian Guido - think Godfather meets Jersey Shore. Yuck. Please writers, get to know some real Italians! Vinny is such a sleaze and Maggie is the total opposite. I fail to see why sweet Maggie would want to marry an obnoxious caveman like Vinny. Lance, Vinny's brother, is also the complete opposite of Vinny. How can two men raised in the same family be so different? Lance is the strong, silent type and better suited to Maggie.
Detective Wayne Hudson is a tough cop. He may be good looking but he isn't reassuring. He has a suspicious mind and that's a good quality in a detective but it doesn't make him a character I want to root for. It also really bothered me when he referred to Officer Flanagan as a pretty girl in front of Chelsea. That was a really unprofessional moment. I really could do without Chelsea's obsession over Wayne's looks and I hate how she turns into a puddle of drool around him.
Murder suspects include Sudeer, Vinny's business partner. He was acting suspicious right before Chelsea discovered the body. If he stands to inherit the business it could be motive for murder. Chelsea thinks since he was the quiet, nerdy kid in school he's too nice to be a killer but in the heat of the moment could he commit a crime of passion? Another good suspect is Rita, an Italian stereotype of the worst sort. She's the bad girl of Chelsea's school days and still cranky and mean. I really don't like her or feel sorry for her.
This book has some formatting and editing errors and it needs recipes. I signed up for the author's mailing list so I can get her free cookbook. Miss May's apple baked goods sound delicious! I may want to catch up with these characters again soon if I have time.
July 25, 2021
how can I pass a series set in the Apple Orchards of the Hudson Valley? Home, I can smell the cookies (and I want an Apple Oat one, NOW, instead of dinner!) Onto the next in this easy and light series. The photo on Facebook hooked me!
November 19, 2019
APPLE DIE, the first book in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series by Chelsea Thomas (a husband and wife author duo!), is a fun, lighthearted cozy mystery that caught my attention with the very first paragraph. The protagonist, Chelsea, has suffered heartbreak when she’s left at the altar in the middle of her dream wedding and then cheated out of her interior designer company by her former fiancé. As the story progresses, Chelsea, with the help of her aunt, Miss May, finds strength and learns to overcome her heartbreak. Miss May and her best friend, Teenie, are quirky supporting characters to the protagonist, and lighten the scenes that they are in whether it’s socializing, bumping around in Miss May’s VW van, or finding a killer.
After moving back to Miss May’s apple orchard Chelsea helps revitalize their special events’ venue. She’s pulled into investigating the suspicious death of her cousin’s fiancé after finding his body in the orchard during the rehearsal dinner. She uncovers clues that a crime occurred along with several suspects despite the police ruling the death as an unfortunate accident. The clues are well sprinkled throughout the story and I’ll admit I did guess who the culprit is but didn’t know why. There were good twists that kept me turning pages and I appreciated that the authors wrote a complete mystery in a fairly short book without cutting corners. APPLE DIE is a great start to an entertaining cozy mystery series and I’m happy that there are several more books for me to catch up on!
After moving back to Miss May’s apple orchard Chelsea helps revitalize their special events’ venue. She’s pulled into investigating the suspicious death of her cousin’s fiancé after finding his body in the orchard during the rehearsal dinner. She uncovers clues that a crime occurred along with several suspects despite the police ruling the death as an unfortunate accident. The clues are well sprinkled throughout the story and I’ll admit I did guess who the culprit is but didn’t know why. There were good twists that kept me turning pages and I appreciated that the authors wrote a complete mystery in a fairly short book without cutting corners. APPLE DIE is a great start to an entertaining cozy mystery series and I’m happy that there are several more books for me to catch up on!
September 5, 2020
So, the author, Chelsea Thomas, named her main character after herself? Or is she insinuating these are stories about herself? Not sure, but Chelsea Thomas, the character is an emotional mess after being left at the altar by her fiance, who happened to be her business partner, who happened to cheat her out of everything she owned. Poor Chelsea simply trusted too much, and mixed business and pleasure till it ruined her financially, and emotionally.
Moving back to live with Aunt May, well wouldn't you know it, a groom-to-be just happens to die the night of the rehearsal dinner. Police say it was clearly and accident, but Aunt May and Chelsea's instinct's say different. Well, their friend, Teeny, says different too, but she seems to just go along with whatever they say, or comes up with the most outrageous theories.
Any avid mystery reader will figure out whodunnit, and why, immediately. The fun of this first in the series, is the escapades of Aunt May, Chelsea and Teeny, as they try to figure it all out themselves. Oh, does Chelsea begin to get over being dumped, and come more into real self....you'll have to read it to find out!
Moving back to live with Aunt May, well wouldn't you know it, a groom-to-be just happens to die the night of the rehearsal dinner. Police say it was clearly and accident, but Aunt May and Chelsea's instinct's say different. Well, their friend, Teeny, says different too, but she seems to just go along with whatever they say, or comes up with the most outrageous theories.
Any avid mystery reader will figure out whodunnit, and why, immediately. The fun of this first in the series, is the escapades of Aunt May, Chelsea and Teeny, as they try to figure it all out themselves. Oh, does Chelsea begin to get over being dumped, and come more into real self....you'll have to read it to find out!
July 15, 2019
Chelsea claims she “can’t solve a Sudoku, let alone a murder,” but there’s a dead body whose death might not be as simply explained as the police believe, and her aunt insists they have to investigate.
Clues are discovered with a pleasing mix of technology and technique by characters who are fun, occasionally zany, and a pleasure to hang out with. The protagonist’s gradual recovery from previous disaster is nicely portrayed, with the aid of a hot detective. But best of all are the chapter headings – “Suspects and Sprinkles” for example.
Apply Die is an easy-reading cozy mystery and an enjoyable start to the series.
Disclosure: I got it on a deal and offer my honest review.
Clues are discovered with a pleasing mix of technology and technique by characters who are fun, occasionally zany, and a pleasure to hang out with. The protagonist’s gradual recovery from previous disaster is nicely portrayed, with the aid of a hot detective. But best of all are the chapter headings – “Suspects and Sprinkles” for example.
Apply Die is an easy-reading cozy mystery and an enjoyable start to the series.
Disclosure: I got it on a deal and offer my honest review.
January 17, 2020
Well, the book was okay. Somehow, I liked Miss May more than Chelsea. Maybe if she didn't drool and swoon over the cop, I'd have added half a star more. Just that the female amateur sleuth falling for the detective seems to be quite common. :(
The narration was light and fun so I can't really complain there.
The narration was light and fun so I can't really complain there.
October 31, 2020
After having her heart broken, Chelsea returns to her hometown to help out in her aunt's business and also to heal and start afresh. When there's a suspicious death, even though it's considered an accident, the ladies team up with Aunt May's friend to investigate.
It's a cute little cozy mystery, nothing groundbreaking but pretty enjoyable and a quick read.
It's a cute little cozy mystery, nothing groundbreaking but pretty enjoyable and a quick read.
November 17, 2021
Cute and short
This is a cute and short cozy mystery! I really enjoyed it! A groom has been murdered and if Chelsea and her aunt don't help solve it, the bride Chelsea's cousin Maggie will get the wrap for the murder. I enjoyed it as a cute cozy mystery... my only unanswered question about the story and story line is how does the detective breathe in a sexy manner?
This is a cute and short cozy mystery! I really enjoyed it! A groom has been murdered and if Chelsea and her aunt don't help solve it, the bride Chelsea's cousin Maggie will get the wrap for the murder. I enjoyed it as a cute cozy mystery... my only unanswered question about the story and story line is how does the detective breathe in a sexy manner?
July 25, 2022
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.
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