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Apple Orchard #3
Candy Apple Killer
An Apple a Day Can’t Keep the Murder Away
Chelsea Thomas and her aunt, Miss May, have solved not one, but three murders in their small town of Pine Grove. They’re ready to hang up their sleuthing hats, until a new couple moves into town and stirs up all kinds of Turtle trouble.
Chelsea Thomas and her aunt, Miss May, have solved not one, but three murders in their small town of Pine Grove. They’re ready to hang up their sleuthing hats, until a new couple moves into town and stirs up all kinds of Turtle trouble.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2019
531 people are currently reading
400 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 140 reviews
January 12, 2019
Another hilarious adventure by three of my new favorite sleuths! Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny had their hands full after a new snooty couple moved into town and a couple of dead bodies showed up shortly afterwards. Someone's candy apple was poisoned, and since KP (friend, employee and caretaker of the farm) was the one who hand-crafted all the fancy apples, he was accused of the murder.
The sleuthing trio went into action by talking to everyone they could think of. I was dying laughing at a new person they had gone to see, a woman named Petunia who was a huge poker game fan. Just the description of her and how she spoke was so funny! I was kind of picturing Yetta from the old comedy The Nanny! I think Chelsea and Wayne, the detective are getting a little closer too. He even grudgingly admitted that she and her aunt are decent detectives after they helped solve this case which let KP go along with his vacation plans. The blurb in the book about the next one sounds really good, can't wait!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout. My opinions are my own.
The sleuthing trio went into action by talking to everyone they could think of. I was dying laughing at a new person they had gone to see, a woman named Petunia who was a huge poker game fan. Just the description of her and how she spoke was so funny! I was kind of picturing Yetta from the old comedy The Nanny! I think Chelsea and Wayne, the detective are getting a little closer too. He even grudgingly admitted that she and her aunt are decent detectives after they helped solve this case which let KP go along with his vacation plans. The blurb in the book about the next one sounds really good, can't wait!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout. My opinions are my own.
July 9, 2020
Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny continue investigating murders in their town. But this one is personal when Miss May's partner is accused. An offensive and snobbish older couple arrive in town and proceed to offend everyone. At Miss May's Candy Apple party, the woman is murdered. The mystery proceeds from there. There is lots of humour in this book and the possible romance between Chelsea and Wayne, the detective, heats up a bit. I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 27, 2019
Chelsea Thomas has enjoyed a beautiful summer adjusting to her new life at the Thomas Family Fruit and Fir Farm after her fiance left her at the altar and stole her business. Chelsea has managed to help the police solve some murder cases but it's been some weeks she's she has stumbled across a dead body and Chelsea hopes to keep it that way as she and Aunt May head into the busy fall season. They're gearing up for a big hoedown event in which they will sell their famous candy apples. Chelsea is none too pleased with a once-wealthy Manhattan couple translated to Pine Grove come DEMANDING candy apples in advance and insulting the farm, the employees, Pine Grove and everything that isn't Manhattan chic. It takes all of Aunt May's customer service skills to send them away. The Turtles do show up at the hoedown for their apples but only one leaves alive. Chelsea is horrified when she discovers Linda Turtle dead at one of the tables in the barn event space. The police suspect loyal family friend and co-worker KP of killing the woman since he was the one making and selling candy apples. Miss May and Chelsea are positive KP never killed anyone. Is he cranky? Yes. Ornery? Yes. Angry? Sometimes. A killer? No way! Miss May and Chelsea team up with Teeny to solve the mystery before KP is locked away for good.
The mystery is super tight. I stayed up too late reading it because I couldn't figure out which character was the murderer. Even if the reader does guess who, they can't guess why until Chelsea, Aunt May and Teeny break a few laws and do some research to figure it out. The story is fun and funny with some zany new situations and crazy characters. I really wish these books had recipes. Personal story wise there isn't much growth until the very end. The hoedown sounded corny but fun. The apples sound amazing and I wish I could eat one! One thing I DID NOT like about this novel, and the author got wrong, is the depiction of libraries and librarians. If someone owes a fine and doesn't pay it or return the book, they get billed for the price of the book. Yes police can come after you to collect the debt but librarians aren't nasty people out to get their patrons. The money supports the library and buys books! You can't really accumulate thousands of dollars worth of fines unless you have a LOT of overdue books.
Chelsea is still a basket case. She cries a lot, is frequently nervous and doesn't approve of all Aunt May and Teeny's schemes but she goes along with them anyway. Her relationship with Wayne hasn't really gone anywhere yet because at the end of the day, he's still a detective and she's a nosy civilian. Her ex-fiance Mike keeps calling but she won't answer the calls to deal with her issues. Chelsea has amazing karate chopping skills though, apparently. Aunt May is bigger, bolder and a bit crazier than in the first book. KP has been her friend and employee for a very long time and she is willing to break a lot of rules to help him. In spite of Aunt May's forceful personality, I really like her. I find her friend Teeny rather annoying. Teeny's obsession with her favorite soap opera leads her to confuse reality and fantasy. Teeny is always eager to get out of the diner and out investigating because she thinks she'll find something salacious like in her stories. KP is a grumpy old man but he's passionate about the farm and the family and willing to do anything to help them out. He seems to have a hidden artistic side he only shows once a year and it makes him happy to have that on display. He does seem like he could be a murderer though but since he's so kind to the miniature horse, he can't be a bad person.
There are a couple of new characters in this novel and one I haven't met before. Noreen, the local dry cleaner, has recently returned from a trip to India. She is a friend of Miss May's and they seem to know each other well. I felt her comment about not expecting to find books in English in India was rude but her gift to Miss May was wonderful and unexpected. Noreen is a good businesswoman but I think she may lack Miss May's legendary customer service kills. Petey, the cook at Grandma's, wants to be a chef. He's ambitious and creative and I like that even if he doesn't make anything that sounds good. He doesn't seem to have a good head for business since he insists on trying out fancy cuisine on people used to diner food. I'm not sure that will work out for him but I hope he is successful. I do not like how he enjoys gossip as much as the old ladies. I hope Salazar the psychic appears again. He's too eccentric not to. I don't believe he's a psychic just an opportunist ready to gossip and have someone listen to his advice. Petunia, the flower shop lady, is the most unusual old lady in this story. At 89 she enjoys gambling for high stakes at her retirement community and being rude to everybody. I did not like her at all but felt sorry for her that she lost her family home that was her father's pride and joy. Is that enough for her to commit murder? What happened with her grandchildren and what's up with the creepy object in her old house?
Hercules, the young policeman who watches the front desk, is no match for Miss May. The poor young man! His name is a joke since he is the opposite of Hercules. I think Wayne is not so incompetent as Miss May thinks but more overworked and understaffed. He's a newcomer and doesn't know the history of the town and the people and that hinders his investigations. It makes sense to question KP but not so much to arrest him. Wayne is not arrogant or bumbling, he's just a man trying to do his job up against nosy old ladies and a nosy younger civilian. He's clearly into Chelsea and when he's not in uniform he can be quite charming. Flanagan may be a bit much, like she knows she's beautiful and flaunts it but she doesn't have much of a fleshed out personality.
Linda Turtle, a wealthy Manhattanite up until now, is insanely rude and snobby. I thought her rudeness was over the top and suspected she may be a phony because she was just SO rude! Chelsea lived in New York and even she is shocked by Linda's conversation and behavior. Linda behaves abominably all through town and even belittles her husband non-stop. If I were the police I would intermediately suspect HIM as the killer. Reginald, at least, has a few more feelings than Linda. He liked his brother well enough to invest with him but unfortunately is not a good judge of character and honestly if he didn't research her investment before he made it then he deserved to lose his money. Perhaps he did it on purpose thinking he would be rid of Linda and then had to resort to murder? I sure would be tempted but poor Reginald is rather meek and mild compared to his awful wife.
I am interested to see Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny ride again in another story. It will have to wait awhile though.
The mystery is super tight. I stayed up too late reading it because I couldn't figure out which character was the murderer. Even if the reader does guess who, they can't guess why until Chelsea, Aunt May and Teeny break a few laws and do some research to figure it out. The story is fun and funny with some zany new situations and crazy characters. I really wish these books had recipes. Personal story wise there isn't much growth until the very end. The hoedown sounded corny but fun. The apples sound amazing and I wish I could eat one! One thing I DID NOT like about this novel, and the author got wrong, is the depiction of libraries and librarians. If someone owes a fine and doesn't pay it or return the book, they get billed for the price of the book. Yes police can come after you to collect the debt but librarians aren't nasty people out to get their patrons. The money supports the library and buys books! You can't really accumulate thousands of dollars worth of fines unless you have a LOT of overdue books.
Chelsea is still a basket case. She cries a lot, is frequently nervous and doesn't approve of all Aunt May and Teeny's schemes but she goes along with them anyway. Her relationship with Wayne hasn't really gone anywhere yet because at the end of the day, he's still a detective and she's a nosy civilian. Her ex-fiance Mike keeps calling but she won't answer the calls to deal with her issues. Chelsea has amazing karate chopping skills though, apparently. Aunt May is bigger, bolder and a bit crazier than in the first book. KP has been her friend and employee for a very long time and she is willing to break a lot of rules to help him. In spite of Aunt May's forceful personality, I really like her. I find her friend Teeny rather annoying. Teeny's obsession with her favorite soap opera leads her to confuse reality and fantasy. Teeny is always eager to get out of the diner and out investigating because she thinks she'll find something salacious like in her stories. KP is a grumpy old man but he's passionate about the farm and the family and willing to do anything to help them out. He seems to have a hidden artistic side he only shows once a year and it makes him happy to have that on display. He does seem like he could be a murderer though but since he's so kind to the miniature horse, he can't be a bad person.
There are a couple of new characters in this novel and one I haven't met before. Noreen, the local dry cleaner, has recently returned from a trip to India. She is a friend of Miss May's and they seem to know each other well. I felt her comment about not expecting to find books in English in India was rude but her gift to Miss May was wonderful and unexpected. Noreen is a good businesswoman but I think she may lack Miss May's legendary customer service kills. Petey, the cook at Grandma's, wants to be a chef. He's ambitious and creative and I like that even if he doesn't make anything that sounds good. He doesn't seem to have a good head for business since he insists on trying out fancy cuisine on people used to diner food. I'm not sure that will work out for him but I hope he is successful. I do not like how he enjoys gossip as much as the old ladies. I hope Salazar the psychic appears again. He's too eccentric not to. I don't believe he's a psychic just an opportunist ready to gossip and have someone listen to his advice. Petunia, the flower shop lady, is the most unusual old lady in this story. At 89 she enjoys gambling for high stakes at her retirement community and being rude to everybody. I did not like her at all but felt sorry for her that she lost her family home that was her father's pride and joy. Is that enough for her to commit murder? What happened with her grandchildren and what's up with the creepy object in her old house?
Hercules, the young policeman who watches the front desk, is no match for Miss May. The poor young man! His name is a joke since he is the opposite of Hercules. I think Wayne is not so incompetent as Miss May thinks but more overworked and understaffed. He's a newcomer and doesn't know the history of the town and the people and that hinders his investigations. It makes sense to question KP but not so much to arrest him. Wayne is not arrogant or bumbling, he's just a man trying to do his job up against nosy old ladies and a nosy younger civilian. He's clearly into Chelsea and when he's not in uniform he can be quite charming. Flanagan may be a bit much, like she knows she's beautiful and flaunts it but she doesn't have much of a fleshed out personality.
Linda Turtle, a wealthy Manhattanite up until now, is insanely rude and snobby. I thought her rudeness was over the top and suspected she may be a phony because she was just SO rude! Chelsea lived in New York and even she is shocked by Linda's conversation and behavior. Linda behaves abominably all through town and even belittles her husband non-stop. If I were the police I would intermediately suspect HIM as the killer. Reginald, at least, has a few more feelings than Linda. He liked his brother well enough to invest with him but unfortunately is not a good judge of character and honestly if he didn't research her investment before he made it then he deserved to lose his money. Perhaps he did it on purpose thinking he would be rid of Linda and then had to resort to murder? I sure would be tempted but poor Reginald is rather meek and mild compared to his awful wife.
I am interested to see Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny ride again in another story. It will have to wait awhile though.
February 1, 2023
really good may have to read books 1 and 2 now, lol started with 3
January 18, 2019
Charming Third Cozy Mystery!
Crime-solving trio of amateur sleuths are up to their zany antics again as they try to solve the latest murder. The heartwarming characters and their shenanigans are fun to read. Great cast of characters. Is there romance brewing in the future? Enjoy!
I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
Crime-solving trio of amateur sleuths are up to their zany antics again as they try to solve the latest murder. The heartwarming characters and their shenanigans are fun to read. Great cast of characters. Is there romance brewing in the future? Enjoy!
I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
January 23, 2022
Another mediocre Chelsea Thomas installment, but I will admit they're growing on me a little bit.
In this installment, a snobby rich woman, and recent NYC transplant is the latest murder victim, and it's pretty obvious she'll be the victim from the minute we meet her.
At this point, I think Chelsea's just expecting to find murder victims everywhere, though. She complains every time it happens, but every other page in the beginning is like, "oH I hOpe I doN't fInD anOtHeR MurDeR viCtim liKe tHe lAst thrEe." At this point she's just making a self-fulfilling prophecy. (Yes, as a cozy mystery fan I'm acutely aware that the number of murders in a small town is ridiculous for a single location of less than 500 people, but Chelsea Thomas makes this even more outrageous than most with the character's attitude).
Chelsea (the character) is still whiny and mostly incompetent, but she's getting more of a personality, I guess. We're getting to the components of her failed wedding and the actual person that is her true self, and it is interesting to see her growth. She's also a better detective, even if she can't make great choices about romance.
I think part of what I like less is also the lack of prominent characters of the same age. Like, Chelsea has no friends, a few cousins who show up when it's convenient for the plot, and otherwise pretty much nobody her own age (aside from Wayne, whose literal only attribute is his body).
Basically, Chelsea Thomas just avoids giving her characters a lot of personality or the need for peers, and it's becoming pretty annoying.
The mystery in this one was odd as well. It seemed to jump around a lot, and I forget if the first two were like that as much. There are just too many elements and the introduction of new characters you've never heard of who are suddenly important. And I do know this is the case in a lot of cozy mysteries, but I just didn't like the way this was executed in this specific book.
Anyway, Candy Apple Killer was my last free book in the series, and I don't plan on purchasing any of the books, so I'm pretty sure I'm done with this series unless I decide to go back and read A Knead to Kill at some point, which I don't want to do because I'll definitely conflate timelines. But overall it wasn't terrible.
In this installment, a snobby rich woman, and recent NYC transplant is the latest murder victim, and it's pretty obvious she'll be the victim from the minute we meet her.
At this point, I think Chelsea's just expecting to find murder victims everywhere, though. She complains every time it happens, but every other page in the beginning is like, "oH I hOpe I doN't fInD anOtHeR MurDeR viCtim liKe tHe lAst thrEe." At this point she's just making a self-fulfilling prophecy. (Yes, as a cozy mystery fan I'm acutely aware that the number of murders in a small town is ridiculous for a single location of less than 500 people, but Chelsea Thomas makes this even more outrageous than most with the character's attitude).
Chelsea (the character) is still whiny and mostly incompetent, but she's getting more of a personality, I guess. We're getting to the components of her failed wedding and the actual person that is her true self, and it is interesting to see her growth. She's also a better detective, even if she can't make great choices about romance.
I think part of what I like less is also the lack of prominent characters of the same age. Like, Chelsea has no friends, a few cousins who show up when it's convenient for the plot, and otherwise pretty much nobody her own age (aside from Wayne, whose literal only attribute is his body).
Basically, Chelsea Thomas just avoids giving her characters a lot of personality or the need for peers, and it's becoming pretty annoying.
The mystery in this one was odd as well. It seemed to jump around a lot, and I forget if the first two were like that as much. There are just too many elements and the introduction of new characters you've never heard of who are suddenly important. And I do know this is the case in a lot of cozy mysteries, but I just didn't like the way this was executed in this specific book.
Anyway, Candy Apple Killer was my last free book in the series, and I don't plan on purchasing any of the books, so I'm pretty sure I'm done with this series unless I decide to go back and read A Knead to Kill at some point, which I don't want to do because I'll definitely conflate timelines. But overall it wasn't terrible.
April 20, 2019
“Candy Apple Killer” 5/5 Laced Apples…Entertaining and Clever!
Ok, a poisoned a candy apple? That's just sacrilegious…but effective. Chelsea Thomas [duo] really had me going with a clever mystery full of several suspects that challenged me to choose just one along with fun chapter titles, vivid descriptions, entertaining dialogue, a bit of peril, and characters that continue to develop. Add a bit of zany and a possible romance? You’ve got a great read! It's been a year since Chelsea was “homeless, jobless, and loveless” and essentially rescued by her aunt Miss May by offering her a chance to live and work at her apple orchard in Pine Grove, New York. Now? Well, despite three murders on which to hone her amateur investigator skills, Chelsea and her aunt are doing well and excited about the upcoming twentieth annual Candy Apple Hoedown (There's such a thing? Delicious!). However, they have an unfortunate run-in with Mr. Henpecked and the totally annoying Mrs. Snob whining about failed retirement dreams and dissing their small town. Enter karma. Mrs. Snob ends up murdered by candy apple. Like many residents, KP had a terrible interaction with her, including a threat that “this’ll be the last apple you ever eat!” So opportunity and means is enough to get him arrested. From here the twists and turns, ups and downs, and some perilous predicaments kept me totally engaged. Loved it! Along with investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder and trying to help their friend, I enjoyed the side stories into KP’s past, Chelsea’s “left me at the altar” ex-fiancé, romantic possibilities with Officer Wayne, and entertaining small town friendships.
Ok, a poisoned a candy apple? That's just sacrilegious…but effective. Chelsea Thomas [duo] really had me going with a clever mystery full of several suspects that challenged me to choose just one along with fun chapter titles, vivid descriptions, entertaining dialogue, a bit of peril, and characters that continue to develop. Add a bit of zany and a possible romance? You’ve got a great read! It's been a year since Chelsea was “homeless, jobless, and loveless” and essentially rescued by her aunt Miss May by offering her a chance to live and work at her apple orchard in Pine Grove, New York. Now? Well, despite three murders on which to hone her amateur investigator skills, Chelsea and her aunt are doing well and excited about the upcoming twentieth annual Candy Apple Hoedown (There's such a thing? Delicious!). However, they have an unfortunate run-in with Mr. Henpecked and the totally annoying Mrs. Snob whining about failed retirement dreams and dissing their small town. Enter karma. Mrs. Snob ends up murdered by candy apple. Like many residents, KP had a terrible interaction with her, including a threat that “this’ll be the last apple you ever eat!” So opportunity and means is enough to get him arrested. From here the twists and turns, ups and downs, and some perilous predicaments kept me totally engaged. Loved it! Along with investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder and trying to help their friend, I enjoyed the side stories into KP’s past, Chelsea’s “left me at the altar” ex-fiancé, romantic possibilities with Officer Wayne, and entertaining small town friendships.
January 14, 2019
Chelsea and Miss May are prepping the farm for its annual candy apple event at the orchard. The day before the event they encounter a snobby couple known as the Turtles of Manhattan. They try without success to get Miss May to let them sample and buy candy apples before the big event. She turns them down with as much tact that she can and even invites them to the event happening the next day.
After the couple leave in a huff, it is a great surprise that they show up for even. But they happened to have ruffled more than a few feathers when Mrs. Turtle is found dead after eating a poisoned apple. KP comes under suspicion by the local police, so Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny put on their amateur sleuthing caps and try their hand at solving the case.
If you like your mystery with a mix of quirky characters, lots of humor and hijinks, and tons of potential suspects, then this should be in your “to be read” pile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After the couple leave in a huff, it is a great surprise that they show up for even. But they happened to have ruffled more than a few feathers when Mrs. Turtle is found dead after eating a poisoned apple. KP comes under suspicion by the local police, so Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny put on their amateur sleuthing caps and try their hand at solving the case.
If you like your mystery with a mix of quirky characters, lots of humor and hijinks, and tons of potential suspects, then this should be in your “to be read” pile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2019
Chelsea and Aunt May have another dead body on the apple farm. Is there something in the water or what?! Then Chelsea and Detective Wayne have a falling out, so he is really NO HELP at all! Can Aunt May and Chelsea prove that KP didn't kill that snobby city slicker? Can Chelsea and Detective Wayne overcome their differences and restart their relationship...as it was? You will have to read the book to find out. I am obsessed with this series!
September 17, 2025
I love a good cozy mystery, and this series was not it. I kept trying but the writing is simple, the characters juvenile and the plots just not at all engaging. So I'm not continuing... it's just not good and there's other things I want to read.
April 21, 2025
Chelsea, May and Teeny are IT!! Also, I just realised this is like a 14 part series. I can't believe i have to wait that long for Chelsea to finally bag that cop
January 12, 2019
Another Apple Orchard Murder!
These stories just keep getting better. This has to be the best in the series. As always, the plot is great with lots of side-stories going on. The final reveal would be impossible to guess and happens in a very fun way. These stories are filled with characters that are similar to many in our own lives. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
These stories just keep getting better. This has to be the best in the series. As always, the plot is great with lots of side-stories going on. The final reveal would be impossible to guess and happens in a very fun way. These stories are filled with characters that are similar to many in our own lives. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
October 1, 2021
Breaking and entering seems to be Miss May and Chelsea’s method for finding clues in this one.
January 17, 2019
This is the third book in the Apple Orchard Cozies. It is a stand alone story and there is no need to read any of the prior books before starting on this one. However, part of the fun of reading a cozy is to get to know the main characters and books one and two certainly provide a lot of background information. The author does certainly provide a summary to get you up to speed in the third book.
It is time for the annual candy apple event at Aunt May's orchard. While everyone is getting ready for the event, the Turtles show up and want to be treated like royalty. As kind as they can be, Aunt May and Chelsea are able to get the Turtles to leave with an invitation to the event. Amazingly, the Turtles show up to the event but it is clear that none of the townspeople think very highly of the Turtles. When event winds down, one of the Turtles is found murdered and unfortunately, one of Aunt May's employees is accused of killing her. So, Aunt May, Chelsea and Teeny throw themselves into investigating the murder to find the true culprit.
Having read all three of the books in this series, I think that this one is my favorite. Chelsea, to me seems like the TV character Ally McBeal due to her clumsiness and blurting out the wrong thing at the wrong time. Chelsea's romance with Detective Wayne has taken a step forward and it was fun the way they flirted with each other throughout the book. It's a good mystery that moves along at a good pace and is filled with quirky characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is time for the annual candy apple event at Aunt May's orchard. While everyone is getting ready for the event, the Turtles show up and want to be treated like royalty. As kind as they can be, Aunt May and Chelsea are able to get the Turtles to leave with an invitation to the event. Amazingly, the Turtles show up to the event but it is clear that none of the townspeople think very highly of the Turtles. When event winds down, one of the Turtles is found murdered and unfortunately, one of Aunt May's employees is accused of killing her. So, Aunt May, Chelsea and Teeny throw themselves into investigating the murder to find the true culprit.
Having read all three of the books in this series, I think that this one is my favorite. Chelsea, to me seems like the TV character Ally McBeal due to her clumsiness and blurting out the wrong thing at the wrong time. Chelsea's romance with Detective Wayne has taken a step forward and it was fun the way they flirted with each other throughout the book. It's a good mystery that moves along at a good pace and is filled with quirky characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2019
This is the third in the Apple Orchard Mystery series. I have mentioned before that I really enjoy the main characters Chelsea , Miss May and Teeny . Once again, they are drawn into being sleuths as a snobby new resident is found murdered at the annual Hoedown! As the bodies pile up this turns out to be a hard case for the trio to solve as no one seemed to like the Manhattan Turtles arrival in Pine Grove.
The plot is very good it pulled me in right away and moves at a steady pace. I was able to finish the book in about 3 hours. The introduction of Salazar - Pine Groves Psychic was interesting.
I loved Miss May's quote:
"I find its best to believe in everything, so long as it doesn't hurt you. Its good to keep your door open to the universe. Otherwise, how will you know when the universe shows up with a gift?"
I thought I had identified the killer early in the book but as I read on there were red herrings that had me second guessing myself. This book is just as quirky and funny as the rest.
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 "Berried Alive?" Book 4 in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot is very good it pulled me in right away and moves at a steady pace. I was able to finish the book in about 3 hours. The introduction of Salazar - Pine Groves Psychic was interesting.
I loved Miss May's quote:
"I find its best to believe in everything, so long as it doesn't hurt you. Its good to keep your door open to the universe. Otherwise, how will you know when the universe shows up with a gift?"
I thought I had identified the killer early in the book but as I read on there were red herrings that had me second guessing myself. This book is just as quirky and funny as the rest.
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 "Berried Alive?" Book 4 in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2019
This is the third book in the Apple Orchard Cozy series and it does not disappoint. Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny embark in yet another murder investigation when a guest at their Candy Apple party on the farm. The victim, a newcomer to town, has made many adversaries in her short time as a resident. The killer could be any number of people but the town’s detective focuses on KP, Miss May’s loyal employee. Just when the trio thinks they are closing in on the perpetrator they stumble across another body. While KP is anxious to be proven innocent he also wants to be released in time to go on his vacation of a lifetime.
I love this series! The characters are very well developed. I hope we see Petunia and Ethel show up again. Their retirement community would be a perfect setting for another series. I also wish Teeny had a bit more of a role in the stories. It is realistic that she needs to be at her restaurant, but she is a funny character and I enjoy her reality show based theories. The plot moves at a steady pace and is engaging. I look forward to the next book in the series and I recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and read from the beginning, although this book could stand alone, the first two books are too good to miss.
I was provided a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I love this series! The characters are very well developed. I hope we see Petunia and Ethel show up again. Their retirement community would be a perfect setting for another series. I also wish Teeny had a bit more of a role in the stories. It is realistic that she needs to be at her restaurant, but she is a funny character and I enjoy her reality show based theories. The plot moves at a steady pace and is engaging. I look forward to the next book in the series and I recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and read from the beginning, although this book could stand alone, the first two books are too good to miss.
I was provided a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 23, 2019
This is the first book in this series that I have read. This is the third book in the Apple Orchard Cozy series. Chelsea was forced to move from Manhattan when her fiancé dumped her, now she solves murders in Pine Grove, New York with her aunt (Miss May) and her aunt’s friend (Teeny). The three musketeers investigate the murder of a socialite that moved into their town and was found at the Candy Apple. The victim and her husband were not making any friends due to their snarky and demeaning remarks about the people of Pine Grove. There was no shortage of possible suspects. Their friend KP is put in jail since he was the last one seen with the victim. On their quest to find the real killer they discover the husband of the victim has also been murdered.
The characters in the story are eccentric, quirky and a lot of fun. I can’t wait to read more of this series to see what happens with the rest of the residents in Pine Grove. The story keeps you interested and engaged to see what trouble the trio will get themselves involved with. I didn’t feel lost when I stepped into the series on book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters in the story are eccentric, quirky and a lot of fun. I can’t wait to read more of this series to see what happens with the rest of the residents in Pine Grove. The story keeps you interested and engaged to see what trouble the trio will get themselves involved with. I didn’t feel lost when I stepped into the series on book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2019
Although the storyline is good, the telling is horrible. Perhaps if something could be done to get rid of Teeny, a good portion of the problems with the story would be gone
It is inconceivable that the whole police department is incompetent. But then so is the concept that someone walks around with apple pies in their bag. What in the world is she carrying? I know of no woman's purse, pocketbook, tote or clotch that could fit an apple pie in it. Sideways maybe, but I think we all know what would happen if you put a pie into your bag, purse, etc. sideways. The pie must lay flat, so an 8" pie would require a bag with an 8" wide flat bottom. No such animal! And, if there was, heaven help ups if you put anything else in the bag on top of it. Am I making my point?
And, incidentally, when they were caught in Reginald's house, Miss May said they came to bring him a pie, but earlier she had told Teeny and Chelsea she didn't have any with her. So, I guess she was just lying, but to who?
All in all, I did not enjoy the book, it was too convoluted and I am sure I will not be reading any more of this author's books.
It is inconceivable that the whole police department is incompetent. But then so is the concept that someone walks around with apple pies in their bag. What in the world is she carrying? I know of no woman's purse, pocketbook, tote or clotch that could fit an apple pie in it. Sideways maybe, but I think we all know what would happen if you put a pie into your bag, purse, etc. sideways. The pie must lay flat, so an 8" pie would require a bag with an 8" wide flat bottom. No such animal! And, if there was, heaven help ups if you put anything else in the bag on top of it. Am I making my point?
And, incidentally, when they were caught in Reginald's house, Miss May said they came to bring him a pie, but earlier she had told Teeny and Chelsea she didn't have any with her. So, I guess she was just lying, but to who?
All in all, I did not enjoy the book, it was too convoluted and I am sure I will not be reading any more of this author's books.
March 31, 2021
"Candy Apple Killer", third in the Apple Orchard series, goes about its business humourously and at a fair pace.
The small town of Pine Grove continues on its quest to be crowned "Most Deadly Small Town in the U.S.A." when two new residents, the obnoxious Linda and Reginald Turtle, are killed.
Chelsea Thomas, her eccentric friend Teeny, and her aunt Miss May are hot on the trail - determined to get to the proof before Detective Wayne.
Some interesting characters are added to the brew, in particular the hardcore poker fan Petunia, Noreen who has just returned from India with a lovely gift for Miss May, and, not forgetting Petey, Teeny's restaurant helper, who is given the chance to explore haute cuisine when Teeny goes investigating.
The pace of Chelsea's relationship with Det. Wayne is almost glacial, we still have no idea whether Miss May is still a registered attorney, and why is Chelsea's ex-fiancée trying to contact her?
The solution comes more or less out of nowhere and, I would argue that Det. Wayne deserves the credit for this one (though I am sure that Chelsea would disagree!).
The small town of Pine Grove continues on its quest to be crowned "Most Deadly Small Town in the U.S.A." when two new residents, the obnoxious Linda and Reginald Turtle, are killed.
Chelsea Thomas, her eccentric friend Teeny, and her aunt Miss May are hot on the trail - determined to get to the proof before Detective Wayne.
Some interesting characters are added to the brew, in particular the hardcore poker fan Petunia, Noreen who has just returned from India with a lovely gift for Miss May, and, not forgetting Petey, Teeny's restaurant helper, who is given the chance to explore haute cuisine when Teeny goes investigating.
The pace of Chelsea's relationship with Det. Wayne is almost glacial, we still have no idea whether Miss May is still a registered attorney, and why is Chelsea's ex-fiancée trying to contact her?
The solution comes more or less out of nowhere and, I would argue that Det. Wayne deserves the credit for this one (though I am sure that Chelsea would disagree!).
May 6, 2023
Yet again Chelsea Thomas proves that cozy mysteries don't have to be predictable or boring. The reoccurring characters in the Apple Orchard series are delightfully relatable with a laugh-out-loud repertoire of one-liners. The new characters in Candy Apple Killer are quite possibly my favorites in the series thus far. Without spoiling anything I am sure that everyone knows a couple like the Turtles, of the Manhattan Turtles, it is quite satisfying to read KP's extremely unprofessional but on point to what you would love to be able to say but never would in real life. Can't wait to see what's next for Miss May, Chelsea, Teeny, and the rest of the residents of Pine Grove in Berried Alive.
January 10, 2019
The funny thing about tourist revenue driven towns - customer relations get to be twiggy pretty fast.
That rude customer might be a flat lander - or he is the missing uncle if your neighbor and your third grade teacher - and your second grade crush. Motives are twisted, and could be tangled with generations of belonging - or not belonging, loving or hating.
Or they could be just rude people no one liked, and most everyone is happy to see dead - so motives galore, but no one cares if they are not local - unless some one wants a scape goat, just to calm perceptions.
The Turtle family seem to be a bale of mean and awful critters who are not big on kindness, and are big on looking down on others.
Can Miss May and Chelsea save their friend KP - and his Hawaiian vacation plans?
Lots of tempting tasty treat, and twisted motives in this Apple Candy themed murder cozy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and read it on Kindle Unlimited, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That rude customer might be a flat lander - or he is the missing uncle if your neighbor and your third grade teacher - and your second grade crush. Motives are twisted, and could be tangled with generations of belonging - or not belonging, loving or hating.
Or they could be just rude people no one liked, and most everyone is happy to see dead - so motives galore, but no one cares if they are not local - unless some one wants a scape goat, just to calm perceptions.
The Turtle family seem to be a bale of mean and awful critters who are not big on kindness, and are big on looking down on others.
Can Miss May and Chelsea save their friend KP - and his Hawaiian vacation plans?
Lots of tempting tasty treat, and twisted motives in this Apple Candy themed murder cozy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and read it on Kindle Unlimited, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2019
Another hit from Chelsea Thomas in the Apple Orchard series. Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny must sort out who poisoned the big city snob on their property (murder on their property, again!) before KP gets charged with the crime. Hilarious hijinks follow, with crazy situations and wonderfully funny dialog. Since Chelsea and Wayne, the detective, are on the outs they won't get any help from him, but really, do they ever?
The plot is engaging and moves along at a nice pace. We meet interesting folks along the way, like Petunia and Ethel from the retirement home, who I hope show up in future books, and we get to know more about KP. And See-Saw, because who doesn't like a miniature horse. The writing really brings the characters alive and easy to visualize, like the unfortunately named Mr. Turtle and his snobby wife.
I really enjoyed this book, maybe even better that the first two, and I definitely look forward to book #4.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The plot is engaging and moves along at a nice pace. We meet interesting folks along the way, like Petunia and Ethel from the retirement home, who I hope show up in future books, and we get to know more about KP. And See-Saw, because who doesn't like a miniature horse. The writing really brings the characters alive and easy to visualize, like the unfortunately named Mr. Turtle and his snobby wife.
I really enjoyed this book, maybe even better that the first two, and I definitely look forward to book #4.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 4, 2019
Candy Apple Killer
Another great cozy mystery by Chelsea Thomas. Miss May and Chelsea are busy getting ready for the Hoedown and candy apple sales. This is one of their biggest money making times of the year as people also preorder Christmas trees too. Then the two biggest snobby people in the world walk into the orchard demanding candy apples before anyone else and talking hateful and degradingly to KP, Chelsea and Miss May. After the Hoedown is over and most people have gone home, Chelsea is starting to clean up and thinks she has found someone who has had too much hard cider....but when she touches the person she notices that it is the hateful woman and she's dead! There is a lot of action and drama,a little love and of course dead bodies. I recommend this book to everyone who likes cozy mysteries.
Another great cozy mystery by Chelsea Thomas. Miss May and Chelsea are busy getting ready for the Hoedown and candy apple sales. This is one of their biggest money making times of the year as people also preorder Christmas trees too. Then the two biggest snobby people in the world walk into the orchard demanding candy apples before anyone else and talking hateful and degradingly to KP, Chelsea and Miss May. After the Hoedown is over and most people have gone home, Chelsea is starting to clean up and thinks she has found someone who has had too much hard cider....but when she touches the person she notices that it is the hateful woman and she's dead! There is a lot of action and drama,a little love and of course dead bodies. I recommend this book to everyone who likes cozy mysteries.
July 5, 2020
Promising
The mystery is more complex in this third installment, but the characters still need work. Miss May is starting to look irredeemably arrogant between the "figure out what I already know, Grasshopper" posturing and her lack of forthrightness regarding her bar status. Chelsea's much-needed growth seems to include one step back for every two forward: maddening for the reader but realistic. Teeny seems to have no purpose in the series; she's not funny enough to be comic relief nor capable enough to contribute anything meaningful to the sleuthing. Perhaps her inanity is meant to provide the foil that makes the other two look better. I appreciate law enforcement looking less inept this time, and I look forward to seeing Wayne's personality being revealed with the potential relationship. This series is steadily improving, but there's still a ways to go.
The mystery is more complex in this third installment, but the characters still need work. Miss May is starting to look irredeemably arrogant between the "figure out what I already know, Grasshopper" posturing and her lack of forthrightness regarding her bar status. Chelsea's much-needed growth seems to include one step back for every two forward: maddening for the reader but realistic. Teeny seems to have no purpose in the series; she's not funny enough to be comic relief nor capable enough to contribute anything meaningful to the sleuthing. Perhaps her inanity is meant to provide the foil that makes the other two look better. I appreciate law enforcement looking less inept this time, and I look forward to seeing Wayne's personality being revealed with the potential relationship. This series is steadily improving, but there's still a ways to go.
January 15, 2019
Candy Apple Killer is another enjoyable mystery in the Apple Orchard Series. Chelsea is preparing for the Candy Apple Hoedown when she is accosted by the Turtles from Manhattan, who are displeased with everything in the dumpy little town of Pine Grove. Not long after, Chelsea becomes involved in murder, deception, and a “long line of stupid-things-Chelsea-says-to-Wayne.” Of course, Detective Wayne harshly warns her to stay out of it. However, she and Miss May can’t stop snooping when their friend is wrongfully arrested. There are twists and humorous situations throughout and I highly recommend your reading Candy Apple Killer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2019
There is a rotten apple in town!
Chelsea and Aunt May are at it again in the small town of Pine Grove. The Candy Apple Festival is coming up and they are looking forward to a large demand for their candy apples. KP, Aunt Mays long-time employee and custom designer of their apples. Normally KP gets along well with customers but Mr. and Mrs. Turtle, newcomers to town, are impossible to get along with and KP is not the only one in town who feels that way. When Chelsea and Aunt May find the body of Mrs. Turtle, suspicion falls on KP and Detective Wayne Hudson is adamant that he does not want them interfering in his investigation. This is a fun cozy mystery with twists and turns. I finished it in one day.
Chelsea and Aunt May are at it again in the small town of Pine Grove. The Candy Apple Festival is coming up and they are looking forward to a large demand for their candy apples. KP, Aunt Mays long-time employee and custom designer of their apples. Normally KP gets along well with customers but Mr. and Mrs. Turtle, newcomers to town, are impossible to get along with and KP is not the only one in town who feels that way. When Chelsea and Aunt May find the body of Mrs. Turtle, suspicion falls on KP and Detective Wayne Hudson is adamant that he does not want them interfering in his investigation. This is a fun cozy mystery with twists and turns. I finished it in one day.
August 6, 2022
I've liked the first two books in this mystery series by Chelsea Thomas, but so far this one is my favorite. It takes place about six months after the last book. The Thomas Family Fruit & Fir Farm in Pine Grove, New York is gearing up for their 20th Annual Candy Apple Hoedown. Unfortunately, Chelsea's Aunt Mabel Thomas aka Miss May, finds herself needing to bring another criminal to justice when a woman is killed and her employee KP is arrested and put in jail. So Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny are at it again! After the murder mystery is solved, it seems that Chelsea and Detective Wayne are getting along once again. This is a fun cozy series with likable characters in a small town, a murder to solve that keeps you guessing, and a hint of romance.
January 10, 2019
Really cute cozy. Really fast easy to read. Moves very fast. I read it in one day.
Love the going around and around in who done it.
If anyone figures out the plastic world from Salazar, let me know, please.
What did I miss in apple Pie that she is attracted to Wayne. I am not seeing the romance so far. Maybe next book he will be better. Chelsea deserves better.
Also as an upstate New Yorker, what kind of apples does Miss May grow? Which varieties? Cortland? One of my favorites. Jazz? I may have missed it if in Apple pie book.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Love the going around and around in who done it.
If anyone figures out the plastic world from Salazar, let me know, please.
What did I miss in apple Pie that she is attracted to Wayne. I am not seeing the romance so far. Maybe next book he will be better. Chelsea deserves better.
Also as an upstate New Yorker, what kind of apples does Miss May grow? Which varieties? Cortland? One of my favorites. Jazz? I may have missed it if in Apple pie book.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
January 10, 2019
Chelsea , Miss May and Teeny are in the case again as a snobby new resident is found murdered! As the bodies pile up this turns out to be a hard case for the trio as no one in the small town of Pine Grove likes the new comers! I really enjoyed this book as we got to know more about the characters of the series especially KP. There was a past and new depth added to his character. This book is just as quirky and funny as the rest. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend this book and this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2019
The sleuthing team has solved another mystery. Chelsea Thomas has continued to keep readers on the edge of their seats with this one. I have appreciated this book more as it was more difficult to identify the antagonist. I really do enjoy reading books that make me put the clues together rather than slapping me in the face with the antagonist at the beginning of the book.
It seems as this series continues to develop, so do the characters. I appreciate that as it make the reader feel as if they are growing with them as well. I can't wait to read what's in store for this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It seems as this series continues to develop, so do the characters. I appreciate that as it make the reader feel as if they are growing with them as well. I can't wait to read what's in store for this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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