Shot Through the Tart

Apple Orchard #7

by Chelsea Thomas

***Star Actor Shot Dead During Performance***

Everyone thought the murder was part of the play at first…

…but the actor never stood up to take a bow.

The killer planned the murder well. Except for one tiny detail...

Miss May and Chelsea were in the audience. Now they're hungry for justice. So they grab their wacky friend Teeny and pursue the case.

The clues the girls find are shocking. Could this murder have something to do with Chelsea’s past? Why are there mysterious junk removal guys destroying evidence all over town?

And what will happen during the second performance of the play?

As Chelsea and Miss May get closer to the truth they realize their own lives are in danger. Will they survive an attack by the killer? And will Chelsea finally get closure on her turbulent childhood?

You’ll love book seven in the apple orchard cozy series because it features delicious food, it’s got lots of laughs, and it’s filled with suspense.

"The perfect read for a cozy night in!"

Get it now.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Food, Cozy, Collections

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2019

About the author

Everyone loves a secret.

So here's a good one...

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

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

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

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

Want a free novella PLUS a free cozy mystery cookbook?

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

Reviews

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chelsea's boyfriend Germany has gotten involved with community theater. He's currently directing an adaptation of the Broadway musical Phantom of the Opera. This production features a real Broadway actor and is bound to be a success. However, Germany's play is beset with problems. Mr. Skinner, the understudy for the lead, is angry because Adam can't act. There's also a love triangle among Adam, his wife Dorothy, and his costar Zambia that isn't helping matters much. Poor Germany! When Adam is shot dead on opening night, the police don't have a clue. It's up to Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny to solve the murder once again.

Meh. This wasn't the best mystery of the series. I figured out who did it right away. It was obvious. The why and the clues weren't there and if it were a real life case, it would go unsolved. The number of illegal things #TeamThomas had to do to solve the mystery was astounding. This bothered me more than a little. Chelsea and Teeny's babbling also got on my nerves A LOT! I did like how the mystery tied in to the one Germany wanted to solve at Christmas. I wasn't surprised by what happened. Why was a shock and disappointment. What the heck did the villain think was going to happen and why did they do it in the first place?

The biggest thing that bothered me was the show. Is the community theater production of Phantom based on the Broadway show, the novel or a wholly made up story? Neither the musical nor the novel contain a romantic dinner scene. The musical doesn't have any monologues- it's an operetta! I don't even know why or where the tart would come in. I'm so confused!

Adam sounds like an egotistical wannabe actor who moved to Pine Grove where he would be a big fish in a small pond instead of a minnow in the ocean of Broadway. His ego has led him to be horrible to his wife. Still, killing him wasn't very nice.

Series regulars who appear here, besides the main characters, are Petunia, the gambling old lady. She's still cranky but she's growing on me. At least she's not sitting around losing her mind. Chelsea's puppy, Steve, finally gets in some page time. I forgot all about him. Chelsea is not a good pet parent. She leaves Steve all the time and while I'm sure Steve is happy to be with KP and See-Saw, she needs to focus on his puppy needs herself. Tom Gigley, the town lawyer, is timid and weak. He's not a barrister type lawyer. He mostly handles divorce and small stuff. Chasing down criminals is not his thing. He's proven disappointing time and again. I can't believe this guy handles Miss May's affairs because she is so much smarter. Big Dan proves disappointing. In the last investigation he helped a lot but in this one he doesn't seem very smart or interested in sleuthing. Teeny should move on and find someone she can't talk rings around. Germany is growing on me. Sure he's weird but he's sincere and kind and that's what matters.

One newcomer to Pine Grove is introduced: Petey’s uncle, Jefferson Nebraska. His name is as weird as his story. He's only recently returned to town. Why did he leave and return? We don't know. There isn't any character development. He seems to know all about Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny's crime solving talents though. I don't know what to make of him.

Suspects abound. Master Skinner has every reason to be jealous of Adam and angry at Germany. His reaction when questioned was really bizarre. What the heck was that all about? Zambia Baker, Adam's lover, may be a beautiful woman but she is rude and mean. Dorothy, Adam's wife, has a reputation for being possessive and jealous but she has every right to be jealous! She's his legal wife. I actually felt sorry for her for supporting her loser husband for so long. Edward Frame, a famous entertainment reporter and editor for a prestigious New York City newspaper has come to town to write about Adam. Why? Adam wasn't a star. He was a nobody. Is that really why Edward Frame has come to town or did he come to kill Adam and find out what the famous amateur sleuths know? Teeny's method of getting information from him leaves a lot to be desired. Adam Smith’s Broadway nemesis was a big, bald man named Ace. Ace is also a Broadway star wannabe. He's scary and menacing. Ace has reasons to want Adam dead. They went from pals to frenemies but why kill Adam now when he's a small time lead actor in a small town? Ace clearly loves New York City. Zambia's brother, Al, owner of a junk yard seems suspicious. He's scary and mean. How far would he go to help his sister?

I think I need a little break from this series so I appreciate the absurdity of it more.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shot Through the Tart is book 7 in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series by Chelsea Thomas. I know when I pick up one of the books it will have all the vital ingredients from humour, murder, twists and ...

***Star Actor Shot Dead During Performance***

Everyone thought the murder was part of the play at first…

…but the actor never stood up to take a bow.

The killer planned the murder well. Except for one tiny detail...

Miss May and Chelsea were in the audience. Now they're hungry for justice. So they grab their wacky friend Teeny and pursue the case.

The clues the girls find are shocking. Could this murder have something to do with Chelsea’s past? Why are there mysterious junk removal guys destroying evidence all over town?

And what will happen during the second performance of the play?

As Chelsea and Miss May get closer to the truth they realize their own lives are in danger. Will they survive an attack by the killer? And will Chelsea finally get closure on her turbulent childhood?

In this story Germany plays a big part, but I have the hardest time saying the name, my mind always goes to Jeremy. As I have said before the characters are well-developed and we continue to learn a little bit more about each of them. My favourites are still Teeny (always evokes a giggle), auntie May and Chelsea.

I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series. I find them to be entertaining and the plot moves at a steady pace that keeps you engaged.

I highly recommend this book/series. It can easily stand alone but I recommend you read the series from the beginning.

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

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss May and Chelsea always get in the way of some killer! I hope they are nearby if someone offs me! So this is another fabulous cozy mystery, book 7 in the series and this book is awesome, compelling, and filled with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.

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

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Shot Through the tart. This is a wonderful book. The characters are hilarious and entertaining. They solve the murder with their cunning and crazy antics. This book is hard to put down. It is entracing and has many twists. So much fun to read.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the rain and cold, Chelsea Thomas was happy as she walked to her favorite restaurant to meet her boyfriend, Germany Turtle, whom she described in the most accurate way possible: “On a scale of one to weird, he was an eleven.” (That was my favorite line!)

As they ate their sandwiches, Germany was distracted. Chelsea asked him about what was bothering him. He had been working as director of the new play at the community theater, so she asked whether something had happened during rehearsal. Finally he told her that Adam, despite his experience, didn’t know his lines, wasn’t being professional, despite the first show happening the next evening. Their argument had even escalated to yelling at each other!

As Chelsea convinced him to come back to the farmhouse for cookies and to relax a little, another cast member ran in demanding to talk to Germany about replacing Adam due to his obvious lack of acting skill. Master Skinner, a sensei who owned the local dojo in town, was Adam’s understudy and threatened Germany to let him have the lead part or he “would regret it”!

Unfortunately, the regret came true! A murder was committed right on theater stage in plain sight with probably the entire town watching in the audience! It will take Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny to track down the murderer. Because Adam Smith wasn't well liked, there are many suspects to make solving this one even more difficult. And there is a side issue involving the death of Chelsea’s parents to “muddy the waters”! It’s going to take some special teamwork to solve this one! Grab your copy and follow the clues!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 7th book in a fantastically fun cozy murder mystery series will leave you laughing as well as trying to figure out the whodunit! When Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny go to the community theater production of Phantom of the Opera they are stunned by the lead actor being shot dead right there on the stage. Well of course the trio have to investigate and work to solve the murder since they don't hold much hope out for the inept police department and the chief has it in for them....jealousy because they solve the town's crime before the police department? And who could have shot the lead, Adam Smith who wasn't the most liked person in town. Community theater is loaded with egos and Adam's was one of the biggest as well as Master Skinner who felt he should have had the lead. Then the director/producer, Chelsea's eccentric boyfriend, Germany Turtle who had an argument with Adam prior to going on stage. And of course you can't leave out Adam's wife who stormed out of the theater when he gave a most inappropriate kiss to his co-star, Zambia. Put all this together and you have so many suspects you just can't narrow them down and you are in for a surprise in the end! Especially when one of your main suspects is also murdered! Add to these problems and you still have Chelsea wanting...needing to know more about her parents who were killed in a car crash. I can't wait to see what the next adventure with Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny find themselves in. I received an ARC from Booksprout and the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatic, Enjoyable Installment of Cozy Mystery Series

It's kind of funny, but since I downloaded this book from my favorite book review site, I have been singing or humming Bon Jovi's Shot through the Heart, replacing the last word with “tart”! Now that I'm through is a book, I hope that annoying habit will stop.

I have read most books in this Apple Orchard mystery series. I enjoy the intrepid three amateur sleuths. This book seems to have more humor than some of the other books, or at least to my memory. And I noticed, too, that the chapter titles were often humorous, sometimes using puns and cultural references or like the title of a proper full-length mystery, like Paint by Murders and Two Scoops of Murder. I like that the murder actually took place in the theater on the opening night of a play. How public! Should make the murder easier to solve, right? But the victim had lots of people who might have wanted to do him in. It's amazing that a small community like this one always has so many people who are generally unliked. ;-) I enjoyed watching the ladies trying to piece together the clues. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone, but you would better appreciate it having read at least some other ones so you can get to know the quirky characters who always turn up in this series.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Christine Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 7 of the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series. If you've already read some of the previous books, then you know that Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny are amateur sleuths in the village of Pine Grove. And you probably already know that they solve the crime before the police. If this is your first entry into the world of Pine Grove, don't despair, the book is easily read as a stand-alone.

Chelsea and Matt Thomas have done a great job with character development and there is a wonderful playful interaction between the characters. Each new character added in a story is as fleshed out as the characters from the previous stories.

I have only one reservation. Every book is basically the same plot. Someone is killed. The Terrific Trio is on the case. They go through their antics to solve the case. That being said, every case is different. A different method of murder, different suspects, and of course, the situations our industrious trio find themselves in differ in every book.
This is a fun read, the epitome of cozy mysteries. The only thing that would make it better would be if some of Teeny's recipes were included in the book.

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

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea, her aunt - Miss May, and their friend, restaurant owner Teeny, embark on yet another investigation into the murder of a local citizen. This time the rather pompous actor, Adam Smith, is murdered before the eyes of the audience, as he performs the Phantom of the Opera. Not surprisingly, the three women are stage-side witnesses to the murder and immediately check out the crime scene. Chelsea's old flame is the primary detective on the case, and her friends try matchmaking as Chelsea and Wayne are brought together more than once during the investigation. Who did it? A rival actor? A scorned lover? A scorned wife? Chelsea's boyfriend, Germany Turtle? Someone else? The trio get themselves into plenty of danger, not only dumpster diving and breaking and entering, but also when they confront the people they think are suspects. This is an entertaining addition to the Apple Orchard cozy mystery series, and gives readers a lot to consider as they look at one suspect after another. Very enjoyable; my only criticism is that it ended with a whimper rather than a bang.

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

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pine Grove residents are looking forward to its production of the Phantom of the Opera but all is not well with the actors. When star Adam Smith is shot dead during the play, everyone witnessed the murder including Miss May, Teeny and Chelsea Thomas. Now they are determined to find his killer when Chelsea's director boyfriend Germany Turtle is among the suspects.

Was Adam's understudy, dojo master Skinner, angry about not getting the leading role? Adam's leading lady Zambia is acting strangely. And why are there mysterious junk removal guys clearing out her house? And what about Adam's jealous wife Dorothy? As Chelsea, Teeny and Miss May slowly eliminate each suspect, they realize that the killer's motives may be related to the unsolved car accident that killed Chelsea's parents 20 years earlier.

Will Chelsea finally get closure on her parents' death? The trio confronts their last suspect and ends up being surprised.

This was another fun read in the Apple Orchard mystery series but there were no recipes listed in the book this time which was a disappointment.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 7 of the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series. Each book can be read as a stand alone with it's own mystery to solve. The story line is progressive, and past events are referenced, but it is not necessary to read the previous books to understand what is going on. However, the series is a cute one, that I would recommend going back to the beginning and reading if you have not already.

If everyone in the town keeps getting killed off, or turns into the murderers, I'm not sure how much longer this series can last. This book solves the current mystery and also brings about information from the past.

Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending. Good story line, entertaining characters (though some of the humor is starting to get a little stale), good detailed descriptions.

All in all, a good read.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

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

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Germany Turtle is directing the local theatre group’s latest production. He didn’t bargain on a bitter relationship between the leading man and his understudy. Germany also didn’t imagine he would be a prime suspect in a murder.
The entire town was in the audience when a shot rang out during the final scene. It was so realistic, as was the actor’s fall to the stage. When it became apparent that the man was dead, the sleuthing team of Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny begin searching for clues. Unfortunately for Chelsea, the investigation leads to information she never thought she’d learn.
This is the seventh book in the apple orchard cozy series. I look forward to each new book and this was no exception. My favorite characters are back and still better at catching the killer than the police chief and her detectives. The author does a fabulous job at introducing new characters and weaving in many that we’ve met in the past. The story is engaging and keeps you wanting more. I recommend this book and suggest if the series is new to you that you start back at book one.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shot Through the Tart is the title of the seventh book in the Apple Orchard mystery series by Chelsea Thomas. I really like the clever book titles and clever chapter titles in this series. It is now March in Pine Grove. Germany is Chelsea's unique boyfriend. "On a scale of one to weird, he was an eleven." As Chelsea put it, "Sometimes dating Germany was like dating an alien." Currently Germany is busy directing Phantom of the Opera at the community theater. When Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny witness lead actor Adam Smith's murder on stage, they set out to bring justice to Pine Grove once again. By the time they solve this murder, Chelsea learns more about the deaths of her parents. This is another fun adventure for the famous Pine Grove sleuths and I enjoyed it.

[Katie Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are at it again, hot on the case that has the police stumped. Mayhem and merriment still follow them around but this installment seemed a little edgier than the previous ones. Chief Flanagan is more confrontational, Chelsea's disagreement with Germany stronger than expected and Miss May's pie-in-a-purse less effective. On the other hand, I love the quirky characters and how they interact and the creative predicaments Chelsea finds herself in. All in all, it's another hit and I can't wait for the next one.

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

[Rita Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ladies are deep in another murder investigation of two victims while also uncovering information that Chelsea's parents who may have been murdered too. They definitely have their hands full this time with no lack of suspects.

There are some errors with words misspelled or left out but they were so minimal that I didn't let them deter me from reading the story to find out who the culprit it. Some of the names seem silly but they add to the charm of this small town and its inhabitants.

All in all it is a pleasure to read because the violence is minimal and the characters are fun and colorful.

I will be reading the next book in the series to see what the girls get into next.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read on this series. Chelsea and Germany Turtle's relationship is one of the highlights in this book - the weird but adorable couple. This mystery is about Adam Smith who gets shot while performing in the community theater's production of Phantom of the Opera. The major twist Chelsea and Miss May run into while investigating this mystery is that her parent's deaths are tied into it. She finally gets a bit of closure when they solve the current case.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one was the hardest to work out who the killer was and had some of the best and shocking revelations along with twist. The fact that Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny have people asking if they are the 4th member of their team had me cracking up. I feel like little ole Miss Sunshine is about ready for a complete nervous breakdown and I am still sitting on the fence about Germany but will see what happens in the next book!

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

[Darlene Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shot Through the Tart: Book 7

I really enjoy reading stories centered around the zany, quirky, and sometimes ditzy, antics of the trio of amateur detectives who make this series a hit. Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny provide the same great entertainment I have come to expect from this series of books. This story goes a little deeper than most in this series as Chelsea is working on solving a personal mystery as well.

The imaginative writing duo weaves a story of drama, romance, intrigue, and mystery in this well-written whodunit. A fun and easy read in the world of fiction.

[Rachelle Steward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fabulous Cozy Mystery

Oh these lovely books are so well written they just pull you into the story and don't let go! I enjoyed finding out what happened to Chelsea's parents. Wish I could see her miniature horse Seesaw. Adam is murdered and there are so many suspects. How will Miss May, Teeny and Chelsea solve this one? Teamwork, that's how! Very pleasant read full of small town charm and quirky characters. Did you read the title and hear Bon Jovi singing like I did? No? Huh!

[Mary Cokenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the local theater, one of the actors is shot dead, in front of the entire audience. Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are on the sleuthing job, even before the locals see them at Grandma's for breakfast. Chelsea and Germany are still dating, but too bad Germany is deemed a suspect, and even Chelsea is having doubts.

There are twists and turns in this #7, and the auto accident death, of Chelsea's parents, comes into play (no pun intended). Until one vital clue is found at Zambia's house, the reader will be doing a lot of guessing, and it doesn't help that most of the suspects have alibis.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny like most of the town have gathered for the local performance of Phantom of the Opera. During the production a shot rings out and Adam Star, also known for his performances in Broadway production, falls on stage. Unfortunately Adam does not rise for the curtain call and soon the audience and the performers realize a pool of real blood has developed where Adam Fell. Before the police, also in attendance, can rope off the area, the Lady Sleuths go in to action gathering clues…it this yet another murder mystery only they can solve?

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are shocked to see a man murdered in front of them. He was an unpopular guy, so there are too many suspects

The tangled resolution takes them through some painful local history that is very personal to Miss May and Chelsea.

The ladies can only find a resolution working together and with the help of some supporting townsfolk.

Tense and cathartic!

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

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best in the series to date. An actor is murdered at a community theater, witnessed by half the town. Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are on the case! These characters are lively and the book is well written. There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny are pulled into a mystery that has police stymied. They must use all their charm, wits, and dumpster diving skills to get close to the truth. However, surprises pop up that signal danger. I have read (and purchased) all the the books in the Apple Orchard Mystery series. The writing remains crisp and the storylines fresh. I recommend this enjoyable novel.

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

[Heidi Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 7th book in an awesome cozy mystery series, Chelsea, Miss Mae and Teeny are back to solving a murder that has the police at a loss. At a theatrical production of Phantom At The Opera, the lead actor is shot dead. With multiple suspects and lots of twists and turns, this tale will keep you guessing. This is another great addition to the Apple Orchard Cozy mysteries.

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

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tart too far

Chelsea and Miss May are at the theatre when the leading man was shot, right through the tart he was holding. Meeting with Teeny, they decide to solve the murder. There are at least three suspects and a little snooping was called for. The clues led them in several directions and twisted and turned to their frustration. Drama and humour made this book unmissable. A good read.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss May, Teeny and Chelsea go to a play that Chelsea's boyfriend is the director in. With a room full of witnesses, one of the actors is shot and killed. While investigating the girls find out things just aren't all that great with the casting crew and the director. But when things led to girls getting a clue to Chelsea's parents' death...things get personal. Can they find the killer and why? Read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shot Through the Tart is the seventh book in the Apple Orchard Cozy series by Chelsea Thomas.

Chelsea’s boyfriend, Germany, is directing a play when there is a murder on opening night. Chelsea, Teeny, and Miss May investigate and are always at least one step ahead of the police. Chelsea also learns more about her parents.

I really enjoy the closeness between Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny. And I can’t get enough of Steve and See-Saw.

[Patricia H. Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Town, Many Murders

I love Teeny, Miss May, and Chelsea. These three solve the town's murders in between eating at Teeny's restaurant. The characters are well-fleshed out and seem to have plenty of courage. This little town is full of good people -- but also more than its share of murders! I've read every book in the series and highly recommend every one of them.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like going to watch a show and an actor being murdered. Now Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny band together to solve a new murder mystery. As they continue things about the past come to light and they have to prevent themselves from being next. Such a cute series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.