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Apple Orchard #8
Peaches and Scream
Bite into a big, juicy murder.
This is the first year for peaches at the orchard and everyone's got that warm and fuzzy feeling. Miss May is even throws a "Peach Party" to celebrate.
The whole town turns up for the big bash. They get full on Peach pie, they get tipsy on Peach Sangria. Everything is, well, peachy. Until...
...a dead body turns up in the bakeshop.
The bake shop is locked from the inside. Every window is locked. There are no signs of a struggle. But it's clear to everyone that this was a murder.
One big problem...
...Chelsea and Miss May are the only people who have keys to the bake shop.
So they're suspects number one and two in this investigation. It's crazy. No matter how many murders our girls solve, they just can't earn the respect of Chief Flanagan and her crony cops.
This story has murder, intrigue, and police corruption that will make your head spin. Plus, it's got a happy dog, a cute little cat, and a tiny horse that will make your heart grow two sizes.
Will Chelsea end up in prison for a crime she didn't commit?
What would that mean for her love life?
Life's a peach. Murder is the pit.
You'll love this story because it has a mystery that's tough to solve, plus a peach pie recipe that's been in the family for generations.
FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited. Grab it now.
This is the first year for peaches at the orchard and everyone's got that warm and fuzzy feeling. Miss May is even throws a "Peach Party" to celebrate.
The whole town turns up for the big bash. They get full on Peach pie, they get tipsy on Peach Sangria. Everything is, well, peachy. Until...
...a dead body turns up in the bakeshop.
The bake shop is locked from the inside. Every window is locked. There are no signs of a struggle. But it's clear to everyone that this was a murder.
One big problem...
...Chelsea and Miss May are the only people who have keys to the bake shop.
So they're suspects number one and two in this investigation. It's crazy. No matter how many murders our girls solve, they just can't earn the respect of Chief Flanagan and her crony cops.
This story has murder, intrigue, and police corruption that will make your head spin. Plus, it's got a happy dog, a cute little cat, and a tiny horse that will make your heart grow two sizes.
Will Chelsea end up in prison for a crime she didn't commit?
What would that mean for her love life?
Life's a peach. Murder is the pit.
You'll love this story because it has a mystery that's tough to solve, plus a peach pie recipe that's been in the family for generations.
FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited. Grab it now.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
372 people are currently reading
290 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 109 reviews
June 3, 2020
It's peach season at Thomas Family Fruit and Fir Farm. Don't tell Miss May, but Chelsea loves nothing more than Miss May's peach pie! At at farm's annual peach party, Chelsea has to mediate between two arguing guests. Beth, an eccentric woman from a few towns over, claims Big Jim, the local magic store owner is trying to kill her. Beth always thinks someone is out to kill her and Miss May manages to defuse the situation but later that night, Chelsea can't sleep and heads to the bakeshop to do some baking. There she discovers Beth, dead sitting in front of a table of tarot cards. By the time the police arrive, Chelsea and Miss May are already trying to figure out whodunit. Chelsea's keys go missing which ups the stakes. The killer could be coming back for them. With Teeny and her new obsession with British cozy mystery TV shows on board, the trio try to find out what happened to Beth and why. They discover a sad tale of mental illness and neglect, creepy magic and a dangerous killer on the loose.
This was not my favorite of the series. The first half has all the usual zaniness but I didn't like how Chelsea broke the law just to try to find clues before the police. She was maturing a bit in the previous book and now she's back to babbling and doing whatever Miss May tells her. She misses Germany who has gone back to Africa to study lions, yet finds herself flirting with Wayne. He's less of a jerk now but still... that's not acceptable behavior. Germany is weird but sweet. Sudeer is a suspect- AGAIN and a visit to his house is always fun. Most of the other locals aren't really in the story much.
The second half of the novel is much darker than the first. The story of mental illness and neglect is not something I want to read about for fun. Beth and her friend Lillian both seem paranoid and possibly schizophrenic. I felt very, very sorry for them both. Lillian sounds like a hot ticket away from Five Pines and the creepy cult. She only wants justice for her friend, possibly the only person who understood what she was going through. Five Pines is a horrific place and I don't see how it could stay in business. It's not amusing to set a scene in a place like that.
This story introduces the reader to a new town and new people. Suspects in Beth's death include Big Jim, the magic store owner. He dismisses psychics, tarot card readers and the like as phonies yet he seems upset that his best sellers are cheap magic tricks for kids. No one seems to know who he is or where he came from. Chelsea thinks he's nice, for whatever that is worth. I'm not sure I like him. He seems menacing at times and friendly at others. Beth's brothers Michael and Jonathan are also suspects. They seem like polar opposites. One is scary and mean and the other seems to follow his brother's lead. Neither of them are pleasant to be around but who would kill their own sister? Lillian puts a of of locals on her suspect list including Tom and Humphrey. I think we can discount Tom. He may be a bad lawyer and a good rocker but he hasn't done anything that bad so far. Humphrey plays Santa Claus. How can he be a killer? She suspects Petey wanted to kill her because she found a bone in her fish at Peter’s Land and Sea; the mayor wanted to kill her because she violated a thirty minute parking rule. I don't think Petey would deliberately kill anyone because he knows Teeny would be after him and Chelsea would karate kick him. The mayor might be untrustworthy but not for a parking ticket. Lillian seemed to belong to a cult. Could one of them have killed Beth? What about Lillian herself? Perhaps it was an accident?
Other new characters introduced here are Samuel, a new waiter at Grandma's. He's too funny. He recites Teeny's script so seriously and seems so enthusiastic about it. Detective Gary Potomac is much kinder and smarter than Sunshine Flanagan and even Wayne. He really cares about his friend and wants to the right thing. Ms. Happy, Miss May's friend and fellow orchard owner, is sweet, fun and sounds like an amazing baker. It was interesting to see Miss May interact with a rival.
If you like the rest of this series, you'll probably enjoy this one too but be aware that it's not as cookie cutter as the previous books.
This was not my favorite of the series. The first half has all the usual zaniness but I didn't like how Chelsea broke the law just to try to find clues before the police. She was maturing a bit in the previous book and now she's back to babbling and doing whatever Miss May tells her. She misses Germany who has gone back to Africa to study lions, yet finds herself flirting with Wayne. He's less of a jerk now but still... that's not acceptable behavior. Germany is weird but sweet. Sudeer is a suspect- AGAIN and a visit to his house is always fun. Most of the other locals aren't really in the story much.
The second half of the novel is much darker than the first. The story of mental illness and neglect is not something I want to read about for fun. Beth and her friend Lillian both seem paranoid and possibly schizophrenic. I felt very, very sorry for them both. Lillian sounds like a hot ticket away from Five Pines and the creepy cult. She only wants justice for her friend, possibly the only person who understood what she was going through. Five Pines is a horrific place and I don't see how it could stay in business. It's not amusing to set a scene in a place like that.
This story introduces the reader to a new town and new people. Suspects in Beth's death include Big Jim, the magic store owner. He dismisses psychics, tarot card readers and the like as phonies yet he seems upset that his best sellers are cheap magic tricks for kids. No one seems to know who he is or where he came from. Chelsea thinks he's nice, for whatever that is worth. I'm not sure I like him. He seems menacing at times and friendly at others. Beth's brothers Michael and Jonathan are also suspects. They seem like polar opposites. One is scary and mean and the other seems to follow his brother's lead. Neither of them are pleasant to be around but who would kill their own sister? Lillian puts a of of locals on her suspect list including Tom and Humphrey. I think we can discount Tom. He may be a bad lawyer and a good rocker but he hasn't done anything that bad so far. Humphrey plays Santa Claus. How can he be a killer? She suspects Petey wanted to kill her because she found a bone in her fish at Peter’s Land and Sea; the mayor wanted to kill her because she violated a thirty minute parking rule. I don't think Petey would deliberately kill anyone because he knows Teeny would be after him and Chelsea would karate kick him. The mayor might be untrustworthy but not for a parking ticket. Lillian seemed to belong to a cult. Could one of them have killed Beth? What about Lillian herself? Perhaps it was an accident?
Other new characters introduced here are Samuel, a new waiter at Grandma's. He's too funny. He recites Teeny's script so seriously and seems so enthusiastic about it. Detective Gary Potomac is much kinder and smarter than Sunshine Flanagan and even Wayne. He really cares about his friend and wants to the right thing. Ms. Happy, Miss May's friend and fellow orchard owner, is sweet, fun and sounds like an amazing baker. It was interesting to see Miss May interact with a rival.
If you like the rest of this series, you'll probably enjoy this one too but be aware that it's not as cookie cutter as the previous books.
June 2, 2020
Chelsea and her Aunt, Miss Mae, are hosting a party to celebrate the first harvest of peaches on their farm. The entire town has shown up to the orchard for the food and fun. Unfortunately the evening ends in an argument between two of the locals and one accusing the other of murderous intentions.
After the clean-up Chelsea struggles to sleep. She decides to engage in some baking therapy and heads to the kitchen. When she finds herself low on flour she walks over to the bakeshop. After turning on the lights Chelsea makes a horrible discovery.
I continue to enjoy this series. The characters are a bit quirky and the action often witty. The action moves at a steady pace. Chelsea, Miss Mae and Teeny often find themselves in the position of pushing suspects a bit too far, or entering places illegally. I recommend this book. I’m not sure how well this book would be received by someone who has not read the entire series.
After the clean-up Chelsea struggles to sleep. She decides to engage in some baking therapy and heads to the kitchen. When she finds herself low on flour she walks over to the bakeshop. After turning on the lights Chelsea makes a horrible discovery.
I continue to enjoy this series. The characters are a bit quirky and the action often witty. The action moves at a steady pace. Chelsea, Miss Mae and Teeny often find themselves in the position of pushing suspects a bit too far, or entering places illegally. I recommend this book. I’m not sure how well this book would be received by someone who has not read the entire series.
August 13, 2021
I’ve really enjoyed this series up until this book. Most of my dislike was being uncomfortable with the plot, it was just too much for me. I skipped to the end just to find out what happened. I may take a break from this series for a while and try to pick it back up again another time but for now I am not interested anymore.
June 1, 2020
Just the perfect amount of suspense for the characters involved. Everything is great until a dead body is found. This definitely has to be solved. Loved it.
December 10, 2025
This was another entertaining mystery from the apple orchard. If you haven't read any of them you should try out the first one. I'm sure you'll start reading more of them. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2020
This is book eight of the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series and sees Miss May and Chelsea dealing with yet another murder mystery. Miss May owns and runs the Thomas Family Fruit and Fir Farm, with the help of KP and took in Chelsea after her parents dies. The orchard part of the farm grows apples as well as peaches and they also run a bakehouse on site, which is where the magic of Miss May’s recipes and knowledge, produces cookies, pies and everything else she can think to produce, all made from their own apples and peaches from the farm. The peaches are in season and Miss May holds a Peach Party to celebrate with all their friends and neighbours, in the large barn on the farm that they use for such celebrations and get togethers. A couple of arguments occur on the evening, especially between Big Jim, a magician and owner of a magic shop and someone called Beth, who is a tarot card reader and is accusing Big Jim of wanting to kill her! Chelsea and Miss May manage to break up the argument and separate the two parties.
They take Beth into the bakehouse for some peace and quiet and ask her to do a tarot card reading for Chelsea, but that soon gets her started again and she even accuses Chelsea of wanting to kill her and calls both Chelsea and Miss May federal agents out to get her! She leaves and Miss May and Chelsea to go back and enjoy the local musical taken, followed by a late night clearing up after the celebrations. During the night, Chelsea finds herself unable to sleep and goes out to the bakehouse to start doing some baking, after finding the house severely lacking in ingredients. This is something she normally gets up to when she can’t sleep, but this time she finds a dead body sitting inside the locked bakehouse.
Chelsea calls over Miss May and after looking around for clues to the killer, they call the police and Detective Wayne Hudson turns up. He asks who has keys to the building after Chelsea explains she unlocked the door to get in. Only Miss May, Chelsea and KP have sets of keys for the bakehouse, so they wake up KP for proof of the whereabouts of his keys, Chelsea had used Miss May’s keys as they were hanging by the door of the house and she knows where her keys are. Unfortunately, there aren’t where she thought and now she can’t find them! Neither of the ladies feels safe in the house as the killer now has a key for there. So they move in with Teeny for however long it’s going to take them to find the killer. The three ladies start their usual poking about the next day, looking for suspects, even after being told not to investigate by the detective!
They don’t pay the police detective any mind, as it has been their own trio who have ended up solving all the murder cases in the last year or so. There are lots of possible suspects and a delivery shortly afterwards, provides some insight into possible reasons behind the murder. The trio need to look into some of the suspects alibis and also try to find out more about the murder victim’s background. It seems the victim had some possible health issues of their own that may have affected how they interacted with others, easily making enemies and also owing a lot of money. Great reasons for someone to want to kill them and sometimes the trio take matters a bit too far and Chelsea is even chucked into jail at one point. The police chief doesn’t like her at all, so considering it’s Chelsea’s keys that are conveniently missing, Chief Sunshine Flanagan would rather see her behind bars, than listen to reason!
Another cracking and cozy murder mystery read in this series. Pine Grove is getting well over its expected number of murders, but with the trio of Miss May, Chelsea Thomas and Teeny there to help, the crimes eventually get solved. Lots of Miss May’s pies get used as bribes to loosen people’s mouths and are a great way to get on their side, since the pies are famous and well liked! A shame it always seems to some of the same people getting accused of the murders in town and some get a bit fed up when they see the trio coming. Matters take them to the small neighbouring town of Blue Mountain as well. As always there are lots of suspects, a well muddled mixture of alibis and a few surprises. A good, fun read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
They take Beth into the bakehouse for some peace and quiet and ask her to do a tarot card reading for Chelsea, but that soon gets her started again and she even accuses Chelsea of wanting to kill her and calls both Chelsea and Miss May federal agents out to get her! She leaves and Miss May and Chelsea to go back and enjoy the local musical taken, followed by a late night clearing up after the celebrations. During the night, Chelsea finds herself unable to sleep and goes out to the bakehouse to start doing some baking, after finding the house severely lacking in ingredients. This is something she normally gets up to when she can’t sleep, but this time she finds a dead body sitting inside the locked bakehouse.
Chelsea calls over Miss May and after looking around for clues to the killer, they call the police and Detective Wayne Hudson turns up. He asks who has keys to the building after Chelsea explains she unlocked the door to get in. Only Miss May, Chelsea and KP have sets of keys for the bakehouse, so they wake up KP for proof of the whereabouts of his keys, Chelsea had used Miss May’s keys as they were hanging by the door of the house and she knows where her keys are. Unfortunately, there aren’t where she thought and now she can’t find them! Neither of the ladies feels safe in the house as the killer now has a key for there. So they move in with Teeny for however long it’s going to take them to find the killer. The three ladies start their usual poking about the next day, looking for suspects, even after being told not to investigate by the detective!
They don’t pay the police detective any mind, as it has been their own trio who have ended up solving all the murder cases in the last year or so. There are lots of possible suspects and a delivery shortly afterwards, provides some insight into possible reasons behind the murder. The trio need to look into some of the suspects alibis and also try to find out more about the murder victim’s background. It seems the victim had some possible health issues of their own that may have affected how they interacted with others, easily making enemies and also owing a lot of money. Great reasons for someone to want to kill them and sometimes the trio take matters a bit too far and Chelsea is even chucked into jail at one point. The police chief doesn’t like her at all, so considering it’s Chelsea’s keys that are conveniently missing, Chief Sunshine Flanagan would rather see her behind bars, than listen to reason!
Another cracking and cozy murder mystery read in this series. Pine Grove is getting well over its expected number of murders, but with the trio of Miss May, Chelsea Thomas and Teeny there to help, the crimes eventually get solved. Lots of Miss May’s pies get used as bribes to loosen people’s mouths and are a great way to get on their side, since the pies are famous and well liked! A shame it always seems to some of the same people getting accused of the murders in town and some get a bit fed up when they see the trio coming. Matters take them to the small neighbouring town of Blue Mountain as well. As always there are lots of suspects, a well muddled mixture of alibis and a few surprises. A good, fun read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
May 17, 2020
Another winner that keeps you on a wild goose chase, guessing who the murderer is with our dynamic trio hunting the answers. When Miss May and Chelsea throw a big party introducing their newest crop of peaches on the farm it goes on like a charm except in the parking lot where Beth is found arguing with Big Jim. When Chelsea tries to break it up, they end up leaving with Beth saying Big Jim wants her dead and Chelsea wants her dead and everyone wants her dead. Poor Beth was a resident of the mental hospital in the next town so you have to feel sorry for her paranoia. Except that after the party and late at night, when Chelsea, who is missing her boyfriend Germany who is in Africa studying lions goes to the bakery unlocks the door and finds Beth sitting at a table there...dead. But how is that possible when the door was locked from inside! Now we are taken on a roller coaster ride, while the police chief, Flanagan (who hates the sleuthing trio), has Chelsea in her line of fire. So the dynamic trio of Miss May, Chelsea and (May's best friend)Teeny are at it again. They must try to find the murderer because they are the town's best hope. The last few murders in the town were solved by our trio much to the chagrin of the police chief which is why she keeps dismissing anything they say and told them to stay out of it. Only one of the detectives, Wayne Hudson, who has a soft spot for Chelsea is in favor of them investigating since they have solved more murders in the town than the police have. With lots of twists and turns and strange characters and Teeny and her British Murder myster shows and dead ends, we are taken on a ride until the end. I can't wait to see what he trio will solve next! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
June 1, 2020
Chelsea has a live for tiny horse SeeSaw, a dog named Steve, an orphaned cat named Kitty, dessert, and Miz May and Teeney.
Chelsea is also longing for her recently departed beau Germany Turtle
Too bad these amazingly connected ladies share a bad habit of finding bodies, though they seem to have an odd knack for solving mysteries and murder, while bringing the mayhem with them.
Echoes of mental illness and family feuds are tangled with threats, stalking, small town greed, and crazy small town support
I love to read about the escapades of the Thomas ladies and Teeney, and I am admittedly happy they are armed with cookies, pies, off the wall insights, and crazy karate skills instead of guns and conventional weapons.
The determination and uniqueness of their bond and vision are more important and impactful than any single mystery. I read them more for funky recipes like Mac n Cheese pancakes, and klutziness combined with nervous sweating, than for ultimately solving the puzzles.
I admire the clever way the authors manage to address important issues such as bullying and mental health, while depicting strongly bonded small town sleuths who have a taste for good pizza.
As long as you avoid being a victim, either of murder or klutziness, the Thomas Farm and Bakeshop are great to visit, and someplace I’m looking forward to reading and visiting again!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chelsea is also longing for her recently departed beau Germany Turtle
Too bad these amazingly connected ladies share a bad habit of finding bodies, though they seem to have an odd knack for solving mysteries and murder, while bringing the mayhem with them.
Echoes of mental illness and family feuds are tangled with threats, stalking, small town greed, and crazy small town support
I love to read about the escapades of the Thomas ladies and Teeney, and I am admittedly happy they are armed with cookies, pies, off the wall insights, and crazy karate skills instead of guns and conventional weapons.
The determination and uniqueness of their bond and vision are more important and impactful than any single mystery. I read them more for funky recipes like Mac n Cheese pancakes, and klutziness combined with nervous sweating, than for ultimately solving the puzzles.
I admire the clever way the authors manage to address important issues such as bullying and mental health, while depicting strongly bonded small town sleuths who have a taste for good pizza.
As long as you avoid being a victim, either of murder or klutziness, the Thomas Farm and Bakeshop are great to visit, and someplace I’m looking forward to reading and visiting again!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2020
It always amazes me how an author can fail to read their own work and pick out the discrepancies. The most glaring faux pas in the book occurred right in the beginning.
Follow me as the body of Beth is discovered by Chelsea in the bakeshop. It is determined that only Miss May, KP and Chelsea have a key to the bakeshop. It was also determined that whoever got in and murdered Beth, locked the door on the way out. We find out that Miss May and KP have their keys, but Chelsea discovers that her keys are missing. So, would the author kindly tell me just how the hell Chelsea got into the bakeshop to discover the body that was behind a locked door for which Chelsea had no key? And throughout the book and at the end of the book, it is stated that the door was locked. Now, is that pathetic proofreading or not? When you proofread, you do not only check for spelling and grammatical errors, continuity, etc. you read the story, not just the sentences.
I gave the book a rating of 3 due to the above only because if the story was corrected, which would require some editing, the story would be a good one.
Next, I really meant to say this after reading prior books in this series, but, I would like Ms. Thomas to explain what kind of purse could accommodate carrying fresh pies without them being totally annihilated. A special pie carrier, yes, a purse, unequivocally NO.
Follow me as the body of Beth is discovered by Chelsea in the bakeshop. It is determined that only Miss May, KP and Chelsea have a key to the bakeshop. It was also determined that whoever got in and murdered Beth, locked the door on the way out. We find out that Miss May and KP have their keys, but Chelsea discovers that her keys are missing. So, would the author kindly tell me just how the hell Chelsea got into the bakeshop to discover the body that was behind a locked door for which Chelsea had no key? And throughout the book and at the end of the book, it is stated that the door was locked. Now, is that pathetic proofreading or not? When you proofread, you do not only check for spelling and grammatical errors, continuity, etc. you read the story, not just the sentences.
I gave the book a rating of 3 due to the above only because if the story was corrected, which would require some editing, the story would be a good one.
Next, I really meant to say this after reading prior books in this series, but, I would like Ms. Thomas to explain what kind of purse could accommodate carrying fresh pies without them being totally annihilated. A special pie carrier, yes, a purse, unequivocally NO.
June 1, 2020
Another thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery from Chelsea Thomas, featuring the three amateur sleuths, Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny, who investigate the murder of a stranger discovered sitting alongside a set of tarot cards. Are they telling the victim's fortune? Do they reveal the killer's name? And why did Chelsea once again discover the body? And why does Teeny hate magicians?
The trio check out a variety of possible suspects as they break and enter in homes, visit a cult and a mental institution, and offer peach pies baked with peaches from the Thomas family orchard to people they want to interview - all with varying degrees of success. Meanwhile, Chelsea's boyfriend, Germany Turtle, is away in Africa doing research on lions, and Chelsea finds herself attracted to other men and doubting herself.
This is a fun-filled but challenging mystery with several twists and turns that keep the reader wondering who the killer is until the end - the best type of mystery in my opinion. The three women are endearing and quirky, and I loved Teeny's obsession with British mystery television shows! I highly recommend this excellent addition to the Apple Orchard Mystery series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The trio check out a variety of possible suspects as they break and enter in homes, visit a cult and a mental institution, and offer peach pies baked with peaches from the Thomas family orchard to people they want to interview - all with varying degrees of success. Meanwhile, Chelsea's boyfriend, Germany Turtle, is away in Africa doing research on lions, and Chelsea finds herself attracted to other men and doubting herself.
This is a fun-filled but challenging mystery with several twists and turns that keep the reader wondering who the killer is until the end - the best type of mystery in my opinion. The three women are endearing and quirky, and I loved Teeny's obsession with British mystery television shows! I highly recommend this excellent addition to the Apple Orchard Mystery series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2022
I sure enjoy Chelsea Thomas' Apple Orchard mysteries! In book 8 (Peaches and Scream), it's August and peach picking season in Pine Grove, New York. Miss May is hosting a peach party. A new addition to the family has joined the other pets. It's a cat that was orphaned after a murder. Chelsea's love life is still less than perfect. The institute where her boyfriend Germany had been doing research asked him to return. So he went back to Africa to study lions. Meanwhile, there is no rest for the 3 sleuths. At the party they find a staged crime scene with Beth propped up and sitting before a tarot card spread. Beth had lived a couple of towns over from Pine Grove. As Teeny said it gives you "the creepy deepies." I enjoy Teeny's figures of speech! With no respect from Chief Flanagan, even after all the murders they've solved, the trio is more determined than ever. "May the victim rest in peach." Once again the book has a creative title and creative chapter titles, fun animal sidekicks, lots of good food to eat, and another murder mystery solving adventure for Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny. Very entertaining.
May 25, 2020
“Peaches and Scream” book 8 in the ”Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery” series by Chelsea Thomas. I love spending time in Pine Grove, NY with Chelsea, Teeny and Miss May. I know I’m in for some humour, mixed in with murder.
This go around we have psychic who thinks everyone is out to kill her, and low and behold Chelsea finds her dead in the bake shop! I enjoyed this book even more than the previous ones, 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 like the addition of the happy dog and cute cat to the farm family.
The mystery has so many twists and red hearings that you are kept guessing until the very end. 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.
This go around we have psychic who thinks everyone is out to kill her, and low and behold Chelsea finds her dead in the bake shop! I enjoyed this book even more than the previous ones, 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 like the addition of the happy dog and cute cat to the farm family.
The mystery has so many twists and red hearings that you are kept guessing until the very end. 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.
May 26, 2020
An entertaining cozy mystery. Chelsea, her aunt, Miss May, and friend, Teeny, investigate the murder of a woman, Beth, in their Bakeshop. The trio travels between their towns and several surrounding small towns and New York City to find the killer. They have many suspects to begin with as the woman was not well liked in the area and had spent some time in a mental hospital. Another woman who had been her roommate in the hospital is later on also killed. The police aren't much help and the trio are very nosy and ruffle some feathers along the way.
Teeny owns a restaurant and Miss May has an orchard and bakeshop so there is a lot of talk about food and what they are making. They use some of the baked goods as bribes to get people to talk to them. Chelsea's boyfriend is off in Africa and she misses him quite a bit but at the same time is also attracted to the local police detective. Everyone knows they investigate murders and some are not happy about it but they manage to find the killers even though they put themselves at risk.
Teeny owns a restaurant and Miss May has an orchard and bakeshop so there is a lot of talk about food and what they are making. They use some of the baked goods as bribes to get people to talk to them. Chelsea's boyfriend is off in Africa and she misses him quite a bit but at the same time is also attracted to the local police detective. Everyone knows they investigate murders and some are not happy about it but they manage to find the killers even though they put themselves at risk.
June 29, 2020
Another Good Visit to the Orchard
I have read this series nearly from the beginning, and I enjoy it when each installment comes out. This book is no exception, happily. The ladies have a lovely party for the community in the orchard, even though a bad argument ensues. But things get serious when our heroine discovers the dead body of one of the arguers deep in the night in the bakeshop that only she and Miss May have keys to. Of course, this puts them at the top of the suspect list. I love that the authors have imbued such an enjoyable character and community quirkiness factor into these books and created both wittiness and actual laugh-out-loud moments. I feel like I have really gotten to know Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny, and I enjoy watching their interactions and banter. As always, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I have read this series nearly from the beginning, and I enjoy it when each installment comes out. This book is no exception, happily. The ladies have a lovely party for the community in the orchard, even though a bad argument ensues. But things get serious when our heroine discovers the dead body of one of the arguers deep in the night in the bakeshop that only she and Miss May have keys to. Of course, this puts them at the top of the suspect list. I love that the authors have imbued such an enjoyable character and community quirkiness factor into these books and created both wittiness and actual laugh-out-loud moments. I feel like I have really gotten to know Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny, and I enjoy watching their interactions and banter. As always, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
June 1, 2020
With peaches in season and with this being the first year of growing them at the orchard, Chelsea and Miss May throw a huge "Peach Party" celebration for the whole town! Beth is angrily arguing with Big Jim that he wants to kill her, attacking him, relentlessly following him around and telling everyone! She wants him punished. And when he tries to leave, she won’t let him go. No one takes her ranting seriously until her dead body turns up in the bakeshop. Oddly, the shop is locked from the inside with only Chelsea and Miss May having the keys, automatically making them the prime suspects.
With Teeny joining them, the three start hunting down the real murderer. When another murder takes place, things are even more complicated! Can the three of them find the murderer before it’s too late? Will Chelsea end up in prison?
With Teeny joining them, the three start hunting down the real murderer. When another murder takes place, things are even more complicated! Can the three of them find the murderer before it’s too late? Will Chelsea end up in prison?
June 3, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
The town of Pine Grove, is much like Cobot Cove Maine in Murder She Wrote 😂😂 and I love everything about it 💗💗 and Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are Jessica Fletcher 😍😍
In this one the trio are tasked in investigating the murder of a tarot card reader, Beth, who thought that everyone wanted to kill her, even Chelsea, who she accused in front of many witnesses. And it doesn't help where the body is found 😱😱😱😱
So off they go investigating and obviously getting in the way of the cop's 😆😆 and we all know how Chief Flanagan feels about Chelsea anyway, just jealousy I think because she wants Wayne and Wayne wants Chelsea 💖💖💖
Let's just say like my favourite episode of Murder She Wrote, this book will not disappoint you. Well Chelsea Thomas never disappoints in my point of view and is a brilliant writer 💖💖💖
The town of Pine Grove, is much like Cobot Cove Maine in Murder She Wrote 😂😂 and I love everything about it 💗💗 and Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are Jessica Fletcher 😍😍
In this one the trio are tasked in investigating the murder of a tarot card reader, Beth, who thought that everyone wanted to kill her, even Chelsea, who she accused in front of many witnesses. And it doesn't help where the body is found 😱😱😱😱
So off they go investigating and obviously getting in the way of the cop's 😆😆 and we all know how Chief Flanagan feels about Chelsea anyway, just jealousy I think because she wants Wayne and Wayne wants Chelsea 💖💖💖
Let's just say like my favourite episode of Murder She Wrote, this book will not disappoint you. Well Chelsea Thomas never disappoints in my point of view and is a brilliant writer 💖💖💖
June 4, 2020
I just love this series. It is a crazy, comical, cozy mystery that our three mischievous characters always seem to find themselves in. Each book can be read as a stand alone , however the story line is semi progressive. It times, the story does refer to events of the past, but not having read them, will not disrupt the story. But I will say, the whole series is so comical, that you don't want to miss out so I do recommend reading the series from book 1.
Great story lines, awesome characters, engaging dialogue, and easy to visualize descriptions to detail. Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
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.
Great story lines, awesome characters, engaging dialogue, and easy to visualize descriptions to detail. Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
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.
May 20, 2020
Chelsea and Miss May are throwing a peach pie party for the town. It is the first year for peaches at the orchard. Beth is arguing with everybody and accuses everybody of wanting to kill her. In the middle of the night, Beth’s dead body is found in the bakery. Chelsea and Miss May are the prime suspects. Chelsea, Miss May and their friend Teeny investigate the murder. Before they are done another murder takes place. There are a lot of threads to follow and everybody in town is suspect. Can the three of them find the murderer before they are arrested? Check out this fun, fast paced, humorous mystery. I especially like how Chelsea talks to the reader throughout the book. This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I will be reading all the rest.
July 17, 2020
This was such a fun story. I think that I need to read the first seven books, so I have more of the back stories on the main characters, Chelsea, Miss May, Teeny and Germany. This story of course had peaches. Yummy peaches. And the main characters were fun and a little quirky. There is witty banter among them which is fun. I really fell in love with Teeny whose obsession with British mystery television shows was used all the time. I really liked that Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny were on a wild goose chase trying to figure out all the clues. Not until the end did it make sense. I really liked this. This story is told in the first person, Chelsea. I think it made it all that more fun. I recommend this light and fun cozy series.
May 19, 2020
I found this addition to the series to be one of the more involved mysteries which I enjoyed. The same quirky characters join forces to solve the murder of a psychic and her friend and deal along the way with some new bad guys and well intentioned townsfolk.
The peaches at the orchard are ripe and ready for picking and pie making. When the farm hosts a peach party to kick off the season it ends with a dead body in the bakery. Miss Mae, Teensy and Chealsea get down to business solving the crime since the local police force is not too effective.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
The peaches at the orchard are ripe and ready for picking and pie making. When the farm hosts a peach party to kick off the season it ends with a dead body in the bakery. Miss Mae, Teensy and Chealsea get down to business solving the crime since the local police force is not too effective.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
May 30, 2020
Miss May and Chelsea are having a huge peach party. Everything is peaches to celebrate the peach season on the farm. Chelsea loves peaches ( even better than apples but don't tell Miss May). Everyone seems to be having a good time except for someone that isn't from their town. She thinks everyone is out to kill her. People think she is a bit nutty until she is found dead inside the bakery that is locked! Chelsea can't find her keys to the bakery and Miss May has hers. Who killed this woman who is into tarot card reading? The clues are there, can you figure them out? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
May 31, 2020
Miss May, Teeny, and Chelsea are in it up to their ears again. Chelsea has found another dead body. This time in their own bakeshop. In the middle of the night. In this latest romp, our intrepid heroines once again find themselves on the hunt for a killer.
This intensely funny yet cozy mystery kept me guessing to nearly the end of the book. It’s chock full of twists and turns. But how is it that they never end up in jail themselves? And will Chelsea stay with Germany or is there still a chance for Wayne? I can definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This intensely funny yet cozy mystery kept me guessing to nearly the end of the book. It’s chock full of twists and turns. But how is it that they never end up in jail themselves? And will Chelsea stay with Germany or is there still a chance for Wayne? I can definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better. The mystery in this one is more involved and there are lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. We keep learning more and more about the characters and fall more in love with them with each book. This time they have added peaches to the apple orchard to increase revenue and Miss May throws a big party to kick off the peach season. Lots of yummy food references between the orchard and Teeny's restaurant. And lots of laughs so this series hits all kinds of spots. Love it!!
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.
June 1, 2020
After a disturbing confrontation at the summer peach party, Chelsea determines to overcome sleeplessness with some middle-of-the-night baking therapy. However, instead of finding peace in the bakery, she discovers a dead body with a cryptic message. The amateur detective team of Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny must stumble through clues and question unruly suspects to find the truth. Although the subjects Chelsea and Miss May deal with are serious, the situations they get into with Teeny are hilarious. I especially enjoyed when Chelsea “takes the fall” for her elders.
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.
June 2, 2020
Aptly named, Peaches and Scream is exactly what happens!
Another awesome installment in the series! Our cast of characters return in the sometimes gently bossy Miss May, the intrepid Chelsea, and the aptly named Teeny. We enter the scene at a Peach Party celebration with yummy food and drink, many townspeople, and general camaraderie. Unfortunately, there is an altercation between two folks and one of them is later discovered dead in Chelsea’s locked up bakeshop. It is a murder with Miss May and Chelsea in the thick of it. Teeny lends her particular expertise as the trio work to figure out this whodunit and the unfortunate next one. A fun easy read from this imaginative author duo!
Another awesome installment in the series! Our cast of characters return in the sometimes gently bossy Miss May, the intrepid Chelsea, and the aptly named Teeny. We enter the scene at a Peach Party celebration with yummy food and drink, many townspeople, and general camaraderie. Unfortunately, there is an altercation between two folks and one of them is later discovered dead in Chelsea’s locked up bakeshop. It is a murder with Miss May and Chelsea in the thick of it. Teeny lends her particular expertise as the trio work to figure out this whodunit and the unfortunate next one. A fun easy read from this imaginative author duo!
June 5, 2020
Peaches and Scream: Book 8
I’ve binge read books 5-8 in this series in the last 4 days. I feel as though I have been on a mini vacation visiting friends in the fictional town of Pine Grove, NY. It has been a wonderful escape from daily life into a world of fiction. Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny would make wonderful friends to visit on the days they weren’t workings as amateur detectives, risking their lives mixed up in murders and mayhem. I am just thankful that it is a fictional town, the murder rate per capita is through the roof.
This is a well-written, well-told, fun, and easy read full of red herrings, romance, murder, and mystery.
I’ve binge read books 5-8 in this series in the last 4 days. I feel as though I have been on a mini vacation visiting friends in the fictional town of Pine Grove, NY. It has been a wonderful escape from daily life into a world of fiction. Miss May, Chelsea, and Teeny would make wonderful friends to visit on the days they weren’t workings as amateur detectives, risking their lives mixed up in murders and mayhem. I am just thankful that it is a fictional town, the murder rate per capita is through the roof.
This is a well-written, well-told, fun, and easy read full of red herrings, romance, murder, and mystery.
May 31, 2020
Time for the peach pie party! But someone has sticky fingers in Pine Grove and ends up dead. So of course Chelsey, Teeny and Miss May jump at the chance as amateur sleuths. Be prepared to laugh, and join in the adventure as their sleuthing takes them on a quest involving magic, mayhem and Tarot cards, and insane asylums. And to help with questioning suspects it doesn’t hurt to carry a few spare pies in your purse! Of course the gals get their man, or woman.... I won’t tell so as not to spoil your enjoyment of this new Chelsea Thomas cozy mystery. Bring a slice of peach pie along as you read!
June 1, 2020
Peaches and Scream is the eighth book in the Apple Orchard Cozy series by Chelsea Thomas.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I was able to read it as a stand-alone, but there were references to the past that would make it easier to understand, like the distrust of the police.
This was a fun visit to Pine Grove. Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny are unique character in a community of quirky characters. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I was able to read it as a stand-alone, but there were references to the past that would make it easier to understand, like the distrust of the police.
This was a fun visit to Pine Grove. Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny are unique character in a community of quirky characters. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2020
If you love a good cozy mystery then you'll love this one! Fantastic characters that are entertaining and fun to get to know. The story line is smooth flowing from page to page and captivates you from the first words. Wendy does a wonderful job writing her stories that you find yourself turning the pages to find out who dun it. The right amount of suspense, mystery with a bit of humor added in for good measure. I highly recommend!
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.
June 12, 2020
Miss May, her niece Chelsea and Miss May's BFF Teeny are at it again. Chelsea discovers a dead body in the bakeshop on her family's property and the game is afoot. The deceased had recently made a bit of a spectacle of herself, and let everyone see some of the darker aspects of her personality. So that leads to lots of potential suspects.
If you are looking for realism...look elsewhere. But if you want an entertaining story to while away a few hours, and make you want some baked goods, Peaches and Scream fills the bill.
If you are looking for realism...look elsewhere. But if you want an entertaining story to while away a few hours, and make you want some baked goods, Peaches and Scream fills the bill.
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