What do you think?
Rate this book
Apple Orchard #9
Dread and Butter
The body was found face down in a loaf of bread.
Chelsea has always been scared of too many carbs. But this is worse than she ever imagined. Bread is too delicious to be used as a weapon. Especially Miss May's fluffy sour dough.
Good detectives follow every clue.
This time, those clues include a mysterious note, a fallen toupee and a literal trail of bread crumbs. But will Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny be able to find the killer while the crime is still fresh? Or will the clues get so stale they’re too tough to chew?
Pine Grove jail serves pretty good food.
Still, no one should spend a night there unless they’re guilty. So it’s up to the girls to catch the killer before an innocent person gets pinned for the crime.
Chelsea has always been scared of too many carbs. But this is worse than she ever imagined. Bread is too delicious to be used as a weapon. Especially Miss May's fluffy sour dough.
Good detectives follow every clue.
This time, those clues include a mysterious note, a fallen toupee and a literal trail of bread crumbs. But will Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny be able to find the killer while the crime is still fresh? Or will the clues get so stale they’re too tough to chew?
Pine Grove jail serves pretty good food.
Still, no one should spend a night there unless they’re guilty. So it’s up to the girls to catch the killer before an innocent person gets pinned for the crime.
260 pages, ebook
First published July 24, 2020
287 people are currently reading
252 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 2, 2020
“Dread and Butter“ is book 9 in the ”Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery” series by Chelsea Thomas. I love spending time in Pine Grove, NY.
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, auntie May and Chelsea. We still seem to have a love triangle with Germany and Wayne wanting Chelsea’s affection.
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. Also Steve the dog has been digging hole's for Chelsea and KP to look at, what is the reason for this...
I can’t wait for the next instalment “The Smoking Bun” to come out!
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.
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, auntie May and Chelsea. We still seem to have a love triangle with Germany and Wayne wanting Chelsea’s affection.
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. Also Steve the dog has been digging hole's for Chelsea and KP to look at, what is the reason for this...
I can’t wait for the next instalment “The Smoking Bun” to come out!
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.
September 18, 2020
Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are taking a break from solving crime and working on their businesses. Teeny's incredible banana pancakes have gone viral and now everyone from the tri-state area wants to eat at Grandma's. Mayor Linda Delgado has announced her retirement and a new election will be held to choose a new mayor. The contest is between Liz, the newspaper editor and Deputy Mayor Matt. Chelsea and Miss May already know Deputy Mayor Matt is not a good guy and they're rooting for Liz but they're still surprised when Tom Gigley approaches them to solve a mystery. He believes Deputy Mayor Matt has been embezzling funds from the town budget and only Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny can figure it out for sure. When the Thomas women arrive at Matt's house they're shocked to find the police there ahead of them but not for the same reason Chelsea and Miss May are there! Someone beat them to the discovery of a dead body, this time that of Deputy Mayor Matt! Liz fears the murder was politically motivated and fears for her life. Chelsea and Miss May think Liz may appear guilty to Chief Flanagan. They know the police can't solve a murder on their own so the trio are back in action to solve this one.
This mystery was impossible to put down. I stayed up late and ended up skimming ahead to the end. I thought I had missed something but when I went back and read more carefully, I noticed there were some plot holes. The murders don't make a lot of sense when revealed. There are a few other inconsistencies as well. Teeny notes Carol lives over in Blue Mountain but when they visit her she lives in Pine Grove but on the outskirts. When Rabbit is first introduced, none of them know him. Later, Miss May reveals she knows where he lives because she delivered a pie there. Why didn't she say something and remind him and offer condolences? I did not like how the story teased another plot that got dropped until the epilogue as a cliffhanger preview for the next book. Cozies aren't supposed to have cliffhangers. There are some grammatical mistakes too. This book needs some better editing.
The characters really make this story. Chelsea is a little more balanced and less of a crybaby but she's still a nervous wreck and babbles a lot. I don't understand why she's drinking coffee with Miss May like it's normal. She hates coffee and drinks it anyway, sweetened a lot. (She should try coffee milk, made with coffee flavored syrup). I could do without the love triangle. Sure Wayne may be good looking but he hasn't proven himself trustworthy or really caring. Germany is weird and far away but that's no excuse for flirting with another man. Miss May is level-headed but for a lawyer, she's quick to try to bend the rules and break the law. Sometimes she even sounded like Teeny in the dialogue passages. As always Teeny is a hoot. Now she's off her soaps and onto a British TV mystery I like her better. Her hypothetical scenarios are not so crazy and actually make sense because they come from a mystery series. She's out of the investigation off and on so that helps too. Her baking is amazing but no bananas in my pancakes, please! Gross! Chelsea's version sounds a little bit better but still, hold the bananas. I'm craving pancakes now, hold the bananas!
The first suspect in the investigation is Liz. Chelsea likes Liz but they have to rule her out to be sure. I find Liz a little cold and abrasive but I don't think she'd kill her opponent. It's too obvious and would null and void her campaign so kind of pointless. Next is Carol, Deputy Mayor Matt's stepmom. Teeny thinks Carol is nice but I think she's a little too involved in her son's life and is hiding something. Her son, Rabbit, is high on the suspect list. He's not very friendly and had a huge argument with his stepbrother just before Matt died. He certainly seems like a suspect. Bart and Lauren Bartholomew are new to the series. Bart is a local news anchor. He seems like an overachiever and an eager beaver to me. His wife is a little shady. Their involvement in the vigil was suspect and then their quick exit sounded phony and suspicious to me. Why are they smokers? Aren't they young? Well, it makes more sense for Lauren because she's European but what about Bart? I think they made an excuse to get out of there for some reason. One more new character is Emily who recently opened an ice cream shop in town. She plays a role in the mystery too.
The secondary characters shine too. There's Tom Gigley who is a little eccentric, especially for a lawyer. His arrival on the scene made me laugh. Mayor Delgado is not my favorite person in Pine Grove and I admit to cheering when I read she was retiring. I hoped she was the murderer - finally. Her subplot was too much in an already complicated story. Then we have Petunia who is the craziest old lady I've ever heard of. She is just so awful! My grandmother would have words with her! Mary Oliver, the storage unit facility owner is also a poet. She's quirky and fun. Lenny, the optometrist, is a little weird but honorable. Why Miss May thought he'd willingly give out private information on a client is beyond me. I just adore Steve, the cutest little terriorist (spelling intentional) in Pine Grove. He sets up the next mystery and I had a feeling that's what was behind his digging and now I need to know what happens next. I was glad he finally got to be a part of the story. See-Saw is not neglected and Kitty puts in a brief appearance too. I like the animals better than the people.
I'll e-mail the authors about my issues and if they can change the book then maybe I'll up my rating a bit.
This mystery was impossible to put down. I stayed up late and ended up skimming ahead to the end. I thought I had missed something but when I went back and read more carefully, I noticed there were some plot holes. The murders don't make a lot of sense when revealed. There are a few other inconsistencies as well. Teeny notes Carol lives over in Blue Mountain but when they visit her she lives in Pine Grove but on the outskirts. When Rabbit is first introduced, none of them know him. Later, Miss May reveals she knows where he lives because she delivered a pie there. Why didn't she say something and remind him and offer condolences? I did not like how the story teased another plot that got dropped until the epilogue as a cliffhanger preview for the next book. Cozies aren't supposed to have cliffhangers. There are some grammatical mistakes too. This book needs some better editing.
The characters really make this story. Chelsea is a little more balanced and less of a crybaby but she's still a nervous wreck and babbles a lot. I don't understand why she's drinking coffee with Miss May like it's normal. She hates coffee and drinks it anyway, sweetened a lot. (She should try coffee milk, made with coffee flavored syrup). I could do without the love triangle. Sure Wayne may be good looking but he hasn't proven himself trustworthy or really caring. Germany is weird and far away but that's no excuse for flirting with another man. Miss May is level-headed but for a lawyer, she's quick to try to bend the rules and break the law. Sometimes she even sounded like Teeny in the dialogue passages. As always Teeny is a hoot. Now she's off her soaps and onto a British TV mystery I like her better. Her hypothetical scenarios are not so crazy and actually make sense because they come from a mystery series. She's out of the investigation off and on so that helps too. Her baking is amazing but no bananas in my pancakes, please! Gross! Chelsea's version sounds a little bit better but still, hold the bananas. I'm craving pancakes now, hold the bananas!
The first suspect in the investigation is Liz. Chelsea likes Liz but they have to rule her out to be sure. I find Liz a little cold and abrasive but I don't think she'd kill her opponent. It's too obvious and would null and void her campaign so kind of pointless. Next is Carol, Deputy Mayor Matt's stepmom. Teeny thinks Carol is nice but I think she's a little too involved in her son's life and is hiding something. Her son, Rabbit, is high on the suspect list. He's not very friendly and had a huge argument with his stepbrother just before Matt died. He certainly seems like a suspect. Bart and Lauren Bartholomew are new to the series. Bart is a local news anchor. He seems like an overachiever and an eager beaver to me. His wife is a little shady. Their involvement in the vigil was suspect and then their quick exit sounded phony and suspicious to me. Why are they smokers? Aren't they young? Well, it makes more sense for Lauren because she's European but what about Bart? I think they made an excuse to get out of there for some reason. One more new character is Emily who recently opened an ice cream shop in town. She plays a role in the mystery too.
The secondary characters shine too. There's Tom Gigley who is a little eccentric, especially for a lawyer. His arrival on the scene made me laugh. Mayor Delgado is not my favorite person in Pine Grove and I admit to cheering when I read she was retiring. I hoped she was the murderer - finally. Her subplot was too much in an already complicated story. Then we have Petunia who is the craziest old lady I've ever heard of. She is just so awful! My grandmother would have words with her! Mary Oliver, the storage unit facility owner is also a poet. She's quirky and fun. Lenny, the optometrist, is a little weird but honorable. Why Miss May thought he'd willingly give out private information on a client is beyond me. I just adore Steve, the cutest little terriorist (spelling intentional) in Pine Grove. He sets up the next mystery and I had a feeling that's what was behind his digging and now I need to know what happens next. I was glad he finally got to be a part of the story. See-Saw is not neglected and Kitty puts in a brief appearance too. I like the animals better than the people.
I'll e-mail the authors about my issues and if they can change the book then maybe I'll up my rating a bit.
August 8, 2020
Chelsea, Tiny and Miss May are sleuthing again, and the body count is piling up. Get your laugh on, with the zany characters and the creative dishes as they investigate another murder. And what’s with Steve the 3-legged dog and his hole digging?
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.
November 4, 2021
Who killed that loud, evil Deputy Mayor Matt and how??? Miss Maym Teeny and Chelsea are on the ball though, aren’t they??? AND a big thank you to Big Dan!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
July 23, 2021
Entertaining mystery series , love the characters.
July 28, 2020
Carbs already get a bad rap so when it literally kills the Deputy Mayor, Chelsea, Teeny, and Miss May is on the case even before it has been declared a murder. Between claims of embezzlement, the current mayor's rush to leave town after clearing out her storage locker in disguise and a possible affair, they try to figure out if the motive is for love or money. Leaving off with a cliffhanger, will have you anxiously waiting for the next installment.
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 9, 2020
Another good time with Chelsea, May & Teeny. This time the mayoral race becomes deadly. Deputy Mayor Matt is murdered and the game is afoot. Naturally, the girls have to investigate even though the police are saying natural causes. Before Chelsea can solve this murder though there is another one. The mystery was good with lots of red herrings and action. Also lots of good food to keep you hungry throughout. After solving the murders we're left with a cliffhanger of another murder in the orchard. Who could it possibly be? Find out next time.
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 6, 2020
After a nasty mayoral debate with his opponent, Deputy Mayor Matt is found dead in his home.The police determine the death to be accidental and move on. Chelsea, Aunt May and Teeny aren’t so sure and keep digging. Within days of Matt’s death his stepbrother is arrested for murder. When the safety of the police station is compromised the police begin to investigate in earnest. This case takes the ladies all over the county in search of a murderer.
This is the 9th book in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series. I enjoy this series very much. The characters are a bit quirky. The setting is a small town in New York in late summer. This story moves at a steady pace and ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes next. I recommend this book and the series.
This is the 9th book in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series. I enjoy this series very much. The characters are a bit quirky. The setting is a small town in New York in late summer. This story moves at a steady pace and ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes next. I recommend this book and the series.
August 13, 2020
This is book nine of the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series and sees Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny on the trial of another murder. Pine Grove is in the midst of an election for a new mayor, as the current one is suddenly retiring and wanting to move away, but they get a surprise visitor telling them to investigate the deputy mayor for possible money laundering. Before they really get started, one of the prospective candidates is found dead at home, in what is first called an accidental death, but turns out to be murder, with a mouth stuffed full of fancy bread. A missing fancy sports car, other suspects who fear for their lives, and a massive list of suspects as usual. Even innocent people preferring to be locked up in jail than be out on the street and a target for the killer.
A trail of breadcrumbs for the trio to follow, but always mixed in with lots of descriptions of food, especially fruit pies, cookies and bread and in this book, Teeny’s soon to be famous banana pancakes. They have their own method of investigating crimes and especially murders, which Pine Grove seems to have had a lot of over the last year or so. If they go up to a resident of Pine Grove with a pie or cookies, you can bet that they are there to question a suspect and the residents are getting wise to this! One murder leads to another and they need to figure out who the real suspect is and stop them before there may be another death. The Pine Grove police department are really inept at solving murders or any types of crimes, so the trio are much needed in town.
There is also the odd romantic life of Chelsea, which always rises an eyebrow. Her boyfriend Germany Turtle got back together with her, but then disappeared to Africa to study lions as part of his work. While he has been away, Detective Wayne has been openly flirting with Chelsea and Chelsea is having inappropriate thoughts about Wayne and a possible date with him, but needs to think to Germany. She is getting very confused, but not enough to take her attention away from the case. The trio have a very unique method of investigating crimes and it all makes for a cozy and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, especially with how this book ended! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
A trail of breadcrumbs for the trio to follow, but always mixed in with lots of descriptions of food, especially fruit pies, cookies and bread and in this book, Teeny’s soon to be famous banana pancakes. They have their own method of investigating crimes and especially murders, which Pine Grove seems to have had a lot of over the last year or so. If they go up to a resident of Pine Grove with a pie or cookies, you can bet that they are there to question a suspect and the residents are getting wise to this! One murder leads to another and they need to figure out who the real suspect is and stop them before there may be another death. The Pine Grove police department are really inept at solving murders or any types of crimes, so the trio are much needed in town.
There is also the odd romantic life of Chelsea, which always rises an eyebrow. Her boyfriend Germany Turtle got back together with her, but then disappeared to Africa to study lions as part of his work. While he has been away, Detective Wayne has been openly flirting with Chelsea and Chelsea is having inappropriate thoughts about Wayne and a possible date with him, but needs to think to Germany. She is getting very confused, but not enough to take her attention away from the case. The trio have a very unique method of investigating crimes and it all makes for a cozy and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, especially with how this book ended! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 8, 2020
The Mayor, after 10 years of service, is not going to run for office again. During a debate between the two candidates now running, the deputy mayor and the newspaper editor, things get ugly and rude. The Deputy Mayor is found dead, face down in a loaf of bread! With Detective Wayne Hudson trying to tell them the death is from “natural causes”, probably trying to keep the snooping ladies out of the investigation, it is obvious that they are going to need to step in. As Miss May says, they need to find out what happened to Deputy Mayor Matt because no one happens to die of natural causes with a bunch of bread shoved in their mouth! The man had suffocated with obvious assistance!
So Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny dive right into the case to find the murderer. But a car is stolen and another body is found! With plenty of suspects in the first murder, they will be very busy sorting this one out! Will they find the murderer before more bodies show up?
The mystery is full of twists and turns to keep the reader wondering who the murderer might be. This is a really delightful cozy series where the townspeople feel like family. The characters are always well-described and the story line moves at the perfect pace to keep it exciting. Grab your copy and join the ladies in looking for the clues!
So Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny dive right into the case to find the murderer. But a car is stolen and another body is found! With plenty of suspects in the first murder, they will be very busy sorting this one out! Will they find the murderer before more bodies show up?
The mystery is full of twists and turns to keep the reader wondering who the murderer might be. This is a really delightful cozy series where the townspeople feel like family. The characters are always well-described and the story line moves at the perfect pace to keep it exciting. Grab your copy and join the ladies in looking for the clues!
August 10, 2020
With the mayor of Pine Grove retiring, the deputy mayor, Matt and Liz, the newspaper editor are running for the office. During a public debate, the deputy mayor was both rude, obnoxious and crude when debating Liz. Was it far fetched to find him the first victim of a murder? He was found with his face down in a loaf of bread! Of course, the amateur detectives, Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny are on the case. With everyone disliking the deputy Mayor and liz being his opposition becomes a suspect, we are not without a plethora of suspects. But as the ladies investigate, even more motives and suspects become known. We find the mayor's surly step-brother who had a fight with the deputy mayor prior to his death. Could he be suspect number one? But then there is another murder, his! Add to this a sub-theme of Chelsea missing her eccentric boyfriend, Germany who isn off in Africa studying lions and deputy Wayne also setting his sights on Chelsea, we have a cute little triangle forming. With so many suspects, so many twists and turns and so many red-herrings, we are taken on a roller coaster ride with a surprise ending and a cliff hanger as to what Chelsea's 3 legged dog, Steve found in the apple orchard! I love this series and each book gets better and better. I can't wait to see where this goes next! I received and ARC from Booksprout but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
August 13, 2022
Dread and Butter is the ninth adventure in the Apple Orchard cozy mysteries. It starts about a month after Peaches and Scream (book 8) ended. A mayoral debate is taking place in Pine Grove. Linda Delgado the town's mayor for the last ten years, has decided not to run again. There are two new candidates: Liz, the editor of the Pine Grove Gazette, and Deputy Mayor Matt. Emily, a new business owner, is serving free ice cream at the debate. She is getting ready to host the grand opening of Cherry on Top. But before that, Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny have another murder to solve. Slices of bread were stuffed in Deputy Mayor Matt's mouth and caused his death! This is a tough case to solve due to their notoriety, so the gals get help from Big Dan. When the murderer is arrested, they hold their big "case solved" bash at Big Dan's Auto Repair! Once again, I enjoyed the catchy book title and catchy chapter titles, the main and secondary characters, the pet side kicks, the descriptions of the great food that was eaten, and Chelsea's unsolved love life. The cliff hanger at the end of this story, has me ready to read book ten.
August 31, 2020
The Apple orchard gang solves another crime!
I like reading how May, Chelsea, and Teeny find their clues during their crime solving. I thought the book moved very slow the first half of the story. Although it did pick up with more excitement it just needed more sleuthing to help keep the mystery for me.
I do enjoy reading all the things Miss May pulls out of her purse. LOL! Chelsea’s relationship is confusing as always and I’m hoping she gets her man. The townspeople are quaint and supportive of each other and it always look forward reading about each of them.
The only one I don’t care for is Chief Flanagan, she isn’t very qualified in her job and I can’t wait for her to leave town. What is going on with Germany? Will we find out in the next book, and will Chelsea wait on him or will her feelings for Wayne escalate in his absence? Please don’t let this be a dreaded love triangle, they lose my interest fast. The story ends in a wild cliffhanger. Can’t wait until the next book.
I like reading how May, Chelsea, and Teeny find their clues during their crime solving. I thought the book moved very slow the first half of the story. Although it did pick up with more excitement it just needed more sleuthing to help keep the mystery for me.
I do enjoy reading all the things Miss May pulls out of her purse. LOL! Chelsea’s relationship is confusing as always and I’m hoping she gets her man. The townspeople are quaint and supportive of each other and it always look forward reading about each of them.
The only one I don’t care for is Chief Flanagan, she isn’t very qualified in her job and I can’t wait for her to leave town. What is going on with Germany? Will we find out in the next book, and will Chelsea wait on him or will her feelings for Wayne escalate in his absence? Please don’t let this be a dreaded love triangle, they lose my interest fast. The story ends in a wild cliffhanger. Can’t wait until the next book.
September 4, 2020
Mayoral Race Turns Deadly
I have read this series since the beginning, or very nearly the beginning. I always like a new visit to Pine Grove. Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny seem to be like old friends now. In this book, the mayor's race has deadly consequences. Will the threesome be able to help figure out whodunit? In general, I enjoy this husband-and-wife author team's writing style. I felt like the pace was a little slow at first, but I enjoy the characters so much that a little meandering is fine with me. The only problem with that is it doesn't allow for some nuances that I like to see in any mystery, cozy or not. The pace doesn't have to be frenetic, but I do like to feel like the mystery plot is progressing, with red herrings and blind alleys aplenty. I didn't feel like we had quite enough of that in this book. Other than that, this was a delightful visit to murdery Pine Grove.
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 since the beginning, or very nearly the beginning. I always like a new visit to Pine Grove. Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny seem to be like old friends now. In this book, the mayor's race has deadly consequences. Will the threesome be able to help figure out whodunit? In general, I enjoy this husband-and-wife author team's writing style. I felt like the pace was a little slow at first, but I enjoy the characters so much that a little meandering is fine with me. The only problem with that is it doesn't allow for some nuances that I like to see in any mystery, cozy or not. The pace doesn't have to be frenetic, but I do like to feel like the mystery plot is progressing, with red herrings and blind alleys aplenty. I didn't feel like we had quite enough of that in this book. Other than that, this was a delightful visit to murdery Pine Grove.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 14, 2020
When the long-serving mayor decides to retire a race begins to take her place between the deputy mayor and the sometimes controversial local journalist. When one of them ends up dead, their face smashed into a loaf of bread, the ;police first claim it's from natural causes, but our trio of delightful sleuths suspect otherwise. With so many people to interview - everyone seemed to hate the deceased - they quickly have their hands full. In the end, as always, it takes diligent sleuthing to identify the culprit. Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny take us on a rolicking good time, which involves romance - just who does Chelsea really fancy? - yummy banana pancakes, and bread crumbs.
I adored this book! The series keeps getting better and better. I highly recommend Dread and Butter. You won't be disappointed!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I adored this book! The series keeps getting better and better. I highly recommend Dread and Butter. You won't be disappointed!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
After a nasty debate Deputy Mayor Dan is found murdered! Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are on the case. This is the toughest case so far since Deputy Mayor Dan was so disliked. The
Clues are all leading all over the place. The case is made especially hard because where ever the trio turn up people automatically assume they are being accused of murder. Their reputations have even extended beyond Pine Grove.
This was my favorite so far. There is action and drama at every turn. The book was very hard to put down. I usually figure out the murderer pretty quick. This book I didn’t find out until the end! I love a good mystery and this was a great one! I also now crave banana pancakes. Lol. I highly recommend this book and this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Clues are all leading all over the place. The case is made especially hard because where ever the trio turn up people automatically assume they are being accused of murder. Their reputations have even extended beyond Pine Grove.
This was my favorite so far. There is action and drama at every turn. The book was very hard to put down. I usually figure out the murderer pretty quick. This book I didn’t find out until the end! I love a good mystery and this was a great one! I also now crave banana pancakes. Lol. I highly recommend this book and this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2020
I adored the characters. I haven’t read the previous books in this series.
The story follows Chelsea. Chelsea lives with her aunt, Miss May. Together, along with Teeny, Miss May’s best friend, they solve murder cases. The mayor has decided to retire. The two candidates are the deputy and the newspaper editor. After a harsh debate, the deputy is found dead. The police force rules it as natural causes. Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny know better.
This adventure includes so many twists and turns. I loved it! Teeny has such a great personality. She’s like this spring that has so much energy. I felt as if I were talking to them. The small-town feel was adorable. I liked that they had lives outside of sleuthing. This book was amazingly written. I can’t think of anything that I would change.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
The story follows Chelsea. Chelsea lives with her aunt, Miss May. Together, along with Teeny, Miss May’s best friend, they solve murder cases. The mayor has decided to retire. The two candidates are the deputy and the newspaper editor. After a harsh debate, the deputy is found dead. The police force rules it as natural causes. Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny know better.
This adventure includes so many twists and turns. I loved it! Teeny has such a great personality. She’s like this spring that has so much energy. I felt as if I were talking to them. The small-town feel was adorable. I liked that they had lives outside of sleuthing. This book was amazingly written. I can’t think of anything that I would change.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
July 18, 2020
The Mayor is not running for re-election. The deputy mayor is running against Liz. He insults her rather rudely. Guess who dies? Too easy, I know. The real question is why he is murdered.
As usual, our ladies get involved because unlike the police, they believe his murdered. They are lead on a merry chase. Watch out for the rabbit trails in this one. It will get you if not careful.
What is Steve up to with all his digging in the orchards?
We also get introduced to what I am hoping is a permanent new character. This one has some moxy. Welcome to Pine Grove.
Fun, easy to read. Can be read as a standalone but you might enjoy reading the previous books.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book Actually this was a beta read.
As usual, our ladies get involved because unlike the police, they believe his murdered. They are lead on a merry chase. Watch out for the rabbit trails in this one. It will get you if not careful.
What is Steve up to with all his digging in the orchards?
We also get introduced to what I am hoping is a permanent new character. This one has some moxy. Welcome to Pine Grove.
Fun, easy to read. Can be read as a standalone but you might enjoy reading the previous books.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book Actually this was a beta read.
August 6, 2020
This book finds Chelsea missing boyfriend Germany but attracted to Detective Wayne while Teeny has come up with best seller banana pancakes with her own spin on the dish and Miss May tries to create a balance between the two ladies.
This book finds Chelsea missing boyfriend Germany but attracted to Detective Wayne while Teeny has come up with best seller banana pancakes with her own spin on the dish and Miss May tries to create a balance between the two ladies.
They are up to their necks again investigating who the killer is in the latest murder in town but before they solve this one, there is another murder keeping them on their toes. There are plenty of suspects but their investigation doesn’t help uncover the culprit until a security camera points out who the visitors were to the second victim.
The three ladies go back and forth with their clues and suspicions on the identity of the killer making me which of the suspects did it. They eventually solve the crime again much to the shame of the local police.
The story ends with a cliffhanger as Steve digs up a hole with a dead body for Chelsea to see. I’ll be getting the next book to find out who the victim is.
Lots of action and suspense!
This book finds Chelsea missing boyfriend Germany but attracted to Detective Wayne while Teeny has come up with best seller banana pancakes with her own spin on the dish and Miss May tries to create a balance between the two ladies.
They are up to their necks again investigating who the killer is in the latest murder in town but before they solve this one, there is another murder keeping them on their toes. There are plenty of suspects but their investigation doesn’t help uncover the culprit until a security camera points out who the visitors were to the second victim.
The three ladies go back and forth with their clues and suspicions on the identity of the killer making me which of the suspects did it. They eventually solve the crime again much to the shame of the local police.
The story ends with a cliffhanger as Steve digs up a hole with a dead body for Chelsea to see. I’ll be getting the next book to find out who the victim is.
Lots of action and suspense!
August 7, 2020
One thing is for sure, when I finished reading this book I wanted to eat banana pancakes! This is a lovely story of 2 elderly ladies and business owners in a small town and their mascott - a younger girl with a troubled past, who was adopted by one of them. They put themselves into a lot of trouble to find whodunit, but in fact, they work better than the police and solve more mysteries than them in that peculiar small town. There is a lot of eating - most of the time when they are thinking - and a lot of running around to find proof and the culprits, even some involving car chases. This reading lifts your spirit and places a smile on your lips.
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 8, 2020
This series is really fun to read. Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny are becoming known as the town sleuths. It becomes a problem for them wherever they visit someone, everyone immediately feels that they are being accused of being a murderer. Not exactly a way to win friends, but it is a way to solve mysteries. There are two new murders in the quaint town of Pine Grove. Will they be able to solve the mysteries? Can they take time from baking bread and serving banana pancakes to follow the clues? Will Teeny ever get enough sprinkles on her ice cream? Join in the fun and follow the three sleuths and they chase around town following leads. Highly recommend to all mystery lovers who love to laugh.
August 10, 2020
When long time mayor Delgado puts her house up for sale, the race for mayor heats up quickly.
Deputy Mayor Matt is kind of an insulting jerk with hid campaign efforts. Is he a thief too?
Things get deadly fast
In the end, the sleuthing skills of Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny get a boost from some friends
When this town has your back, they really come out to support the friends and business neighbors. When they don, it’s murder!
Beau Germany Turtle is missing out on some romance off studying lions and the African jungle. Will Detective prove to be a tool or a treat?
Life and death adventures with strong friendships and humor
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deputy Mayor Matt is kind of an insulting jerk with hid campaign efforts. Is he a thief too?
Things get deadly fast
In the end, the sleuthing skills of Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny get a boost from some friends
When this town has your back, they really come out to support the friends and business neighbors. When they don, it’s murder!
Beau Germany Turtle is missing out on some romance off studying lions and the African jungle. Will Detective prove to be a tool or a treat?
Life and death adventures with strong friendships and humor
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
This entertaining book joins the series that pits three amateur detectives against a small towns less than stellar police department. The mystery was well plotted and the protagonists witty. I’m not sure how Miss Mae and Chelsea’s orchard stays in business or how Teensy keeps her restaurant churning out new recipes since they’re always out and about solving murders.
When Mayor Linda decides not to run for re-election Deputy Mayor Matt throws his hat into the ring. He didn’t even get his campaign off to a decent start before he is murdered. Since the police aren’t known for their ability to solve crimes, Miss Mae, Chelsea, and Teensy step up To find the killer and keep their town safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Mayor Linda decides not to run for re-election Deputy Mayor Matt throws his hat into the ring. He didn’t even get his campaign off to a decent start before he is murdered. Since the police aren’t known for their ability to solve crimes, Miss Mae, Chelsea, and Teensy step up To find the killer and keep their town safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2020
Dread and Butter
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
This book just like the rest of the series is a great cozy mystery, with Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny on the case again.
This time the police don't suspect foul play at first, but our ladies do and start to investigate.
As always they come up against lots of dead end's before they actually get to the truth of thing's.
Also Steve the dog has been digging hole's for Chelsea, which is something new, is there a reason for this 🤔🤔
This book end's with a big surprise 😲
As always I love this book and would definitely recommend it as it's really well written with wonderful characters.
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
This book just like the rest of the series is a great cozy mystery, with Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny on the case again.
This time the police don't suspect foul play at first, but our ladies do and start to investigate.
As always they come up against lots of dead end's before they actually get to the truth of thing's.
Also Steve the dog has been digging hole's for Chelsea, which is something new, is there a reason for this 🤔🤔
This book end's with a big surprise 😲
As always I love this book and would definitely recommend it as it's really well written with wonderful characters.
August 8, 2020
I love this series! I am never disappointed with this quirky, comical, cozy mystery and always looking forward to more. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but the underlying story line is progressive. This series is so good, I would go back and read from book 1 if you have not read any of the previous books.
This series is always entertaining and has great characters, awesome story lines, and is a joy to 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.
This series is always entertaining and has great characters, awesome story lines, and is a joy to 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.
August 8, 2020
Uh, oh…another fiasco is at hand!
It’s the tail end of September and Miss May, Teeny, and Chelsea did not have much of a “breather” from their summer sleuthing before yet another crime is committed. It begins with a potential embezzler that unfortunately shifts dramatically to a murder with a message. These intrepid ladies are quite the combo with complementary skill sets. Each of them has their own unique style of off-beat humor, which actually mirrors their distinctive looks. An easy read, plus the descriptions of culinary delights is simply yummy! I’d love to sample the various eateries in Pine Grove as long as murder takes a hiatus!
It’s the tail end of September and Miss May, Teeny, and Chelsea did not have much of a “breather” from their summer sleuthing before yet another crime is committed. It begins with a potential embezzler that unfortunately shifts dramatically to a murder with a message. These intrepid ladies are quite the combo with complementary skill sets. Each of them has their own unique style of off-beat humor, which actually mirrors their distinctive looks. An easy read, plus the descriptions of culinary delights is simply yummy! I’d love to sample the various eateries in Pine Grove as long as murder takes a hiatus!
August 9, 2020
Although I do have a few of this author's books I have not read any. First I would like to say that I live by a very small town called Pine Grove so that caught my attention right away. Two men fighting over the mayor's seat. A death of one of them after a debate. Cause of death, so the police say, is natural causes, but the ladies (Chelsea, Teeny and Miss May) aren't buying that and start their own investigation. Lots of fun, action and another murder. Pretty good book, now I will have to go read some of the others I have.
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 18, 2020
Pine Grove is having a mayoral debate since Linda Delgado isn't running for mayor after having the job for the past 10 years. Deputy Mayor Matt and Liz the editor of the Pine Grove Gazette are in the running. The debate turns heated and personal. Deputy Matt hurls insulates and Liz is after the missing money that is rumored to be gone from the town funds. Then Deputy Mayor Matt is found dead and of course, Liz is the prime suspect. Who killed him and why? Where is the missing money? You will have to read the book to find the answers. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
This is the best Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery yet! I love Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny! Even though this is Chelsea Thomas’ 9th book in this series, we get to know the ladies so much better. Their love, their compassion, their sense of civic responsibility, their creativity both in the kitchen and in solving murders all make us love them more. Even though the victim was running for mayor of Pine Grove and wasn’t well liked by most everyone in town, the amateur sleuths only wanted justice for the victim. Be prepared for excitement, a little nail-biting, a little romance and a lot of fun. I loved it!
August 8, 2020
The current Mayor, after 10 years of service, is retiring. Two candidates are having a debate that turns ugly. Then one of them is found dead. Was it murder? If so, why? Join Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny as they try to figure out what is going on in their town. Before they get too far, a car is stolen, and then burned, and a second body is found. Can they follow the crumbs to find the truth? Plenty clues and suspects keep them busy. Another fine mystery in the Apple Orchard Cozy series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews