What do you think?
Rate this book
A Cider Shop Mystery #3
The Cider Shop Rules
Autumn in Blossom Valley means pumpkin patches are ripe and Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe's cider shop is flourishing. But with this season comes...
A FATAL HARVEST
The Fall Festival is in full swing. Civil War reenactors from three counties are partaking in Blossom Valley's tribute to John Brown. Blue Ridge Mountain foliage is in full bloom. And best of all is Jacob Potter's pumpkin farm where his hay rides, piglet races, pumpkin picking and corn maze are time-honored draws for locals and tourists alike. That's why it's such a shock when Mr. Potter is found dead, hidden under a tarp in the back of Winnie's pickup truck. This certainly betrays Potter's reputation as one of the town's most popular citizens. Fortunately, when it comes to solving a murder, no one has a patch on Winnie. Now, all eyes are on her to do it. Unfortunately, that includes those of the killer who'll do anything to keep an orchard full of secrets buried.
A FATAL HARVEST
The Fall Festival is in full swing. Civil War reenactors from three counties are partaking in Blossom Valley's tribute to John Brown. Blue Ridge Mountain foliage is in full bloom. And best of all is Jacob Potter's pumpkin farm where his hay rides, piglet races, pumpkin picking and corn maze are time-honored draws for locals and tourists alike. That's why it's such a shock when Mr. Potter is found dead, hidden under a tarp in the back of Winnie's pickup truck. This certainly betrays Potter's reputation as one of the town's most popular citizens. Fortunately, when it comes to solving a murder, no one has a patch on Winnie. Now, all eyes are on her to do it. Unfortunately, that includes those of the killer who'll do anything to keep an orchard full of secrets buried.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2021
95 people are currently reading
7714 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Lindsey
171 books1,464 followersJulie Anne Lindsey- Hatcher is an award-winning and bestselling author of cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than sixty novels as herself & under the pen names, Bree Baker, Jacqueline Frost & Julie Chase, for various publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not writing the stories that keep her up at night, Julie stays busy in Kent, Ohio with her three amazing kids and shamelessly enabling friends. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
July 30, 2021
The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey is a new summer release in her cozy mystery series about an amateur sleuth in Blossom Valley, West Virginia. Generally, a series settles into its own by the third book, and this one proves the point: clearly, it's the best of the three to date, and it's made me even more excited to delve into Winnie's life running a cider shop with her granny who might be in her 70s but looks like she's in her 50s apparently!
Autumn is mid-swing, but it's getting chillier so the farms are done producing and Halloween is over, but Winnie's cider shop is open and she's going to a pumpkin patch to collect some supplies to decorate her shop. When she leaves the friendly farm, a dead body is dripping blood in the flatbed of her truck. Why would someone kill the lovable owner of the pumpkin patch? Winnie quickly sets out to talk with his wife, converse with the neighbors who held a grudge over the noise from the farm, investigate the possibility of an extra-marital affair, dive deep into some messy financial books. Which angle caused the poor pumpkin farmer to end up clunked by a shovel?
To start with, if you ever need a book with a fantastic fall setting, this is it. You'll get all the amazing autumn sensations. As my favorite season, I had high expectations for this tale, and it thoroughly delivered. Between the festival, the Civil War reenactment, the cider blends, the weather and foliage, and the general town spirit, I felt fully immersed in a favorite setting. Toss in a movement in the tentative friendship between Winnie and Sheriff Colton Wise, and you have lots to rave over... especially when Colton's brother Blake makes his presence known -- and it seems he might be interested in Winnie too. Which brother will she fall for?
The series is gaining lots of traction. The author writes many other series under a few pseudonyms. She's prolific and talented, and I intend to read a few more of them. My only slight put-off was the number of times/conversations Winnie and Colton had to discuss her getting too involved in policework. I'm all for the conflict, but there were 4 conversations where Winnie promised to stop and then immediately as soon as Colton left, she started up again. She almost didn't realize how she was treating him, and it felt a little much like overkill. I think 2 scenes might have been enough, and then if she did it again, admitting why to us readers rather than saying she wouldn't and just going ahead and doing it. Very minor, and I only mention it because it stood out as "hey, we've done this a bunch already" and caused me to stop momentarily.
That said, I am eager for the 4th book, which has been set up by the appearance of a person in Winnie's life with a secret to hide. A secret we as readers know because of a fake name being used. Hmmm.... not sure I can or want to wait a year to find out! LOL
Autumn is mid-swing, but it's getting chillier so the farms are done producing and Halloween is over, but Winnie's cider shop is open and she's going to a pumpkin patch to collect some supplies to decorate her shop. When she leaves the friendly farm, a dead body is dripping blood in the flatbed of her truck. Why would someone kill the lovable owner of the pumpkin patch? Winnie quickly sets out to talk with his wife, converse with the neighbors who held a grudge over the noise from the farm, investigate the possibility of an extra-marital affair, dive deep into some messy financial books. Which angle caused the poor pumpkin farmer to end up clunked by a shovel?
To start with, if you ever need a book with a fantastic fall setting, this is it. You'll get all the amazing autumn sensations. As my favorite season, I had high expectations for this tale, and it thoroughly delivered. Between the festival, the Civil War reenactment, the cider blends, the weather and foliage, and the general town spirit, I felt fully immersed in a favorite setting. Toss in a movement in the tentative friendship between Winnie and Sheriff Colton Wise, and you have lots to rave over... especially when Colton's brother Blake makes his presence known -- and it seems he might be interested in Winnie too. Which brother will she fall for?
The series is gaining lots of traction. The author writes many other series under a few pseudonyms. She's prolific and talented, and I intend to read a few more of them. My only slight put-off was the number of times/conversations Winnie and Colton had to discuss her getting too involved in policework. I'm all for the conflict, but there were 4 conversations where Winnie promised to stop and then immediately as soon as Colton left, she started up again. She almost didn't realize how she was treating him, and it felt a little much like overkill. I think 2 scenes might have been enough, and then if she did it again, admitting why to us readers rather than saying she wouldn't and just going ahead and doing it. Very minor, and I only mention it because it stood out as "hey, we've done this a bunch already" and caused me to stop momentarily.
That said, I am eager for the 4th book, which has been set up by the appearance of a person in Winnie's life with a secret to hide. A secret we as readers know because of a fake name being used. Hmmm.... not sure I can or want to wait a year to find out! LOL
July 25, 2021
The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey is the third book in the cozy A Cider Shop Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each book in this series will have it’s own mystery that will be solved so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. There is however some character building that will carry over from book to book for those who follow the series from the beginning.
The first book of the A Cider Shop Mystery series introduced readers to Winona Mae Montgomery who is doing her best to help her Granny Smythe save the family business, Smythe Orchards, located in Blossom Valley, West Virginia. The orchard had been barely getting by so Winnie was excited to bring in some fresh, new and hopefully money making ideas for the business.
Now that the fall festival is in full swing Winnie is busy getting the orchard organized and makes a trip over to Jacob Potter’s pumpkin farm to pick up some supplies. After leaving the farm Winnie makes a stop with her friend when they find something looking suspiciously like blood dripping from the back of Winnie’s truck. Upon further investigation Mr. Potter’s body is found in the back of the truck, a victim of murder, and now Winnie needs to find the killer before she is fingered for the crime.
The A Cider Shop Mystery series is one that I have been following from the beginning and have really been enjoying. There is that touch of quirkiness to this series that I love and makes me laugh all throughout reading. There is also a developing relationships within that I’m enjoying which brought about a second mystery within this book to make it even more exciting. Definitely a series that I will continue to follow in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The first book of the A Cider Shop Mystery series introduced readers to Winona Mae Montgomery who is doing her best to help her Granny Smythe save the family business, Smythe Orchards, located in Blossom Valley, West Virginia. The orchard had been barely getting by so Winnie was excited to bring in some fresh, new and hopefully money making ideas for the business.
Now that the fall festival is in full swing Winnie is busy getting the orchard organized and makes a trip over to Jacob Potter’s pumpkin farm to pick up some supplies. After leaving the farm Winnie makes a stop with her friend when they find something looking suspiciously like blood dripping from the back of Winnie’s truck. Upon further investigation Mr. Potter’s body is found in the back of the truck, a victim of murder, and now Winnie needs to find the killer before she is fingered for the crime.
The A Cider Shop Mystery series is one that I have been following from the beginning and have really been enjoying. There is that touch of quirkiness to this series that I love and makes me laugh all throughout reading. There is also a developing relationships within that I’m enjoying which brought about a second mystery within this book to make it even more exciting. Definitely a series that I will continue to follow in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 6, 2021
Oh, how I enjoyed being back at Granny Smythe’s apple orchard, and Winnie’s Cider Shop in lovely Blossom Valley, West Virginia. It’s fall, and it’s pumpkin picking time! I really like the down-home characters in this series, especially Winnie. I was almost as shocked as she was when a neighbor’s corpse is discovered tossed and tarped in the back of her old farm truck.
I’m enjoying Sheriff Colton Wise as he banters and argues with Winnie. I’m also liking the addition of his handsome brother, Blake, who shows up out of the blue in this third story! There’s a lot of teasing and jealousy between the brother’s for Winnie’s attention.
Winnie’s really been pinpointed as a target of someone’s vendetta, and as a reader, I was trying to figure out if it had to do with the neighbor’s murder, or the wanted criminal Sheriff Colton Wise is searching high and low for. Author Lindsey provides an incredible maze of clues that either dead-end, or prove to be viable leads to apprehending the elusive criminals. This story is a not-to-be-missed page turner with a spectacular ending!
I honestly reviewed a mass market arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
I’m enjoying Sheriff Colton Wise as he banters and argues with Winnie. I’m also liking the addition of his handsome brother, Blake, who shows up out of the blue in this third story! There’s a lot of teasing and jealousy between the brother’s for Winnie’s attention.
Winnie’s really been pinpointed as a target of someone’s vendetta, and as a reader, I was trying to figure out if it had to do with the neighbor’s murder, or the wanted criminal Sheriff Colton Wise is searching high and low for. Author Lindsey provides an incredible maze of clues that either dead-end, or prove to be viable leads to apprehending the elusive criminals. This story is a not-to-be-missed page turner with a spectacular ending!
I honestly reviewed a mass market arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
August 5, 2021
Thank you @kensingtonbooks and @netgalley for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Book three in the Cider Shop Mystery series has me longing for the start of autumn. There’s visits to the local pumpkin patch, a corn maze, plenty of cider tastings and I now have a strong craving for apple fries. Winnie finds herself tangled up in yet another murder and I loved every minute of watching her sleuth around Blossom Valley.
The mystery was really well written and perfectly paced. I have to admit I was thrown off and surprised when the culprit was finally revealed. There continues to be a captivating side story involving a fugitive who’s been stalking Winnie throughout the series. It definitely added several shocking twists and intense scenes to the storyline.
I’ve always adored this entire cast of characters. Granny always makes me laugh and I love seeing what rescued animal best friend Dot will leave on the farm. This new one was very entertaining. Winnie is a fantastic lead. It’s clear she loves her community. In this book, we get to meet Sheriff Colton’s family!! You will instantly fall for Blake’s charm and relate to their parents excitement over meeting a potential love interest for one of their boys. I really hope we see the brother in future stories.
Can’t recommend this series enough. Book four was set up perfectly so I will anxiously be waiting to hear news of its release.
Book three in the Cider Shop Mystery series has me longing for the start of autumn. There’s visits to the local pumpkin patch, a corn maze, plenty of cider tastings and I now have a strong craving for apple fries. Winnie finds herself tangled up in yet another murder and I loved every minute of watching her sleuth around Blossom Valley.
The mystery was really well written and perfectly paced. I have to admit I was thrown off and surprised when the culprit was finally revealed. There continues to be a captivating side story involving a fugitive who’s been stalking Winnie throughout the series. It definitely added several shocking twists and intense scenes to the storyline.
I’ve always adored this entire cast of characters. Granny always makes me laugh and I love seeing what rescued animal best friend Dot will leave on the farm. This new one was very entertaining. Winnie is a fantastic lead. It’s clear she loves her community. In this book, we get to meet Sheriff Colton’s family!! You will instantly fall for Blake’s charm and relate to their parents excitement over meeting a potential love interest for one of their boys. I really hope we see the brother in future stories.
Can’t recommend this series enough. Book four was set up perfectly so I will anxiously be waiting to hear news of its release.
July 26, 2021
The Cider Shop Rules is the third book in the Cider Shop Mystery series written by Julie Anne Lindsey and it follows the second 'Pulp Friction'.
Twenty-something heroine Winona Mae Montgomery (otherwise known as Winnie), runs an apple orchard and cider shop with her Granny Smythe (love the name!) in rural West Virginia. They've managed to turn the family business into a going concern and the cider shop has been booked for various upcoming events. It is the time for Blossom Valley's Fall Festival and Jacob Potter’s pumpkin farm is the place to be for events such as piglet races, hay rides, and pumpkin picking. Winnie is busy getting the orchard sorted and goes to Jacob's farm to pick up some supplies. After leaving, Winnie notices blood dripping from the back of her truck and it's coming from a dead body... Jacob Potter's. Winnie needs to find the killer before she is held responsible for the crime.
I adored this novel and I had no trouble keeping up with the events and the characters! The author's writing style is comedic, easy and fun. Her characters are memorable, especially Granny Smythe, Winnie, and Sheriff Colton Wise, and many of the supporting characters play good parts. Winne really gets stuck in, talking to Jacob's wife, and the grudge-holding neighbours and some other odd bods and the complete combination made this a compelling and bewitching tale. The autumnal descriptions were delightful and had me desperate for more while the developing romantic frissons were very pleasing. The mystery itself had an abundance of misdirections and red herrings and it was a blast to try to figure things out as I puzzled over the clues.
I highly recommend The Cider Shop Rules to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries. This is a novel I really enjoyed, and I very much look forward to my next outing with Winnie and Granny Smythe!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Twenty-something heroine Winona Mae Montgomery (otherwise known as Winnie), runs an apple orchard and cider shop with her Granny Smythe (love the name!) in rural West Virginia. They've managed to turn the family business into a going concern and the cider shop has been booked for various upcoming events. It is the time for Blossom Valley's Fall Festival and Jacob Potter’s pumpkin farm is the place to be for events such as piglet races, hay rides, and pumpkin picking. Winnie is busy getting the orchard sorted and goes to Jacob's farm to pick up some supplies. After leaving, Winnie notices blood dripping from the back of her truck and it's coming from a dead body... Jacob Potter's. Winnie needs to find the killer before she is held responsible for the crime.
I adored this novel and I had no trouble keeping up with the events and the characters! The author's writing style is comedic, easy and fun. Her characters are memorable, especially Granny Smythe, Winnie, and Sheriff Colton Wise, and many of the supporting characters play good parts. Winne really gets stuck in, talking to Jacob's wife, and the grudge-holding neighbours and some other odd bods and the complete combination made this a compelling and bewitching tale. The autumnal descriptions were delightful and had me desperate for more while the developing romantic frissons were very pleasing. The mystery itself had an abundance of misdirections and red herrings and it was a blast to try to figure things out as I puzzled over the clues.
I highly recommend The Cider Shop Rules to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries. This is a novel I really enjoyed, and I very much look forward to my next outing with Winnie and Granny Smythe!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
May 7, 2021
The Cider Shop Rules is the third Cider Shop Mystery and my favorite book to date. This was such a fun and compelling read that I read the entire book in one day. I just didn't want to put it down. The characters in this series are so genuine and pull the reader into the story. Winnie is smart, hard-working, feisty, and curious. She loves her town of Blossom Valley, so when another murder happens and the body is found in her truck she sets out to help Sherrif Colton Wise solve the crime. For Winnie, it's not as simple as the current murder. On top of that, she is being stalked by a murderer from Colton's past and his family, including his younger brother, are in town for a civil war reenactment. I loved that in this book we see Colton's shell begin to crack and he opens up to Winnie. Some of that growth is thanks to the flirtatious nature of the friendship that developed between Winnie and Colton's younger brother.
There was a lot going on in this book and it just kept me turning pages because I wanted to know how it all ended. The author drops a number of clues along the way and if you are like me, if you are not careful, you will follow the clues down the wrong path. I was really surprised by the identity of the killer. This person was not on my radar. The author does a great job of wrapping up the murder and bringing the stalker to a conclusion.
This series just hits on all levels for me. The characters are extremely likable and I look forward to catching up with them with each new book. The plot/storyline is fast-paced and carries the reader along turning pages until the reader finds satisfaction in the ending. Finally, the mystery is compelling and kept me guessing and on my toes. I can't wait to see where the author takes us on the next adventure for this series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
There was a lot going on in this book and it just kept me turning pages because I wanted to know how it all ended. The author drops a number of clues along the way and if you are like me, if you are not careful, you will follow the clues down the wrong path. I was really surprised by the identity of the killer. This person was not on my radar. The author does a great job of wrapping up the murder and bringing the stalker to a conclusion.
This series just hits on all levels for me. The characters are extremely likable and I look forward to catching up with them with each new book. The plot/storyline is fast-paced and carries the reader along turning pages until the reader finds satisfaction in the ending. Finally, the mystery is compelling and kept me guessing and on my toes. I can't wait to see where the author takes us on the next adventure for this series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 31, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There are some great things happening in Blossom Valley. The Potter’s Pumpkin Farm is having a fall festival as is Smthye’s Orchard. There is a civil war reenactment that brings some wonderful guests to Blossom Valley and Winnie’s new cider shop has become a location to visit for cider and baked treats. It’s too bad one venue has to close when the owner is killed and his body is stashed under a tarp in the bed of Winnie’s beloved pickup truck. Sheriff Colton Wise is not happy when many Blossom Valley residents assume Winnie will pare down the suspects and serve up the killer. Sadly the killer knows that too and they are not the only one looking to harm Winnie and Colton.
Take a deep breath of the wonderful autumn air and look around to see all of the beautiful fall foliage. Amble over for a glass of Winnie’s delicious cider and sit back and relax.
Unless your want to trail along with Winnie as she pulls out the stops to catch Mr. Potter’s killer and help her to avoid a criminal from Sheriff Colton’s past. Winnie has her hands full this time trying to take care of everything that has been tossed on her plate.
I love this series. Winnie is a wonderful leading character. Her heart is always in the right place but she sometimes treads into situations she should have avoided. Thankfully Colton Wise is wise to Winnie’s ambitions and does his best to keep her safe. This time his brother Blake is in town to help him. But Blake is a notorious flirt and Winnie gets a little rattled with two Wise men in her life. The handsome brothers are also joined by their parents which adds some really nice things to the story. Best friend Dot is around to play Watson to Winnie’s Sherlock and Winnie’s grandmother is nearby with words of advice. Granny’s group of friends are great sources for local gossip. Ms. Lindsey has created such a wonderful group of truly genuine characters. They kept me engaged from the first page to the last.
Ms. Lindsey has wrapped these wonderful characters into an exciting mystery. Who killed Mr. Potter? Is there a fugitive lurking nearby? Twists, turns, flips, and a trip through the corn maze kept my eyes glued to my Kindle. I would have read the entire book in one sitting if my brain would not have demanded sleep. The author has done an excellent job dropping clues throughout the story but you could have knocked me over with a feather when the killer was disclosed during a thrilling reveal.
The Cider Shop Rules is a fantastic cozy mystery. Charming characters and an exhilarating mystery make this a must-read for cozy mystery lovers. I thoroughly enjoy my visit to Blossom Valley. This book exceeded my expectations and will take a slot on my Best Reads of 2021 list.
This story reads well all on its own but for maximum enjoyment, I recommend ready the series from the start.
There are some great things happening in Blossom Valley. The Potter’s Pumpkin Farm is having a fall festival as is Smthye’s Orchard. There is a civil war reenactment that brings some wonderful guests to Blossom Valley and Winnie’s new cider shop has become a location to visit for cider and baked treats. It’s too bad one venue has to close when the owner is killed and his body is stashed under a tarp in the bed of Winnie’s beloved pickup truck. Sheriff Colton Wise is not happy when many Blossom Valley residents assume Winnie will pare down the suspects and serve up the killer. Sadly the killer knows that too and they are not the only one looking to harm Winnie and Colton.
Take a deep breath of the wonderful autumn air and look around to see all of the beautiful fall foliage. Amble over for a glass of Winnie’s delicious cider and sit back and relax.
Unless your want to trail along with Winnie as she pulls out the stops to catch Mr. Potter’s killer and help her to avoid a criminal from Sheriff Colton’s past. Winnie has her hands full this time trying to take care of everything that has been tossed on her plate.
I love this series. Winnie is a wonderful leading character. Her heart is always in the right place but she sometimes treads into situations she should have avoided. Thankfully Colton Wise is wise to Winnie’s ambitions and does his best to keep her safe. This time his brother Blake is in town to help him. But Blake is a notorious flirt and Winnie gets a little rattled with two Wise men in her life. The handsome brothers are also joined by their parents which adds some really nice things to the story. Best friend Dot is around to play Watson to Winnie’s Sherlock and Winnie’s grandmother is nearby with words of advice. Granny’s group of friends are great sources for local gossip. Ms. Lindsey has created such a wonderful group of truly genuine characters. They kept me engaged from the first page to the last.
Ms. Lindsey has wrapped these wonderful characters into an exciting mystery. Who killed Mr. Potter? Is there a fugitive lurking nearby? Twists, turns, flips, and a trip through the corn maze kept my eyes glued to my Kindle. I would have read the entire book in one sitting if my brain would not have demanded sleep. The author has done an excellent job dropping clues throughout the story but you could have knocked me over with a feather when the killer was disclosed during a thrilling reveal.
The Cider Shop Rules is a fantastic cozy mystery. Charming characters and an exhilarating mystery make this a must-read for cozy mystery lovers. I thoroughly enjoy my visit to Blossom Valley. This book exceeded my expectations and will take a slot on my Best Reads of 2021 list.
This story reads well all on its own but for maximum enjoyment, I recommend ready the series from the start.
October 10, 2023
Cider Shop Rules - Julie Anne Lindsey - 4 Stars - Book 3 in the Cider Shop Mystery Series
What a perfect fall read! All the fall vibes, atmosphere, activities - so much fun reading it! We are back in Blossom Valley with the upcoming Fall Festival. Everyone is looking forward to Jacob Potter's pumpkin farm with hay rides, pumpkin picking and corn maze fun. Things go south fast though when Mr. Potter is found dead in the back of Winnie's pickup truck. Sheriff Colton is back trying to protect Winnie and figure out who killed Mr. Potter - but then someone named Blake comes in and a little bit of a love triangle comes in the beginning of the story...Will they figure out the killer? Who will win Winnie's heart along the way?
This is the 3rd and final installment of the Cider Shop Mystery series and I am SO sad! I want more of these amazing characters and setting! It feels so southern and real and I just LOVE it. While nothing compares to the first book, this one was a solid 4 stars for me. I buddy read this with some amazing ladies and had the best time trying to figure out the mystery. My favorite part is of course Colton and Winnie and the fall elements.
Overall, a good ending to the series but hope she will write more someday!
What a perfect fall read! All the fall vibes, atmosphere, activities - so much fun reading it! We are back in Blossom Valley with the upcoming Fall Festival. Everyone is looking forward to Jacob Potter's pumpkin farm with hay rides, pumpkin picking and corn maze fun. Things go south fast though when Mr. Potter is found dead in the back of Winnie's pickup truck. Sheriff Colton is back trying to protect Winnie and figure out who killed Mr. Potter - but then someone named Blake comes in and a little bit of a love triangle comes in the beginning of the story...Will they figure out the killer? Who will win Winnie's heart along the way?
This is the 3rd and final installment of the Cider Shop Mystery series and I am SO sad! I want more of these amazing characters and setting! It feels so southern and real and I just LOVE it. While nothing compares to the first book, this one was a solid 4 stars for me. I buddy read this with some amazing ladies and had the best time trying to figure out the mystery. My favorite part is of course Colton and Winnie and the fall elements.
Overall, a good ending to the series but hope she will write more someday!
May 11, 2021
There's so much I love about this series, I'm not sure where to start!
I love cozy mysteries, and every time I read a new book in a favorite series, I get excited, heart fluttering excited, because I know I'm going to love the book.
This is exactly how I felt when I saw The Cider Shop Rules on NetGalley. When it popped up on my screen, I gave a little cheer, a quiet "Yes" to myself, because I truly love this series.
Winona Mae and her granny are such fun characters, easy to relate to, & easy to like.
In this book, Winnie meets Blake, the brother of her crush, Colton. I really like the interaction among all the characters, but Winnie & Colton are funny together.
Of course this story wouldn't be complete without a murder investigation, or without a crazed killer.
I hope other readers are as excited to read this book as I was, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book.
I love cozy mysteries, and every time I read a new book in a favorite series, I get excited, heart fluttering excited, because I know I'm going to love the book.
This is exactly how I felt when I saw The Cider Shop Rules on NetGalley. When it popped up on my screen, I gave a little cheer, a quiet "Yes" to myself, because I truly love this series.
Winona Mae and her granny are such fun characters, easy to relate to, & easy to like.
In this book, Winnie meets Blake, the brother of her crush, Colton. I really like the interaction among all the characters, but Winnie & Colton are funny together.
Of course this story wouldn't be complete without a murder investigation, or without a crazed killer.
I hope other readers are as excited to read this book as I was, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book.
October 29, 2024
"The Cider Shop Rules (A Cider Shop Mystery #3)" by Julie Anne Lindsey is set in November as all the Halloween activities are turning more towards Thanksgiving. Winona Mae is gearing up for her cider shop anniversary and there's a Civil War reenactment going on in town. The sheriff's brother and parents are in town for the reenactment. There's also some romance finally budding for Winona.
Now for the bad parts for Winona. The local pumpkin farmer is found in the bed of her truck. Also, that murderer that was stalking her in the past books might be back. So, we get a it of a two for one in this book.
The pumpkin farmer had a few possible suspects. I was hoping it wasn't a particular suspect. I didn't totally bank on that though. I was right to not count them out just because I wished it wasn't them.
As for the stalker that was back for Winona and her sheriff, that's all hopefully over and done with. We can't go without a carry over mystery though. We get a bit of a bomb drop on another of the reoccurring characters at the end of the book.
Now for the bad parts for Winona. The local pumpkin farmer is found in the bed of her truck. Also, that murderer that was stalking her in the past books might be back. So, we get a it of a two for one in this book.
The pumpkin farmer had a few possible suspects. I was hoping it wasn't a particular suspect. I didn't totally bank on that though. I was right to not count them out just because I wished it wasn't them.
As for the stalker that was back for Winona and her sheriff, that's all hopefully over and done with. We can't go without a carry over mystery though. We get a bit of a bomb drop on another of the reoccurring characters at the end of the book.
August 29, 2021
I absolutely love this series. The farm setting, the heroine and her motley crew of adopted animals including a fainting goat. Hysterical!!!! I love the way the author handles Winnie's penchant for crime solving. She loves the small town she grew up in and that makes her emotionally invested in everything that happens. Plus, she's just plain nosy! She can't help but want to fix things -- even if its murder! Much to the chagrin of the sheriff. They have some interesting conversations in this 3rd book and I'm happily optimistic for their future now. :-) A solid mystery and plenty of captivating secondary characters keep the plot hopping.
Oh -- one thing to mention...there's a bit of a suspenseful carry over from the second book so it's best to read this series in order (to this point, anyway) to avoid any spoilers.
Oh -- one thing to mention...there's a bit of a suspenseful carry over from the second book so it's best to read this series in order (to this point, anyway) to avoid any spoilers.
October 28, 2021
Love this series
This series keeps getting better and better! I enjoyed this book so much and hope there are more to come! I really like the characters and Winnie and Colton make such a good team. The mystery kept me on my toes and I enjoyed the satisfactory conclusions.
This series keeps getting better and better! I enjoyed this book so much and hope there are more to come! I really like the characters and Winnie and Colton make such a good team. The mystery kept me on my toes and I enjoyed the satisfactory conclusions.
June 12, 2021
I have waited so long for this book and it was everything I hoped it would be. Winnie gets herself into trouble when she discovers the dead body of one of her neighbors in the back of her truck. Winnie's naturally curious mind wants to investigate, while Sheriff Colton Wise wants her to be safe and not go looking for a killer. There was so much I loved about this book. It takes place in the fall, right after Halloween and I was all for the setting of the pumpkin patch and Winnie's cider shop on her family orchard. The civil war reenactment brought an interesting aspect to the story. Especially since it is the reason we got to meet Colton's very handsome brother, Blake, and his parents. I really hope we see more of Blake. I loved the banter and teasing between the brothers, and the friendship that was quickly formed between Blake and Winnie. We finally got to see some progress in with Winnie and Colton by the end of the book and it me me so happy. The mystery was great. I was not expecting who the killer was. I actually liked that character. Also the Jack and Lacey reference was just everything my kitty couture heart needed. Thank you Julie Anne Lindsey for this wonderful book book that had me gushing at so many points. Well done. I received this book from netgalley and Kensington publishing in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2021
Read this review in its entirety at
Fresh Fiction
Julie Anne Lindsey returns with another installment to the Cider Shop Mystery series. With autumn and Halloween approaching, pumpkins are everywhere in this book! Winnie is once again doing her best with the Fall Festival, however, she reached a setback when Mr. Potter is found dead, hidden under a tarp in the back of her pickup truck. Now to clear her name and, Winnie must use her skills and instinct to figure out who the real murderer is.
I really enjoyed this book because of its fall vibe. There’s a seasonal theme to it, but I think it can also be enjoyed at any time of year too. The mystery of this story is well down and not too over the top. Lindsey does a great job of keeping readers on their toes and keeping this story engaging. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Julie Anne Lindsey returns with another installment to the Cider Shop Mystery series. With autumn and Halloween approaching, pumpkins are everywhere in this book! Winnie is once again doing her best with the Fall Festival, however, she reached a setback when Mr. Potter is found dead, hidden under a tarp in the back of her pickup truck. Now to clear her name and, Winnie must use her skills and instinct to figure out who the real murderer is.
I really enjoyed this book because of its fall vibe. There’s a seasonal theme to it, but I think it can also be enjoyed at any time of year too. The mystery of this story is well down and not too over the top. Lindsey does a great job of keeping readers on their toes and keeping this story engaging. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series.
July 20, 2021
A great story full of family, friends, mystery and suspense. The characters are entertaining, the setting delightful and the ending satisfying.
The building suspense kept me glued to the story and I really enjoyed the newest character Blake. I hope he makes an appearance in future installments of the A Cider Shop Mystery series. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
The building suspense kept me glued to the story and I really enjoyed the newest character Blake. I hope he makes an appearance in future installments of the A Cider Shop Mystery series. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 25, 2021
The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey is the third book in this series and was a good addition to this cozy mystery series. The book drew me in from the first chapter and I didn't stop reading until I reached the end.
Ms. Lindsey is meticulous in using language and visual imagery is set each scene and Blossom Valley comes to life as you read. Winnie, Grammy, Dot, Colton and the other secondary characters are all developing into their own personalities with quirks and flaws. I enjoyed the quick visit from Lacy and Jack from Ms. Lindsey's Kitty Couture cozy mystery series. With Colton's past nemesis back, a local murder to solve, Colton's family visiting for a civil war reenactment the plot is quickly paced and action driven as they race to solve it all.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Lindsey is meticulous in using language and visual imagery is set each scene and Blossom Valley comes to life as you read. Winnie, Grammy, Dot, Colton and the other secondary characters are all developing into their own personalities with quirks and flaws. I enjoyed the quick visit from Lacy and Jack from Ms. Lindsey's Kitty Couture cozy mystery series. With Colton's past nemesis back, a local murder to solve, Colton's family visiting for a civil war reenactment the plot is quickly paced and action driven as they race to solve it all.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 26, 2022
I am so sad that this book ends the series, I miss these characters already. I loved the mysteries in this one, 2 people for 2 separate murders. The idea of a Cider Shop sounds so fun and Julie Anne Lindsey creates the perfect cozy community. Winnie and her Granny are super close and run the orchard together. We alsl get to spend more time with Colton AND meet his family. This is a great read for fall!
September 22, 2022
This book was soo good!! Loved all the heart-to-heart talks between Winnie and Colton. And the mystery was good along with the other suspense. And the ending was heart racing for sure. So many things packed into one cozy book. I really want more of this series!!!
November 11, 2021
This is such a great mystery and series! The characters are engaging, there is humor throughout, and trying to find whodunit is a real challenge. It would be wonderful to live in a part of the country where autumn adventures include picking one’s apples fresh at the orchard, going on a hayride, and enjoying fresh apple cider. The beauty and history of the area are pictured so well, I wish I were there, especially for the Civil War reenactment! I enjoy the characters, who are hard-working country folk but not at all simple or naïve. They are hard workers with high standards. For Winnie, even when the sheriff, Colton, offers to stay in her living room overnight to protect her when she is in a stalker’s sites, she refused any hint of impropriety. For her, it was better to be at risk than to do anything that affected her reputation.
Winnie’s specialty is making different flavors of cider to sell in the cider shop in the old barn on Granny’s property. She lives in a small cottage while Granny lives in the main farmhouse, where she had lived with her beloved husband for many years. Winnie makes her cider from the apples at Granny’s orchard, and Granny makes the baked goods and lunches sold in the cider shop. The barn housing the shop also has new life as a venue for events.
Colton, the new sheriff, has seemed to be interested in Winnie, but he also seems to run hot and cold. He has had her help solving more than one murder in a short time, despite his wishes for her to stay out of police business. Trouble simply seems to find her, however, as it does on this Fall Harvest Festival day.
Winnie and her friend Dot went to Potter’s Patch during their annual Fall Family Fun days to get more decorations for the orchard and property. She had driven the vintage truck that she and her late Grampy had rebuilt. She went inside the barn to get something while Mr. Potter loaded the back of the truck. When they returned to the truck, his equipment was still there, but the tarp had been tied down, so they left. Stopping for ice cream on the way back home, some people pointed out a leak under the bed of the truck. They looked under the tarp and, to their horror, found Mr. Potter, dead, blood from a head wound leaking from the truck bed. It was time to call Colton again.
While they begin searching for Mr. Potter’s killer, Winnie gains a stalker who is most likely a fugitive Colton has been tracking since before his move to Blossom Valley. The fugitive was also a murderer, so the question begging to be answered is if the fugitive is the one who killed Mr. Potter, or is there another whodunit in the area?
I enjoyed this funny, heartwarming, and at times scary mystery so much! Winnie, Granny, Dot, Winnie’s cats, and the fainting goat are my favorites. I love how Dot rescues all the animals she can and has a way of finding homes for them with people like Granny and Winnie. Someday I would like to see a fainting goat in person! This intriguing novel got better and better throughout! I was not able to determine whodunit, and was quite surprised at the final outcome. All loose ends are tied up, and I highly recommend this, and the rest of the series, to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, pets of all kinds, fall festivals, and farming communities.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Winnie’s specialty is making different flavors of cider to sell in the cider shop in the old barn on Granny’s property. She lives in a small cottage while Granny lives in the main farmhouse, where she had lived with her beloved husband for many years. Winnie makes her cider from the apples at Granny’s orchard, and Granny makes the baked goods and lunches sold in the cider shop. The barn housing the shop also has new life as a venue for events.
Colton, the new sheriff, has seemed to be interested in Winnie, but he also seems to run hot and cold. He has had her help solving more than one murder in a short time, despite his wishes for her to stay out of police business. Trouble simply seems to find her, however, as it does on this Fall Harvest Festival day.
Winnie and her friend Dot went to Potter’s Patch during their annual Fall Family Fun days to get more decorations for the orchard and property. She had driven the vintage truck that she and her late Grampy had rebuilt. She went inside the barn to get something while Mr. Potter loaded the back of the truck. When they returned to the truck, his equipment was still there, but the tarp had been tied down, so they left. Stopping for ice cream on the way back home, some people pointed out a leak under the bed of the truck. They looked under the tarp and, to their horror, found Mr. Potter, dead, blood from a head wound leaking from the truck bed. It was time to call Colton again.
While they begin searching for Mr. Potter’s killer, Winnie gains a stalker who is most likely a fugitive Colton has been tracking since before his move to Blossom Valley. The fugitive was also a murderer, so the question begging to be answered is if the fugitive is the one who killed Mr. Potter, or is there another whodunit in the area?
I enjoyed this funny, heartwarming, and at times scary mystery so much! Winnie, Granny, Dot, Winnie’s cats, and the fainting goat are my favorites. I love how Dot rescues all the animals she can and has a way of finding homes for them with people like Granny and Winnie. Someday I would like to see a fainting goat in person! This intriguing novel got better and better throughout! I was not able to determine whodunit, and was quite surprised at the final outcome. All loose ends are tied up, and I highly recommend this, and the rest of the series, to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, pets of all kinds, fall festivals, and farming communities.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
September 10, 2021
"What on earth is going on here?' I asked, wheeling my grampy's old farm truck into the field just outside Potter's Pumpkin Patch.
The third book in the Cider Shop series is just as delightful as the previous two. Autumn is in full swing in Blossom Valley, West Virginia. Winnie is picking up a load of hay, corn, and pumpkins from fellow farmer, Mr. Potter. She is thrown into another murder investigation when Mr. Potter is found dead in the back of her pick-up.
I love that Winnie tells Sheriff Colton Wise that she can't help herself when it comes to her sleuthing. Several townspeople approach her about solving the crime. This does put a strain on their budding relationship. The addition of Colton's brother, Blake and his parents add to the storyline. Blake presented early on as a possible love triangle. I was super happy that didn't happen.
I love Dot! Her big heart when it comes to animals makes me so happy. I smile at all the "Kenny Rogers" she rescues. Winnie and the rescued goose are a hoot!
With every book I fall more in love with all things cider. I want to run out and find an orchard that offers tastings. Hopefully this fall I will be able to find somewhere to quench my cravings.
The plot was well done with several edge of your seat moments. The addition of Winnie's stalker added to the suspense. I was a bit surprised by the murderer and felt very sad about the whole situation.
I truly enjoy my visits with Winnie and crew. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
This is a series that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The third book in the Cider Shop series is just as delightful as the previous two. Autumn is in full swing in Blossom Valley, West Virginia. Winnie is picking up a load of hay, corn, and pumpkins from fellow farmer, Mr. Potter. She is thrown into another murder investigation when Mr. Potter is found dead in the back of her pick-up.
I love that Winnie tells Sheriff Colton Wise that she can't help herself when it comes to her sleuthing. Several townspeople approach her about solving the crime. This does put a strain on their budding relationship. The addition of Colton's brother, Blake and his parents add to the storyline. Blake presented early on as a possible love triangle. I was super happy that didn't happen.
I love Dot! Her big heart when it comes to animals makes me so happy. I smile at all the "Kenny Rogers" she rescues. Winnie and the rescued goose are a hoot!
With every book I fall more in love with all things cider. I want to run out and find an orchard that offers tastings. Hopefully this fall I will be able to find somewhere to quench my cravings.
The plot was well done with several edge of your seat moments. The addition of Winnie's stalker added to the suspense. I was a bit surprised by the murderer and felt very sad about the whole situation.
I truly enjoy my visits with Winnie and crew. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
This is a series that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 24, 2021
I have been waiting a year and a half to head on back to Blossom Valley, WV and visit Granny Smythe and Winnie. It was worth the wait to be back at Smythe Orchard and Winnie's Cider Shop. This was my favorite book of the series so far. I loved every word of it.
This story is set during fall, so there's lots of fun happening with that: a fall festival at the orchard, activities at the Potters' Pumpkin Patch, Civil War reenactment, and we roll right on into Thanksgiving at the end of the book. But the journey along the way...oh, it's fabulous!
I was just as surprised as Winnie at the discovery of the body. Plus, we have a side mystery as Samuel Keller is still after Colton...and using Winnie to get to him. There were some heart-pounding moments for sure! I absolutely adore Winnie and Colton together...their friendship (and maybe more?!) is fantastic. I loved that we got to meet Colton's brother and parents.
The plot, the setting, the characters - all perfect.
I wish I could give this more stars. It was so worth the wait to read! I'm hoping there is more to come in this series. It's my favorite! I would preorder book 4 today if it was available. :)
I bought this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
This story is set during fall, so there's lots of fun happening with that: a fall festival at the orchard, activities at the Potters' Pumpkin Patch, Civil War reenactment, and we roll right on into Thanksgiving at the end of the book. But the journey along the way...oh, it's fabulous!
I was just as surprised as Winnie at the discovery of the body. Plus, we have a side mystery as Samuel Keller is still after Colton...and using Winnie to get to him. There were some heart-pounding moments for sure! I absolutely adore Winnie and Colton together...their friendship (and maybe more?!) is fantastic. I loved that we got to meet Colton's brother and parents.
The plot, the setting, the characters - all perfect.
I wish I could give this more stars. It was so worth the wait to read! I'm hoping there is more to come in this series. It's my favorite! I would preorder book 4 today if it was available. :)
I bought this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
August 1, 2021
Blossom Valley has a fall festival every year and the only difference this year is that a civil war reenactment that is usually held on a different date got changed to the same time. The town is filled with even more tourist than usual but that just means more business. Winnie is off to Mr. Potter's pumpkin patch to pick up some decorations for her own farm and business. It looks like the patch is doing well filled with tourists and locals alike. When Winnie finds the body of Mr. Potter under the tarp of her truck she is shocked. Who would have wanted to hurt such a nice man and try to make her look guilty in the process. Meanwhile Winnie thinks she is being stalked and think she knows by whom and if she's right it isn't good. Everyone is looking to Winnie to figure out who killed Mr. Potter and bring him some justice. Will she find a murderer in the end or will she end up the next victim.
September 9, 2021
This was a lot of fun and a perfect read for fall as it's set around Thanksgiving. I really enjoye the characters in this and loved seeing the relationship between Colton and Winnie move forward a little bit. I really liked Blake who is Colton's brother and it was fun how he seemed to be there to check out Winnie because Colton wouldn't talk about her enough but he did talk about her.
In this one Mr. Potter the guy who owns a popular pumpkin farm is found dead in the back of Winnie's truck and so sleuthing begins and I was pretty surprised who the killer was!
This one also has a story arc from the previous books that gets resolved and so you really should start with the first book and I highly recommend you do. :)
In this one Mr. Potter the guy who owns a popular pumpkin farm is found dead in the back of Winnie's truck and so sleuthing begins and I was pretty surprised who the killer was!
This one also has a story arc from the previous books that gets resolved and so you really should start with the first book and I highly recommend you do. :)
May 11, 2021
I received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley
Omg she did it again! Julie Anne Lindsey is one of the best cozy writers I've read. This book is no exception. Wonderful cast of characters and the setting it to die for. 5 stars all the way!
Omg she did it again! Julie Anne Lindsey is one of the best cozy writers I've read. This book is no exception. Wonderful cast of characters and the setting it to die for. 5 stars all the way!
January 1, 2023
I found this series when I finished the author’s Geek Girls series and went looking for more of her books. I grew up not far from a family-owned cider mill, and I loved visiting the mill and watching the cider-making process. Reading the books in this series brings back those memories – all the smells, the stickiness, watching the press and, of course, the tase of the delicious, freshly-made cider. The setting of small-town West Virginia is easy to imagine and to someone who has enjoyed attending many of them, the Civil War re-enactment was just icing on the cake.
I like the relationship between Winnie and Granny, and the support they get from their friends, no matter the circumstance. The small town gossip mill can be a bit much, but sometimes the information they provide can be useful.
The murder here took place almost right away, so the rest of the book was filled with clues, motives and alibis. The victim was well-liked in town, so there weren’t many suspects, but as the investigation continued, a few names were added to the list. The character who was revealed to be the killer was on my list, but nowhere near the top, and the motive was something I hadn’t considered, so I was surprised at the reveal.
Like many others, I would read more of this series if there were more books, but unfortunately, this is the last book, so we’ll never find out what happens next in Blossom Valley.
I like the relationship between Winnie and Granny, and the support they get from their friends, no matter the circumstance. The small town gossip mill can be a bit much, but sometimes the information they provide can be useful.
The murder here took place almost right away, so the rest of the book was filled with clues, motives and alibis. The victim was well-liked in town, so there weren’t many suspects, but as the investigation continued, a few names were added to the list. The character who was revealed to be the killer was on my list, but nowhere near the top, and the motive was something I hadn’t considered, so I was surprised at the reveal.
Like many others, I would read more of this series if there were more books, but unfortunately, this is the last book, so we’ll never find out what happens next in Blossom Valley.
July 11, 2021
It’s the fall festival in Blossom Valley, and Winnie is set to enjoy the season until she finds the body of a neighbor and friend in the back of her truck. The Cider Shop Rules is the third book in the “A Cider Shop Mystery” series. Each book in the series is always better than the last, and this one is no exception.
The cast of characters in this series are wonderfully realistic; they each have personality and charm, assuring readers enjoy learning about their lives, woes, and joys. This time the addition of Colton’s brother and parents add a new dimension to the series that gives Colton greater substance. I hope they stick around for more books in the future. The murder of a local farmer has everyone up in arms, and though there are few suspects, those that there are, have excellent motives with alibi’s that are open to interpretation. Locations, such as the festival and the cider shop, are a perfect backdrop for a murder investigation.
The victim in The Cider Shop Rules is likable and beloved by most residents of the small town, but as in real life, he has his secrets. Winnie’s investigation takes her down roads she wouldn’t expect and places her in danger, even when she minds her own business. Even though the victim wasn’t killed at Winnie’s shop, he was killed on his farm, in the middle of the festival with tons of people around, and hidden in Winnie’s truck, which makes it personal. The evidence is hidden almost as good as the victim’s body, but with enough digging and questioning, readers and Winnie will find the lead needed to figure out the killer’s identity. A showdown comes to a head; readers will be anxious to find out how far the killer will go to keep Winnie closing this investigation.
This is a well-written, extremely enjoyable book and a great addition to the series. It’s a page-turner that will keep readers happy and eager for the next book, and they will crave hot cider, delicious food, maybe some apple fritters or fries, and the fall holiday season to begin. I am thrilled with this series and highly recommend it to all cozy readers.
The cast of characters in this series are wonderfully realistic; they each have personality and charm, assuring readers enjoy learning about their lives, woes, and joys. This time the addition of Colton’s brother and parents add a new dimension to the series that gives Colton greater substance. I hope they stick around for more books in the future. The murder of a local farmer has everyone up in arms, and though there are few suspects, those that there are, have excellent motives with alibi’s that are open to interpretation. Locations, such as the festival and the cider shop, are a perfect backdrop for a murder investigation.
The victim in The Cider Shop Rules is likable and beloved by most residents of the small town, but as in real life, he has his secrets. Winnie’s investigation takes her down roads she wouldn’t expect and places her in danger, even when she minds her own business. Even though the victim wasn’t killed at Winnie’s shop, he was killed on his farm, in the middle of the festival with tons of people around, and hidden in Winnie’s truck, which makes it personal. The evidence is hidden almost as good as the victim’s body, but with enough digging and questioning, readers and Winnie will find the lead needed to figure out the killer’s identity. A showdown comes to a head; readers will be anxious to find out how far the killer will go to keep Winnie closing this investigation.
This is a well-written, extremely enjoyable book and a great addition to the series. It’s a page-turner that will keep readers happy and eager for the next book, and they will crave hot cider, delicious food, maybe some apple fritters or fries, and the fall holiday season to begin. I am thrilled with this series and highly recommend it to all cozy readers.
July 11, 2021
I loved going back to Blossom Valley to spend time with Winnie, Granny, and Colton. Blossom Valley is knee deep in autumn festivals when the owner of the pumpkin farm is found dead in the back of Winnie’s truck. The town is all aflutter with the news and the community’s expectations that Winnie will help find the killer.
Naturally, Winnie doesn’t want to find anything out, but when threats find their way to her Cider Shop, she has no choice but to step in, much to the chagrin of Sheriff Colton Wise.
It certainly doesn’t help that Winnie is being stalked by an escaped serial killer on top of receiving warnings to stay away from asking questions about the man whose body was found in her truck.
I’ll be honest, there were a couple of times when I agreed with Colton about her promising him one thing and turning right around and doing the opposite and kind of wish he’d tried to drive that further into her head, but for the most part, she did alright and had me on the edge of the seat to find out what what she could learn. I could not stop turning those pages!
I enjoyed the expansion of characters in this book. Along the way, we meet some of Colton’s family, including his brother, Blake, a sheriff in a neighboring county, and his parents. We were also treated to a cameo from a couple characters in another cozy series by Lindsey, one I’ve not yet read, but will binge-read soon!
Be sure to pick up this latest / third installment of the Cider Shop Mysteries by Julie Anne Lindsey. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And the ending… GAHHH! Loved it. (I.e. FINALLY!) Ahem. :-)
Full disclosure - whenever I see a book by Julie Anne Lindsey, I pick it up. If you’ve not yet read her books, I highly suggest you check out her website and start reading. They’re all good!
Ebook was provide as an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks very much to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this opportunity.
Naturally, Winnie doesn’t want to find anything out, but when threats find their way to her Cider Shop, she has no choice but to step in, much to the chagrin of Sheriff Colton Wise.
It certainly doesn’t help that Winnie is being stalked by an escaped serial killer on top of receiving warnings to stay away from asking questions about the man whose body was found in her truck.
I’ll be honest, there were a couple of times when I agreed with Colton about her promising him one thing and turning right around and doing the opposite and kind of wish he’d tried to drive that further into her head, but for the most part, she did alright and had me on the edge of the seat to find out what what she could learn. I could not stop turning those pages!
I enjoyed the expansion of characters in this book. Along the way, we meet some of Colton’s family, including his brother, Blake, a sheriff in a neighboring county, and his parents. We were also treated to a cameo from a couple characters in another cozy series by Lindsey, one I’ve not yet read, but will binge-read soon!
Be sure to pick up this latest / third installment of the Cider Shop Mysteries by Julie Anne Lindsey. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And the ending… GAHHH! Loved it. (I.e. FINALLY!) Ahem. :-)
Full disclosure - whenever I see a book by Julie Anne Lindsey, I pick it up. If you’ve not yet read her books, I highly suggest you check out her website and start reading. They’re all good!
Ebook was provide as an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks very much to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this opportunity.
September 20, 2024
This is the third and final book in the cider shop series. It was really heavy in the romantic relationship part of the story. I would’ve liked to have had more atmosphere, more relationships with the community, more granny, and more Hijinx with the animals. I enjoyed the talk of the different types of cider and the mystery. I did not really care for the semi love triangle between brothers and meeting the family. If you enjoy romance and cozy mysteries, this is the series for you, it reads very much like a Harlequin romance. The author is very witty and I can always tell when it is her series. She has kind of little tell tale signs. I enjoyed this book, but the first book was my favorite in the series. 3.5 ⭐️
October 18, 2023
4 stelle e mezza
Di questa storia ho apprezzato soprattutto quanto avviene nella vita personale della protagonista, più che il mistero in sé. In particolare mi è piaciuto il finale, anche se mi resta un dubbio: è perfetto per chiudere la serie, ma nel dialogo fra la protagonista e lo sceriffo c'è un accenno che sembrerebbe un "lancio" per la storia successiva, peccato che non sia uscito più nulla negli ultimi due anni! Un'altra serie bloccata dall'editore? L'autrice sperava di continuarla? Mah...
Di questa storia ho apprezzato soprattutto quanto avviene nella vita personale della protagonista, più che il mistero in sé. In particolare mi è piaciuto il finale, anche se mi resta un dubbio: è perfetto per chiudere la serie, ma nel dialogo fra la protagonista e lo sceriffo c'è un accenno che sembrerebbe un "lancio" per la storia successiva, peccato che non sia uscito più nulla negli ultimi due anni! Un'altra serie bloccata dall'editore? L'autrice sperava di continuarla? Mah...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews