Dead Velvet Cake

Apple Orchard #16

by Chelsea Thomas

Murder ruins all the fun.

When Chelsea moved back home to her family apple orchard, she expected to spend her days enjoying small town life, shopping on main street, baking apple pie, and chatting the night away with her aunt, Miss May. Then the murders began, and they didn't stop, and life changed for everyone.

There was still apple pie, and plenty of small town charm, of course. But Chelsea also found herself in one dangerous situation after another, tracking down cold-blooded killers with Miss May.

This victim deserved it.

That's right... word around town is that the most recent murder victim in Pine Grove got his come uppance. But Chelsea and Miss May don't believe anyone deserves to be killed, not now, not ever, no way, no how.

So they team up with their team of loyal sidekicks — including a bottle blonde diner owner who never backs down from a fight — and they set off to catch the killer.

This time, they need to solve the murder before they leave for vacation in 48 hours. Will the girls solve this one in time? Or will the killer be the one who gets away?

Read now.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Contemporary, Humor, Fiction, Cozy

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2022

About the author

Everyone loves a secret.

So here's a good one...

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

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

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

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

Want a free novella PLUS a free cozy mystery cookbook?

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

Reviews

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

“People murder their significant other all the time. It’s a fact, like how gravity makes apples fall from trees. And pasta sauce is impossible to get out of a white t-shirt once it’s had a chance to set.”

Thank you, Booksprout, for the ARC!

I love the cover and the food/murder punny title. Those are two factors to get me to read any cozy murder mystery.

Funny enough, I have the first book of this series on my tbr, but of course, I’m starting with the last and most recent addition. I did borrow the first book, though, so we’ll see my thoughts on that on when we get there.

I will say that it wasn’t confusing to start in the middle. Sure, I missed the intro to the characters and didn’t see their development through 16 books, but it was nice to read about their friendship and mystery solving.

[Christena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Miss May, Teeny and Chelsea! Each one brings much enjoyment to each mystery. Miss May is a leader and the most serious of the bunch, Teeny is the most quirky and is obsessed with candy sprinkles, Chelsea is May's niece and a karate expert who lends her skills to each investigation. In this book the mayor's husband has been murdered, but why? Perhaps he was not the intended victim? Lots of suspects but I didn't guess the outcome. Each chapter made me want to read more to learn who the the killer might be and why. A great read for everyone who enjoys clean, cozy mysteries.

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

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Velvet Cake
Great story as the series continues the books get better and better.
Especially love how you found out some things different about each of the characters. I don’t know where Teeny comes up with some of the sayings she does but it’s hilarious! Miss May is as prim and proper as usual, but you do get a peek at her softer side. Chelsea is, well, Chelsea!
Can’t wait for the next book.

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

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny are having a party celebrating their latest killer capture, when Rita, once Chelsea's nemesis now somewhat-friend, comes screaming that there's a dead body in another room of the diner. Sure enough, they find a dead man slumped over a table and a partially eaten piece of Red Velvet cake in front of him. Now there's a murder investigation going on, and the three women are sure they can solve it.

If they have the time. It seems they've been planning a road trip to Southern California to see old friends and have a vacation including beach time, but this murder puts a damper on the plans. If they're going to leave, they have just 48 hours to solve this murder, or a killer will be on the loose. They can leave it to the police this one time, right? Wrong. When the three women get together, their curiosity and sheer determination push them forward. And they aren't leaving town without capturing a murderer. And they're going on their vacation. The big problem is they have no real suspects. But someone killed him, and they're going to figure out who it is...

This is the sixteenth book in the series, and I have enjoyed it quite as much as all the others. When these three get together to solve a murder, it's rather hilarious. Teeny wants to fight anyone and everyone, and Miss May has to talk her down. But the conversations between them are quite witty, and funny to boot.

When the victim's wife comes to them to be questioned so she can be eliminated, they're on their game. They may be suspicious of the woman, but she had no reason to want him dead. Or did she? Not to mention rumors of an affair, and some people outright hated him for one reason or another. But which one killed him?

Short of breaking and entering, (not that it wasn't considered) they're low on clues and high on suspects. And the clock is ticking. And Chelsea's wondering what's wrong with Wayne, and if they're on the right track. But when push comes to shove, the three women are always going to pull ahead in the race, and they're going to get the killer...or at least hope so...if the killer doesn't get one of them first...

I can't tell you how much I loved this book. Plenty of action, plenty of suspects, and plenty of red herrings. Lots of goings-on that shouldn't be going on, and when the three put everything together (as we know they will) it adds up to a fun journey that gives us not only the capture of a killer (as we know will occur) but an ending that gives us something to look forward to in the next book. And it can't be soon enough for me. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of the book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that this is book 16 but I don't think that I'll ever get bored of these books because I absolutely love Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny. Not just for their skills in solving the murders that happen around them but also for the food that they eat.

These books always make me hungry, and I always have to have a snack and cup of tea on hand when I'm reading it.

This book is great, the sleuths are on a time frame in this book as they are going on holiday to California to see Petunia and Amy, they used to live in Pine Grove but have moved and opened up a pet grooming shop, but also do some sleuthing on the side as well.

This book is fast paced and really well written, it includes some new characters that we haven't met before, but also some old faces who have been accused in the past 😀

I'd definitely recommend this book for keeping you on your toes with the twists and turns that happen.
There is also romance in the air for two of our characters 😍 ✨️

I'm definitely looking forward to the next book, either from Petunia and Amy or our Pine Grove ladies, or maybe all of the ladies together 🙂.

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

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time is never right for a murder, but this one is particularly bad timing. If our heroine doesn't solve this one quickly, her much needed vacation will be on the line.

This is book sixteen in the series, but it is written as a standalone. All the essentials are covered early on.

This is a clean cozy mystery filled with plenty of humor and all the little elements you would expect from a cozy mystery. If you are looking for a gritty realistic action book with hot romance, this is not it. But if you like small towns, interesting characters and the occasional witty banter, this one should do the trick. The story is well written with an easy to follow plot, but that does not mean an easy to solve mystery. There are enough twists and turns during the investigation to keep the reader guessing until the end and only a little bit of drama. Overall it was a pleasant and relaxing read.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Cake . . .

Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny were celebrating but now are back on the job looking for a murderer when the Mayor’s husband’s body is found in the restaurant’s party room with red velvet cake from the Dobbins Bakery in Blue Mountain in his hand. This time, our trio is on a time crunch to find the killer before their road trip to California. Can they find the culprit in within the next 48 hours? Will they get to California for their vacation, visiting, and time on the beach?

This is another wonderful mystery the ladies are ready to tackle. And in addition to the usual crew, there are new characters to meet as well. Grab your copy and join in the fun as these three jump into the investigation and don’t slow down until they find an answer. There are always surprises along the way, so stay sharp or you’ll miss the clues!

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny California or Bust??

Chelsea, Aunt May, and Teeny just finished solving their last murder and they are ready for a vacation in the sun but fate has other plans for them. Their “Successful Investigation Party” is disrupted when a corpse is found in the party room. How can they go on vacation and leave a murderer loose in Pine Grove? If they don’t solve this case in two days their day in the sun will have to wait!

I always enjoy the twists and humor in Apple Orchard cozies. This time I felt like the usually hilarious dialogue between Teeny, Aunt May, and Chelsea was too non-stop. It became less funny and started to take away from the storyline. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but my review is voluntary and honest.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

when the next murder takes place literally at the restaurant where the celebration for the last resolution is taking place, there is trouble in Maple Grove - again.

On top of that, Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny are slated to go to California, so there is a clock on this resolution.

With her beau, detective Wayne, on suspension, can Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny garner enough info to solve the crime in time?

Will things work out for Wayne ? For Chelsea and Wayne as a couple?

Will the ladies make it to California?

Crazy mayhem packed sisterhood sleuthing in a wacky small town package.

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

[Christine Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've already read some of the previous books, then you know that Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny are amateur sleuths in the village of Pine Grove. And you probably already know that they solve the crime before the police. If this is your first entry into the world of Pine Grove, don't despair, the book is easily read as a stand-alone.
Chelsea and Matt Thomas have done a great job with character development and there is a wonderful playful interaction between the characters. Each new character added in a story is as fleshed out as the characters from the previous stories.
This is a fun read, the height of cozy mysteries. The only thing that would make it better would be if some of Teeny's recipes were included in the book.

[Candace Iseminger · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the traditional celebration of solving their last murder a new victim is discovered. Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny set out once again to discover who is threatening the town of Pine Grove. This time the murders seem to revolve around the upcoming mayor election. A second murder and a missing mayor lead the ladies all around Pine Grove and nearby Blue Mountain. Add to the mix only 48 hours to solve the murder so that they can set out on their long waited for vacation to California and no help from Chelsea’s love interest Detective Wayne Hudson. Chief Flanagan has put him on leave to make sure he doesn’t help the ladies solve the murder. A late night hunt and an unsuspected twist makes for another great cozy mystery in the series.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed almost all of the books in this series, and feel like Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are old friends! In book 16 Chelsea finds the Mayor’s husband dead with his head on a piece of Red Velvet Cake. Was he poisoned? The trio are on the case, but find there are so many avenues to investigate. The Mayor is the obvious possibility, but it doesn’t seem like she could have done it, and the couple seemed very much in love. So onward through twists, turns and dead ends, these three are dedicated! A surprising ending. I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout and the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Judy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to this series. I love reading the antics of Chelsea, her Aunt May and Teeny.

The ladies are planning a trip to California but days before they plan to leave, a murder occurs. Of course, they feel they need to figure out the killer. They don’t have the help of Chelsea’s boyfriend Wayne, a police officer as he’s been suspended for letting the women check out the crime scene.

The town’s people are on to the women since each time they visit someone, that person knows the women are questioning him or her as a suspect.

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

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no rest for these amateur sleuths! Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny are celebrating the successful conclusion of their recent investigation into the latest murder in Pine Grove, when there’s another murder. The mayor’s husband is found dead slumped over a slice of red velvet cake. The ladies need to find the murderer quickly or they’ll miss their trip to California.

This latest installment in the Apple Orchard Mystery series has all the features fans of the series have come to enjoy, humor, small town community, family, friendship, a little romance and of course, mystery and murder.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 16th in the series. The main characters are Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny. They are once again working on a murder case. The mayor's husband is poisoned at Teeny's diner. There is almost a party going on and who could have done this. The girls start to investigate but almost at once the chief puts Wayne on leave. What were they doing at Teeny's place anyway? They have already booked tickets for a trip to So. Cal so they need to figure this out fast. They are getting a lot of information but not sure how much is good. Can they figure this all out before they have to leave ?

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to love the book titles of this series because they fit so well with the plots of the books! In this installment, the dead body in Pine Grove is none other than the mayor's husband, Eddie Delgado. Unfortunately, the sleuthing trio of Chelsea Thomas, Miss May, and Teeny need to solve the mystery a.s.a.p. because they have a flight to catch to Southern California! Once again their adventures are filled with danger, surprises, lots of good food, and Teeny's scrambled up sayings. It all makes for a fun cozy with characters that seem to pop off the page! I continue to enjoy this series and hope that it continues for a long time!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of a Booksprout ARC boxset.
This is my honest review.

The man who was found dead in Teeny's restaurant "Grandma's) was the Mayor's husband. When he is found face-down in a favorite cake of his, and his wives, there are some main suspects, but the murderer is not so obvious. It's a race against time as their flight to CA is the next day, but the three women can handle it! Teeny, Chelsea, and Aunt May are going to be on their way to California, but will they be able to have a murder-free vacation?

I liked this book, although, once again, the food made me hungry! I recommend it.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny were celebrating the end of their latest murder investigation when a dead body was discovered in the party room of Grandma’s Restaurant. They have a short time to solve this case if they plan to make their flight to California. There are many bumps in the road during this investigation and a second murder. They are able to solve the two murders and prevent a third in time to go on their planned trip. This is a great addition to the series.

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

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm jumping in the middle of this series but I have to say it was easy to follow and I loved the book. I'm going back and reading the first fifteen now. Chelsea moved home to her families apple orchard which she thought would be apple pies, small town carnivals and spending quality time with her Aunt May but boy was she wrong. Along with her Aunt May it seems like she spends a lot of time with her hunting down murderers. A cast of great characters from the town join in to help. What a delightful series!!

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

These ladies can't catch a break and I always feel bad when they stumble on a body when they haven't even wound down from the last one and even worse it's someone they know.
As always we have a great banter and so many potential suspects for them to follow up on and a time frame so they an still make it to California.
I think no matter how many books in this series there may be I will always love the adventures Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny takes us on while tracking down the bad guy!.

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

[Lisa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books you read and you feel for the victim. Well I felt something… animosity. It kept you ensnared waiting to see who dunnit! This is a fun series that I am thrilled I discovered and it’s been going strong without the author calling it in. She keeps me wanting to see what Chelsea, Aunt May and Teeney are up to,.

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

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic work from a dynamic dual of writers! I haven’t read any of this husband and wife team before now, so wow! How did I miss the 15 cozy mysteries books before landing this one?! Creative and wonderful characters with intrigue, insight ,and humor in this world building experience of sleuthing. I look forward to reading more from Chelsea and Matt Thomas!

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

[Patricia Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There is a clever mystery but the story is told with so many humorous asides it is just pure pleasure to read, the characterisation is so good it becomes believable, you just know Teeny is going to say/do the wrong thing at the most inappropriate moment, laugh out loud funny at times. Most enjoyable.

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

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I love all the characters especially Teeny with her sprinkle addiction. This was one of the hardest murders to solve. When Mayor Delgado’s husband in murder at the celebration party for a solved murder party! With the whole town there as suspects! Time is limited because the gang is heading out to California for a vacay with non refundable tickets! This was a well plotted out book with no shortage of suspects AND a time crunch! I highly recommend this book, this series and this author! This book can be read as solo book but it’s more fun if u read the series.

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

[Rexine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girls are at it again. This time a 48 hour deadline to find a killer or give up their long planned trip to SoCal. Then another body turns up putting their trip in even more jeopardy. There seems to be no limit to the number of people that can be interviewed in a day. Twisty plot with many of our favorite characters some who will not be heard of again. What’s happening with Chelsea & Wayne & will the next adventure take place on the west coast? We’ll be waiting.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so much fun! Pine Grove has a police department, but Chelsea, Teeny and Miss May solve the small town’s many murders. This time they’re in a time crunch and must solve the murder before they leave for vacation. A nice twisty plot and delightful characters keep the pages turning. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another humorous murder mystery in a fun series. The story was engaging with plenty of wisecracks from the characters to keep the reader entertained. Speaking of characters, they are quirky and well developed. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing until the end.

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

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Velvet Cake is the sixteenth book in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series. This enjoyable cozy mystery has very likable characters in Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny. This trio has many motives to explore in their latest adventure. I'm looking forward to reading about more of their escapades.

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

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was another great entry in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series, it had what I enjoyed from previous entries. The mystery was fun and interesting, the characters were well done and I enjoyed getting to know them. I look forward to reading more in this series and author.

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

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real roller coaster ride, kept me guessing until the very end who the murderer was. I love Teeny’s banter, always the comedian whether she means to or not. Wayne & Chelsea’s relationship is finally going in the right direction. Can’t wait til the next adventure.

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