#CozyMystery Book #Review ~ The Cider Shop Rules (A Cider Shop Mystery #3) by Julie Anne Lindsey @JulieALindsey @KensingtonBooks

 

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.

ASIN : B08MBD78KS
Publisher : Kensington Books (July 27, 2021)
Publication date : July 27, 2021
Language : English
File size : 1087 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 243 pages

Purchase from Amazon https://amzn.to/2QYs0J4

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My Review:

A solid 5-star third book in the Cider Shop Mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey. I love the book so much I read it twice (April 28-29, 2021 the first time and May 8, 2021 the second time) and pre-ordered the paperback.

Fall has arrived in Blossom Valley and the town decked out in autumn fun. There is a Civil War reenactment taking place, bringing all sorts of newcomers to take part in the festivities. Potter's Pumpkin Farm is bursting with families participating in the hayrides, corn maze, and picking out the perfect pumpkins. When beloved Mr. Potter's body is found in the back of Winnie's truck everyone is shocked. In front of Sheriff Colton Wise, a familiar citizen confronts Winnie with the expectation Winnie will investigate, as she's done in the past. Mr. Potter's murder isn't the only issue to crop up in Blossom Valley. Colton and Winnie still have an issue they deal with from the past, threatening their lives and possibly the lives of those around them. 

The Cider Shop Rules is a wonderful third book in the Cider Shop Mysteries. The mystery was solid, exciting, and kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the small-town setting with the main character living with her granny on an apple orchard. Winnie is a fantastic, down-to-earth heroine who wants the wedding being held at the orchard to go off without a hitch. Unfortunately, when Winnie’s ex, Hank, is noticed arguing with the groom, who is later found dead outside the reception, he becomes suspect number one. Knowing he would never arbitrarily take another person’s life, Winnie begins looking into the bride, the groom, and anyone who would want the groom dead.

I loved The Cider Shop Rules as much as I loved Pulp Friction and Apple Cider Slaying. The murder isn’t the only theme in the book, giving the book a lot of realism. The romance build-up between Winnie and the sheriff is slow and exciting and I had all the feels while I read The Cider Shop Rules. I love the chemistry and the ease in which the author is developing their potential relationship. The addition of Colton's younger brother, Blake, was everything I could have ever hope for and enjoyed his character. We were also provided excellent imagery, character development, and a great story.

The author's writing style is fluid, the pacing is perfect, and the story is so easy to read that when I reached the end, I couldn’t believe I was done already. I found myself engaged and completely captivated in the story from the very beginning. I really enjoyed The Cider Shop Rules and can't wait for the next book.

I was provided an e-copy of the book to read but I also ordered the paperback for my bookshelf.

My Rating: