My Review
After a bad breakup in Seattle, Macki Smith goes back to her family's apple orchard to help with their Fall business. When her parents are both injured in a frightening kayaking accident, she takes on business operations at the orchard. Then, at an apple festival bake-off, one of her competitors is discovered dead ... killed by a knife that looks like Macki's. Macki juggles the orchard business, concern for her parents, and amateur sleuthing - with the help of Logan, a handsome friend from Seattle who just happens to be a private investigator.
I wanted to read Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival because I love cozy mysteries. The Fall apple orchard setting sounded very appealing!
This is the first book in a new series, and I am definitely in for the series! The author did a great job at setting the scene with an apple orchard in small town Washington. It was so picturesque and charming, and I enjoyed spending some reading hours in this cozy little town.
The first few chapters are leisurely paced, and introduce Macki's very large family. Then her parents are in an unexpected accident, and after that there is a murder at the town bake off ... and things just take off like a rollercoaster, up and down with lots of turns in quick succession.
The mystery aspect of this book is well done, with some strong suspects. The murderer took me by surprise! I enjoyed Macki's sleuthing and the big reveal.
I recommend Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival for other cozy mystery fans, and especially for readers who like an Autumn small town setting.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy of this book.