A Killer Crop (Orchard Mystery Series #4)

Berkley Prime Crime A Division of Penguin Publishing An Orchard Mystery 4th Book in the Series Release Date: December 7, 2010 This series features Meg Corey who moves to the small town of Granville, Massachusetts to renovate and sell a home her mother has inherited from some very distant relatives. The house needs much more work than Meg ever expected but it has one wonderful surprise, an apple orchard. Meg decides to stick around in Granville to see if she can make the orchard prosper and finds she really enjoys the town, the residents and the house with all it has to offer. In "A Killer Crop", Meg's mother shows up in Granville very unexpectedly and at the busiest time for Meg, it is time to harvest her first crop of apples. It turns out Meg's mom, Elizabeth, came to the area at the request of an old friend. Sadly the old friend ends up dead shortly after meeting with Elizabeth which makes her the likely one to have last seen him alive and may even be his killer. Meg is sure her mother is keeping secrets but she is definitely not a murderer and vows to "pick" out the true killer. Not to mention a very famous poet may be involved in this case more than anyone can believe. I LOVED IT!!!!! I read this whole series this past week and this is a perfect series to read that way because each book picks up right where the last one leaves off. Also while this series fits the definition of a cozy mystery, "no graphic violence, no profanity, explicit sex, amateur sleuth, eccentric supporting characters, etc." this series is so much more. I have found this series to be very educational. I now know more about apple orchards, pest control and Emily Dickinson and learned them in a very fun way through this fictional series. The second book in the series got a little bound up in the education so that was my least favorite book of the series, but I still would say "I LIKED IT****" This book "A Killer Crop" was by far the best, but that usually is the case with series, each book evolves into the next, you get to know the characters, the setting, the author's writing style and each book is better than the last. It also left me wanting to learn more about the poet that called Amherst, Massachusetts her home. Details were woven into the story that left me wanting more. I also want more Meg Corey, more Granville, more apples!!! "Bitter Harvest" the next Orchard Mystery comes out in August 2011 and I can't wait!!! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from Berkley Prime Crime, a Division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A BITTER HARVEST is Title #5 in Shelia Connolly’s Orchard Mystery series. I like reading about genealogy, house restoration and issues, local history, agriculture and orchard management. I like the characters, their development and everyday activities in Granford, their small New England town. I do like puzzles and mysteries, although this one was a bit weak. The death reminded me a lot of the death of Sam in RED DELICIOUS DEATH. The cause of death ‘may’ have been due to a natural cause, but the whys and the wheres and the hows are unknown. I find the fact that Meg’s mother, Elizabeth, drove all the way to Granford and visited with an old ‘flame’ and didn’t mention her arrival to either her daughter or husband seems odd and out of character. I also thought the character of Patricia, the second wife of the (murdered?) professor did not ring true. She didn’t know that her husband spent 2 days ‘squiring’ Meg’s mother around town? She didn’t find it suspicious that the young graduate student was so interested in her husband’s home study and writings? What about Meg’s father? The character didn’t jive with what was written about him and his wife at the beginning of the book and then at the end. There was a connecting thread missing. The information about Emily Dickinson was fascinating. I would have liked even more facts (and perhaps a few poems) plus more fleshed-out connections to Meg’s family. A good read if you are attached to the continuing development of the characters and New England area.

Enjoyed this book and the whole series. Love Sheila Connolly books.

I have read all of the Orchard series books,and this one did not disappoint! While it had all the familiar characters I've come to know,the main character's mother was now introduced.The story held my interest,with all the twist and turns.I can't wait for the next in the series.

This is a good continued story. Good plot, enjoyable characters. I like the way the story line picked up from the previous novel but without losing any of the story. I recommend the Orchard Series starting from #1.

I really loved the fourth book in this series. I love New England towns in the fall so it was fun to be back in Granville. It was a nice surprise to find out that the author is a relative of Emily Dickinson. In this book Meg's mother shows up on Meg's door step and soon her mother's long time professor friend is murdered. I enjoyed the mystery in this fourth installment. There were a few twists and turns. It was interesting to learn a bit more about apple orchards-- the size of the trees and all about harvest time. I don't quite understand Bree's character.... I wonder if in upcoming books Bree will play a more important role. I just love the book cover! This is a great series.... I can't wait for the next book!

Why do I continue to read this series when I find them just mediocre? I'll tell you why...I'm fascinated by the whole idea of inheriting an old house with an apple orchard. Every time I look at the book cover I think of fall. I give this only and "ok" rating because Meg is just so damn serious and boring all the time. Does she ever crack a smile? Would it hurt her to laugh once in awhile? She has zero sense of humor. This series has the potential to be outstanding, but there needs to be some major character development. One last thing, other than the fact she needs an orchard manager Meg is still learning the process, I find Bree to be an absolute waste of character. Their conversations will put you to sleep.

You can tell that this author enjoys the subjects within her story!! Sheila Connolly's search of family histories and the placement of Emily dickinson within her story is amazing. She discusses different types of apples, the families that were once farmers and small town living in wonderful detail which just adds so much to the story of Meg Corey. The addition of Meg's parents makes you feel like the story is making good progress forward. I am enjoying this series tremendously!!!

This story is slow to pick up.

This book was way better than the 3rd one in the series. I felt like I was right there in the orchard picking apples!! I liked that Meg's family was highlighted in this one. It gave the reader some insight into Meg and why she is the way she is. I loved the scandal!! I hope another one is in the works and out soon.