Pleasant story, but not great literature. ( )

nearly through them, whew ( )

SEEDS OF DECEPTION by Shelia Connolly is the latest title in her Orchard Mysteries series.
I enjoy this series - the characters are pretty realistic with realistic, everyday conversations, work situations, problems and concerns. There are many ‘cozy mystery’ touches - a colorful title page, a cute, theme-related title, a theme or central location (in this series, the main character, Meg Corey, operates an apple orchard in western Massachusetts), theme information or instruction (in this series we learn about apple varieties, orchard management, recipes, etc.) and some sort of mystery or problem to solve.
Meg Corey and Seth Chapin are newly married and decide to take a short honeymoon to Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden (seed catalog related) and Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello (apple orchard and architecture related). They are interrupted by a phone call from Meg’s mother. There is a dead body in the back yard. Meg and Seth stop in New Jersey on their way home to give support to Meg’s parents and solve the mystery.
This title was pleasant to read - a chance to catch up with familiar characters and their work. The mystery was ok - not much tension or suspense, but the writing style is good.
A pleasant read for a rainy (or snowy) New England day. ( )

Seeds Of Deception is the tenth book in the An Orchard Mystery series.

This was another enjoyable visit with Meg Corey and Seth Chapin, even though they weren’t in Granford.

It’s winter and Meg and Seth have recently tied the knot and have decided that while they are having a slow time it is perfect for them to get away on their honeymoon. They have decided to visit Monticello and on their way back home will stop off in New Jersey and visit with Meg’s parents.

When they arrive at her parents home they find that the dead body of the parent’s gardener/handyman was found in their backyard, after they returned from Meg’s wedding. Meg thinks that her parents are hoping if they ignore the situation, it will go away. But Meg’s sleuthing mind tells her it won’t and begins to investigate. Soon her father’s law partner is attacked as he enters their law office, her father begins to change his mind. As Meg is going through some legal files in the attic, she finds notes that she finds will lead her to the person who killed the gardener and attacked the law partner.

Although I missed being at the orchard, it was very interesting to see Meg analyze her parents, seeing not only the bad things, as she perceives them, and the good things and how she plans to do for an even better marriage for her Seth.

Recipes are also included with the book.

Definitely, will be watching for the next book in this informative series. ( )