A good mystery. I've always wanted to read one of this author's books and glad I found it in my own Little Free Library. This was the 3rd of the series and even though it would have been nice to get the background of Meg inheriting the house and orchard and some of the background of the other characters it was easy enough to follow. ( )

Red Delicious Death is book three in the "An Orchard Mystery" novels staring Meg Corey.

For those we are deciding to pick up this novel, I suggest they read "One Bad Apple" and "Rotten to the Core" since they will help lay the groundwork for the series.

Meg is now preparing for her first harvest of the orchard in Granford, Massachusetts. Though Meg is busy from sun-up to sundown with the orchard she still manages to help three chefs from Boston pick a site for a new restaurant in Granford. Though Granford needs restaurants, stores, and some new blood, some residents are not happy about the chefs coming to Granford and destroying what they consider to be a perfect place. Meg once again investigates when someone is found murdered and it leads back to the restaurant.

I marked the novel down one star due to two of the characters and also the relationship between Meg and Seth.

Though I do like Meg as a character I am I have to say getting a bit tired of her woe is me attitude. She seems kind of jerky on one hand complaining about the chefs needing her help but then chastises her orchard manager Bree for being standoffish about the newest residents. Also I don't know if Sheila Connolly is afraid to write a love scene or what in these novels but she tends to just not write what is going on between Seth and Meg when they are kissing or being intimate. It just fades to black so to speak. I don't think anyone wants excruciating details but some details about them being together would be great.

Also I am starting to get annoyed by Bree and the constant chip on her shoulder. It be different it we see that she is being treated differently since she is Jamaican and a woman but she is not. Her constant attitude to anyone asking her a question is getting old. I hope Ms. Connolly manages to fix that in the next novel staring Meg. ( )

RED DELICIOUS DEATH is title #3 in Shelia Connolly’s ORCHARD MYSTERY SERIES.
I enjoyed this title as much as the first two and hope to read all the titles (eventually) in the series.
The characters are down-to-earth; they develop and grow; and their personalities and situations are believable. I like the references to apples, orchard management, local history and small town life.
Meg Corey is settling in and still restoring her mother’s inherited farmhouse. Meg is about to see her first apple harvest and her relationship with Seth is progressing. Meg and Seth help newcomers start up a restaurant on the village square and the events and discussions about locally produced food and simply prepared food was very interesting to me. This subject is playing out all over New England currently and makes so much sense for farmers, producers, restaurants and individuals. This was most of the storyline. The ‘mystery’ was pretty weak and the conclusion was very anti-climatic. The book ended abruptly and I wanted more information. I also found Meg’s friend, Lauren, a bit unbelievable. She really wasn’t explained or developed well. Her visit was a bit sudden and seemed to contain a hidden agenda.
Perhaps these loose threads will lead to conclusions in Title #4. I hope so as I have already ordered it. ( )

Do yourselves a favor and pick up this wonderful book. Better yet, pick up the first two also and start at the beginning of the series. Not only does one get to read a great mystery, but you get to learn the workings of a small rural community and even an opportuity to larn about the work involved in managing a 15 acre apple orchard. All books include recipes too. ( )

Do yourselves a favor and pick up this wonderful book. Better yet, pick up the first two also and start at the beginning of the series. Not only does one get to read a great mystery, but you get to learn the workings of a small rural community and even an opportuity to larn about the work involved in managing a 15 acre apple orchard. All books include recipes too. ( )