Time for another mystery with Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe, as they get happily to grips with running a cider shop on the old orchard farm. The outdoor beautiful, dignified wedding scenes framed by apple trees and wildflowers, really took my breath away at the start of PULP FRICTION. Winona is making income from hosting a wedding and doing the catering. She’d have liked the happiness to last beyond the first chapter, though.

Blossom Valley, Virginia used to be such a quiet spot. Then Winona split up with her ex-boyfriend Hank, put herself through college, and started this cider shop. Life hasn’t been the same since. A new police officer in town took on the post of sheriff and he’s been kept busy solving murders. We’ve no sooner met the cast than unpleasantness occurs and at the end of the evening, the new groom is found dead under his wedding car.

Since Hank has vanished, Winona thinks – as do others – that he may be on the run, either from his evil deed or because he knows something and is afraid. But Winona goes to quite extraordinary lengths for Hank during this tale, leading me to think that she still has feelings for him, even as she tells herself that Hank is just too good at manipulating her and getting what he wants. At the same time she is getting better acquainted with Sheriff Colton which puts her in some awkward spots.

The rest of the stunningly good cast include the town senior men and woman, some new faces attending the wedding, and Winona’s good friend Dot, a National Park Ranger and animal rescuer, who this time rescues some livestock bigger than kittens. This is getting to be my favourite mystery series and the Cider Shop Mystery books are only on the second one so far. The accomplished author Julie Anne Lindsey has also written the Geek Girl's Guide to Murder series which blends a tech-savvy lady with Renaissance fayres. Her work is going from strength to strength. I enjoy the outdoors setting so much in PULP FRICTION and we get to consider some home blends for spiced ciders. What could be nicer? Summer evenings and cold cider, a perfect combination.

Book Summary

Read an Excerpt