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lafontain's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amylee218's review against another edition
3.0
This book is set in Western MA, in the Pioneer Valley, in the fictional town of Granford. I happen to have lived in the Pioneer Valley all of my life, and am right down Route 9 from UMASS Amherst and the Cold Spring Orchard in Belchertown where the students do all of their work, just like the students in this book. I enjoyed all of the nods to places I have been and sights that I recognized.
The book was a bit slow to start for me, but as it moved towards the final third I started to enjoy Meg, Seth, and Bree. I also liked reading about the animals and the renovations to her farmhouse. The mystery itself took a bit to engage me, and the killer was a tad obvious, but still a decent ending. I would read more in this series.
The book was a bit slow to start for me, but as it moved towards the final third I started to enjoy Meg, Seth, and Bree. I also liked reading about the animals and the renovations to her farmhouse. The mystery itself took a bit to engage me, and the killer was a tad obvious, but still a decent ending. I would read more in this series.
smiley7245's review against another edition
3.0
This book was enjoyable. I did not feel like it was something I had to read without stopping, but when I stopped I did not feel like I did not want to finish either. I just took my time with it. My thoughts, in no particular order: it's about time Meg and Seth acknowledged that was going on between them! There needs to be more Rachel. I'm not sure how I feel about Christopher now that he is working with the chemical company. Bree took a while to warm up, but I think she will add to the story nicely. Daphne was a bit obvious, but listening to her retelling of her side of the events was chilling; she was absolutely remorseless. I like this series and will be reading more.
rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first. I'm not usually a big fan of farm books, but something about the small town and the apple orchard was perfect for reading in fall. It made me want to go apple picking and drink apple cider. I'm liking Meg more and more (though half the book she is worrying about not knowing anything and it got a little repetitive). I'm so rooting for her and Seth. I'd like to see more of the other characters in the next one so we can learn more about them. As for the mystery I picked out the murderer right away so of course it drove me a little nuts that it took everyone else longer to get there. Overall I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.
katherineep's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Orchard Mystery series. The pesticide stuff did drag on a bit but I enjoyed the work she did on the house as well as the little bit of historical research. I'm hoping that plays a bigger part in later books. I thought the mystery was pretty good though somewhat obvious. I'm hoping to see more of Rachel and that Bree willk get a bit less prickly in the next ones!
bananagram's review against another edition
3.0
Meg seems to have gotten more annoying, but the mystery was more mysterious, so I'll take it. Any book that makes fun of Red Delicious Apples is a book for me.
cupcakepearls's review against another edition
5.0
I think this might be the first cozy I've ever given a five start rating? It was engrossing, the characters made sensible decision for the most part, and the ending was good.
tgcpa's review
4.0
This is the second in the series and the story was much more developed than the first book. It was an enjoyable read and fans of cozy mysteries should like this one.
avigail's review against another edition
4.0
June 2010:
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One of the most satisfying cozy mysteries I've read. Cozy mysteries seem to have a specialization, whether it's a bookstore mystery, a pizzeria mystery, or, in this case, a mystery set on land with an orchard. Connolly allows the reader to learn about renovating the old farm house, and tending the orchard, right along with Meg, but she never forgets this is supposed to be an enjoyable mystery, not a lesson in country living.
Granted, it's easy to pinpoint the killer, but for most of us who read cozies, the puzzle is only part of the reason we read them. This is a mystery for those of us who enjoy getting to know the characters, watching their lives change, and relationships develop. Rotten to the Core is warm and entertaining from the first paragraph to the last. Fans will look forward to the next Orchard Mystery. I love the spunk of Meg. She is a great heroine.
Informative about the growing of apples plus incorporates a good story line. A nice change from all the baked goods stories.
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One of the most satisfying cozy mysteries I've read. Cozy mysteries seem to have a specialization, whether it's a bookstore mystery, a pizzeria mystery, or, in this case, a mystery set on land with an orchard. Connolly allows the reader to learn about renovating the old farm house, and tending the orchard, right along with Meg, but she never forgets this is supposed to be an enjoyable mystery, not a lesson in country living.
Granted, it's easy to pinpoint the killer, but for most of us who read cozies, the puzzle is only part of the reason we read them. This is a mystery for those of us who enjoy getting to know the characters, watching their lives change, and relationships develop. Rotten to the Core is warm and entertaining from the first paragraph to the last. Fans will look forward to the next Orchard Mystery. I love the spunk of Meg. She is a great heroine.
Informative about the growing of apples plus incorporates a good story line. A nice change from all the baked goods stories.