Heather’s Bookshelf: Murder at Goldenleaf Apple Farm
Author: Jodie Morgan
Released: 09/27/25
Genre: Cozy Mystery
“Everyone involved in the case had secrets. Each had motives. Each had played a role in this tragedy. But only one had committed murder.”
“Murder at Goldenleaf Apple Farm” is book 2 of The Silver Springs Mystery Series, but the review here is conducted as a standalone. A review of Book 1: Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival can be found here.
Laura Evans has made her home in the small town of Silver Springs, Vermont where she manages the cafe of the general store. After helping to solve a murder shortly after arriving in Silver Springs, Laura has already gained a reputation around town. So when a local apple farmer, Vernon, Reed, is found murdered, Laura can’t help but become involved.
Soon after the murder, Izzy, a worker at Goldenleaf Apple Farm that brings enthusiasm and positive energy to every project he touches, is accused of the crime. Laura can’t believe Izzy is guilty but finds most within the town turning on her friend. She gathers her investigative team: Evelyn (her neighbor) and Jasmine (her coworker) and sets out to find the truth.
Will Laura and her friends figure out the truth and the real killer or will they be wrong in their assumptions and about Izzy’s guilt?
Trigger Warning: violence, murder
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Told through the POV of Laura, the story is written in a light and easy-to-read manner. Laura offers an optimistic, bright, and inquisitive voice that is enjoyable to follow. The author dives right into this mystery and alludes to the first book in the story throughout. So, if read as a standalone (as this review is conducted) it works. However, the first couple of chapters are a bit muddled in establishing a voice, a main character and how she relates to the events. Once the murder occurs, everything in the story settles a bit more. Her interactions with Evelyn and Jasmine are enjoyable and how the neighbors present to Laura in their gossipy ways is fun to follow. The details given to the apple farm and the yummy-sounding food items throughout the story are also a highlight. A majority of the investigation and mystery are revealed as the protagonist experiences it, which provides a great read. The great reveal is done in a way that eliminates the possibility of what could be a repetitive dialogue- it’s smartly done. The ending wraps everything up while clearly leaving open Silver Springs for future mysteries. I especially enjoyed the final scenes in the coffee shop and the conversation between Laura and her mother. Don’t miss the recipes at the end of the tale!
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A cozy mystery with a strong protagonist, enjoyable mystery, and nosy neighbors in a small town setting.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Jodie Morgan
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Find it for purchase here
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