Golden Malicious (An Orchard Mystery)

I love Sheila Connolly's books, but there was just too much talk about droughts, apple trees, and bugs, and not enough of the mystery. If I want an education in farming, I won't look for it in a mystery novel.

I've read the full series so far. I like the setting, a rural area apple farm. And the author includes interesting tidbits about growing apples and other things. As in so many series though the main character loses their "realness" and everyone just Loves them and will do anything for them, etc. this series is loosing appeal (a peel-lol) to me. Probably won't continue.

Sheila Connolly writes at least two other mystery series--one that revolves around museums and a newer one set in Ireland (the county Cork mysteries). I've read them all, and my favorite series is probably the Orchard Mysteries, largely because the characters Meg and Seth have so much depth and interest. One cares about them after reading the books in this series, and part of the suspense lies in our not knowing what the next book will bring to their lives. There are surprises in each book, and the ending of this one is no exception. However, despite the different locations and story lines of Ms. Connolly's books, they all have one characteristic in common: they have a great deal of detail, and as a result, the action moves slowly.

In this book, the mystery involves the death of one person and the possibility that it is related to the unexplained presence near the body of an Asian Longhorn beetle. Meg is involved because she finds both the body and the beetle, and she is preoccupied with their possible connection for much of the story. We are led, as usual, through the challenges of growing apples--a severe drought this time--and Meg's relationship with Bree, the orchard manager, and Seth, who now spends a good deal of time with Meg. I felt that I learned a great deal about why the discovery of even one AL beetle is cause for alarm, and for me, the detail about apples, home renovation (Seth's occupation), and history was woven nicely into a coherent story. Readers do need to know that the mystery is by comparison rather thin; there are usually not many suspects in Connolly's books, and not much exploration of different scenarios. If you enjoy well-researched historical writing and topical subjects such as this particular invasive species, then her book will strike the right chord. It's best to dip into this series with an earlier book first though, because they each offer insights about Meg and Seth that will enrich one's enjoyment of this installment.

Compared to earlier books in the series, I did not enjoy this addition at all. Trying to be 2 mysteries in one, it was obvious that the two would merge; it was obvious very early-on about the human aspect of insect story line; the dialog was stilted; and the discussion of academic funding and research was flawed. The oversensitivity of Meg and Seth to comments showed them to be immature about relationships and made them unlikeable to me.

I wonder if the author has run out of ideas for the Orchard series, and should focus on her other series. Or maybe, she is just spread too thin to have ideas for so many series.

It was a good read but didn't have as much mystery in it. It sorta read as a romantic story rather than a cozy mystery.

If you're a fan of this incredibly well-written mystery series based around an apple orchard in New England, you're in for a treat with this latest addition. As usual, Sheila Connolly spins a terrific tale and her writing is crisp and tight. The plot and handful of new characters are all enjoyable, and there's an element of suspense in this offering that really had me on the edge of my chair. I enjoyed intriguing side trips into construction of colonial houses and even into a lab where dangerous insects are bred and studied. To say more would be a spoiler, but I will say this plot is very original and even (frighteningly) possible. I can't tell if the series will end here--it very well could as this book ties up several loose ends in a very satisfactory way. I hope it doesn't. I like hanging out at Meg's old house, with her goats and apples. I'd like to keep going there. I have enjoyed every book in this series tremendously.

I've read all the books in this series by Sheila Connolly and I've also read some of her museum mysteries. However, I always find myself coming back to this series for its definable characters who have heart and perseverance.

The book is one of the best of the series and would recommend to any one who enjoys cozy mysteries

Shelia Connelly is getting better with each book. Her characters are believable and get into believable scraps that anyone can identify with.

Although it was slow going getting "into" this book, as I continued reading it, I found it to be well written & interesting reading!
I have since finished it & I would recommend it.