Deadly to the Core

Book Review: Deadly to the Core by Joyce Tremel

⭐⭐⭐/5 Stars

First off, let's talk about that cover. It's eye-catching and sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling cozy mystery. Now, onto my review.

Deadly to the Core is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Joyce Tremel. This book introduces us to Kate Mulligan, a woman who inherits her great uncle's fruit orchard. However, Kate soon realizes that apples aren't the only things that can have rotten cores.

At thirty-five years old, Kate is still recovering from the tragic loss of her husband in a car crash. Physically, she has healed, but her spirit remains fragile. When she inherits the orchard in a small town near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, she sees it as an opportunity for a fresh start. With hopes of opening a cider house, Kate's plans take a dark turn when she discovers the body of the orchard manager, Carl Randolph. Now, she must uncover the truth behind his murder.

The story takes an interesting twist when Kate learns of Carl's mysterious large deposits into his bank account. Was he blackmailing someone? Or was someone paying him to keep quiet? As she tries to untangle the web of secrets surrounding the orchard, Kate also faces offers from a mysterious buyer who wants to purchase her property. And then there's Daniel Martinez, the neighboring orchard owner, who seems to have secrets of his own.

Tremel does a fantastic job of creating a vivid setting. The small town atmosphere near Gettysburg adds depth to the story and immerses readers in the community. It's easy to feel like you're right there with Kate as she navigates through the twists and turns of the investigation.

Kate herself is a likable protagonist. She's relatable and sympathetic, making it easy to root for her as she tries to uncover the truth. The secondary characters are also well-developed and add depth to the story. Tremel has created a cast of characters who feel like real people and not just plot devices.

However, one area where the book could use some improvement is in the writing style. There were moments where the descriptions felt excessive and unnecessary, detracting from the pace of the mystery. While vivid descriptions can enhance a story, in this case, they occasionally slowed down the momentum. Tightening up the prose would help maintain a stronger focus on the mystery aspect.

Overall, Deadly to the Core is a solid start to a new cozy mystery series. Despite some areas for improvement in the writing style, the engaging setting and likable characters make it an enjoyable read. Fans of cozy mysteries will find themselves drawn into Kate Mulligan's world and eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

I, for one, will definitely be checking out the next book in this series. Joyce Tremel has laid a strong foundation for an intriguing series that has great potential.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️