Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage

An Eve Mallow Mystery, Book 2

By: Clare Chase

Narrated by: Eilidh Beaton

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

Obituary writer and amateur sleuth Eve Mallow is enjoying life in sleepy Saxford St. Peter - until a mysterious murder lands right at her door....

It’s spring in Saxford St. Peter - time to get back in the garden, listen to the birds, and take gentle strolls in the woods. But for some, it’s the season for murder.

Eve Mallow is relishing the gentle pace of the village until a new arrival stirs everyone up. Ashton Foley is back: a teenage tearaway turned interior designer to the stars. He’s mad, bad, and dangerous to know, but charming, too - as Eve herself can testify - and every house in Saxford opens its doors to him.

So when he’s found murdered in the woods near his mother’s home, Apple Tree Cottage, there’s no shortage of suspects. A jealous husband? A spurned lover? Or has someone from his past life caught up with him?

The police soon hit on a simple solution, and arrest his mother’s partner Howard. Ashton always hated him, and he bears all the marks of a recent fight. But Ashton’s mother, miles away in New Zealand, is convinced he’s innocent, and enlists Eve’s help to prove it.

There’s just one problem. Eve saw Howard sniffing around Apple Tree Cottage on the morning of the murder, and she’s fairly sure he’s guilty, too....

Readers absolutely love Clare Chase:

"Wow what a book! One of the best mysteries I have read! Loved it from start to finish!... The writing is brilliant and flows off the page, the characters stay with you. A thoroughly satisfying, absolutely stunning book!"(Renita D’Silva)

"I absolutely loved this book...grabbed me by the throat from the opening chapter and refused to let go until the very end...a fantastic puzzle." (A Little Book Problem)

"Clever, twisty stories, with great characters." (Kate Rhodes, author of Hell Bay)

"Reminds me of Agatha Christie. Grabbing me straight from the start...will keep you guessing until the very end.... A perfect gripping who-dunnit story, fans of LJ Ross will love it." (Chelle’s Book Reviews)

"So good! I am a huge Agatha Christie fan and let me tell you that Clare Chase is on par with Ms. Christie." (A Lucky Grace)

©2020 Clare Chase (P)2020 Bookouture

Was a challenge to finish

I enjoyed the first book more. The main character, Eve, talked herself into why every character had motive and means. It became hard to listen to. The plot moved so slowly. I forced myself to finish. Unfortunately, this was not a joy.

Just ok

Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage is an ok cozy mystery but it's dry and has a slow pace. Not sure I'll get the next one.

Have mercy

The narrator reads as though she is trying get it read as quickly as possible without concentrating upon the story. Much to fast. I slowed it down to a 0.8x.

Skeptical Reader

For my first Audible book, it was great to listen too looking forward to listening to more

Interesting story

The mystery in the 2nd book got more intense, with more twist and turn. The murderer was unexpected, as we were led on another path almost to the end. Interesting story that kept me on for hours. Eve was still a little irritating and stupid, especially when she thought she had the suspect identified in the end and did the reckless act of going back to Apple Tree for evidence but only informed 1 person! she could have alerted a few close friends at the church to watch her back discreetly!

Loved this

After being introduced to the village and its characters in the first book I felt like I was visiting old friends in this second installment. Eve has a complicated murder mystery to solve where there are no end of people with secrets to hide. Her friend, Robin, is there to bounce ideas off and give a helpng hand. I'm looking forward to seeing their friendship grow. I found this mystery to be quite gripping and I enjoyed it immensely.
Now on to book 3 I go!

Eve Marlow

Second book I've listened to by Claire Chase now a fan. Great twists & turns.

Brilliant cosy mystery!

Really enjoyed this book, kept me interested with its twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one.

A great listen ...

... as I get on with other jobs; Clare's books are well written and the narration is well balanced and easy on the ear. Although Eve really should have figured out by now that her village is a hotbed of crime, similar to Midsomer Murders. LOL I'm ignoring the bad reviews and buying the next installment, the ironing needs doing and I need to know what comes next; I'm new to 'cosy crime' but I'm really enjoying this genre, it's a perfect antidote to Covid shielding. 5*

Love Eve Mallow

Listened to all in this series. Really engaging, rich characters with a great narrator. Looking forward to April when the next book is out.

Easy listening, leave reality behind.

I enjoy these stories, they're easy listening and the narration is good but the story line is a little farfetched, couldn't listen to two in a row but will check out the author again.

Too long

Had to give up - it was too long. Felt bored listening to it just wanted it to get to the end.