Title An Apple a Slay
Author Louise Stevens
Genre Cozy Mystery
Book Blurb
Autumn in tiny Maple Hills brings leaf-peepers, apples galore, and... murder? I’m Amanda Seldon, and I never imagined when I returned to my Connecticut hometown to pursue my dream of being an author that sleuthing would be my side hustle.
But I just found my second body in four months. My childhood crush turned current boyfriend is a prime suspect, and because the state police took over the case, even his police chief brother can’t help him. The victim was unpopular in town, and plenty of people had motives to knock him off, but the police are laser-focused on Dylan. If I don’t step up, I’m afraid the real murderer will get off scot-free.
Looks like Fluffy my attack shih tzu and I are on the case again. But now the killer is after us. Can we solve the crime before Dylan goes to jail for a murder he didn’t commit?
Excerpt:
We enjoyed our drinks and nachos, and by unspoken consent the three of us discussed anything but Dennis Millikan. Suddenly, a ruckus sounded behind us. Angry voices were raised loud enough to be heard over the music, and everyone in the bar turned to look. Including us.
“Speak of the devil, and he shall appear,” Aunt Lori said.
Dennis loomed over a table and shouted at a mousy-looking woman. “You know it wasn’t my fault, but you harp on it all the time. You’re ruining my good name in this town!”
Hitch rushed out from behind the bar. “You managed to ruin your name all by yourself, Millikan. Leave Bitsy alone.”
“He is a charmer, haranguing a woman who looks like she wouldn’t say boo to a ghost. I’m starting to see why no one likes him.” I popped another chip in my mouth and watched the scene unfolding before me.
“Shut your gob, Hitch. This has nothing to do with you.” Millikan’s face was as red as a ripe strawberry.
“It does when it’s happening in my bar. Are you going to walk away and leave Bitsy in peace, or am I going to have to toss you out of here?” Hitch inserted himself between the woman and Millikan.
Hitch had several inches height on Dennis, and was clearly in better shape, although they were about the same age. Dennis jutted out his chin, but stepped back from the woman’s table.
“I have as much a right to be here as anyone else.” Millikan puffed out his chest.
Hitch’s stance did not ease, but his voice was easy. “Everyone is welcome at Hitchcock’s Tavern, unless they’re causing trouble. Are you causing trouble, Millikan?”
“I’m just here for happy hour, like everyone else.” He gestured to the packed bar with one arm.
“Things lonely at your own bar?” A man’s voice called out from the crowd and was greeted with a chorus of laughter.
Millikan’s face flushed again, and he clenched his fists.
“Guess that comment hit a little too close to home,” Dylan whispered to me.
Not quietly enough apparently, as Millikan turned his head sharply to glare at our little group. He stomped over to us.
The woman he’d been yelling at rose, gathered her things, and scurried for the door. Hitch watched her go and shook his head, but then returned to his post behind the bar.
“Not surprised to see you here, Carlow. Kissing up to Hitch to sell your watered-down cider here?” Millikan sneered.
Dylan took a deep breath and maintained eye contact until the other man looked away. Millikan’s gaze fell on my aunt. “Lori Seldon. Of course you two are friends. And you’re chasing after Hitch, aren’t you? I hope you realize he’s a player.”
Hitch wiped down a spot on the bar with vigor, but then winked at Lori. “I’m the one doing the chasing.”
The corners of her mouth tilted up, as she looked at Hitch and said, “And who says I’m not the player?”
Millikan sputtered, clearly having no idea how to respond to their banter. He’d expected to start another fight, but was doomed to disappointment.
He scowled at me. “And who are you? You’re the broad from the orchard store, aren’t you? New in town.”
“Amanda Seldon is more of a local than you’ll ever be,” the man sitting next to Aunt Lori said.
I squinted at him, and then recognition dawned. “Mr. Knight? I loved your English class in high school. It’s so good to see you.”
“Welcome back, Amanda. Jeremy tells me you’re writing a book. I’m very pleased. You always had a talent for writing.”
Dennis glared back and forth between us as we spoke. “Isn’t this cozy? This miserable town. If you weren’t born and bred here, you’re nothing but garbage, huh?”
Aunt Lori shrugged. “I imagine garbage is garbage wherever it goes.”
He roared, “Are you calling me garbage?”
Wow. Happy hour had definitely taken a turn in a decidedly less happy direction.
Mr. Knight frowned. “Why don’t you take it down a notch, Millikan. Dylan’s brother is the police chief, and I imagine he has him on speed dial, so if you’re looking for a fight, I’m sure he can get him down here in no time.”
Millikan held up his hands. “I’m not looking for a fight. No need to call the cops. I’ve had enough of this dump anyway.”
He raised his voice and looked around as he announced to the crowded bar, “I’m heading back to Oh Denny Boy’s if anyone wants to join me. First drink is on the house.”
His words dropped like a stone and were greeted by silence. Not even a free drink could persuade anyone to leave Hitchcock’s for his bar.
“Fine. Be that way.” He straightened his shoulders and strode out with as much dignity as he could muster, which granted, was not much.
“It’s amazing he’s lived as long as he has without being killed.” Hitch shook his head.
It was the second time I’d heard that sentiment expressed today.
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Author Biography
Louise Stevens is the author of the Port Sunset Mysteries, and the Second Act Cozy Mystery series. A lover of mysteries since her discovery of Nancy Drew many years ago, she is thrilled to be writing cozy mysteries now. She lives in Maryland with her husband, who also loves a good mystery, in a house packed with books.
Louise Stevens is the pen name of contemporary romance author Donna Simonetta.
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