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Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery #7
Apples, Alumni & Animosity
A reunion ripe with secrets, and a killer among them.
When historian Libby Ballard is asked to offer a series of talks to a group of visiting university alumni, she’s intrigued. When the offer comes with the promise of a large donation to the small-town history museum where she’s the director, it sounds even sweeter. And when she learns the alumni are staying at a retreat center at a lovely local orchard, she readily agrees. What could be better than discussing her favorite topic in an idyllic venue filled with ripe red apples, happy friends, and hayrides?
Yet, the picturesque Missouri setting hides a poisonous secret. When one of the alumni is murdered, it becomes clear there’s a bad apple in the bunch. With the sheriff baffled, and danger lurking among the leaves, the orchard’s desperate owner asks Libby and her beloved golden retriever, Bella, to root out the killer.
As Libby investigates, she discovers that the alumni’s relationships are rotted by long-held grudges and recent rage. If she wants to keep the reunion from culminating in another tragic goodbye, she’ll have to act fast.
Curl up with Libby, Bella, and their friends as they delve into the core of this twisty mystery!
If you like a cozy mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series!
This is a clean read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
When historian Libby Ballard is asked to offer a series of talks to a group of visiting university alumni, she’s intrigued. When the offer comes with the promise of a large donation to the small-town history museum where she’s the director, it sounds even sweeter. And when she learns the alumni are staying at a retreat center at a lovely local orchard, she readily agrees. What could be better than discussing her favorite topic in an idyllic venue filled with ripe red apples, happy friends, and hayrides?
Yet, the picturesque Missouri setting hides a poisonous secret. When one of the alumni is murdered, it becomes clear there’s a bad apple in the bunch. With the sheriff baffled, and danger lurking among the leaves, the orchard’s desperate owner asks Libby and her beloved golden retriever, Bella, to root out the killer.
As Libby investigates, she discovers that the alumni’s relationships are rotted by long-held grudges and recent rage. If she wants to keep the reunion from culminating in another tragic goodbye, she’ll have to act fast.
Curl up with Libby, Bella, and their friends as they delve into the core of this twisty mystery!
If you like a cozy mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series!
This is a clean read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
- GenresCozy MysteryFiction
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
64 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Sally Bayless
23 books94 followersSally Bayless writes cozy mysteries and sweet romance.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 23, 2025
I love all things Sally Bayless, and this does not disappoint; this is part of The Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery series. Libby Ballard is The Director of the Dogwood Springs History Museum, Kate Hoskins is a major donor to the museum. She asks Libby to do daily presentations on the history of Dogwood Springs and Grove University. If Libby does this, Kate will double her last large donation; how can Kate refuse! Kate and some alumni are celebrating a twenty five year college reunion, being held at The Witley Historic Orchard and Retreat Center; owned by Noah and Hannah Porter. On the first night, even before the first presentation; one of the alumni is murdered! The alumni were given baskets to pick apples before dinner, when the body of Francine (Chad's wife) was discovered under a tractor. Why would someone kill Francine? Days later a second body is discovered, it is Tabitha; another alumni! Is the killer one of the alumni, or a stranger? Is the new Sheriff Billy Ballard up to solving the case? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Sally Bayless!!!!
March 19, 2025
A terrific addition to a favorite series!
Once again Libby is doing her job and presenting historic talks featuring artifacts from the museum. This time it's a small group of alumni that are staying at a fellow classmate's apple farm. In this idyllic setting the worst thing happens! One of the classmates is killed in the orchard before the very first presentation. Naturally Libby and Bella step in to help solve the mystery and assure justice is served. A small group of suspects with no apparent reason proves to be a challenging task for Libby and friends.
Realistic characters, a couple of interesting side plots, and details that you may not even notice all add up to a captivating story that seems all to real.
I love the realism in the series both at the museum and in Libby's life. I feel like each book is similar to a visit with good friends. You won't want to miss this exciting episode! It's wonderful!
Once again Libby is doing her job and presenting historic talks featuring artifacts from the museum. This time it's a small group of alumni that are staying at a fellow classmate's apple farm. In this idyllic setting the worst thing happens! One of the classmates is killed in the orchard before the very first presentation. Naturally Libby and Bella step in to help solve the mystery and assure justice is served. A small group of suspects with no apparent reason proves to be a challenging task for Libby and friends.
Realistic characters, a couple of interesting side plots, and details that you may not even notice all add up to a captivating story that seems all to real.
I love the realism in the series both at the museum and in Libby's life. I feel like each book is similar to a visit with good friends. You won't want to miss this exciting episode! It's wonderful!
March 24, 2025
I can't say how delightful this book. was to read. Libby Ballard finds the body of Francie Weaver, an alumni of Grove University, who was attending a twenty-fifth class reunion at a retreat center, where Libby was to give a talk on a historic artifact. Francie had her head bashed in, and her body was found under a tractor belonging to the retreat center and adjacent apple orchard owners. Francie was not popular and had many enemies among her fellow alum. Libby, along with her dog Bella and her fellow amateur sleuths and friends, try to unmask the killer. Who killed Francie and why? Find out by reading this well written book filled with unforgettable characters. I highly recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
April 3, 2025
I love Sally’s titles and covers!
Once again, Sally Bayless has written a engaging and fun
Cosy. I enjoy the unusual settings, her characters and the plots. This title was about college alumni getting together for a reunion and they gathered at an apple orchard. The characters have a variety of interesting professions that add to the plot.
This setting was my favorite in all of Ms. Bayless’ books and her descriptions made want to go to an orchard and pick apples and drink cider.
Libby and her friends work together to figure out who murdered one of the group and I never guessed the killer.
Of course, they solve the case before the cocky sheriff does.
I got so caught up in the story that I stayed up late to finish it.
A fun read and now I have to impatiently wait for the next book.
I received an ARC copy and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Once again, Sally Bayless has written a engaging and fun
Cosy. I enjoy the unusual settings, her characters and the plots. This title was about college alumni getting together for a reunion and they gathered at an apple orchard. The characters have a variety of interesting professions that add to the plot.
This setting was my favorite in all of Ms. Bayless’ books and her descriptions made want to go to an orchard and pick apples and drink cider.
Libby and her friends work together to figure out who murdered one of the group and I never guessed the killer.
Of course, they solve the case before the cocky sheriff does.
I got so caught up in the story that I stayed up late to finish it.
A fun read and now I have to impatiently wait for the next book.
I received an ARC copy and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 1, 2025
Before Libby can give her first historic artifact talk to the small group of Grove University alumni, one of the alumni is found dead - under a tractor that belongs to the retreat center/apple orchard where the group is staying. Since the retreat center is outside of Dogwood Springs, the case belongs to the new, young sheriff, Billy Harper.
Of course Libby can't sit this out, she and gang are on the investigation - much to the sheriff's annoyance.
One thing I like about this series is the side mystery that Sam and Libby are working on at the same time as the main mystery. And there are some personal developments in this book too.
I highly recommend this book and series. I was given an advance copy and this is my honest review.
Of course Libby can't sit this out, she and gang are on the investigation - much to the sheriff's annoyance.
One thing I like about this series is the side mystery that Sam and Libby are working on at the same time as the main mystery. And there are some personal developments in this book too.
I highly recommend this book and series. I was given an advance copy and this is my honest review.
April 1, 2025
The Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series is a favorite of mine! In Apples, Alumni & Animosity, historian Libby Ballard is asked to present a series of talks to a group of visiting university alumni who are staying at a local apple orchard owned by a fellow classmate. One of the alumni members is murdered on the orchard grounds and Libby, along with Bella, and her friends work together to solve the mystery.
I love the setting of this series with the cozy small town feel and the great cast of characters. Because the main character Libby is the director of the local history museum, there are always interesting historical elements in the stories that I enjoy. I loved reading this mystery story and can't wait to read the next in the series!
I love the setting of this series with the cozy small town feel and the great cast of characters. Because the main character Libby is the director of the local history museum, there are always interesting historical elements in the stories that I enjoy. I loved reading this mystery story and can't wait to read the next in the series!
April 12, 2025
I always love it when Libby sleuths with her friends and it’s even better when all the friends can be there. This time it included Alice’s husband Doug who was probably in this book more than I remember him ever being in a book. He went along with Libby on one of her sleuthing trips, something I was cheering for her for doing. She did make sure she had someone with her when she’d go back and forth to the orchard. But killers are pretty sneaky and she did manage to have to be alone with one…or at least they thought she was alone, ha!
The showdown was good and the ending was even better. What an epic way to end an adventure! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book now!
The showdown was good and the ending was even better. What an epic way to end an adventure! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book now!
March 26, 2025
A new addition to the Dogwood Springs series. Dogwood Springs seems to be an enjoyable, friendly place to live.
Lots of good food, festivals, museums, and... murder! One thing I enjoy about these books, too, is that it is difficult to figure out who the guilty murderer is until the end of the book.
I think you will really enjoy reading this cozy mystery. Although it is part of a series, they can be enjoyed anytime; you don't really need to read the books in order.
I was provided with a copy of the book and this review is my honest opinion.
Lots of good food, festivals, museums, and... murder! One thing I enjoy about these books, too, is that it is difficult to figure out who the guilty murderer is until the end of the book.
I think you will really enjoy reading this cozy mystery. Although it is part of a series, they can be enjoyed anytime; you don't really need to read the books in order.
I was provided with a copy of the book and this review is my honest opinion.
March 23, 2025
The Dogwoods Springs series is one of my favorite cozy mysteries, and Apples, Alumni & Animosity is such a great addition to the series! Libby once again finds herself investigating a murder with multiple suspects.
I loved the main plot, as well as the side plots and the mystery Libby and Sam have been working on! I definitely recommend reading the full series to get the most out of the book.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I loved the main plot, as well as the side plots and the mystery Libby and Sam have been working on! I definitely recommend reading the full series to get the most out of the book.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
March 24, 2025
Another winner! Libby is asked to give a series of talks at an alumni reunion about historic items from the Dogwood Springs area. When one of the attendees is murdered, Libby and her friends dive into the investigation. A fun and entertaining mystery with likeable characters that kept me guessing until the end. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. Highly recommended for fun cozy mysteries!
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
March 26, 2025
Museum Director Libby Ballard is giving a presentation at a local apple orchard to a group of alumni. When one of the alumni is murdered, Libby and her team of loyal friends are determined to solve the crime even though the sheriff warned Libby not to get involved. Can they solve the crime before the sheriff does and before anyone else is murdered?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 27, 2025
When Libby finds an attendee of the Grove University 25th class reunion dead in the apple orchard, she and her fellow amateur sleuths spring into action to find the culprit. This is a great cozy mystery with lots of suspects, twists, turns, and exceptionally well-developed characters. Readers will love the hometown feel in this book and in this series. Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
Libby is set to do some presentations for one of the museum's major donors when one of the participants is found dead, leading Libby to get involved once again, along with Bella of course, and her group of sleuth friends. A well written mystery, lots of twists and turns and suspects and I admit I didn't guess the killer. Another great book in the series plus I can't wait to hear what happens next with Libby and Sam.
March 22, 2025
Enjoyable cozy!
An easy to read, enjoyable cozy with Libby, the director of the local history museum, getting caught up in a murder investigation. Unexpected revelations kept me engaged and guessing about the guilty party. A twist and interesting end to the story.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
An easy to read, enjoyable cozy with Libby, the director of the local history museum, getting caught up in a murder investigation. Unexpected revelations kept me engaged and guessing about the guilty party. A twist and interesting end to the story.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
March 23, 2025
A fun read with a good dose of suspense and plenty of twists. The story is well written, there is depth to the characters, the mystery is intriguing, and the epilogue is perfect. I loved every single minute of it!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 25, 2025
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A great addition in a wonderful series featuring Libby and her dog Bella. A murder occurs a friend's orchard where Libby is the guest speaker. When one of the owner's of the orchard becomes a person of interest Lilly with Bella start looking for clues. A great cozy with wonderful characters and an intriguing mystery with red herrings and twists.
March 26, 2025
Another solid mystery featuring Libby and the Scooby Gang. I appreciate the non-murderous sub-plot mystery that arcs over the series and I'm always excited to see what Libby & Sam come up with for that.
Also, Yay, Bella! Keep being the goodest girl.
I missed spending more time at the museum this book, but I guess they'd lose more patrons if all the murders in town happened only at the museum.
Also, Yay, Bella! Keep being the goodest girl.
I missed spending more time at the museum this book, but I guess they'd lose more patrons if all the murders in town happened only at the museum.
March 30, 2025
Cozy
I like the characters in these books, how their relationships develop, and Bella, Libby's Golden Retriever, which is why I read this series. However, even though this is a cozy mystery, it does get old that the museum director figures out the case since the sheriff is a bumbling idiot.
I like the characters in these books, how their relationships develop, and Bella, Libby's Golden Retriever, which is why I read this series. However, even though this is a cozy mystery, it does get old that the museum director figures out the case since the sheriff is a bumbling idiot.
April 3, 2025
This series is such a good cozy mystery series without the issues of bad language, romance gone too far - just a clean cozy mystery. This was another good mystery for Libby and the gang, interesting characters, a new sheriff who may be over his head along with some interesting history along the way. I read this book in an afternoon, I was pulled in after a couple of chapters.
May 7, 2025
outstanding series
This is definitely a cozy read with characters with warmth and intelligence. The whole community sounds inviting and makes you want to visit. The adventures are fun and the red herrings enjoyable. You feel like you want Libby and her friends to be your neighbors, too.
This is definitely a cozy read with characters with warmth and intelligence. The whole community sounds inviting and makes you want to visit. The adventures are fun and the red herrings enjoyable. You feel like you want Libby and her friends to be your neighbors, too.
June 24, 2025
Cozy mystery
It started out as a reunion of old college friends and ends with murder. Libby, Bella and the Dogwood Springs crime solving team tracks down another killer. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery series. It's a perfect way to just sit back and relax. No swearing, sex, or excess violence.
It started out as a reunion of old college friends and ends with murder. Libby, Bella and the Dogwood Springs crime solving team tracks down another killer. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery series. It's a perfect way to just sit back and relax. No swearing, sex, or excess violence.
March 21, 2025
Kate Hoskin's is once again drawn into a new mystery where two murders takes place in Dogwood Springs. Secrets rivalry complete matters. A nail-biting finish. I enjoyed the read and recommend this book to other readers.
April 10, 2025
History old friends gathering and apple picking. What fun until we have a murder
Libby is busy trying to solve the murder but dealing with a young inexperienced sheriff is not easy but we know Libby will solve this murder and the credit goes to Bella
Libby is busy trying to solve the murder but dealing with a young inexperienced sheriff is not easy but we know Libby will solve this murder and the credit goes to Bella
September 17, 2025
Dogwood Series
I LOVE this series. I enjoy how all the characters mesh together and discovering who done-it, usually throws me off. I really appreciate how the author has a lot of twists and turns in these mysteries!! I highly recommend this series!
I LOVE this series. I enjoy how all the characters mesh together and discovering who done-it, usually throws me off. I really appreciate how the author has a lot of twists and turns in these mysteries!! I highly recommend this series!
April 2, 2025
Great book.Very good plot and cast of characters.I highly recommend it
April 19, 2025
apples,alumni & animosity
Wow what a great book.
I didn’t realize who the killer was until the last chapter or so.
Keep the books coming
Wow what a great book.
I didn’t realize who the killer was until the last chapter or so.
Keep the books coming
July 17, 2025
Fabulous book!
I absolutely LOVE this series. Sally Bayless writes sweet, fast-paced, captivating stories. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I absolutely LOVE this series. Sally Bayless writes sweet, fast-paced, captivating stories. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews