Knowing nothing about orchards and apples (other than what great pies they make), Meg knows she must trust Christopher and Bree, but isn’t used to relying on others.  Walking about her orchard one day, Meg finds the body of local organic farming activist Jason Miller in the remains of her springhouse.

The state police determine that Jason was poisoned with pesticides found in Meg’s barn that Meg did not know about and that it was most likely murder. Meg tries to learn as much about Jason and his organization GreenGrown as possible, while at the same time learning new skills such as driving a tractor, refinishing old wooden floors and goat herding. The further into life in Granford and the world of GreenGrown Meg gets, the closer she gets to a murderer and the more danger she puts herself and those around her in.

The second in a series, Rotten to the Core is a wonderful slice of life in a small town. Meg has adjusted to having people stop over without making plans or even calling, and is getting used to neighbors helping each other just because, without looking for anything in return, especially next-door neighbor, plumber Seth Chapin who is going to rebuild Meg’s barn and use part of it as an office for his restoration business.

Meg is recently out of a bad relationship and is reluctant to start a new relationship, but she’s pretty sure Seth is interested and grows more willing as the story moves on. Meg isn’t afraid to try new things, though she is wary about the pair of goats Seth brings her telling her it’s her farm or the Greek market for them, and is pleased with her successes, small and large.

There is a lot of information about pesticides and organic gardening presented, but it is done in such a way that is relevant to the plot and Meg’s orchard so as not to be overwhelming. The mystery is intelligent and has an interesting twist at the end, and though readers may guess who did it, they probably not figure all the pieces out until the very end. Rotten to the Core is a fun, quick read with an enjoyable heroine, an interesting hook and some yummy recipes at the end.                                                  

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry