‘A sparklingly delicious confection to satisfy the mystery reader’s appetite’ Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay Mysteries
The first book in a NEW cozy mystery series!
Still spinning from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is glad to be back in the Cornish village she calls home. Having quit the Met Police in search of something less dangerous, the change of pace means she can finally start her dream catering company and raise her daughter, Daisy, somewhere safer.
But there’s nothing quite like having your first job back at home be catering an ex-boyfriend’s wedding to remind you of just how small your village is. And when the bride vanishes, Jodie is drawn into the investigation, realising that life in the countryside might not be as quaint as she remembers.
With a missing bride on their hands, murder and mayhem lurks around every corner...
But surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?
The first book in the Murder on the Menu cozy mystery series. Can be read as a standalone. A humorous cozy mystery with a British female sleuth in a small village. Includes one of Jodie's Tried and Tested Recipes! Written in British English. Mild profanity and peril.
My Review:
Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch is her first book in her Nosey Parker Mysteries series, and it was a blast to read. Witty banter, gorgeous Cornwall scenery, and an inquisitive dog all make for a delightful mystery I won’t soon forget.
Josie Parker left her life as a London Metropolitan police officer to move back to her hometown in Cornwall with her daughter, Daisy. In Penstowan, Cornwall, Josie sets up a catering business, using an old van with some unusual decals, to cater to weddings and other events. Her first large catering job is for an ex-boyfriend (only together for 2 weeks) to be held at the local hotel. Before long, the ex-wife turns up dead and the bride-to-be goes missing. DCI Withers is on the case, and he’s not too happy about Josie (nicknamed Nosey) Parker who keeps showing up at the crime scene, and everywhere he investigates.
This was just so much fun. I thought the balance between mystery, humor and character development was perfect. The pace was excellent as it moved quickly as the investigation unfolded, but had enough downtime to enjoy the scenery and get to know the characters. I also thought the humor was well done, it wasn’t over the top like you see in some cozy mysteries, but just good humor throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a cozy mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Fiona Leitch
Fiona Leitch is a writer with a chequered past. She’s written for football and motoring magazines, DJ’ed at illegal raves and is a stalwart of the low budget TV commercial, even appearing as the Australasian face of a cleaning product called 'Sod Off'. After living in London and Cornwall she's finally settled in sunny New Zealand, where she enjoys scaring her cats by trying out dialogue on them. She spends her days dreaming of retiring to a crumbling Venetian palazzo, walking on the windswept beaches of West Auckland, and writing funny, flawed but awesome female characters.
The first book in her 'Nosey Parker' series of cozy mysteries set in Cornwall will be published by One More Chapter in January 2021, with books 2 and 3 following in February and March.
Her debut novel 'Dead in Venice' was published by Audible in 2018 as one of their Crime Grant finalists. Fiona also writes screenplays and was a finalist in the Athena Film Festival Writers Lab, co-run by Meryl Streep's IRIS company.
[…] Book Review: Murder on the Menu by Fiona LeitchTuesday: Top Ten Tuesday! Books with Dogs on the CoverTuesday: Book Review: The Buy-In by Emma St. […]
I love that you enjoyed this book so much. I bought this one, but haven’t read it yet, but now I can’t wait to get to it. I do love a good cozy and it sounds like this one ticks all the boxes.
I haven’t gotten deeply into the “cozy mystery” genre, but this one makes me want to give it a try. I could definitely use a book with some humor. Good review, Wendy!
I’ve never read a cozy mystery (I don’t think), and I’ve been wanting to pick one up! This one truly sounds intriguing to me, and 5 stars?! Yes, I need to check it out!
I enjoy cosy mysteries and this one does sound good fun (especiallythat the humour is balanced and not over the top). Looks like there’ll be lots of food too, and the dog makes it just right. Great review🙂
This sounds like a fun book with a down to earth protagonist. Gentle humor throughout is always good. I have requested it as it has reappeared as an ARC.
[…] Book Review: Murder on the Menu by Fiona LeitchTuesday: Top Ten Tuesday! Books with Dogs on the CoverTuesday: Book Review: The Buy-In by Emma St. […]
Great post!
Thank you
I need to give more cozy mysteries a try! Great review for this one!
This one was really good. It was highly recommended and did not disappoint.
I love a cozy mystery and with the protagonist sharing a name with me I think I need to read this one! Great review Wendy! Thanks for sharing.
You won’t regret reading this one, Jodie. It was highly recommended to me, and did not disappoint.
I love that you enjoyed this book so much. I bought this one, but haven’t read it yet, but now I can’t wait to get to it. I do love a good cozy and it sounds like this one ticks all the boxes.
I thought it has the perfect balance of mystery, humor, and great characters
This sounds like a well done mystery. I love these types of mystery, although its been a while since I read the genre. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you, Nadene! It was pretty good!
I don’t read a ton of cozy mysteries, but this one does sound like a lot of fun. 🙂
Thank you Lark, I don’t read many either.
I haven’t gotten deeply into the “cozy mystery” genre, but this one makes me want to give it a try. I could definitely use a book with some humor. Good review, Wendy!
I have not read many cozy mysteries at all, but this one was so good, and it makes me want to read more, especially by this author.
Fabulous review Wendy! Looks like a great cozy mystery!💖📚
Thank you Kaceey!
I’ve never read a cozy mystery (I don’t think), and I’ve been wanting to pick one up! This one truly sounds intriguing to me, and 5 stars?! Yes, I need to check it out!
This is a perfect cozy mystery. I hope you enjoy one if you find one that appeals to you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I just adored the characters and found it such a fun read.
Thank you Tessa!
I enjoy cosy mysteries and this one does sound good fun (especiallythat the humour is balanced and not over the top). Looks like there’ll be lots of food too, and the dog makes it just right. Great review🙂
Thank you, Mallika! It’s a good one.
This sounds like a fun book with a down to earth protagonist. Gentle humor throughout is always good. I have requested it as it has reappeared as an ARC.
I hope you get the ARC, Linda. It was such a pleasant book.
Good to see you loved this too. It sure has perfect balance of mystery, characters, and humor. Great review!
It really was a great mix. Thank you, Yesha!
This sounds really good 💕
Thank you very much, Jenny
Great to hear how much you enjoyed this.
Thank you, Rosie!