‘A sparklingly delicious confection to satisfy the mystery reader’s appetite’ Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay MysteriesA PINCH OF PARANOIA
It’s three days before Christmas, and detective-turned-chef Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is drafted in to cater a charity event run by a notorious millionaire at a 13th-century abbey on Bodmin Moor.
A DASH OF DECEPTION
Things get more complicated when a snowstorm descends, stranding them all, and the next morning they find one of the guests has been gruesomely murdered in their bed…
A MURDER UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Secrets mull in every corner – can Jodie solve the crime before the killer strikes again?
A Cornish Christmas Murder is a must-read mystery full of heart and humour – perfect for fans of Richard Osman and The Appeal.
What I Enjoyed
What I enjoyed most about A Cornish Christmas Murder and about the series as a whole is the wit and sense of humor of the main character Jodie Parker. Her outlook on things has me laughing out loud often as I read the story. I love how she can find the humor, even in the macabre, subtly and charmingly. As an ex-officer, I expect more of a professional, almost cold air. Still, Jodie is anything but the traditional police officer I anticipate.
I really enjoyed the setting in this particular story – a locked room in a locked house in the middle of a bad snowstorm. Somehow, there are so many questions even in this contained setting – including who the intended victim actually was. I loved the creativity of having a mystery in a location where it is hard to fathom that a mystery would be possible. Surely someone would hear something or see something in such a confined space.
The mystery is excellent. I did guess the who early on, but I had no idea why or even who the murderer meant to kill. I loved all the questions that were going through my head as the story unfolded. The house even had several secret passageways and hidden spaces to add to the fun and suspect potential.
Lastly, the characters are endearing and relatable. I loved the cast of serious and comedic guests who all find themselves suspect in the murder that takes place while they are sleeping. From the group of Asian tourists to Santa himself, it was a lot of fun to get to know and observe the suspects as I tried to figure out which of them was guilty.
What I Wish
The only thing I wish, and this is a tiny wish, is that there had been more Christmas cheer. The atmosphere did not really feel holiday, aside from having a man dressed as Santa, and I think there were a lot of opportunities there to have a holiday atmosphere.
Reminds Me Of
This series is naturally fun cozy and hits all the necessary elements of the genre. I don’t know that the mysteries remind me of Agatha Christie’s novels, but I think Christie would be a big fan.
Characters
Jodie “Nosey” Parker is the main character. She is a single mom and an ex-cop who left the force when her daughter had panic attacks about Jodie leaving the house to work. So, instead, she moved to her hometown and became a caterer. With her Gimpmobile catering van and her staff of her mother and her just turned teenage daughter, Jodie finds herself in the middle of murder mystery after murder mystery.
Jodie does have a significant other. Nathan, or DCI Nathan Withers, is a wonderful character. In the first story, he started as the typical dismissive officer, fussing at Jodie to let the professionals do their job. But Jodie’s natural warmth and wit quickly won his heart, and now they make a lovely crime-solving duo. I love the way he has become so respectful of Jodie’s intelligence and natural cop instincts. Instead of pushing her aside, he makes her a valuable member of his team.
To Read or Not to Read
If you enjoy fun cozies and locked room mysteries, this is a great story to pick up during the holiday season.
My Rating
Tessa Talks Books 
Looks like a lovely Christmas read 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fiona Leitch writes good contemporary cozies that are loads of fun. Add in Christmas and that makes it even better ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s hard to do the locked-room mystery well. Glad to see this one handled it deftly. Thanks, Tessa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was. Fiona Leitch writes very smart cozies rather than the slapstick kind and I enjoy that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the idea of a murder mystery set in a snowstorm. I’ll have to check this one out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The whole setup is very compelling and the characters are loads of fun. ❤️
LikeLike
Wonderful review Tessa. I would probably want more Christmas too. I keep saying I am going to read this series, but my library doesn’t carry it. Can I read this one without reading the other ones first?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It can definitely be read as a stand alone. I probably should have mentioned that in the review. Leitch is a wonderful cozy writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the idea of a locked room mystery – that really takes skill to write. I also like the sound of this main character – cop turned caterer. Interesting combination. Nice review, Tessa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And she changed careers because her daughter was having panic attacks whenever she was at work (after she handled a terrorist attack) – I think, as a parent, that is totally relatable. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, I love the Agatha Raisin books, so this could well be a good fit for me. I shall definitely treat myself to a book from this series – do you think they are best read in order of release?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Christmas book could be read as a standalone or I would go to the first book, which is actually on sale in the US right now but I don’t know about the UK.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you – I’ll check it out!
LikeLike