Mince Pies and Murder

Morwenna Mutton Mystery #4

by J.R. Leigh

The BRAND NEW instalment in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series from MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Judy Leigh, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Janice Hallett! 🎄🩸🔍 Have yourself a deadly little Christmas... 👀

As Christmas approaches in the Cornish town of Seal Bay, festive cheer fills the air. Sparkling trees and twinkling lights adorn every corner, and Morwenna Mutton, the sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, is eagerly counting down the days. But when local author Pawly Yelland is discovered dead, a champagne flute in one hand and a mince pie in the other, it seems this Christmas will be anything but merry.

Pawly had made no secret of his disdain for some of the local crowd — and now, with his death, a long list of suspects emerges. As the police begin narrowing down those with a motive, Morwenna knows she’s the only one who can uncover the truth and restore some yuletide magic to Seal Bay.

But things take a darker turn. Mysterious Christmas cards arrive on doorsteps, and sightings of a sinister Santa-costumed figure at windows only add to the growing tension. Can Morwenna solve the murder before Christmas is ruined for good?

If you love The Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie and Richard Coles then you'll love The Morwenna Mutton mysteries!

Readers love Judy Leigh and Morwenna

‘This is a cosy crime story with some gentle sleuthing, full of twists and turns, and even a little romance, although things do turn pretty hair-raising at times for Morwenna. The inhabitants of Seal Bay are charming, vibrant and humorous and there is plenty to love in this thoroughly engrossing story. Morwenna makes a great lead character and I am keen to read more in this lovely series.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I adore all Judy Leigh’s books. They are warm, witty, welcoming and extremely well executed. I always know I will be in for a treat when I pick up one of her books.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘It's a cozy type mystery with family, drama and even a little romance thrown in, showing that you are never too old- for anything if you put your mind to it. A brilliantly entertaining read, I look forward to more in the series.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Morwenna is truly unique. At a time when most women would be happy to take it easy, she is intent on taking on more. Her work and family are important to her, but it is her determination to solve a mystery that makes her stand out. She is feisty and unrelenting. She puts herself in peril again and again, never stopping to consider the danger. A great mystery with a fantastic leading lady.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Well written with an enjoyable mystery. I really like the fact Judy Leigh peoples her books with more mature characters and Morwenna is one of my favourites.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘As well as the humour and wit in her novels and the fabulous characters and stories, her settings are excellent too.

Genres: Christmas, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2025

About the author

J.R. Leigh is a pen name for Judy Leigh.

Reviews

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this was a cozy murder mystery, but honestly? There were multiple attempts to harm not only the main character but her family. It was a really good “who dun it” and was an entertaining holiday read. I liked that it had a character list (because there is a lot of them) and a glossary for some of the local words that readers might not know. The pacing was good, and I never did put a finger on who was terrorizing our main character. I would definitely recommend if you are in the mood for a Miss Marple-esque holiday mystery.

Morwenna Mutton is back at it again. In this fourth installment, she is trying to get in the holiday spirit. It doesn’t help that at the holiday costume party, one of the Santas took a tumble down the stairs. She hopes it was an awful accident, but her gut is telling her it’s not. As she starts looking into it, she starts getting warnings that slowly turn into more deadly threats. It’s safe to say she is ready for Christmas to be over, just so she won’t see any more dang Santas. Because one of them seems to have it out for her.

Thank you to Love Books Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Roz Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Morwenna Mutton mysteries. I haven't read the first three books and this can be enjoyed as a standalone. However, the characters and setting have me hooked so I will definitely read the others in the series.


This was such a great cosy crime read. Perfect for the holidays! I really loved the main characters and their love for one another despite all the terrible events going on in the background. Morwenna was a likeable sleuth and I really enjoyed her mother Lamorna especially the side story of her romance!


The story was enjoyable and I had everyone down as a suspect. I don't want to give too much away but I certainly didn't guess correctly. It was well written, engaging and had so much going on from murder to romance and of course the Christmas holidays. 


I think cosy crime readers will really love this one.

Huge thanks to the author, publisher, Netgalley and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.

[Sophia]

Christmas comes to a Cornwall seaside village and with it, a murder. Amateur sleuth, Morwenna Mutton, is on the spot and starts investigating, but soon other inexplicable dangerous events with a sinister Santa start happening, too. This is not my first experience with JR Leigh’s writing. I enjoyed one of her earlier Chick Lit titles writing as Judy Leigh.

My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 12.10.25

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is coming in Cornwall along with cold, wet, and windy weather but no snow! There are, however, more than enough decorations, trees, and mince pies to go around. For Seal Bay local, Morwenna Mutton, it's a time of year she loves, but things are getting a bit rocky! The author's talk she helped set up at the library where she works ends in chaos when local legend Pawly Yelland aims his acid tongue at several locals! Hoping to cheer herself up at a Christmas costume party, she is dismayed to discover the body of Santa Claus at the bottom of a flight of stairs! With burglaries on the increase and sightings of a distinctly unfestive Father Christmas scaring the locals, it seems as if there is very little to feel jolly about this December! Determined to help her friends in the police as much as she can, Morwenna has no idea just how much danger she and her family are about to find themselves in.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. The fourth in J R Leigh's fun series is the first one I've read, but that was never a hindrance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely recommended. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Pattie Tierney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I’ve ever read anything written by this author before, but I cannot resist a Christmas cozy, so I had to read this one. Plus in addition to Christmas, a cozy mystery, and the fact that it takes place in England — Cornwall, no less — is my personal trifecta, so I am certainly delighted that I did.

J.R. Leigh’s Mince Pies and Murder is a delightful cozy mystery that captures the charm of a Cornish Christmas. It is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone quite well. Set in the picturesque village of Seal Bay, the story follows Morwenna Mutton, a sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, as she unravels the suspicious death of local author Pawly Yelland. Found dead with a champagne flute and mince pie in hand, Pawly’s demise, though initially deemed an accident sparks Morwenna’s curiosity, leading her to uncover secrets amidst festive cheer. This book is a wonderful blend of holiday warmth, small-town gossip, and a twisty plot filled with red herrings, making this a perfect winter read for mystery lovers. The vivid Cornish setting, with snow-dusted rooftops and twinkling lights, adds a magical backdrop that enhances the story’s cozy appeal.

I fell in love with Morwenna immediately! She is feisty, relatable, and intrepid. The other characters in the book only serve to enhance her; I loved her quirky family and trusty cat. There are quite a few characters in this book that can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but thankfully an extensive character list is included at the beginning (something all authors should do no matter how many characters are in their story, and I will die on that hill), and I greatly appreciated that.

The mystery with its touch of romance, and eerie events like threatening Christmas cards and a sinister Santa figure keep you guessing until the final page. Having read this book, I am most definitely going to read the first two in the series. I can totally see this being turned into a television program the likes of The Thursday Murder Club, fingers crossed that it will be.

Many thanks to J.R. Leigh, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Mince Pies and Murder is the fourth Morwenna Mutton cozy by J.R. Leigh. Released 23rd Aug 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 354 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This is a nice, well written cozy set in Cornwall, featuring an eccentric 60something amateur sleuth and her friends and family. It's a returning ensemble cast with assists from local police constable Sally, Morwenna's ex husband, her daughter and granddaughter, and eccentric locals. Although it's the 4th book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone, with the codicil that the backstory and relationships have developed over the course of the previous books and there will be some spoilers if read out of order.

The language is PG rated for some uses of profanity, there are no graphic descriptions on-page, and the resolution, and denouement are mostly satisfying, if heavily foreshadowed. The writing is competent and the dialogue not clunky or awkward.

There are currently 4 books in the series (with a 5th book due out in 3rd quarter 2026). It would make a good choice for a binge or buddy read. Although reviewers have compared it to Osman's Thursday Murder Club, it compares better (and more favorably) to Peter Boland's Charity Shop Mysteries.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 39 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Jilly Bond. She has a well modulated voice and does a great job of often rapid fire dialogue and a range of ages and regional accents. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for readers who enjoy light amateur sleuth cozies featuring eccentric mature female sleuths. Morwenna is charming and refreshingly intelligent.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morwenna Mutton is smart and obviously in great shape for her age. I marvel at the idea that not only does she find swimming in frigid water great fun but there's an entire group of residents who join her. Not her own mother, mind you. Nope, no polar plunges, so to speak, for Lamorna. Ex-husband Ruan is drawn to the water, yes, but seems to prefer boating atop it. In any case, Morweena is fiercely protective of her family. Her moments with granddaughter Elowen, who remains feisty and self-centered, are frequently a hoot. There are a lot of characters to take in, some important, some just passing through. Kudos to the author, by the way, for including not only a glossary but a characters list with a brief description at the beginning. I found that most of the terms used were easy to figure out but did need to refresh my memory on characters. Wait till you meet Lady Elizabeth.

Overall, the side characters are likable, even the seemingly cranky ones, and it was fun to revisit Seal Bay again and spend some time boating. As for the murder, it does put a damper on the holiday festivities. The Christmas party sounds both interesting and chaotic with people roaming the Pengellen's manor home seemingly at will. That gives us a long list of suspects. Heck, could it have been an accident? Good thing the local police were actually at the party although Morwenna, in her usual way, manages to do some snooping before they can even get to the scene. And all this before the random visits from the sinister Santa and not so jolly Santa Claus cards sent to some.

That's about all I'm going to say about the plot, it's a complicated one with twists and turns but, hey, we get to watch a couple relationships bloom at the same time, so it isn't all bah humbug and whodunit. Watching Morwenna fret over mother Lamorna's budding romance was both sweet and sad, especially given her own confused feelings. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for the early invite to catch up on the doings in Seal Bay and among Morwenna's friends and family. After that ending, definitely looking forward to Leigh's next in this series.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review: Mince Pies and Murder by Judy Leigh. Thank you to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

Morwenna Mutton returns in fine form in this festive, sharp-witted cozy mystery set against the charming but murder-prone backdrop of Seal Bay. Judy Leigh balances humor, family tension, and a tangle of red herrings in a way that keeps you engaged while never losing sight of her quirky, determined protagonist. I’ve read every Morwenna book and this one might be my favorite yet—not just because of the mystery, but because of what it reveals about Morwenna’s internal world and her complicated ties to the people around her.

The murder itself is deliciously absurd—author Pawly Yelland dead mid-party, clutching both a champagne flute and a mince pie. His many feuds and sharp tongue guarantee a buffet of suspects, and Morwenna wastes no time diving in. Leigh weaves the holiday atmosphere in with a growing unease: creepy Christmas cards, the unsettling Santa lurking at windows, and layers of secrets among Seal Bay’s residents. The tone is cozy but never stale—Leigh respects the intelligence of her readers and keeps the emotional stakes high.

I loved the family moments most, especially between Morwenna and her granddaughter Elowen, whose sass is unmatched. The character list and glossary are a nice touch—Seal Bay is a full world, and I appreciated the reminders. Lamorna’s late-in-life romance added heart to the story, and Morwenna’s reactions to it were among the most honest and touching parts of the book.

This is a mystery, yes, but it’s also about aging, autonomy, and the desire to still matter. Leigh never lets her characters slip into caricature. Instead, they’re vibrant, messy, and alive—like any real community. As Morwenna says, “You never know what people are really capable of until they’ve had a sherry or two.

“Sometimes, the people who look the most harmless are the ones you should watch closest.”

[Lorraine Dias · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a talk arranged for local author Pawly Yelland, the guest of honour arrives late and noticeably out of sorts. While discussing his new book on the history of Seal Bay, he quickly manages to rub a number of residents the wrong way.

Pawly also causes a stir at the village Christmas party, and when he’s later found dead at the bottom of a stairway, the police are inclined to dismiss it as an accident. But amateur sleuth Morwenna Mutton is convinced there’s more to the story.

When threatening Christmas cards begin to appear and someone dressed in a Santa suit starts stalking Morwenna and her family, it becomes clear that something sinister is afoot. As Christmas draws closer and tensions rise, Morwenna knows she must help the police uncover the truth—before something even more dreadful happens.

This is the first book in the Morwenna Mutton series that I’ve read. While it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, I suspect readers would benefit from reading the series in order. The cast of characters is extensive but the author thoughtfully includes a character list at the start of the book to help orient the reader.

The family dynamics are a highlight. Leigh writes four generations of strong women with nuance and humour, each with distinct quirks and voices. The romantic subplots and the spirited nature of Morwenna’s granddaughter, Elowen, add warmth and depth, providing a counterbalance to the darker mystery elements. The secondary characters bring the charm and eccentricity one expects from a small-village cozy mystery.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, full of twists and festive suspense. A delightful choice for mystery lovers looking for something both clever and heartwarming.

Thank you to J.R. Leigh, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the advance review copy.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's almost Christmas and the Cornish town of Seal Bay, is celebrating. Morwenna Mutton, the sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, is eagerly counting down the days, but there is an interruption in plans. Local author Pawly Yelland is discovered dead, a champagne flute in one hand and a mince pie in the other, and there is no shortage of suspects. As the police investigate and cross suspects off their list, Morwenna knows she will be able to find the culprit and get Seal Bay back on track to celebrate a magic Christmas. The closer she gets to solving the crime, the more dangerous things become as mysterious Christmas cards arrive on doorsteps and there seems there might be a Santa peeping Tom. Can they find the murderer in time, or will someone else end up dead.

Mince Pies and Murder is the 4th book in the series, but could be read as a standalone. The mystery was an intriguing one and whatever was going on, there were several threats to Morwenna and her family. This was a well written story, and one that kept me guessing right up until the end. One thing I enjoy about the Morwenna Mutton series is the four generations of the family that all get into the act. We have Morwenna, her mother Lamorna, her daughter Tamsin, her mischievous granddaughter, Elowen and her ex-husband Ruan. The women all work together in the family tearoom, so there is a lot of family interaction. Elowen is a hoot and adds the humour to these stories. Ruan is trying to get back together with Morwenna, so that is another side story. I enjoy the personal stories as much as the mystery and am already looking forward to the next Morwenna Mutton story.

[Polly Perks · Rating 3 out of 5]

advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review

Mince Pies and Murder is a cosy, festive mystery with enough charm to make it an enjoyable read, even if it didn’t completely captivate me from start to finish. I’d place it at a comfortable three stars for me.

The story centres on Morwenna Mutton, a sixty-something amateur sleuth living in the Cornish town of Seal Bay. As Christmas approaches and the village fills with twinkly lights, mince pies, and community events, a local author is suddenly found dead at a party. From there, Morwenna is pulled into a tangle of secrets, prickly relationships, cryptic Christmas cards, and even a sinister Santa prowling around town. It’s a classic small-town whodunit with a festive twist.

What I enjoyed most were the cosy vibes: the wintry seaside setting, the sense of community, the food descriptions, and Morwenna’s grounded, likeable presence. The cast is quite large, though, and I occasionally found myself losing track of who was who, which made the mystery feel a little cluttered.

If you’ve enjoyed books like The Thursday Murder Club, M. C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series, or any of the more seasonal Murder, She Wrote mysteries, you’ll likely enjoy this too. It has that familiar blend of gentle humour, local gossip, and light intrigue.

Overall, a warm and atmospheric festive mystery with a likeable heroine and plenty of seasonal charm.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

The residents of Seal Bay were on the countdown to Christmas. The Cornish town was well into the spirit of the season, with Christmas trees decorated with twinkling lights. lighting up the streets, decorations and Christmas music to be seen and heard everywhere. Morwenna Mutton, Seal Bay’s resident amateur sleuth, hadn’t quite caught up with everyone else, family dynamics were getting in the way with her spirited granddaughter wanting to know about her father.

Local author, Pawly Yelland was scheduled to give a talk on his latest book, but on the night all doesn’t go as planned. Arguments erupted between Pawly and the locals in the audience as the author targeted some of those present with less than salubrious hints about their ancestors, and threatening to reveal all. When Pawly was found dead during a Christmas party at the Pengellen’s there were no shortages of suspects. Then strange and threatening Christmas cards began appearing at people’s houses and a frightening, shadowy figure wearing a Santa suit was seen around the town.

I enjoyed catching up with Morwenna and the rest of the locals in Seal Bay. The main characters are easy to picture, likeable, relatable with problems and issues people can identify with. The generations of Mutton women are strong, individually and as a team, and their characters well rounded. The plot is suspenseful, humorous and insightful with twists I didn’t see coming.

Another well written, plotted and enjoyable mystery in this series

[Kristine Booksandstuff123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Mince Pies and Murder' by J.R. Leigh.
☆☆☆☆ 4 out of 5.
I love this series, it's the right amount of coziness and murder. The book kept me gripped with plenty of murders and menacing Christmas cards. Loved the twist at the end, I didn't guess that at all.
If you're a fan of cozy crime and the Cornish seaside then give this series a read.
As Christmas approaches in the Cornish town of Seal Bay, festive cheer fills the air. Sparkling trees and twinkling lights adorn every corner, and Morwenna Mutton, the sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, is eagerly counting down the days. But when local author Pawly Yelland is discovered dead, a champagne flute in one hand and a mince pie in the other, it seems this Christmas will be anything but merry.
Pawly had made no secret of his disdain for some of the local crowd — and now, with his death, a long list of suspects emerges. As the police begin narrowing down those with a motive, Morwenna knows she’s the only one who can uncover the truth and restore some yuletide magic to Seal Bay.
But things take a darker turn. Mysterious Christmas cards arrive on doorsteps, and sightings of a sinister Santa-costumed figure at windows only add to the growing tension. Can Morwenna solve the murder before Christmas is ruined for good?

Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Morwenna story, book 4 of 4. Will she get her happy ending? What is in store for the 4 generations? So wonderful to be back in Seal Bay, although the SWANS swimming in the sea in the freezing December month had me shivering in the current blistering heatwave of summer 2025.
Morwenna provides her sleuthing nature in true style, her mum Lamorna is busy falling in love with a stranger, Tam is also feeling the strings of her heart being pulled, and young Elowen is excited about football and Christmas.
Then, local historical writer Pawley causes a nuisance with drunken chatter and threats of secrets to be revealed, he winds up at the bottom of the stairs and thus the story begins.
Morwenna has her work cut out, many many suspects are at that event where Pawley spilt his guts. DJ Mike and his gossipy mouth cause all kinds of issues.
With Santa cards, burglary’s and murder, will our Morwenna find time to choose between Ruan and Barnaby? Will she discover where her heart lies? So many dynamics to this story, it’s fun and funny, sentimental and witty.
A must read for all of Morwenna’s fans and those new to Seal Bay, dive in for a swim in the murder mystery, cosy and festive.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the previous book in this series (The Cream Tea Killer), so I decided to give Mince Pies and Murder a go. I’m glad I did.

I found this a little easier to get into than the previous book, as I now know who all the main characters are, and mostly how they relate to one another. I definitely intend to go back and catch up with books 1 and 2, before book 5 comes out (assuming there is a book 5, I hope so!).

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun getting to know the characters a bit better. I like Morwenna - she’s not always the most sensible person, but she does her best to protect her family, and they do the same for her.

The setting is a lovely one. I love the sea, so it’s great to be able to travel there via reading. I also enjoyed the town and the people in it.

The mystery was an interesting one. It took me quite a long time to figure out who was behind all the incidents. The plot line was intriguing, but not too stressful!

Overall, this was another enjoyable mystery, set in a fun location, with great characters. I definitely recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morwenna is finding it difficult to get into the Christmas spirit. Soon she will have plenty of reasons to dread it. First there is a murder at a Christmas party where there are many guests in Santa outfits. But there is one Santa who has malevolent plans for her and her family. First there are nasty and threatening missives but as things get notched up, the deeds become more nefarious, verging on deadly. Add to that a series of burglaries around town, the police, including her friend Jane, are rushed off their feet.

Morwenna is asked to help with the investigation and she wonders if her involvement is at the core. Are all the various crimes connected. That gets answered in due course not without some emotional kerfuffle. But Santa is still lurking and his Christmas “gift” is one no one will forget. Add some romance for all three generations of Mutton women where they will all be required to make decisions and you have the recipe for an exciting and entertaining book.

I love the characters and the setting. There is even a dictionary to sort out local colloquialisms that are woven into the book. I did enjoy it. Five purrs and two paws up.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is coming and Morwenna just isn’t in the mood yet. She worries about her mom, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Then there’s her ex, Ryan, who lives across the street, whom she still has feelings for and a new man who is interested in her. Life just gets more complicated after a local author drunkenly insults a share of the town during his author’s event at the library where Morwenna works. Morwenna and her friends and family attend a party at the local manor and a Santa dies after falling or being pushed down the stairs. Morwenna has helped the police before and is drawn to the mystery this time,too. There are burglaries, her mom’s new boyfriend, and threats from a scary Santa to add to Morwenna’s holiday stress.
The mystery is well-crafted and will keep you guessing, but it’s also a story of the relationship of the four strong women in their family, of Cornwall, and of second chances.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I forgot about the Mutton maids and their bad men choices until I finally started on this book, and the final final evil villain really surprised me. I almost expected it to be one of their new boyfriend choices again, but the twist was a good one. But the strength of Morwenna was very motivating, and her persistence to solve the case despite being threatened by the villain was exceptional. As a woman living alone (despite across the street from the ex-husband), I think I would have been scared out of my wits if I encountered whatever she did, alone in the house.

I am hoping for a next book, although not sure who can die in the town next, and if any more romance can come out of the Mutton women's life, but the mysteries/crime-solving did hold me to the book and I finished it in 2 days.

Sidenote: This series has really piqued my interest in trying a swim in the Cornish sea as well!

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

This year, the same as every year, an anonymous person gifted in the art of crochet had covered all the post boxes in Seal Bay with little woollen Santas clutching a wine glass in one hand and an envelope in the other. No one in Seal Bay had any idea who made them. It was a Seal Bay mystery.

It occurred to her that the sea was like the future. It stretched in front of you, uncharted, and you could make your way across it as you wished, quickly, slowly, hesitantly. You could swim, sink. Or you could ride the waves.

My Review:

This was an amusing and intriguing cozy read that kept me guessing on several fronts. Judy Leigh is a smooth and gifted storyteller who never fails to pull me into her oddly compelling characters’ vortex and involve me in the minutiae of their lives.

And score – I found a new addition to my Brit Word List with rufazrats, which Mr. Google has informed me is slang for a hangover, feeling poorly, or something that isn’t working correctly.  I am assuming it is pronounced somewhat like rough as rats, which seems like an excellent term for a hangover, not that I would know anything about one of those… ;-}

[Nicola Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Christmas nears in the Cornish town of Seal Bay, the festive spirit is everywhere. Twinkling lights, jingling bells, and glittering trees fill every corner, while Morwenna Mutton, the sharp and witty sleuth in her sixties, eagerly counts down the days. But when local author Pawly Yelland is found dead at a party, clutching a champagne flute in one hand and a mince pie in the other, it’s clear this Christmas will be far from joyous.
Pawly, known for holding grudges against several neighbors, had recently made his disdain for some of them very public — and now, his death reveals a long list of potential suspects. While the police work to narrow down those with motives, Morwenna knows she’s the only one who can uncover the truth and bring back the holiday magic to Seal Bay. Things take an even darker turn as mysterious Christmas cards start showing up at homes, and sightings of a creepy Santa figure peering into windows add to the growing unease. Morwenna must crack the case before Christmas is ruined for everyone?

This is a great Christmas read and despite it being a murder mystery there are plenty of festive treats to keep you happy. This is the fourth in the series but was my first one and I didn't have any problems with plotting or relating to the characters. If you like a cozy mystery this will be right up your Cornish street. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four generations of strong women

Morwenna is shop owner, librarian, daughter, mother, grandmother and occasional sleuth. Strange Christmas cards and an intruder in a Santa suit are causing problems. When a local author dies from a fall at a pre-Christmas party, Morwenna is unsure whether his death is murder and, if it is, it is connected to the theft and other problems around town. Those who are closest to her—her mother, her daughter, her grand-daughter and her ex-husband—each seem to have been targeted by the evil Santa. In addition to the crimes, there is a focus on relationships: her mother and a felonious newcomer; her daughter Tamsin and her new, wealthy boyfriend Tristan; the new man in Morwenna’s life who is making her reflect on her feelings for her ex. There’s lots going on in this Christmas-y cozy mystery.

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good and interesting story. The Cornish culture and dialect is very appealing. Love the intergenerational relationships amongst Granny, Morwenna, the daughter and her daughter. So much support and empathy. There's nothing 'fancy' or privileged in this family; yet they get on with the everyone.

The Christmas backdrop contributed to the story - intriguing!

I have read other in the series, and this cast of characters has definitely grown on me. I highly recommend them.

This was four out of five on the enjoyment scale.

My thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my copy. The opinions expressed are my own

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local author Pawly Yelland's talk at the library targets the background of some well known residents, stating he has more to reveal. When he is found dead at a party, the investigation reveals that it was not an accidental fall but murder. As Morwena investigates the party's attendees. She is also dealing with her mother's and daughter's love life as well as her own. When mysterious Christmas cards appear with threatening messages to her family. Morwena is focused on keeping her family safe.
Tight knit family and interesting side characters.
#MincePiesandMurder #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read

Mince Pies and Murder by J.R. Leigh.
The Morwenna Mutton Mysteries Book 3.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. Even thought i haven't read the first two books in this series I did get into this book. I loved Morwenna, Ruan, Jane, Elowen, Blessed and Tamsin. I loved how close they were. I liked the writing style and the story. This is a new author for me. It wasn't who I thought it was. I do recommend this book.

[Juliet Ruston · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you like Thursday murder club then you'll like this.its set in a cornish village were everyone knows everyone . it starts with the death st a Christmas party and from then on there's all Manor of different crime and suspects to sift threw all with the help of morwena a grandma who helps run the family tea room . never read this author before but their on my to read list now ,a great cosy read for Christmas

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morwenna and her family and friends return in this 4th book of the Morwenna Mutton series. Christmas preparations are underway in Seal Bay with a costume party being hosted at Pengellen Manor setting the tone for the festive season. When a body dressed as Santa Claus is found at the bottom of a flight of stairs, Morwenna finds her self back in her sleuthing role and assisting the police with their investigation.

Another excellent read from Judy Leigh.

[María Mónica Beltrami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally I've got my desired finale!!

After the two first superb novels, I wanted something more about the twisted relationship between Morwenna and her former husband.
Well, now I have the joy of seen my wishes done.
Thank you, Ms. Leigh from your fan Monica, Montevideo, Uruguay.

[Graham Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns

I love the characters in the book. Their stories mingle with the storyline so well. It's difficult to put the book down, each chapter urging you to "just read the next one". The description of the Cornish villages and the sea draw pictures in your mind, so clear you could almost be there.

[Davida Chazan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars. I'm having fun (and don't be fooled, this is book 4, not 3, of the Morwenna Mutton Mysteries). My full review can be found here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2025/08/2...