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A Walk Through England Mystery #3
A Crushing Walk in Cornwall
For retired San Diego detective Rick “Chase” Chasen, week-long walks in the English countryside are an enjoyable new pastime. But sometimes these outings take deadly detours…
Chase is disappointed that his partner Mike won’t be joining him on his tour of the rocky Cornish coast—but like long-distance walks, long-distance relationships can require an occasional break. He still has his friend Billie for company, though, and a few more fellow Americans, from a New Orleans restaurateur to a New York travel writer, joining them on their jaunt.
When the group hears before their departure that local landowners have been sabotaging the trail with booby-traps, their walk leader dismisses it as rumor—but some in the group are worried, especially after a terrifying incident on a bridge the very next morning. As they bravely continue their expedition, twelve-year-old chatterbox Ivy, who’s already spilled some of her mother’s secrets, continues gossiping to Chase about the group members. She’s been researching online and thinks they’re not all as they seem. When one of them nearly plunges to her death during a visit to a 16th-century castle, Ivy’s sure a killer walks among them.
That turns out to be a real possibility when the near miss is followed by a suspicious death during a meal break. Did a Cornish property owner take a prank too far? And is Ivy just a drama-obsessed internet addict, or is ignoring her warnings a fatal misstep? If murder is truly afoot, Chase will have to rely on his investigative wits to trip the killer up.
Chase is disappointed that his partner Mike won’t be joining him on his tour of the rocky Cornish coast—but like long-distance walks, long-distance relationships can require an occasional break. He still has his friend Billie for company, though, and a few more fellow Americans, from a New Orleans restaurateur to a New York travel writer, joining them on their jaunt.
When the group hears before their departure that local landowners have been sabotaging the trail with booby-traps, their walk leader dismisses it as rumor—but some in the group are worried, especially after a terrifying incident on a bridge the very next morning. As they bravely continue their expedition, twelve-year-old chatterbox Ivy, who’s already spilled some of her mother’s secrets, continues gossiping to Chase about the group members. She’s been researching online and thinks they’re not all as they seem. When one of them nearly plunges to her death during a visit to a 16th-century castle, Ivy’s sure a killer walks among them.
That turns out to be a real possibility when the near miss is followed by a suspicious death during a meal break. Did a Cornish property owner take a prank too far? And is Ivy just a drama-obsessed internet addict, or is ignoring her warnings a fatal misstep? If murder is truly afoot, Chase will have to rely on his investigative wits to trip the killer up.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
9 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 27, 2026
3.75 stars
I liked this relatively short and cozy murder mystery! I had fun and while I hadn't read the previous two books in the series it was still perfectly enjoyable since the recurring characters and their backgrounds were introduced again.
I liked this relatively short and cozy murder mystery! I had fun and while I hadn't read the previous two books in the series it was still perfectly enjoyable since the recurring characters and their backgrounds were introduced again.
February 27, 2026
While visiting his British boyfriend, retired San Diego detective Rich Chasen joins a week-long group walk along the rugged Cornish coast; after a few dangerous close calls, when a walker in the group is killed by a falling statue, Chasen investigates the murder.
A Crushing Walk in Cornwall is a leisurely mystery with lots of suspects who are keeping secrets, as well as local landowners who want to sabotage the whole walking program, and a drama obsessed teen internet addict looking for trouble.
This is a fun cozy mystery, and a travelogue, and the travel descriptions and details were the most fun for me; plus the book has extra extra appeal for me as it’s great to see a gay detective in the cozy mystery genre
While this book is the third in a series, I haven't read the others, and this was easy to read as a standalone (and I do plan to go back and read the first two).
3.5 ⭐ out of 5.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It will be published March 31st.
A Crushing Walk in Cornwall is a leisurely mystery with lots of suspects who are keeping secrets, as well as local landowners who want to sabotage the whole walking program, and a drama obsessed teen internet addict looking for trouble.
This is a fun cozy mystery, and a travelogue, and the travel descriptions and details were the most fun for me; plus the book has extra extra appeal for me as it’s great to see a gay detective in the cozy mystery genre
While this book is the third in a series, I haven't read the others, and this was easy to read as a standalone (and I do plan to go back and read the first two).
3.5 ⭐ out of 5.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It will be published March 31st.
April 24, 2026
A Crushing Walk in Cornwall by Nicholas George is the third installment in the A Walk Through England Mystery series, continuing the blend of travel-driven storytelling and light procedural investigation anchored by retired detective Rick “Chase” Chasen.
Set along the Cornish coastal trails, the novel leverages its environment effectively, using the physicality of long-distance walking as both a narrative structure and a tension device. The isolation of the trail, combined with intermittent encounters among a diverse group of American travelers, creates a closed-circle mystery framework typical of classic travel cozies.
The central conflict emerges from early warnings of trail sabotage, which quickly escalate into real physical danger. This progression, from rumor to incident to confirmed death, supports a steadily tightening suspense arc while maintaining the series’ accessible tone.
Chase functions as a grounded investigative lens, though the narrative also introduces a secondary, unconventional intelligence source in Ivy, a perceptive and socially observant child whose online research and observational instincts drive key suspicions. Her role introduces an additional layer of unpredictability, challenging assumptions about credibility and perception within the group.
The mystery itself is structured around misdirection and social dynamics rather than procedural complexity, emphasizing interpersonal tension among travelers and the hidden histories of seemingly ordinary participants. The Cornish setting reinforces this with its combination of scenic openness and physical isolation, heightening the sense that escape is limited once danger escalates.
From a market perspective, A Crushing Walk in Cornwall fits squarely within cozy travel mystery and amateur sleuth fiction, appealing to readers who enjoy atmospheric British settings, group-based mysteries, and light procedural investigation anchored in character interaction rather than forensic detail.
Set along the Cornish coastal trails, the novel leverages its environment effectively, using the physicality of long-distance walking as both a narrative structure and a tension device. The isolation of the trail, combined with intermittent encounters among a diverse group of American travelers, creates a closed-circle mystery framework typical of classic travel cozies.
The central conflict emerges from early warnings of trail sabotage, which quickly escalate into real physical danger. This progression, from rumor to incident to confirmed death, supports a steadily tightening suspense arc while maintaining the series’ accessible tone.
Chase functions as a grounded investigative lens, though the narrative also introduces a secondary, unconventional intelligence source in Ivy, a perceptive and socially observant child whose online research and observational instincts drive key suspicions. Her role introduces an additional layer of unpredictability, challenging assumptions about credibility and perception within the group.
The mystery itself is structured around misdirection and social dynamics rather than procedural complexity, emphasizing interpersonal tension among travelers and the hidden histories of seemingly ordinary participants. The Cornish setting reinforces this with its combination of scenic openness and physical isolation, heightening the sense that escape is limited once danger escalates.
From a market perspective, A Crushing Walk in Cornwall fits squarely within cozy travel mystery and amateur sleuth fiction, appealing to readers who enjoy atmospheric British settings, group-based mysteries, and light procedural investigation anchored in character interaction rather than forensic detail.
April 6, 2026
Retired police detective Rick Chasen, Chase to his friends, is on a walking tour covering southern Cornwall, along with a disparate group of American tourists, his old walking friend Billie and the tour guide Brian. Chase’s partner Mike is unable to join them as he has just returned to work after spending three months in America with Chase, but they vow to speak every night and the tour only lasts a week. But strange things are happening on the tour: a broken bridge across a chasm, a bull unexpectedly in a field, and a group of landowners who resent walkers traversing their land, although that is perfectly legal in Britain. But then a woman is killed, and it turns out that most of the walking group have concealed their true identities - and their motives for murder….This is the third book in the series, which features Chase going on extended guided walks in different parts of the UK (a pastime that is very well attested to in the UK; walking tours are very popular there), and while I continue to enjoy the characters, there were a few problems this time around. First, the Cornish accent is not “crisp,” as Chase describes, it’s warm (yes, I do say this as a Cornish woman); second, one can access St. Michael’s Mount via the causeway only when the tide is *low*, not high - then the causeway would be covered in water; and third, there were several spots where the wrong character is named, for example calling son Ben by the name of another walker, Roy. Those kinds of problems could have been easily corrected by a proofreader, but I guess e-book publishers don’t care about such things, alas. That said, one could easily read this as a stand-alone novel as the author provides enough information about Chase’s personal life that you don’t need to have read the first two to enjoy this; recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5/5 stars: This is George's third entry in the Walk Through England Mystery series which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ British Senior Sleuth Cozy Mystery set in England. Featuring a retired American detective as he finds himself turning sleuth after his week-long walking tour of the rocky Cornish coast is plagued by a series of nearly fatal mishaps and then a suspicious death. He'll have to work fast and rely on his investigative wits to sift through the many suspects, from unhappy local property owners to his fellow walking tour goers, and their differing motives if he's going to trip the killer up before he can strike again.
With plenty of twists and turns, George has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, George's writing and character work are brilliant; the main character's well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a great secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.
• Features delightful descriptions of the sights of Cornwall, England.
• 2SLGBTQIA+ MC and author.
While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Deadly Walk in Devon. This is a favorite series; Highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, George has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, George's writing and character work are brilliant; the main character's well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a great secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.
• Features delightful descriptions of the sights of Cornwall, England.
• 2SLGBTQIA+ MC and author.
While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Deadly Walk in Devon. This is a favorite series; Highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The third book in the series A Walk through England. Note to self that I missed book two and must look out for it.
We set out again with retired American detective Chase on a long distance walk through England, this time along the coast of Cornwall. How I would love to do this walk myself as he visits so many places I have been to myself years ago when my parents lived in Cornwall. Second best then I settled back to read Nicholas George's evocative descriptions of the places the walking tour visits.
It turns out that Cornwall is the perfect setting for a cosy crime novel and the author makes the most of that. It takes a while for the murder to occur but there is plenty of action and suspense before that with a rampaging bull, a dramatic near miss at a 16th century castle and an incident with a collapsing bridge. Who knew that quiet, scenic Cornwall could be so dangerous?
The book was a pleasure to read. George writes his characters well, keeps the mystery bubbling along nicely, and wraps it all up well at the end. Now to chase down the second book A Lethal Walk in Lakeland.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
We set out again with retired American detective Chase on a long distance walk through England, this time along the coast of Cornwall. How I would love to do this walk myself as he visits so many places I have been to myself years ago when my parents lived in Cornwall. Second best then I settled back to read Nicholas George's evocative descriptions of the places the walking tour visits.
It turns out that Cornwall is the perfect setting for a cosy crime novel and the author makes the most of that. It takes a while for the murder to occur but there is plenty of action and suspense before that with a rampaging bull, a dramatic near miss at a 16th century castle and an incident with a collapsing bridge. Who knew that quiet, scenic Cornwall could be so dangerous?
The book was a pleasure to read. George writes his characters well, keeps the mystery bubbling along nicely, and wraps it all up well at the end. Now to chase down the second book A Lethal Walk in Lakeland.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a free review copy.
This is the third book in a mystery series following retired San Diego police detective Rick “Chase” Chasen on walking tours in the English countryside that unluckily seem to be plagued by murders. Remind me not to take a walking tour in the English countryside. 😂 The mysteries are stand alone and I think you can comfortably jump into the series here without missing anything, which is something I don’t usually say.
This mystery finds Chas once again walking with his good friend Billie along the rocky Cornish coast with a full cast of characters including a restaurateur, travel writer, and a couple of families. There is some trouble with the locals over their properties and the politics of the walking paths in the region, which have led to rumors over accidents and sabotage. When the tour group starts having accidents that eventually lead to a fatality, Chase must look at both outside and inside factors for the possible murder.
I found the writing more developed in this new story compared to the previous books. I thought the mystery was well done with a full cast of suspects to choose from with distinct personalities. It does take a bit of an adjustment in the beginning since they are introduced quickly at the start of the walking tour.
Recommended to cozy mystery lovers that enjoy travel.
This is the third book in a mystery series following retired San Diego police detective Rick “Chase” Chasen on walking tours in the English countryside that unluckily seem to be plagued by murders. Remind me not to take a walking tour in the English countryside. 😂 The mysteries are stand alone and I think you can comfortably jump into the series here without missing anything, which is something I don’t usually say.
This mystery finds Chas once again walking with his good friend Billie along the rocky Cornish coast with a full cast of characters including a restaurateur, travel writer, and a couple of families. There is some trouble with the locals over their properties and the politics of the walking paths in the region, which have led to rumors over accidents and sabotage. When the tour group starts having accidents that eventually lead to a fatality, Chase must look at both outside and inside factors for the possible murder.
I found the writing more developed in this new story compared to the previous books. I thought the mystery was well done with a full cast of suspects to choose from with distinct personalities. It does take a bit of an adjustment in the beginning since they are introduced quickly at the start of the walking tour.
Recommended to cozy mystery lovers that enjoy travel.
March 2, 2026
We are back with Chase as he takes another walking tour through the UK, this time in Cornwall. This is the third book in the series, but you could read this on its own, if you wanted to. Chase has returned to the UK with his boyfriend, Mike, after spending several months together at Chase’s home in California. While Mike returns to work, Chase and his good friend Billie set off together for a walk through Cornwall with a walking tour group. This is the third time that Chase has participated in one of these walking vacations, and each time before a murder has occurred during the trip. He and Billie are hoping for something more relaxing this time. Something tells me that they won’t be that fortunate.
There is a really colorful cast of characters in this one, most of which are American tourists. Some of them aren’t particularly pleasant, and a couple are downright annoying, which adds a lot to the story and makes figuring out the eventual murder that much more of a challenge.
This is the second book in the series that I have read, and like the last, it was thoroughly enjoyable. It’s a mystery book with a main character that is gay, but the focus isn’t on his sexuality. I love a good murder mystery, and this one hit the spot. If you are a mystery novel fan, you won’t go wrong with this one.
There is a really colorful cast of characters in this one, most of which are American tourists. Some of them aren’t particularly pleasant, and a couple are downright annoying, which adds a lot to the story and makes figuring out the eventual murder that much more of a challenge.
This is the second book in the series that I have read, and like the last, it was thoroughly enjoyable. It’s a mystery book with a main character that is gay, but the focus isn’t on his sexuality. I love a good murder mystery, and this one hit the spot. If you are a mystery novel fan, you won’t go wrong with this one.
April 24, 2026
DNF.
I liked that it was set on a walking tour in a place where I've never been. It was easy enough to tell when the author was setting up clues. Easy read.
Had to put it down after too many derogatory tropes.
I wanted to read the rest, but the short-sightedness of the author about folx outside his demographic groups told me all I needed to know.
I liked that it was set on a walking tour in a place where I've never been. It was easy enough to tell when the author was setting up clues. Easy read.
Had to put it down after too many derogatory tropes.
I wanted to read the rest, but the short-sightedness of the author about folx outside his demographic groups told me all I needed to know.
April 2, 2026
S/O and TY to NetGalley and the publisher Kensington publishing for the eARC of this title.
The strongest entry in the series thus far. The author definitely figured out the pacing and building of suspense that the first two titles of this series had some flaws delivering. The cast of character introductions were entertaining and the feeling of dread of who-done-it this time kept me engaged and suspicious of everyone. I think the author does a good job of portraying Chase’s generation of gay men; how coming out never ends and passing as straight is a defense mechanism sometimes. There was also a poignant scene of Chase acknowledging his grief that finally showed a crack in the controlled detective facade he’s built and made him more likable for me.
I’d recommend this to readers who like countryside murders, British food, and large casts of characters.
4.25/5 stars
The strongest entry in the series thus far. The author definitely figured out the pacing and building of suspense that the first two titles of this series had some flaws delivering. The cast of character introductions were entertaining and the feeling of dread of who-done-it this time kept me engaged and suspicious of everyone. I think the author does a good job of portraying Chase’s generation of gay men; how coming out never ends and passing as straight is a defense mechanism sometimes. There was also a poignant scene of Chase acknowledging his grief that finally showed a crack in the controlled detective facade he’s built and made him more likable for me.
I’d recommend this to readers who like countryside murders, British food, and large casts of characters.
4.25/5 stars
April 3, 2026
I was so happy to be back with Chase and his friend Billie as they embark on another walking vacation this time in Cornwall.
Of course, we have the murder and a missing child where Chase helps to solve.
As usual I didn't get the killer until the reveal. I am hoping there will be more in this series and I want to see what happens when Chase moves to the UK.
Also have to say, its the first time I have had a MC who is from Temecula. Most people probably dont know where that is. I've been and even got a magnet saying ' Where the heck is Temecula'
I also gave an additional 1/2 star for the author having the Yankees beating the Red Sox, as it should be..
Of course, we have the murder and a missing child where Chase helps to solve.
As usual I didn't get the killer until the reveal. I am hoping there will be more in this series and I want to see what happens when Chase moves to the UK.
Also have to say, its the first time I have had a MC who is from Temecula. Most people probably dont know where that is. I've been and even got a magnet saying ' Where the heck is Temecula'
I also gave an additional 1/2 star for the author having the Yankees beating the Red Sox, as it should be..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love a good travelogue mystery and this series is perfect for that! Nicholas George takes readers to Cornwall in this entry as misadventure once again strikes his walking group. I loved the setting of Cornwall in this series and the progression we've seen of Chase's life since the first book. The mystery itself was cozy and provided some intrigue, but the descriptions and details are what I enjoy the most. If you're looking for a great cozy English adventure, this would be the ideal read!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really cute murder mystery with some fantastic characters and an effective buildup. the final reveal was logical and fit together really well, and in general i liked the vibes. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
The best book yet of the series. I love how we're getting deeper insights into the returning characters and how Chase and Mike's relationship continues to grow and evolve. It's great that the characters are as given as much time and made as interesting as the mystery.
April 15, 2026
I wasn't a fan of the main character. He took himself too seriously. I also solved the mystery before the reveal which was a bummer. I think thats due to the writing style not withholding enough.
however, I did finish it. it was pleasant and a quick palate cleanser.
however, I did finish it. it was pleasant and a quick palate cleanser.
April 28, 2026
Follow along with a walking tour of Cornwall when one of the members of the group is killed. It seems all the members have a reason to kill this walker. I good cozy to get you in the mood for a vacation.
November 14, 2025
A cute premise and decent plot line but plausibility is lacking. But Cornwall will always win me over!
April 21, 2026
I adore this series. And this one had particularly interesting plot. Great fun! Makes me want to take a walking tour in England - minus the murder part.
May 2, 2026
Third book in the cozy series about walking tours in England. Ends with both a professional and personal resolution.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews