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Piddlington Gazette #2
Death by Canapé
The second book in the Piddlington Gazette cosy mystery series!
Perfect for fans of Ian Moore, Richard Osman and Reverend Richard Coles.
Perfect for fans of Ian Moore, Richard Osman and Reverend Richard Coles.
Audible Audio
Published June 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 15, 2026
* I LOVE the side characters in these books [especially Ignatius]. They truly add to the story and I love their antics [and honestly, who wouldn't want to have a coffee at Brenda's or a drink with Cassandra at the Ball Inn?], even when, in trying to help, create more chaos and mayhem.
* Mr. Chagall and the rats is so very ew. V E R Y ew. IYKYK
* There were so many characters [and THREE storylines!!] that I struggled to keep everyone straight. Thankfully, about mid-book, it all smoothed out and it became a bit more cohesive and easier to keep track of everyone. A character list would not be amiss here.
* I didn't know who the killer was [totally dismissed them] and that gave this an extra star as I love when I discover the killer when everyone in the book does. I also didn't guess about the miniature village so a double-yay!
* The narrator for these books is absolutely divine and I love him and hope I can find a ton of other books that he narrates to read. He is absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend the audiobook!
* This was W A Y better than book 1 was for me. Harry is less inept, more composed [he seems to have learned some serious lessons from the first book and have applied said lessons], and is better informed about the people in the town [his relationship with Ophelia is another matter - note to everyone, COMMUNICATION is so so so important. The amount of eye-rolling I did when they were together almost made me need new eyes...], which helps him when he goes searching for information. The writing was also much better [though the middle once again bogged down, and I think that is just because there were three storylines and SO. MANY. PEOPLE.] and I am left thinking I just might read book 3!! ;-)
Thank you to NetGalley, Faith Eckersall, and Embla Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
* Mr. Chagall and the rats is so very ew. V E R Y ew. IYKYK
* There were so many characters [and THREE storylines!!] that I struggled to keep everyone straight. Thankfully, about mid-book, it all smoothed out and it became a bit more cohesive and easier to keep track of everyone. A character list would not be amiss here.
* I didn't know who the killer was [totally dismissed them] and that gave this an extra star as I love when I discover the killer when everyone in the book does. I also didn't guess about the miniature village so a double-yay!
* The narrator for these books is absolutely divine and I love him and hope I can find a ton of other books that he narrates to read. He is absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend the audiobook!
* This was W A Y better than book 1 was for me. Harry is less inept, more composed [he seems to have learned some serious lessons from the first book and have applied said lessons], and is better informed about the people in the town [his relationship with Ophelia is another matter - note to everyone, COMMUNICATION is so so so important. The amount of eye-rolling I did when they were together almost made me need new eyes...], which helps him when he goes searching for information. The writing was also much better [though the middle once again bogged down, and I think that is just because there were three storylines and SO. MANY. PEOPLE.] and I am left thinking I just might read book 3!! ;-)
Thank you to NetGalley, Faith Eckersall, and Embla Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If ever a book cried out for a character list, it’s Death by Canapé by Faith Eckersall. With no fewer than nineteen characters introduced in Chapter One alone, the author dives straight into a bustling cast of quirky villagers, journalists, and newcomers. Thankfully, this reader compiled a handy guide (you’re welcome indeed), making it far easier to keep track of everyone from Neville Darville at the Piddlington in Miniature model village to the glamorous influencer Sophie Waterhouse and her family. You can see it at the bottom of this review.
This is the second book in the series, but I’m pleased to report it works perfectly well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book and never felt lost. That said, the world and characters are charming enough that I immediately bought book one afterward and look forward to more installments.
The story blends two intriguing threads: sinister effigies mysteriously appearing in the local model village (including one that uncannily resembles the town mayoress, a woman with plenty of enemies due to her big development plans), and a glitzy party hosted by the wealthy new arrival Sophie Waterhouse. When the mayoress is later found dead—apparently having choked on a canapé—reporter Harry Hedges smells a major story. Determined to uncover the truth (and secure some juicy headlines), Harry launches his own investigation, roping in his small team at the Piddlington Gazette.
Along the way, he contends with hidden secrets, non-disclosure agreements, an anxious competition winner, office politics, and his own complicated romantic life. The supporting cast shines, particularly the dedicated Sergeant Ophelia Starsky, the larger-than-life landlady Cassandra, and even the office dog Ignatius with his own “career plans.” The eccentric residents of Piddlington bring warmth and humor to the tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed Death by Canapé. It held my interest from start to finish, with interesting characters, a well-paced plot, and solid writing that captures the cozy charm of village life mixed with genuine mystery. The model village setting is especially fun and original. My only minor gripe with the series so far (and many others like it) is the occasional tendency to include spoilers for previous books. When trying to attract new readers, it’s best not to give away earlier endings.
Overall, this is a promising cozy mystery series with plenty of heart, humor, and intrigue. If you enjoy village settings, amateur sleuthing journalists, and light-hearted whodunits, Death by Canapé is well worth picking up. Just keep that character list handy for the first few chapters!
Neville Darville — owner and caretaker at Piddlington in Miniature model village.
Rav — Neville’s work experience social media assistant at Piddlington in Miniature model village.
Hattie Watson — the only reporter at the Piddlington Gazette.
Harry Hedges — editor of the Piddlington Gazette. Lives in the Ball Inn.
Ray Featherwaite — sub editor of the Piddlington Gazette. Lives in the spare room at the Ball Inn.
Cassandra — Ball Inn’s Dolly Parton-esque landlady.
Mr Chagall, the stately ginger office cat.
Lionel Green — proprietor of the Piddlington Gazette, mysterious and gentle art collector.
Sadie Green — Lionel’s sister; artist.
Barry Hands at the Wessex Post
Ignatius — the office dog, who, following a nasty accident, now lives with Hattie and her mother.
Geoffrey — Harry’s widowed father.
Sergeant Ophelia Starsky — diminutive and hard-working officer, Harry’s on again, off again love interest.
Great Aunt Maud — Harry’s terrifying relation.
Brenda — proprietor of Brenda’s cafe.
Jasper Grant — appalling news editor of the Daily News.
Sophie Waterhouse — lifestyle guru, influencer, new owner of Great Piddlington Manor; mother to Panda, Miranda and Lysander. UK’s answer to Martha Stewart.
Simon Waterhouse — husband to Sophie.
Heather Bulstrode — Deputy mayor.
Colin Bulstrode — Heather’s husband, president of the Piddlington Golf Club.
I received a copy from NetGalley.
This is the second book in the series, but I’m pleased to report it works perfectly well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book and never felt lost. That said, the world and characters are charming enough that I immediately bought book one afterward and look forward to more installments.
The story blends two intriguing threads: sinister effigies mysteriously appearing in the local model village (including one that uncannily resembles the town mayoress, a woman with plenty of enemies due to her big development plans), and a glitzy party hosted by the wealthy new arrival Sophie Waterhouse. When the mayoress is later found dead—apparently having choked on a canapé—reporter Harry Hedges smells a major story. Determined to uncover the truth (and secure some juicy headlines), Harry launches his own investigation, roping in his small team at the Piddlington Gazette.
Along the way, he contends with hidden secrets, non-disclosure agreements, an anxious competition winner, office politics, and his own complicated romantic life. The supporting cast shines, particularly the dedicated Sergeant Ophelia Starsky, the larger-than-life landlady Cassandra, and even the office dog Ignatius with his own “career plans.” The eccentric residents of Piddlington bring warmth and humor to the tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed Death by Canapé. It held my interest from start to finish, with interesting characters, a well-paced plot, and solid writing that captures the cozy charm of village life mixed with genuine mystery. The model village setting is especially fun and original. My only minor gripe with the series so far (and many others like it) is the occasional tendency to include spoilers for previous books. When trying to attract new readers, it’s best not to give away earlier endings.
Overall, this is a promising cozy mystery series with plenty of heart, humor, and intrigue. If you enjoy village settings, amateur sleuthing journalists, and light-hearted whodunits, Death by Canapé is well worth picking up. Just keep that character list handy for the first few chapters!
Neville Darville — owner and caretaker at Piddlington in Miniature model village.
Rav — Neville’s work experience social media assistant at Piddlington in Miniature model village.
Hattie Watson — the only reporter at the Piddlington Gazette.
Harry Hedges — editor of the Piddlington Gazette. Lives in the Ball Inn.
Ray Featherwaite — sub editor of the Piddlington Gazette. Lives in the spare room at the Ball Inn.
Cassandra — Ball Inn’s Dolly Parton-esque landlady.
Mr Chagall, the stately ginger office cat.
Lionel Green — proprietor of the Piddlington Gazette, mysterious and gentle art collector.
Sadie Green — Lionel’s sister; artist.
Barry Hands at the Wessex Post
Ignatius — the office dog, who, following a nasty accident, now lives with Hattie and her mother.
Geoffrey — Harry’s widowed father.
Sergeant Ophelia Starsky — diminutive and hard-working officer, Harry’s on again, off again love interest.
Great Aunt Maud — Harry’s terrifying relation.
Brenda — proprietor of Brenda’s cafe.
Jasper Grant — appalling news editor of the Daily News.
Sophie Waterhouse — lifestyle guru, influencer, new owner of Great Piddlington Manor; mother to Panda, Miranda and Lysander. UK’s answer to Martha Stewart.
Simon Waterhouse — husband to Sophie.
Heather Bulstrode — Deputy mayor.
Colin Bulstrode — Heather’s husband, president of the Piddlington Golf Club.
I received a copy from NetGalley.
June 14, 2026
This was a highly entertaining cosy if a little light on actual death.
We follow Harry, editor of the Piddlington Gazette, a weekly newspaper. He's determined to keep the newspaper going, and that means finding stories every week, as well as bring it into the present with the use of social media. There are some highs there, and the little subplot of 'JurnoHound' is a true delight. Indeed, when another subplot threatens our beloved dog, I found myself loosing all sympathy for that character. You don't mess with the animals in a cosy! Or anywhere really.
And there are plenty of subplots. From the mystery of little effigies littering the model village, to the dog, the tug of war over Mr C, the rats, what is going on with Harry and Ophelia, and perhaps most importantly, everything going on with Sophie Waterhouse. A lifestyle influencer, she and her family have just moved into the village, but all is not well behind the perfect posed photos and pastoral farming.
It's at an event that the Mayor takes ill, and later dies. But is it murder? Just to add to the confusion, a tiny minute body duplicating the Mayor turns up in the model village. And with two previous 'bodies' in the model village, it is up to Harry and his reporters to try and work out just what is going on.
The book keeps you in suspense as to if the Mayor was actually even murdered. (I mean, not really, what kind of cosy murder mystery would this be without a murder?) But it works hard to sow the seeds of doubt.
Honestly, there is so much going on here, I know I've missed some plot threads out of my original list, such as his new crazy landlord, but for such a small book, it really packs a punch.
And its fun. At the end of the day, this is just an entertaining book that will make you smile, keep you turning the page and waiting to find out what happens with all these people. It's a slice of life book, and I found myself more invested in the Waterhouse hijinxs than the murder - although that isn't allowed to fade away, we keep coming back to the Mayor and rightfully so. Her death is solved by the end and it makes sense.
All in all, a great edition to the cosy line up and worth a read if you like this genre.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
We follow Harry, editor of the Piddlington Gazette, a weekly newspaper. He's determined to keep the newspaper going, and that means finding stories every week, as well as bring it into the present with the use of social media. There are some highs there, and the little subplot of 'JurnoHound' is a true delight. Indeed, when another subplot threatens our beloved dog, I found myself loosing all sympathy for that character. You don't mess with the animals in a cosy! Or anywhere really.
And there are plenty of subplots. From the mystery of little effigies littering the model village, to the dog, the tug of war over Mr C, the rats, what is going on with Harry and Ophelia, and perhaps most importantly, everything going on with Sophie Waterhouse. A lifestyle influencer, she and her family have just moved into the village, but all is not well behind the perfect posed photos and pastoral farming.
It's at an event that the Mayor takes ill, and later dies. But is it murder? Just to add to the confusion, a tiny minute body duplicating the Mayor turns up in the model village. And with two previous 'bodies' in the model village, it is up to Harry and his reporters to try and work out just what is going on.
The book keeps you in suspense as to if the Mayor was actually even murdered. (I mean, not really, what kind of cosy murder mystery would this be without a murder?) But it works hard to sow the seeds of doubt.
Honestly, there is so much going on here, I know I've missed some plot threads out of my original list, such as his new crazy landlord, but for such a small book, it really packs a punch.
And its fun. At the end of the day, this is just an entertaining book that will make you smile, keep you turning the page and waiting to find out what happens with all these people. It's a slice of life book, and I found myself more invested in the Waterhouse hijinxs than the murder - although that isn't allowed to fade away, we keep coming back to the Mayor and rightfully so. Her death is solved by the end and it makes sense.
All in all, a great edition to the cosy line up and worth a read if you like this genre.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What do creepy effigies left in a model village, the arrival of a hugely successful social media influencer, and the death of a local dignitary have in common? Nothing according to the police in Piddlington Minster but Harry Hedges, editor of the local paper, isn't so sure! Determined to get justice for the victim, and a few juicy headlines for himself, Harry begins his own investigation but with well hidden secrets, non-disclosure agreements, and an anxious competition winner to contend with, as well as his own romantic intentions leaving a lot to be desired, life is getting quite complicated! Can he sort everything out or is he doomed to fail on at least one front?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Embla Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed book one in this new cosy series and was delighted to read this one as well. Once again the author has sympathetically drawn all the main protagonists and those characters who appear in just this new story. Harry has a bit of a checkered past and I would suggest reading the two books in order as there are spoilers here. Trust me, it will be no hardship! In the dim and distant past I worked for a well-known magazine and it is easy to slot these three journalists into my old workplace. I highly recommend this and hope book three won't be too long in appearing on the shelves.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Embla Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed book one in this new cosy series and was delighted to read this one as well. Once again the author has sympathetically drawn all the main protagonists and those characters who appear in just this new story. Harry has a bit of a checkered past and I would suggest reading the two books in order as there are spoilers here. Trust me, it will be no hardship! In the dim and distant past I worked for a well-known magazine and it is easy to slot these three journalists into my old workplace. I highly recommend this and hope book three won't be too long in appearing on the shelves.
June 26, 2026
2 1/2 stars. A cozy with requisite small town, quirky characters and enough secrets to mean there are a lot of people who might want someone dead.
Harry Hedges, the MC, who used to work on a paper who loved tabloid type articles and headlines now is the editor in a small Dorset town where the owner despises that style of newsreporting. But it is a struggle to find stories in a small town that keep readers interested especially as it has to compete with online services. When effigies show up in the minature model town of Piddlington and a resemblance is found to similar deaths recently he wonders is this a story, just a coincidence or is murder involved. The latest is the town's mayor who has a choking incident at a public dinner, recovers but than dies at home. Poison? Something else? Harry will need the help of his co-workers to find out the truth.
I found Harry to be wishy-washy. He definitely is inept with women. He co-workers were more interesting and of course the dog was adorable. Overall, an ok mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Harry Hedges, the MC, who used to work on a paper who loved tabloid type articles and headlines now is the editor in a small Dorset town where the owner despises that style of newsreporting. But it is a struggle to find stories in a small town that keep readers interested especially as it has to compete with online services. When effigies show up in the minature model town of Piddlington and a resemblance is found to similar deaths recently he wonders is this a story, just a coincidence or is murder involved. The latest is the town's mayor who has a choking incident at a public dinner, recovers but than dies at home. Poison? Something else? Harry will need the help of his co-workers to find out the truth.
I found Harry to be wishy-washy. He definitely is inept with women. He co-workers were more interesting and of course the dog was adorable. Overall, an ok mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 3, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this funny, clever, murder mystery, set in beautiful Dorset.
Harry works for the local paper, and is surprised when word gets out that dolls have been found in the local model village of dead people. When a local councilor dies soon after a coughing fit at a local event, a doll looking suspiciously like her appears at the model village. Her death is put down to a heart attack following the coughing fit earlier that day, but Harry remains unconvinced.
There were some great characters in this book, my favourites being Harry's landlady and Ignatius the dog. There is a little romance sprinkled in, as Harry tries to win the heart of local police officer Ophelia.
Although a murder mystery, it was also fun an emotional in equal measures, a really great read.
Harry works for the local paper, and is surprised when word gets out that dolls have been found in the local model village of dead people. When a local councilor dies soon after a coughing fit at a local event, a doll looking suspiciously like her appears at the model village. Her death is put down to a heart attack following the coughing fit earlier that day, but Harry remains unconvinced.
There were some great characters in this book, my favourites being Harry's landlady and Ignatius the dog. There is a little romance sprinkled in, as Harry tries to win the heart of local police officer Ophelia.
Although a murder mystery, it was also fun an emotional in equal measures, a really great read.
Read
June 12, 2026Harry Hedges is the editor of the Piddlington Gazette and he’s attending a party along with the local mayor and her husband .
The mayor seems to choke whilst eating a canapé , the paramedics attend and she seems to recover and leaves the party to return to her home .
The day after the party she is found dead , apparently her heart couldn’t take the strain .
Harry thinks there’s something not quite right with her death and decides to begin sleuthing himself .
This book is full of interesting characters and the writing style makes for an easy read .
An intriguing and quaint cozy mystery .
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books.
The mayor seems to choke whilst eating a canapé , the paramedics attend and she seems to recover and leaves the party to return to her home .
The day after the party she is found dead , apparently her heart couldn’t take the strain .
Harry thinks there’s something not quite right with her death and decides to begin sleuthing himself .
This book is full of interesting characters and the writing style makes for an easy read .
An intriguing and quaint cozy mystery .
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books.
July 19, 2026
A cosy mystery featuring drippy local newspaper editor Harry Hedges whose paper is reporting on the fortunes of a celebrity influencer who has moved into the locality, a series of sinister effigies being left in a nearby model village and the sudden death of the town mayor. The story has a certain charm and is well narrated, but I couldn’t really warm to hapless Harry and his romantic pursuit of the aloof Sergeant Ophelia and felt that the large cast of eccentrics made the story feel too chaotic and farcical.
This is a review of the audiobook.
This is a review of the audiobook.
August 14, 2026
I was provided with an advanced listener copy of this work by NetGalley free of charge in return for an honest review.
The Narration quality is excellent. The reader really worked super hard to bring the story and each of its characters to life by ensuring they all had their own way of speaking and accents where appropriate. It was very well done
The characters are fun, quirky and engaging. The story itself is well written and has lots of sweet, fun moments mixed in with more serious ones.. It was a lovely way to spend a late Sunday evening.
The Narration quality is excellent. The reader really worked super hard to bring the story and each of its characters to life by ensuring they all had their own way of speaking and accents where appropriate. It was very well done
The characters are fun, quirky and engaging. The story itself is well written and has lots of sweet, fun moments mixed in with more serious ones.. It was a lovely way to spend a late Sunday evening.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Piddlington Minster editor, Harry Hedges is trying to find stories for the Piddlington Gazette, find somewhere to live and rekindle his romance with local police Sergeant Ophelia. How does the death of the local mayor tie in to the sinister effigies in the Model Village, and what to do about the rat problem. A good read.
May 16, 2026
This is the second book in the series and it was delightfully quaint. In a cozy village in Dorset there is a murder and it needs to be solved before another person is killed. It was a wonderful read.
July 7, 2026
Another brilliant novel. You become submerged into the book. The characters are so normal not fictitious superheroes but everyday working people. I had to keep reading till the end. Can’t wait for the next book.
July 11, 2026
Slightly disappointed.
I love the characters, the setting and the story. However I found the rat scenarios
outputting and disgusting. I don't think that they added anything to the book. Still I look forward reading meeting Harry and company again.
I love the characters, the setting and the story. However I found the rat scenarios
outputting and disgusting. I don't think that they added anything to the book. Still I look forward reading meeting Harry and company again.
August 28, 2026
Did not enjoy this book much. I love the mystery genre, but this book really left me wanting more from all the characters and a more compelling story. Did not become interesting until the last quarter of the book
Read
September 6, 2026It warmed up in the end
It took a while to get going but once it did was a decent read.
I can't see the point of Gerry, other than as a maybe suspect, but really like the main characters and how they evolve over the story especially Cassandra
It took a while to get going but once it did was a decent read.
I can't see the point of Gerry, other than as a maybe suspect, but really like the main characters and how they evolve over the story especially Cassandra
July 8, 2026
A bit on the silly side but who cares. Easy read for an evening.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews