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The Nosey Parker Mysteries #5
A Cornish Recipe for Murder
Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is back!
When popular TV baking contest and national institution ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final.
But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn’t just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder…
And when a body is found in the grounds of the house, Jodie is drawn into another high-stakes case along with local DCI Nathan Withers.
Can Jodie expose the culprit? Or will the murderer become the real showstopper?
When popular TV baking contest and national institution ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final.
But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn’t just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder…
And when a body is found in the grounds of the house, Jodie is drawn into another high-stakes case along with local DCI Nathan Withers.
Can Jodie expose the culprit? Or will the murderer become the real showstopper?
400 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2022
868 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Leitch
26 books403 followersFiona Leitch is a writer with a chequered past. She’s written for football and motoring magazines, DJ’ed at illegal raves and is a stalwart of the low budget TV commercial, even appearing as the Australasian face of a cleaning product called 'Sod Off'. After living in London and Cornwall she's finally settled in sunny New Zealand, where she enjoys scaring her cats by trying out dialogue on them. She spends her days dreaming of retiring to a crumbling Venetian palazzo, walking on the windswept beaches of West Auckland, and writing funny, flawed but awesome female characters.
The first book in her 'Nosey Parker' series of cozy mysteries set in Cornwall will be published by One More Chapter in January 2021, with books 2 and 3 following in February and March.
Her debut novel 'Dead in Venice' was published by Audible in 2018 as one of their Crime Grant finalists. Fiona also writes screenplays and was a finalist in the Athena Film Festival Writers Lab, co-run by Meryl Streep's IRIS company.
Fiona is represented by Lina Langlee at the North Literary Agency.
The first book in her 'Nosey Parker' series of cozy mysteries set in Cornwall will be published by One More Chapter in January 2021, with books 2 and 3 following in February and March.
Her debut novel 'Dead in Venice' was published by Audible in 2018 as one of their Crime Grant finalists. Fiona also writes screenplays and was a finalist in the Athena Film Festival Writers Lab, co-run by Meryl Streep's IRIS company.
Fiona is represented by Lina Langlee at the North Literary Agency.
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August 16, 2022
A Cornish Recipe for Murder
by Fiona Leitch brings a death, a baking show, and some humor to the fifth book in the Nosey Parker cozy mystery series set mainly on the grounds of Boskern House in Cornwall, England. Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker has moved back to her home town of Penstowan after leaving the London metropolitan police force. She has retrained as a caterer and started Banquets and Bakes, her own catering company. When her boyfriend Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Withers shows up at her door with an envelope in hand, Jodie’s mom Shirley and daughter Daisy get excited. The three of them have entered her into a popular television baking contest and she’s been selected as one of five contestants to compete to represent Cornwall. However, things don’t go smoothly. From sabotage to a host with secrets to a dead body, Jodie can’t help but spend time investigating along with Nathan.
Once again, I enjoyed visiting with old friends. Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth continues to shine in this story. She was a likeable and friendly character with a need to investigate that I continued to connect with. The secondary characters continue to develop. In this case, we saw more growth in Nathan. His and Jodie’s interactions continue to be varied and range from witty to serious. The chemistry between them creates a fun dynamic. Instead of only quaint characters, this cozy has several realistic characters that add to the depth of the story. Spotlighting their individual traits made it easy to connect with them. Their Pomeranian Germaine continues to add cuteness and stress relief at various times.
A well-plotted story with characters that feel emotionally rich draws readers in and doesn’t let go until the final word in the book. The author did a good job of transporting me to the baking contest tent, which made the novel more enjoyable. The story had several twists, a few red herrings, a couple of surprises at the end, and gives readers food for thought with a question left unanswered. As always, having a sleuth that isn’t an amateur continues to bring depth to the novel that can be lacking in some cozy mysteries.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Jodie’s world. It was a fun, appealing and entertaining read with a solid mystery to unravel. All of the major plot points were resolved satisfactorily, and the atmosphere was just right. Themes include friendship, parent-child relationships, romance, competition, and death. Relationships continue to play a major role in this series. A recipe for one of the competition cakes is included at the end of the book.
I recommend the novel to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie and her family and friends. For more enjoyment, the books are best read in order, but this can be read as a standalone.
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 18, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Once again, I enjoyed visiting with old friends. Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth continues to shine in this story. She was a likeable and friendly character with a need to investigate that I continued to connect with. The secondary characters continue to develop. In this case, we saw more growth in Nathan. His and Jodie’s interactions continue to be varied and range from witty to serious. The chemistry between them creates a fun dynamic. Instead of only quaint characters, this cozy has several realistic characters that add to the depth of the story. Spotlighting their individual traits made it easy to connect with them. Their Pomeranian Germaine continues to add cuteness and stress relief at various times.
A well-plotted story with characters that feel emotionally rich draws readers in and doesn’t let go until the final word in the book. The author did a good job of transporting me to the baking contest tent, which made the novel more enjoyable. The story had several twists, a few red herrings, a couple of surprises at the end, and gives readers food for thought with a question left unanswered. As always, having a sleuth that isn’t an amateur continues to bring depth to the novel that can be lacking in some cozy mysteries.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Jodie’s world. It was a fun, appealing and entertaining read with a solid mystery to unravel. All of the major plot points were resolved satisfactorily, and the atmosphere was just right. Themes include friendship, parent-child relationships, romance, competition, and death. Relationships continue to play a major role in this series. A recipe for one of the competition cakes is included at the end of the book.
I recommend the novel to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie and her family and friends. For more enjoyment, the books are best read in order, but this can be read as a standalone.
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 18, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
August 30, 2022
EXCERPT: So, to misquote Dickens, (he) was dead: to begin with. But his ghost seemed to hover over the baking tent the next day.
I'd woken that morning, alone (Nathan had texted me around 11 p.m. saying he was only just finishing up at the crime scene, and that he didn't want to disturb Mum or Daisy by coming around so late). I'd fallen asleep swearing that I would not get involved in the investigation this time. I had the competition to think of, and although Nathan was too lovely to say anything he probably didn't really want me getting in the way. Even if, in the past, he'd made a point of involving me, grilling me for local information and giving up (fairly easily) at my repeated attempts to insinuate myself into his detective work. But that had probably only been because he fancied me and he wanted an excuse for us to spend time together. We didn't need to do that now.
I'd fallen asleep thinking that, but of course the next morning I woke up and immediately thought, I wonder if forensics came up with anything? And I knew the chances of me concentrating on Italian meringues, croquembouches, and sponge cakes when there was a murderer on the loose were pretty slim.
ABOUT 'A CORNISH RECIPE FOR MURDER': When popular TV baking contest and national institution ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final.
But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn’t just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder…
And when a body is found in the grounds of the house, Jodie is drawn into another high-stakes case along with local DCI Nathan Withers.
Can Jodie expose the culprit? Or will the murderer become the real showstopper?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book I have read in this series, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first.
Now I know some people have a problem with 'ordinary people' insinuating themselves into police murder investigations, BUT Jodie is an ex-policewoman turned caterer. So she does know what she is doing. It just adds a little more authenticity to the storyline.
I like the characters in this series. I love Jodie's inquisitive nature, and her nickname suits her perfectly. Jodie's mum, Shirley, is a real character with lots of witty and sometimes cheesy repartee, but it works. Daisy must be the dream teenager, although she's not averse to a bit of subterfuge or manipulation to get her own way. She's bright, and it's lovely to have three generations of the same family living and working together. I doubt Nathan could get away with what he gets away with here in real life but, hey, it's fiction and it's a fun and entertaining read that kept me interested and invested from start to finish.
The mystery is a good solid one, solved by following the clues and good old fashioned detective work. I love that I'm not required to suspend belief, and that the characters don't take stupid risks or put themselves in danger.
The writing flows nicely, and the setting of a 'bake-off' is a stroke of genius. I enjoyed getting to know the bake-off contestants, and I have kept a copy of the recipe for the Rich Cornish Fruit Cake with Saffron and Orange. There are other lovely sounding confections mentioned throughout the book and I have made a note of some so that I can look up the recipes.
A quick and deliciously entertaining read best not tackled on an empty stomach!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#ACornishRecipeforMurder #NetGalley
I: @leitchfiona @onemorechapterhc
T: @fkleitch @OneMoreChapter
#christmasfiction #contemporaryfiction #cookbook #cozymystery #detectivefiction #domesticdrama #mystery #romance
THE AUTHOR: Fiona Leitch is a writer with a chequered past. She’s written for football and motoring magazines, DJ’ed at illegal raves and is a stalwart of the low budget TV commercial, even appearing as the Australasian face of a cleaning product called 'Sod Off'. After living in London and Cornwall she's finally settled in sunny New Zealand, where she enjoys scaring her cats by trying out dialogue on them. She spends her days dreaming of retiring to a crumbling Venetian palazzo, walking on the windswept beaches of West Auckland, and writing funny, flawed but awesome female characters.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Cornish Recipe for Murder by Fiona Leitch for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I'd woken that morning, alone (Nathan had texted me around 11 p.m. saying he was only just finishing up at the crime scene, and that he didn't want to disturb Mum or Daisy by coming around so late). I'd fallen asleep swearing that I would not get involved in the investigation this time. I had the competition to think of, and although Nathan was too lovely to say anything he probably didn't really want me getting in the way. Even if, in the past, he'd made a point of involving me, grilling me for local information and giving up (fairly easily) at my repeated attempts to insinuate myself into his detective work. But that had probably only been because he fancied me and he wanted an excuse for us to spend time together. We didn't need to do that now.
I'd fallen asleep thinking that, but of course the next morning I woke up and immediately thought, I wonder if forensics came up with anything? And I knew the chances of me concentrating on Italian meringues, croquembouches, and sponge cakes when there was a murderer on the loose were pretty slim.
ABOUT 'A CORNISH RECIPE FOR MURDER': When popular TV baking contest and national institution ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final.
But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn’t just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder…
And when a body is found in the grounds of the house, Jodie is drawn into another high-stakes case along with local DCI Nathan Withers.
Can Jodie expose the culprit? Or will the murderer become the real showstopper?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book I have read in this series, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first.
Now I know some people have a problem with 'ordinary people' insinuating themselves into police murder investigations, BUT Jodie is an ex-policewoman turned caterer. So she does know what she is doing. It just adds a little more authenticity to the storyline.
I like the characters in this series. I love Jodie's inquisitive nature, and her nickname suits her perfectly. Jodie's mum, Shirley, is a real character with lots of witty and sometimes cheesy repartee, but it works. Daisy must be the dream teenager, although she's not averse to a bit of subterfuge or manipulation to get her own way. She's bright, and it's lovely to have three generations of the same family living and working together. I doubt Nathan could get away with what he gets away with here in real life but, hey, it's fiction and it's a fun and entertaining read that kept me interested and invested from start to finish.
The mystery is a good solid one, solved by following the clues and good old fashioned detective work. I love that I'm not required to suspend belief, and that the characters don't take stupid risks or put themselves in danger.
The writing flows nicely, and the setting of a 'bake-off' is a stroke of genius. I enjoyed getting to know the bake-off contestants, and I have kept a copy of the recipe for the Rich Cornish Fruit Cake with Saffron and Orange. There are other lovely sounding confections mentioned throughout the book and I have made a note of some so that I can look up the recipes.
A quick and deliciously entertaining read best not tackled on an empty stomach!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#ACornishRecipeforMurder #NetGalley
I: @leitchfiona @onemorechapterhc
T: @fkleitch @OneMoreChapter
#christmasfiction #contemporaryfiction #cookbook #cozymystery #detectivefiction #domesticdrama #mystery #romance
THE AUTHOR: Fiona Leitch is a writer with a chequered past. She’s written for football and motoring magazines, DJ’ed at illegal raves and is a stalwart of the low budget TV commercial, even appearing as the Australasian face of a cleaning product called 'Sod Off'. After living in London and Cornwall she's finally settled in sunny New Zealand, where she enjoys scaring her cats by trying out dialogue on them. She spends her days dreaming of retiring to a crumbling Venetian palazzo, walking on the windswept beaches of West Auckland, and writing funny, flawed but awesome female characters.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Cornish Recipe for Murder by Fiona Leitch for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 14, 2025
A Cornish Recipe for Murder is the 5th-book in the Nosey Parker Mystery series.
I had so much fun with Murder on the Menu and A Cornish Christmas Murder, Books 1 and 4 in this series, and was super pumped to return to this setting, as well as this fabulous group of characters!!
In this installment, thanks to a nomination from her family, Jodie finds herself competing on the hugely popular The Best of British Baking Roadshow.
The show is currently running their regional competitions and Jodie will be going up against some of the most talented bakers in all of Cornwall.
As to be expected, there's a bit of drama on set, including a spat between one of the long-time hosts, a well-loved drag queen, and a new man on the crew. That's not all though, it is a competition after all. Tensions run high.
When a body is found on the grounds where the filming is taking place, the Roadshow becomes an active crime scene, allowing Jodie to combine her two favorite pastimes: cooking and homicide investigation.
Along with her now boyfriend, DCI Nathan Withers, Jodie dives deep into the backgrounds of everyone involved in the show. Is the killer still lurking amongst them?
Somehow Jodie is able to keep it all straight, perfectly executing her bakes while also compiling and scrutinizing a long-list of suspects.
After being initially unsure with this one, it turned out to be so much fun. As with the earlier books in the series, I loved Jodie and following along with her investigation.
Jodie is not your typical amateur sleuth. In fact, she's not an amateur at all. Jodie worked for the Met in London for decades. Thus, she does have the experience to back up all her poking around.
The conclusion of this was fantastic. I was left squealing with delight over the ending and CANNOT wait to continue on with the series.
I adore it. A true Cozy, full of humor, drama-filled crimes and lovable characters. Before the release of the next installment, I definitely plan to read books 2 and 3.
Thank you so much to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm definitely in for the long haul with this series. Keep 'em coming!
I had so much fun with Murder on the Menu and A Cornish Christmas Murder, Books 1 and 4 in this series, and was super pumped to return to this setting, as well as this fabulous group of characters!!
In this installment, thanks to a nomination from her family, Jodie finds herself competing on the hugely popular The Best of British Baking Roadshow.
The show is currently running their regional competitions and Jodie will be going up against some of the most talented bakers in all of Cornwall.
As to be expected, there's a bit of drama on set, including a spat between one of the long-time hosts, a well-loved drag queen, and a new man on the crew. That's not all though, it is a competition after all. Tensions run high.
When a body is found on the grounds where the filming is taking place, the Roadshow becomes an active crime scene, allowing Jodie to combine her two favorite pastimes: cooking and homicide investigation.
Along with her now boyfriend, DCI Nathan Withers, Jodie dives deep into the backgrounds of everyone involved in the show. Is the killer still lurking amongst them?
Somehow Jodie is able to keep it all straight, perfectly executing her bakes while also compiling and scrutinizing a long-list of suspects.
After being initially unsure with this one, it turned out to be so much fun. As with the earlier books in the series, I loved Jodie and following along with her investigation.
Jodie is not your typical amateur sleuth. In fact, she's not an amateur at all. Jodie worked for the Met in London for decades. Thus, she does have the experience to back up all her poking around.
The conclusion of this was fantastic. I was left squealing with delight over the ending and CANNOT wait to continue on with the series.
I adore it. A true Cozy, full of humor, drama-filled crimes and lovable characters. Before the release of the next installment, I definitely plan to read books 2 and 3.
Thank you so much to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm definitely in for the long haul with this series. Keep 'em coming!
July 5, 2022
A family “conspiracy“ which includes boyfriend DCI Nathan Withers signs Jodie “Nosey“ Parker up for the Best of British Baking Roadshow, Jodie is going to be on TV!! It’s a show that has become a British institution which travels around each county choosing the five best bakers which is whittled down to one that will compete in the National final. The judges obviously aren’t Mary/Prue or old blue eyes (yes okay less of the old, sorry Paul!) but legends Pete Banks and Esme Davies and hosted by comedian Russell Lang or more accurately his alter ego Barbara Strident. What’s going on with Russell/Barbara ? He/she is not a happy bun, bun. Jodie is of course being nosey and then of course, there’s a murder. Obviously, gorgeous Nathan investigates with a smidgen or more of help from Jodie, again, obviously.
I do like these characters very much and by now they feel familiar old friends. Mum Shirley still makes me titter although it has to be said a lot of the dialogue is very cheesy! The bake off, take off element is really good with colourful descriptions of the hosts, the crew, the competitors and lots of cake that makes you salivate! Jodie bakes and chews over what she knows or thinks she knows! There’s quite a bit of baking then a lot of sloping off to investigate. It’s a wonder she finishes her showstopper.
This is an entertaining easy read with plenty of twists and a dash or two of humour. It’s a fun lighthearted cosy mystery set in a beautiful county.
3.5 rounded up to 4 for the Bake Off element!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I do like these characters very much and by now they feel familiar old friends. Mum Shirley still makes me titter although it has to be said a lot of the dialogue is very cheesy! The bake off, take off element is really good with colourful descriptions of the hosts, the crew, the competitors and lots of cake that makes you salivate! Jodie bakes and chews over what she knows or thinks she knows! There’s quite a bit of baking then a lot of sloping off to investigate. It’s a wonder she finishes her showstopper.
This is an entertaining easy read with plenty of twists and a dash or two of humour. It’s a fun lighthearted cosy mystery set in a beautiful county.
3.5 rounded up to 4 for the Bake Off element!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
Although this is the fifth book in this cosy crime series, it is the first I have read but it worked well for me as a stand alone novel.
Jodie (Nosey) Parker is an ex-police officer turned chef whose family have entered her into a regional bake-off competition along the lines of the GBBO. With four other contestants from her region, she has to compete in a series of knock out rounds to represent Cornwall in the national finals. When one of the crew is murdered, the ex-cop in Jodie can't help but live up to her nickname and snoop around the set and the grounds where they are filming, aided by her boyfriend local DCI Nathan Withers.
The novel is a lot of fun, with plenty of baking of delicious sounding cakes, a variety of contestants all keen to win and a popular drag queen co-hosting the show. Jodie is a great character along with Nathan, her mum Shirley and daughter Daisy. This is a series I'm definitely keen to read more of in the future.
With thanks to Harper Collins UK via Netgalley for a copy to read
Jodie (Nosey) Parker is an ex-police officer turned chef whose family have entered her into a regional bake-off competition along the lines of the GBBO. With four other contestants from her region, she has to compete in a series of knock out rounds to represent Cornwall in the national finals. When one of the crew is murdered, the ex-cop in Jodie can't help but live up to her nickname and snoop around the set and the grounds where they are filming, aided by her boyfriend local DCI Nathan Withers.
The novel is a lot of fun, with plenty of baking of delicious sounding cakes, a variety of contestants all keen to win and a popular drag queen co-hosting the show. Jodie is a great character along with Nathan, her mum Shirley and daughter Daisy. This is a series I'm definitely keen to read more of in the future.
With thanks to Harper Collins UK via Netgalley for a copy to read
August 11, 2022
This is the second book I have read in his series and I am finding them very satisfactory reads. They seem slightly more logical than many cosies because the main character used to be in the police force herself and is dating a policeman, DCI Nathan Withers. This gives her a much better reason than usual to go around asking people questions about serious crimes.
Jodie "Nosey" Parker is the MC and in this book she is entered by her family into The Best of British Baking Roadshow. She does not expect to win especially as a member of the crew is murdered and she is far more interested in that than in baking cakes. In the end she combines her detective work with her cooking and does both rather well.
I like all the characters in this series and enjoy their interactions except when the author attempts to introduce the vernacular into people's speech. The worst example is "innit" for isn't it. I do understand why authors do this but it makes me cringe! At least she does not use 'ain't'.
That is a minor criticism of what is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more about Jodie and her family in future books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jodie "Nosey" Parker is the MC and in this book she is entered by her family into The Best of British Baking Roadshow. She does not expect to win especially as a member of the crew is murdered and she is far more interested in that than in baking cakes. In the end she combines her detective work with her cooking and does both rather well.
I like all the characters in this series and enjoy their interactions except when the author attempts to introduce the vernacular into people's speech. The worst example is "innit" for isn't it. I do understand why authors do this but it makes me cringe! At least she does not use 'ain't'.
That is a minor criticism of what is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more about Jodie and her family in future books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 14, 2022
Nosey Parker Book 5
When popular TV baking contest and national institution "The Beat of British Baking Roadshow" rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskan House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former officer Jodie 'Nosey' Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final. But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn't just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder....
After retiring from the police force, Jodie moved to Cornwall. Her family have entered her into a baking competition show and now one of the production team is dead. Jodie has to do a little investigation alongside her boyfriend DCI Nathan Withers.
Everyone is a suspect that entered the competition or worked on the show. Jodie is trying to concentrate on her daily baking challenges but the lure of the investigation is pulling her in. The story is told from Jodie's point of view. The storyline is easy to follow. There's twists and some humour in this well written cosy read. The characters are well developed and believable. This book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #FionaLeitch for my ARC of #ACornishRecipeForMurder in exchange for an honest review.
When popular TV baking contest and national institution "The Beat of British Baking Roadshow" rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskan House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former officer Jodie 'Nosey' Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final. But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn't just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder....
After retiring from the police force, Jodie moved to Cornwall. Her family have entered her into a baking competition show and now one of the production team is dead. Jodie has to do a little investigation alongside her boyfriend DCI Nathan Withers.
Everyone is a suspect that entered the competition or worked on the show. Jodie is trying to concentrate on her daily baking challenges but the lure of the investigation is pulling her in. The story is told from Jodie's point of view. The storyline is easy to follow. There's twists and some humour in this well written cosy read. The characters are well developed and believable. This book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #FionaLeitch for my ARC of #ACornishRecipeForMurder in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2023
4.5*
A Cornish Recipe for Murder is another entertaining instalment in Fiona Leitch's delightful Cornwall-set series featuring chef-caterer Jodie "Nosey" Parker.
The style of these mysteries is unashamedly at the "cosy" end of the spectrum, however Fiona Leitch achieves a higher standard of veracity and somewhat grittier content than many other authors working in this sub-genre. Not only is protagonist Jodie Parker a former MET police officer, but she's in a relationship with Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Withers, the senior officer in the Cornwall town of Penstowan. Jodie has a habit of being "on the scene" when crimes are committed, and Nathan shares details of his investigations with her, and gives her a fairly long leash when it comes to carrying out her own surreptitious questioning of suspects and collection of evidence.
In this instalment, Jodie is competing in the Cornwall section of the new series of the hit television show "The Best of British Baking Roadshow", a thinly-veiled facsimile of the much-loved Great British Bake Off. It's a gloriously enticing setting for a cosy murder mystery, and with a great cast of supporting characters, plenty of secrets and skulduggery and a picturesque Cornish setting, it doesn't disappoint!
I'd enthusiastically recommend A Cornish Recipe for Murder, and the whole "Nosey Parker" series to readers who enjoy well-plotted cosy mysteries, with quirky characters and a heartwarming family sub-plot. I can't wait for the next (sixth) book, A Cornish Seaside Murder: A gripping cozy mystery with twists you won’t see coming, due for publication in mid-2023.
My thanks to author Fiona Leitch, publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining title.
A Cornish Recipe for Murder is another entertaining instalment in Fiona Leitch's delightful Cornwall-set series featuring chef-caterer Jodie "Nosey" Parker.
The style of these mysteries is unashamedly at the "cosy" end of the spectrum, however Fiona Leitch achieves a higher standard of veracity and somewhat grittier content than many other authors working in this sub-genre. Not only is protagonist Jodie Parker a former MET police officer, but she's in a relationship with Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Withers, the senior officer in the Cornwall town of Penstowan. Jodie has a habit of being "on the scene" when crimes are committed, and Nathan shares details of his investigations with her, and gives her a fairly long leash when it comes to carrying out her own surreptitious questioning of suspects and collection of evidence.
In this instalment, Jodie is competing in the Cornwall section of the new series of the hit television show "The Best of British Baking Roadshow", a thinly-veiled facsimile of the much-loved Great British Bake Off. It's a gloriously enticing setting for a cosy murder mystery, and with a great cast of supporting characters, plenty of secrets and skulduggery and a picturesque Cornish setting, it doesn't disappoint!
I'd enthusiastically recommend A Cornish Recipe for Murder, and the whole "Nosey Parker" series to readers who enjoy well-plotted cosy mysteries, with quirky characters and a heartwarming family sub-plot. I can't wait for the next (sixth) book, A Cornish Seaside Murder: A gripping cozy mystery with twists you won’t see coming, due for publication in mid-2023.
My thanks to author Fiona Leitch, publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining title.
August 8, 2022
To Jodie's surprise her boyfriend entered her in the Best of British Baking Roadshow. However, after someone is murdered she is having trouble concentrating on her bakes as she keeps slipping out to do what Jodie "Nosey" does best.
The familiar setting of the Best of British Baking Roadshow made it easy to immediately feel comfortable with this story but my favorite part was the tremendously diverse cast of characters. Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
The familiar setting of the Best of British Baking Roadshow made it easy to immediately feel comfortable with this story but my favorite part was the tremendously diverse cast of characters. Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 18, 2022
In the fifth installment of The Nosey Parker Mysteries series Jodie, ex cop and amazing caterer, is one of "The Best of British Baking Roadshow" contestant, she isn't a great baker but since her boyfriend Nathan signed her up and the production invited her to the show she couldn't refuse. During the competition some little sabotages occurr to our heroine, and everything becomes even more hectic when a murder happens and Jodie helps DCI Withers to find the culprit.
I liked A Cornish Recipe For Murder so much, I got pulled into the book and I couldn't put it down before I solved the mystery.
The author's writing is enjoyable and easy to follow, the whodunit is intricate and the characters are diverse and well developped.
I was so curious and happy to see Jodie and Nathan relationship grow, my romance rader heart was all warm.
Do not worry to begin this series from here on because all the books are well explained and easy to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
January 13, 2025
Another great installment of the nosey Parker book series. I love getting to read about all of her family and friends, the characters just seem so real. In this one, Jodie is competing in a British bake off type competition and of course has to help to solve a murder. Love to see her relationship with Nathan still progressing. Lots of fun!
June 24, 2022
A Cornish Recipe for Murder by Fiona Leitch is a wonderful cozy mystery that is the fifth book in the delightful The Nosy Parker Mysteries series. This is such a great book!
I have to say that this is the first book in this lovely series that I have read, but I was easily able to follow along, and enjoyed it so much that I intend to read the first four books as well.
Jodie and Nathan are a great team solving the murder/mystery in this delightful and entertaining cozy mystery. I had such fun following along with them as they worked through the case.
Plenty of suspects, twists, turns, and a great ending. Looking forward to reading the first four books now.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and One More Chapter/ Harper Collins UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/18/22.
I have to say that this is the first book in this lovely series that I have read, but I was easily able to follow along, and enjoyed it so much that I intend to read the first four books as well.
Jodie and Nathan are a great team solving the murder/mystery in this delightful and entertaining cozy mystery. I had such fun following along with them as they worked through the case.
Plenty of suspects, twists, turns, and a great ending. Looking forward to reading the first four books now.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and One More Chapter/ Harper Collins UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/18/22.
September 11, 2022
I've read and enjoyed the first four books in this series. I think this may be my least favourite one so far, but it was still a lot of fun to read.
One of my favourite parts of these books is the relationship between Jodie, her mother and her daughter, so I was a bit disappointed that there was less of their dynamic in this book.
My other favourite thing about these books is Jodie herself, and fortunately, there was still a lot of her! She has a very distinct voice in all of the books; most of the other characters also have very distinct voices, which is one of the fun things about reading them. However, I felt in this book that whilst Jodie's voice was very clear, Nathan's almost entirely vanished. The scenes with those two felt more like Jodie and Jodie-lite. I liked the development of her daughter, and I thought all of the other characters were well written; it was just Nathan that seemed to dwindle. I more than once read a section of speech in Jodie's voice before realising that it was actually Nathan who was speaking, which didn't happen in the other books.
The setting of the Baking Competition was fun and the last chapter has set up what promises to be an exciting premise for the next books! I'm looking forward to the next book already!
One of my favourite parts of these books is the relationship between Jodie, her mother and her daughter, so I was a bit disappointed that there was less of their dynamic in this book.
My other favourite thing about these books is Jodie herself, and fortunately, there was still a lot of her! She has a very distinct voice in all of the books; most of the other characters also have very distinct voices, which is one of the fun things about reading them. However, I felt in this book that whilst Jodie's voice was very clear, Nathan's almost entirely vanished. The scenes with those two felt more like Jodie and Jodie-lite. I liked the development of her daughter, and I thought all of the other characters were well written; it was just Nathan that seemed to dwindle. I more than once read a section of speech in Jodie's voice before realising that it was actually Nathan who was speaking, which didn't happen in the other books.
The setting of the Baking Competition was fun and the last chapter has set up what promises to be an exciting premise for the next books! I'm looking forward to the next book already!
July 8, 2022
Jodie Parker, or Nosey to those in the know, is quite happy running her catering business, spending time with her detective boyfriend Nathan, daughter Daisy, and mum Shirley, in her lovely home in Penstowan, Cornwall. She wasn't planning on applying to take part in The Best of British Baking Roadshow but her friends and family had other ideas. So, now she's cooking up a storm in the tent at Boskern House and there's also the small matter of the body found in the grounds!
With DCI Nathan Withers on the case and needing her insight Jodie finds herself splitting her time between completing the variety of baking tasks and investigating who killed a crewmember and why. The competition is fierce but Jodie can't leave Nathan to investigate alone, especially as more than one of the production crew, presenters, and fellow competitors are definitely keeping secrets.
Book 5 in this wonderful series doesn't disappoint in any way. Josie, Nathan, Daisy and Shirley are all on top form and the scenes in the big white tent are my favourites by Fiona Leitch so far. The original characters are obviously based around those familiar from a very well-known TV series but are different enough to withstand the comparison.
There are things happening in Josie’s home life which will, I imagine, continue into book six. The ending left a few signposts towards what may happen next but was very satisfying and I didn't work out whodunnit until I was supposed to which is just as I like it.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I have loved Josie since book one, and this is a brilliant continuation which is everything I hoped for.
With DCI Nathan Withers on the case and needing her insight Jodie finds herself splitting her time between completing the variety of baking tasks and investigating who killed a crewmember and why. The competition is fierce but Jodie can't leave Nathan to investigate alone, especially as more than one of the production crew, presenters, and fellow competitors are definitely keeping secrets.
Book 5 in this wonderful series doesn't disappoint in any way. Josie, Nathan, Daisy and Shirley are all on top form and the scenes in the big white tent are my favourites by Fiona Leitch so far. The original characters are obviously based around those familiar from a very well-known TV series but are different enough to withstand the comparison.
There are things happening in Josie’s home life which will, I imagine, continue into book six. The ending left a few signposts towards what may happen next but was very satisfying and I didn't work out whodunnit until I was supposed to which is just as I like it.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I have loved Josie since book one, and this is a brilliant continuation which is everything I hoped for.
July 27, 2022
This was such a fun read - I love GBBO-inspired books & this really hit the spot! Jodie is a great character & well written. I like that she has a police background, so she’s not stumbling into an investigation blind. I liked the interactions with her family & friends, although there was less of a focus on them in this book compared to the last. However, this meant that we got to see the baking show & the interesting characters and situations there! I thought this was a fun, lighthearted read with plenty of read herrings to keep me guessing.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2022
This is the fifth instalment in Fiona Leitch's Nosey Parker Mysteries series. Set in a Cornish coastal town, Jodie 'Nosey' Parker has moved back to her small hometown; she has served in the Metropolitan Police force for longer than she cares to remember and is in Penstowan after her retirement along with her daughter Daisy. Passionate about baking, she wanted to own and run her own catering company so she retrained as a caterer, setting up Banquets and Bakes.
This is a fun series smothered in good humour, some of it witty and some the belly laugh kind. Jodie is a terrific character; I really like her extremely down-to-earth manner and her no-nonsense attitude. Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, adds atmosphere, the place where a TV baking contest, ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ is happening. Jodie is one of the contestants. Stir some colourful characters into the melting pot and a dead body of course, and you have a great mystery. I didn't guess the culprit correctly although I had a stab.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from One More Chapter via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is a fun series smothered in good humour, some of it witty and some the belly laugh kind. Jodie is a terrific character; I really like her extremely down-to-earth manner and her no-nonsense attitude. Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, adds atmosphere, the place where a TV baking contest, ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ is happening. Jodie is one of the contestants. Stir some colourful characters into the melting pot and a dead body of course, and you have a great mystery. I didn't guess the culprit correctly although I had a stab.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from One More Chapter via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 22, 2022
It’s great being back with Jodie and Nathan again - their chemistry is just brilliant. The characters Fiona Leitch writes about are so well rounded and engaging and I love the fact that Jodie can’t help but get involved in the latest mystery. Full of laughs and humour, especially with Jodie’s mum again this is a fun filled read. I love the twists and turns of the mystery and as per others in the series I can never work out the culprit til the end. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.
August 2, 2022
(4/5) If you like: British humor, lighthearted mysteries that keep you guessing, The Great British Baking Show (or as they call it in the UK, the Bake Off), lovable side characters, and descriptions of baked goods, you'll like this book! I read this book almost entirely in one sitting; the pacing is good and doesn't feel like it drags anywhere. There are certainly enough twists to keep one guessing until the end of the book. This is the fifth book in a series, but the first book I read was the previous book, A Cornish Christmas Murder, and I didn't feel like I was missing too much (although if my TBR ever clears up I would likely enjoy the first three books too). It would definitely work as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2022
A Cornish Recipe for Murder is the delightful fifth book in the Nosey Parker Mystery series by Fiona Leitch. I love a good British cozy, and this series is one of my favorites. It just keeps getting better and better!
Jodie "Nosey" Parker is a former police officer turned chef. She has a hunky detective boyfriend, a precocious teenage daughter, and a mother who is just a hoot! This story finds her competing in a reality baking show based on The Great British Bake Off. Unfortunately, an on-set murder means Jodie will be just as focused on ferreting out the murder as she is on her show-stopper.
Leitch's inviting writing style and this entertaining plot hooked me immediately. Well-paced and full of red herrings, it's a clever whodunnit against a backdrop of reality tv fun. I loved the Bake-Off scenes, and we get a bit more of Jodie's sweet romance. The dialogue is witty and natural between the characters and these books feel a bit like a visit with friends. Jodie's internal dialogue is always so much fun to read, with her dry humor and amusing observations, and she was in top form! I was smiling on page 1. If you enjoy humourous British mysteries, you should give this series a try!
Jodie "Nosey" Parker is a former police officer turned chef. She has a hunky detective boyfriend, a precocious teenage daughter, and a mother who is just a hoot! This story finds her competing in a reality baking show based on The Great British Bake Off. Unfortunately, an on-set murder means Jodie will be just as focused on ferreting out the murder as she is on her show-stopper.
Leitch's inviting writing style and this entertaining plot hooked me immediately. Well-paced and full of red herrings, it's a clever whodunnit against a backdrop of reality tv fun. I loved the Bake-Off scenes, and we get a bit more of Jodie's sweet romance. The dialogue is witty and natural between the characters and these books feel a bit like a visit with friends. Jodie's internal dialogue is always so much fun to read, with her dry humor and amusing observations, and she was in top form! I was smiling on page 1. If you enjoy humourous British mysteries, you should give this series a try!
July 20, 2022
This was a very interesting story with a great cast of characters. A murder takes place during the filming of a Bake Off Competition programme. The murder is investigated whilst the programme continues around it! The conclusion was too good to be true! I was laughing by the end.
June 30, 2022
In the fifth book in the Jodie 'Nosey' Parker series Jodie is taking part in a baking competition when a member of the film crew is found dead. It's obviously murder and Jodie can't stop herself from investigating, luckily her boyfriend is the police officer in charge of the case.
Fiona Leitch has tapped into a number of popular trends in the fifth book in the Nosey Parker series. Alongside the cozy murder mystery we have a TV baking competition and drag queens, amazingly these all work together to give a fun read with quite a few red herrings along the way.
The relationship between Jodie and her boyfriend, DCI Nathan Withers, continues to develop. The interaction between these characters is very lighthearted. Since the majority of the events take place within the confines of the filmed baking competition there is less opportunity for some of the usual supporting characters to appear. While we do get snippets from her mother, Shirley, and her daughter, Daisy, their reduced interactions with Jodie could result in the story losing some of the humor we would expect in this series. Thankfully we are saved by the drag queen character Barbara Strident. Barbara is the comic host of the baking competition and really lives up to her name with a stream of funny quips to camera.
Fans of the series will know what to expect (and won't be let down by this latest addition to the series). If you've never read any of the series before don't let that put you off. This can easily be read as a standalone but I'm sure once you've finished it you'll be hunting down the earlier books in the series.
This is a lighthearted read, with enough twists to keep you hooked and guessing right to the end. Just what any reader would want from a cozy murder mystery.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK
Fiona Leitch has tapped into a number of popular trends in the fifth book in the Nosey Parker series. Alongside the cozy murder mystery we have a TV baking competition and drag queens, amazingly these all work together to give a fun read with quite a few red herrings along the way.
The relationship between Jodie and her boyfriend, DCI Nathan Withers, continues to develop. The interaction between these characters is very lighthearted. Since the majority of the events take place within the confines of the filmed baking competition there is less opportunity for some of the usual supporting characters to appear. While we do get snippets from her mother, Shirley, and her daughter, Daisy, their reduced interactions with Jodie could result in the story losing some of the humor we would expect in this series. Thankfully we are saved by the drag queen character Barbara Strident. Barbara is the comic host of the baking competition and really lives up to her name with a stream of funny quips to camera.
Fans of the series will know what to expect (and won't be let down by this latest addition to the series). If you've never read any of the series before don't let that put you off. This can easily be read as a standalone but I'm sure once you've finished it you'll be hunting down the earlier books in the series.
This is a lighthearted read, with enough twists to keep you hooked and guessing right to the end. Just what any reader would want from a cozy murder mystery.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK
June 24, 2022
Bake off fans, flock to this read! If you have any interest in baking, this will be the read for you.
Bake off meets Agatha Christie in this twisty and riveting read.
Not only will this tickle your taste buds, it will keep you guessing 'whodunnit' throughout as clues and suspicions arise.
Nice to see our fave couple on a new case.
Bake off meets Agatha Christie in this twisty and riveting read.
Not only will this tickle your taste buds, it will keep you guessing 'whodunnit' throughout as clues and suspicions arise.
Nice to see our fave couple on a new case.
August 27, 2022
A cosy mystery whodunnit sprinkled with romance and drizzled with women’s fiction A Cornish Recipe for Murder is a sure-fire winner. This was the first book I’ve read by Fiona Leitch and not only did she do a great job of writing an engaging and riveting tale, but she also created a wonderful character in Jodie Parker. One I couldn’t help but immediately empathise with and relate to.
The story is written in first person, with Jodie’s inner monologue more akin to a conversation with a friend. I’m sure there is a fancy English Literature word that should be used to explain this style of narration to the audience, but I’ll just describe it as warm, witty and wonderful! Despite my not having read any of the previous books in the series, the author can help the new reader “catch up” with little one-liners and brief descriptions. This was done very cleverly, I hope, so as not to bore those who are more familiar with the series and its recurring characters.
Murder aside this book had me smiling, giggling and outright laughing pretty much from start to finish. There is a whole slew of side characters, some central to the ongoing story arc and others more important just within this book. Every single person was finely crafted and not only did they each have a distinct personality but felt so real that I’m almost expecting to see an episode of British Baking Roadshow on the TV.
These are just such a warm hug of a book that I know I will be reading more of the series. I loved that the focus wasn’t just on crime, but that we shared in Jodie’s life and escapades too. The foreshadowing was good, with enough clues not to feel that the resolution came out of nowhere. Clever use of red herrings and misdirection meant that the culprit wasn’t immediately obvious – and to be honest, unlike Jodie, I was less interested in who the murderer was and much more interested in nosy parker-ing into her life!
The story is written in first person, with Jodie’s inner monologue more akin to a conversation with a friend. I’m sure there is a fancy English Literature word that should be used to explain this style of narration to the audience, but I’ll just describe it as warm, witty and wonderful! Despite my not having read any of the previous books in the series, the author can help the new reader “catch up” with little one-liners and brief descriptions. This was done very cleverly, I hope, so as not to bore those who are more familiar with the series and its recurring characters.
Murder aside this book had me smiling, giggling and outright laughing pretty much from start to finish. There is a whole slew of side characters, some central to the ongoing story arc and others more important just within this book. Every single person was finely crafted and not only did they each have a distinct personality but felt so real that I’m almost expecting to see an episode of British Baking Roadshow on the TV.
These are just such a warm hug of a book that I know I will be reading more of the series. I loved that the focus wasn’t just on crime, but that we shared in Jodie’s life and escapades too. The foreshadowing was good, with enough clues not to feel that the resolution came out of nowhere. Clever use of red herrings and misdirection meant that the culprit wasn’t immediately obvious – and to be honest, unlike Jodie, I was less interested in who the murderer was and much more interested in nosy parker-ing into her life!
September 6, 2022
A Cornish Recipe for Murder” the 5th instalment in The Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery series by Fiona Leitch. I cannot get enough of this series, if you love mysteries set in England this is for you!
When popular TV baking contest and national institution ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final.
But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn’t just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder…
And when a body is found in the grounds of the house, Jodie is drawn into another high-stakes case along with local DCI Nathan Withers.
Can Jodie expose the culprit? Or will the murderer become the real showstopper?
The mystery was interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. I really hope there will be a book 6 coming out soon!
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Harper Collins UK. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When popular TV baking contest and national institution ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final.
But with a fellow contestant who will stop at nothing to win and a drag queen host with secrets of their own, Jodie discovers that the roadshow doesn’t just have the ingredients for the perfect showstopper cake, but also for the perfect murder…
And when a body is found in the grounds of the house, Jodie is drawn into another high-stakes case along with local DCI Nathan Withers.
Can Jodie expose the culprit? Or will the murderer become the real showstopper?
The mystery was interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. I really hope there will be a book 6 coming out soon!
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Harper Collins UK. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 11, 2022
This is book 5 in the Nosey Parker series of cozy crime books and having enjoyed the previous books I was looking forward to reading this. Sometimes you just want a nice light read and this was exactly that. It’s a really good, enjoyable, cozy read with more than a passing nod at one of my favourite television programmes The Great British Bake Off. Well written with lots of touches of humour and wry jokes. The best thing about this series is the wonderful characters. Not just Jodi and her lovely mother and daughter but in this episode there are some great contestants and host comedian Russell Lang or rather his fabulous alter ego Barbara Strident.
Briefly, when former police officer turned chef Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker’s family enter her for ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ she little realises she is about to be slap bang in the middle of a murder investigation. Jodie is now in a happy relationship with DCI Nathan Withers who is leading the investigation and he knows better than to try and keep her off the case. Russell is clearly hiding something but Jodie also has suspicions about some of the contestants and the film crew. Can Jodie and Nathan find the killer before he/she strikes again?
There are enough red herrings in the story to keep a crime reader happy and I didn’t guess the culprit until they were revealed. A very enjoyable and lighthearted read.
Briefly, when former police officer turned chef Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker’s family enter her for ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ she little realises she is about to be slap bang in the middle of a murder investigation. Jodie is now in a happy relationship with DCI Nathan Withers who is leading the investigation and he knows better than to try and keep her off the case. Russell is clearly hiding something but Jodie also has suspicions about some of the contestants and the film crew. Can Jodie and Nathan find the killer before he/she strikes again?
There are enough red herrings in the story to keep a crime reader happy and I didn’t guess the culprit until they were revealed. A very enjoyable and lighthearted read.
July 22, 2024
I’m obsessed with this series, these characters and the world they are in. I feel like after 5 books I know Jodie and the gang so well and i’m so happy I found these series.
If you want a crime series you can cozy up with a cuppa with, these are the books for you.
If you want a crime series you can cozy up with a cuppa with, these are the books for you.
December 21, 2022
Gonna miss these guys so much😭😭 I can't wait for the next book!!
August 14, 2022
It was an okay book to read. Nice enough characters but because of the mix between the cooking and the investigation, the storyline seemed to take forever to move on. Equally it wasn't very gritty so it didn't keep you captivated wanting to read on to find out more about the investigation.
August 4, 2022
I want to thank the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for letting me read and review an advanced copy of this book.
Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker, former policewoman, now catering chef, was chosen as a contestant in a British baking contest being held in Cornwall. When one of the crew is found dead, she can’t resist trying to find out the killer. She works closely with her male friend, DCI Nathan Withers, trying to determine who would want the man dead.
As part of a continuing series of stories, this book tells the story of Jodie’s and Nathan’s relationship, as well as the solving of a murder mystery. As the story unfolds, the suspect list grows, while Jodie’s contest bakes seem to be sabotaged. These stories have humor as well as drama, making it a lighter read.
Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker, former policewoman, now catering chef, was chosen as a contestant in a British baking contest being held in Cornwall. When one of the crew is found dead, she can’t resist trying to find out the killer. She works closely with her male friend, DCI Nathan Withers, trying to determine who would want the man dead.
As part of a continuing series of stories, this book tells the story of Jodie’s and Nathan’s relationship, as well as the solving of a murder mystery. As the story unfolds, the suspect list grows, while Jodie’s contest bakes seem to be sabotaged. These stories have humor as well as drama, making it a lighter read.
August 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this fun cosy mystery! Although this is the 5th book in the series, it is the first I have read, and it definitely stands alone.
Jodie discovers she has been signed up for the televised Best of British baking competition, by her mother, daughter and DCI boyfriend. When a body is discovered near to the set, can Jodie focus on her baking and help solve the murder?
I really liked the characters in this book - presenter Barbara was fabulous, and the relationship she had with Jodie's mother was so funny. I'll definitely be looking up the previous books in the series, and will look out for the next!
Jodie discovers she has been signed up for the televised Best of British baking competition, by her mother, daughter and DCI boyfriend. When a body is discovered near to the set, can Jodie focus on her baking and help solve the murder?
I really liked the characters in this book - presenter Barbara was fabulous, and the relationship she had with Jodie's mother was so funny. I'll definitely be looking up the previous books in the series, and will look out for the next!
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