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The Nosey Parker Mysteries #1
The Cornish Wedding Murder
Still spinning from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is glad to be back in the Cornish village she calls home. Having quit the Met Police in search of something less dangerous, the change of pace means she can finally start her dream catering company and raise her daughter, Daisy, somewhere safer.
But there’s nothing quite like having your first job back at home be catering an ex-boyfriend’s wedding to remind you of just how small your village is. And when the bride vanishes, Jodie is drawn into the investigation, realising that life in the countryside might not be as quaint as she remembers.
With a missing bride on their hands, murder and mayhem lurks around every corner…
But surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?
This title was previously published as Murder on the Menu.
But there’s nothing quite like having your first job back at home be catering an ex-boyfriend’s wedding to remind you of just how small your village is. And when the bride vanishes, Jodie is drawn into the investigation, realising that life in the countryside might not be as quaint as she remembers.
With a missing bride on their hands, murder and mayhem lurks around every corner…
But surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?
This title was previously published as Murder on the Menu.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2021
3392 people are currently reading
3943 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews
September 28, 2024
I read the 4th-book in the Nosey Parker Mystery series, A Cornish Christmas Murder, back in November of 2021.
I was looking for something cozy, comfortable and holiday-themed. As luck would have it, ACCM checked all of those boxes and many more.
I knew as soon as I finished it that I wanted to go back and read the previous three books.
The main reason, I loved the characters. They're basically my new squad.
In this first book of the series, we follow our main, Jodie 'Nosey' Parker, after she has recently left her position at the Metropolitan Police in London, returning to the small Cornish village in which she grew up.
Jodie needs to make a new life for herself and her tween daughter, Daisey. Brainstorming ideas as to what she would like to do in lieu of policing, the only thing she can think of that she really loves is cooking. With that in mind, she decides to start her own catering company.
Soon after returning, Jodie runs into one of her closest friends from childhood, Tony Penhaligon. As they are catching up, Tony's issue with the caterer for his upcoming wedding comes to light.
And by issue, I mean he no longer has one. Jodie, although hesitant with the date so close, agrees to take on the job. It sounds like just the kind of posh event she needs to get her new business off the ground.
On the night before the blessed event, Jodie and her sous-chefs, also known as her mother and child, are setting up in the kitchen of the hotel where the event will take place, when a disruption is heard coming from the lobby.
Jodie finds the bride-to-be, Cheryl, in an all out tussle with Tony's ex-wife, Mel. Being the only person brave enough to jump in and separate the two, Jodie eventually breaks it up.
Speaking with Mel after the fight, all Jodie can determine is that Mel seems to think that Cheryl is after Tony for his money. Whether or not that is true, the show must go on.
The rest of the Friday night cocktail party seems to go okay, but upon returning to the venue the following morning, Jodie finds all heck hath broken loose.
A body has been found on the grounds of the hotel, foul play a definite, and the future-Mrs. Penhaligon is missing. When local authorities seem to have eyes only for Tony, Jodie decides to launch an investigation of her own.
Murder on the Menu was just as delightful, cozy and murdery as A Cornish Christmas Murder. I am beyond happy that I made the time to start at the beginning of this series.
I loved learning more of Jodie's back story, watching as she transitions from her life in London, meets DCI Withers, and adopts her adorable dog, Germaine.
As with any Cozy, there's a certain formula at play here that is just so comforting and nostalgic. I feel like you always know what you are going to get with a Cozy Mystery, but the humor and heart of these stories rarely ever disappoint.
Leitch has created such a great cast of characters here. I love that while Jodie is an independent sleuth, she still has the background of a police officer.
Additionally, having her mother and daughter along for the ride makes it all that much more fun. I mean as fun as investigating random murders can be!
Thank you so much to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me a copy of this to read and review.
I am in love with this series and have already bought the next book, A Brush With Death. I can't wait to start!
I was looking for something cozy, comfortable and holiday-themed. As luck would have it, ACCM checked all of those boxes and many more.
I knew as soon as I finished it that I wanted to go back and read the previous three books.
The main reason, I loved the characters. They're basically my new squad.
In this first book of the series, we follow our main, Jodie 'Nosey' Parker, after she has recently left her position at the Metropolitan Police in London, returning to the small Cornish village in which she grew up.
Jodie needs to make a new life for herself and her tween daughter, Daisey. Brainstorming ideas as to what she would like to do in lieu of policing, the only thing she can think of that she really loves is cooking. With that in mind, she decides to start her own catering company.
Soon after returning, Jodie runs into one of her closest friends from childhood, Tony Penhaligon. As they are catching up, Tony's issue with the caterer for his upcoming wedding comes to light.
And by issue, I mean he no longer has one. Jodie, although hesitant with the date so close, agrees to take on the job. It sounds like just the kind of posh event she needs to get her new business off the ground.
On the night before the blessed event, Jodie and her sous-chefs, also known as her mother and child, are setting up in the kitchen of the hotel where the event will take place, when a disruption is heard coming from the lobby.
Jodie finds the bride-to-be, Cheryl, in an all out tussle with Tony's ex-wife, Mel. Being the only person brave enough to jump in and separate the two, Jodie eventually breaks it up.
Speaking with Mel after the fight, all Jodie can determine is that Mel seems to think that Cheryl is after Tony for his money. Whether or not that is true, the show must go on.
The rest of the Friday night cocktail party seems to go okay, but upon returning to the venue the following morning, Jodie finds all heck hath broken loose.
A body has been found on the grounds of the hotel, foul play a definite, and the future-Mrs. Penhaligon is missing. When local authorities seem to have eyes only for Tony, Jodie decides to launch an investigation of her own.
Murder on the Menu was just as delightful, cozy and murdery as A Cornish Christmas Murder. I am beyond happy that I made the time to start at the beginning of this series.
I loved learning more of Jodie's back story, watching as she transitions from her life in London, meets DCI Withers, and adopts her adorable dog, Germaine.
As with any Cozy, there's a certain formula at play here that is just so comforting and nostalgic. I feel like you always know what you are going to get with a Cozy Mystery, but the humor and heart of these stories rarely ever disappoint.
Leitch has created such a great cast of characters here. I love that while Jodie is an independent sleuth, she still has the background of a police officer.
Additionally, having her mother and daughter along for the ride makes it all that much more fun. I mean as fun as investigating random murders can be!
Thank you so much to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me a copy of this to read and review.
I am in love with this series and have already bought the next book, A Brush With Death. I can't wait to start!
June 21, 2022
This one is for cozy readers!
I really enjoyed the character of Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker. She and her daughter, Daisy have returned to her hometown Cornish village to start up a dream catering business.
She no longer works for the London police force, but crime seems to have followed her because during her first catering job the bride comes up missing! Jodie (Nosey) can't help but go back to her investigating roots! She is hot on the trail of suspects.
This one has some fun humor, heart and a great setting. The mystery dragged on a bit too long for me though. I'm still looking for the perfect cozy series!
This one was from my own shelf and was previously published as Murder on the Menu.
I really enjoyed the character of Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker. She and her daughter, Daisy have returned to her hometown Cornish village to start up a dream catering business.
She no longer works for the London police force, but crime seems to have followed her because during her first catering job the bride comes up missing! Jodie (Nosey) can't help but go back to her investigating roots! She is hot on the trail of suspects.
This one has some fun humor, heart and a great setting. The mystery dragged on a bit too long for me though. I'm still looking for the perfect cozy series!
This one was from my own shelf and was previously published as Murder on the Menu.
January 17, 2021
For me, a rare 5 ⭐️ cozy mystery read, I loved this book! It was quite surprising as I had relegated it to the back of the queue a few times, had low expectations, but was my instinct wrong! As soon as I started it, I loved it. It had everything I like in a book, enjoyable, believable characters, a lovely setting and a great sense of humour, I literally laughed out loud many times. I debated on the star rating tbh but in the end, it was exactly what I needed after a very dark read so it deserves it’s stars. I think this is the best cozy I have read!
Jodie has returned to her home town, a Cornish village, with her 12 year old daughter, leaving behind her job as a police officer in London and her cheating ex-husband. She returns to her hilarious Mom, and starts a new job running a catering service using her new van, the gimpmobile (I can’t 😂) and lands unexpectedly into her first gig, catering her old friend Tony’s wedding. As with all cozy's, a murder soon falls in her lap and add in a missing person, the gorgeous DCI Withers and her previous police experience, and suddenly she is living up to her old nickname, Nosey Parker, (which was something said in my house growing up so many times, I loved the throwback) and we’re off to a great story! Did I mention the adorable dog, Germaine?
I LOVED the characters and the mystery really kept me going! A nice amount of action and tropey potential bad guys. The story also had you questioning if you really still know your old friends as well as you think you do, do people stay the same? There was actual character development in this which was refreshing! And the other characters in the book were fleshed out nicely and actually seemed like real people, not flat props. And the humour, loved it! Super fun to read and engaging and I did most definitely chuckle out loud many times. I really enjoyed the British lingo and the food references, had to look up what a pasty was as well as a few other terms and enjoyed that as well, although it made me hungry! Speaking of which, there was a yummy recipe at the end as well!
I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this series as it comes out, looks like one each month for the near future which is exciting! I would absolutely watch this on tv (as long as it’s filmed in Britain), very engaging! I would +++ recommend you have a look and see if murder is on your menu! 🍰 🔪
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy
Jodie has returned to her home town, a Cornish village, with her 12 year old daughter, leaving behind her job as a police officer in London and her cheating ex-husband. She returns to her hilarious Mom, and starts a new job running a catering service using her new van, the gimpmobile (I can’t 😂) and lands unexpectedly into her first gig, catering her old friend Tony’s wedding. As with all cozy's, a murder soon falls in her lap and add in a missing person, the gorgeous DCI Withers and her previous police experience, and suddenly she is living up to her old nickname, Nosey Parker, (which was something said in my house growing up so many times, I loved the throwback) and we’re off to a great story! Did I mention the adorable dog, Germaine?
I LOVED the characters and the mystery really kept me going! A nice amount of action and tropey potential bad guys. The story also had you questioning if you really still know your old friends as well as you think you do, do people stay the same? There was actual character development in this which was refreshing! And the other characters in the book were fleshed out nicely and actually seemed like real people, not flat props. And the humour, loved it! Super fun to read and engaging and I did most definitely chuckle out loud many times. I really enjoyed the British lingo and the food references, had to look up what a pasty was as well as a few other terms and enjoyed that as well, although it made me hungry! Speaking of which, there was a yummy recipe at the end as well!
I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this series as it comes out, looks like one each month for the near future which is exciting! I would absolutely watch this on tv (as long as it’s filmed in Britain), very engaging! I would +++ recommend you have a look and see if murder is on your menu! 🍰 🔪
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy
December 22, 2020
Murder on the Menu
by Fiona Leitch brings murder, disappearances and some humor to a new cozy mystery series set in the Cornish town of Penstowan. Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker has moved back to her home town after leaving the London police force. Her 12 year-old daughter Daisy wanted her to do something less dangerous so Jodie retrained as a caterer and is going to start Banquets and Bakes, her own catering company. What Jodie didn’t expect is that her first job would be catering the wedding of childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Tony Penhaligon. When the bride-to-be disappeared the night before the wedding after a fight with Tony’s ex-wife, Jodie is drawn into the investigation.
Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth was a delight. She was a likeable and friendly character that I connected with quickly. Her interactions with DCI Withers varied from witty to serious and a little bit of everything in between. Is there a romance in Jodie’s future? The secondary characters were well developed for a first novel. Instead of quaint characters, there were realistic characters that added to the realism of the story. How much have your high school friends and neighbors changed?
The writing style was imaginative and flowed well. The author did a good job of transporting me to the Cornish countryside and its small towns. She did a great job of ‘showing’ versus ‘telling’ which made the novel more enjoyable. The story had several twists and there were a couple of surprises at the end. It was definitely not predictable. Additionally, having a sleuth that was not an amateur brought a depth to the novel that is often lacking in 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 and a fresh take on the protagonist. All of the major plot points were resolved satisfactorily, the atmosphere was just right, and there are some threads to be explored in future books.
This is the first book in the Nosey Parker cozy mystery series, and I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie. It even includes a recipe at the end of the book. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 15, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth was a delight. She was a likeable and friendly character that I connected with quickly. Her interactions with DCI Withers varied from witty to serious and a little bit of everything in between. Is there a romance in Jodie’s future? The secondary characters were well developed for a first novel. Instead of quaint characters, there were realistic characters that added to the realism of the story. How much have your high school friends and neighbors changed?
The writing style was imaginative and flowed well. The author did a good job of transporting me to the Cornish countryside and its small towns. She did a great job of ‘showing’ versus ‘telling’ which made the novel more enjoyable. The story had several twists and there were a couple of surprises at the end. It was definitely not predictable. Additionally, having a sleuth that was not an amateur brought a depth to the novel that is often lacking in 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 and a fresh take on the protagonist. All of the major plot points were resolved satisfactorily, the atmosphere was just right, and there are some threads to be explored in future books.
This is the first book in the Nosey Parker cozy mystery series, and I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie. It even includes a recipe at the end of the book. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 15, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
March 18, 2025
Der erste Band einer Cosy Crime Reihe. Eigentlich habe ich noch ausreichend solcher Buchreihen, die ich erst noch beenden muss/möchte, aber ich komme doch nicht an neuen Reihen vorbei. Ich liebe dieses Genre!
Auch dieser erster Band über die ehemalige Polizistin Jodie „Nosey“ Parker, die aus der Großstadt zurück in ihre Heimat Cornwall zieht, hat mich überzeugen können. Eigentlich möchte Jodie sich den Traum einer eigenen Catering-Firma erfüllen, doch schon bei ihrem ersten Auftrag ist ihre Spürnase gefragt. Sie soll eine Hochzeit ausrichten, doch dann verschwindet die Braut spurlos, dafür taucht eine Leiche auf...
Spannend, rätselhaft, gemütlich, ein bisschen romantisch wird es auch - eine gelungene Mischung für mich!
Sympathische Charaktere, ein tolles Setting, Geheimnisse und Wortwitz. Ich freue mich auf den zweiten Band!
Auch dieser erster Band über die ehemalige Polizistin Jodie „Nosey“ Parker, die aus der Großstadt zurück in ihre Heimat Cornwall zieht, hat mich überzeugen können. Eigentlich möchte Jodie sich den Traum einer eigenen Catering-Firma erfüllen, doch schon bei ihrem ersten Auftrag ist ihre Spürnase gefragt. Sie soll eine Hochzeit ausrichten, doch dann verschwindet die Braut spurlos, dafür taucht eine Leiche auf...
Spannend, rätselhaft, gemütlich, ein bisschen romantisch wird es auch - eine gelungene Mischung für mich!
Sympathische Charaktere, ein tolles Setting, Geheimnisse und Wortwitz. Ich freue mich auf den zweiten Band!
January 19, 2021
Jodie (Nosey) Parker moves back to Cornwall with daughter Daisy for a fresh start following the breakdown of her marriage. She is an ex-Met police officer and as part of the new beginning she starts a business ‘Banquets and Bakes’. She’s hired by ex-boyfriend Tony to cater for his impending wedding to Cheryl but after an incident at the pre-wedding party she finds herself becoming the Cornish answer to Miss Marple.
This is such a fun read in the ‘cozy murder’ genre - yes, I know nothing cosy about murder but the style of writing is lively, engaging and full of good humour. The humour varies from the laugh out loud kind to the cheesy groan but is present throughout. The trip around Cornwall is fantastic, the description of places are good and as a lover of the North Cornish coast this really resonates and is easy to picture. The frequent mentions of food such as pasties, saffron buns, clotted cream and ice cream have you salivating! The characters are really good. Jodie is extremely likeable, she’s funny, smart, loyal to friends and definitely a nosey Parker. Her mum and daughter are also good characters, there’s some great, snappy dialogue between them that makes you smile as they gently poke fun at each other. The lush DCI Withers gets under Jodie’s skin, he puts up with a lot from her and oh, he’s so handsome ...... I’m sure his more than generous accommodation of Jodie’s nosing wouldn’t happen in real life but hey, this is fiction and it adds a very good element! The plot is good, has several twists to it, it unfolds well although there’s a bit of a dip in the middle where it doesn’t go anywhere except to Boscastle!
Overall, this is an absolutely perfect read for right now. It’s a lot of fun, it’s easy to read with plenty of good humour. Oh and there’s a very, very cute dog!
Ps. Jodie - I’m not sure organic sausages and mash is exactly wedding fayre, more gastropub and let’s face it, the jus is posh gravy! However, I’m sure it’s as yummy as the recipe at the end!
PPS Please sign me up for the next one!!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, Harper Fiction for the arc.
This is such a fun read in the ‘cozy murder’ genre - yes, I know nothing cosy about murder but the style of writing is lively, engaging and full of good humour. The humour varies from the laugh out loud kind to the cheesy groan but is present throughout. The trip around Cornwall is fantastic, the description of places are good and as a lover of the North Cornish coast this really resonates and is easy to picture. The frequent mentions of food such as pasties, saffron buns, clotted cream and ice cream have you salivating! The characters are really good. Jodie is extremely likeable, she’s funny, smart, loyal to friends and definitely a nosey Parker. Her mum and daughter are also good characters, there’s some great, snappy dialogue between them that makes you smile as they gently poke fun at each other. The lush DCI Withers gets under Jodie’s skin, he puts up with a lot from her and oh, he’s so handsome ...... I’m sure his more than generous accommodation of Jodie’s nosing wouldn’t happen in real life but hey, this is fiction and it adds a very good element! The plot is good, has several twists to it, it unfolds well although there’s a bit of a dip in the middle where it doesn’t go anywhere except to Boscastle!
Overall, this is an absolutely perfect read for right now. It’s a lot of fun, it’s easy to read with plenty of good humour. Oh and there’s a very, very cute dog!
Ps. Jodie - I’m not sure organic sausages and mash is exactly wedding fayre, more gastropub and let’s face it, the jus is posh gravy! However, I’m sure it’s as yummy as the recipe at the end!
PPS Please sign me up for the next one!!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, Harper Fiction for the arc.
June 27, 2022
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the first book in the Nosey Parker Mysteries series. This book is a great start for a fun cozy mystery with great characters. The mystery in this book was really good, and it had me guessing. I do wish there was more cooking/baking in this series because the cover make me think this is a foody cozy mystery series. This book did not have a lot about food. I did love the main character, Jodie. I cannot wait until the second book in this series is out because I really want to see what why Jodie's life is going to go. The ending leaves somethings up in the air which is what series normally do. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (One More Chapter) or author (Fiona Leitch) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 11, 2022
Murder on the Menu (The Nosey Parker Mysteries #1) by Fiona Leitch
Synopsis /
Still spinning from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is glad to be back in the Cornish village she calls home. Having quit the Met Police in search of something less dangerous, the change of pace means she can finally start her dream catering company and raise her daughter, Daisy, somewhere safer.
But there’s nothing like having your first job back at home to be catering an ex-boyfriend’s wedding to remind you of just how small your village is. And when the bride, Cheryl, vanishes Jodie is drawn into the investigation, realising that life in the countryside might not be as quaint as she remembers…
With a missing bride on their hands, there is murder and mayhem around every corner but surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?
My Thoughts /
Another book ticked off for my weekend read-a-thon. Another brief review.
Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch is the first book in her Nosey Parker Mysteries series. In this book we are introduced to our protagonist, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker, after she has recently left her position as Sergeant with the Metropolitan Police in London and returned to the small Cornish village in which she grew up. Wanting to make a fresh start after her marriage imploded, Jodie and her teenage daughter, Daisy have returned to her hometown village. By way of background, Jodie’s mum Shirley still lives in the village, although her father, who happened to be the town’s Chief Inspector has since passed away, leaving a lasting legacy and big shoes to fill with the local Met.
Having retrained for a new career in catering, Jodie is setting up her own business and, as luck would have it, her first job is catering an old school friend’s wedding. But, when the bride vanishes the night before the wedding, Jodie can’t help but get caught up in the ensuing investigation.
Fiona Leitch has written an excellent cozy. The story has humour, great characters, with plenty of suspects and red herrings. Once again. the heart of this book lies with its characters. Jodie is smart, funny, and engaging – oh yes, and ‘nosey’! DCI Nathan Withers who is the lead male role is ‘somewhat’ new to the area as well. He’s a solid cop and wants to make a good impression at his new station. The two inevitably clash heads as Jodie inserts herself into every aspect of his investigation.
But the plot thickens, not only is the bride-to-be missing but a body has been found on the grounds of the wedding venue and DCI Withers takes the groom into custody. A murder and a disappearance (only because there’s no body). Can Jodie work to solve the mystery before her childhood mate, Tony goes down for murder?
I loved the Cornish Coast setting with its beautiful beaches and meadows – the descriptions of the small village and surrounds – I could picture it vividly in my mind – a terrific job of ‘showing’ verses ‘telling’. Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read with a solid mystery to unravel. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I have already downloaded the next instalment and I’m looking forward to continuing with this series.
Synopsis /
Still spinning from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is glad to be back in the Cornish village she calls home. Having quit the Met Police in search of something less dangerous, the change of pace means she can finally start her dream catering company and raise her daughter, Daisy, somewhere safer.
But there’s nothing like having your first job back at home to be catering an ex-boyfriend’s wedding to remind you of just how small your village is. And when the bride, Cheryl, vanishes Jodie is drawn into the investigation, realising that life in the countryside might not be as quaint as she remembers…
With a missing bride on their hands, there is murder and mayhem around every corner but surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?
My Thoughts /
Another book ticked off for my weekend read-a-thon. Another brief review.
Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch is the first book in her Nosey Parker Mysteries series. In this book we are introduced to our protagonist, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker, after she has recently left her position as Sergeant with the Metropolitan Police in London and returned to the small Cornish village in which she grew up. Wanting to make a fresh start after her marriage imploded, Jodie and her teenage daughter, Daisy have returned to her hometown village. By way of background, Jodie’s mum Shirley still lives in the village, although her father, who happened to be the town’s Chief Inspector has since passed away, leaving a lasting legacy and big shoes to fill with the local Met.
Having retrained for a new career in catering, Jodie is setting up her own business and, as luck would have it, her first job is catering an old school friend’s wedding. But, when the bride vanishes the night before the wedding, Jodie can’t help but get caught up in the ensuing investigation.
Fiona Leitch has written an excellent cozy. The story has humour, great characters, with plenty of suspects and red herrings. Once again. the heart of this book lies with its characters. Jodie is smart, funny, and engaging – oh yes, and ‘nosey’! DCI Nathan Withers who is the lead male role is ‘somewhat’ new to the area as well. He’s a solid cop and wants to make a good impression at his new station. The two inevitably clash heads as Jodie inserts herself into every aspect of his investigation.
But the plot thickens, not only is the bride-to-be missing but a body has been found on the grounds of the wedding venue and DCI Withers takes the groom into custody. A murder and a disappearance (only because there’s no body). Can Jodie work to solve the mystery before her childhood mate, Tony goes down for murder?
I loved the Cornish Coast setting with its beautiful beaches and meadows – the descriptions of the small village and surrounds – I could picture it vividly in my mind – a terrific job of ‘showing’ verses ‘telling’. Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read with a solid mystery to unravel. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I have already downloaded the next instalment and I’m looking forward to continuing with this series.
May 29, 2021
*** Many thanks to Rachel for tour invite and author and publisher for providing e-ARC of this book via NetGalley. ***
Murder on the Menu was interesting and fun cozy mystery set in fictional Cornish town that revolved around Jodie Parker, aka Nosey Parker, ex-met settling back in her hometown and get involved in solving missing person and a murder case to save her best friend. It was about settling back in home town, friendship, family, and trust.
It was fun to investigate the case (I shouldn’t use those words as she wasn’t cop anymore but she actually did something like that) solve the mystery along with Jodie. At first it looked simple as there were very few suspects but author did amazing job at confusing and complicating this simple looking case.
What I loved most was description of Penstown, small town gossips, many other interesting secondary characters, Jodie’s van ‘Gimpmobile’, conversations between characters, chemistry between DCI Withers and Jodie, a cute dog, and so many humorous moments.
Overall, Murder on the Menu was light, delightful, relaxing and interesting cozy mystery with many lovely characters and intriguing mystery. It was a perfect escape to Cornish town.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
Murder on the Menu was interesting and fun cozy mystery set in fictional Cornish town that revolved around Jodie Parker, aka Nosey Parker, ex-met settling back in her hometown and get involved in solving missing person and a murder case to save her best friend. It was about settling back in home town, friendship, family, and trust.
It was fun to investigate the case (I shouldn’t use those words as she wasn’t cop anymore but she actually did something like that) solve the mystery along with Jodie. At first it looked simple as there were very few suspects but author did amazing job at confusing and complicating this simple looking case.
What I loved most was description of Penstown, small town gossips, many other interesting secondary characters, Jodie’s van ‘Gimpmobile’, conversations between characters, chemistry between DCI Withers and Jodie, a cute dog, and so many humorous moments.
Overall, Murder on the Menu was light, delightful, relaxing and interesting cozy mystery with many lovely characters and intriguing mystery. It was a perfect escape to Cornish town.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
January 18, 2021
Murder on the Menu is the first instalment in The Nosey Parker Cosy Mystery series, set in a seemingly serene Cornish coastal town. Jodie ’Nosey’ Parker is excited to have upped sticks and moved back to her small hometown for a slower pace of life having served in the Metropolitan Police force and fought crime across the teeming city for longer than she cares to remember. Ex Kennington-based officer Jodie was used to getting caught up in some rather dangerous situations back in the big smoke and had promised her 12-year-old daughter, Daisy, that when she retired they'd move to a picture perfect town and so here they are as new residents of Penstowan. Having always wanted to own and run her own catering company as she has always had a passion for baking, Jodie has retrained as a caterer and follows her dream by setting up Banquets and Bakes. Then one day she decides to take a trip to Penhaligan's department store nearby and bumps into friend and old teenage flame, Tony Penhaligan. He informs her that he is soon due to be married, however, the caterer has cancelled leaving them in the lurch - after all, what is a wedding with great food and drink? Jodie ends up taking it as the first real event for her fledgling business venture. But during the all-important rehearsal dinner Tony's ex-wife Mel attacks his fiancée and wife-to-be, Cheryl, and Jodie being the Good Samaritan gets in between them to stop the ridiculous fighting.
Most put it down to a moment of silliness but the mood rapidly changes when the following day Mel is found dead and Cheryl has vanished. Of course, the local police are called in to investigate both instances and Jodie is eager to lend her expertise in whatever way she can, but unfortunately the copper in charge, DCI Withers, is very much a misogynist and implies she should be sticking to working in the kitchen. But Jodie is no shrinking violet and won't put up with his vile treatment of her; she'll certainly not accept being shut out of the case, especially when Tony becomes the prime suspect as Jodie knows that he isn't capable of anything as heinous as murder. Eventually, after a lot of back and forth proving her worth as an investigator, Withers becomes comfortable with her helping him out and she begins to share snippets of what she's uncovered with him. This is a riveting, compulsive and much grittier cosy than most on the market and where people often expect them to be lacking in mystery, intrigue and captivating plot twists, Murder on the Menu has each in spades. It still manages to emanate that rustic, delightful charm and the chocolate-box setting was the perfect place for it all to happen. I loved the witty banter and had some really good belly laughs throughout and the characters were so individual they leapt right off the page and into my heart; well, most of them anyway. A scintillating cosy mystery with enough pep and pizazz to keep you glued to the pages. Highly recommended.
Most put it down to a moment of silliness but the mood rapidly changes when the following day Mel is found dead and Cheryl has vanished. Of course, the local police are called in to investigate both instances and Jodie is eager to lend her expertise in whatever way she can, but unfortunately the copper in charge, DCI Withers, is very much a misogynist and implies she should be sticking to working in the kitchen. But Jodie is no shrinking violet and won't put up with his vile treatment of her; she'll certainly not accept being shut out of the case, especially when Tony becomes the prime suspect as Jodie knows that he isn't capable of anything as heinous as murder. Eventually, after a lot of back and forth proving her worth as an investigator, Withers becomes comfortable with her helping him out and she begins to share snippets of what she's uncovered with him. This is a riveting, compulsive and much grittier cosy than most on the market and where people often expect them to be lacking in mystery, intrigue and captivating plot twists, Murder on the Menu has each in spades. It still manages to emanate that rustic, delightful charm and the chocolate-box setting was the perfect place for it all to happen. I loved the witty banter and had some really good belly laughs throughout and the characters were so individual they leapt right off the page and into my heart; well, most of them anyway. A scintillating cosy mystery with enough pep and pizazz to keep you glued to the pages. Highly recommended.
September 25, 2024
Jauks un smieklīgs detektīvgabals, kura darbības vieta - skaista un klusa Kornvolas pilsētiņa. Galvenā varone ir bijusī Londonas policiste, kura kļuvusi par kāzu rīkotāju. Atklājas, ka arī kāzu rīkošana var kļūt par bīstamu pasākumu, īpaši, ja pazūd līgava. Kopumā foršs lasāmais, britu humors ir nepārspējams.
January 15, 2021
Jodie Parker left London’s cops and her cheating husband to come back to her hometown on the Cornwall coast with her pre teen daughter.
She became a chef and she opened her own catering company and now she is ready to start her new quiet life in Penstowan.
She doesn’t expect, by accepting to carter one of her old friend’s wedding, to be involved in the investigation for a murderer.
Murder On The Menu was such a good read.
I fell into the well thought out plot at the first chapter and I closed the book only to take some sleep because I was too curious to know how it ended.
This was the first time I've read a Fiona Leitch’s work and her intriguing, humorous wording and the nice, witty and funny characters have conquered my reader heart.
I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere she gave to the story, it was never boring or heavy.
My favourite character is Jodie, she is a likeable character and I so wanted to help her to find the murderer.
The ending clears up any doubt about the crime but it leaves an open door on Jodie’s future, will she find love? Is catering her real career?
I highly recommend to read this story and escape to Cornwall to follow Jodie, Tony and DCI Wither in this journey full of turn and twists.
April 5, 2021
This was a British Cozy Mystery, which is a favorite for me. Filled with humor. I loved visiting Cornwall. The writing is descriptive. Our main protagonist Jodie is an impressive addition. As Jodie, our caterer, handled the murder and we didn't have enough food, but I enjoyed reading about meals like pasties, saffron buns, and clotted cream. It was great to see romance growing with her and DCI Whiters.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.
March 4, 2025
“But I was pleasantly surprised to see that someone had given the furniture department a bit of a makeover and there were a few lounge suites that looked like they’d actually been designed sometime after the fall of the Berlin Wall (as opposed to before the building of it).”
Jodie "Nosey" Parker is back in her hometown, not as police officer, but as the owner of a new catering business, with a bit of detective work on the side... I loved reading "The Cornish Wedding Murder", it was just what I needed to read at the moment: super fun characters, a cozy town and a good mystery to uncover.
Jodie is, in my opinion, the star of the book. She is a warm and empathetic person, with an incredible sense of humor! Her sleuthing was always very fun (and also quite risky sometimes) and I enjoyed seeing her tenacity and courage, traits that allow you to see how she would have been as a police officer. I liked the depth the author put into Jodie, as we get to know her emotions, thought processes and important moments of her life, but I also feel like this book has well thought secondary characters too, which, in my opinion, adds complexity to the story. In particular, I think Daisy and Shirley are super fun and I enjoyed reading their scenes together with Jodie, especially at home. I also loved her interactions with friends from her hometown and childhood (and her realizations on how much everyone has changed, not just herself), with her dad's coworkers and with the many townspeople she finds along the way! But I am also super curious to see how Jodie's relationship with Nathan develops... and will Tony be brought into the mix? Questions I hope to see answered in future volumes...!
The mystery or, should I say, the crime, in this book was interesting and surprising. For a while there, I did think the first suspect would be the culprit, but I was kept guessing until almost the final chapters! In my opinion, every detail of the story was well thought out, but revealed slowly, which gave it a satisfactory pace. It's interesting to have a main character whose previous job gives them an extra set of skills for an investigation! In this genre, it's not as common to see and I think it was a really nice choice made by the author. Having Jodie use her police officer intel added an extra layer of complexity to the book, in my opinion.
Finally, I also believe Jodie's investigations are aided by how well the author was able to create an atmosphere! You pick up this book and you are immediately transported into an unsuspecting Cornish town, ready to search for clues with Jodie, creating an immersive reading experience.
Although it was my first time reading a novel written by Fiona Leitch, I know for a fact it won't be the last, Nosey Parker has a new fan! I can't wait to read the second book in this series!
P.S. I'm so happy the author addressed Germaine and her future after losing her owner... I'm really happy Jodie and Daisy are keeping her! I loved reading about her too 💜
Jodie "Nosey" Parker is back in her hometown, not as police officer, but as the owner of a new catering business, with a bit of detective work on the side... I loved reading "The Cornish Wedding Murder", it was just what I needed to read at the moment: super fun characters, a cozy town and a good mystery to uncover.
Jodie is, in my opinion, the star of the book. She is a warm and empathetic person, with an incredible sense of humor! Her sleuthing was always very fun (and also quite risky sometimes) and I enjoyed seeing her tenacity and courage, traits that allow you to see how she would have been as a police officer. I liked the depth the author put into Jodie, as we get to know her emotions, thought processes and important moments of her life, but I also feel like this book has well thought secondary characters too, which, in my opinion, adds complexity to the story. In particular, I think Daisy and Shirley are super fun and I enjoyed reading their scenes together with Jodie, especially at home. I also loved her interactions with friends from her hometown and childhood (and her realizations on how much everyone has changed, not just herself), with her dad's coworkers and with the many townspeople she finds along the way! But I am also super curious to see how Jodie's relationship with Nathan develops... and will Tony be brought into the mix? Questions I hope to see answered in future volumes...!
The mystery or, should I say, the crime, in this book was interesting and surprising. For a while there, I did think the first suspect would be the culprit, but I was kept guessing until almost the final chapters! In my opinion, every detail of the story was well thought out, but revealed slowly, which gave it a satisfactory pace. It's interesting to have a main character whose previous job gives them an extra set of skills for an investigation! In this genre, it's not as common to see and I think it was a really nice choice made by the author. Having Jodie use her police officer intel added an extra layer of complexity to the book, in my opinion.
Finally, I also believe Jodie's investigations are aided by how well the author was able to create an atmosphere! You pick up this book and you are immediately transported into an unsuspecting Cornish town, ready to search for clues with Jodie, creating an immersive reading experience.
Although it was my first time reading a novel written by Fiona Leitch, I know for a fact it won't be the last, Nosey Parker has a new fan! I can't wait to read the second book in this series!
P.S. I'm so happy the author addressed Germaine and her future after losing her owner... I'm really happy Jodie and Daisy are keeping her! I loved reading about her too 💜
April 16, 2023
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
I enjoyed this cosy mystery but I didn’t fall in love with it. I had been hoping to start a new series with this one, but I don’t think I will go out of my way to read the next books in the series (there are now quite a few).
I enjoyed this cosy mystery but I didn’t fall in love with it. I had been hoping to start a new series with this one, but I don’t think I will go out of my way to read the next books in the series (there are now quite a few).
January 10, 2021
An entertaining English cozy. Jodie Parker quit the police force to move back to her small peaceful hometown to start a safer career in catering for the sake of her daughter. However, her first job results in her being involved in a murder and she soon finds that old habits die hard.
I enjoyed both the humor/sarcasm and the unknowns that keep you speculating until the end. It is a first in the series but I felt that knew Jodie (Nosey) early on in the story. I look forward to more books in this series. Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed both the humor/sarcasm and the unknowns that keep you speculating until the end. It is a first in the series but I felt that knew Jodie (Nosey) early on in the story. I look forward to more books in this series. Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2025
It is the end of September, in the year of our Lord 2025, and this sort of “easy listening” cozy murder seems to be all that I can read right now.
Low level depression? Reading slump? Having enough troubles in life that I cannot bear to read anything with strong emotions? I’m not sure. But if you are in the same boat these books are quite enjoyable. If you know any more series like this please drop them in the comments!
Low level depression? Reading slump? Having enough troubles in life that I cannot bear to read anything with strong emotions? I’m not sure. But if you are in the same boat these books are quite enjoyable. If you know any more series like this please drop them in the comments!
January 3, 2021
This is the first in a new series Nosey Parker mystery series. Jodie (nicknamed Nosey) Parker has moved back to her hometown in Cornwall to start a new catering business. Jodie was a met police officer in London and decided to leave the force to ease her-daughter Daisy’s worries. She decides to step into a local department store Penhaligon’s and runs into an old friend from school Tony Penhaligon (a boy she dated briefly for 2 weeks as a teenager). He is about to get married and the caterer has cancelled and he asks Jodie to do it. She agrees and begins her new business. Unfortunately at the rehearsal dinner Tony’s ex-wife Mel attacks Cheryl Tony’s fiancé and Jodie jumps in and stops the fight. She talks to Mel and then decides to check up on Cheryl who appears to be packing and as rude as ever to Jodie. The next day Cheryl is missing and Mel is found dead. Jodie wants to help but DCI Withers the detective in charge is demeaning and says she is a chef not a copper. This infuriates Jodie and when Tony becomes the prime suspect Jodie knows that Tony could not possibly have done this. She butts heads with detective Withers but eventually she wins him over and he begins to share some information with him. Jodie aka Nosey really lives up to her nickname but she is keen on observing things and reading people. This is fun quick paced mystery that keeps you engaged in the story. I am looking forward to the next installment.
January 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!, I liked the easy style of writing, the funny little moments too, some made me laugh! This is a perfect book to read as a pick me up, definitely lightened the mood. The main characters are fun too and maybe a romance is on the cards. Definitely looking forward to reading the next one
February 28, 2021
This was the perfect book for me when I was down in doldrums. Author Fiona Leitch had done a brilliant job in painting the small Cornish village with broad strokes of love even if there was a murder that occurred.
Jodie aka Nosey Parker had left her job as a cop to make a lifestyle change. She became a chef and moved back home to her mother. On her very first job, a murder occurred and she couldn’t help herself. She had to investigate, much to the annoyance of the hunky DCI Withers. Sparks of all kinds certainly flew.
My first book by this author, I loved the setting where everyone knew each other. The love and bond that Jodie shared her mum and daughter touched my heart. They did help with the cooking and investigation. Her mum especially was a delight.
The author managed to insert Jodie smoothly into the middle of investigation. Even if annoyed Withers had to agree her nosiness was an asset so also her familiarity with her hometown.
Small details in the book added to cheer and camaraderie, even with the backdrop of the murder. I found this to absolutely delightful, something which added color to my sad, dreary day.
Jodie aka Nosey Parker had left her job as a cop to make a lifestyle change. She became a chef and moved back home to her mother. On her very first job, a murder occurred and she couldn’t help herself. She had to investigate, much to the annoyance of the hunky DCI Withers. Sparks of all kinds certainly flew.
My first book by this author, I loved the setting where everyone knew each other. The love and bond that Jodie shared her mum and daughter touched my heart. They did help with the cooking and investigation. Her mum especially was a delight.
The author managed to insert Jodie smoothly into the middle of investigation. Even if annoyed Withers had to agree her nosiness was an asset so also her familiarity with her hometown.
Small details in the book added to cheer and camaraderie, even with the backdrop of the murder. I found this to absolutely delightful, something which added color to my sad, dreary day.
September 5, 2024
"Bröllops mordet i Corwall" av Fiona Leitch, utgiven av HarperCollins förlag. Bokrecension; I denna mysdeckare får vi lära känna Jodie, "Nosey" Parker, som nyligen har lämnat sitt arbete som polis, en otrogen exmake, samt det hektiska livet i London. Jodie har gått en matlagningskurs för att istället kunna starta en cateringfirma i sin gamla hemby i Cornwall. Allt för att få en lite mer lugnare tillvaro, för henne och dottern Daisy. När det sker ett mord på hennes första cateringuppdrag, som är ett bröllop, kan hon inte låta bli att lägga sin näsa i blöt. Hennes barndoms vän tillika brudgumen, Tony, nu blir anklagad för mord, på sin före detta fru. Samtidigt försvinner bruden, Cheryl, och frågan är om hon är bragd om livet, eller t om är den skyldiga. Det tycks dock finnas flera möjliga mördare. Jodie gör sina egna efterforskningar, för att om möjligt rentvå sin vän, till kriminalkommissarie Withers stora förtret. Det är han som har hand om fallet, och han uppskattar inte att Jodie lägger sig i. Dock tycks Jodie ligga steget före honom hela tiden. Jodie måste samtidigt ta hand om den mördades hund, som hon snabbt lär sig att tycka om. Snart dyker ytterligare en död kropp upp. Ska Jodie lyckas lösa fallet?
Detta är den första delen i deckar serien Mat och mord i Cornwall. Hur väl känner man en person, och kan den personen verkligen begå ett mord? Ja, detta är frågeställningen i den här boken. För huvudpersonen kan inte tänka sig att barndomsvännen kan vara en mördare - eller kan han det? Det blir nu kamp mellan en föredetta polis och en kriminalkommissarie, om att lösa fallet. För Jodie vill absolut rentvå sin vän, medan kommissarien tror att han är den skyldiga. Jodie och Whiters har olika åsikter, om hur fallet ska lösas - och av vem. Jag gillar att historien utspelas i en hemtrevlig och charmig miljö, och jag gillar den humoristiska tonen i berättelsen. Trots flera mord och en försvunnen person, bjuder boken på en hel del skratt. Det är festligt att följa de rappa dialogerna mellan Jodie och de andra karaktärerna. Och naturligt vis uppstår det en viss romance mellan huvudpersonen och kommissarien. Vi får också följa huvudpersonens tankar och känslor på ett bra sätt. Boken är lagom lättläst och lättsmält. Författaren bjuder även på ett recept i slutet av boken. Jag ser fram emot nästa del i serien. Denna mysiga deckare får ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️/5.
Detta är den första delen i deckar serien Mat och mord i Cornwall. Hur väl känner man en person, och kan den personen verkligen begå ett mord? Ja, detta är frågeställningen i den här boken. För huvudpersonen kan inte tänka sig att barndomsvännen kan vara en mördare - eller kan han det? Det blir nu kamp mellan en föredetta polis och en kriminalkommissarie, om att lösa fallet. För Jodie vill absolut rentvå sin vän, medan kommissarien tror att han är den skyldiga. Jodie och Whiters har olika åsikter, om hur fallet ska lösas - och av vem. Jag gillar att historien utspelas i en hemtrevlig och charmig miljö, och jag gillar den humoristiska tonen i berättelsen. Trots flera mord och en försvunnen person, bjuder boken på en hel del skratt. Det är festligt att följa de rappa dialogerna mellan Jodie och de andra karaktärerna. Och naturligt vis uppstår det en viss romance mellan huvudpersonen och kommissarien. Vi får också följa huvudpersonens tankar och känslor på ett bra sätt. Boken är lagom lättläst och lättsmält. Författaren bjuder även på ett recept i slutet av boken. Jag ser fram emot nästa del i serien. Denna mysiga deckare får ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️/5.
July 27, 2021
SERIE THE NOSEY PARKER MYSTERIES vol. 1
4.5 stelle.
Preso con le offerte Harmony di Luglio. Il titolo mi ha catturato. La trama pure. Avevo voglia di un crime che non si prendesse troppo sul serio, e sono contenta che la mia scelta sia caduta su questo libro e di averlo comprato. L'ho letteralmente divorato.
Jodie, ex poliziotta, separata, con una figlia di 12 anni, lascia Londra per ritornare nel suo paese natale in Cornovaglia e aprire un'attività di catering. Scoprirà che non è così tranquillo come pensava, e si troverà così ad indagare di nuovo.
Non pensavo potesse piacermi così tanto. Davvero. Jodie divertente, curiosona e un pò pazza come piace a me. Dolce la figlia Daisy, mentre la nonna è uno spasso.
Jodie si incontrerà e scontrerà con il tenente Withers, a cui però non è così indifferente.
Un bel mix, tra indagine, romanticismo e tante risate. In certi punti avevo le lacrime agli occhi.
Una boccata di aria fresca tra le mie letture. Ne avevo proprio bisogno, e ne sento già la mancanza.
Quando esce il prossimo? Lo voglio ora!
4.5 stelle.
Preso con le offerte Harmony di Luglio. Il titolo mi ha catturato. La trama pure. Avevo voglia di un crime che non si prendesse troppo sul serio, e sono contenta che la mia scelta sia caduta su questo libro e di averlo comprato. L'ho letteralmente divorato.
Jodie, ex poliziotta, separata, con una figlia di 12 anni, lascia Londra per ritornare nel suo paese natale in Cornovaglia e aprire un'attività di catering. Scoprirà che non è così tranquillo come pensava, e si troverà così ad indagare di nuovo.
Non pensavo potesse piacermi così tanto. Davvero. Jodie divertente, curiosona e un pò pazza come piace a me. Dolce la figlia Daisy, mentre la nonna è uno spasso.
Jodie si incontrerà e scontrerà con il tenente Withers, a cui però non è così indifferente.
Un bel mix, tra indagine, romanticismo e tante risate. In certi punti avevo le lacrime agli occhi.
Una boccata di aria fresca tra le mie letture. Ne avevo proprio bisogno, e ne sento già la mancanza.
Quando esce il prossimo? Lo voglio ora!
February 11, 2022
Jodie Parker has left London and the police force to return to her hometown with her daughter, Daisy. Jodie is opening a catering business. She happens upon a job catering a wedding for an old beau while shopping for a sofa. The fiancé does not appear keen, but Tony is gung-ho especially since the wedding is less than a week away. Jodie is prepared to work hard to show what she can do, but she is unprepared for a missing bride and a dead ex-wife. Jodie gave up policing to please her daughter who was worried about her safety. But old habits die hard. Jodie cannot help but do a little snooping. Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch is the first A Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery Novel. Murder on the Menu is set in Cornwall which means British terms and slang. There was not as much as I would have expected, and it is easy to discern the words based on the context. I wish the author had provided vivid descriptions of this beautiful area. I also wanted to know more about Jodie’s hometown, Penstowan besides it is small and there is a beach. The mystery was fun to solve. It is not a predictable mystery which was the best part of the book. The details are wrapped in the long reveal. Murder on the Menu is a lighthearted British cozy. There are humorous situations and remarks. The story does contain some mild profanity. There is a potential romance for Jodie with DCI Nate Withers. It is a good thing DCI Withers likes Jodie since she frequently gets in the way of his investigation. The nickname “Nosey” suits Jodie to a T. I have to wonder if Jodie’s heart is really in starting her new business. She spends her time investigating instead of getting her new business off the ground. There is a recipe at the end of the book. If you enjoy blithe and witty cozies with a British twist, then you will enjoy reading Murder on the Menu.
November 13, 2020
I am familiar with Fiona Leitch’s other books, Dead in Venice and Murder Ahoy, both which blew my socks off—laugh out loud funny! So, when I heard she’d written a new cozy mystery series, I have to tell you I had very high expectations. I was NOT disappointed. Not only did I find this first book in the Nosey Parker mystery series fantastic, I can’t wait for the next book! This author has a way with words (witty, charming, all of it) that not only keeps you glued to the pages but also laughing out loud. Loved it. Highly recommend!
April 29, 2024
I am back (not with a bang) to good reads.
I am slightly ashamed to admit I read the entire series of the Nosey Parker Mysteries but I feel one review can cover every book.
I think the main characters name sums the quality of the writing - Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker. Haha!
I did find the books a very easy way to switch off and became slightly invested in the plots - it’s hard not to when the premise is a poorly written mash up between the Bachelorette and Death in Paradise set in Cornwall.
Have I pre-ordered the next one? Yes.
Would I recommend to a friend? No.
I am slightly ashamed to admit I read the entire series of the Nosey Parker Mysteries but I feel one review can cover every book.
I think the main characters name sums the quality of the writing - Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker. Haha!
I did find the books a very easy way to switch off and became slightly invested in the plots - it’s hard not to when the premise is a poorly written mash up between the Bachelorette and Death in Paradise set in Cornwall.
Have I pre-ordered the next one? Yes.
Would I recommend to a friend? No.
July 16, 2022
I tried to read it but it wasn’t my type, so I didn’t finish it. Life is too short after all and we gotta read the books we enjoy. The writing style and the story weren’t bad tho so I am sure most people would love it 💗
April 16, 2021
A fast-paced mystery with a fun setting and unique characters.
The first book of a series can sometimes be tricky to set up, but Leitch did this one well. There’s enough backstory and “world-building” done in a way that isn’t boring and doesn’t drag or stray too far off the path of the mystery that needs solving.
The storytelling felt natural and genuine.
The first book of a series can sometimes be tricky to set up, but Leitch did this one well. There’s enough backstory and “world-building” done in a way that isn’t boring and doesn’t drag or stray too far off the path of the mystery that needs solving.
The storytelling felt natural and genuine.
February 28, 2021
I read this first-in-a-series cozy mystery and the recommendation of a friend, and I am glad I did! Jodie "Nosey" Parker is a former London cop who leaves the force at her daughter's request to be out of the eye of danger because she doesn't want to be stuck with her cheating deadbeat dad if anything ever happened to Jodie. Now, a caterer in the English countryside, she's running into old friends and acquaintances from her past, as well as new persons of interest, including the attractive DCI Withers. On her first catering job, a body turns up and another person goes missing, and Jodie just can't seem to stay out of the fray, putting her nose where it doesn't belong...
I thought that this was a great series starter, and had some of the great cozy mystery hallmarks: a woman starting over, the possibility of a love triangle, nothing too scary, and food galore. I must be honest, the best part of this was that I honestly had no idea whodunnit. I can typically tell what happened or who the killer is by halfway, but I really didn't know on this one. And it's not because it came out of left field or was unsupported by the plot, it was just that well down. I really enjoyed this one and recommend it for cozy mystery fants!
Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
5 stars - 8/10
I thought that this was a great series starter, and had some of the great cozy mystery hallmarks: a woman starting over, the possibility of a love triangle, nothing too scary, and food galore. I must be honest, the best part of this was that I honestly had no idea whodunnit. I can typically tell what happened or who the killer is by halfway, but I really didn't know on this one. And it's not because it came out of left field or was unsupported by the plot, it was just that well down. I really enjoyed this one and recommend it for cozy mystery fants!
Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
5 stars - 8/10
December 29, 2020
Funny. Smart. Quick enjoyable read.
Jodie moves back to her hometown, Cornwall. After a tense situation, Jodie promises her daughter, Daisey, to leave the police. After finishing chef college, Jodie buys a house and they move.
Shortly after her return, Jodie runs into her long time friend, Tony. He's about to be married, but the caterer bailed. Jodie gets a job - and a mystery to solve.
The morning of the wedding, Tony's ex-wife is found murdered and no one can find the bride.
Determined to prove Tonya innocence, Jodie works the case, much to DCI Withers' chagrin.
Great, loveable characters. Romantic tension. Family love.
Great read.
Jodie moves back to her hometown, Cornwall. After a tense situation, Jodie promises her daughter, Daisey, to leave the police. After finishing chef college, Jodie buys a house and they move.
Shortly after her return, Jodie runs into her long time friend, Tony. He's about to be married, but the caterer bailed. Jodie gets a job - and a mystery to solve.
The morning of the wedding, Tony's ex-wife is found murdered and no one can find the bride.
Determined to prove Tonya innocence, Jodie works the case, much to DCI Withers' chagrin.
Great, loveable characters. Romantic tension. Family love.
Great read.
February 4, 2021
I've read quite a few cozies. However, this was a little different. First of all I had a little trouble with the colloquial language - I had to look up some of them - Wine Gum being an example. It also took me awhile to get a feel for the characters.
That being said, once I got into it, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Nosey is a hoot! Her character is front and center throughout the book. Her relationships with the other characters are amazing. And I loved the dog, Germaine. I look forward to reading the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
That being said, once I got into it, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Nosey is a hoot! Her character is front and center throughout the book. Her relationships with the other characters are amazing. And I loved the dog, Germaine. I look forward to reading the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
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