Leigh is the undisputed queen of writing books that feature the older woman, turns out she's pretty damn good at cosy mysteries too.

Whilst I'm yet to read the first two books in the Morwenna Mutton series, which I will be, soon, the books are all standalone reads that are set in Seal Bay, Cornwall.

It was such a addictive story to lose myself in for several hours and before I knew it I'd finished. Throughout there are several 'cornishisms' that had me referring back to the glossary at the beginning.

The characters are fantastic, each with their own quirky personality and the fact that they felt real. I'm looking forward to catching up with them again in subsequent books.

The Cream Tea Killer is a thoroughly likeable read.

Morwenna and her little family of Mutton maids (four generations: mother, Morwenna, daughter and granddaughter) return to solve another Cornish murder mystery (well, technically, only Morwenna does that bit – Tamsin is busy serving tea and scones and having a social life, Elowen is mainly begging for a dog, and Lamorna sticks to grumbling, meddling and definitely not swimming!)

I don’t know where Morwenna finds her energy to be honest – perhaps it’s the fresh Cornish sea air or those icy sea dips? – but she somehow manages to hold down two part-time jobs, keep up with her granddaughter, go out dating, regularly brave the freezing sea and STILL find the time to solve murders… even the police are in awe at her competence at this point!

In this story we get more ghostly goings-on from the alleged library ghost, more cuteness from precocious Elowen and the multiplying Oggys, and more will-they, won’t-they romance between Morwenna and her two potential suitors, one old and one new. Honestly, I am firmly in Ruan’s camp here, no matter how charming Barnaby is, and I am getting increasingly irked with Morwenna’s reluctance to admit that they belong together… it can only be the legendary Mutton stubbornness holding her back now. Oh, and someone get that poor child a real Oggy already (that’s my two only miffs out of the way!)

This is definitely a must-read series for fans of light and cosy mysteries with a real authentic British flavour and plenty of character, and this latest instalment is as delightfully easy to read as its predecessors (which you don’t need to read to follow this one, but should anyway).

I can’t wait to see what Morwenna gets up to next… hopefully with a certain loyal and reliable fisherman sidekick as back-up!

The third book in this Cornish-based cosy mystery series is an entertaining read with Morwenna and the Mutton women in top form, and it is a poignant and twisty mystery to solve. Morwenna is a unique woman who puts her family first and always works for the community she is part of. Her previous success in solving murders has given her a certain notoriety in the coastal village and a reluctant admiration from the local police. When a high-profile radio journalist dies, Morwenna is sure it is not accidental, and as the woman was a friend who had wanted to share a secret with her, she decides she must investigate. The mystery becomes increasingly menacing as the story progresses and has a chilling contemporary relevance. I like the female protagonists, the relatable family dynamic and the clever mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Being with Morwenna and her family and friends again is like coming home. I’ve grown fond of the people of Seal Bay in Cornwall, and look forward to being in their company for a few hours. This time Morwenna becomes involved when a fellow wild swimmer is found washed up on the beach. The local news sensationalises the death by calling the culprit The Cream Tea Killer. Morwenna is a well known amateur sleuth in the town, and realises that the killer will know she’s looking into the death. Can she uncover the truth before her own life is put in danger?

I love the community element of this story and enjoy getting to know the people of Seal Bay. I also love the Cornish setting and can’t get enough of the beautiful descriptions of the coastal idyll. Judy Leigh captures Corwall and its people wonderfully and draws me in each time.

Morwenna is a woman of a certain age, but doesn’t let that hold her back. She has a busy life with a job of her own - as well as helping her daughter at the cafe. She keeps fit by cycling and wild swimming, and has the beginnings of a romance beginning to develop. She is caring and community-minded and would do anything for her friends and neighbours. But her tenacity sometimes puts her in peril.

I loved ‘The Cream Tea Killer’. It was well-written and addictive. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

4.5/5 Stars.
Okay, so… as the third book in this series, I already knew – more or less – what to expect from Morwenna and her snooping, but Leigh did have me surprised a few times here, I’m very glad to say. Obviously, if you haven’t read the first two books, Leigh does a very nice job of filling you in on what’s been happening up until now. That’s pretty important for those who decide to come to this series late. That said, the first two are such fun, I’d still recommend that you read those first. Okay, by fun, I mean, the characters are fun, because murder isn’t a jaunt in the park, but you get what I’m saying.

Anyway, one of the things that surprised me here was how close to the chest Leigh held the cards here. There were very few clues along the way, and practically no rabbit holes to delve into. I found this very unusual, and felt like I was floundering just as much as our protagonists. Actually, a bit more, because they knew things that I didn’t, although not all that much. You know, when you read a cozy mystery, after you’ve finished, you usually go back in your mind to think about what were the things you missed. I can honestly say that I don’t think I missed much, and that the final clues were so well hidden, they didn’t actually come to light until the very end of the story. Yes, there were things I was suspicious about throughout the book, and for good reason. These were the breadcrumbs that Leigh left for us. That said, as I noted, she didn’t leave very many of them, and practically licked the plate!

As for the protagonists’ lives, I felt we got a bit more insight into all of them, but especially into Morwenna, which is kind of the point of a series starring one character in particular. I should mention that I’m unsure about how the romantic connections are shaping up for any of these women, including with Morwenna. Add to this a new character in the shape of a new Chief Inspector by the name of Blessed. Well, I must say that despite Detective Jane Choy’s worries, I really liked this woman, and I do hope she continues on in the series. Of course, a new character also means that we get a touch less of some of the other minor characters, but that didn’t bother me all that much. Mind you, I’ve read the previous novels where they got more airtime (if you will), so it didn’t bother me that they all stayed pretty much true to form. Finally, there are a couple more smaller characters here that might turn out to be interesting in future installments, if that’s Leigh’s plan.

Yes, overall, this was a very good follow-up to the two previous books. There’s a very interesting plot that has a good deal of mysterious aspects, with a small smattering of nicely hidden clues throughout. I don’t think that even the most well-read of mystery readers will figure out what’s happening here before our protagonists, which I think is a good thing. I do so dislike an overly obvious story, especially in a mystery novel. I mean where’s the fun in knowing what’s going to happen before the prose shows us, right? So, there’s no reason for me not to recommend this book, so I won’t. I mean, I will recommend it, of course, and I’m very much enjoying this whole series, which should probably be read in order. Another four and a half stars out of five for this latest installment in the Morwenna Mutton series!

The Cream Tea Killer is Book 3 in the Morwenna Mutton Mysteries Book 3. I read Bloodshed on the Boards (Book 2) last year (and gave it a score of 9/10) and Foul Play at Seal Bay (Book 1) in 2023 (another 9/10).
The books are set in Seal Bay in Cornwall. This one begins in June where the Sea Shanty Festival is attracting plenty of visitors.
I love Morwenna, she’s such a great character! Her cat Brenda is brilliant too. Morwenna is nearly 63 and has so much zest for life. She cycles everywhere on her distinctive red electric bicycle and wearing her trademark bright clothes, she’s very noticeable. Outdoor swimming is her passion and she swims in the sea with fellow SWANs on Sundays.
She works in the family run business – the Proper Ansom Tearoom – with her mother Lamorna (83) and daughter Tamsin. Morwenna also works in the library, where fellow librarian Louise thinks the library ghost has come back.
The whole gang are back again and each of the four generations are great in their own right. I love the older characters, but I also adore Morwenna’s granddaughter Elowen, who is six years old and obsessed with dogs, real and imaginary.
PC Jane Choy is back and a new addition from London has also joined the local police – DCI Blessed Barnarde, who is a strong woman and I enjoyed her part in the story.
As you would expect, there is a murder, though I’m not telling you who, because I think you’ll enjoy the book more if you find out as you read it.
My one, teeny tiny criticism is the overuse of the word ‘dreckly’ which I found in the previous books too. While I enjoy the Cornish words as a whole, for some reason this one grates. But it’s probably me.
But other than that, the books are fabulous and I always look forward to the next one and seeing what Morwenna gets mixed up in! Her character does steal the show, but I find returning to the series is just like catching up with old friends, as they are all so believable. The stories are beautifully done, the whodunnit woven into the novel seamlessly, as we admire the views of the idyllic Seal Bay and catch up with the gossip at the Tearoom.

The Cream Tea Killer By Judy Leigh
I want to begin by saying a huge thank you to Netgalley , the publisher and most importantly Judy Leigh for sending me the advanced reader copy in return of my honest opinions and review.
Welcome to Seal Bay, where the sea shanty festival is kicking off. Morwenna Mutton has dressed up as a prawn not like an old sheep as her surname would suggest. This 63 year old part time librarian /waitress at her family Tea Room Proper Ansom . She along with her 83 year old Mother Lamorna and Morwenna's daughter Tamsin are 3 generations strong and want their tea room success to be even stronger. Irina , local journalist and friend of Morwenna has called asking Morwenna to meet her for a drink. However, she never arrives for that drink. Instead she is found dead, washed up on shore . So get comfy, grab your favorite cup of tea and join Morwenna and the rest of this misfit cast of characters and see if you can figure out who exactly is,,,,, The Cream Tea Killer.
This cozy mystery had my attention from the first page, seriously how many other 63 year old women do you know have the courage to dress up as a prawn. I kept reading to see how that played out among the locals in Seal Bay, and kept reading because I fell in love with the book. I had it read in a day and the bags under my eyes from staying up past my bedtime prove it. One of the easiest 5 star reviews I have ever given.

Another fabulous visit to Cornwall!

Morwenna Mutton has had enough of murder for a while and is looking forward to things getting back to normal. She's not keen on being seen as a sleuth but when local DJ Irina asks to meet to tell her about shady goings on, she can't resist. However, Irina doesn't turn up, but her body is washed up on the beach - widely regarded as an accidental drowning; only Morwenna is a keen wild swimmer and is aware that Irina was not only a strong swimmer but well aware of the tides and wouldn't have drowned. What had she discovered that put her life in danger?

Judy Leigh's books are always worth reading! I've come across Morwenna Mutton before and was really looking forward to this one and I certainly was not disappointed. So much happens in the books in this series! Between her job in the library, helping out in the family tearoom, checking up on her mother and her granddaughter and the sort of relationship she has with her ex-husband, add in a murder or two and there is never a dull moment. Another great, satisfying read which left me with a smile on my face. 4.5* and my recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy cia NetGalley; this is - as always 0 my honest, original and unbiased review.

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and author Judy Leigh for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to share my unbiased review. The book is set to release on January 4, 2025, and cozy mystery fans, mark your calendars!

This was my first foray into Judy Leigh's work, and I picked it up purely because of the adorable cover, intriguing title, and enticing blurb. As a devoted fan of cozy mysteries, I couldn't resist.

The Cream Tea Killer is the third installment in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series, and while I jumped in without reading the previous books, I found it easy to catch up. Morwenna Mutton is the quintessential amateur sleuth, a sharp and curious woman who always seems to find herself in the middle of trouble. When an acquaintance is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Morwenna steps up, diving headfirst into a case that leads to a fiery and intense final showdown.

What stood out to me the most was the strong sense of family and community. The Mutton family is full of independent, outspoken women whose bonds add warmth and depth to the story. Leigh also weaves in modern issues relevant to Cornwall and the broader country, grounding the whimsical charm of the cozy setting in reality.

Despite the murder at its heart, the novel remains lighthearted and fun, delivering everything you'd expect from a cozy mystery. The blend of intrigue, humor, and heart made this a delightful read.

Overall, The Cream Tea Killer is a charming addition to the cozy mystery genre. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Morwenna’s world and hope to see her sleuthing again soon. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a strong protagonist and a tight-knit community, this book is for you!

The Cream Tea Killer is the title given to the suspect in this new murder mystery, based in Seal Bay.
Morenna, the very active older lady who is a bit of a mystery expert, is still swimming with her friends and working as hard as ever. The mystery starts when her friend Irwina ask Morwenna to meet her for a drink at the pub, and help her, as she has a big secret to share with her. When she doesn’t turn up, Morwenna just thinks she got caught somewhere else and goes home.
When she realises that Irwina is missing, she starts to work out what has happened to her.
A great story with wonderful characters. I love the community, the area. I would move to Seal Bay!!!!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #JudyLeigh.

The Cream Tea Killer by Judy Leigh

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Morwenna Mutton should be living the quiet life of a librarian and grandmother in Cornwall’s beautiful Seal Bay – if only dead bodies would stop turning up…

After the excitement of her last investigation, amateur sleuth Morwenna is looking forward to things getting back to normal. When local DJ Irina asks to meet however, desperate to share information she has discovered regarding nefarious goings-on, Morwenna can’t resist.

But Irina never arrives for their drink – instead her body is washed up on the beach, an apparent victim of an accidental drowning. At once keen wild bather Morwenna knows something is amiss as Irina was a strong swimmer who knew the local conditions well. What had Irina uncovered and who would want her dead?

When the local news dubs Irina’s murderer The Cream Tea Killer in honour of Cornwall’s famous delicacy, the clock starts ticking. Now the murderer knows Morwenna is on their trail, no one in her family is safe. She must get to the truth before the killer gets to her…

My Opinion

Morwenna Mutton is back for her third mystery. I am really enjoying this series; each book could be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading the books in order to get the full enjoyment of Morwenna. The Cream Tea Killer is a cosy mystery and great for reading over a weekend.

Judy Leigh has once again shown that just because her characters are older they are no less fun to read about. There are four generations of the Mutton family included in these pages and I like the way that Judy has written the family dynamics. Welcome back to Seal Bay, a town that sounds delightful – except for the fact dead bodies keep being found.

Rating 4/5

This was such a fun read with witty, reliable, sleuth loving characters.
I enjoyed it so much that I hated to see it end.
Leigh's books are full of humor that made me laugh out loud at times. It's one of the many reasons I love her stories and look forward to each one.
You'll love Morwenea the minute you meet her. I did. I really admired her they way she went about things.
I knew the minute something was wrong when her friend didn't show up for tea.
This is a good guessing book. I had my suspicions but I read on to see if I was right.
I finished this delightful novel in one evening. I lost sleep but hey it was so worth it.
5 stars from me. I highly recommend it.
My thanks to Boldwood books for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Favorite Quotes:

Elowen had hugged her and told her that Billy Crocker had told everyone in the class that her grandmother had found a ‘horrible drownded woman’ on the beach and Elowen had retorted that Billy was the reason God created the middle finger. The conversation had occurred during a lesson on religion and about how blessed the peacemakers were, so Miss Parker had not been best pleased.

Elowen declared she needed toys and clothes for her sleepover, despite Lamorna saying that in her day all she’d take to a friend’s was a pair of pyjamas and a toothbrush and if it was a male friend, she wouldn’t take the pyjamas. Tamsin shot her grandmother a look; Elowen didn’t need leading astray– she was already a handful.

‘It hurt my feelings and I felt like thunder and lightning inside.’ Morwenna took Elowen’s hand. ‘We all feel like that sometimes.’ ‘So I hit him in the face. It wasn’t just me. The thunderstorm in my heart did it really.’

I know that guilty face. Ever since you were a kid and peed in your toy box.


My Review:

Judy Leigh is a guaranteed fun read. She never fails to entertain and amuse me with her quirky, authentic, and entirely knowable characters. I am enjoying this new cozy series, the murders are well-contrived and unpredictable, and keep the little pea in my brain pinging.

DJ Irina asked to meet Morwenna privately. She says it is very important. But, she never showed up. Several days later, Morwenna took a swim with Jane as usual. Suddenly, a big bag was floating on the sea. Horror came to their mind when they saw what was in it. 

Police street-detective-mission impossible vibes. This time, the story has more actions. Morwenna gained more confidence in her intuition when she investigated this homicide case. She has good character development, but unfortunately, she hasn’t decided who is the right man for her between Ruan and Barnaby.

The story's plot pattern is very different from the previous books. Morwenna's investigation clues are like a puzzle and very abstract. Anyone in the town could be the suspect. Morwenna's story this time is slow-paced, enjoyable and has many actions, such as spying, undercover and using weapons. Yes, she is using a weapon this time, but in a way that you can’t imagine. I’m surprised too! Now, she could become a secret agent hahaha

I wish there was a more thriller-suspense event. The thrilling tense event is only near the end of the story. To be honest, if you asked me which book I choose in the series, I would choose Bloodshed on the Boards. But, this is the only preference, personal book taste / trope matters because I like thrillers-suspense in crime-mystery fiction. I still enjoy the story and, in fact, this book is more cozy and relaxing than Bloodshed on the Boards, and is a good refreshment for the next book.

Now the good question is, who is Elowen’s father?

This series is a good balance of mystery, women's fiction, and humour. Morwenna grew on me and I'm always rooting for her and her ex (they would be a great couple). I'm not a fan of her dress sense that makes my eyes bleed (I'm Italian, sorry)
This is a good story, well plotted and gripping. It kept me reading till late in the night and it was both relaxing and entertaining.
A solid mystery, full of twists and surprises.
Have fun and read it.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

When Irina’s body is discovered washed up on the beach, presumed as a result of drowning, Morwenna is determined to solve her friend’s case as she believes there was more to it.

I loved the writing, especially how Leigh is able to write cozy mysteries. The setting was so immersive and it made me want to visit a coastal fishing village. It was very interesting reading the book from Morwenna’s perspective as she is 63 years old and loves to solve crimes. That said, I didn’t realize I was reading the third book in the series, so I think that might’ve been why I was struggling at the beginning. It was a more lighthearted read which was pleasantly surprising! I would love to read the other books in the series.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me an advance reader copy. My review is my own opinion.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Cream Tea Killer' by Judy Leigh.
.
This is the second book I have read by this author and it most definitely will not be my last! It is also the third book in Judy's 'A Morwenna Mutton' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read the second book in this series which is called 'Bloodshed On The Boards' and which I would also highly recommend.

Well done and thank you Judy on, and for, yet another absolutely amazing cosy mystery and a fantastic addition to this addictive series!!! This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.

I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait to read previous and future books in this series!!

Judy's amazing and evocative writing skills really brought everything to life all throughout the story ensuring I could see the characters, the surroundings and feel everything the characters were feeling. In this cracking book we are taken to Seal Bay in the stunning location of Cornwall. I absolutely LOVE books that are set in Cornwall. I went on holiday to Cornwall last year and missed it before I read this book but OMG Judy has made me want to jump in the car and go straight back now!!! Judy's evocative writing skills ensures the readers are absolutely sucked into the stunning storyline with the atmosphere and characters coming to life all around them. I absolutely fell in love venturing back into Cornwall and Judy's vivid descriptions are absolutely perfect and evocative. I am just glad that I am returning to Cornwall in April otherwise I would be looking at holiday booking sites by now!! I became so invested in this book that it actually felt like going on a holiday and I absolutely dreaded coming to the end where I had to unpack my suitcase and get back to reality. I always say it is better to read books that are part of a series in order but that is not always possible as sometimes, like myself in this case, when you see a book you just have to read it regardless of what number in a series it is!! There is a silver lining to reading books in a series out of order and that is while you are waiting for the next superb book in this series to come out you can go back and read the previous books in the series. That is exactly what I am planning to do as I am yet to actually read the first book in this series which is called 'Foul Play At Seal Bay'. In this addictive book we meet the fabulous Morwenna Mutton again, for those who have already met her. Morwenna is 63 years old, lives in Seal Bay in Cornwall and works as a part time librarian, part time waitress at her family's tea room which is called the 'Proper Ansom Tearoom' and part time amateur sleuth after already helping to solve 2 cases. Morwenna also works with her mother Lamorna and her daughter Tamsin at the tea rooms as well as helping to look after her granddaughter and Tamsin's daughter Elowen. She is also "dating" Barnaby but is still close to her ex and Tamsin's dad Ruan. If that does not keep her busy enough she also joins the SWAN's (The Seal Bay Wild Aquatic Natation) for a weekly swim in the sea. One day Morwenna's friend and local journalist and radio presenter Irina approaches her saying that she is investigating a big story that will make heads roll as it is so explosive but she needs to gather some more facts together before she can tell Morwenna. However, Irina does not get the chance to tell her as Morwenna comes across Irina's washed up body. Irina used to go swimming with the SEAL's and was a strong swimmer so Morwenna has difficulty believing that she just drowned. Morwenna goes to her friend and local PC Jane Choy and expresses her doubts. Morwenna is determined to discover the truth about what happened to Irina. Louise works in the library with Morwenna and believes their resident ghost Elizabeth is leaving clues behind in regards to the death of Irina. When Morwenna discovers information hidden in Irina's desk at Bay Radio it gives her an idea on where to start her search. With the local Sea Shanty Festival going on, the Blue Brothers turning up and a library ghost dropping hints will Morwenna get to the bottom of what really happened to Irina? Well, you will just have to grab your copy of this absolutely addictive page turner to find out for yourselves and I can promise that you will not regret it. You may even discover a new favourite author just like I did!! With a storyline ram packed with stunning locations, mystery, cream teas, family, bizarre costumes, friendship, ghosts, romance and so, so much more what on Earth are you waiting for? I love the fact that Judy includes a Glossary at the beginning of the book which I thought was a very nice and thoughtful touch so Thank You Judy for that!! It gives a list of several Cornish "slang" and their meanings which I found incredibly useful to go back to refer to now and again plus it was fun learning some new words! The book is fast paced with one thing happening after another and I absolutely devoured it in one sitting. Every time I told myself just one more chapter it ended in a way that I just had to read one more and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book around in one sitting. I was walking around with my kindle glued to my hand as I just could not put it down!! Judy's fantastic evocative writing skills really bring the surroundings and characters to life and it makes you feel that you are standing right next to them throughout. I absolutely loved everything about this book and I am so pleased that I can go back and read the first book in this series!! All of the characters are realistic, have their own unique personalities, strengths and weaknesses and are all very well developed. Grab your copy of this fantastic book and discover for yourself how great this book is and trust me, you will not regret it and if your anything like me you will find a new author whose work you will fall in love with!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. It is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one mystery becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read and I would never have guessed who did and was hiding what and I was completely shocked by the mega twists. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations Judy, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! I loved the addictive storyline and the fantastic characters and I really am looking forward to getting stuck into the rest of your books!! With a fantastic storyline, unforgettable characters and twists and turns this book is perfect to devour in front of a fire on a winters day or relaxing on the beach under the sun! Regardless of where or when you read this book Judy transports you to Seal Bay at the turn of a page!

Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without reading the first book which is called 'Foul Play At Seal Bay' and is one I'm looking forward to going back to and reading. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely LOVED meeting all these refreshing characters again and getting to know more about them along with meeting new characters that I had not met previously. They are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. Each and every character is realistic, well defined and leapt out of the pages at me every turn of a page!! Our main protagonist is 63 year old Morwenna who I absolutely loved but we also get to meet many members of her fantastic family including her 83 year old Mum Lamorna, 29 year old daughter Tamsin and 7 year old Granddaughter Elowen. Each of them had their own unique personalities, were all a breathe of fresh air and I just adore them all. I must admit though one of my favourites just had to be Brenda the cat!! I am a huge animal lover and run my own cat rescue called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue and Hospice (you can find me on social media if interested) so any books that contain animals is always a huge bonus for me and this has the bonus of having a cat which made me very happy!! I absolutely love our main protagonist Morwenna who is just absolutely amazing and a strong female lead. I am always a fan of strong female protagonists in books being female myself and I was surprised at how quickly it was for me to think of Morwenna more as a friend than a fictional character, along with several other characters. I absolutely loved getting to know many of these characters and Judy's vivid and evocative descriptions makes it feels like the reader is standing next to Morwenna and meeting her and the other characters for yourself. I really cannot wait to get to meet many more of them again on my next visit in the first book in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series which is called Foul Play At Seal Bay, as well as the future books in this series. I loved watching the way they all interacted with each other and seeing them change as individuals as well as relationships between characters throughout the storyline. Judy ensures that you really get close to them feeling everything that they are feeling and seeing everything that they are! Congratulations Judy on creating a fantastic collection of unique, varied, realistic and memorable characters who I am looking forward to meeting over and over!

Congratulations Judy on another absolutely fantastic and successful cosy mystery and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books in this promising series especially the first book to meet some of these amazing characters from the start!!! An absolutely perfect addition to this series. This is the exact reason you are in my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes!!

Overall a quirky, fun, page turning, intriguing murder mystery that will keep you hooked!

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I loved this one , it was such a a pleasure to read and I really didn't know who the killer was a long time through the book which is always great. I enjoy Judy's books as they are so entertaining. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I decided to review this book based on the other books by the author I had read and enjoyed. I didn't realise that this was a cosy mystery or that it is book #3 in a series.

I started off reading on the back foot, as it felt like there was something I should have known before I began. It wasn't until a few pages in that reference to the earlier mysteries was made. I read on and really it didn't make any difference to me. Other than I had no back story in my mind.

It was nice to read a mystery where the main character (Morwenna) is a mature lady and I think that works to her advantage in the investigations she undertakes. In this case a DJ she is friendly with, asks her to meet up later to discuss some goings on she thinks could be explosive if uncovered. The DJ never makes the meeting as her body is found washed up on the beach despite her being a very strong and experienced swimmer.

Morwenna is a librarian and also helps run her daughter's tea shop so she is a very busy lady. However, she still finds time to meddle in police investigations and do some investigating of her own. The police do their best to discourage her maverick detection but to no avail.

I enjoyed the book and the characters. It was a nice cosy read and going along at a nice pace until the last third of the book. Then it became very fast with action and not at all cosy really, but a page turner for me.

I did not read the first two books in this series. I think that probably caused me to struggle for a good part of the beginning of this book number 3. I read the Kindle version, and I knew I had to make a list of characters early on, since so many were mentioned. At 15% I had 21 characters! At that point I did not continue to write new ones down. I felt I would just let it go.

The story picked up speed in the last fourth of the book. I found it slow moving prior to that. Again, I think that was due to so many characters and the fact that I did not read books 1 and 2.

I have read and enjoyed this author's fiction books in the past and did not know she also wrote cozy mysteries. I was happy to explore her writing in a different way, but I do enjoy her Women's fiction books more than I did this book.

I want to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read the advance reader copy. My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.