I don’t know why I love cozy murder mysteries for the poolside, but this genre is one I easily gravitate towards when needing a light read with low stakes. If you are looking for something which is quick, easy, and entertaining, this is a great book and probable series to add to your TBR list when you need a cozy crime to solve.

This is book 8 in a series, but a reader does not have to read the others to understand what is going on in this installment. I do think reading the others would give us a backstory of what has led up to this point with the characters, but the mystery within this one is stand alone and happens solely within these pages. “Nosey” Jodie Parker is getting married to her fiancé Nathan. Even though they didn’t really want a big wedding, the in-laws decided they needed a big wedding and reserved a castle for the wedding events.

The mystery starts when a body is found on the golf course of the castle. The wedding party quickly realized the woman is one who was part of Nathan’s Stag do party the night before and now they are curious and their detective/ police backgrounds make them feel like they want to solve the crime. I won’t give anything away, but when you mix a wedding, death, heist, and family drama all together, you get a very action packed and humorous mystery to solve.

Jodie and Nathan are finally going to get married. The wedding is at a small castle type venue paid for by Nathan's parents as they had insisted on the big wedding.
On the night of the stag and hen parties, one of the "waitresses" at Nathan's stag, is killed and found in a pond the next morning.
As Nathan and most of his team are present at the time, they aren't allowed to be on the investigation and a DI from Exeter takes point. It turns out to be one of Jodie's colleagues from her Met days. She immediately arrests someone and when that doesn't pan out, someone else. Both of which Jodie and Nathan have worked out couldn't have done it.
They decide to do a parallel investigation as it is casting a shadow over their celebrations with surprising results.
A fun book.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Cornish Castle Murder is the 8th book in The Nosey Parker Mysteries.
It is great to be back with the cast of characters who feel like friends to me.
It’s time for Nosey and Nathan to get married and all the festivities are in full swing. As all readers of this series know that things that happen are totally unexpected in Nosey’s life.
This is a cozy mystery that everyone fan of Fiona Leitch and the Nosy Parker series must read.
I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley, #Fiona Leitch and #HarperCollins UK, #OneMore Chapter for the ARC. This is my personal review.

The Cornish Castle Murder is the eight book in one of my favourite mystery series, the Jodie “Nosey” Parker series. Set in Cornwall, this is a fantastic cozy mystery full of humour and intrigue featuring a former Met police officer turned caterer and her entertaining family and friends.

In this eighth book, Jodie and her fiancé DCI Nathan Withers are getting married, but, of course, murder is behind the corner. They have organized a weekend of festivities in a beautiful Cornish Castle, but when a woman is found murdered and one of their friends is among the suspects, Jodie and Nathan must put their happiness on hold and find the killer.

The beautiful descriptions of the castle, the atmosphere of celebration and then of mystery kept me completely engrossed. I loved the character of Jodie, witty, smart, and strong-willed, who, somehow, always manages to stumble upon a body, whether it’s at a Christmas party, a festival, or, in this case, her own wedding. I am also a big fan of Nathan and her daughter Daisy, and her mother Shirley is one of my favourite characters. The mystery is compelling and full of twists. Is the killer one of their friends or someone in the victim’s life? And, are some of their friends keeping secrets? Overall, The Cornish Castle Murder is an engaging and immersive read that made me turn page after page and with a perfect ending to celebrate Jodie and Nathan!

The Nosey Parker Mysteries #8

As former MET police officer Jodie "Nosey" Parker and her fiance DCI Nathan Withers arrive at a gorgeous Cornish castle ahead of their wedding, they're excited for what the future holds. With the party in full swing, the guests are enjoying a weekend of dancing, activities , and celebration. So nothing shocks them more than when Nathan's friend shoots a straight bullseye on the archery field. Just a shame it goes into a young woman on the other side of the target. Yet nothing is as it first looks and on closer inspection, it appears the woman was already dead.

Nothing ever seems to go to plan for Jodie and her fiance Nathan. They are supposed to be at the Cornish castle for their wedding, but end up investigating a woman's murder.

This is another great addition to this well-written, cosy murder -mystery series. The characters are well-developed and likeable, There were some laugh out loud moments. I think this was my favourite book of the series so far.

Published 25th April 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMore Chapter and the author #FionaLeitch for my ARC of #TheCornish#castkeMurder in exchange for an honest review.

Fiona Leitch delivers another delightfully twisty and entertaining entry in her Nosey Parker cozy mystery series with The Cornish Castle Murder. Equal parts murder mystery and romantic comedy, the novel blends suspense, charm, and just the right amount of chaos—all set against the picturesque (and now perilous) backdrop of a Cornish castle.

The story opens with former Met officer-turned-caterer Jodie “Nosey” Parker preparing to finally marry her fiancé, DCI Nathan Withers. But what should be a weekend of laughter, love, and bubbly quickly takes a darker turn. When a woman is found dead in the castle pond—after a supposedly friendly archery session goes dangerously awry—the wedding weekend is thrown into disarray, and the sleuthing duo is reluctantly pulled back into detective mode.

Leitch has a knack for balancing lighthearted humor with genuine intrigue. Jodie is as witty, sharp, and endearing as ever, and her chemistry with Nathan adds emotional depth to the plot without overshadowing the mystery. The castle setting, with its air of grandeur and secrets, offers a perfect gothic touch to the otherwise sunny and cheeky tone of the series.

The murder itself is satisfyingly complex, and the arrival of a familiar face from Jodie’s London past ups the tension, both personally and professionally. Leitch keeps the reader guessing with well-placed red herrings and a steady drip of revelations, all while maintaining the series’ signature warmth and heart.

The Cornish Castle Murder is a perfect pick for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a mix of romance, humor, and clever plotting. It’s a charming, fast-paced whodunit that proves weddings, while magical, can also be murderously complicated.

A Fantastic Addition to the Nosey Parker Series!

I absolutely love the Nosey Parker series and The Cornish Castle Murder is my favorite book of the series yet—which says a lot, considering how much I’ve enjoyed every book so far! Fiona Leitch has truly perfected the recipe for success, delivering a delightful mix of witty banter, quirky characters and the charming Cornwall setting that makes this series so special.

This time around, the heart of the story is the long-awaited wedding of Jodie and Nathan, two beloved protagonists whose journey I’ve followed with great affection. Their relationship brings an extra layer of emotional depth to the book, making it even more engaging. Despite the inevitable obstacles, their love and resilience shine through, adding warmth and heart to the mystery.

Speaking of the mystery—this was one of the strongest plotlines in the series to date. It kept me hooked from start to finish, constantly guessing as new twists unfolded. The intrigue was perfectly balanced with humor and character development, making for an incredibly satisfying read.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, you absolutely need to check out the Nosy Parker series. The Cornish Castle Murder is a must-read for longtime fans and a fantastic reason for new readers to dive in!

Thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the complimentary copy of this book.

A lovely cozy murder mystery read. And doesn't that sound like it shouldn't be a sentence! But honestly, this was a really small town with homely vibes going on all around.
I hadn't realised this was in a series before I started until it started referencing some earlier events but with how everything was scripted I didn't feel that I was missing any big understandings other than knowing the characters a bit more. That being said there are a lot of characters but most of them generally are fairly solid and stand up well that I could remember them the whole way through.
Not necessarily a positive or a negative, just a point is that there is also a lot of description of everything in this book. The castle, the food, the people. Lots of details so if you like that sort of thing then this is definitely a book for you.
I enjoyed the plot which was a lot more complex than I anticipated so that was a nice surprise. With an added bonus of a recipe at the end which I always enjoy in a book!
Solid murder mystery read and I'll most likely look up the authors other books.
Favourite Quote - I am a woman of simple pleasures; most of them involve food, drink, and Nathan.
Favourite Character - Joe

The Cornish Castle Murder by Fiona Leitch is the 8th book in the Nosey Parker series. Former police officer Jodie "Nosey" Parker is getting married at the Kervoy Castle hotel. Jodie and her groom, DCI Nathan Wither are excited for the ceremony, but an investigation into the death of a young woman found on the castle grounds takes priority.

I enjoyed the investigation and the humorous dialogue and situations in the story. However, this is the first book I’ve read in the series, and I think it would be best enjoyed by returning readers. I got to know Jodie and Nathan quite easily and really liked their characters. I was often confused about who some of the supporting characters were and how they fit in. In spite of not knowing the backstory of a few of the characters, I enjoyed the book and found it to be a fun read. I think fans of the series will love it.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and One More Chapter for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

As former Met police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker and her fiancé DCI Nathan Withers arrive at a gorgeous Cornish castle ahead of their wedding. With the party in full swing, the guests are enjoying a weekend of dancing, activities and relaxation. So nothing shocks them more than when a shot on the archery field goes way off target straight into a young woman who’s laying face down in a pond. Yet not everything is as it looks and on closer inspection it appears the woman was already dead.
The eighth book in the series & although it could be read on its own I’ve loved getting to know Jodie & Nathan & have loved how their slow burn romance has finally arrived at their wedding – or has it? The cast of secondary characters add so much to the series, I love Shirley & Daisy, also Germaine, they always add some humour. Another well written murder mystery with lots of twists & turns as well as plenty of red herrings. A very entertaining book which I thoroughly enjoyed & look forward to more from Nathan & Jodie
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

This was a fun read and although book 8 it can be read as a stand alone as far as the mystery goes. The characters are likeable and entertaining and the mystery is good. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the 8th book in this series and, having not read any of the previous ones, there were occasions where the dialogue left me a little confused as it required insights from earlier books to make full sense of it. Possibly because I haven’t read the earlier books I found the characters rather shallow and was not overly convinced by the behaviour of some of the wedding party guests. Most of the central characters are serving police officers and yet fail to remember key events when interviewed and when they do remember they fail to inform the investigating team.

The setting of a wedding party in a Cornish castle is nicely described. The murder mystery itself was not particularly challenging and in my view didn’t live up to expectations. It is an easy read but I did not find it particularly engaging.

At last the wedding of Jodie Parker and D.C.I Nathan Withers is actually taking place and they are gathered with a crowd of relatives and friends to enjoy a weekend at a Cornish Castle Hotel, the actual ceremony being planned to take place on the final afternoon. Unfortunately they discover a murdered body in a rather amusing way and then set aside their celebrations in order to investigate. Meanwhile the family and friends party on.

This was a fun read with entertaining characters, a good mystery and a side serving of humour. The series continues to be interesting and enjoyable and I look forward to seeing how our two main characters take to married life.

I just love this cosy series, it has everything you need in a fun mystery. There’s the beautiful Cornish setting, a handsome hero, a charming protagonist, a very cute dog and an eccentric, malapropism spouting grandmother. Add a very clever plot into the mix and you have the best way to spend an amusing few hours. Loved it!

The Cornish Castle Murder is a brilliant addition to Fiona Leitch’s charming Nosey Parker series—possibly my favourite one yet! Jodie and Nathan are finally getting married, and the setting couldn’t be more perfect: a grand Cornish castle, filled with family, friends, and festive chaos. But in true cosy mystery fashion, things don’t stay idyllic for long. When a body turns up during a friendly archery competition, the wedding weekend takes a dark and twisty turn.

One of the things I love most about this series is the familiar feeling of slipping back into the lives of characters who feel like old friends. Jodie is as witty, warm, and intuitive as ever, and Nathan continues to be her perfect match—grounded, funny, and supportive. Their chemistry brings real heart to the story, and it was so lovely to see their relationship take centre stage this time around. I also couldn’t get enough of the two mums, Shirley and Liz—they had me laughing out loud with their antics!

The mystery itself was cleverly plotted with just the right amount of red herrings and surprises. I especially appreciated how the story balanced the investigation with the personal side of things—romance, family tension, and even a few secrets bubbling under the surface. It’s a testament to Leitch’s writing that the book manages to be both feel-good and gripping at the same time.

That said, I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. Some of the reveals were more “told” than “shown,” and I would’ve liked a bit more time to soak in the resolution. But overall, this was such an entertaining read, full of heart, humour, and a solid dose of mystery. And yes, there’s a recipe at the end—always a bonus!

You could definitely read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting from book one to fully enjoy the characters’ growth and all the little callbacks throughout the series. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with smart plots and quirky characters, The Cornish Castle Murder is an absolute must-read.

I absolutely adore this series of books, and the latest instalment is no exception. The story is set around Jodie and Nathan’s wedding, and the cast of both old and new characters delivers hilarious moments that intertwine seamlessly with the murder investigation. The narrative is captivating, the plot is well-crafted, and the setting is beautifully described. Initially, I intended to take my time reading this book, but I was so engrossed that I finished it in less than a day! I. Annoy wait for the release of the next instalment.

Thank you, Netgalley.

When I requested this book I did not realise that this was the 8th book in a series. I hadn’t read any of the other books and did feel like I was missing bits when I started reading that I should have known.
It was an easy to read cosy crime novel and probably enjoyable if you are invested in the characters. For me however I found it a bit boring and it wasn't holding my attention.
There is a lot of focus on the wedding rather than the murder mystery, so was somewhat disappointed by that.
Again, probably more enjoyable if you have read the other 7 books in advance.

In this, the eighth book in the series, Jodie is marrying Nathan at a swanky hotel when a body is found in the lake.
To be honest although this book can be read as a standalone it is better to have read at least some of the previous books to become more involved with the characters. The wedding is the main theme of the book, with the murder being investigated in the background. There were plenty of twists and turns before the guilty person is revealed at the end, with humour stopping the story becoming too heavy. Well worth reading if you enjoy cosy mysteries.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Mixing a death, a wedding, and a police investigation, the latest Nosey Parker Mystery has a twisty plot and plenty of atmosphere. The eighth book in the series features Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker and her soon-to-be husband Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Withers. They arrive at the Kervoy Castle in Cornwell for a weekend of pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding celebrations with friends and family. However, when an arrow goes off-course during an archery competition, they find the body of a young woman face down in a pond. With guests focused on the celebration activities, Jodie and Nathen need to uncover the killer before they strike again as well as keeping connected to the festivities. An old London adversary, Detective Inspector Mackintosh, is brought in to lead the investigation to avoid a conflict of interest.

This is one of those books where it feels like readers are catching up with old friends. This is one of those series Jodie left the London metropolitan police force and moved back to her home town of Penstowan in Cornwall. Despite taking on a new career of catering, that hasn’t stopped her unofficial investigations. Her sense of humor and warmth continues to shine in this story. She is a likeable and friendly character who is good at listening to others. Nathan has a great sense of humor and a pragmatic approach to life. He’s well respected by his colleagues. Their chemistry creates a fun dynamic. The secondary characters continue to develop and there are several characters from previous books who gained depth. The two future mothers-in-law, Shirley, and Liz, caused me to laugh out loud several times.

I was immediately drawn into the well-plotted story. The atmosphere and descriptions were great, making it easy to visualize the castle and its surroundings. The story had several twists, a few red herrings, and a surprise near the end. As always, having a sleuth that isn’t an amateur continues to bring depth to the novel that can be lacking in some cozy mysteries. My biggest quibble is that the ending felt a little rushed with too much telling versus showing of events.

Overall, this is an entertaining story with great characterization that quickly drew me into Jodie’s world. It was a fun, appealing, and delightful read with a solid mystery to unravel and humor sprinkled throughout. Themes include friendship, family, murder, greed, lies, secrets, and much more. Relationships continue to play a major role in this series. A recipe is included at the end of the book.

I recommend the novel to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie and her family and friends. For more enjoyment, the books are best read in order, but this can be read as a standalone.

HarperCollins UK – One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch along with Anne Hillerman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for April 29, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.