A fun, cozy mystery that's perfect for the holidays. I don't know how I missed this, but this book is a part of a series that I had never read before. There were definitely some characters and back stories that were hinted at in this novel but I didn't feel lost at any point, This book follows the beloved beats for cozy mysteries and the main character was so well developed that I want to read more in this series.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - there are other reviews like that out there already if that's what you are looking for!

I've read several books by Judy Leigh - this time billed on the cover as J R Leigh - and always enjoyed them.

This is the latest in the "Morwenna Mutton" cosy mystery series, and I enjoyed reading it - it was good to reconnect with characters from previous books (and their various amusing habits!) , and there are plenty of new characters in this novel. There were also multiple threads to the plot, with several "sub mysteries" on the go.

Although there is the dark thread of murder running through the book, there's also a lot of humour. Morwenna is an interesting and quirky character, well matched by her Mum Lamorna!

It always feels a little odd to be reading books with a Christmas theme in July, but at the same time, it's quite enjoyable.

Looking forward to the next in this series.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

This is the first time I’ve ever read anything written by this author before, but I cannot resist a Christmas cozy, so I had to read this one. Plus in addition to Christmas, a cozy mystery, and the fact that it takes place in England — Cornwall, no less — is my personal trifecta, so I am certainly delighted that I did.

J.R. Leigh’s Mince Pies and Murder is a delightful cozy mystery that captures the charm of a Cornish Christmas. It is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone quite well. Set in the picturesque village of Seal Bay, the story follows Morwenna Mutton, a sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, as she unravels the suspicious death of local author Pawly Yelland. Found dead with a champagne flute and mince pie in hand, Pawly’s demise, though initially deemed an accident sparks Morwenna’s curiosity, leading her to uncover secrets amidst festive cheer. This book is a wonderful blend of holiday warmth, small-town gossip, and a twisty plot filled with red herrings, making this a perfect winter read for mystery lovers. The vivid Cornish setting, with snow-dusted rooftops and twinkling lights, adds a magical backdrop that enhances the story’s cozy appeal.

I fell in love with Morwenna immediately! She is feisty, relatable, and intrepid. The other characters in the book only serve to enhance her; I loved her quirky family and trusty cat. There are quite a few characters in this book that can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but thankfully an extensive character list is included at the beginning (something all authors should do no matter how many characters are in their story, and I will die on that hill), and I greatly appreciated that.

The mystery with its touch of romance, and eerie events like threatening Christmas cards and a sinister Santa figure keep you guessing until the final page. Having read this book, I am most definitely going to read the first two in the series. I can totally see this being turned into a television program the likes of The Thursday Murder Club, fingers crossed that it will be.

Many thanks to J.R. Leigh, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!!

A Delightfully Festive Whodunit That’s as Sweet as Mince Pies

J.R. Leigh’s Mince Pies and Murder is a charming holiday treat wrapped in mystery, perfect for curling up with on a wintry evening. Set in a picturesque English village where snow dusts the rooftops and the scent of baked goods drifts through the air, this cozy mystery delivers both holiday cheer and a satisfyingly twisty murder.

Leigh crafts a lovable cast led by a spirited amateur sleuth who’s as clever as she is relatable. With her trusty cat and sharp wit, she unravels secrets that bubble just beneath the surface of her tight-knit community—all while juggling holiday baking and festive gatherings.

The mystery itself is delightfully layered, full of red herrings, festive tension, and small-town gossip that’ll keep you guessing until the final page. Leigh’s writing sparkles with warmth, humor, and a genuine love of the season—making Mince Pies and Murder not just a mystery, but a feel-good read with heart.

Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Joanne Fluke, or anyone who believes murder pairs best with mulled wine and a warm fire.

The enticing cover opens on a fun and cozy Christmas mystery set in Cornwall, featuring library worker and grandmother Morwenna Mutton and a full cast of characters in her small seaside town. This is the second mystery in the series, so I felt a bit behind in the backstory, but it didn't lessen the enjoyment. Lots of good cheer, local traditions and some suspense make this a great book to read during the holidays--or even, year-round!

4.5 ⭐ but rounding it up to 5 because it really deserves it!

I had such a fun time with this one. J.R. Leigh did a great job mixing the murder mystery stuff with a bit of romance and family drama. You get all the creepy, spooky vibes 🕵️‍♀️ but also those sweet and emotional moments that make you care about the characters.

I really liked following Morwenna, she is a great character and a total multitasker 😄. All the characters were super likable, and I was hooked till the end, trying to guess who the murderer was (and who’s going to end up with who 💘).

If you enjoy Agatha Christie, I think you’ll have a good time with this one. Cozy mystery vibes all the way!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion! Needless to say, as always, all thoughts are my own and I have not been influenced in any way.

In this fourth book in the series, Seal Bay, Cornwall’s super sleuth, Morwenna Mutton, is back on the scene of the latest questionable death in her hometown. A local author, promoting his new book about the area, arrives at the public launch drunk and with no books for sale. In the process, he manages to insult everyone he names by saying they all have secrets.
Later, at a Christmas party hosted at the local manor house, one of the many Santas falls (or is pushed?) down a flight of stairs. Morwenna and her ex-husband, Ruan, are first on the scene. Since almost everyone in town had a grudge against the deceased and were also at the party, there are so many suspects.
At the same time, Morwenna’s adult daughter has a new significant other, her granddaughter wants to know about her ‘not in the picture’ father and wants a puppy and Morwenna’s mother has a new gentleman caller. Whew, the four generations of Mutton women are all present and involved in this latest problem!

During a talk arranged for local author Pawly Yelland, the guest of honour arrives late and noticeably out of sorts. While discussing his new book on the history of Seal Bay, he quickly manages to rub a number of residents the wrong way.

Pawly also causes a stir at the village Christmas party, and when he’s later found dead at the bottom of a stairway, the police are inclined to dismiss it as an accident. But amateur sleuth Morwenna Mutton is convinced there’s more to the story.

When threatening Christmas cards begin to appear and someone dressed in a Santa suit starts stalking Morwenna and her family, it becomes clear that something sinister is afoot. As Christmas draws closer and tensions rise, Morwenna knows she must help the police uncover the truth—before something even more dreadful happens.

This is the first book in the Morwenna Mutton series that I’ve read. While it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, I suspect readers would benefit from reading the series in order. The cast of characters is extensive but the author thoughtfully includes a character list at the start of the book to help orient the reader.

The family dynamics are a highlight. Leigh writes four generations of strong women with nuance and humour, each with distinct quirks and voices. The romantic subplots and the spirited nature of Morwenna’s granddaughter, Elowen, add warmth and depth, providing a counterbalance to the darker mystery elements. The secondary characters bring the charm and eccentricity one expects from a small-village cozy mystery.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, full of twists and festive suspense. A delightful choice for mystery lovers looking for something both clever and heartwarming.

Thank you to J.R. Leigh, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the advance review copy.

Morwenna Mutton is back to help with another murder in the town of Seal Bay, just before Christmas time.
The murder of Pawly Yelland happens at a themed party for Christmas, when he is found with a Mince pie and a champagne flute in his hands.
After that some strange things happens: there are some robbery, some persons received creepy Christmas cards and a Santa is lurking at windows and is scaring everyone, especially the kids.
I liked how JR Leigh put toghether the murder, the mystery ,all the creepy things, but also the emotional and romantic parts of the characters.
I enjoyed also to see how Morwenna was trying to solve the murder, but to take care of her family and solve her romantic life.
All the characters were lovely and very likable. I really enjoyed to read about each one of them and was very curious until the end to see who it was the murderer and why. But also to see what happens and who will be with whom.
If you are a fan of Agatha Christie or Richard Osman ,then this book is for you.

Thank you Bolwood Books and Netgalley for the Arc. This is my honest opinion about the book.

In Mince Pies and Murder, the fourth cosy mystery in the Morwenna Mutton series, J.R. Leigh (also known as Judy Leigh) delivers a charming yet suspenseful festive whodunnit set in the snow-dusted Cornish town of Seal Bay. As Christmas lights twinkle and mince pies appear, sharp‑witted sixty‑something sleuth Morwenna finds herself drawn into the death of local author Pawly Yelland—found at a party, glass in hand and pastry on plate. When a cascade of dark Christmas cards and sightings of a creepy Santa‑figure begin unnerving the town, Morwenna must untangle grudges, secrets and holiday cheer to uncover the killer before the festive season loses its sparkle

Christmas is coming and Morwenna just isn’t in the mood yet. She worries about her mom, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Then there’s her ex, Ryan, who lives across the street, whom she still has feelings for and a new man who is interested in her. Life just gets more complicated after a local author drunkenly insults a share of the town during his author’s event at the library where Morwenna works. Morwenna and her friends and family attend a party at the local manor and a Santa dies after falling or being pushed down the stairs. Morwenna has helped the police before and is drawn to the mystery this time,too. There are burglaries, her mom’s new boyfriend, and threats from a scary Santa to add to Morwenna’s holiday stress.
The mystery is well-crafted and will keep you guessing, but it’s also a story of the relationship of the four strong women in their family, of Cornwall, and of second chances.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Local author Pawly Yelland's talk at the library targets the background of some well known residents,
stating he has more to reveal. When he is found dead at a party, the investigation reveals that it was
not an accidental fall but murder. As Morwena investigates the party's attendees. She is also dealing
with her mother's and daughter's love life as well as her own. When mysterious Christmas cards
appear with threatening messages to her family. Morwena is focused on keeping her family safe.
Tight knit family and interesting side characters.
#MincePiesandMurder #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

He might have fallen down the stairs at the Christmas costume party, he was drunk after all. But Morwenna had a bad feeling about it and the local law wasn't sure either. But then there were the disturbing veiled threats and a few burglaries/thefts. Meanwhile there are some interesting couples pairing, surfing in Cornwall near Christmas, and, of course, Morwenna's eighty-something mother who simply must swim early in the morning every day regardless of the weather. Engrossing read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
Avail Aug 23, 2025 ***** review #goodreads #bookbub #storygraph #librarything #B&N #kobo
#MincePiesandMurder by #JudyLeighWriter #MorwennaMuttonMysteriesBk4 @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #CozyMystery #Cornwall #humor #multigenerational #contemporary #amateursleuth
#phantomcrocheter #teashop #localcop #localgossip #libraryghost #familydynamics #romantic #lech #burglaries #santasuit #threats

This is the fourth in the series about Morwenna who works in a library and also helps solve murders. It did take me a few chapters to engage with the story. But happy that I persevered. Set in the run up to Christmas we see Morwenna trying to solve a murder, a spate of burglaries and some very unsettling dealings with a very nasty Santa. Overall a good yarn.

Another wonderful Morwenna story, book 4 of 4. Will she get her happy ending? What is in store for the 4 generations? So wonderful to be back in Seal Bay, although the SWANS swimming in the sea in the freezing December month had me shivering in the current blistering heatwave of summer 2025.
Morwenna provides her sleuthing nature in true style, her mum Lamorna is busy falling in love with a stranger, Tam is also feeling the strings of her heart being pulled, and young Elowen is excited about football and Christmas.
Then, local historical writer Pawley causes a nuisance with drunken chatter and threats of secrets to be revealed, he winds up at the bottom of the stairs and thus the story begins.
Morwenna has her work cut out, many many suspects are at that event where Pawley spilt his guts. DJ Mike and his gossipy mouth cause all kinds of issues.
With Santa cards, burglary’s and murder, will our Morwenna find time to choose between Ruan and Barnaby? Will she discover where her heart lies? So many dynamics to this story, it’s fun and funny, sentimental and witty.
A must read for all of Morwenna’s fans and those new to Seal Bay, dive in for a swim in the murder mystery, cosy and festive.

Christmas is coming in Cornwall along with cold, wet, and windy weather but no snow! There are, however, more than enough decorations, trees, and mince pies to go around. For Seal Bay local, Morwenna Mutton, it's a time of year she loves, but things are getting a bit rocky! The author's talk she helped set up at the library where she works ends in chaos when local legend Pawly Yelland aims his acid tongue at several locals! Hoping to cheer herself up at a Christmas costume party, she is dismayed to discover the body of Santa Claus at the bottom of a flight of stairs! With burglaries on the increase and sightings of a distinctly unfestive Father Christmas scaring the locals, it seems as if there is very little to feel jolly about this December! Determined to help her friends in the police as much as she can, Morwenna has no idea just how much danger she and her family are about to find themselves in.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. The fourth in J R Leigh's fun series is the first one I've read, but that was never a hindrance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely recommended. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

I enjoyed this cosy crime book although there’s probably two things that would have improved my enjoyment:
1. It’s the second in a series and although it’s a stand alone story I would have liked to get to know the characters better by reading the books in order.
2. It’s set at Christmas whilst I read it in mid summer over the course of some very hot days.

Having said that, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. Thank you to net galley and the publishers for an advance copy.

Book review: Mince Pies and Murder by Judy Leigh. Thank you to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

Morwenna Mutton returns in fine form in this festive, sharp-witted cozy mystery set against the charming but murder-prone backdrop of Seal Bay. Judy Leigh balances humor, family tension, and a tangle of red herrings in a way that keeps you engaged while never losing sight of her quirky, determined protagonist. I’ve read every Morwenna book and this one might be my favorite yet—not just because of the mystery, but because of what it reveals about Morwenna’s internal world and her complicated ties to the people around her.

The murder itself is deliciously absurd—author Pawly Yelland dead mid-party, clutching both a champagne flute and a mince pie. His many feuds and sharp tongue guarantee a buffet of suspects, and Morwenna wastes no time diving in. Leigh weaves the holiday atmosphere in with a growing unease: creepy Christmas cards, the unsettling Santa lurking at windows, and layers of secrets among Seal Bay’s residents. The tone is cozy but never stale—Leigh respects the intelligence of her readers and keeps the emotional stakes high.

I loved the family moments most, especially between Morwenna and her granddaughter Elowen, whose sass is unmatched. The character list and glossary are a nice touch—Seal Bay is a full world, and I appreciated the reminders. Lamorna’s late-in-life romance added heart to the story, and Morwenna’s reactions to it were among the most honest and touching parts of the book.

This is a mystery, yes, but it’s also about aging, autonomy, and the desire to still matter. Leigh never lets her characters slip into caricature. Instead, they’re vibrant, messy, and alive—like any real community. As Morwenna says, “You never know what people are really capable of until they’ve had a sherry or two.”


“Sometimes, the people who look the most harmless are the ones you should watch closest.”

#MincePiesandMurder #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks #CozyMystery #JudyLeigh #MorwennaMutton #SealBayMystery #ChristmasCrime #HolidayWhodunit #MatureHeroine #BritishCozy #MurderMysteryReads #WhodunitReads #BookReview #MysterySeries #ReadersOfInstagram #Bookstagram #ChristmasReads #AmateurSleuth #CozyCrimeClub #MysteryLovers #SleuthingSeason #TBRstack #NetGalleyReviewer

Morwenna Mutton is smart and obviously in great shape for her age. I marvel at the idea that not only does she find swimming in frigid water great fun but there's an entire group of residents who join her. Not her own mother, mind you. Nope, no polar plunges, so to speak, for Lamorna. Ex-husband Ruan is drawn to the water, yes, but seems to prefer boating atop it. In any case, Morweena is fiercely protective of her family. Her moments with granddaughter Elowen, who remains feisty and self-centered, are frequently a hoot. There are a lot of characters to take in, some important, some just passing through. Kudos to the author, by the way, for including not only a glossary but a characters list with a brief description at the beginning. I found that most of the terms used were easy to figure out but did need to refresh my memory on characters. Wait till you meet Lady Elizabeth.

Overall, the side characters are likable, even the seemingly cranky ones, and it was fun to revisit Seal Bay again and spend some time boating. As for the murder, it does put a damper on the holiday festivities. The Christmas party sounds both interesting and chaotic with people roaming the Pengellen's manor home seemingly at will. That gives us a long list of suspects. Heck, could it have been an accident? Good thing the local police were actually at the party (in costumes, no less) although Morwenna, in her usual way, manages to do some snooping before they can even get to the scene. And all this before the random visits from the sinister Santa and not so jolly Santa Claus cards sent to some.

That's about all I'm going to say about the plot, it's a complicated one with twists and turns but, hey, we get to watch a couple relationships bloom at the same time, so it isn't all bah humbug and whodunit. Watching Morwenna fret over mother Lamorna's budding romance was both sweet and sad, especially given her own confused feelings. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for the early invite to catch up on the doings in Seal Bay and among Morwenna's friends and family. After that ending, definitely looking forward to Leigh's next in this series.