Miniature Murders and Canapé Chaos: A Delightful Cozy Mystery, Reviewed

 

If ever a book cried out for a character list, it’s Death by Canapé by Faith Eckersall. With no fewer than nineteen characters introduced in Chapter One alone, the author dives straight into a bustling cast of quirky villagers, journalists, and newcomers. Thankfully, this reader compiled a handy guide (you’re welcome), making it far easier to keep track of everyone from Neville Darville at the Piddlington in Miniature model village to the glamorous influencer Sophie Waterhouse and her family. You can see it at the bottom of this review.

 

This is the second book in the series, but I’m pleased to report it works perfectly well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book and never felt lost. That said, the world and characters are charming enough that I immediately bought book one afterward and look forward to more installments.

The story blends two intriguing threads: sinister effigies mysteriously appearing in the local model village (including one that uncannily resembles the town mayoress, a woman with plenty of enemies due to her big development plans), and a glitzy party hosted by the wealthy new arrival Sophie Waterhouse. When the mayoress is later found dead (apparently having choked on a canapé) reporter Harry Hedges smells a major story. Determined to uncover the truth (and secure some juicy headlines), Harry launches his own investigation, roping in his small team at the Piddlington Gazette.

 

Along the way, he contends with hidden secrets, non-disclosure agreements, an anxious competition winner, office politics, and his own complicated romantic life. The supporting cast shines, particularly the dedicated Sergeant Ophelia Starsky, the larger-than-life landlady Cassandra, and even the office dog Ignatius with his own “career plans.” The eccentric residents of Piddlington bring warmth and humor to the tale.

 

 I thoroughly enjoyed Death by Canapé. It held my interest from start to finish, with interesting characters, a well-paced plot, and solid writing that captures the cozy charm of village life mixed with genuine mystery. The model village setting is especially fun and original. My only minor gripe with the series so far (and many others like it) is the occasional tendency to include spoilers for previous books. When trying to attract new readers, it’s best not to give away earlier endings.

Overall, this is a promising cozy mystery series with plenty of heart, humor, and intrigue. If you enjoy village settings, amateur sleuthing journalists, and light-hearted whodunits, Death by Canapé is well worth picking up. Just keep that character list handy for the first few chapters!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 You can order a copy here.

Neville Darville — owner and caretaker at Piddlington in Miniature model village.
Rav — Neville’s work experience social media assistant at Piddlington in Miniature model village.
Hattie Watson — the only reporter at the Piddlington Gazette.
Harry Hedges — editor of the Piddlington Gazette. Lives in the Ball Inn.
Ray Featherwaite — sub editor of the Piddlington Gazette. Lives in the spare room at the Ball Inn.
Cassandra — Ball Inn’s Dolly Parton-esque landlady.
Mr Chagall, a.k.a. “Mr. C.” --the stately ginger office cat.
Lionel Green — proprietor of the Piddlington Gazette, mysterious and gentle art collector.
Sadie Green — Lionel’s sister; artist.
Barry Hands -- employee at the Wessex Post
Ignatius — the office dog, who, following a nasty accident, now lives with Hattie and her mother.
Geoffrey — Harry’s widowed father.
Sergeant Ophelia Starsky — diminutive and hard-working officer, Harry’s on again, off again love interest.
Great Aunt Maud — Harry’s terrifying relation.
Brenda — proprietor of Brenda’s cafe.
Jasper Grant — appalling news editor of the Daily News.
Sophie Waterhouse — lifestyle guru, influencer, new owner of  Great Piddlington Manor; mother to Panda, Miranda and Lysander. UK’s answer to Martha Stewart.
Simon Waterhouse — husband to Sophie.
Heather Bulstrode — Deputy mayor.
Colin Bulstrode — Heather’s husband, president of the Piddlington Golf Club.

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 Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.