J.R. Leigh’s Mince Pies and Murder is a delightful cozy mystery that captures the charm of a Cornish Christmas. It is the fourth 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 and 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 other three 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.
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Many thanks to J.R. Leigh, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
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