Aah. A cozy mystery worthy of the name. This book was like sinking into a warm bath of delight.

The story mostly focuses on our main POV and her life (and love life). It’s almost like a mix between a cozy mystery and the beginning of a romcom plot, all the while set in a charming English town full of wacky side characters.

There’s a lot of humour in this book. British humour is my favourite so I was constantly laughing.

I really enjoyed this one.

I told you I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into another Cornish Adventure, after the events of Tony’s wedding I was just dying to find out about the aftermath of the first book. And I am glad that I did. The second book centres around the introduction of a new character; an art dealer called Duncan Stovall, as the cast recovers from the events in book one. The town is hosting a festival in honour of Duncan’s Penstowan paintings; idyllic masterpieces of the Cornish landscape, and the landscape that inspired them. It starts with Jodie catering a big event welcoming the guests of honour to the small country town. Catering and waitering I should add. It is also how our Jodie meets Duncan for the first time and our drama begins to unravel. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Nosey Parker novel without a murder thrown in now would it.

As the spotlight shines down upon the cracks of the artist’s life and the atmosphere around Penstowan filled with secrets on the brim of exposure, death and deception are definitely on the menu. I mean, a body on the rocks at the bottom of a cliff has as much chance of being an accident as I do of being able to do a cake-less diet. It is impossible before you ask, cake is my go to snack for writing, my little naughty treat in the evening when the kids are asleep. Don’t worry they get cake too. It is a very cake friendly household. But we are talking about a body here and as I explained, it’s the murder that starts Nosey Parker’s crime radar pinging. You see, the body is on of journalist turned author; Robert Holmes, who has managed to make a few enemies in such a small amount of time in Cornwall. The story follows Jodie’s addiction to the investigation, a love life she is trying to make sense of and secret that runs deeper than just an ex-journalist’s babbles and theories. Jodie and Nathan are soon to be neck deep in the scandal of the century.

As the story progresses and Jodie’s copper senses start to tingle, it brings to light the dangers one small lie can cause. You are taken down an investigation with more turns than a country road, you witness Jodie trying to figure out her options and a love life as confusing as doing a rubix cube in the dark. I am still know who I am routing for but my lips are sealed until I have a lawyer present. It also holds you just out of view of the true picture, missing a key component. You think you know. You go into the last few chapters with it all figured out, when bam, you are punched with the truth and you were always a few steps behind. It’s the goal of any crime novel, even if the Nosey Parker novels are light-hearted and full of scenes that will have you choking on your cup of tea with laughter. It happened; I am not afraid to admit it.

Overall, I found the writing easy and digestible. The story full of hidden gems of comedy and a plot twisted beyond the cliff edge. I love our loud, platter of personality and a backbone that will not stand down, Jodie. Especially because she is such an unforgettable character, it is impossible to over shower her. I really did enjoy the book, however I hate to admit it not as much as the first. I think my issue was that the first book packed a punch from the first few chapters, whereas this one took a little while longer to get there. The beginning was definitely a slower pace and it would have really amplified the story if its pace had been lifted sooner and made it that bit more enjoyable. Do not get me wrong, I still really enjoyed the book and it certainly was still a 4* read for me, however because I found the beginning to be slightly lacking the same energy as the other two thirds of the book, I could not justify giving it the same rating as the first.

So, need a more delicious crime novel to go with your cake and coffee in the afternoons, I would suggest giving Nosey Parker and her stories a try. Crime goes delightfully well with a pinch of humour, a joy to read on the cold, snow threatening nights. You may be surprised, you may enjoy your crime lighter and with a plate full of food puns, a change from the usual thrills you are used to. I really enjoyed my vacation back down to the coast. You never know unless you try.

She's done it again! Fiona Leitch has tickled my tastebuds and got me hungry for book 3 in the Nosey Parker series.
Deliciously delightful, book 2, A Brush with Death, is a joy to read as we return to Penstowan in Cornwall and reacquaint ourselves with Jodie and her hilarious shenanigans, serving the community during Arts Festival week, and the finale which ISN'T a fete, it is a GALA, as she makes delectable delicacies in the form of saffron buns and a Stovall painting inspired lemon cake.
Not content with her 70s retro buffet and cake baking Jodie teams up with DCI Nathan Winters to solve the latest cozy crime to hit the Cornish village. Added to her culinary capers and detective dabbling, this time around Jodie appears to be battling her hormones with three, yes three, love interests, and I surrendered myself willingly to the funny internal dialogue she has every time she is with best mate Tony Penhaligon, DCI Withers (and his abs) and Duncan Stovall, the artist renting Lowenna Cottage on the cliffs with wife Genevieve Lorre.
Of course nothing is particularly straightforward and death will taint the Arts Festival week ensuring the crime duo Nathan and Jodie will be busy in action, solving the mystery and bringing the deadly no-gooder to justice.
Featuring favourites Jodie's Mum, Daisy, Callum and Debbie, and Germaine the dog, there is less mention of the Gimp-mobile and her father's police past, but just as much merriment, mystery and marvellous moments to make you smile, laugh out loud and race along to the end.
This is now a series I am committed to with a passion, so that every time I hear of a new book, I will not bother to read what it is about, I will buy it!
I can recommend this series if you love a lighter, brighter read with humorous dialogue, charming characters and a healthy side dish of romance.
The Nosey Parker series is definitely all I need on my reading menu as Starter, Main Course and Dessert!

I read the first book “Murder on the Menu” and was excited to read this second book. The murder and situation surrounding it was quite clever. I enjoy visiting Cornwall and the descriptions of the sea.
What brought the story down to 3 stars was Jodie’s preoccupation with men and falling for an unavailable married man. I grew weary of the mental gymnastics involved with the will or she won’t she succumb to Duncan and ooh Nathan is so good looking and then missing all the signals that Tony is interested in more than friendship.
Sometimes the first book is iffy and you give the second book a shot to see if it gets better. This time I thought the first book was great and the second was so-so.
I do appreciate the opportunity to review this book prior to publication.

With her first job and a body discovered what could possibly go wrong with helping out at the village festival??
Possibly another body found at the bottom of the cliff that's all lol. This book built a bit slower than the first but was still very enjoyable.

If you are after a nice cosy easy to read murder mystery this is the series for you.

Can't wait for book 3.

While I found the story to be pleasant enough, I wasn’t able to be entertained as I’d hoped.
I’m sure this is a series that other fans enjoy, it just wasn’t for me.

I thought this started out slow. I enjoyed it, although I would like less on Jodie's personal life it turned out to be relevant to the story. #A Brush with Death #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of A Brush with Death by Fiona Leitch in exchange for an honest review. Jodie (Nosey) Parker is participating in the Penstowan Fete/Gala. The staff have been canceling work so Jodie has to stuff herself into a work dress that is smaller than she'd normally wear and help her mum waitress the party. The whole village turns out to help the Mayor honor a famous artist. During the Gala, a man goes over a cliff. With help from her friends, Jodie tries to solve who killed the man. This was a great story. To have the story take place in Cornwall was so interesting. I really enjoyed this book. I will have to look online to see what Cornwall looks like. Thanks for the fantastic read.

So first of all I need to say that I galloped through this book and loved it. But it is perfectly ridiculous. I had to suspend my disbelief for the whole time I was reading (something I was quite happy to do) in order to take it even slightly seriously.

The murder mystery plot was sprinkled over a fluffy romance and I don't think the two elements really went together. I'm not sure what to make of the main character Jodie, a former CID officer with the Met who has returned to her Cornish roots. I can't believe in her previous career and she seems to spend no time earning her living at her new one (catering), being too busy interfering in the work of the local police.

But the thing is, having said all this, I've enjoyed this book and its predecessor and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one. So Fiona Leitch clearly knows what she's doing.

Jodie (Nosey) Parker has recently moved back to her hometown of Penstowan, from London after leaving the force. Nosey by nature, outspoken Jodie involves herself (some might say meddles) in the comings and going’s of the town and as a result lands herself in a second investigation in this latest instalment.

The summer season is upon the people of Penstowan and the town is heaving with locals and holidaymakers. The heat is on for Jodie who is busy catering various events throughout week-long Penstowan’s Art Festival. It’s not only her food that’s making waves. When an artist visits the festival to create a painting of the idyllic Cornish coast, he forms an unlikely friendship with Jodie that’s bound to set tongues wagging. The festival is somewhat overshadowed by a murder of an author, which Jodie finds herself in the middle of. With her heart and head telling her different things, can Jodie help to solve the deepening mystery, and uncover the mastermind behind the crime? Twists and turns, followed by corruption and the shady world of art, Jodie and DCI Withers certainly have a lot on their hands.

I really enjoyed reading this, it was such a comforting and cozy read. It was a little slow to begin with but as I haven’t read the first instalment (yet), I could appreciate taking the time to get to know the different characters. I instantly loved Jodie, her family and her group of friends. The book itself showed off the stunning Cornish coastline, and anyone who has visited or been part of a village festival (or rather fete) can relate to the goings on, whether that’s enjoying a cream tea or a pint of scrumpy.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for letting me read this ebook.

The is the second book in the series, I must admit that I hadn't read the first so have missed some of the back story although this didn't affect my enjoyment too much.
This is the true definition of a Cozy mystery : a lovely location in my favourite part of the world, Cornwall. A suspicious death, an author who had appeared at a local arts festival. Romantic interests in a famous artist, a DCI and an old friend - who, if any, does Jodie have an interest in? There are twists and turns in the plot and humour to soften the story. Overall I enjoyed this story and I really must go and read the first book in the series plus am looking forward to the next one.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Another wonderful murder mystery from Fiona Leitch. I loved the first Nosey Parker novel and this one had a lot to live up to, I'm pleased to say it did not disappoint. Between solving crime and getting tangled up in her very complicated love life, this book had me unable to put it down. The characters are loveable and I can't get enough of them. Can not wait for the next installment.

This is the 2nd installment in the Nosey Parker mystery series. Jodie (aka Nosey) Parker has been back in her hometown of Penstowan Cornwall and she is ready to enjoy the upcoming summer Arts Festival. Jodie is getting her catering business off the ground and is hoping catering the opening night hor d'oeuvres is a hit. The night is in honor of artist Duncan Stoval and his wife Genevieve who in the early 90’s painted the Penstowan pictures which was a series of landscapes that became famous. Jodie’s waitstaff does not show so she has to get into one of the outfits which she hates and is spoken rudely to by the famous artist as he wants a whiskey but he does apologize and Jodie and Duncan become fast friends. The mayor announces that Duncan will be painting a picture this week for auction and it is clear that Duncan knows nothing about it and is mad. Also the cottage he and his wife is staying at will be open to the public to watch him paint. The next day Jodie shows up at the festival the next day and is hoping to see Duncan but he is a no show for his wife’s talk. Jodie is there and the first speaker is a terrible writer who Jodie takes down a bit in his Q&A. He later comes back and makes a disturbance during Gen’s talk and is taken out by the bodyguard of the art gallery owner who is in town with Duncan and Gen. Jodie decides to take her dog on a walk and check in on Duncan and ends up taking a walk with him on the cliffs and it ends with a kiss. Jodie leaves confused because Duncan is a married man albeit very unhappily but Jodie is clearly drawn to him. That night it is learned that someone has fallen off the cliff and she rushes out of the tent and races up to the cliff to see if it is Duncan. She is relieved that Duncan is safe but the writer who she saw heading up to the cottage when she was leaving earlier is the one dead at the bottom of the cliffs. Duncan claims to have heard him and tried to help. Nathan (DCI Withers) think Duncan is a prime suspect and everyone is noticing Jodie and Duncan and warn her she is married. Jodie helps Nathan inestigate and does ask Duncan some hard questions. I have to admit I like Jodie but she has three men that are interested in her and all are pretty nice guys. This was a good solid mystery and I like Jodie and Nathan as well as Tony. Wonder how it will all work out. Looking forward to the next in the series. Recommend.

Village Festival Fatality....
The second in a series of cosy mysteries featuring Jodie Parker (Nosey). Our protagonist has recently left the Metropolitan Police and returned to her Cornish hometown, along with daughter Daisy, and an ambition of starting a catering company. Unbeknown to her, life will be nothing like the relaxing and quietly content picture she envisioned. The village festival is in full swing and it’s a given that it will be unlikely to go without a hitch. Sure enough a body is soon discovered, this time at the bottom of a cliff, and Jodie’s sleuthing instincts kick in. Enjoyable fun read with a likeable protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters. A fitting addition to this new series.

I read the first book, so had to read the second and it was great. I have started to really enjoy the series. Loved all the supporting characters too.

A week long festival planned to bring tourists to Penstowan also brought passion, greed, deception and murder. That is how former police officer Jodie Parker once again finds herself using her skills to try and track down a killer. In the process she also ends up involved with a possible suspect.

There is something about this series that draws me in and I find myself wondering what is going to happen even when I am not reading the story. The protagonist seems real and her struggle to get settled again in her home town after a bad divorce feels credible. Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

I loved Murder on the Menu, Jodie’s first outing, and was delighted to be able to meet up with her again - would the second book be as good as the first? Absolutely! Everything that I loved in Murder on the Menu is here again - the gorgeous Cornish setting, the feisty and funny heroine, a dead body and some very fizzy romantic chemistry. The book does not require the reader to have read the first book, but you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of Jodie’s adventures. This time Jodie, an ex police woman, is catering for the village festival which sees an influx of visitors including a rather attractive new love interest. Of course there’s a body...and of course Jodie cannot resist a little sleuthing. This is such a gorgeous series. I really enjoy reading these books. The characters are brilliantly drawn, Jodie in particular. There’s the lovely feel of being in Cornwall, watching the sunshine twinkle on the water and smelling the delicious aromas of Jodie’s cooking. The characters feel friends who you want to catch up with on a regular basis and gosh I really need to know which chap Jodie is going to choose! With thanks to Netgalley and One More Chapter for a lovely read.

A Brush With Death sees a return to the seaside village of Penstowan with the second book in the Nosey Parker series as she once again helps the local DCI try and crack another case. This book focuses on the village’s festival and whilst a pleasant enough read, I just didn’t find it as captivating as the first novel. I would rate this book 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

Loved this second instalment of the Nosey Parker series, particularly Jodie's inner monologue and her relationship with the supporting characters. The mystery was intriguing and well explained, with lots of enjoyable twists and turns. Highly recommended and looking forward to book 3!

After reading the first book in the series, I was happy to request a copy of this. Although still enjoyable, the emphasis seemed heavily oriented to Jodie’s love life and her liaisons with several men in the village. The way the DCI shared data from the investigation with Jodie seemed quite reckless, especially given that Jodie had developed a romantic relationship with one of the main suspects.
If you like your cosys to be more about romance and less on crime solving, you will enjoy.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy. I give it 3.5.