I loved this book, it’s funny, well written and has great characters. The main character has an ‘interesting’ love life; she’s the Cornish Stephanie Plum. (By the way, I’m rooting for Nathan). Great little details about Cornwall and a brilliant recipe at the end. As warming as a hot chocolate and a blanket on a cold day.

Jodie 'Nosey' Parker is back! An author falls off the cliff and he was last seen walking towards Duncan's cottage. Now Duncan, a renowned artist, is Jodie's latest um, crush? Lover boy? Only time will tell. Anyhoo, not straying away from the point, Duncan finds himself mixed up in the death of the author and it is up to Jodie to prove his innocence. All this while the handsome DCI Nathan Withers is around. Then we have Tony, Jodie's best friend since school. We have a 'Love Rhombus' here!

The quirk factor was a little low in A Brush with Death when compared to the first book. Though we have a murder mystery and Jodie poking her nose (She's NOSEY, remember?), the story inclines towards the matters of the heart.

This was an inverted mystery-ish. When a certain somebody is introduced in the story, it is pretty evident they are somehow related to the crime. Also, I would have liked the story better if Daisy and Shirley were more involved into the mystery.

Overall, this was a good read. I am looking forward to seeing what's next for our Ms Nosey Parker.

Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker may have only been back in her Cornish home town of Penstowan for a few months but her inquisitive,meddling nature has already led her to a second investigation, on this occasion drawing her into the art world and some decidedly shady business dealings. Prepare to encounter murder alongside mushroom vol au vents as Jodie delights fans of this new cosy mystery series with her ability to sniff out dubious characters involved in dodgy shenanigans all within a five mile radius! Any whiff of a scandal and Jodie’s copper instincts kick in! One of the best things about Fiona Leitch’s latest fictional creation is there’s no stomach churning content or a single drop of bloodshed to put you off your dinner! Snuggle up,set aside some snacks to aid your super sleuthing skills and enjoy!

It’s festival time in Penstowan and whilst Jodie may be busy catering for the event she’s still got time to notice the dashing Duncan Stovall, much acclaimed artist of the Penstowan paintings that depict this idyllic Cornish landscape. Taking up temporary residence in Lowenna cottage with glamorous wife Genevieve Lorre, they are both feted as minor celebrities; she is in town to give a book talk alongside journalist turned author Robert Holmes whilst her husband attracts tourists and townsfolk alike to his open house who are keen to catch a glimpse of the artist at work. Add in the presence of Genevieve and Robert’s agent Laura Fulstrop and gallery owner Charles Harper and you have the all the characters necessary to begin this lighthearted, gentle mystery. All that’s required is a dead body and when Robert is found dead at the bottom of the cliffs near Lowenna cottage the finger of blame points straight at Duncan Stovall. Jodie’s heart (and nose!) tell her to consider other possibilities as she joins DI Nathan Withers in the search for the truth. Who else could be in the ‘frame’ for this murder?? Will it take more than a ‘stroke’ of luck to prevent further foul play?

As this latest investigation gathers pace taking the DI and his most willing civilian sidekick around the Cornish coastline I was impressed and surprised by the complexity of the crime in question. Leading the pair deeper into the depths of the art underworld, this mystery sheds light on Duncan and Genevieve’s marriage as well as those within their inner circle ultimately exposing the reasons for Robert’s demise.

Love is definitely in the sea air for our ex copper turned caterer, smitten with the charming and roguish Duncan, yet you can’t help feeling childhood friend Tony Penhaligon or DI Withers would be more suitable matches. Still love is blind and whilst there’s romantic rumblings between the DI it’s too soon to tell whether Jodie will choose to take their relationship beyond the realms of their professional one. For now this officer and a gentleman seems happy to let Jodie assist in any investigation, unperturbed by her presence or tendency to wheedle her way into matters that should only concern the local constabulary. Suffice to say they make a formidable duo! With Tony waiting in the wings he could be the dark horse in the competition for Jodie’s affections but only time will tell and I can’t wait to discover how these relationships will develop. Really that’s the appeal of cozy mysteries; the ability to reunite with familiar, amiable characters whose lives are a source of entertainment and laughter is what keeps the reader coming back for more just as much as any desire to solve the crime. Sunny dispositions, quirky personalities and loyal friendships, endear you to these characters so you feel inclined to follow their lives with interest and with a mixture of mild saucy innuendo, sand and sea air what’s not to love? Although daughter Daisy, mum Shirley and friends Debbie and Tony take a backseat I hope in time the author treats us to more than a glimpse of these supporting characters.

I knew I was going to love this series the minute I clapped eyes upon the enticing covers. This cozy mystery series is comfort reading at its finest; as a child my go to reads were anything by Enid Blyton, especially Malory Towers, St Clare’s and the Secret Seven and I predict I will feel the same way about this series as it develops since the pick me up powers of this author’s writing are second to none. If you think of your favourite indulgent treat then this series is the literary equivalent. With characters you care about and criminal capers that won’t give you nightmares set amid a location that is picture postcard perfect Fiona Leitch has found the winning combination.I just hope the author is a fast writer as I’ll need another fix of Cornish crime very soon! My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

Jodie Parker is gearing up for village’s big festival. To kick it off, she is catering a welcome party for the guest of honor, an artist famous for his painting of Penstowan. Little did Jodie expect for a famous artist to fall for her, and she for him, especially a married artist. Between the gala and three men who seem to be vying for Jodie’s attention, it’s going to be a long week as the festival proceeds.

When a visiting author is murdered after visiting Duncan, Jodie has to question whether the man she is falling for is really what he seems. As her heart is pulled in different directions, she is clear on one thing, she IS going to find out what is going on and who really killed the author. Now Jodie just needs to keep her heart, and her life, safe until she has answers.

A fun second entry in this series and I truly enjoyed it. The only way to travel these days is to get lost in a book and I have traveled the Cornish coast twice now during the epidemic. I’m looking forward to the third entry in the series and seeing what life has in store for Jodie.

Having read the first book in the series I was looking forward to reading the next book. I love a cozy murder/mystery. Jodie Nosey Parker and some of the folk from Penstwowan are back with another murder to solve when a body is found.

It was so lovely to be back in Jodie's world and gaining some admirer's along the way. The murder didn't happen straight away so it was a clever ploy to get you guessing who would end up dead. Lots of red herrings and clues to keep you guessing when the body was found. I loved it as much as the first. Looking forward to reading book 3.

Highly recommended, a great read!
This is the second book in the series and it sees a return to Cornwall and Jodie “Nosey” Parker.
Jodie is an ex met police officer and has returned to Penstowan her childhood home , and started a catering company. Jodie is catering for the local arts festival and gala , and a murder takes place.
Once again Jodie joins forces with DCI Withers , to try and solve the case.

I love the characters in this series especially Shirley Jodie’s mum , they are genuine and gel well together. I can’t wait to see how Jodie’s personal life and relationships develop in the next book.
The writing is easy to read and free flowing and I read the book in one sitting. The description of the village of Penstowan and its inhabitants brightens up the long winter days, I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

An entertaining cozy mystery to enable you to escape to a coastal location .
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUk, One More Chapter for this arc copy.

3.5 stars

We return to Penstowan , Cornwall for the second helping of the Jodie (Nosey) Parker series. This instalment centres around the first Penstwowan Art Festival. The focus is on a series of paintings of the area by well known artist Duncan Stovall. Jodie is very attracted to Duncan, in fact she’s hypnotised by his lovely blue eyes but then there’s hunky DCI Nathan Withers and oh, let’s not forget the long standing friendship with Tony Penhaligon. Jodie, Jodie, Jodie!!!! There’s a surfeit of chaps in this one!!!

This one starts slowly building up the story and isn’t as immediately engaging as the first book and doesn’t have the same snap, crackle and pop! However, the dynamic duo of Withers and Parker eventually get their teeth into an entertaining and twisty, puzzling mystery. I like the dialogue between the characters which is often amusing with a certain amount of innuendo. The main characters are very likeable with really good dynamics between them. Jodie’s mum Shirley is probably the funniest character in the second book though on the receiving end of a certain amount of eye rolling from Jodie and her daughter Daisy!!! Jodie is a lot of fun though she can be outspoken when she needs to be. She definitely manages to insert herself into investigations with her nosey parkering which DCI Withers seems amenable to. As the mystery deepens we have tension between some characters which is conveyed well, there are some well kept secrets and deception, a corrupt organisation is uncovered which is pulling the strings in the dramatic events in Penstowan.

Overall, I don’t think this is as funny as the last book as the humour is more muted, however, it is an entertaining cozy mystery once it gets going and I really enjoy the characters.

With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, Harper Fiction for the arc for an honest review.

There's a festival in Penstowan (whatever you do, don't call it a fete....). Guest of honour is artist Duncan, famed for his local paintings. His wife, author Genevieve, is taking part in a literary event with journalist turned very bad indeed fiction author Robert.

But when Robert is found dead at the bottom of a cliff and Duncan stuck trying to rescue him, it looks like a tragic accident.

Or was it?

Jodie "Nosey" Parker is embroiled in a local mystery again.....and her tangled love life isn't helping

Absolutely love these characters, can't wait for another instalment

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Death at a writer at a festival will have Jodie Parker involved in things the catering.

She will once again stick her nose into the case using the knowledge she learned as a Met police. She knows that all is not what it seems as she dives into the investigation.

It is a charming small town British cozy that will have you dreaming of an English lifestyle.

When ex-detective, Jodie Parker, is hired to provide the catering at her local art festival she has high hopes for a successful week which will help with her fledgling company's reputation and bank balance. The village is full of art lovers and the sun is shining so what could possibly go wrong?

When a body is found Jodie can't resist living up to her nosey nickname once again, much to DCI Nathan Withers resigned acceptance. With the clues all pointing in a direction she doesn't agree with it's up to Jodie to once again put her investigator's hat on and prevent a miscarriage of justice. Can she do so before anyone else loses their lives and still fulfil her festival responsibilities?

This is the second in the Jodie 'Nosey' Parker series and already the main characters fit together nicely and play their part in making this such a pleasure to read. Fiona Leitch has the ability to write laugh out loud cosy crime with an edge and this book is no exception. There are hints of problems to come for Jodie and her maybe, maybe not, attraction to Nathan which was definitely confusing her this time.

Set in Cornwall, a county I know well, it is a pleasure to read all the little snippets of how it is to live there which slip effortlessly into the main storyline to add to the realism. Add to this a regional recipe at the end of the book narrated in Jodie's inimitable style and this book is a pleasure from beginning to end.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a welcome escape from reality and I loved it.

This was a delightful cozy that is wonderful for an afternoon read. The characters are sweet and special.The plot is full of twists and turns. I fell in love with this cute series and I cannot wait to read some more.

Well this was rather unpredictable but having seen the resolution in full, I'd also say it felt far more complicated than anticipated too!

It was lovely to be back with Jodie Parker, in Penstowan, Cornwall, and I loved the various male admirers she clearly has even if she isn't quite ready to admit to them, or pick between them!

I found the start of the book felt a bit slow to me, in that I kept expecting a dead body and disappointed it hadn't happened yet. The build up though was needed, and all my guesses as to who was going to be killed were incorrect, and that's before you even try to solve the murder.

It was the dynamic between Jodie, who is ex-police and current detective for the town Tony, and how they are both trying to look into this death, even though Jodie isn't a PI, as you may half expect from this sort of book. Tony is starting to exchange information with Jodie and listen to her theories and it's starting to feel like they could be a team to be reckoned with, even if Jodie is helping in some sort of voluntary role.

Set amongst an arts and literary festival, there are plenty of familiar faces from the first book but equally this could easily be read as a standalone, I love that in Jodie's role as a caterer she is able to be invited to these various events and possibly blend into the background, so she can get to hear things she may not otherwise.

It's an enjoyable second book in the series and I'm certainly keen to read the next one to see how the regular characters develop further, and to see just what will happen next!

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.