Member Reviews
A Sprinkle Of Sabotage was a nice, enjoyable, easy read.
I was so immersed in the plot I’ve accidentally solved the mystery before our heroine does, but it was very well written that I’ve only understood why it happened when the author was ready to disclose it.
A movie crew descends on the small cornish town of Penstowan, eliciting an excited buzz among the villagers who sign up as extras. That’s the reason why Jodie finds herself on set when some minor accidents happen, making her cop intuition tinkles. Is the movie cursed for real like many actors think or is there a criminal plan behind these incidents? Don’t worry, Jodie will help the always charming DCI Withers to find out.
I really like the character of Jodie, she is a mess, she has a lot on her plate, being a single mother, trying to make her new caterer company profitable, taking care of her mum plus making sense of her feelings for two men, however she never miss the opportunity to be nosey and to help the police with new cases.
I really wish to read many more adventures in this series because these characters easily became like friends to me and I don’t want to say goodbye.
Another fantastic addition to the series.
A film crew is in the quaint Cornish town of Penstowan and everybody's excited - after all, there has been a request for extras and Jodie, her mum and Daisy cannot wait to dip their feet into the world of acting and things that scream 'Hollywood'. Rumor is that the movie is cursed. First, one of the actress' caravan door is jammed, then comes the broken bulbs and faulty generator. Finally, one of the actors drops dead (for real!)
I really loved the romance angle here. Some improvement in Jodie's love life at last! I am eager to see how 'possibly the one' might affect Jodie's sleuthing... um, I mean catering business.
The reason behind the murder was a shocker. I admit I didn't see this coming and felt a little let down because I was expecting something sinister at play.
Overall, this was a fun read. One can read this book as a standalone but I recommend you to start from book#1 so that you have a brief idea of the characters and their side stories.
4.5 stars
This is the third book in the Nosey Parker series by Fiona Leitch.
This story was a little bit more up my alley than book two. This one featured Jodie more focused on the two men in her life. She has been noticing Tony is a bit more manly than she thought and has been catching her eye. Then Nathan reveals that his father is sick and he has gotten a job offer back closer to where his parents live. Now Jodie is perplexed. What does she really want?
Then add to that the fact that one of the actors has been murdered and the caterer has a nasty fall making Jodie have to fill in for him and her plate is completely jam packed.
I am totally digging this series and look forward to each book that pops up. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite book universes. Joanne Fluke better watch out, she has some real competition her for a series that will stand the test of time.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
I was delighted to have this land on my Netgalley shelf moments after finishing another nosey Parker story and saying I was looking forward to the next one in my review. Perfect timing and the book did not disappoint. So enjoyable.
I was given an advance copy of this story and I really enjoyed it. Was an easy and quick read and you get immersed in the story along with all the characters.
Sleuthing Instincts Kick In....
The third in a series of cosy mysteries featuring Jodie Parker (Nosey) and a film crew is descending on the village. 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. With the whole village clamouring for involvement in the filming it’s a given that things are not going to go without a hitch. Sure enough, ‘accidents’ begin to happen 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.
Another good mystery set in Cornwall. I am enjoying getting to know the characters as the books progress. Not just a mystery but good characters and a bit of romance too!
A thoroughly enjoyable light-hearted murder mystery. Jodie (Nosey) Parker is an ex-policewoman now running a catering company in Cornwall where she was brought up. To earn some extra money she applies to be an extra at a local film shoot, but the official caterer is injured so she takes over. When one of the lead actors is murdered, Nathan, the local DCI investigates but Jodie cannot help but get involved. It might not have the most believable plot but it is a fun book to read especially Jodie's feeling towards her oldest best friend, Tony and Nathan. A very pleasant change from trend toward gritty, blood and guts murders. The only 'negative' is that Jodie keeps talking about food. I must try the chocolate pud in a mug recipe given at the end of the book. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
This is an honest review of a complimentary ARC.
A Sprinkle of Sabotage by Fiona Leitch brings a movie production, pranks, death, and some humor to the third book in the Nosey Parker cozy mystery series set in the Cornish town of Penstowan and the nearby community of Penstowan Cross. Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker has moved back to her home town after leaving the London police force. Her 12 year-old daughter Daisy wanted her to do something less dangerous so Jodie retrained as a caterer and started Banquets and Bakes, her own catering company. It seems everyone in Penstowan is answering the casting call for movie extras including Jodie, her daughter, her mother, and many of her friends. But who is trying to sabotage the shoot? Or is it just pranks, accidents, and minor inconveniences?
With this third book, it now seemed like I was visiting with old friends. Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth was a delight. She was a likeable and friendly character that I continued to connect with. Her interactions with DCI Nathan Withers and long-time friend Tony Penhaligon varied from witty to serious and a little bit of everything in between. Will a true romance finally develop? The secondary characters continue to develop. In this case, we saw more depth in Nathan and Tony. Instead of only quaint characters, there were also realistic characters that added to the realism of the story. Does your family ever cause you embarrassment? Are you willing to give up a job you love so your child doesn’t worry about you?
The writing style continues to flow well and take this reader to Cornwall. The author did a good job of transporting me to the Cornish countryside and its small towns. She did a great job of ‘showing’ versus ‘telling’ which made the novel more enjoyable. The story had several twists, a couple of surprises at the end and gives readers food for thought. Additionally, having a sleuth that was not an amateur continues to bring depth to the novel that is often lacking in cozy mysteries.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Jodie’s world. It was a fun, appealing and entertaining read with a solid mystery to unravel and a fresh take on the protagonist. All of the major plot points were resolved satisfactorily, the atmosphere was just right, and there are some threads to be explored in future books. Themes include the friendship, family, complicated relationships, small town attitudes, movie productions, murder, romance, and much more. Relationships continue to play a major role in this series.
I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie and her family and friends. It even includes a recipe at the end of the book.
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March 11, 2021.
Thank you NetGalley, Fiona Leitch and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC of A Sprinkle of Sabotage. This is my personal review.
Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is back again, and the story is one that will fill your day with everything you would expect from reading Jodie and her adventures.
There is a film crew in town, and they need extras for the movie. Jodie signs up and gets a part. She ends up working the catering when chef gets hurt. She is busy feeding everyone when which makes her happy instead of being bored just standing around waiting for her bit part in the movie to be needed.
When one of the stars die and after a bunch of odd events everyone is convinced the whole shoot is is in in jeopardy.
Will Jodie better known by some as Nosey be able to help figure out what is happening.
Geraldine the dog is such a fantastic part of the series you just have to get a copy of this one and spend a few hours in the Cornish village of Penstowen.
I enjoyed this one, the pace was good, the plot was interesting and ease of the story was comfortable enough to read in an afternoon and evening.
I hope there are more like this one still to come.
The characters, the setting and the storyline leave you wanting for more.
I received an advance copy of, A Sprinkle of Sabotage, by Fiona Leitch. I love a good mystery and this book does not disappoint. Nosey Parker is back solving crime, her way.
Begrudgingly Jodie Parker signs up to be an extra in the filming of a fantasy drama movie that has come to her small village so she can afford to buy her daughter a computer for her birthday. However, a series of accidents have the cast and crew feeling they are cursed but then when someone ends up dead Jodie thinks she should snoop around and help the handsome DCI Withers.
This British cozy is a well rounded story with mystery, friendships, humor and a touch of romance. This is the third book in The Nosey Parker Mysteries and could be read as a stand alone but I am glad I read the first two because they were a great lead into this story. Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
"A Sprinkle of Sabotage” the 3rd instalment in The Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery series by Fiona Leitch. I love visiting Cornwall and the village of Penstowan along with Jodie, Daisy, Tony and Nathan. This go around a film company has come to town and needs extras so everyone applies, but this start to go wrong little accidents which set off Jodies spidey sense...
Plus things come to a head with respect to Nathan and Tony and Jodies true feelings... I won’t say anything else as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
The mystery was really interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. I really hope there will be a book 4 coming out soon, as I can’t get enough of this series.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Harper Collins UK. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hormones, love, lust and flatulence are in the air in Fiona Leitch’s A Sprinkle of Sabotage, the third book in the Jodie (Nosey)Parker series. We’re invited back to the Cornish village of Penstowan and into the lives of ex cop turned caterer Jodie, daughter Daisy, mum Shirley and best friends Tony and Debbie for another helping of mischief, murder and mayhem. This time around these Cornish folk are all excited by the prospect of rubbing shoulders with the movie stars. A casting audition for extras in the upcoming period drama to be filmed at Polvarrow House is taking place and the Parker household is in the throes of glamming up for the occasion, the (minuscule) chance to see their names in lights and earn some much needed cash the only incentives required. The hilarious opening scene in which Shirley steals the limelight paves the way for much lighthearted mildly saucy humour, silliness, recipes, romance and yes you’ve guessed it, murder with one of my favourite cozy crime sleuths taking centre stage. Amid gallons of giggles, flirty banter and a few handsome hunks to swoon over there’s a culinary theme to murder as Fiona Leitch serves up another tempting cozy mystery. Dim the lights, raise the curtain and let the show begin!
This production is plagued from the outset by plenty of minor but annoying setbacks with the cast of the show, young and gorgeous Zac Smith, national treasure Faith Mackenzie, former hell raiser Jeremy Mayhew and Japanese actress Kimi Takahashi all finding themselves the targets of what everybody assumes to be a prankster a la Scooby Doo style. Laugh out loud moments ensue as Tony Penhaligon comes to the rescue of damsels (and a Pekingese) in distress, displaying a D’Arcy-esque physique and manner that has hearts aflutter including Jodie’s. There’s a definite hint of jealousy in the air as our funny, flawed and lovable heroine sees best friend Tony in a whole new light but will romance blossom between ‘potato sack’ wearing Jodie and her ‘leaving nothing to the imagination tight trouser frilly shirt’ wearing best friend or is DI Nathan Withers waiting in the wings to make an appearance and announce himself as a rival for Jodie’s affections? The author intends to (still!) keep her readers guessing as before daggers can be drawn at dawn, this investigation begins in earnest and it’s all work and no play for Nathan and Jodie. Gino, the on-site caterer has taken a tumble down the steps of his van breaking his elbow, providing Jodie with the opportunity to hold the fort and indulge in her favourite pastime of snooping. She’s in the perfect position to follow her instincts (and her nose!) warning her that Gino’s fall is far from accidental. Given all that has happened so far on set, the belief that this production is cursed may not be such a far fetched theory after all. Is someone trying to sabotage the shoot and if so why? We’re in safe, capable hands as Nathan and Jodie set out to determine whether there’s a joker in their midst or a saboteur who may be about to take pranking to a whole new level.
This is one hunger inducing storyline from start to finish! Food, glorious food is not the only thing on the menu as Jodie juggles her culinary skills with her detective ones. I’m never sure who is assisting who in these investigations but Nathan and Jodie are a perfect crime busting duo, complimenting each other like gin and tonic, fish and chips, Tom and Jerry! I simply can’t get enough of their joint adventures which ALWAYS bring a smile to my face.
There’s a definite Japanese theme running through their latest investigation and since actress Kimi Takahasi and sister Aiko are in town what better way to make them feel right at home than to serve up some mouth wateringly delicious cultural cuisine in honour of their birthday. However the party celebrations are short lived when it’s a Japanese delicacy that is to blame for the fact one actor is left dead and the whole filming schedule in disarray. Yet another unfortunate (and in this case tragic) accident or the work of the so called saboteur? Masks will slip, and truths will be revealed as Zac and his fellow cast members and crew are subjected to some gentle(ish) interrogation by both Jodie and Nathan. In their professional capacity as actors these characters are adept at turning on every conceivable emotion but what lies at the heart of this sabotage? Is there a scent of jealousy or scandal or blackmail in the sea air?
Much as I enjoy unraveling these mysteries which are far from easy to solve I relish all the human interactions between friends, family and potential lovers. These characters are all inviting, warm individuals and I love being a fly on the wall, privy to details of their personal lives which mainly only focus on the positive. The storylines are a perfect antidote to everyday reality and there’s really no better way to lose yourself in a piece of fiction than to familiarise yourself with the Penstowan crowd and all their harmless antics. Am I allowed to say I love the Britishness of the humour which partly reminds me of the Carry on films?!?
Give me a Jodie (Nosey) Parker novel, a cup of strong builders tea, or if I’m feeling particularly indulgent, a glass of wine any day of the week and I’m in heaven! This series offers up a slice of happiness on a plate and will definitely lift your spirits but will not curb your appetite for wanting more! Keep them coming Fiona because I now count Jodie and her Cornish friends as characters I know and love and I’m sure I can hear wedding bells in the distance for Nathan and his nosey bride to be or is that just wishful thinking on my part? If you haven’t already discovered this cozy mystery series then you can easily read A Sprinkle of Sabotage as a stand-alone or why not treat yourself to all three? This series in my opinion is as binge worthy as Bridgerton! My thanks as always to the publisher One More Chapter and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.
Dragged to a casting for film extras by her mum and daughter (and finding lifelong friend Tony there too), Jodie "Nosy" Parker said it wasn't for her - until, being skint, she was seduced by ready cash.
Odd things have been happening on set. And when caterer Gino falls and breaks his elbow, Jodie has to step in.
But it's not the worst thing that happens. One of the cast ends up dead, and Jodie can't stop herself from poking her nose in. Again.
This series is utterly brilliant, seamlessly combining the whodunit with the comedic, chaotic lives of the characters. Can't wait for the next one!
A great read! I love this cosy mystery series .
Jodie “Nosey” Parker is back once again, a film crew is in Penstowan at the local stately home , and the locals are excited including Jodie’s mum Shirley and her daughter Daisy. The film company are looking for extras and Jodie is persuaded to go along with her family and best friend Tony.
During filming small incidents take place which keep setting the schedule back , and then a suspicious death , so Jodie begins sleuthing with DCI Nathan Withers.
I enjoy Fiona Leitch’s style of writing it’s easy to read and humour is interspersed throughout the narrative. I find the characters genuine and affable .
This series brightens up the dark winter days and I eagerly await the next book .
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this arc copy.
A film crew is coming to Penstowan and it seems everyone wants to be cast as an extra, so Jodie takes her Mum and Daisy and joins them in the job. While Jodie is cast, she’s less than thrilled to be the help, so she jumps at the chance to take over for the food truck when the owner has an accident and breaks his arm. But too many odd things are going on around the shoot and the cast thinks the shoot is cursed.
After one of the stars dies, the police are called in and Jodie transforms into her alter ego, Nosey, and sees more going on than the DCI suspects. Will the movie finish filming, or will the final nails in its coffin shut it down for good? Only the killer knows and no one suspects a thing except for Jodie and Nathan.
This is a fun series set in Cornwall and I can’t get enough of it. I’m hoping it wasn’t just a three part series and is over. There’s far too much left for Jodie to stick her nose into and we must have more! If you love cozies, especially British cozies, you must add this to your reading list!
A Sprinkle of Sabotage had an engaging plot and it moved along nicely. However, I was disappointed with the characterisation. The main players seem to have lost their voices which I thought were well established in the first book. And I was irritated by the unnecessary descriptions of bodily functions and fluids. They added nothing at all to the plot. I will read the next book in the series but it will have to improve on this one to keep my interest. Overriding emotion? Sad.
There is great excitement in the small Cornish village of Penstowen; not only is a film company completing their latest blockbuster nearby but they need extras and lots of them. Jodie (Nosey) Parker is surrounded by that excitement as both her mum, Shirley and daughter, Daisy are determined to audition.
Talked into joining in all the hullabaloo by best friend, Tony, Jodie soon finds herself signed up, as part of a group of five, with new friend Debbie. The air is full of excitement and even Jodie is beginning to enjoy herself when the location chef, Gino, falls on the canteen steps and breaks his arm. Before she can even process what's happening Jodie finds herself feeding the hungry masses rather than standing around bored for hours on end and she couldn't be happier.
With a series of small accidents holding up proceedings Jodie begins to wonder whether they are all a coincidence or if someone is trying to cause problems purposely. With DCI Nathan Withers on the case and everyone's nerves frayed is it only a matter of time before something more serious happens?
This is the third book in a series which is fast becoming a firm favourite. The first chapter alone is worth five stars and had me laughing out loud more than once. Geraldine the dog is still cocking her leg on local walks! According to Josie this is because she's a bit bossy! Add this to Josie's complicated private life which continues alongside the happenings on set and this is an entertaining, humorous read with the promise of book four mentioned in the recipe at the end of the story.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I love this series and recommend it highly.