A Dash of Death by Michelle Hillen Klump is the debut of A Cocktails and Catering Mysteries. I thought the cozy mystery contained good writing and it has an interesting concept. An investigative reporter who switches gears after being dumped by her fiancé. Samantha created homemade bitters as wedding favors. In order to get rid of her stash, her friends come up with a great solution. Samantha creates cocktails using her bitters for one of the homes on the Highlands Historic Home Tour plus she is selling her cherry-vanilla bitters. The evening goes swimmingly until one of the guests dies after drinking one of Samantha’s cocktails. The man’s glass is found with an oleander blossom in it. Oleanders may be beautiful, but they are deadly. To make matters worse, the victim’s wife is suing Samantha for $8 million dollars. Samantha needs to use her reporting skills to investigate the murder and clear her name. I like the concept of a reporter turning mixologist who also makes her own bitters. We get to meet Samantha’s besties, Beth and Marisa. Of course, Samantha’s ex-fiancé, Greg keeps popping up. We also get to meet David Dwyer, an attorney, who helps Samantha with her legal problems. There seem to be some sparks between lawyer and client. The characters lacked development. They were also dull (and flat). There was no quirkiness or humor. The whodunit had a unique form of murder. When I first arrived in Florida when I was twelve, my aunt informed me of two things: avoid the red fire ants (their bite is painful) and the second was not to pick the oleander flowers. There were a couple of suspects in the victim’s death. Misdirection tries to keep readers from identifying the guilty party. There is a dramatic reveal that takes care of any lingering questions. I kept hoping for a good twist. The mystery was predictable, and it was a snap to solve. I wish Samantha had not been so wishy washy. As an investigative reporter, I thought Samantha would dive into the case. I expected her to be eager to clear her name and find the guilty party. I also did not understand why Samantha would help Gabby. The woman is suing her, and Samantha does not know her. It was illogical to me. There are recipes at the end for Beth’s gingersnaps, her from the garden lasagna, a cherry simple syrup, and Samantha’s Cherry Gin Fizz. I wanted more information about bitters in the story. It would have been nice to learn more about the history of bitters and how they are made. At the closing of the story, we get to see Samantha decide what she wants to do with her future. It will provide a way for her to get involved in cases all over Houston. I liked seeing Samantha moving forward. A Dash of Death shakes things up for Samantha with an overabundance of bitters, a fatal flower, a toxic cocktail, a bothersome ex-beau, a fatal flower, a troublesome lawsuit, and a resolute reporter.

This is a fun, funny, wild murder mystery and pseudo-love story all wrapped up in one. While it is the first in a series it is easily a stand alone story. Fiona Leitch has written a great story with solid characters who are well developed, realistic, and down right funny/scary/sweet/wild/etc. Its a book that started a bi slow for me but picked up as it went and by.the middle of the book I simply couldn't put it down..

Jodie aka Nosey is a former detective and current caterer who has been hired to cater her former high school boyfriends wedding. During the rehearsal pre celebration dinner a fight breaks out then later that night a death occurs and someone goes missing. And Jody becomes what she is known for. . .Nosiness! DCI Withers, who is on the case is fully annoyed with Jodie being involved but he cannot deny that she has some good insight. And when Withers accepts Jodie's help they are able to crack the case wide open. . .but not before innocent parties are put at risk.

Jodie "Nosey" Parker is glad to be back in the Cornish Village that she grew up in after living in London. She quit the Met Police to look for something less dangerous. She and her daughter move to the town, and she is finally going to start her dream catering company. When she gets into town, she heads to the furniture store to purchase a sofa and runs into a friend from school that owns the furniture store. She gets her first catering job when he finds out that she is now running a catering company. The caterer that they hired has quit and the wedding is that weekend. She is invited to the party the night before the wedding and gets involved in drama between the ex-wife and woman he is marrying the next day.

The next morning, Jodie is busy getting the food ready for the wedding reception when two unexpected things happen. The ex-wife is found dead on the grounds of the venue and the bride is missing. Even though Josie is a caterer now and no longer in law enforcement, she gets drawn into the case. Although the local law enforcement say that they want her to stay out of it, she actually proves very helpful to them. This is a fun book that I highly recommend,

Was a fun interesting cozy mystery. Interesting characters and settings. makes me want to visit Cornwall.

This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the first book in the Nosey Parker Mysteries series. This book is a great start for a fun cozy mystery with great characters. The mystery in this book was really good, and it had me guessing. I do wish there was more cooking/baking in this series because the cover make me think this is a foody cozy mystery series. This book did not have a lot about food. I did love the main character, Jodie. I cannot wait until the second book in this series is out because I really want to see what why Jodie's life is going to go. The ending leaves somethings up in the air which is what series normally do. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (One More Chapter) or author (Fiona Leitch) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter Books, Harper Collins for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the first in a new series with Jodie "Nosey" Parker as the main character. She is a former Metropolitan police officer who decides to retire because her daughter, Daisy, wants her to pursue a less dangerous career. She decides to open a catering business. Her first event is for her ex-boyfriend's wedding (which would be awkward in and of itself). Suddenly the bride is missing. Nosey may be a caterer now but she still has her prowess as a detective. This means that unlike the normal cozy mystery this sleuth is not an amateur at all but a very engaging detective! You have mystery, humor, great characters and a wonderful location in this mystery. If you like a light, easy read, you will enjoy this book.

This book was fun to read and very engaging. I liked the characters and the quaint town in Cornwall, England where it was set. There was more than one twist to the story. I look forward to reading more Nosy Parker mysteries. I highly recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers.

Ex-copper Jodie Parker loads up her pre-teen daughter Daisy and moves back to Cornwall where she decides to start a catering business. Her first catering job is for her longtime friend Tony Penhaligon and his fiancé Cheryl Laity’s wedding.
Tony’s ex-wife Mel confronts the pre-wedding venue with allegations of Cheryl’s intentions to take Tony to the cleaners and is found murdered the next morning when her dog Germaine found her and wouldn’t stop barking. Now, the bride to be, Cheryl is missing and Tony is suspect in murdering both of them.
Although she is no longer a copper, Jodie can’t seem to stay out of the investigation since DCI Withers believes Tony is his man and Jodie is determined to get him to look elsewhere for the murderer.
Fiona Leitch is Great Britain’s version of Janet Evanovich and ex-copper Jodie (Nosey) Parker is the Stephanie Plum of caterers!

Jodie Parker is newly-retired from the Metropolitan police force and back living in her hometown in Cornwall with her daughter (and often her widowed mother). While trying to build up her new catering business, Jodie finds herself mixed up in the murder of her friend’s ex-wife and the possible murder of his fiancée. Jodie must find the murderer, establish whether or not the second woman is missing or dead, and keep her friend out of jail. If only the inconveniently attractive new Chief Detective Inspector didn’t keep getting in the way…

These books were already released in the UK and some are available in digital now, but this, the first in the series, will now be available in paperback starting 2/15/22 in the US. The book is full of big personalities and it’s the type that alternately makes you want to move to the village because it sounds so cute and avoid it like the plague because everyone is in everyone else’s business. Jodie is an investigator along the lines of Columbo—looks like she is kind of an unorganized mess but really sees and understands better than anyone around her. If you like your murders cozy, charming, and funny, then this series is for you. Thanks to Netgalley and One More Chapter for the eARC.

Thank you Netgalley for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first installment in a new cozy mystery series set in Cornwall England. Our protagonist, Jodie "Nosey" Parker, is an ex-Met police officer who has moved back home with her daughter ready for a fresh start as a caterer, however life has other plans. When she gets tangled up in a local murder investigation both her old copper habits and fiercely protective nature over those in her life won't let her just walk away.
This was a delightful read from start to finish. Jodie is the type of cozy mystery protagonist that you just can't help but cheer for, plus the lovable cast of characters present make it extremely difficult to put this book down.

This is the first book in the series, but there are already 3 more available! And you can get all 4 ebooks for under $9 right now on Amazon!

This is the perfect little cozy if you want a quick read, ie laid up with Omicron (just ugh, right?). It's part cozy, part rom com, and part British procedural! Jodie is a parent we all can relate to-changing jobs because of the effect on your kid of your job, and moving to where it's better for them, even if they hate you for it. Culture shock aside, having to cook for your ex, just adds in the drama. But then when the police don't seem to be searching enough and Jodie sticks her hand back in, you secretly root for her to use her 'other' skills, which are sine honed, and to find the killer! As in a chamring family and potential for multiple beaus, and you ahve a fun series, you'll want to binge read your way thru!

CONTENT WARNING: infidelity, murder, blood

I’ve been reading more cozy mysteries lately, and this was definitely one of the better ones. This was written with a bit more Cornish/British slang than I’m used to, so I definitely learned some new words, but it didn’t make this book any less enjoyable for me. And I loved the use of humor throughout the story, which kept me glued to the pages and putting off the start of a buddy read that I was scheduled to begin today. Oops!

It hit all the typical notes for a cozy mystery, but with an interesting twist — the main character is a former police officer. So rather than Jodie being a bumbling civilian, she actually has a good understanding of police procedures, even if she isn’t exactly affiliated with the police force. And since her own police career took place in a completely different area, she doesn’t have strong connections with the village police. However, on account of her father being basically a legend among the police force in town, she does have a little bit of pull with the local cops.

This one hits all the major expected points in a cozy — adorable dog? Check! Awkward potential romance? Double check! Getting involved in a crime to clear her friend’s name? Absolutely check! And being an unstoppable sleuth despite the DCI in charge not exactly thrilled about her participation in what he clearly sees as “his” case? Oh yeah.

I loved Jodie’s personality right off the bat, and she’s hilarious. Smart, loyal, and willing to go to bat for the people she cares about. She’s trying to start over after divorcing her cheating ex-husband, who she may or may not still have some lingering anger about, she quits the Met Police and decides to start a catering business in her hometown. And things are going well when she gets a last-minute job catering her old friend’s wedding. Until everything and anything goes wrong. Including a missing bride and a murder.

The writing style is fun, and Jodie’s narration lets us have some insight into what she’s thinking and feeling, while also giving us side notes that lets us know that she is aware of an audience. It’s not just fun, but it’s funny as well, especially when super-hot DCI Withers steps into the picture. Jodie gets flustered, but isn’t willing to back down from what she knows to be true. She’s stubborn, and it just made me love her more. And while Withers initially seems like a total jerk, he actually wound up growing on me over the course of the book.

While the plots in cozies sometimes fall flat, I adored this one. There aren’t usually many gasps involved with this type of book, but I was pleasantly surprised for this one. And the mystery was cleverly disguised, with little hints dropped here and there, but it wasn’t easy to figure out. I loved that I was surprised by the ending, and how things worked out. Plus, one of Jodie’s recipes is included after the end of the book, which is an additional little perk. I’m super excited to read more of this fun series!

Thank you Netgalley for tis ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this mystery book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first in the new series.
Jody has left her job on the police force in London to move with her daughter to her hometown. She is determined to start a career as a caterer, and make a great life for her and Daisy. But her first job has a few problems right off the start - a missing bride and a dead ex-wife of the groom! How could things possibly get worse?
Fun characters with lots of great banter. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What an entertaining read! Jodie "Nosey" Parker left her police career in London and moved her daughter and herself to Jodie's hometown. Her new career was catering but it didn't get off to the best start. A murder and the disappearance of the bride cancelled the wedding. I really enjoyed Jodie's interaction with DCI Withers who was officially investigating the crime. All the characters are fun especially Jodie's Mum. This book is written in British English which was quite entertaining. I got most of the different phrasing but did have to consult my friend in England to explain a few phrases. Thanks Vicky!

Cheeky, Quirky, Fun!

Murder on the Menu is the first in the Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery series, and Fiona Leitch knows how to bring the laughs! Jodie “Nosey” Parker quits her job as a London Police Officer when her marriage falls apart and moves back to her hometown of Cornwall with her 12-year-old daughter to become a chef. Her first gig as a caterer for one of her best friend’s weddings goes bad, quickly, when the groom’s ex-wife turns up dead. Jodie – who must live up to her nickname – goes head-to-head with the handsome DCI Withers to figure out whodunit before Tony (the groom) is put behind bars for good!

The relationship between the three generations (Mum, Jodie, Daisy) shines through while Leitch perfectly intertwines the characters personalities in a way that will have you literally laughing out loud. I loved Jodie’s sense of humor and how she explained to you her thought processes on some of her outlandish comments, making you smirk and roll your eyes while reading!

As the series implies, this is the perfect book to get cozy with if you want a fun, quick, light read. It reminded me a little of Murder, She Wrote, or the Novels written by Joanne Fluke. I will be reading the next book in the series, and I hope that a romance develops between two of the main characters – come on . . . we weren’t even left with the promise of a date or a kiss!! Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the first in a cozy mystery series. It has a bunch of the regular features of cozies: small town, tight-knit community, long-standing grudges. However, this book really throws you in the middle of the action. There's no time to get to know the main character, nor figure out who everyone is. I think a mystery-lover might like this book, but I could see a reader also being overwhelmed by the interpersonal details being thrown at them.

What a fun read. I have to admit, given the title I was expecting food and cooking to be more of a focus but was not disappointed in the least to discover it would be the various personalities that surround former Met Police officer Jodie "Nosey" Parker. Author Fiona Leitch is new to me but I hope to be reading some of her other books soon. This one, "Murder on the Menu" is the first in a new series, The Nosey Parker series, and if Leitch's other books are half as entertaining and well-constructed as this one, I won't be disappointed.

I won't detail the plot as others seem to have done a far better job than me on various sites but will simply add that the story is fast moving, full of humor and some lovely descriptions that reveal Josie's past history quickly and well. She's smart and her police background offers an interesting twist to the amateur sleuth genre. We meet not only her mother and daughter but what I'm guessing is the eventual romantic interest, DCI Withers. Needless to say, all the sparks flying between them aren't romantic in the beginning. Don't let the British terms make you hesitate to pick up this book and start reading. Jodie's sarcasm and quick wit hide the woman behind the nickname "Nosey" and we begin to get to know the real Jodie Parker as the story goes along, including her efforts to guard her heart. In addition, to make things even better, there is an adorable dog. What's not to like. A quick, entertaining read with characters and places that ring true. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Cornish village Jodie calls home. Give it a read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #OneMoreChapter, and #Harper360 for the ARC.

I am giving this book a 3 star rating for the following reasons:

1. I enjoy cozy murder mysteries but the book didn't hold my interest till about 70% of it. I don't know if it was because this was an ARC version but things seemed to move at a slow pace. It would have been helpful if the flirting had started earlier on. It almost felt like a different author wrote it because the pace of the book changed quickly after 60%.

2. I did learn a new term: Council of War. I had heard of War Rooms but not Council of War. I enjoy learning new words, terms, etc. - this helped give the book 3 stars.

3. I did enjoy the relationship aspect of Jodie's Mom & Daughter. That was a nice touch.

I have not tried cream tea. I've had tea, of course but not cream tea.
I'm intrigued to try it!

This review will also be posted on Goodreads.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. On occasion, I might read other books in this series, to find out which guy Jodie ends up with!

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This cozy mystery was a good read for me. Perhaps not a great one—but an enjoyable one. It definitely took a little while to get into, and I felt like it took me longer to get through than most cozy mysteries usually do.

I loved the concept of policewoman-turned-chef to follow her passions, and was excited to see where that storyline led. What I didn’t expect was that cooking would become such a fractional part of the story as Nosey turned toward investigating, that there would be so little info or background on her love of cooking, or whether she even left the police force of her own will. (Read and judge for yourself!)

DCI Withers was difficult to figure out—and even up until the end I couldn’t tell if he was being insufferable because he found her annoying, or petulant, or the story was building to a slow burn. I was disappointed in this story arc’s ending…as well as the storyline with Tony’s ending. But I’ll read the second book in this series to see if they go further with either of them as the series continues.

I really liked the complex mystery written into this book. Yes, there was some shoddy investigating (not all of it!), but there were a handful of twists I didn’t see coming! While this story wrapped up at the end of the book, there are many loose ends hanging around. I hope they get tied up in the next book!! I would say this was a 3-star read for me…but the loose ends and the writing was enough to hook me for the rest of the series, which I look forward to reading.