Like many people who pick a cozy mystery off the shelves, I went into this one not knowing it was the third in a series--- fortunately in this case, it's very much a series you can jump into without having read the rest.

I enjoyed the easy writing style which was very appropriate to the genre and I also appreciated having an older cast as that always adds a complexity to relationships that only years together can have.

While I wish there had been a few more clues dropped earlier on, the mystery itself developped naturally and I didn't feel blindsided by the reveals --- everything made sense and had a solid footing in the story.

That said, I wish it had been a bigger part of the book. Often, I felt myself feeling like this was more romance/slice of life with a side of mystery, rather than a mystery with cozy elements. It also fell into the unfortunate place of needing to give every single person in town --- a LOT of names were thrown about, often in short periods of time, some only mentioned once or twice, and it made it difficult to keep track of the main cast throughout.

It was a quick, cozy read and I would recommend for fans of the Murder She Wrote books

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!!

This is the third book in the series and man was it ever good!!

After realising this was part 3 of a series, I had to read book 1 and 2 first. And I did that, getting to know Morwenna Mutton and the Mutton women and her very simple yet complicated life.

It was refreshing, that the sleuth was somewhat of a middle-aged lady, who was not a gossipy housewife (hence knowing all the goings of her neighbours from her window) but was actually a sporty, strong woman enjoying a new relationship and having a strong community presence as well.

After book 1 and 2, I was wondering who else could be killed in the small town, and I was not disappointed! New characters from the radio station was introduced, and even some new holidaymakers from out of town came into the story. No spoilers, but I am very looking forward to the next instalment of the Morwenna Mutton mysteries, hopefully set in autumn next!

This is the third in a cozy mystery series set in a Cornwall sea town. It’s great fun to read these books and each can be read as a standalone. In this one, it opens with Morwenna dressed as a prawn (type of shrimp) for the Seal Bay Sea Shanty Festival. When Morwenna is approached by a local radio station DJ/journalist to meet privately, Morwenna never expects what happens next.
There’s a great cast of supporting characters and friends to help Morwenna solve the mysteries, including a new Chief Inspector. There’s Morwenna’s ex, a magician, a ghost, and countless others to move the story and build the sense of community. It was lovely to visit Cornwall and Morwenna again.

The Seal Bay Sea Shanty Festival is in full swing when Morwenna (dressed as a prawn) is approached by local Bay Radio DJ and journalist Irina Bacheva. She arranges to meet with her the next evening but Irina never shows up. Her fiancé says she never came home. Morwenna, who is getting a reputation as an amateur sleuth, is worried, since Irina has told her she has an explosive story about illegal goings-on which will make heads roll when it comes out. Her friend PC Jane Choy warns Morwenna about getting too involved but the maid just can’t resist breaking into the studio and helping herself to Irina’s diary and a folder of notes just as someone else is cleaning up the office and removing a laptop. Morwenna finds she was right to be worried when she and Jane discover Irina’s dead body washed up on the beach after one of their early morning wild swims. Irina was also a strong swimmer so Morwenna immediately suspects foul play. She receives the backing of the very impressive new broom Chief Inspector Blessed Barnarde to keep her ear to the ground as DI Rick Tremayne makes a fool of himself again. As she gets stuck in to another investigation with help from her friends, Morwenna is determined to find out just what Irina was on the trail of but in doing so, will she become a target for the Cream Tea Killer?
And the ghost of Lady Elizabeth Pengellen also makes a reappearance in the library!
In a series which has really grown on me, it was good to see more appearances from old faces Lamorna, Tamsin, Elowen, Ruan, Lifeboat knitters Barb and Susan Grundy, and Douglas and Louise from the library, together with new faces such as magician Sheppy and tearoom cook Zach as Morwenna finds herself caught between two lovers. It was lovely to see the great friendship between Morwenna and her ex-partner Ruan and the caring closeknit community of Seal Bay in this cosy crime story with some gentle sleuthing and plenty of suitable suspects. The characters are charming, vibrant and humorous and there is plenty to love in this thoroughly engrossing story. Morwenna makes a great lead character and I look forward to more in this lovely series.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is the third book in the Morwenna Mutton cosy mysteries, set in Cornwall. I really enjoyed the previous instalments, so I was excited about this.

Even from the beginning, I found this book and its characters made me chuckle. It was lovely to visit Seal Bay again, and escape into the lovely seaside atmosphere. I really like Morwenna as a protagonist, and there are some other characters that I find endearing. Morwenna’s granddaughter, Elowen, melts my heart, her potential suitor, Barnaby, is very charming, and I also love Brenda the cat. If you haven't read the previous books in the series, I'd say this works well as a standalone, but I would recommend the previous books as well.

This was lovely to read, and it satisfied my craving for a cosy mystery. It was a lovely new instalment to the series; very entertaining, with some loveable characters and heartwarming moments as well. I'd say that Morwenna Mutton is a little bit like Cornwall's answer to Agatha Raisin, so if you're a fan of hers, you'll probably love Morwenna.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I absolutely loved this cozy British mystery. This was my first entry into the series, and it certainly worked as a stand alone. (Although as most readers do, I have now added books one and two to my always growing TBR pile.)

I was lucky enough to snag this on audio from my library which made this an extra special treat. I loved the cozy setting in the close-knit, small seaside town in Cornwall. The murder of a friend and local DJ was the driving mystery, and while I had a guess at the culprit, I think I enjoyed the characters the most. Solving the murder with Morwenna as she made her way through town, getting to know the local police, as well as Morwenna’s friends at the library was terrific. Three generations of Mutton women running the tearoom was a wonderful addition to the story. I also found six-year-old granddaughter, Elowen to be delightful and added great humor to the story. The entire story was a lovely balance of humor and mystery. The cozy details brought the setting to life and made for a wonderful literary escape.

Morwenna fits all the criteria for the perfect cozy protagonist…and then some! She’s smart, lovable, nosey and mature. The author delivers a solid mystery along with each and very visit with Morwenna and the gang. I love this series!

Leigh is the undisputed queen of writing books that feature the older woman, turns out she's pretty damn good at cosy mysteries too.

Whilst I'm yet to read the first two books in the Morwenna Mutton series, which I will be, soon, the books are all standalone reads that are set in Seal Bay, Cornwall.

It was such a addictive story to lose myself in for several hours and before I knew it I'd finished. Throughout there are several 'cornishisms' that had me referring back to the glossary at the beginning.

The characters are fantastic, each with their own quirky personality and the fact that they felt real. I'm looking forward to catching up with them again in subsequent books.

The Cream Tea Killer is a thoroughly likeable read.

Morwenna and her little family of Mutton maids (four generations: mother, Morwenna, daughter and granddaughter) return to solve another Cornish murder mystery (well, technically, only Morwenna does that bit – Tamsin is busy serving tea and scones and having a social life, Elowen is mainly begging for a dog, and Lamorna sticks to grumbling, meddling and definitely not swimming!)

I don’t know where Morwenna finds her energy to be honest – perhaps it’s the fresh Cornish sea air or those icy sea dips? – but she somehow manages to hold down two part-time jobs, keep up with her granddaughter, go out dating, regularly brave the freezing sea and STILL find the time to solve murders… even the police are in awe at her competence at this point!

In this story we get more ghostly goings-on from the alleged library ghost, more cuteness from precocious Elowen and the multiplying Oggys, and more will-they, won’t-they romance between Morwenna and her two potential suitors, one old and one new. Honestly, I am firmly in Ruan’s camp here, no matter how charming Barnaby is, and I am getting increasingly irked with Morwenna’s reluctance to admit that they belong together… it can only be the legendary Mutton stubbornness holding her back now. Oh, and someone get that poor child a real Oggy already (that’s my two only miffs out of the way!)

This is definitely a must-read series for fans of light and cosy mysteries with a real authentic British flavour and plenty of character, and this latest instalment is as delightfully easy to read as its predecessors (which you don’t need to read to follow this one, but should anyway).

I can’t wait to see what Morwenna gets up to next… hopefully with a certain loyal and reliable fisherman sidekick as back-up!

The third book in this Cornish-based cosy mystery series is an entertaining read with Morwenna and the Mutton women in top form, and it is a poignant and twisty mystery to solve. Morwenna is a unique woman who puts her family first and always works for the community she is part of. Her previous success in solving murders has given her a certain notoriety in the coastal village and a reluctant admiration from the local police. When a high-profile radio journalist dies, Morwenna is sure it is not accidental, and as the woman was a friend who had wanted to share a secret with her, she decides she must investigate. The mystery becomes increasingly menacing as the story progresses and has a chilling contemporary relevance. I like the female protagonists, the relatable family dynamic and the clever mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Being with Morwenna and her family and friends again is like coming home. I’ve grown fond of the people of Seal Bay in Cornwall, and look forward to being in their company for a few hours. This time Morwenna becomes involved when a fellow wild swimmer is found washed up on the beach. The local news sensationalises the death by calling the culprit The Cream Tea Killer. Morwenna is a well known amateur sleuth in the town, and realises that the killer will know she’s looking into the death. Can she uncover the truth before her own life is put in danger?

I love the community element of this story and enjoy getting to know the people of Seal Bay. I also love the Cornish setting and can’t get enough of the beautiful descriptions of the coastal idyll. Judy Leigh captures Corwall and its people wonderfully and draws me in each time.

Morwenna is a woman of a certain age, but doesn’t let that hold her back. She has a busy life with a job of her own - as well as helping her daughter at the cafe. She keeps fit by cycling and wild swimming, and has the beginnings of a romance beginning to develop. She is caring and community-minded and would do anything for her friends and neighbours. But her tenacity sometimes puts her in peril.

I loved ‘The Cream Tea Killer’. It was well-written and addictive. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

4.5/5 Stars.
Okay, so… as the third book in this series, I already knew – more or less – what to expect from Morwenna and her snooping, but Leigh did have me surprised a few times here, I’m very glad to say. Obviously, if you haven’t read the first two books, Leigh does a very nice job of filling you in on what’s been happening up until now. That’s pretty important for those who decide to come to this series late. That said, the first two are such fun, I’d still recommend that you read those first. Okay, by fun, I mean, the characters are fun, because murder isn’t a jaunt in the park, but you get what I’m saying.

Anyway, one of the things that surprised me here was how close to the chest Leigh held the cards here. There were very few clues along the way, and practically no rabbit holes to delve into. I found this very unusual, and felt like I was floundering just as much as our protagonists. Actually, a bit more, because they knew things that I didn’t, although not all that much. You know, when you read a cozy mystery, after you’ve finished, you usually go back in your mind to think about what were the things you missed. I can honestly say that I don’t think I missed much, and that the final clues were so well hidden, they didn’t actually come to light until the very end of the story. Yes, there were things I was suspicious about throughout the book, and for good reason. These were the breadcrumbs that Leigh left for us. That said, as I noted, she didn’t leave very many of them, and practically licked the plate!

As for the protagonists’ lives, I felt we got a bit more insight into all of them, but especially into Morwenna, which is kind of the point of a series starring one character in particular. I should mention that I’m unsure about how the romantic connections are shaping up for any of these women, including with Morwenna. Add to this a new character in the shape of a new Chief Inspector by the name of Blessed. Well, I must say that despite Detective Jane Choy’s worries, I really liked this woman, and I do hope she continues on in the series. Of course, a new character also means that we get a touch less of some of the other minor characters, but that didn’t bother me all that much. Mind you, I’ve read the previous novels where they got more airtime (if you will), so it didn’t bother me that they all stayed pretty much true to form. Finally, there are a couple more smaller characters here that might turn out to be interesting in future installments, if that’s Leigh’s plan.

Yes, overall, this was a very good follow-up to the two previous books. There’s a very interesting plot that has a good deal of mysterious aspects, with a small smattering of nicely hidden clues throughout. I don’t think that even the most well-read of mystery readers will figure out what’s happening here before our protagonists, which I think is a good thing. I do so dislike an overly obvious story, especially in a mystery novel. I mean where’s the fun in knowing what’s going to happen before the prose shows us, right? So, there’s no reason for me not to recommend this book, so I won’t. I mean, I will recommend it, of course, and I’m very much enjoying this whole series, which should probably be read in order. Another four and a half stars out of five for this latest installment in the Morwenna Mutton series!

The Cream Tea Killer is Book 3 in the Morwenna Mutton Mysteries Book 3. I read Bloodshed on the Boards (Book 2) last year (and gave it a score of 9/10) and Foul Play at Seal Bay (Book 1) in 2023 (another 9/10).
The books are set in Seal Bay in Cornwall. This one begins in June where the Sea Shanty Festival is attracting plenty of visitors.
I love Morwenna, she’s such a great character! Her cat Brenda is brilliant too. Morwenna is nearly 63 and has so much zest for life. She cycles everywhere on her distinctive red electric bicycle and wearing her trademark bright clothes, she’s very noticeable. Outdoor swimming is her passion and she swims in the sea with fellow SWANs on Sundays.
She works in the family run business – the Proper Ansom Tearoom – with her mother Lamorna (83) and daughter Tamsin. Morwenna also works in the library, where fellow librarian Louise thinks the library ghost has come back.
The whole gang are back again and each of the four generations are great in their own right. I love the older characters, but I also adore Morwenna’s granddaughter Elowen, who is six years old and obsessed with dogs, real and imaginary.
PC Jane Choy is back and a new addition from London has also joined the local police – DCI Blessed Barnarde, who is a strong woman and I enjoyed her part in the story.
As you would expect, there is a murder, though I’m not telling you who, because I think you’ll enjoy the book more if you find out as you read it.
My one, teeny tiny criticism is the overuse of the word ‘dreckly’ which I found in the previous books too. While I enjoy the Cornish words as a whole, for some reason this one grates. But it’s probably me.
But other than that, the books are fabulous and I always look forward to the next one and seeing what Morwenna gets mixed up in! Her character does steal the show, but I find returning to the series is just like catching up with old friends, as they are all so believable. The stories are beautifully done, the whodunnit woven into the novel seamlessly, as we admire the views of the idyllic Seal Bay and catch up with the gossip at the Tearoom.

The Cream Tea Killer By Judy Leigh
I want to begin by saying a huge thank you to Netgalley , the publisher and most importantly Judy Leigh for sending me the advanced reader copy in return of my honest opinions and review.
Welcome to Seal Bay, where the sea shanty festival is kicking off. Morwenna Mutton has dressed up as a prawn not like an old sheep as her surname would suggest. This 63 year old part time librarian /waitress at her family Tea Room Proper Ansom . She along with her 83 year old Mother Lamorna and Morwenna's daughter Tamsin are 3 generations strong and want their tea room success to be even stronger. Irina , local journalist and friend of Morwenna has called asking Morwenna to meet her for a drink. However, she never arrives for that drink. Instead she is found dead, washed up on shore . So get comfy, grab your favorite cup of tea and join Morwenna and the rest of this misfit cast of characters and see if you can figure out who exactly is,,,,, The Cream Tea Killer.
This cozy mystery had my attention from the first page, seriously how many other 63 year old women do you know have the courage to dress up as a prawn. I kept reading to see how that played out among the locals in Seal Bay, and kept reading because I fell in love with the book. I had it read in a day and the bags under my eyes from staying up past my bedtime prove it. One of the easiest 5 star reviews I have ever given.

Another fabulous visit to Cornwall!

Morwenna Mutton has had enough of murder for a while and is looking forward to things getting back to normal. She's not keen on being seen as a sleuth but when local DJ Irina asks to meet to tell her about shady goings on, she can't resist. However, Irina doesn't turn up, but her body is washed up on the beach - widely regarded as an accidental drowning; only Morwenna is a keen wild swimmer and is aware that Irina was not only a strong swimmer but well aware of the tides and wouldn't have drowned. What had she discovered that put her life in danger?

Judy Leigh's books are always worth reading! I've come across Morwenna Mutton before and was really looking forward to this one and I certainly was not disappointed. So much happens in the books in this series! Between her job in the library, helping out in the family tearoom, checking up on her mother and her granddaughter and the sort of relationship she has with her ex-husband, add in a murder or two and there is never a dull moment. Another great, satisfying read which left me with a smile on my face. 4.5* and my recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy cia NetGalley; this is - as always 0 my honest, original and unbiased review.

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and author Judy Leigh for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to share my unbiased review. The book is set to release on January 4, 2025, and cozy mystery fans, mark your calendars!

This was my first foray into Judy Leigh's work, and I picked it up purely because of the adorable cover, intriguing title, and enticing blurb. As a devoted fan of cozy mysteries, I couldn't resist.

The Cream Tea Killer is the third installment in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series, and while I jumped in without reading the previous books, I found it easy to catch up. Morwenna Mutton is the quintessential amateur sleuth, a sharp and curious woman who always seems to find herself in the middle of trouble. When an acquaintance is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Morwenna steps up, diving headfirst into a case that leads to a fiery and intense final showdown.

What stood out to me the most was the strong sense of family and community. The Mutton family is full of independent, outspoken women whose bonds add warmth and depth to the story. Leigh also weaves in modern issues relevant to Cornwall and the broader country, grounding the whimsical charm of the cozy setting in reality.

Despite the murder at its heart, the novel remains lighthearted and fun, delivering everything you'd expect from a cozy mystery. The blend of intrigue, humor, and heart made this a delightful read.

Overall, The Cream Tea Killer is a charming addition to the cozy mystery genre. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Morwenna’s world and hope to see her sleuthing again soon. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a strong protagonist and a tight-knit community, this book is for you!

The Cream Tea Killer is the title given to the suspect in this new murder mystery, based in Seal Bay.
Morenna, the very active older lady who is a bit of a mystery expert, is still swimming with her friends and working as hard as ever. The mystery starts when her friend Irwina ask Morwenna to meet her for a drink at the pub, and help her, as she has a big secret to share with her. When she doesn’t turn up, Morwenna just thinks she got caught somewhere else and goes home.
When she realises that Irwina is missing, she starts to work out what has happened to her.
A great story with wonderful characters. I love the community, the area. I would move to Seal Bay!!!!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #JudyLeigh.

The Cream Tea Killer by Judy Leigh

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Morwenna Mutton should be living the quiet life of a librarian and grandmother in Cornwall’s beautiful Seal Bay – if only dead bodies would stop turning up…

After the excitement of her last investigation, amateur sleuth Morwenna is looking forward to things getting back to normal. When local DJ Irina asks to meet however, desperate to share information she has discovered regarding nefarious goings-on, Morwenna can’t resist.

But Irina never arrives for their drink – instead her body is washed up on the beach, an apparent victim of an accidental drowning. At once keen wild bather Morwenna knows something is amiss as Irina was a strong swimmer who knew the local conditions well. What had Irina uncovered and who would want her dead?

When the local news dubs Irina’s murderer The Cream Tea Killer in honour of Cornwall’s famous delicacy, the clock starts ticking. Now the murderer knows Morwenna is on their trail, no one in her family is safe. She must get to the truth before the killer gets to her…

My Opinion

Morwenna Mutton is back for her third mystery. I am really enjoying this series; each book could be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading the books in order to get the full enjoyment of Morwenna. The Cream Tea Killer is a cosy mystery and great for reading over a weekend.

Judy Leigh has once again shown that just because her characters are older they are no less fun to read about. There are four generations of the Mutton family included in these pages and I like the way that Judy has written the family dynamics. Welcome back to Seal Bay, a town that sounds delightful – except for the fact dead bodies keep being found.

Rating 4/5

This was such a fun read with witty, reliable, sleuth loving characters.
I enjoyed it so much that I hated to see it end.
Leigh's books are full of humor that made me laugh out loud at times. It's one of the many reasons I love her stories and look forward to each one.
You'll love Morwenea the minute you meet her. I did. I really admired her they way she went about things.
I knew the minute something was wrong when her friend didn't show up for tea.
This is a good guessing book. I had my suspicions but I read on to see if I was right.
I finished this delightful novel in one evening. I lost sleep but hey it was so worth it.
5 stars from me. I highly recommend it.
My thanks to Boldwood books for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.