Member Reviews
This was an all-around fun book to read. I enjoyed the fresh storyline and was unable to predict what came next! I think anyone who loves suspense and a quick read will enjoy this book!
Morwenna Mutton has mixed emotions when a theatre company arrives in Seal Bay. Her granddaughter gets a role in the production which is exciting but the unpopular lead actor starts dating her mother. Then he dies on stage, apparently of natural causes, but Morwenna suspects one of his enemies of murder...
Bloodshed on the Boards is the second book to feature amateur sleuth Morwenna in Cornwall. I have previously read and reviewed the first book in the series, Foul Play at Seal Bay. There are mentions of events and outcomes from the first book but no major spoilers.
Morwenna adores her family so is thrilled when Elowen gets to perform on stage. She is less thrilled that Daniel Kitto is dating her mum Lamorna especially after he almost ran her over on their first meeting! She isn't the only one who finds Daniel a bit jarring and after his death she believes that someone killed him.
There are a host of suspects and motives after Morwenna 'borrows' some evidence and discovers that Daniel was murdered. She can't help launching into her own investigation: I think she enjoys the sense of purpose it gives her as well as the opportunity to find closure for her grieving mother.
I liked the family focus of the book and the strong relationships across the generations. Elowen's obsession with getting a dog did start to irritate me a little but seemed an accurate depiction of a small child's relentless nagging! Morwenna and her ex Ruan get along well to support the family dynamic but there are unresolved issues as both try to move on romantically.
Bloodshed on the Boards is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery. I have to mention the Cornish landscape and culture which thread through the plot, characters and dialogue, vividly bringing the book to life.
I do love a good Judy Leigh book and this one took my fancy as I do love the theatre and I do now love the Spriggan Travelling Theatre Company. Arriving in Seal Bay for a performance who would have thought of murder? Oh and I do love Morwenna Mutton but she isn't the only great character in this book and it was such a joy to read.
The story, the characters, the pace of the book and the cosiness of the murder mystery really drew me in and I kept me read from page one right to the end. So much fun Judy Leigh has with her characters and she makes reading this book enjoyable as well as very entertaining. I must say I can't get enough of Judy Leigh books and can't wait to see what comes next.
Thank you NetGalley adn Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read adn review this book.
I've not read Judy Leigh's first Morwenna Mutton Mystery, Foul Play at Seal Bay, but I was able to jump straight into Bloodshed on the Boards and have Morwenna appear fully formed and welcome like an old friend. It did not matter that this was the second book, although there were mentions made of the previous case. The book has a cheery start with a handy glossary of Cornish phrases and Morwenna and a friend taking one of their regular SWANs sea swims - this frequent pastime sounded refreshing but freezing!
The story is a modern cosy mystery set in a bustling and well-described seaside town. Morwenna is a no-nonsense, independent grandmother and Seal Bay is a delightful setting, full of quaint shops, tea rooms and Morwenna's workplace, the local library. Morwenna's daughter, granddaughter and mother all feature heavily in the book, as does her (not quite so) ex-husband Ruan and a large cast of supporting characters from Seal Bay and the visiting acting troupe.
Despite the official outcome, Morwenna is convinced that Daniel's death was suspicious and sets about investigating, using different ruses to find information and track down suspects, on her trusty electric bike. She also finds time to take an interest in Ruan's developing friendship with one of the actors and simultaneously to be whisked off her feet by a visiting handsome plastic surgeon.
I enjoyed my time with Morwenna, the book has a steady pace and plenty of time in it for "a cuppa". The ending is suitably dramatic and I did not see it coming. Recommended for gentle cosy lovers who might also like a little romance. Thank you to the publisher for my copy of Bloodshed on the Boards and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot on the tour.
Morwenna Mutton is the librarian in Seal Bay, but also an amateur sleuth. When the Spriggan Travelling Theatre Company arrives in town to perform a Cornish version of King Arthur the locals are excited to be entertained. Unfortunately for the Company, there are hard feelings, especially when it comes to actor and director Daniel Kitto. He is playing the role of Uther Pendragon, but opening night is also closing night for Daniel. Originally, his death is considered natural causes, but Morwenna is sure he was murdered. Now to figure out who has the most to gain from his death to find the culprit.
Morwenna is an interesting character and sleuth. She is extremely busy with her work at the library, working at her daughter's tea shop, wild swimming and spending time with her family and friends. She is also smart, able to put clues together and intuit things. She is also perseverant and doesn't give up easily, putting herself in danger at times. I love that she gets around on her bicycle, although this time, she is at risk while riding. Her family are awesome. Four generations of women who support one another including helping her out while trying to figure out who killed the nasty, odious Daniel Kitto. I enjoyed the mystery, with it's Miss Marple feel to it. The setting is wonderful and I love how it is described throughout the story. The Cornish language adds a touch of authenticity and there is a glossary to explain the words. I do recommend you read the first book, as it is referred to in this story. This is another fun cozy mystery with an older protagonist, but with multi-generational characters to make it more relatable to all readers.
There is excitement in the air as the travelling theatre arrives in Seal Bay. When The Spriggan Travelling Theatre Company arrives in Seal Bay to perform a Cornish version of King Arthur the locals flock to be entertained. But for Morwenna Mutton, sexagenarian librarian, wild swimming enthusiast and amateur sleuth, the theatre brings intrigue too. Actor and director Daniel Kitto is not the most popular member of the cast and unbeknownst to him, his role of Uther Pendragon on the opening night is to be his swansong. In front of a horrified audience, he collapses during the dying moments of the performance in a pool of fake blood, and although the police are content that the causes of his death are natural, Morwenna isn’t so sure. And once it becomes clear that there are a number of people who stand to gain from Daniel’s death, Morwenna’s investigation takes a dangerous turn. Second in a series this was a fun cozy read. I enjoy the lead character and hope there are more.
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - there are other reviews like that out there already if that's what you are looking for!
I've read several books by Judy Leigh, and always enjoyed them.
This is the second in her new "Morwenna Mutton" cosy mystery series, and I enjoyed reading it - it was good to reconnect with characters from the first book and learn more about them, and there are some interesting new characters in this novel.
Although there is the dark thread of murder running through the book, there's also a lot of humour. Morwenna at times reminded me a little of "Agatha Raisin" (by M C Beaton), as they are probably of a similar age - but Morwenna is much more quirky.
My only "complaint" is that (yet again!) Morwenna suspected who was behind the murders but didn't seem to take precautions for her own safety! Still, I don't suppose there would be a cosy mystery if everyone was obsessed with health and safety :)
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
Another cozy mystery that makes me wonder why so many murders take place in adorable tiny sea-side towns! The perfect escape to pair with a cup of tea.
Bloodshed on the Boards is the second in the Morwenna Mutton cosy mysteries. I've read the first book in the series.
I very much enjoyed this second book in the Morwenna Mutton series. Now that we know all about Morwenna and her family and why Morwenna first turned her hand to sleuthing, I feel the storyline flowed much better. I could fully invest in the mystery and how she would solve it. (I often find this with a cosy mystery series). And this one was a really entertaining and well-thought-out mystery - cosy it may well be, but I do like my mysteries to have a very good backstory, and this addition to the series certainly does.
I will certainly be reading more of the series and would recommend it to fans of the genre and to those who are already Judy Leigh fans. It was highly enjoyable.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
My Review: I love Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins and am so excited to have read this latest release with Morwenna Mutton uncovering another crime. I have the digital, paperback and audible of Bloodshed on the Boards and the narration on the audible is superb. Jilly Bond is as much Morwenna Mutton as Judy Leigh is. They both bring her to life perfectly.
It was so good, so funny and very clever. I can just imagine this series being televised.
The story surrounds a play, and Daniel, someone Morwenna’s mum was close to once upon a time. The interaction between Lamorna and her great grandchild Elowen is cute. Tamsin, Morwenna’s daughter seems the only ‘sensible’ one.
The clues and tiny nuggets of information that are casually hidden in the pages are weaved in perfectly. I had a fair few laugh out loud and chuckles to myself. A 5 star recommended read.
I have read a few of this authors books and always enjoy them although this is the first of her morewenna mutton mysteries series that I have read and didn’t realise that this one was the second in the series and hadn’t read foul play at seal bay beforehand although this didn’t detract from enjoying this story as it could be read as a standalone but will go back and read the first one.
This was a great who done it mystery with a cosy crime feel and set against the fabulous backdrop of Cornwall. I loved the Cornish language interwoven into the story and also how this author writes about the older generation creating fabulous characters that the reader can warm too. Morwenna was such a strong and interesting character with bags of energy and a zest for life.
I was on the blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources
http://ramblingmads.uk/2024/04/14/blog-tour-bloodshed-on-the-boards-judy-leigh/
Seal Bay residents welcome a travelling theatre company to the village, with excitement building as opening night approaches. Morwenna Mutton, local librarian and wild swimmer finds her investigative skills in demand again when one of the cast dies on stage. Was it natural causes or did someone have cause to help the death along? As Morwenna delves deeper into the case, it becomes apparent that it’s not going to be a short suspect list.
I loved the Cornish setting and the beautiful descriptions of the locality. The use of local language was also fascinating. The women in Morwenna’s family are wonderful, from her elderly but sprightly mother, to her young granddaughter. The strength shown by each of them gave the story an extra special element.
Morwenna is truly unique. At a time when most women would be happy to take it easy, she is intent on taking on more. Her work and family are important to her, but it is her determination to solve a mystery that makes her stand out. She is feisty and unrelenting. She puts herself in peril again and again, never stopping to consider the danger.
A great mystery with a fantastic leading lady.
4.5*
Bloodshed on the Boards is the second outing for Morwenna Mutton and the residents of Seal Bay. Morwenna is a lively, eccentric and determined lady in her early sixties. She has a full life, loves wild swimming and riding her electric bike, working part time at the library and helping out at the family’s tearoom. When it comes to her sleuthing instincts she doesn’t give up until she discovers the truth. Which is what happens when a travelling theatre group arrive in Seal Bay.
Lamorna, Morwenna’s mother, had been feeling a bit down lately but when the travelling theatre company arrives and she has a visit from
Daniel Kitto, actor, owner and director of the theatre company, her spirits lift considerably. They knew each other from way back and she always had a soft spot for him.
When Daniel collapsed on stage as the first performance was coming to a close, the police class it as a natural death due to a heart attack. Morwenna’s suspicious were aroused however when she realised how unpopular Daniel was with most of the cast and how many of them stood to gain from his death. But Morwenna’s investigations were putting her and her family at risk.
'Daniel rolled his eyes and tottered forward, grasping Arthur, ready for his final soliloquy. ‘I die — leaving behind all I love, my country, my son Arthur, my heir… I go to meet my queen Igraine in the afterlife. But I have given you the best part of me, O Cornweal, home of my ancestors…’ His voice became weak. ‘I will depart now with the promise that I will always…always…’ He fell to his knees, an arm extended. The audience held their breath. ‘always love…’ Then he was still.
He didn’t move.'
I can really picture the scene. I like the addition of the theatre and the company, expanding the pool of suspects…and a good number of red herrings. And of course, the setting and the individualistic characters are wonderfully realised. Well written with an enjoyable mystery. I really like the fact Judy Leigh peoples her books with more mature characters and Morwenna is one of my favourites. I have my fingers crossed for her and Ruan, although it looks like there might be another romance on the horizon.
The Mutton maids – all four generations of them – return in the second in this series of cosy Cornish mysteries.
While her mother, daughter and granddaughter are busy with old flames, work and a budding acting career respectively, Morwenna continues to swim in the icy cold waters of Seal Bay, ride her new electric bike around town, help out in the library and tea rooms, and avoid thinking about her ex with the help of a dashing new suitor. Until one of the travelling actors dies on stage and Morwenna can’t resist digging into the suspicious death, even when danger is threatened to herself and her loved ones.
I’m really enjoying this mystery series. It’s full of Cornish charm, in both setting and characters, but it is main character Morwenna Mutton that keeps drawing me back in. It’s refreshing to follow an older, female sleuth who is more focused on her own health and interests and looking after family than on romantic endeavours (although she does have her fair share of admirers!), and I really relate to her natural curiosity when things don’t seem right. Although I don’t think I would be as brave as Morwenna is when it comes to death threats and convenient ‘accidents’!
The mystery element of the plot kept me guessing right up until the culprit was revealed and the ultimate denouement thoroughly blindsided me too – I was too busy being cross with Morwenna for swanning off on her own with a suspect to notice all the clues! And for being so resistant to the lovely Ruan’s lovelorn loyalty – I know I’m not usual a fan of the romance, but I really am rooting for them to sort themselves out. And for little Elowen to get her dog, of course. She definitely needs an Oggy 3!
If you like cosy mysteries with a great sense of family and community running through them, then you should dip into Seal Bay. I’m sure Morwenna has many more mysteries in her future and I am thoroughly looking forward to diving into them with her… from my safe, dry, warm reading nook!
This is a strong mystery with enough twists and red herrings to keep it entertaining. But its strongest point is the characters, family and sense of community that is interwoven throughout the story. The Cornish setting is beautiful and the local vibes very much make it stand out as a distinct place. I got a little bit lost in the beginning keeping straight the characters but I figured it out without destroying the flow much.
Morwenna did one of the things that annoys me about amateur detectives: going off with a suspect alone even though she had taken some precautions. This is a pet peeve of mine so it lessened my enjoyment of the story at the very end.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Four generations of the Mutton clan,
A returning love and theatrical plan,
A death no one else seems to find strange
Till Morwenna collects clues to rearrange!
A mermaid, King Arthur and swims in the sea,
Suspicions, suspects and a killer running free.
Can Morwenna the evidence piece correctly together -
Or will the killer remain free forever?
A hated man dies performing on stage,
The cast and crew seem on the same page.
His death means for them the shows carry on
Perhaps they’re too happy that now he has gone?
Another enthralling Cornish cosy crime thriller
With Morwenna Morton seeking the killer.
I really enjoyed it from beginning to end
And have no hesitation as this read I highly recommend!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this my honest review.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Bloodshed On The Boards' by Judy Leigh.
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Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Judy Leigh, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books, Poison & Pens and The Bold Book Club.
Publication date 11th April 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely will not be my last! It is also the second book in Judy's 'A Morwenna Mutton' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 33 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Well done and thank you Judy on, and for, an absolutely amazing cozy mystery and a fantastic start (for me) in what promises to be an addictive series!!! This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.
I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait to read previous and future books in this series!!
I may have never read any of this authors books prior to this one but after sinking my teeth into this cracking and intriguing mystery I cannot wait to get stuck into the previous book and future books!! Judy's amazing and evocative writing skills really brought everything to life all throughout the story ensuring I could see the characters, the surroundings and feel everything the characters were feeling. In this cracking book we are taken to Seal Bay in the stunning location of Cornwall. I absolutely LOVE books that are set in Cornwall. I went on holiday to Cornwall last year and missed it before I read this book but OMG Judy has made me want to jump in the car and go straight back now!!! Judy's evocative writing skills ensures the readers are absolutely sucked into the stunning storyline with the atmosphere and characters coming to life all around them. I absolutely fell in love venturing back into Cornwall and Judy's vivid descriptions are absolutely perfect and evocative. I am just glad that I am returning to Cornwall next month otherwise I would be looking at holiday booking sites by now!! I became so invested in this book that it actually felt like going on a holiday and I absolutely dreaded coming to the end where I had to unpack my suitcase and get back to reality. However, when I return to Cornwall, unlike in this book The Spriggan Travelling Theatre Company will not be there!! However, in this page turner we do get to see them as they are in Seal Bay for a performance of King Arthur, Cornwall style of course!! The man who owns the theatre company is also Lamorna's old flame Daniel Kitto!! Lamorna's hopes rise when Daniel promises to move to Seal Bay. However, when there is a murder Lamorna's hopes are dashed due to the victim being Daniel! Daniel was not the most popular person so there are many suspects for Morwenna to look into. What was the reason Daniel was killed? Will Morwenna find the killer before they get away? Is Morwenna in danger? Well, pick up this absolutely fantastic page turner today to find out for yourself!! With a storyline ram packed with drama, action, murder, family, friends, a stunning location, afternoon teas, a gorgeous cat, romance and everything you could ask for in a cozy crime mystery you wont regret it!! I love the fact that Judy includes a Cast List and Glossary at the beginning of the book which I thought was a very nice and thoughtful touch so Thank You Judy for that!! The book is fast paced with one thing happening after another and I absolutely devoured it in one sitting. Every time I told myself just one more chapter it ended in a way that I just had to read one more and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book around in one sitting. I was walking around with my kindle glued to my hand as I just could not put it down!! Judy's fantastic evocative writing skills really bring the surroundings and characters to life and it makes you feel that you are standing right next to them throughout. I absolutely loved everything about this book and I am so pleased that I can go back and read the first book in this series!! All of the characters are realistic, have their own unique personalities, strengths and weaknesses and are all very well developed. Grab your copy of this fantastic book and discover for yourself how great this book is and trust me, you will not regret it and if your anything like me you will find a new author whose work you will fall in love with!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. It is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one mystery becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read and I would never have guessed who did and was hiding what and I was completely shocked by the mega twists. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations Judy, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! I loved the addictive storyline and the fantastic characters and I really am looking forward to getting stuck into the rest of your books which I am off to add to my Amazon wish list as soon as I have finished this review!! With a fantastic storyline, unforgettable characters and twists and turns this book is perfect to devour in front of a fire on a winters day or relaxing on the beach under the sun!
Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without reading the first book which is called 'Foul Play At Seal Bay' and is one I'm looking forward to going back to and reading. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I absolutely LOVED meeting and getting to know all these refreshing new characters (for me as it is the first book I have read in this series) who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. Each and every character is realistic, well defined and leapt out of the pages at me every turn of a page!! Our main protagonist is 62 year old Morwenna who I absolutely loved but we also get to meet many members of her fantastic family including her 82 year old Mum Lamorna, 28 year old daughter Tamsin and 6 year old Granddaughter Elowen. Each of them had their own unique personalities, were all a breathe of fresh air and I just adored them all. I must admit though one of my favourites just had to be Brenda the cat!! I am a huge animal lover and run my own cat rescue called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue and Hospice (you can find me on social media if interested) so any books that contain animals is always a huge bonus for me and this has the bonus of having a cat which made me very happy!! I absolutely loved our main protagonist Morwenna who is just absolutely amazing and a strong female lead. I am always a fan of strong female protagonists in books being female myself and I was surprised at how quickly it was for me to think of Morwenna more as a friend than a fictional character, along with several other characters. I absolutely loved getting to know many of these characters and Judy's vivid and evocative descriptions makes it feels like the reader is standing next to Morwenna and meeting her and the other characters for yourself. I really cannot wait to get to meet many more of them again on my next visit in the first book in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series which is called Foul Play At Seal Bay, as well as the future books in this series. I loved watching the way they all interacted with each other and seeing them change as individuals as well as relationships between characters throughout the storyline. Judy ensures that you really get close to them feeling everything that they are feeling and seeing everything that they are! Congratulations Judy on creating a fantastic collection of unique, varied, realistic and memorable characters who I am looking forward to meeting over and over!
Congratulations Judy on an absolutely fantastic and successful cosy mystery and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books in this promising series especially the first book to meet some of these amazing characters from the start!!! An absolutely perfect introduction to this series for me and I would like to welcome you to my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Judy's 'Foul Play At Seal Bay' which is the first book in this series and which promises to be just as amazing as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!!
Overall a quirky,fun, page turning, intriguing murder mystery that will keep you hooked!
314 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with Kindle Unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
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3.2 Stars
One Liner: A nice read
The Spriggan Travelling Theatre Company arrived in Seal Bay and is all set to perform the Cornish version of King Arthur. Morwenna and the townsfolk are excited.
The stage is set, and the play is in progress when the actor and director, Daniel Kitto, falls dead for real. Turns out that Daniel has many enemies, and his death could benefit many actors from the theatre company.
Though the police have closed the case, calling it a natural death, Morwenna is determined to find the truth. Soon, her investigation takes her on dangerous paths. Can the sexagenarian librarian and amateur sleuth expose the killer without getting killed?
The story comes in Morwenna’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
The book starts a few months after the end of the previous one. It should work as a standalone, though there are a few references to that case. Nothing that connects with this mystery, though.
There are many characters to track (villagers and the actors), so it might be better to read book #1 first (not that I remember all of them, but I could get into the flow without difficulty).
The pacing is slow, which I expected. However, there is some sort of plot development to keep the story going. We also have Morwenna’s personal track to follow, so the story doesn’t drag.
The mystery is well done and keeps the reader guessing. There are a couple of red herrings and twists, though everything falls into place by the end.
I enjoyed the family dynamics in the first book. This had similar elements, though I didn’t find it as endearing as before. It could be due to some decisions Morwenna takes, which seem odd. Don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but the general vibe I get from her is of someone who is bored despite her active lifestyle and wants to latch on to this mystery. She seemed a bit too possessive about the case (this is MY case vibes).
PC Jane doesn’t get much space, which is another issue for me. I like her stability and determination. The police have almost no role until the end. While this is not uncommon in the genre, there are enough instances for the police to be involved, and Morwenna can still solve the case.
I love how the FMC is a 60+ woman who bikes her way through the hills and Seal Bay roads. However, I don’t particularly like her indecisiveness. Yeah, it is necessary for the subplot. Yet, I can’t help but say that if she allotted 10% of her sleuthing time to truly explore her feelings, things would be a lot better. This is a personal preference. I’m not a fan of indecisive characters.
Elowen is a treat to read. She is 6+ in this book and knows her mind (learn from her!). The kid wants a dog, a Labrador, and will take every opportunity to ask for one. Such an adorable sweetheart!
Lamorna, Tamsin, and the side characters are well done. Some are not rounded, but that’s fine. They do the job. We still have the ghost subplot as strong as ever. I will read book three if it deals with the ghost. I hope it does since we have a lead here.
To summarize, Bloodshed on the Boards is a nice mystery with interesting characters and a great setting. The story has its merits, though I have the same feeling as I did with book one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is the second in a series of cosy mysteries set in the Cornish village of Seal Bay, featuring Morwenna Mutton as the protagonist. I read the first book in this series, Foul Play at Seal Bay, last year, and I enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading this.
I really enjoyed reading about Morwenna again, and from the first few pages, this book made me smile. I found the characters fun, quirky and endearing, and the Cornish setting felt like a little escape for me. In this book, I felt as though I got to know Morwenna better and began to connect with her a little bit. She seems to have a strong bond with some of the other characters, like Lamorna, Tamsin and Elowen, and that resonated with me. I enjoyed the humour throughout the book, and there were some moments when the characters and their behaviour made me chuckle.
Morwenna actually reminds me a little bit of M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin, but I think she is a little bit warmer and kinder. I would recommend this series to cosy mystery fans. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.