I’m always on the lookout for new cosy crimes, and The Cream Tea Killer looked like fun, so I decided to give it a whirl.

It took me a little while to get into this book. It’s not the first in the series, so it just took a few chapters to get the hang of who everyone was, and how they related to one another. However, the story was most enjoyable once I had.

I liked the setting of Seal Bay, in Cornwall. It seemed like a lovely place, though like anywhere, it has its less salubrious areas. I also enjoyed getting to know Morwenna and her friends and family.

The plot was a good one. It seemed a little slow to start with, but soon got going, with small, mysterious events building up into more. It was fun to go along with Morwenna as she gradually figured out what’s going on, she’s much braver than I am!

Overall, this was a fun and interesting mystery. I think I’d have enjoyed it more if I’d read the previous books in the series, so maybe start with book one - Foul Play at Seal Bay.

When local DJ and investigative journalist Irina doesn;t turn up for a meeting with Morwenna to discuss her big story, it is first thought that that she decided to do something else. But when her body is washed up and discovered to a be a murder, Morwenna is on the case.
She is also trying to sort her personal feelings for her ex-husband and Barnaby, her possible new boyfriend.
This is a fun book that comes complete with a glossary of Cornish phrases used throughout the book. I really enjoyed it and will be looking at other books in this series.

Rounded up to 3.5 stars

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publishers Boldwood Books and author, Judy Leigh for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for January 04, 2025.

So, this is my first Judy Leigh read and I didn't have any preset expectations but chose this one purely because of the cute cover, title and blurb, and, well, because I'm a cozy mystery devotee.

The Cream Tea Killer is the third book in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series and I've come in cold. The reader learns that Morwenna is regarded as the town's amateur sleuth, having helped police solve some previous mysteries.

Morwenna Mutton lives in Seal Bay, a small seaside town in Cornwall. Aged 63, sexagenarian Morwenna works as a part-time librarian and waitresses at her family's tearoom. Three generations of Mutton women work to make the Proper Ansom Tearoom a success – daughter (Tamsin), mother (Morwenna) and grandmother (Lamorna).

When Morwenna's good friend, Irina, who works as a journalist and local radio presenter, is found dead on the beach, her death is initially thought to be accidental drowning. Morwenna, though, is not so sure. For one thing, Irina was a strong swimmer – both she and Irina were members of SWANs (the Seal Bay Wild Aquatic Natation) – who met weekly as a group to ocean swim. When Morwenna learned that Irina had fresh water in her lungs, she was confident that her death was as a result of foul play.

For this reader, The Cream Tea Killer rated high for its characters. Brilliantly crafted and totally engaging. You will easily fall for all the Mutton women. Morwenna is hard working, empathetic and doggedly diligent in her efforts to find out what happened to her friend. Morwenna's six-year-old granddaughter, Elowen, is the granddaughter we'd all love to have! If I could, I'd give five stars to Elowen alone!

Morwenna looked at the child with affection. 'And being grown up is when you can make the thunder and lightning be quiet and you use your brain to think through the problem sensibly. The way of peace is best. The way of violence never works'.
'Never?'
'Never'.
'But I felt better when I thwacked him'.
'Did Billy feel better?'
'No – his nose bled a tiny bit and Miss Parker sent me outside to calm down, but I was calm because I hit him. Grandma? Does that mean I can't have a dog?'
'It might mean you're not quite ready for one yet.'…'But you can practice being calm and grown up on Brenda until you are ready'.
Elowen nodded furiously. 'I'll try the way of peace. I'll do my best.'

However, the mystery thread was this book's weak spot. In the story, the 'local newspaper' dubbed Irina's murderer "The Cream Tea Killer", in honour of Cornwall's famous delicacy – but this reader failed to see the connection. The plot for the murder was intriguing, however was not executed to its best advantage – the devil is in the details and this reader just couldn't join all the dots. The pacing was well done, but the action is a bit over the top and at times unbelievable.

But in true cozy mystery style, the reader will be drawn to the characters; the close-knit community of Seal Bay and the love and affection they have for each other. The author's use of fun, wit and humour did not go unnoticed and this reader would easily give this series another go just to spend more time with the people of Seal Bay and the Mutton family.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Publishers, Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publishers and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this third book in a series.

The story had plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.

Morwenna is going through some personal issues as well as hekp the police when another murder takes place, and this time it’s someone she knew very well.

I highly recommend this book.

This is the third book in the series and, as seems to be the case so often nowadays, I haven't managed to read the first two yet. Saying that it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book, it is a cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way to the end. There are also some domestic issues that Morwenna, the main character and amateur sleuth, is dealing with alongside her helping the police investigating a murder. A very enjoyable book and I will certainly have to read more of this author's books.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Morwenna is a busy lady. She's old enough to be retired but she's working at the library and her daughter's tea room. She regularly meets friends for wild swimming, babysits her granddaughter and helps her elderly mother. She even manages to fit in dating - but, her amateur detective work supersedes everything else. When her good friend, Irina, a journalist and local radio personality, is found dead on the beach the death is initially thought to be accidental drowning. Morwenna knows Irina was a strong swimmer and her sleuthing antennae alert her to foul play. Irina had told Morwenna that she was close to breaking a big story that would shock the town and that may be why Irina died. On the hunt for clues Morwenna discovers suspicious activity at a rundown campground. She knows she's close to the truth when she's thrown overboard while on boat birthday event and receives verbal warnings from two goons. The danger escalates when the goons break into her cottage and hold her mother hostage. This is an exciting cozy with tense moments involving not only crime but Morwenna's romantic life. Characters are strong and the plot comes to an exciting conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

This was so good! I loved the little twists and turns! And the main character is really likeable. I’d definitely read more in this series ☺️
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

This is book 3 in the Morwenna Mutton Mysteries. Morwenna, 63, part time librarian and waitress in her family's tearoom, is an amateur sleuth in Seal Bay, a small seaside town in Cornwall.

During a a Sea Shanty Festival, radio journalist Irina is found drowned even though she was a strong swimmer, and after she told Morwenna she was in the process of uncovering a huge scandal.

The tone of this book is lighthearted and humorous, with equal importance given to Morwenna's private life as to the murder mystery. There are four strong feisty generations of Mutton women, of whom I liked little Elowen the best. She just has a comeback for everything!

I had previously read Judy Leigh books but only the romance for the older gal ones. This has the same airy writing style and it's a joy to see an older woman getting to grips with murderers in her close knit community, while actually being respected and consulted by the local police force.

I read this as a standalone and had no trouble understanding the dynamics. Recommended if you like a cosy murder mystery with mature characters in a Cornish setting.

The Cream Tea Killer is a charming and engaging cozy mystery set in the picturesque town of Seal Bay, Cornwall. Judy Leigh delivers a delightful mix of suspense, humor, and warmth as librarian-turned-sleuth Morwenna Mutton investigates a suspicious death that shakes her tight-knit community. The setting is vividly described, adding a comforting backdrop to the intrigue, and Morwenna’s wit and determination make her a standout protagonist.

While the story is filled with twists and memorable characters, the abundance of subplots and secondary figures may feel slightly overwhelming at times. However, fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate the lighthearted tone, clever clues, and the book’s quintessential charm. A perfect read for those who love mysteries paired with tea, community secrets, and a dash of Cornish flavor.

Morwenna Mutton is such a fabulous character! This is the third in the series but can easily be read as a standalone ( although I’d highly recommend the others!) Morwenna arranges to meet up with local DJ Irina who says she has information that she wants to share with the amateur sleuth. However Irina doesn’t turn up……..then her body is found washed up. Morwenna is determined to find out if this was an accident or did someone want her dead? Brilliant characters and I loved the interactions between them. This has a great storyline that keeps you guessing and is definitely cozy crime at its best. Very entertaining and with so many different topics covered this is a read I’d definitely recommend. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

This was a great cozy mystery set In a beautiful costal seaside town in Cornwall. Morwenna is a retired lady who loves a mystery. When a dead woman is washed up she knows she has to help solve the mystery. It’s a quick read filled with a great storyline, really enjoyed reading about Morwenna. It’s a packed filled fun mystery. A 4 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Twist and turns and lots of coziness. I don’t know how she does it. She’s very smart and has a particular way about her.

Another wonderful book by Judy Leigh third in the Morwenna Mutton mystery series.Characters that come alive a mystery that kept me guessing.Really interesting enjoyable read. #netgalley #boldwoodbooks.

I've read several books by Judy Leigh but this is the first I've read in Morwenna Mutton Mystery series of which this is the third. I don't think it matters not having read the previous two, at least I didn't find it a problem, they are alluded too but not about what happens thereby tempting readers like myself to seek them out and read. A light enjoyable crime story with a touch of humour as Morwenna gets involved in events in her local coastal town Seal Bay in Cornwall. Lovely well depicted and strong female characters with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. It may be a bit predictable in places but this doesn't detract from the enjoyment overall.

Author Judy Leigh takes us for an incredible ride with this latest Morwenna Mutton Mystery. There were so people who could have killed the victim and I wasn't able to figure out the mystery at all until nearly the end and even then I didn't get it all correct.

I also loved the continuing "will they or won't they" of Morwenna's relationship with her ex-husband Ruan and the fun and quirkyness of her mother and granddaughter.

I think this is my favourite in the series so far! I can't wait to see what she will get up to next time.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy and this is my honest review.

The Cream Tea Killer by Judy Leigh is a most delightful, contemporary, cosy crime novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the third book in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone. However, for maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading the previous books first.
I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as the Cornish summer season gets underway. We ‘experience’ the Cornish hospitality. “If you come here when we are closing, I’ll give you what’s left over, a pasty, a bit of cake, scones, some fruit, a bottle of milk.” Seal Bay is a welcoming community that offers hospitality and help to those in need.
There is a more worrying side as one of their own is washed ashore and shady characters are seen around. Fortunately for all, Morwenna Mutton, a modern-day Miss Marple is at hand to investigate, alongside the police. Her amateur sleuthing is second to none.
All the characters were well drawn and believable, Morwenna Mutton is sixty-three but is like a breath of fresh air wherever she goes. She is very sprightly as she cycles around the village.
I loved Morwenna Mutton’s six-year-old granddaughter who has an old head on young shoulders. She is absolutely hilarious. “Why do I need shutting up, Great-Grandma? You said women need to speak up for themselves.” And you cannot argue with her logic! “Can I stop going to school… I’ve learned enough.” She is also relentless in her desire to have a dog – but the grown ups are not quite worn down yet!
Despite the murder, the novel is light-hearted and fun. It is cosy crime after all. I think the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series would make fabulous early evening television viewing.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cream Tea Killer and can highly recommend it.
I received a free copy from Rachels Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Morwenna Mutton... You can't help but love her...

If we just all could be a bit more like Morwenna, the world might become a better place. Seal Bay in Cornwall is lucky to have her.  She runs a tea café with her daughter and mother, that is...  when she is not solving murders.

The 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…

Why I chose this book
I'd just enjoyed Five French Hens when I stumbled across The Cream Tea Killer. I, myself, am in the middle of writing a cozy mystery. The outline of my thirty chapters is already done, my story has nothing to do with cream teas and takes place in continental Europe. So, there was no risk of inadvertently becoming a copycat. I was interested in finding out how other writers go about their cozy mysteries. And, of course, I had already hugely enjoyed Judy Leigh's hen-lit novel.
There are many cozy mysteries out there. What drew me to this book is that I also write about an elderly hero, and one who is neither boring nor dull. Morwenna is just as quirky as my Jill, who I am sure would love to take a dip in the sea with the SWANs. I also love how Morwenna is still working things out at her ripe old age.
The Cream Tea Killer has so much going for it. You just want to return to Seal Bay as fast as you can after finishing. The dialect in the book makes it cozy. There is just enough to go round, and although there is a glossary in the front of the book, I found it easy to follow in the context the dialect was used.
The characters jump off the page. In the beginning, I worried I might not be able to tell who's who in the extended Mutton family, but you effortlessly get to know them. I think her little granddaughter, Elowen - don't you just adore the sound of that name? - and her ex, Ruan, are my favourites.
I also like it when I manage to find out who the culprits are  somewhere down the line, and preferably not too much towards the end. And I did this time, though there were still a couple of unexpected twists.
I don’t want to give anything away, so it's kind of hard to explain but I didn't completely get certain romantic developments in Morwenna's busy life. That could be me though, I am biased and just want Ruan and Morwenna to get back together.

The third cosy crime mystery from Judy Leigh. Based in Cornwall and full of Cornish life! After not enjoying the first of these very much, I actually hugely enjoyed reading this latest episode from Morwenna Mutton investigating a murder in Seal Bay.
Morwenna has a wonderful life working at the local library in the mornings with her friends and then supporting her daughter Tamsin in the afternoon in her cafe serving cakes hot chocolates and cream teas. Always a full advocate in her local community in support of the locals and the visitors.
The story is well written and brilliantly thought out. The characters and their portrayal are funny and believable. Twists and turns that keep you hooked from the start to the very ingenious end! Entertaining and funny, warm and wonderful!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read! Loved it!

This book starts with a glossary of Cornish phrases, handy for all of us Emmets on holiday in that part of the world!
This is a cosy crime mystery, with a little romance on the side provided by two male contenders for the affections of Morwenna Mutton.
Morwenna has become involved in another murder mystery in the picturesque village of Sea Bay. The victim is a journalist friend who has a slot on Bay Radio, who was apparently going to reveal a huge secret that would ‘ rock ‘ the whole community. Morwenna agrees to a drink in the local pub, but the journalist never turns up, but, a few days later, a body turns up in the sea.
When such an experienced wild water swimmer drowns, Morwenna suspects it is murder. She voices her concerns to Jane the local Police constable, and decides to investigate.
Even the ghost in the library, Lady Elizabeth Pengellen, believes it was not an accidental death. Books are left open at relevant pages, but who or what is leaving clues to be followed?
Full of larger than life characters, the reader is drawn to this close knit community, and their love and affection for all . Morwenna doesn’t have the most conventional family set up,but they all bring a unique insight to this mystery.
I found this book to be full of fun, wit and wisdom, scrapes, and the enjoy life while you can attitude, a great read and very entertaining. There was an intriguing plot, and great cooperation between the police and the locals. This can be read as a standalone novel, but why not try the previous books?
A five star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Boldwood Books for my ARC, freely given in return for my honest review. I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

The Cream Tea Killer is an entertaining and well-plotted cosy mystery, filled with a little romance between our main character and the men in her life.

Once more, we return to Cornwall and find Morwenna involved in something deadly. She's getting quite a reputation for being able to solve crimes with or without the aid of her contacts in the police. All of our regulars are there as well: Morwenna's mother, her daughter, her granddaughter and the cast of her home town besides.

The mystery itself is well pieced together, and while I might have worked out some of what was happening, the devil was in the details, and I certainly missed a few things.

This is a lovely addition to the Morwenna mysteries. It is engaging and fun to read, with an added bit of drama and peril.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.