Mince Pies and Murder is the fourth Morwenna Mutton cozy by J.R. Leigh. Released 23rd Aug 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 354 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a nice, well written cozy set in Cornwall, featuring an eccentric 60something amateur sleuth and her friends and family. It's a returning ensemble cast with assists from local police constable Sally, Morwenna's ex husband, her daughter and granddaughter, and eccentric locals. Although it's the 4th book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone, with the codicil that the backstory and relationships have developed over the course of the previous books and there will be some spoilers if read out of order.
The language is PG rated for some uses of profanity, there are no graphic descriptions on-page, and the resolution, and denouement are mostly satisfying, if heavily foreshadowed. The writing is competent and the dialogue not clunky or awkward.
There are currently 4 books in the series (with a 5th book due out in 3rd quarter 2026). It would make a good choice for a binge or buddy read. Although reviewers have compared it to Osman's Thursday Murder Club, it compares better (and more favorably) to Peter Boland's Charity Shop Mysteries.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 39 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Jilly Bond. She has a well modulated voice and does a great job of often rapid fire dialogue and a range of ages and regional accents. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for readers who enjoy light amateur sleuth cozies featuring eccentric mature female sleuths. Morwenna is charming and refreshingly intelligent.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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