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Maddie Penrose #1
Murder in a Cornish Teashop
Not yet published
Expected 11 Mar 26A Cornish clifftop, a sunny afternoon, a quaint little teashop… but wait a minute. Is that jam, or blood? Maddie Penrose is determined to find out!
Maddie Penrose is staying with her beloved grandmother, Nor, at her gorgeously idyllic Cornish farm. She’s looking forward to days helping out in Nor’s little teashop and evenings wandering down the cliff path to watch the sunset. But before Maddie has even finished serving up scones on her first morning, a man bursts through the Nor’s neighbour Clive has found a body in the field behind the teashop…
Maddie is straight to the scene, fancying herself as a bit of an Agatha Christie. But solving this mystery is far from a piece of cake. Her list of suspects is jam-packed with locals, with some a little too close to the newcomer renting out one of Nor’s barns is acting suspiciously, the victim’s boyfriend has disappeared without trace, and Clive isn’t really Maddie’s cup of tea either…
But the proof is in the pudding when there’s another murder – her prime suspect is dead. And when Maddie finds a backpack belonging to the first murder victim, her diligent notetaking and quick thinking leads her to discover that the killer will act again, and soon. Maddie is horrified to discover that it looks like she is their next target…
Can Maddie and Nor work as a team to piece together the puzzle? Or will murdering Maddie be the icing on the cake for the killer?
A totally addictive, witty and warm cozy mystery that will keep you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright.
Maddie Penrose is staying with her beloved grandmother, Nor, at her gorgeously idyllic Cornish farm. She’s looking forward to days helping out in Nor’s little teashop and evenings wandering down the cliff path to watch the sunset. But before Maddie has even finished serving up scones on her first morning, a man bursts through the Nor’s neighbour Clive has found a body in the field behind the teashop…
Maddie is straight to the scene, fancying herself as a bit of an Agatha Christie. But solving this mystery is far from a piece of cake. Her list of suspects is jam-packed with locals, with some a little too close to the newcomer renting out one of Nor’s barns is acting suspiciously, the victim’s boyfriend has disappeared without trace, and Clive isn’t really Maddie’s cup of tea either…
But the proof is in the pudding when there’s another murder – her prime suspect is dead. And when Maddie finds a backpack belonging to the first murder victim, her diligent notetaking and quick thinking leads her to discover that the killer will act again, and soon. Maddie is horrified to discover that it looks like she is their next target…
Can Maddie and Nor work as a team to piece together the puzzle? Or will murdering Maddie be the icing on the cake for the killer?
A totally addictive, witty and warm cozy mystery that will keep you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 11, 2026
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Got the ebook for review.
Entertaining cozy mystery with good puzzling mystery. I would need to read more books in the series as they comes out to fully get attached to the characters. But thats usually the case with mystery series. A bit of a quiet start but see the potential to be a binge feeling series.
Entertaining cozy mystery with good puzzling mystery. I would need to read more books in the series as they comes out to fully get attached to the characters. But thats usually the case with mystery series. A bit of a quiet start but see the potential to be a binge feeling series.
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed this book. This is a quaint English cozy mystery, full of suspects to keep you guessing. There was a lot going on, with a number of motives, mysteries and deaths but it played out nicely and stayed entertaining. The story was well written and made it easy to imagine the country life and picture the trials and problems of a small village, where everybody knows everybody. I had no clue who the killer was and was surprised with who it turned out to be and especially with the twist on the motive. I liked the characters and while Maddie's quirk of having to write everything down, so she doesn't forget was interesting and helpful to begin with, however it did get annoying when she had to keep reading everything she had written back. I liked the relationship between her and her grandmother and of course it wouldn't be a cozy without the added fun of a cat or a budding romance with a police detective. I hope this is just the first of many books.
When life gets to much for Maddie, she moves in with her Grandmother for a much needed rest. Only to find out her grandmother might not be coping with her teashop quite as well as she says. With a run in with the local council and modernisation needed Maddie is busy planning new ways to bring much needed money. Unfortunately before she can start any improvements A neighbour bursts I go the tea shop carrying a gun and covered in blood. He quickly leads Maddie to a young womans body and despite the scene it's no accident. With no identification on her, Maddie soon finds herself caught up in trying to find out who she was and why she was killer. As the body count rises and even Maddie's own grandmother is taken in for questioning it seems that Maddie hasn't returned to such a small sleepy village.
I liked the narrator. She made the story come to life and the hours fly by in the blink of an eye.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When life gets to much for Maddie, she moves in with her Grandmother for a much needed rest. Only to find out her grandmother might not be coping with her teashop quite as well as she says. With a run in with the local council and modernisation needed Maddie is busy planning new ways to bring much needed money. Unfortunately before she can start any improvements A neighbour bursts I go the tea shop carrying a gun and covered in blood. He quickly leads Maddie to a young womans body and despite the scene it's no accident. With no identification on her, Maddie soon finds herself caught up in trying to find out who she was and why she was killer. As the body count rises and even Maddie's own grandmother is taken in for questioning it seems that Maddie hasn't returned to such a small sleepy village.
I liked the narrator. She made the story come to life and the hours fly by in the blink of an eye.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charm, scones, sea views… and a surprise corpse or two—this is cosy mystery perfection with a lovely Cornish twist.
From the moment Maddie Penrose arrives at her grandmother Nor’s beautiful cliffside farm, the book wraps you in that familiar cosy‑crime comfort: a quaint teashop, friendly locals, and the kind of sunshine that makes you want to pack your bags for Cornwall immediately. But of course, nothing stays peaceful for long. Before the kettle has even boiled, a body turns up in the field behind the teashop—and Maddie’s holiday takes a very unexpected turn.
Maddie is such a fun, relatable heroine. She has big ‘aspiring Agatha Christie’ energy, full of curiosity, enthusiasm, and just enough chaos to make every clue hunt thoroughly entertaining. Her relationship with Nor is one of the highlights of the book—warm, witty, and full of affection. They make a brilliant sleuthing team, and their back‑and‑forth banter adds so much charm to the story.
The mystery itself is wonderfully layered, full of red herrings, suspicious neighbours, and motives that twist just when you think you’ve got them sorted. The teashop locals bring plenty of personality, and the list of suspects is as jam-packed as the pastry counter. Just when I thought I knew exactly who did it… another body dropped, and everything shifted again.
The pacing is breezy and engaging, with that perfect blend of cosy comfort and page‑turning tension. The Cornwall setting is described so vividly you can practically smell the sea air and taste the scones—though the occasional splashes of blood definitely add a sharper edge.
This is exactly the kind of mystery you curl up with for a feel-good evening: charming, funny, full of heart, and just twisty enough to keep you guessing until the end.
with thanks to Fliss Chester, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
From the moment Maddie Penrose arrives at her grandmother Nor’s beautiful cliffside farm, the book wraps you in that familiar cosy‑crime comfort: a quaint teashop, friendly locals, and the kind of sunshine that makes you want to pack your bags for Cornwall immediately. But of course, nothing stays peaceful for long. Before the kettle has even boiled, a body turns up in the field behind the teashop—and Maddie’s holiday takes a very unexpected turn.
Maddie is such a fun, relatable heroine. She has big ‘aspiring Agatha Christie’ energy, full of curiosity, enthusiasm, and just enough chaos to make every clue hunt thoroughly entertaining. Her relationship with Nor is one of the highlights of the book—warm, witty, and full of affection. They make a brilliant sleuthing team, and their back‑and‑forth banter adds so much charm to the story.
The mystery itself is wonderfully layered, full of red herrings, suspicious neighbours, and motives that twist just when you think you’ve got them sorted. The teashop locals bring plenty of personality, and the list of suspects is as jam-packed as the pastry counter. Just when I thought I knew exactly who did it… another body dropped, and everything shifted again.
The pacing is breezy and engaging, with that perfect blend of cosy comfort and page‑turning tension. The Cornwall setting is described so vividly you can practically smell the sea air and taste the scones—though the occasional splashes of blood definitely add a sharper edge.
This is exactly the kind of mystery you curl up with for a feel-good evening: charming, funny, full of heart, and just twisty enough to keep you guessing until the end.
with thanks to Fliss Chester, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder in a Cornish Teashop is the cutest cozy mystery as book one in a new series from Fliss Chester. In it, we find Maddie Penrose as a recent DFL (down from Londoner) to the Cornish countryside. She’s actually come to help out her aging and much-taken-for-granted grandmother, Nor with her teashop and lands.
Before she’s even met the neighbors, she witnesses a suspicious death, and her Miss Marple instincts start to work overtime. The local constabulary seems to be competent, but Maddie keeps having clues fall into her hands, often leading to her being in danger of being targeted by the actual murderer.
This adorably cozy mystery blends the new modern ideas that Maddie has brought with her from London to mesh with her grans’ old ways of this Cornish farming community. Maddie also begins to realize just how much the entire community depends on one another to survive. This doesn’t leave room for dealing with a murderer on the loose.
The precious way that Maddie started to refer to clue and other case notes as ingredients to solving a murder was unique. It folded nicely into the story, and helped to refresh the reader’s memory on what was already learned, even if it didn’t seem to have made any sense when it was learned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audio ARC! I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
Before she’s even met the neighbors, she witnesses a suspicious death, and her Miss Marple instincts start to work overtime. The local constabulary seems to be competent, but Maddie keeps having clues fall into her hands, often leading to her being in danger of being targeted by the actual murderer.
This adorably cozy mystery blends the new modern ideas that Maddie has brought with her from London to mesh with her grans’ old ways of this Cornish farming community. Maddie also begins to realize just how much the entire community depends on one another to survive. This doesn’t leave room for dealing with a murderer on the loose.
The precious way that Maddie started to refer to clue and other case notes as ingredients to solving a murder was unique. It folded nicely into the story, and helped to refresh the reader’s memory on what was already learned, even if it didn’t seem to have made any sense when it was learned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audio ARC! I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The new series from Fliss Chester has all the makings of a fabulous cosy series. A young woman returning to a Cornish village. A sparky gran. A handsome detective. A bakery/teashop. Murders. And it doesn't disappoint!
When the body of a visiting influencer is found buried under fallen stones, Maddie Penrose suspects it was no accident. With suspicious locals, and a mystery disappearance decades ago, Maddie has to untangle the web of secrets and uncover the killer, before the village picks up a bad reputation and destroys her dreams of turning her gran's tea shop business around.
When Fliss Chester is the author, you know you're in for quality storytelling, and the novel keeps you guessing right to the end. Maddie is a lovable character, and there are two of the best named cats I've found in cosy fiction. Such a fun read, and I can't wait to see more of this series.
Harrie Dobby narrates the audio and her voice suits the perkiness of Maddie Penrose while making it easy to distinguish between all the characters, making it so easy to listen to.
Murder in a Cornish Teashop by Fliss Chester is out on March 11 2026 from Bookouture.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Bookouture and Netgalley for a free ARC of the audiobook in exchange for a review.
When the body of a visiting influencer is found buried under fallen stones, Maddie Penrose suspects it was no accident. With suspicious locals, and a mystery disappearance decades ago, Maddie has to untangle the web of secrets and uncover the killer, before the village picks up a bad reputation and destroys her dreams of turning her gran's tea shop business around.
When Fliss Chester is the author, you know you're in for quality storytelling, and the novel keeps you guessing right to the end. Maddie is a lovable character, and there are two of the best named cats I've found in cosy fiction. Such a fun read, and I can't wait to see more of this series.
Harrie Dobby narrates the audio and her voice suits the perkiness of Maddie Penrose while making it easy to distinguish between all the characters, making it so easy to listen to.
Murder in a Cornish Teashop by Fliss Chester is out on March 11 2026 from Bookouture.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Bookouture and Netgalley for a free ARC of the audiobook in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this charming mystery, Maddie Penrose’s peaceful stay at her grandmother Nor’s idyllic Cornish farm takes a sudden turn. While looking forward to helping out in the family teashop and enjoying sunset walks, Maddie’s plans are shattered on her very first morning when a neighbor discovers a body in the field right behind the shop. As my first-ever murder mystery, I have to say I am officially hooked! I absolutely loved following Maddie as she took the lead in playing detective, with her beloved grandmother Nor providing wonderful support throughout her progress.
The plot kept me guessing until the very end; while my suspicions shifted constantly as the story unfolded, I truly had no clue who the killer was until the final reveal. It is a wonderfully cozy and lighthearted story, and the narrator, Harrie Dobby, did a fantastic job of maintaining that warm atmosphere even amidst the investigation. The vivid descriptions of the landscape truly made me feel like I had traveled to Cornwall myself. Knowing this is the first in a series is the best news possible—I can’t wait to dive into the next one and follow Maddie on another adventure!
A huge thank you to Bookouture, Fliss Chester, and NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected advance reader version.
The plot kept me guessing until the very end; while my suspicions shifted constantly as the story unfolded, I truly had no clue who the killer was until the final reveal. It is a wonderfully cozy and lighthearted story, and the narrator, Harrie Dobby, did a fantastic job of maintaining that warm atmosphere even amidst the investigation. The vivid descriptions of the landscape truly made me feel like I had traveled to Cornwall myself. Knowing this is the first in a series is the best news possible—I can’t wait to dive into the next one and follow Maddie on another adventure!
A huge thank you to Bookouture, Fliss Chester, and NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected advance reader version.
February 10, 2026
A dark and sweet cozy mystery solved by a former chef from London, Maddie, staying with her great-aunt Nor to assist with Nor's struggling teashop in Cornwall. Maddie manages to ingratiate herself with the detective sergeant heading up a murder investigation, despite her tampering with and withholding evidence. It's only believable because we watch TV mysteries and can sense their attraction to each other. The mystery itself is a good one, involving an influencer with a big secret to share with her followers... only she's now dead.
Maddie gets help from 82-year-old Nor, who humorously gets some phrases jumbled (especially regarding social media). Maddie is often telling her, "That doesn't mean what you think it means" when Nor repeats a phrase a younger person might use, but in a different context. They have a charming relationship, and we learn that Nor is neither dull nor doddering.
We also hear a LOT about Nor's special walnut cake, so I was not disappointed to find a recipe at the end. 3.75 rounded up for this well-narrated and entertaining audiobook.
My thanks to the author, @FlissChester, publisher, @Bookouture, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #MurderinaCornishTeashop for review purposes. Publication date: 11 March 2026.
Maddie gets help from 82-year-old Nor, who humorously gets some phrases jumbled (especially regarding social media). Maddie is often telling her, "That doesn't mean what you think it means" when Nor repeats a phrase a younger person might use, but in a different context. They have a charming relationship, and we learn that Nor is neither dull nor doddering.
We also hear a LOT about Nor's special walnut cake, so I was not disappointed to find a recipe at the end. 3.75 rounded up for this well-narrated and entertaining audiobook.
My thanks to the author, @FlissChester, publisher, @Bookouture, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #MurderinaCornishTeashop for review purposes. Publication date: 11 March 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Murder in a Cornish Teashop” by Fliss Chester the first instalment of The Maddie Penrose mystery series set in the in the . What a great start to a new series. Author Fliss Chester is a new to me author but I had heard this was a good cozy mystery. This story follows Maddie Penrose, who is taking a break from her hectic life as a chef in London and escaped to her Grans farm and Teashop in the quaint town of Pendragon Creek, Cornwall.
But before Maddie has even finished serving up scones on her first morning, a man bursts through the door: Nor’s neighbour Clive has found a body in the field behind the teashop…
Can Maddie and Nor work as a team to piece together the puzzle? Or will murdering Maddie be the icing on the cake for the killer?
I enjoyed Fliss Chester’s writing style and the charming Cornwall setting. This was a quick, engaging read, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series develops.
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, British settings, and amateur sleuths
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But before Maddie has even finished serving up scones on her first morning, a man bursts through the door: Nor’s neighbour Clive has found a body in the field behind the teashop…
Can Maddie and Nor work as a team to piece together the puzzle? Or will murdering Maddie be the icing on the cake for the killer?
I enjoyed Fliss Chester’s writing style and the charming Cornwall setting. This was a quick, engaging read, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series develops.
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, British settings, and amateur sleuths
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finished this in one day and the narrator really made it. She nailed the cozy vibe and the tension, so you actually feel the emotions and characters dynamics, not just the plot.
It’s a classic cozy mystery (Cornwall hills, teashop, scones… and a body), but Maddie kept me interested: stubborn, a bit insecure at times, but brave and determined. She’s basically escaping the London work life and accidentally lands in a murder investigation at the first day in grandma's tea shop. Also: the grandma is great, supportive and smart, without being the usual annoying “quirky old lady” cliché.
I genuinely didn’t guess the killer until close to the end, which is a big win for this genre.
Small minus: sometimes Maddie felt a bit too shy/stuttery, but honestly that reads like “first book in a series” character building and she’ll probably grow tougher and more confident as it goes on.
If you like warm, witty cozies with a proper mystery and good audiobook performance, this one is a fun ride.
#MurderinaCornishTeashop #NetGalley #murdermystery #cozy #cozymystery #murderclub #teashop
It’s a classic cozy mystery (Cornwall hills, teashop, scones… and a body), but Maddie kept me interested: stubborn, a bit insecure at times, but brave and determined. She’s basically escaping the London work life and accidentally lands in a murder investigation at the first day in grandma's tea shop. Also: the grandma is great, supportive and smart, without being the usual annoying “quirky old lady” cliché.
I genuinely didn’t guess the killer until close to the end, which is a big win for this genre.
Small minus: sometimes Maddie felt a bit too shy/stuttery, but honestly that reads like “first book in a series” character building and she’ll probably grow tougher and more confident as it goes on.
If you like warm, witty cozies with a proper mystery and good audiobook performance, this one is a fun ride.
#MurderinaCornishTeashop #NetGalley #murdermystery #cozy #cozymystery #murderclub #teashop
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This review is for the audio version of the book, provided by NetGalley, and narrated by Harrie Dobby.
This was a solid cozy mystery.
Maddie has moved (temporarily? maybe?) in with her grandmother Nor, in the beautiful Cornwall countryside, to decompress a little and to help her grandmother get her teashop running more smoothly.
Her first day, though, finds her taking a witness statement and standing guard over the body of a young woman, found by her neighbor.
Maddie just can't help herself and she begins to poke and form her own theories and list of suspects, who then also turn up dead.
This was charming. I liked the character work for the most part. Grandma Nor was absolutely perfect, and I liked Maddie, but she seemed a little dull at points. She's undeniably brilliant and lovable, she's got great wit and sarcasm (which, honestly, she should use more often), and sometimes it felt like she was slowing the story down to a point where it takes you out of it.
Overall, this was pretty fun and I'd definitely read more of them.
This was a solid cozy mystery.
Maddie has moved (temporarily? maybe?) in with her grandmother Nor, in the beautiful Cornwall countryside, to decompress a little and to help her grandmother get her teashop running more smoothly.
Her first day, though, finds her taking a witness statement and standing guard over the body of a young woman, found by her neighbor.
Maddie just can't help herself and she begins to poke and form her own theories and list of suspects, who then also turn up dead.
This was charming. I liked the character work for the most part. Grandma Nor was absolutely perfect, and I liked Maddie, but she seemed a little dull at points. She's undeniably brilliant and lovable, she's got great wit and sarcasm (which, honestly, she should use more often), and sometimes it felt like she was slowing the story down to a point where it takes you out of it.
Overall, this was pretty fun and I'd definitely read more of them.
February 6, 2026
I finished this book within a day. The cover, blurb and title immediately drew me in.
It’s a cozy mystery where Maddie leaves her London life to stay and help the grandma in Cornwall. While working her first day her grandmother’s neighbour busts in stating a body had been found.
While the investigation was taken place other suspicious things had been going on and Maddie with a bit of help form her grandmother began their own investigation in to what happened and why.
This book was such an enjoyable listen, it had a plot that was easy to follow as well as characters. I liked the fact that it wasn’t predictable either, I had no idea who the killer was. In addition I liked that we were told why they did what they did, as it allows the reader a deeper insight.
The narrator of this book Harrie Dobby, kept me hooked. Her narration was amazing!
I’d love to read more my this author in the future as well as listen to further audiobooks but this narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture audio for the ALC
It’s a cozy mystery where Maddie leaves her London life to stay and help the grandma in Cornwall. While working her first day her grandmother’s neighbour busts in stating a body had been found.
While the investigation was taken place other suspicious things had been going on and Maddie with a bit of help form her grandmother began their own investigation in to what happened and why.
This book was such an enjoyable listen, it had a plot that was easy to follow as well as characters. I liked the fact that it wasn’t predictable either, I had no idea who the killer was. In addition I liked that we were told why they did what they did, as it allows the reader a deeper insight.
The narrator of this book Harrie Dobby, kept me hooked. Her narration was amazing!
I’d love to read more my this author in the future as well as listen to further audiobooks but this narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture audio for the ALC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a sucker for a cozy mystery. I’m also a sucker for a cozy mystery series. I’m hopeful in future books to come, that there is more depth to the characters and reasons to love them and root for them. I just didn’t feel that with this book. When it comes to mysteries, I always want to feel as if the “whodunit” is there. Maybe as the reader I don’t guess it, but its still there. I did not feel this way with this book. I didn’t feel like I ever would have guessed or figured out the “bad guy” all on my own.
The narrator is listed as Harrie Dobby. It appears this narrator has a fairly big resume, which is great, however I questioned numerous times if it was an AI narrator.
I was invested in the book and couldn’t wait to have all my questions answered. However, there was more than once I noticed I just wanted it done, rather than getting the answers. Hopefully in the books to come there is more reason to be invested.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Always appreciate the experience.
The narrator is listed as Harrie Dobby. It appears this narrator has a fairly big resume, which is great, however I questioned numerous times if it was an AI narrator.
I was invested in the book and couldn’t wait to have all my questions answered. However, there was more than once I noticed I just wanted it done, rather than getting the answers. Hopefully in the books to come there is more reason to be invested.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Always appreciate the experience.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This "Tea Shop" murder mystery boasted all the right ingredients:
➡️ A charming English village
➡️ A surplus of scones
➡️ An endearing protagonist who stumbled over a corpse
➡️ A compelling "Who Dunnit?" premise
Kudos to the author for vividly portraying the book's cozy atmospheric Cornish setting.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Harrie Dobby.
Harrie Dobby did an outstanding job of giving the protagonist an energetic, inquisitive tone that significantly elevated the listening experience.
(I always enjoy Harrie Dobby narrations!)
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
Although the book started strong with the discovery of a dead body, the momentum stalled when the same suspects were repeatedly circled during the course of the investigation.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, fun, and comforting audiobook.
I look forward to listening to future books in this series.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
February 5, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive the ebook for review. Murder in a Cornish Teashop is exactly the kind of cozy mystery I sometimes crave: warm, lighthearted, and just twisty enough to keep the pages (or in my case, the audio) moving. The Cornish setting is charming, the teashop atmosphere feels inviting, and the mystery unfolds at an easy, comfortable pace that fits the tone of the story perfectly.
What really elevated this one for me was the audiobook narrator. Their performance brought the characters to life and added an extra layer of charm and personality to the story. The accents, timing, and warmth in the delivery made it feel like I was sitting right in the teashop, listening to the tale over a cup of tea.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, cozy mystery with a strong audiobook performance, this is a delightful way to spend a few hours. I’ll definitely be happy to return to this series for another visit to Cornwall.
What really elevated this one for me was the audiobook narrator. Their performance brought the characters to life and added an extra layer of charm and personality to the story. The accents, timing, and warmth in the delivery made it feel like I was sitting right in the teashop, listening to the tale over a cup of tea.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, cozy mystery with a strong audiobook performance, this is a delightful way to spend a few hours. I’ll definitely be happy to return to this series for another visit to Cornwall.
February 6, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I had so much fun with this cozy mystery! The story swept me away to charming Cornwall, and I could practically feel the sea breeze while trying to solve the case alongside Maddie. The mystery itself was smartly plotted and kept me guessing—I figured it out just a breath before Maddie did, which made the reveal super satisfying.
Maddie is such a sweet, easy-to-root-for heroine, and Nor absolutely brings the energy and fun. I also adore Tom and Maddie together—no enemies-to-lovers drama here, just a genuinely supportive duo I can’t help but cheer for. This book is the ultimate definition of a cozy mystery, and it left me ready to pack my bags for Cornwall ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I had so much fun with this cozy mystery! The story swept me away to charming Cornwall, and I could practically feel the sea breeze while trying to solve the case alongside Maddie. The mystery itself was smartly plotted and kept me guessing—I figured it out just a breath before Maddie did, which made the reveal super satisfying.
Maddie is such a sweet, easy-to-root-for heroine, and Nor absolutely brings the energy and fun. I also adore Tom and Maddie together—no enemies-to-lovers drama here, just a genuinely supportive duo I can’t help but cheer for. This book is the ultimate definition of a cozy mystery, and it left me ready to pack my bags for Cornwall ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed Murder in a Cornish Teashop. It’s classic cosy crime that’s easy to settle into, with a lovely setting and a mystery that moves along at a good pace.
The characters are fun and likeable, and the grandmother and daughter relationship was a particular highlight for me. It felt warm, natural, and added real heart to the story.
The romance element didn’t quite work for me and didn’t add much to the plot. I wasn’t especially invested in it, and the story would have stood well without it. That said, it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment.
A comforting, enjoyable cosy mystery that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy
The characters are fun and likeable, and the grandmother and daughter relationship was a particular highlight for me. It felt warm, natural, and added real heart to the story.
The romance element didn’t quite work for me and didn’t add much to the plot. I wasn’t especially invested in it, and the story would have stood well without it. That said, it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment.
A comforting, enjoyable cosy mystery that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture audio for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
A sweet Cornish delight!
I devoured this story in one sitting
Cannnot wait for book 2!
I requested this audiobook looking for a sweet cozy mystery, and I wasn't disappointed! The Cornish setting is beautifully described, making you feel like you’re right there in the teashop with Maddie and Nor. This was my first Fliss Chester book, but it definitely won't be my last. The characters are charming, the plot is engaging, and the atmosphere is perfectly cozy.
Murder in a Cornish Teashop is a wonderfully sweet read that balances a clever whodunnit with a lot of heart.
A sweet Cornish delight!
I devoured this story in one sitting
Cannnot wait for book 2!
I requested this audiobook looking for a sweet cozy mystery, and I wasn't disappointed! The Cornish setting is beautifully described, making you feel like you’re right there in the teashop with Maddie and Nor. This was my first Fliss Chester book, but it definitely won't be my last. The characters are charming, the plot is engaging, and the atmosphere is perfectly cozy.
Murder in a Cornish Teashop is a wonderfully sweet read that balances a clever whodunnit with a lot of heart.
February 8, 2026
Cute cozy mystery with a bit of quirkiness, a no nonsense grandma, and the cutest cats.
I enjoyed how Maddie figured out who the murder was by looking at it all the information like it was a recipe. Small things she learned along the way created the “ah ha!” Moment. I also enjoy Crumpet and Toast, the two beloved cats ❤️
I listened to this book and the narrator did an ok job. I would have liked there to be greater voice change for the different characters, The pacing of the narration was good though.
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgallery for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed how Maddie figured out who the murder was by looking at it all the information like it was a recipe. Small things she learned along the way created the “ah ha!” Moment. I also enjoy Crumpet and Toast, the two beloved cats ❤️
I listened to this book and the narrator did an ok job. I would have liked there to be greater voice change for the different characters, The pacing of the narration was good though.
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgallery for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maddie has taken a break from her life as a chef at a fancy London restaurant and is helping out at her Gran's teashop. A woman is murdered at the neighboring farm and as Maddie turns into an amateur sleuth she keeps notes on everything that she's heard allowing her to solve the murder.
I enjoyed this book, the story was engaging and moved along steadily. Maddie and Gran were a hoot and make a great sleuthing team. I liked Maddie keeping track of the clues and thinking of them as a recipe.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC
I enjoyed this book, the story was engaging and moved along steadily. Maddie and Gran were a hoot and make a great sleuthing team. I liked Maddie keeping track of the clues and thinking of them as a recipe.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and @Bookouture for this ARC. Chef Maddie Penrose is burned out from her job in London and has decided to spend time with her grandmother and help run her teashop near their family's Cornish farm. Once she arrives, a man entires covered in blood and says a woman had died. After two more murders, Maddie helps piece together the case as well as say her grandma's teashop from the council. I love Chester's cozy mysteries though this a a new character to all. #MurderinaCornishTeashop #FlissChester #MaddiePenrose #Bookouture #March2026
February 7, 2026
Murder in a Cornish Teashop is a charming cozy mystery that was perfect to listen to while I worked on a jigsaw puzzle. Fliss Chester creates such a warm, comforting atmosphere, and I really enjoyed settling into this story!
I loved the relationship between Maddie and her grandmother, Nor. Gran reminded me a bit of a modern Miss Marple, which thrilled me as an Agatha Christie fan, and Harrie Dobby’s narration brought their dynamic to life beautifully.
I had fun following the mystery and am definitely looking forward to more adventures in this series!
I loved the relationship between Maddie and her grandmother, Nor. Gran reminded me a bit of a modern Miss Marple, which thrilled me as an Agatha Christie fan, and Harrie Dobby’s narration brought their dynamic to life beautifully.
I had fun following the mystery and am definitely looking forward to more adventures in this series!
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