What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
Audible Audio
Expected publication March 11, 2026
15 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 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 received from Netgalley
PUBLISH DATE: March 11, 2026
Murder in a Cornish Teashop had a charming premise and classic cozy mystery setup, but it ultimately wasn't the right fit for me.
The small town setting and teashop atmosphere were pleasant, and readers who enjoy traditional cozy mysteries with a slower pace may appreciate the detailed village dynamics and cast of suspects. However, I found the story moved more slowly than I prefer, and I struggled to feel engaged in the investigation.
At times, I had difficulty understanding the main characters motivation for becoming so deeply involved in solving the crime, which made it harder for me to connect with her journey. I just couldn't find a common ground to connect with these characters. While the mystery unfolds steadily, I personally wished for a stronger senses of urgency or a clearer understanding of why Maddie felt so obligated to solve the crime.
That said, fans of gentle, character driven cozy mysteries may find this a comforting read, especially those who enjoy immersive small town settings and amateur sleuths.
BOOK TITLE: Murder in a Cornish Teashop
SERIES: Maddie Penrose #1
AUTHOR: Fliss Chester
NARRATOR: Harrie Dobby
PUBLISHER: Bookouture Audio
FORMAT: audiobook
DURATION:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Murder in a Cornish Teashop had a charming premise and classic cozy mystery setup, but it ultimately wasn't the right fit for me.
The small town setting and teashop atmosphere were pleasant, and readers who enjoy traditional cozy mysteries with a slower pace may appreciate the detailed village dynamics and cast of suspects. However, I found the story moved more slowly than I prefer, and I struggled to feel engaged in the investigation.
At times, I had difficulty understanding the main characters motivation for becoming so deeply involved in solving the crime, which made it harder for me to connect with her journey. I just couldn't find a common ground to connect with these characters. While the mystery unfolds steadily, I personally wished for a stronger senses of urgency or a clearer understanding of why Maddie felt so obligated to solve the crime.
That said, fans of gentle, character driven cozy mysteries may find this a comforting read, especially those who enjoy immersive small town settings and amateur sleuths.
BOOK TITLE: Murder in a Cornish Teashop
SERIES: Maddie Penrose #1
AUTHOR: Fliss Chester
NARRATOR: Harrie Dobby
PUBLISHER: Bookouture Audio
FORMAT: audiobook
DURATION:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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
While I definitely wanted to like this book more than I did, it does keep you reading, and I would give it a 3.5. This book has several of my pet peeves, so that's on me and may not bother other readers. First, we jump right into the story with no real introductions, this is a first book in a new series, Maddie is visiting her grandmother as she is burned out but not so much so that she just leaves her grandmother's teashop to follow a stranger talking about an accident that turns out to be murder. Next, she jumps in to find the murderer although she doesn't know the victim, neither does her grandmother, any of the people around or attached to the case and she questions townspeople like she is the police. Finally there is an immediate "connection" to the Inspector in charge of the case and he tells her all kinds of things the police would never disclose but especially to a total stranger who has been in town three days! That being said, Maddie uses some interesting and good logic to figure out some things. Her grandmother helps her with local knowledge and is a hoot, I also enjoy their relationships. There are some more modern aspects to the case, which is a fun contrast to the Cornish countryside. All that being said, I would probably give a second book in the series a read. Thanks to #Netgally, #Bookouture, and the author for an opportunity to read. #TheMaddiePenroseMysteries #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maddie Penrose is more than a little relieved to be in the peaceful Cornish countryside, a million miles away from her hectic, overstimulated life in London especially as she now has far less pressure working with her gran in the family tearoom. Everything changes on her first morning however, when neighbour Clive rushes in having just discovered a dead body on his farm! Convinced she can help the local police, especially the very easy on the eye, Detective Inspector Tom Trevelyan, Maddie begins her own investigation and is more than happy to report back to him regularly! As she looks closely at the clues the danger moves ever closer to her home at Folly Farm! Can Maddie identify the killer before they silence her forever!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is the first in a new series and I wasn't too sure about it to start with, but both the main protagonists and the mystery itself began to grow on me and by the time all was about to be revealed I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Maddie is very likeable, and her gran, Nor, although not my favourite character at the start, definitely improved as the story continued! This is definitely a new series worth taking a chance on. Recommended. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is the first in a new series and I wasn't too sure about it to start with, but both the main protagonists and the mystery itself began to grow on me and by the time all was about to be revealed I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Maddie is very likeable, and her gran, Nor, although not my favourite character at the start, definitely improved as the story continued! This is definitely a new series worth taking a chance on. Recommended. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
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.
February 12, 2026
Baby’s first ALC and this one was great! The narrators voice was great and the cozy, murder mystery vibe as great throughout this book. Also shoutout to the main character for having the same name as me.
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!
February 16, 2026
This is a review of the audio book. The story is similar to many I have read before but actually is one of my favourites. It looks like it will be first in a series and I will definitely want to read the rest. Maddie has moved in with her Grandmother, my favourite character, after burning out in her high pressure job in London. The story is the classic outsider moves in to a small community with a connection to the community included. It then adds a lot of investigative work on Maddies part.
In the beginning I almost quit, the book might be different but I so struggled with the descriptions of the environment, at one point I decided she was almost writing like Tolkien. Then there was a point when a body is found and it felt like there was an eternity between the discovery and Maddie going to see the body. This was my peak I’m quitting experience I’ve had in a book and yet I continued. If you also struggle please do keep going it does pick up the pace. There was another point where Maddie is investigating and she is so laid back I did start shouting at her, it made me feel so anxious for her. Her laid back attitude seemed quite opposite a chef from London but maybe that was the point.
Even with deaths and peril it was a relaxing, most of the time, listen. Once Maddie started to become more assertive I really couldn’t put the audio book down. I wanted to find out what happened, who had done it. There were lots of twists and turns and although there were a few red herrings I do think there was enough information to work out who did it which I do like. I took a star off because of the annoying start and the word “fingering” being used twice. It absolutely turns me silly. I think I would read and listen to the book again. The characters feel well rounded and I loved the Grandmother so much, I guess I’m more her age than Maddie’s. I think the Cornish accent was good, although I’m Welsh so maybe not the best judge. The narrator was well paced and easy to understand. I would definitely like to listen to a book narrated by her again, Harrie Dobby I think people of all ages will like the book. There is a bit about social media and also a bit about the difficulties that can impact on an independent woman in their 80s. Did I mention I loved the Grandmother. She was feisty from the start and felt integral to the story rather than an after thought.
I would recommend if you like Agatha Christie, books about people returning to their family farm, cookery related books and or Richard Osmond. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this audiobook for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
In the beginning I almost quit, the book might be different but I so struggled with the descriptions of the environment, at one point I decided she was almost writing like Tolkien. Then there was a point when a body is found and it felt like there was an eternity between the discovery and Maddie going to see the body. This was my peak I’m quitting experience I’ve had in a book and yet I continued. If you also struggle please do keep going it does pick up the pace. There was another point where Maddie is investigating and she is so laid back I did start shouting at her, it made me feel so anxious for her. Her laid back attitude seemed quite opposite a chef from London but maybe that was the point.
Even with deaths and peril it was a relaxing, most of the time, listen. Once Maddie started to become more assertive I really couldn’t put the audio book down. I wanted to find out what happened, who had done it. There were lots of twists and turns and although there were a few red herrings I do think there was enough information to work out who did it which I do like. I took a star off because of the annoying start and the word “fingering” being used twice. It absolutely turns me silly. I think I would read and listen to the book again. The characters feel well rounded and I loved the Grandmother so much, I guess I’m more her age than Maddie’s. I think the Cornish accent was good, although I’m Welsh so maybe not the best judge. The narrator was well paced and easy to understand. I would definitely like to listen to a book narrated by her again, Harrie Dobby I think people of all ages will like the book. There is a bit about social media and also a bit about the difficulties that can impact on an independent woman in their 80s. Did I mention I loved the Grandmother. She was feisty from the start and felt integral to the story rather than an after thought.
I would recommend if you like Agatha Christie, books about people returning to their family farm, cookery related books and or Richard Osmond. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this audiobook for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chef Maddie Penrose is taking a break from her busy life and staying with her grandmother on her Cornish farm. While there, a tourist is killed on a neighbouring farm, was it an accident or something more sinister?
Murder In A Cornish Teashop by Fliss Chester is the first in a new cosy crime series. In this new series we meet Maddie Penrose, a successful chef who is burnt out. Needing a break from her life in London, she has headed to her grandmother's farm in Pendragon Creek in Cornwall. Maddie is horrified to see that her grandmother's once-booming teashop has deteriorated rapidly. It's while helping out in the teashop that the owner of a neighbouring farm rushes in to say that he's found a walker who's been killed by a falling wall.
Maddie springs into action, convinced that this was more than an accident. As she investigates, a long list of suspects emerges, and the body count begins to rise. Maddie is a likeable character, she comes across as relatable, if not a little scatty. I easily identified with Maddie as she's a list maker, although the continual referral to these lists was a little annoying.
A long list of suspects means that it's impossible to guess who the villain is until the final revelation. The crimes outlined are entirely realistic and extremely relevant, including the theft of farm machinery and surreptitious property development. The important question is, are all of the crimes linked? I loved the minor crimes too, such as who was stealing the clotted cream.
Supporting characters help to keep your interest, and there's even a hint of romance. Maddie's grandmother, Nor, has lots of potential, as do the farm cats Crumpet and Toast.
If you enjoy cosy crime, then this is an easy read/listen, with engaging characters and a twisty plot. I'm pleased to learn that there will be a sequel later in the year.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Murder In A Cornish Teashop by Fliss Chester is the first in a new cosy crime series. In this new series we meet Maddie Penrose, a successful chef who is burnt out. Needing a break from her life in London, she has headed to her grandmother's farm in Pendragon Creek in Cornwall. Maddie is horrified to see that her grandmother's once-booming teashop has deteriorated rapidly. It's while helping out in the teashop that the owner of a neighbouring farm rushes in to say that he's found a walker who's been killed by a falling wall.
Maddie springs into action, convinced that this was more than an accident. As she investigates, a long list of suspects emerges, and the body count begins to rise. Maddie is a likeable character, she comes across as relatable, if not a little scatty. I easily identified with Maddie as she's a list maker, although the continual referral to these lists was a little annoying.
A long list of suspects means that it's impossible to guess who the villain is until the final revelation. The crimes outlined are entirely realistic and extremely relevant, including the theft of farm machinery and surreptitious property development. The important question is, are all of the crimes linked? I loved the minor crimes too, such as who was stealing the clotted cream.
Supporting characters help to keep your interest, and there's even a hint of romance. Maddie's grandmother, Nor, has lots of potential, as do the farm cats Crumpet and Toast.
If you enjoy cosy crime, then this is an easy read/listen, with engaging characters and a twisty plot. I'm pleased to learn that there will be a sequel later in the year.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
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
Maddie Penrose #1
Murder in a Cornish Teashop by Fliss Chester
Narrated by Harrie Dobby
I adore this cozy mystery starring 30 something Maddie Penrose and her 80 something granny, Nor. Maddie is a burned out chef who has moved to her granny's Cornish farm. Granny Nor is very vague about her finances and her farm accounts as she tends to do a lot of bartering and thinking there is no need to mention or write down many piddling (to her) transactions. It's obvious Nor needs help with lots of things, including heavy lifting, and Maddie enjoys working in Nor's barn teashop. This story has many interesting side characters, some of them more than a little shady. It also has the most awesome pair of cats, Burnt Toast and Crumpet, who surely are the brains behind all that goes on in their world.
Nor got the most laughs from me and it usually had to do with her lack of understanding of the internet, internet lingo, and social media phrases. I'm never going to get the website Only Buns, out of my head now since Nor thinks it's a great place to showcase her fresh out of the oven buns. Maddie is often telling her granny that "that" probably doesn't mean what Nor thinks it means. No mind, Nor is having a fine time thinking the way she thinks and both Maddie and Nor have a penchant for writing things down. Like Nor, Maddie depends on her written lists and calls them her "recipes" and they help her put her thoughts together when her mind feels too busy and cluttered to think clearly.
Be prepared to start yearning for cake, lots of cake, and there is even a recipe at the end of the audiobook. Not to be forgotten is a murder early on in the story, and a very hunky and talkative detective, plus more suspects than one can shake an oven mitt at. The actual murder mystery, oops, murder mysteries, need a lot of puzzling and sleuthing to solve and luckily we have Maddie to sort everything out better than I could. Harrie Dobby does a sweet job of narrating and I think this is my favorite narration of hers I've heard so far. Since this is #1 in a series, I'm looking forward to seeing Burnt Toast, Crumpet, Maddie, Nor, and a hunky detective again, in the future.
Expected publication March 11, 2026
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC
Murder in a Cornish Teashop by Fliss Chester
Narrated by Harrie Dobby
I adore this cozy mystery starring 30 something Maddie Penrose and her 80 something granny, Nor. Maddie is a burned out chef who has moved to her granny's Cornish farm. Granny Nor is very vague about her finances and her farm accounts as she tends to do a lot of bartering and thinking there is no need to mention or write down many piddling (to her) transactions. It's obvious Nor needs help with lots of things, including heavy lifting, and Maddie enjoys working in Nor's barn teashop. This story has many interesting side characters, some of them more than a little shady. It also has the most awesome pair of cats, Burnt Toast and Crumpet, who surely are the brains behind all that goes on in their world.
Nor got the most laughs from me and it usually had to do with her lack of understanding of the internet, internet lingo, and social media phrases. I'm never going to get the website Only Buns, out of my head now since Nor thinks it's a great place to showcase her fresh out of the oven buns. Maddie is often telling her granny that "that" probably doesn't mean what Nor thinks it means. No mind, Nor is having a fine time thinking the way she thinks and both Maddie and Nor have a penchant for writing things down. Like Nor, Maddie depends on her written lists and calls them her "recipes" and they help her put her thoughts together when her mind feels too busy and cluttered to think clearly.
Be prepared to start yearning for cake, lots of cake, and there is even a recipe at the end of the audiobook. Not to be forgotten is a murder early on in the story, and a very hunky and talkative detective, plus more suspects than one can shake an oven mitt at. The actual murder mystery, oops, murder mysteries, need a lot of puzzling and sleuthing to solve and luckily we have Maddie to sort everything out better than I could. Harrie Dobby does a sweet job of narrating and I think this is my favorite narration of hers I've heard so far. Since this is #1 in a series, I'm looking forward to seeing Burnt Toast, Crumpet, Maddie, Nor, and a hunky detective again, in the future.
Expected publication March 11, 2026
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC
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
A cozy culinary mystery? I’m in! 🫖🍰
Murder in a Cornish Teashop by Fliss Chester is a delightful debut that introduces us to the tenacious Maddie Penrose and her plucky grandmother, Nor. Maddie arrives in Cornwall intending to help at her gran’s charming teashop, envisioning peaceful days filled with cakes, scones, and perfectly brewed tea.
But those sweet plans quickly crumble when a dead body is discovered behind the teashop ---unidentified and unmistakably murdered.
Like her gran, Maddie is an avid note-taker, carefully organizing clues and observations as she sets out to uncover the truth. Just when the investigation starts to take shape… another body appears. The stakes rise, the suspect list grows, and the quaint Cornish village begins to feel far less cozy.
As Gran becomes increasingly bold (and perhaps a bit meddlesome), Maddie grows more determined -- and more desperate -- to solve the mystery. Meanwhile, the quirky cast of locals provides a steady stream of red herrings, hidden motives, and suspicious behavior. And of course, there’s the intriguing police detective -- affectionately dubbed “your detective” by Gran, a title Maddie vehemently denies. 😉
Maddie is a thoroughly lovable protagonist, and the pacing is spot-on, with short chapters, clever twists, and plenty of misdirection to keep readers guessing. This is my first Fliss Chester novel, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC. Harrie Dobby’s narration adds warmth and charm, truly elevating the story.
📅 Expected publication: March 11, 2026
📚 Book 1 in the Maddie Penrose series
Get excited — this cozy series is off to a deliciously suspenseful start!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the beginning of a new series with amateur sleuth Maddie Penrose. From the start, things are hopping with Maddie fighting an aging oven.
Maddie is helping her grandmother at the teahouse on the family farm. I am a fan of bakery/teashop cozy mysteries and really wanted to like this one. Biggest problem - writing murder notes on recipes and not just any recipe, but family recipes meant to be passed down. I get how organizing notes like a recipe could help solve a murder, but why not write on an empty page structured like a recipe? Adding insult to injury was rolling up the recipe book and stuffing it in a jean pocket. I cringed when this came up. Yeah, I know it has nothing to do with the murder per se, but still cringed.
There was no obvious reason why Maddie would jump into investigating the murder. I felt like it was a diversion for her to ignore the reasons she came to stay with Grandma Nor. I’m not sure I got the whole backstory, but near the end, she began to address them.
The murder investigation yielded some nice surprises, but the story seemed a bit slow.
Not a bad story, but could have done without the constant reminder that Grandma Nor is 82 years old, and was glad when she put Maddie in her place about it. I did like that the conflict between law enforcement and the amateur sleuth made sense and was not forced. There is a backstory waiting to be shared between the sergeant and Nor/Maddie. It seems like more than just the fact that the “hunky” detective is showing interest in Maddie.
I do plan to read the next book in the series. I want to learn more about Grandma Nor; she makes some saucy comments that make me think there is more to her than meets the eye.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
Happy Reading!
Maddie is helping her grandmother at the teahouse on the family farm. I am a fan of bakery/teashop cozy mysteries and really wanted to like this one. Biggest problem - writing murder notes on recipes and not just any recipe, but family recipes meant to be passed down. I get how organizing notes like a recipe could help solve a murder, but why not write on an empty page structured like a recipe? Adding insult to injury was rolling up the recipe book and stuffing it in a jean pocket. I cringed when this came up. Yeah, I know it has nothing to do with the murder per se, but still cringed.
There was no obvious reason why Maddie would jump into investigating the murder. I felt like it was a diversion for her to ignore the reasons she came to stay with Grandma Nor. I’m not sure I got the whole backstory, but near the end, she began to address them.
The murder investigation yielded some nice surprises, but the story seemed a bit slow.
Not a bad story, but could have done without the constant reminder that Grandma Nor is 82 years old, and was glad when she put Maddie in her place about it. I did like that the conflict between law enforcement and the amateur sleuth made sense and was not forced. There is a backstory waiting to be shared between the sergeant and Nor/Maddie. It seems like more than just the fact that the “hunky” detective is showing interest in Maddie.
I do plan to read the next book in the series. I want to learn more about Grandma Nor; she makes some saucy comments that make me think there is more to her than meets the eye.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
Happy Reading!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆📖⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ Kindly provided by NetGalley 𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆📖⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ
Exactly the kind of cozy mystery you want to curl up with on a rainy afternoon—with a cup of tea, obviously.
From the start, the Cornish seaside setting completely charmed me. There’s something about small coastal towns—the tight-knit community, the lingering secrets, the picturesque scenery—that makes the perfect backdrop for a mystery. Chester captures that atmosphere so well that I could practically smell the sea air and fresh-baked scones.
What I loved most was the balance between warmth and intrigue. The story never feels too dark or heavy, but the mystery itself is engaging enough to keep you turning the pages. It’s layered without being complicated, and the clues are woven in cleverly enough that I found myself constantly guessing (and second-guessing) everyone.
The main character is genuinely delightful—clever, relatable, and just the right amount of curious. She feels like someone you’d want to sit down and gossip with over tea, which makes following her investigation even more fun. The supporting characters add to that cozy small-town feel, each with their own quirks and possible motives.
And of course, the teashop setting? Adorable. It adds such a comforting layer to the story that even when things take a suspenseful turn, there’s still that sense of charm holding everything together.
If you’re a fan of light, character-driven mysteries with strong atmosphere and a satisfying resolution, this one is a lovely pick. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about community, secrets, and finding your footing in a place that slowly starts to feel like home.
Honestly, it left me wanting to book a trip to Cornwall… and maybe open a teashop of my own.
Exactly the kind of cozy mystery you want to curl up with on a rainy afternoon—with a cup of tea, obviously.
From the start, the Cornish seaside setting completely charmed me. There’s something about small coastal towns—the tight-knit community, the lingering secrets, the picturesque scenery—that makes the perfect backdrop for a mystery. Chester captures that atmosphere so well that I could practically smell the sea air and fresh-baked scones.
What I loved most was the balance between warmth and intrigue. The story never feels too dark or heavy, but the mystery itself is engaging enough to keep you turning the pages. It’s layered without being complicated, and the clues are woven in cleverly enough that I found myself constantly guessing (and second-guessing) everyone.
The main character is genuinely delightful—clever, relatable, and just the right amount of curious. She feels like someone you’d want to sit down and gossip with over tea, which makes following her investigation even more fun. The supporting characters add to that cozy small-town feel, each with their own quirks and possible motives.
And of course, the teashop setting? Adorable. It adds such a comforting layer to the story that even when things take a suspenseful turn, there’s still that sense of charm holding everything together.
If you’re a fan of light, character-driven mysteries with strong atmosphere and a satisfying resolution, this one is a lovely pick. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about community, secrets, and finding your footing in a place that slowly starts to feel like home.
Honestly, it left me wanting to book a trip to Cornwall… and maybe open a teashop of my own.
February 20, 2026
3.25 stars (rounded down to 3)
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was an average read for me.
Murder in a Cornish Teashop follows Maddie Penrose, who has left her high-pressure chef job in London to return to Cornwall and help her grandmother run the family teashop. When a neighbor stumbles in covered in blood and news spreads of a young woman’s murder nearby, Maddie—already in the midst of something of a quarter-life crisis—finds herself drawn into investigating how the crime connects to the town and its residents.
I didn’t dislike the FMC, but I didn’t particularly connect with her either. She felt serviceable to the plot without being especially compelling. Her grandmother, Nor, had far more personality and presence on the page and was easily the standout character for me.
There are definite elements of wit and warmth that give the story a cozy feel, but it never fully settles into the cozy mystery space. At times, parts of the story felt a little flat. While the narrator captured Maddie’s voice well, I found the side characters’ accents lacked nuance, which made some of the secondary cast feel less distinct.
The mystery itself was solid enough and kept me guessing, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. In the end, this was a middle-of-the-road read—perfectly fine, but not particularly memorable.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was an average read for me.
Murder in a Cornish Teashop follows Maddie Penrose, who has left her high-pressure chef job in London to return to Cornwall and help her grandmother run the family teashop. When a neighbor stumbles in covered in blood and news spreads of a young woman’s murder nearby, Maddie—already in the midst of something of a quarter-life crisis—finds herself drawn into investigating how the crime connects to the town and its residents.
I didn’t dislike the FMC, but I didn’t particularly connect with her either. She felt serviceable to the plot without being especially compelling. Her grandmother, Nor, had far more personality and presence on the page and was easily the standout character for me.
There are definite elements of wit and warmth that give the story a cozy feel, but it never fully settles into the cozy mystery space. At times, parts of the story felt a little flat. While the narrator captured Maddie’s voice well, I found the side characters’ accents lacked nuance, which made some of the secondary cast feel less distinct.
The mystery itself was solid enough and kept me guessing, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. In the end, this was a middle-of-the-road read—perfectly fine, but not particularly memorable.
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
Title: Murder in a Cornish Teashop
Series; Maddie Penrose #1
Author: Fliss Chester
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Harrie Dobby
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: March 11, 2026
My Rating: 4.2 Stars!
Pages: 318
Setting is a small Cornish seaside Pen Dragon Creek
Story features thirty – year old burnt-out chef Maddie Penrose who lives in London and decides few peaceful weeks helping eighty-two year old Gran Nor Penrose in her teashop seems perfect
However her peaceful days change on her first morning when neighbor Clive rushes in with blood on his clothes and states he heard a rock slide on his farm and he when to check it out found a girl buried by the rocks. Maddie rushes to the farm with him and then immediately call local police and Detective Inspector Tom Trevelyan arrives.
Maddie decides she is good to help with the investigation- plus working closely with the handsome Detective Inspector might be a very pleasant experience.
Ms., Dobby is the perfect delightful audiobook performer!
Mystery solved and I am anxious for Book #2!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this fun audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March11, 2026.
Series; Maddie Penrose #1
Author: Fliss Chester
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Harrie Dobby
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: March 11, 2026
My Rating: 4.2 Stars!
Pages: 318
Setting is a small Cornish seaside Pen Dragon Creek
Story features thirty – year old burnt-out chef Maddie Penrose who lives in London and decides few peaceful weeks helping eighty-two year old Gran Nor Penrose in her teashop seems perfect
However her peaceful days change on her first morning when neighbor Clive rushes in with blood on his clothes and states he heard a rock slide on his farm and he when to check it out found a girl buried by the rocks. Maddie rushes to the farm with him and then immediately call local police and Detective Inspector Tom Trevelyan arrives.
Maddie decides she is good to help with the investigation- plus working closely with the handsome Detective Inspector might be a very pleasant experience.
Ms., Dobby is the perfect delightful audiobook performer!
Mystery solved and I am anxious for Book #2!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this fun audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March11, 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
I’m really excited about this new cozy mystery series (and new-to-me author!) A foodie/farm cozy is always a draw but throw in a Cornish setting and I’m a tad shy of giddy! Love, love, looovvveee!!!!
The perfect blend of cozy details paired with intriguing mystery ones. Amateur sleuth, Maddie can’t help but be drawn to the murder virtually on her doorstep. And, as the new girl in town, she has lots to learn both about village history and the folk living there. Her irascible gran, Nor, makes for a lively partner in crime…when she’s willing to part with crucial information, that is! And then there’s the appealing detective who easily charms Maddie (and me!) I do so love a light touch of romance in my cozies!
Praying for many more Maddie Penrose mysteries in my reading future!
I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of Murder in a Cornish Teashop, expertly narrated by Harrie Dobby. Her performance brought these characters to life, giving unique voices to match a myriad of personalities. Such a fun listen! Highly recommend.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
The perfect blend of cozy details paired with intriguing mystery ones. Amateur sleuth, Maddie can’t help but be drawn to the murder virtually on her doorstep. And, as the new girl in town, she has lots to learn both about village history and the folk living there. Her irascible gran, Nor, makes for a lively partner in crime…when she’s willing to part with crucial information, that is! And then there’s the appealing detective who easily charms Maddie (and me!) I do so love a light touch of romance in my cozies!
Praying for many more Maddie Penrose mysteries in my reading future!
I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of Murder in a Cornish Teashop, expertly narrated by Harrie Dobby. Her performance brought these characters to life, giving unique voices to match a myriad of personalities. Such a fun listen! Highly recommend.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review copy received from NetGalley.
If you would like to start a cozy mystery that does not waste your time, this is quite a contender. I think the death is introduced right off the bat between chapters one and two. an unfortunate woman, found crushed to death under a mass of Stones.
We're quickly introduced to our core characters; I found the main protagonist and sleuth, Maddie Penrose, to be quite enjoyable. She's cute, bubbly, but also clever as I feel like you need to be if you're solving mysteries. Her grandmother Nor is an absolute hoot, though! (Though I do think someone should warn her that tampering with people's food is an especially bad practice if you're trying to run a tea shop!)
My copy of this story was actally in audiobook format, and I MUST give the voice talent Harrie Dobby her flowers, as her voice was an absolute delight. I think a good deal of why I enjoyed Maddie herself so much was because the voice Harrie gave her was so pleasant to listen to.
Also, I would personally die for Crumpet and Toast. Thank you again to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book!
If you would like to start a cozy mystery that does not waste your time, this is quite a contender. I think the death is introduced right off the bat between chapters one and two. an unfortunate woman, found crushed to death under a mass of Stones.
We're quickly introduced to our core characters; I found the main protagonist and sleuth, Maddie Penrose, to be quite enjoyable. She's cute, bubbly, but also clever as I feel like you need to be if you're solving mysteries. Her grandmother Nor is an absolute hoot, though! (Though I do think someone should warn her that tampering with people's food is an especially bad practice if you're trying to run a tea shop!)
My copy of this story was actally in audiobook format, and I MUST give the voice talent Harrie Dobby her flowers, as her voice was an absolute delight. I think a good deal of why I enjoyed Maddie herself so much was because the voice Harrie gave her was so pleasant to listen to.
Also, I would personally die for Crumpet and Toast. Thank you again to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book!
February 22, 2026
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC of Murder in a Cornish Tea Shop by Fliss Chester.
As a fan of the genre, I was looking forward to a quintessential cozy mystery, but unfortunately, this particular story didn't quite resonate with me.
While the book is marketed as a cozy murder mystery, I found that it didn't quite hit the marks I usually look for in that category. The setting is certainly there, but I struggled to get into the right mindset to truly enjoy the atmosphere. The pacing felt quite slow, and I found myself disengaged from the central investigation as the story progressed. Instead of a driving mystery, the narrative felt more like a slow-burn exploration of the characters and the local scenery.
Ultimately, this book wasn't my cup of tea (pun intended!), but that doesn't mean it won't find its audience. If you are a reader who prefers a rather slow-paced mystery where the focus remains more on the setting and the character dynamics than on a fast-moving plot or high-stakes sleuthing, then this series might be exactly what you’re looking for. It just didn't quite capture the "cozy" spark I was hoping for.
As a fan of the genre, I was looking forward to a quintessential cozy mystery, but unfortunately, this particular story didn't quite resonate with me.
While the book is marketed as a cozy murder mystery, I found that it didn't quite hit the marks I usually look for in that category. The setting is certainly there, but I struggled to get into the right mindset to truly enjoy the atmosphere. The pacing felt quite slow, and I found myself disengaged from the central investigation as the story progressed. Instead of a driving mystery, the narrative felt more like a slow-burn exploration of the characters and the local scenery.
Ultimately, this book wasn't my cup of tea (pun intended!), but that doesn't mean it won't find its audience. If you are a reader who prefers a rather slow-paced mystery where the focus remains more on the setting and the character dynamics than on a fast-moving plot or high-stakes sleuthing, then this series might be exactly what you’re looking for. It just didn't quite capture the "cozy" spark I was hoping for.
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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews