Leslie Meier

4.5 Stars

It has been quite a while since I've read any of the Lucy Stone Mysteries. I don't know why she dropped off my radar, but after reading this book, I will have to do some heavy re-reading! I truly enjoyed this cozy mystery!

As I said, it has been a while, so I was amazed by how contemporary this book was and how twisty-turny the mystery was. The only reason I gave this book less than five stars was that I felt some of the minor issues didn't reach a full conclusion or were just swept under the carpet. It was nothing major and nothing that took me out of the story.

I believe that if you choose to start with this book, you will have no issues with not reading the preceding 29 books. I had no problems, and it's been years since I read my first Lucy book!

*ARC provided by the publisher Kensington Cozies/Kensington Books, the author Leslie Meier, and NetGalley.

#PatchworkQuiltMurder #NetGalley#KensingtonCozies#LeslieMeier… (meer)

The Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier is among my favorite cozy mystery series. I've read all the novels and short stories in this series and this one, Patchwork Quilt Murder, is among the very best in this long-running (30 books) series.

I love how Lucy Stone, a small town Maine reporter, uses her work in tracking down stories to help her track down the culprit. The author uses current social issues well in her books. There's also a focus on quilting and antiques in this book.

As much as I enjoyed the plot, in a Lucy Stone mystery, it's the characters that make the book. As a reader, I care about these characters. I'm attached to these characters.

Though it's a long-running series, it still feels fresh to me and I'm hoping there are many more Lucy Stone mysteries to come.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)… (meer)

Easter Basket Murder contains three cozy mystery novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross. Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier was easy to read. It is nice to check in with Lucy Stone and her husband as well as her friends. Lucy and Bill are adjusting to life as empty nesters. The mystery does not happen until later in the novella and the resolution was rushed. The story lacked development. It is not my favorite installment in A Lucy Stone Mysteries. Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis has Hayley Powell dealing with her rambunctious grandson and a murder. I liked the flashbacks into Hayley’s life when she was raising her kids. I cringed while reading about the grandson’s tantrums and his destructive behavior. I understand how Hayley felt (my daughter went through the terrible two’s for over three years), and I like how Hayley resolved the problem by the end of the story. I enjoyed the fun mystery. Hopped Along by Barbara Ross is the 11.5 A Maine Clambake Mystery. Julia is a developed character as well as friendly and relatable. I like that we get to see how Julia’s new romance with a certain detective is progressing. We also get to catch up with the rest of the Snowden clan and their friends. This was a unique mystery. It was a little farfetched and complex for a novella, but I did enjoy it. It was a cute addition to this anthology and to the series. Easter Basket Murder has me thinking about Easter decorations and spring despite the chilly January temperatures.… (meer)

Once again, another outstanding trio of holiday-themed cozy novellas from some superb cozy mystery authors, all set in Maine.

Leslie Meier, one of my favorite cozy authors, contributed Easter Basket Murder, a clever story featuring a missing golden egg, a prize in an Easter basket raffle. It's always fun to encounter the characters in this long-running cozy series.

Death by Easter Egg, by Lee Hollis, offers a fun look at the town's annual Easter egg hunt and the lead character's energetic two year old grandson, but, of course, there's a murder.

Hopped Along, by Barbara Ross, presents a delightful, clever novella where, early on, the sleuth's six-year old nephew announces to her that the Easter Bunny was dead in the vegetable patch.

It's always interesting to see how these authors write for the holiday theme and, once again, they hit a home run with their stories.

Highly recommended to cozy fans!!… (meer)