Skip to main content

Member Reviews

This was a fun read. Perfect for the holiday season. Leslie Meier always makes me lol. I thoroughly enjoy her books. Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Leslie Meier has been writing the Lucy Stone mysteries for some time. I think that there are 27 title in all. These are cozy domestic mysteries that are just right for a stress free read. They take place in Maine where readers get to spend time with both Lucy and her family.

In this entry, there is a Thanksgiving 5K race. Unfortunately, one of the female runners is found dead. Some think that the cause of death was an overdose but the intrepid Lucy feels differently. So, of course, she investigates. Will she solve the mystery with time to spare for a Thanksgiving feast? Readers can easily answer that question but this book will provide some entertainment along the way.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Another hit by a great author. Lucy, the reporter for the Pennysaver, is on the case finding clues about murdered Allison, and her dad Ed. Touches of racism adds a nasty story, but sadly one that is getting to be more common. A good Thanksgiving story, and one I highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I love Lucy Stone, she is one of my favorite amateur sleuths. Once again she stumbles across a murder and with a little help from her friends she is able to solve the case.

Was this review helpful?

If you have never read a Lucy Stone Mystery, this one will work as a standalone story. The amateur sleuth in these stories, Lucy Stone, is a wife, mother, and reporter for the 'Pennysaver' newspaper in her home town of Tinker's Cove, Maine. Lucy and her husband are empty-nesters but with it being Thanksgiving, her children and grandson are back for a visit. When there are a couple of murders in town, a young woman and her father, Lucy is tasked by her boss to get the scoop. That, of course, sets Lucy on a course to investigate the crimes.

The plot of this story incorporates two topics prevalent in the news today: immigration and drug use. In the course of her work Lucy observes both of the above issues affecting her community. The one thing that I didn't like about this story was the fact that Lucy's job took precedence over her family and the holidays, which was a bit disconcerting for me. The culprit was a bit unexpected, but understandable. A quick holiday story that is what I have come to expect in this series.

Was this review helpful?

Lucy Stone has her work cut out for her in the latest mystery in this one she is preparing for a Turkey Trot 5k run on Thanksgiving. While practicing she discovers the dead body of Allison Franklin who has drowned. While everyone is quick to dismiss the death as drug overdose Lucy can't help but wonder if it is something else.

When Allison's father gets the town in an uproar over immigrants and misconceptions about a new family starting a business his prejudice misjudges the family in question. He accuses them of being immigrants when they are as american as apple pie. When her father Ed Franklin winds up dead loyalties are torn and divided. Who killed the father and daughter and why? Will Lucy figure it out in time or will her time run out?

I love Lucy and her knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She finds herself torn about the whole thing. Wanting to believe that it's not a race issue. Or a drug issue. But could it be? Will her town ever be the same again. Definitely a series I love to read when I come across it!

Was this review helpful?

I love how author, Leslie Meier sets her cozies around a holiday genre and this one is not different. I was a little surprised as to how quickly I figured out the killer. Trust me when I say that I am no super sleuth, but the clues were just too easy to figure out in this one and way too early in the story. I was also surprised as to the political aspects of the book. I read cozy mysteries for relaxation and pure selfish enjoyment. I read the whole thing even though there were times when I was not enjoying myself. I am hoping that Holiday Murder will be able to keep my holiday festive spirit going as we start off 2018.

Was this review helpful?

Turkey Trot Murder is another excellent addition to Meier's Lucy Stone mystery series. Instead of looking forward to a family Thanksgiving this year, Lucy is sad that her children will be unable to be at home for the holiday. To take her mind off matters, Lucy decides to focus on this year's turkey trot. During her training for the trot, she comes across a dead body. Now Lucy and her loved ones inadvertently become involved in not one but two murder mysteries. These mysteries spark a debate about current events as the townspeople of Tinker Cove see how these hot topics hit close to home.

I always love and look forward to Meier's holiday themed books because I always enjoy spending my own holiday with my favorite characters. Turkey Trot Murder is a great holiday themed book because it is all about family, togetherness, and the goodness of people that surrounds us even in dark times. I like how Meier brought current hot topics (immigration and drug addiction) to the small town setting as Lucy herself got to see how these issues effect everyone. I loved seeing all of my favorite secondary characters back for another adventure, and I especially loved seeing Bill get more of a focus as he got caught in the middle of things as well. The book has enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages, and I look forward to reading the next book in this great series.

Received a copy of Turkey Trot Murder through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed reading this book and getting an update on "old friends" with this installment of the Lucy Stone mysteries.
As always Lucy finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. This time it revolves around a 5k race, drugs and money. Many of the characters we've come to love were present in this book. Along with a few new people.
Overall, the book was good and a fast read. I understand the use of current political views in the story, but personally I've just reached my limit on listening/reading anyone's views. This didn't keep me from finishing the book or understanding its use in the book, just my preference.

Was this review helpful?

Turkey Trot Murder is the 24th installment in the Lucy Stone Mystery Series by Leslie Meier. As are the previous books, this adventure is set in the tiny New England town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, where Lucy is a reporter for a small, local newspaper, the Pennysaver.

Lucy is prepping for the upcoming Turkey Trot 5K race, which will be held on Thanksgiving Day, and is running near Blueberry Pond when she sees something in the frozen ice that turns out to be the body of Alison Franklin, a young and beautiful college student who is the daughter of the wealthiest man in town, Ed Franklin. Lucy can’t figure out why Alison would risk going out on the ice. Shortly thereafter, Ed Franklin is found in his car shot to death, and because he was very outspoken about Mexican immigrants, most in the town believe that a Mexican-American, who is also a well-known chef, Rey Rodriguez is responsible for the death, especially when he announces that he plans to open a restaurant in town.

Those who have read the previous books in the series will recognize the characters – Lucy, her husband, Bill, daughter Zoe, etc., as well as Lucy’s colleagues at the Pennysaver and her friends. Meier is a good writer and captures the small-town attitude in Tinker’s Cove. Because this mystery is a cozy, there is no graphic violence, sex, or profanity, which makes the book suitable for all ages.

Even though Turkey Trot Murder is a cozy mystery, there is some suspense, which builds throughout. Meier is excellent in the way she presents her characters, and they seem like real people in a real town that most readers will be able to relate to. The book is a fast read, so it is a good choice for a short airplane trip or lazy afternoon. The one negative about this and the previous mysteries in the series is the fact that there are dozens of references to food, but no recipes. Readers will be left wanting to make some of the delicious-sounding dishes at home, especially the Turkey Tacos, Pumpkin Flan, and Spicy Cranberry Salsa.

All told, Turkey Trot Murder is a fun, fast read, and will be enjoyed by cozy mystery fans.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I still enjoyed this mystery even though it is different from her other cozies. The mystery is taken from the headlines and tackles serious issues like immigration and opioid abuse. Lucy is training for the annual Turkey Trot Run when she finds a body of a local young girl. She is also following the stories of the local opioid epidemic and anti immigration movement. The mystery was good and the ending was cozy. But I missed reading about the children and the coziness of the Holiday. Now that the children are grown the series is suffering from an empty nest. Hopefully the next one in the series will be a little lighter.

Was this review helpful?

Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier the latest Lucy Stone mystery

Plot: Meier upsets the genre bullet points buy having the first murder victim be a genuinely nice, pretty young woman whose murder seems astonishing since everyone genuinely like her. The second murder, of her heinous, racist father, returns the reader to the familiar world of the cosy mystery. The reason for Alison's murder seemed way too simplistic and not in character for Eudora. Her hatred of her ex-husband and his new young wife seemed appropriate, but to kill Alison because she chose to live with her father and thought her mother might need help? Flimsy.

Characters; Lucy continues to be a very narrow-minded person who overreacts to many things. Int his book, we get to see her overreacting to the discovery that GASP! There are people in Tinker's Cove who use drugs, who might be selling drugs, and suddenly she's hysterically afraid to be in her own home alone. Really? I'm sitting in my house, in a major city with a big drug problem, and the doors are wide open and I feel totally safe. Lucy marching down to the police to demand they do something about the drug deal she witnessed--I was so happy when the chief slapped her down and explained the reality of the situation. I just wished Lucy had felt chagrined and learned from her experience. And frankly I'd be pissed at someone deciding to put me into a drug rehabilitation program that was not even related to me, so the Hank subplot seemed extremely unrealistic. Way too much of a stretch to try and draw Lucy into the opioid epidemic subplot. It felt very forced and very simplistic and detracted from the storyline.

And then she condones Eudora shoplifting the onesie because she thinks the farm is charging too much for their organic turkey? Way to be an honest, stand up kind of citizen, Lucy. I found that particularly appalling.

Editing: There were a few places that needed the editor. Why was Eudora constantly referred to as Alison's birth mother? Alison was not adopted. She had a mother and a stepmother. To keep referring to Eudora as Alison's birth mother, and this happened several times, was jarring. One doesn't have to love one's mother, but unless one is adopted, the use of birth mother seems insensitive to adoptees and just plain ridiculous. Also, there are a few places in the Kindle version of the galley where "of" and other words are missing, and misspellings-- "uit" is missing it's 's' (the word is suit).

Setting: We get a nice description of Tinker's Cove, the lake, and the community spirit.

Kudos to the author for making Tinker's Cove a microcosm of the US today, with racist and xenophobic residents crawling out of the woodwork. It did feel very 'of the moment.' This subplot felt far more germane to the story than the opioid epidemic (although apparently the author felt that if she was going to introduce racist community members, she'd have to link that with drugs, which is completely unnecessary, in my opinion, but I won't lecture anyone on how those two do not go hand in hand, despite what some racist idiots may tell you).

Final thoughts: too much going on here. One subplot too many. Thin excuse for the murder of Alison although the passionate hatred of an ex and his new wife would have been fine in and of itself.

Was this review helpful?

The first thing we read got me thinking. The protesters made me bust out laughing because it is actual events that are happening. I had no clue a second death would be in the story. From the start I thought we were solving that one. What craziness! I sorta thought I knew who did it but there is so much going on it keeps you busy. This is one of the more enjoyable mysteries I read this year. It is a must read book and series!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the idea of another Thanksgiving themed cozy by this author. A bit too much of a political theme though. Practically hits you over the head with it. Overall, a good mystery, although I did figure it out about halfway through. Loved the ending with the community coming together for a "non-traditional" Thanksgiving dinner. Since I love Lucy's character so much, I will be reading more in this series.

Was this review helpful?

This is the Twenty Fourth Lucy Stone mystery and as delightful as the entire series. I loved the holiday theme, the well crafted sleuth and as always the fun interesting characters. he author has a pleasing fast paced style of writing that makes each book enjoyable to read. This series is a do not miss for mystery lovers. I read each new release cover to cover and enjoy each one.
Thank you for the ARC which did not influence my personal review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Was this review helpful?

Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier is part of the Lucy Stone Mystery series. Lucy is training for the annual Turkey Trot 5K when she and her canine side kick discover a body in a partially frozen pond. Wealthy Allison's death is blamed on an overdose, but Lucy has her doubts. Sadly this cozy mystery strayed into the political area. Personal opinions are fine, but I read for entertainment not political commentary. For me it does not matter whether or not I share the opinion, I am tired of politics taking over everything. While I enjoyed the mystery, the politics ruined the book for me.

Was this review helpful?

Lucy Stone is a part time reporter in Tinker Cove, Maine. I love all of the cozy mysteries involving Lucy, her family, friends and townspeople. For such a small town they sure do have a lot going on both fun and murder. This cozy wasn't as cozy as some of her books. Lucy must face two murders, a bombing and the townspeople getting ready for Thanksgiving. Little does she know that this Thanksgiving won't be the quiet affair she was expecting. It is always delightful to visit with Lucy and her family. Her children have basically grown up in these books. Leslie Meier has a way of pulling you in so that you really want to return to Tinker's Cove and find out what the next town enjoyment will be. A small town filled with big charms. I highly recommend any of the Lucy Stone Cozy Mysteries. I received a copy through Netgalley. The review was done on my own.

Was this review helpful?

Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier is the twenty-fourth A Lucy Stone Mystery. Lucy Stone is out jogging (really) preparing for Tinker’s Cove annual Turkey Trot 5K race. She is going by Blueberry Pond when she notices something pink near the reeds. Upon closer (and careful) inspection, Lucy finds the body of a girl and immediately contact the police. The victim is Alison Franklin, daughter of new board of health member, Ed Franklin. Alison’s death is blamed on drugs which has been a problem recently in the local area. Lucy, however, is unsure that drugs were Alison’s undoing. Chef Rey Rodriguez has purchased the Olde Irish Pub and plans to turn it into Cali Kitchen. Locals are in an uproar over this new addition thanks to Ed Franklin (he is lumping the Rodriguez family in with Mexican drug dealers). Things are heating up in Tinker’s Cove and Lucy will need to work quickly if the town is to have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Turkey Trot Murder is well-written and engaging. It has a nice easy writing style and flow that makes for a pleasurable read. It is always delightful to revisit Lucy Stone and her family. Lucy has certainly changed since readers were introduced to her (and her family) in Mistletoe Murder. There is plenty of action in Turkey Trot Murder (murder and mayhem—just the way I like it). I like how Ms. Meier tackled the issues of opiate dependency and immigration. Ed Franklin will remind readers of a real life figure that holds a high political office in our country. I give Turkey Trot Murder 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). Ms. Meier creates such engaging, personable characters (Lucy, Bill, Rachel, Pam, Ted) and a charming town (that is facing some troubles). I like the humor that is injected into the story creating many laugh out loud moments (which I really needed since I read this while we were without power after Hurricane Irma). The mystery was absorbing, and I liked following the clues to solve the case. I really appreciate the lovely ending and how the author wrapped up all the storylines. I look forward to reading the next A Lucy Stone Mystery when it is published.

Was this review helpful?

Turkey Trot Murder brings up key issues in today's society. This book talks about social classes, racism, immigrants and other topics that are seen daily in today's society. The mystery in the book helped bring attention to the fact that often people are misled by others. People try to stereotype every socioeconomic class, race and gender, often at the peril of others. This book demonstrated living in a divided small town in an well written manner.

Was this review helpful?