Book 1

Mistletoe Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 December 1998
As if baking holiday cookies, knitting a sweater for her husband’s gift, and making her daughter’s angel costume for the church pageant weren’t enough things for Lucy Stone’s busy Christmas schedule, she’s also working nights at the famous mail-order company Country Cousins. But when she discovers Sam Miller, its very wealthy founder, dead in his car from an apparent suicide, the sleuth in her knows something just doesn’t smell right.
 
Taking time out from her hectic holiday life to find out what really happened, her investigation leads to a backlog of secrets as long as Santa’s Christmas Eve route. Lucy is convinced that someone murdered Sam Miller. But who and why? With each harrowing twist she uncovers in this bizarre case, another shocking revelation is exposed. Now, as Christmas draws near and Lucy gets dangerously closer to the truth, she’s about to receive a present from Santa she didn’t ask for—a killer who won’t be satisfied until everyone on his shopping list is dead, including Lucy herself . . .
 

“Meier continues to exploit the charm factor in her small-town setting, while keeping the murder plots as realistic as possible in such a cozy world.”
Booklist

Book 2

New Year's Eve Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 November 2005
After the annual parade of Christmas presents in Tinker's Cove has ended, Lucy Stone and her daughter Elizabeth are ready to ring in the new year in style. Elizabeth has won mother/daughter winter makeovers in Manhattan from Jolie magazine! But the all-expenses-paid trip is bound to have some hidden costs--and one of them is murder. . .

After finally arriving at the offices of Jolie, meeting their fellow makeover candidates, and being treated to a fashion show, Elizabeth is enamored of the extreme outfits and stick-thin models--while Lucy's having some misgivings. The pampering is nice and the glitz and glamour of haute couture is bizarrely fascinating, but bitterness and aggression lurk behind Jolie's hipper-than-thou façade. And things turn downright ugly when self-absorbed fashion editor Nadine Nelson falls mysteriously ill and then dies. . .

Lucy saw first-hand some of the backstabbing going on at Jolie. And the red-hot rumor mill soon reveals that the cliquish connection among the magazine's cabal of high-style executives has stirred up plenty of bad blood over the years. But this Manhattan murder mystery hits too close to home when Elizabeth gets rushed to the hospital with symptoms that are disturbingly similar to Nadine's. Now, it's up to Lucy to dress down a killer before the ball drops in Times Square. . .

Book 3

Trick or Treat Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 October 1996
Reprinted Edition

"A charming setting and likable cast. . .enjoyable reading." --Publishers Weekly

Haunted-house parties and ghostly galas. . .grinning pumpkins, mayhem and murder. It's going to be one heck of a Halloween for Lucy Stone and Tinker's Cove. . .

It's October in Maine, and everyone in Tinker's Cove is preparing for the annual Halloween festival. While Lucy Stone is whipping up orange-frosted cupcakes, recycling tutus for her daughters' Halloween costumes, helping her son with his pre-teen rebellion, and breast-feeding her brand-new bay, an arsonist is loose in Tinker's Cove. When the latest fire claims the life of the owner of the town's oldest house, arson turns into murder. . .

While the townsfolk work to transform a dilapidated mansion into a haunted house for the All-Ghouls festival, the hunt for the culprit heats up. Trick-or-treat turns deadly as a little digging in all the wrong places puts Lucy too close to a shocking discovery that could send all her best-laid plans up in smoke. . .

"Lucy Stone is an endearing sleuth." --Dorothy Cannell

Book 4

Back to School Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 October 1997
"I like Lucy Stone a lot, and so will readers."
--Carolyn Hart


Tinker's Cove's Own Amateur Sleuth Lucy Stone
Discovers That School Days Can Be Murder.


It's back to school time in the peaceful Maine town of Tinker's Cove, and for mother-of-four Lucy Stone it isn't a moment too soon. But trouble at the local elementary school soon has the sometime crime-solver juggling family, job, and night classes with another mystery to solve. And it starts with a bang.

A bomb goes off with the noon lunch bell, but not before all the kids are safely evacuated, and Carol Crane, the new assistant principal, is hailed as a hero. But days later, Carol is found murdered and everyone is stunned when the most popular teacher at the school is arrested for the crime. However, not everyone is buying the open-and-shut case, including Lucy Stone, who senses there's more to things than meet the eye.

It soon becomes clear that Lucy is flirting with danger, as sizzling secrets and explosive surprises provide a primer for the most diabolical of motives. Hot on the trail of a clever killer, the dedicated mom and seasoned sleuth must harness the courage and cool aplomb to uncover a crime that just might give her an education in the fine art of murder.

"Captivating, well-written, and just plain fun." --Tulsa World

Book 5

Valentine Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 February 1999
In Tinker's Cove, Maine, sleuth and freelance writer Lucy Stone investigates the shooting of the town's librarian whose body was found in the library, minutes before a meeting of the board of directors. Police suspect all seven directors, including a former librarian. By the author of Back to School Murder.

Book 6

Christmas Cookie Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 November 1999
For Lucy Stone, the best thing about Christmas in Tinker’s Cove has always been the annual Cookie Exchange. But the usual generosity and goodwill is missing from this year’s event which turns out to be a complete disaster.
 
Petty rivalries and feuds that have long been simmering finally come to a boil, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of many guests, including Lee Cummings who accuses Tucker Whitney of stealing her recipe for low-fat, sugar-free cookies. But the icing on the cake is when Tucker is found strangled in her apartment the following morning.
 
Who could’ve wanted Tucker dead badly enough to kill her? Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Lucy sets out on the trail of a murderer and soon uncovers a Christmas secret best left wrapped.
 
“Reading a new Leslie Meier mystery is like catching up with a dear old friend.”
—Kate Carlisle, New York Times bestselling author

Book 6

Wicked Witch Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 September 2010
With Halloween around the corner, and a mysterious murder close to home, Lucy’s Stone’s fall is off to a sinister start . . .
 
When the bewitching Diana Ravenscroft comes to quiet Tinker's Cove and opens Solstice, a quaint little shop offering everything from jewelry to psychic readings, Lucy Stone writes her off as eccentric but harmless. Even after Diana gives her a disturbingly accurate reading, Lucy can’t help but befriend the newcomer. But not everyone in town is so enchanted. And when Lucy stumbles upon a dead body near her home, she can’t shake the feeling that something ominous is lurking in the crisp October air . . .
 
Convinced Diana is an evil witch, prominent businessman Ike Stoughton blames her for a series of recent misfortunes, including Lucy’s gruesome discovery and his own wife’s death, and rallies the townsfolk against her. But after Lucy learns the murder victim was a magician and close friend of Diana’s, she starts to wonder who’s really stirring up a cauldron of trouble. By Halloween, her suspicions lead her to a deadly web of secrets—and a spine-chilling brush with the things that go bump in the night . . .
 
“The warm, small-town ambiance and the persevering Lucy Stone make this a winner for cozy fans.”
Library Journal

Book 7

Turkey Day Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 October 2000
Once again, Leslie Meier gives mystery fans a reason to give thanks for the eccentric charms of Tinker's Cove and the intriguing exploits of its resident amateur sleuth, Lucy Stone.

Turkey Day Murder

Tinker's Cove has a long history of Thanksgiving festivities, from visits with TomTom Turkey to the annual Warriors high school football game and Lucy Stone's impressive pumpkin pie. But this year, someone has added murder to the menu, and Lucy intends to discover who left Metinnicut Indian activist Curt Nolan deader than the proverbial Thanksgiving turkey--with an ancient war club next to his head.

The list of suspects isn't exactly a brief one. Nolan had a habit of disagreeing with just about everybody he met. Between fixing dinner for twelve and keeping her four kids from tearing each other limb from limb, Lucy has a pretty full plate already. So what's a little investigation? But if she's not careful, she just may find herself served up as a last-minute course, stone-cold dead with all the trimmings. . .

<BLOCKQUOTE>"I like Lucy Stone a lot, and so will readers." --Carolyn Hart

"Meier writes with sparkle and warmth." --Chicago Sun Times</BLOCKQUOTE>

Book 7

Irish Parade Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 26 January 2021
Lucy Stone's late-winter blues usually vanish by the time Tinker's Cove goes green for its annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. There's just one wee problem that not even the luck of the Irish can fix--murder!

After returning from her father-in-law's funeral in Florida, Lucy can almost hear the death knell of her part-time reporter job the instant she meets new hire Rob Callahan. He's young, ambitious, and positioning himself to become the Pennysaver's next star reporter. Adding insult to injury, Lucy only gets assigned the local St. Patrick's Day parade once Rob passes on the story. But before beer flows and bagpipes sound, Rob becomes suspected of destroying more than other people's careers...

It's a shock when Rob is suddenly charged with sending a corrections officer from town to a fiery death. Contrary to the evidence, Lucy seriously doubts her office rival committed murder, and she's willing to follow that nagging hunch into the darkest corners of the community if it means shedding light on the truth...

As an unnerving mystery unfolds, a strange woman reveals news that could change everything for Lucy and her family. Troubles in her personal and professional life are colliding, and Lucy comes to realize that she'll sooner discover a four-leaf clover than confront a killer with the gift of the gab and live to tell about it...

Book 9

Birthday Party Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 August 2002
The whole town of Tinker's Cove is looking forward to the celebration marking former librarian Julia Ward Howe Tilley's ninetieth birthday. Lucy Stone, Miss Tilley's closest friend, dreamed up the party idea--at about the same time she decided she's not getting old without a fight. Noticing crow's feet and a potential jelly belly, she's resolved to exercise more and purchase some heavy-duty wrinkle cream, asap!

That sounds like a plan--until Lucy realizes her daughter's fourteenth birthday bash, a coed sleepover, may turn her hair white overnight. What was she thinking when she agreed to let Sara have the party? Obviously she wasn't thinking about the hormonal rampages of young teens. On her mind, instead, was the shocking death of Sherman Cobb, the town's oldest attorney, an apparent suicide. His law partner, however, thinks Sherman was murdered.

Poking about in Sherman's papers, Lucy turns up an intriguing tie between the dead man and Miss Tilley. Meanwhile Miss Tilley's own past has come back to haunt her in the form of a mysterious niece named Shirley and a biker great nephew named Snake. Soon no one can get to see the elderly librarian because the brash, bossy Shirley says she's "failing." Is Miss Tilley in grave danger? Will Sara's party turn out to be a scandal? Now, as a killer's ruthless plan rushes toward a conclusion, Lucy needs answers fast--or else she and Miss Tilley won't live long enough to make a wish and blow out the candles on this year's birthday cake. . .

Book 10

Father's Day Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 20 June 2003
"Mothers everywhere will identify with Lucy Stone and the domestic problems she encounters." --Publishers Weekly

When her part-time reporting gig gives Lucy the opportunity to attend a Boston newspaper conference, she looks forward to the vacation from domestic bliss. But upon leaving Tinker's Cove, she quickly discovers that alone time can be kind of. . .lonely. And in between libel workshops and panel discussions, Lucy takes a guilt trip. She feels terrible that she won't be home to help her husband celebrate Father's Day.

But when Luther Read--head of a nearly bankrupt newspaper dynasty--suddenly drops dead, Lucy has other things to think about. Murder, for instance. She's not buying the theory that Luther died of an asthma attack. The man just had too many enemies. Always the intrepid snoop, Lucy vows to investigate. But she can't help wondering if her name will end up on a byline--or in an obit. . .

"I like Lucy Stone a lot, and so will readers." --Carolyn Hart

Leslie Meier writes with sparkle and warmth." --Chicago Sun-Times

"A truly American version of the English cozy." --Tulsa World

Book 14

St. Patrick's Day Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 January 2008
Lucy Stone investigates the murder of a barkeep who not only cheated but was rumored to have connections with the Irish Republican Army.

Book 15

Mother's Day Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 April 2009
Reporter Lucy Stone, of Tinker's Cove, Maine, uncovers some icky revelations about Bart Hume, a philandering cardiac surgeon, as she investigates a shooting murder connected to a suspicious accident fatality and the disappearance of a teen youth counselor. Along the way, Lucy and Sara, Lucy's high school freshman daughter, are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the killer.

Book 17

English Tea Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 June 2011
Between a busy family and her duties as a reporter for the Tinker's Cove Pennysaver, Lucy Stone could use a break. So when a friend tells her about a trip to England sponsored by Winchester College, she jumps at the chance for a girls getaway. But when tour leader Professor George Temple dies mid-flight after an asthma attack, Lucy's glad she packed her sleuthing skills. . .

In London, Professor Quentin Rea, a ladies' man and former flirt of Lucy's, arrives to take over the tour--and she finds that while his hairline has receded, his amorous intentions have not. Lucy also begins to notice peculiar behavior among other members of the group. And when she discovers all of them have pasts connected to the late Professor Temple, she suspects his death was an elaborate act of revenge. Then another tour member dies, and Lucy is suddenly ensnared in a daring scheme that could lead her to a mastermind of murder--or make her the next victim. . .

"Leslie Meier writes with sparkle and warmth." –Chicago Sun Times

"Leslie Meier has created a town I'd like to live in and sleuth I'd love to meet." –Jill Churchill

"Fans of Murder, She Wrote may want to try this latest in a series that is well written and enjoyable."
The Evansville Courier and Press

Book 18

Chocolate Covered Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 27 December 2011

Lucy Stone, mother of three, works as a reporter on her local paper in the small town of Tinker's Cove, Maine. She's asked to write an article about a new local business, Chanticleer's Chocolates. But, as is so often the case with Lucy, it turns out not to be your usual run-of-the mill assignment . . .

A local fisherman drowns suspiciously and then Chanticleer's sultry store manager turns up dead and covered in chocolate. Is this the work of a bitter ex-wife? Or is a rival fudge shop, recently stripped of its status as the "Best Candy on the Coast", behind her demise? With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Lucy gets on the case.

Sweeter than sugar, this wonderfully fun and cozy mystery from New York Times bestseller Leslie Meier is a delight from start to finish.

"I like Lucy Stone a lot, and so will readers." -Carolyn Hart

"Leslie Meier writes with sparkle and warmth." -Chicago Sun Times

"The Lucy Stone mysteries will appeal to fans of domestic mysteries." -Booklist

"Mothers everywhere will identify with Lucy Stone and the domestic problems she encounters." -Publishers Weekly


Book 19

Easter Bunny Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 January 2013
Spring has come to Tinker's Cove, and Lucy Stone has a mile-long to-do list. From dyeing eggs with her grandson, to preparing the perfect Easter feast, to reviving her dormant garden, she hardly has time to search for a killer. Lucy is covering the annual Easter Egg Hunt for the Pennysaver. But when she arrives at the estate of its hostess, aging millionaire Vivian Van Vorst, the gates are locked and a man dressed as the Easter Bunny drops dead at her feet.

Book 21

French Pastry Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 1 January 2014
Lucy Stone is saying "Au revoir!" to Tinker’s Cove, Maine, and "Bonjour!" to Paris to take in the sights, learn how to bake authentic French pastries, and experience some joie de vivre. But her dreams of la vie en rose are put on hold when the City of Lights turns deadly…

Lucy always dreamed of visiting Paris, but when renowned pastry chef Larry Bruneau is discovered on death’s doorstep and Lucy and her friends are detained for questioning, she’s worried she’ll be trading in her luxury accommodations for a sojourn in the Bastille. Now, if she’s going to enjoy her vacation, she’ll have to unpack her sleuthing skills and clear her name…

Book 22

Candy Corn Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 25 August 2015
Covering the town's annual Giant Pumpkin Fest during the Halloween season, reporter Lucy Stone follows leads to a local general store-turned-Internet hotspot when her husband, Bill, is framed for a friend's murder.

Book 23

British Manor Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 27 September 2016
Although Perry, the earl of the house, and his sister, Poppy, are surprisingly accommodating to their jetlagged guests, Lucy feels uneasy after a fallen portrait sparks talk of a deadly family omen. The bad vibes come in quickly: snobby Aunt Millicent and her handmaiden Harrison unexpectedly drop by for the exhibition, and meals with the family are consistently tense. But real trouble begins when a body, bludgeoned by the chapel's gold-plated reliquary, is found in a hidden, sealed off room. Stranger still, the corpse is identified as Harrison's son, Cyril. From back cover.

Book 24

Turkey Trot Murder

by Leslie Meier

Published 26 September 2017
It’s late autumn in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, and the last surviving flowers on Lucy Stone’s porch have fallen victim to the first frost of the season. But as the part-time reporter learns, this cold November morning will claim more than potted plants . . .
 
Besides the annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day, Lucy expects the approaching holiday to be a relatively uneventful one—until she finds beautiful Alison Franklin dead and frozen in Blueberry Pond. No one knows much about Alison, except that she was the daughter of wealthy investor Ed Franklin and struggled quietly with drug addiction. Police blame her death on an accidental overdose, but Lucy can’t understand what terrible forces could lead a privileged woman to watery ruin . . .
 
As a state of unrest descends on Tinker’s Cove, Lucy is thrown into a full-scale investigation. Now, in a race against time, Lucy must beat the killer to the finish line—or she can forget about stuffing and cranberry sauce . . .  

“Reading a new Leslie Meier mystery is like catching up with a dear old friend.”
—Kate Carlisle, New York Times bestselling author