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Lucy Stone #29.5 - Easter Basket Murder
Easter Basket Murder
Put on your springtime best and grab a basket, because Easter egg hunting is to dye for in this delightful new collection of Easter-themed capers set in coastal Maine and featuring fan-favorite sleuths from the long-running, bestselling cozy mystery series by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross!
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket–themed promotion to boost in-store sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate three struggling entrepreneurs who stick out in the local scene. But a huge town scandal comes into focus when a harmless shopping spree turns deadly, leaving Lucy to stop a murderer from springing back into action . . .
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Island Food & Spirits columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions. Turns out, keeping up with a rambunctious toddler isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—especially when a decadent peanut butter treat kills the Easter bunny himself during the festivities! Now, with a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late . . .
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden—then vanishes soon after without any explanation—an innocent hunt for eggs becomes a dangerous hunt for answers. With no clues beyond a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit , Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game . . .
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket–themed promotion to boost in-store sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate three struggling entrepreneurs who stick out in the local scene. But a huge town scandal comes into focus when a harmless shopping spree turns deadly, leaving Lucy to stop a murderer from springing back into action . . .
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Island Food & Spirits columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions. Turns out, keeping up with a rambunctious toddler isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—especially when a decadent peanut butter treat kills the Easter bunny himself during the festivities! Now, with a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late . . .
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden—then vanishes soon after without any explanation—an innocent hunt for eggs becomes a dangerous hunt for answers. With no clues beyond a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit , Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game . . .
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2024
202 people are currently reading
3693 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Meier
70 books2,071 followersLeslie Meier lives in Braintree and Harwich (Cape Cod), Massachusetts. She is the creator of 'Lucy Stone', a reporter and amateur sleuth in the fictional seaside village of Tinker's Cove, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 23, 2025
The holidays have arrived again, and this time it's all about Easter. Three novellas packed into a single book - thanks to NetGalley - and I found myself laughing and investigating with three lovely heroines. Leslie Meier's Tinker Cove Mysteries, Lee Hollis's Bar Harbor Mysteries, and Barbara Ross's Julia Snowden Mysteries all take place in Maine, hence the collection. Easter Rabbits aplenty... including a bank robbery, a mystery guest living in a home where the owner is out of town, and a stolen golden egg. Great way to get to know the 3 amateur detectives and enjoy visiting the seaside towns as the winter is beginning to warm up. These are my fave books to read on a snowy Sunday morning, and that's what I got this weekend.
March 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - NetGalley ARC
Description:
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket–themed promotion to boost in-store sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate three struggling entrepreneurs who stick out in the local scene. But a huge town scandal comes into focus when a harmless shopping spree turns deadly, leaving Lucy to stop a murderer from springing back into action.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Island Food & Spirits columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions. Turns out, keeping up with a rambunctious toddler isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—especially when a decadent peanut butter treat kills the Easter bunny himself during the festivities! Now, with a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden—then vanishes soon after without any explanation—an innocent hunt for eggs becomes a dangerous hunt for answers. With no clues beyond a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game.
What a fun read this was for Easter/Spring! All three cozy mysteries were interesting and atmospheric. It was my first time reading anything from Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross. Lee Hollis’ story confused me at first since the story was interjected with her articles she writes as a columnist, but it didn’t take away from the main story. I absolutely loved Barbara Ross’ story and I will be adding her series to my TBR. Like I need more books on my TBR or another series to read! Highly Recommend!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
Description:
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket–themed promotion to boost in-store sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate three struggling entrepreneurs who stick out in the local scene. But a huge town scandal comes into focus when a harmless shopping spree turns deadly, leaving Lucy to stop a murderer from springing back into action.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Island Food & Spirits columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions. Turns out, keeping up with a rambunctious toddler isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—especially when a decadent peanut butter treat kills the Easter bunny himself during the festivities! Now, with a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden—then vanishes soon after without any explanation—an innocent hunt for eggs becomes a dangerous hunt for answers. With no clues beyond a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game.
What a fun read this was for Easter/Spring! All three cozy mysteries were interesting and atmospheric. It was my first time reading anything from Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross. Lee Hollis’ story confused me at first since the story was interjected with her articles she writes as a columnist, but it didn’t take away from the main story. I absolutely loved Barbara Ross’ story and I will be adding her series to my TBR. Like I need more books on my TBR or another series to read! Highly Recommend!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
January 22, 2024
A wonderful anthology filled with three fun cozy mystery reads from some great authors. In story one Lucy Stone is covering the story of a stolen golden egg crafted by a famous artist. She is looking at several locals who might have had a reason to steal the egg. Follow along and see if Lucy can figure out who the thief is and why the stole the egg.
In story two Hayley is excited that her grandson is in town to celebrate the Easter holiday. She soon realizes that having him around isn't as wonderful she thought it would be. While at a local Easter egg hunt the Easter Bunny is found dead by what looks like an allergic reaction. Hayley sees it as murder and wants to find out who killed the Bunny and why. Can she figure put who the killer is before the police close the case as accidental?
In story three Julia Snowden is with her family on their island celebrating the Easter holiday. When her nephew finds a man who looks dead Julia investigates but when she brings her policeman boyfriend to check on things the man is gone. Julia decides she must determine who the man was, what he was doing on their island,.and what became of him. Follow along and see where the clues lead her.
In story two Hayley is excited that her grandson is in town to celebrate the Easter holiday. She soon realizes that having him around isn't as wonderful she thought it would be. While at a local Easter egg hunt the Easter Bunny is found dead by what looks like an allergic reaction. Hayley sees it as murder and wants to find out who killed the Bunny and why. Can she figure put who the killer is before the police close the case as accidental?
In story three Julia Snowden is with her family on their island celebrating the Easter holiday. When her nephew finds a man who looks dead Julia investigates but when she brings her policeman boyfriend to check on things the man is gone. Julia decides she must determine who the man was, what he was doing on their island,.and what became of him. Follow along and see where the clues lead her.
October 27, 2023
Three wonderful cozy novellas in one book by three of my favorite authors. Yes, please. I loved each of them but my favorite was Hopped Along by Barbara Ross. I cried at the end. I need to read the beginning of this series. All written so well.
November 6, 2023
This Easter themed book contains three novellas by three of my favorite authors.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER was my absolute favorite of the three. It had a good plot, likeable main characters. and lots of red herrings.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS was also a good read but the very lenient parenting style of Hayley's son and girlfriend was bothersome. Hayley had her hands full dealing with her rambunctious grandson while trying to solve a murder.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS was a pretty good mystery with an interesting premise, but I was hoping for a happier ending in this easter themed novella. My thanks to netgalley for this ARC.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER was my absolute favorite of the three. It had a good plot, likeable main characters. and lots of red herrings.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS was also a good read but the very lenient parenting style of Hayley's son and girlfriend was bothersome. Hayley had her hands full dealing with her rambunctious grandson while trying to solve a murder.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS was a pretty good mystery with an interesting premise, but I was hoping for a happier ending in this easter themed novella. My thanks to netgalley for this ARC.
Read
April 2, 2024DNF 27% Cheesy and boring.
January 26, 2024
Not a big fan of novellas but I can’t seem to stay away from these collections. They tide me over until a full-length story comes out in my favorite series. The Lucy Stone was one was my least favorite. I have stopped reading this series because it just isn’t for me anymore and this story was typical with what has become of the series – short on investigating, long on preaching about social issues. I enjoyed the Hayley Powell story and felt that it could have been expanded on just a little to make a full-length novel; it had everything it needed as a novella but there was enough there for a full book. Barbara Ross’ stories seem to always be my favorites. Her writing draws me in quickly and there is not wait in this one for the crime to be committed; it starts fast and keeps this pace the whole way through. Overall, I enjoyed the stories and recommend them for a quick fix between full-length novels.
Full reviews of each one here:
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kjhV_rs...
Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2krWi9r3...
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2k1qv-gf...
Full reviews of each one here:
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kjhV_rs...
Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2krWi9r3...
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2k1qv-gf...
December 1, 2023
EASTER BASKET MURDER BY LESLIE MEIER
I have read everything that Leslie Meier has written thus far, and have been so disappointed in her last few novellas and books, because the endings have been rushed to completion.
Regardless, I have continued to look forward to reading yet another Lucy Stone “mystery” …
This latest installment was also very disappointing, as it told a very lengthy, though well written story, with no murder until the end of chapter 9. The unraveling of the murder was quickly revealed in the next (and last) chapter. Again, I was left wanting more development, and thinking we could have been drawn deeper into the murder story throughout the book, rather than at the very end.
I honestly can't rate this book 5 stars as I would like, because of this first novella.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG BY LEE HOLLIS
It is always refreshing to catch up with the protagonist, Hailey Powell and the cast of characters written by brother/sister authors Lee Hollis.
I particularly enjoyed this novella, which has several flashbacks to Hailey’s earlier life with her first husband and small children. There is always an element of humor which I love.
The scene describing the destructive tantrums of her visiting grandson, and the total lack of attention by his parents was so real. It resonates with me, having experienced such behaviors many times in public, especially in restaurants. I liked how Hailey handled it by the end of the book.
The plot is most intriguing, and I couldn’t wait to find out who the murderer was. I did figure it out shortly before it was revealed, and laughed at the fact that I should have known much before that, because all the clues were there.
This novella is most enjoyable, and I am so glad to have read it.
HOPPED ALONG BY BARBARA ROSS
AMAZING PLOT, BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN!!!! What an intriguing story! One of the most inventive cozies I have read. I have to confess to being an avid Barbara Ross fan, and this book was of interest primarily because it contained a novella written by her.
I read this novella in record time, and was completely intrigued all along, as the story took twists and turns, as per usual with Barbara’s books.
This is the 11 ½ Maine Clambake Mystery, and we learn more about Julia Snowden’s love life, which is rewarding. Most of the beloved characters interact in this novella, and it is wonderful to catch up with them.
Readers will be intrigued right away with the story, and will be amazed at the ending. Again, the surprising endings are one of Barbara’s traits!
I most highly recommend this book, and all the previous books and novellas by Barbara Ross.
Thank you, Kensington Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this book and post a personal review.
I have read everything that Leslie Meier has written thus far, and have been so disappointed in her last few novellas and books, because the endings have been rushed to completion.
Regardless, I have continued to look forward to reading yet another Lucy Stone “mystery” …
This latest installment was also very disappointing, as it told a very lengthy, though well written story, with no murder until the end of chapter 9. The unraveling of the murder was quickly revealed in the next (and last) chapter. Again, I was left wanting more development, and thinking we could have been drawn deeper into the murder story throughout the book, rather than at the very end.
I honestly can't rate this book 5 stars as I would like, because of this first novella.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG BY LEE HOLLIS
It is always refreshing to catch up with the protagonist, Hailey Powell and the cast of characters written by brother/sister authors Lee Hollis.
I particularly enjoyed this novella, which has several flashbacks to Hailey’s earlier life with her first husband and small children. There is always an element of humor which I love.
The scene describing the destructive tantrums of her visiting grandson, and the total lack of attention by his parents was so real. It resonates with me, having experienced such behaviors many times in public, especially in restaurants. I liked how Hailey handled it by the end of the book.
The plot is most intriguing, and I couldn’t wait to find out who the murderer was. I did figure it out shortly before it was revealed, and laughed at the fact that I should have known much before that, because all the clues were there.
This novella is most enjoyable, and I am so glad to have read it.
HOPPED ALONG BY BARBARA ROSS
AMAZING PLOT, BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN!!!! What an intriguing story! One of the most inventive cozies I have read. I have to confess to being an avid Barbara Ross fan, and this book was of interest primarily because it contained a novella written by her.
I read this novella in record time, and was completely intrigued all along, as the story took twists and turns, as per usual with Barbara’s books.
This is the 11 ½ Maine Clambake Mystery, and we learn more about Julia Snowden’s love life, which is rewarding. Most of the beloved characters interact in this novella, and it is wonderful to catch up with them.
Readers will be intrigued right away with the story, and will be amazed at the ending. Again, the surprising endings are one of Barbara’s traits!
I most highly recommend this book, and all the previous books and novellas by Barbara Ross.
Thank you, Kensington Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this book and post a personal review.
September 17, 2023
#EasterBasketMurder #NetGalley is a trio of stories surrounding the Easter holiday. This book includes three of my favorite authors, which always makes for a fun book.
In the first story, Lucy Stone is writing a story for the local newspaper about the Easter Basket promotion, which everyone hopes will encourage shoppers to buy local.
Murder is never far away from Lucy Stone, so it was no surprise when she found herself wrapped up in another investigation.
The second story includes Haley Powell, proud owner of her own restaurant, wife and mother, and now grandma to her grandson Eli.
Haley also finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation, but with Haley on the case,there are bound to be several laugh out loud moments.
The third and final story includes Julia Snowden and her family's holiday, which includes an odd squatter in a neighbor's house, whose attire gives Julia a chuckle.
There's something odd about this guy and Julia is quick to follow the clues and solve the mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
In the first story, Lucy Stone is writing a story for the local newspaper about the Easter Basket promotion, which everyone hopes will encourage shoppers to buy local.
Murder is never far away from Lucy Stone, so it was no surprise when she found herself wrapped up in another investigation.
The second story includes Haley Powell, proud owner of her own restaurant, wife and mother, and now grandma to her grandson Eli.
Haley also finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation, but with Haley on the case,there are bound to be several laugh out loud moments.
The third and final story includes Julia Snowden and her family's holiday, which includes an odd squatter in a neighbor's house, whose attire gives Julia a chuckle.
There's something odd about this guy and Julia is quick to follow the clues and solve the mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
January 22, 2024
I really enjoy these collections of cozy mystery novellas that have a holiday theme. As a whole, this isn't my favorite collection, but the three stories are still quick, easy reads. Each story is set in Maine and has something to do with an easter basket, but all have very different plots.
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier features part-time reporter Lucy Stone. Lucy investigates the theft of a valuable golden egg sculpture from an Easter basket and then a murder! The story has some pacing issues, but is entertaining overall and is fun to read. Fans of the full-length books in this series will enjoy this shorter story.
Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis involves an Easter egg hunt, the Easter bunny, a misplaced Easter basket, and a murder. I had a hard time relaxing with this story due to Haley's out-of-control young grandson, but the mystery is interesting.
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross features the main characters from the author's Maine Clambake series. The story includes a disappearing body, a murder, and a mysterious Easter basket. I like this series and the main character, Julia. The story is very unusual and to say more would spoil it, but even though this is a short novella, be prepared for a few twists and turns before the story ends. Things mentioned at the very end have me eager for the next book in the series to come out!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier features part-time reporter Lucy Stone. Lucy investigates the theft of a valuable golden egg sculpture from an Easter basket and then a murder! The story has some pacing issues, but is entertaining overall and is fun to read. Fans of the full-length books in this series will enjoy this shorter story.
Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis involves an Easter egg hunt, the Easter bunny, a misplaced Easter basket, and a murder. I had a hard time relaxing with this story due to Haley's out-of-control young grandson, but the mystery is interesting.
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross features the main characters from the author's Maine Clambake series. The story includes a disappearing body, a murder, and a mysterious Easter basket. I like this series and the main character, Julia. The story is very unusual and to say more would spoil it, but even though this is a short novella, be prepared for a few twists and turns before the story ends. Things mentioned at the very end have me eager for the next book in the series to come out!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
January 30, 2024
This was a fun cozy mystery read! I love that you get three stories for the price of one!
Easter Basket Murder-
I always enjoy a good Lucy Stone Mystery! This one shows Lucy’s compassionate side as she helps local artist Karl Klaus get his life back in order. The ending was full of surprises and adventure.
Death by Easter Egg-
This book was about an empty safe deposit box, plumbing problems, and a dead Easter Bunny. The plot is complex as the reader has to put the pieces together to figure out how all three events are related. This story also includes recipes for potato dishes. Gotta love a new recipe to try!
Hopped Along-
This was my favorite of the three cozies. It had the best storyline that kept me guessing what happened! The characters are complex but charming. The story ended abruptly, which was a disappointment, but had a happy ending. I am excited to read the next book in the series! This book also includes a recipe for cooking lamb.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Easter Basket Murder-
I always enjoy a good Lucy Stone Mystery! This one shows Lucy’s compassionate side as she helps local artist Karl Klaus get his life back in order. The ending was full of surprises and adventure.
Death by Easter Egg-
This book was about an empty safe deposit box, plumbing problems, and a dead Easter Bunny. The plot is complex as the reader has to put the pieces together to figure out how all three events are related. This story also includes recipes for potato dishes. Gotta love a new recipe to try!
Hopped Along-
This was my favorite of the three cozies. It had the best storyline that kept me guessing what happened! The characters are complex but charming. The story ended abruptly, which was a disappointment, but had a happy ending. I am excited to read the next book in the series! This book also includes a recipe for cooking lamb.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 22, 2024
3 stars:
Easter Basket Murder (Lucy Stone)
Hopped Along (Maine Clambake Mystery)
4 stars:
Death By Easter Egg (Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery)
Each of these stories takes place in April, around Easter. These stories have murder, theft, stolen identity, drama, and food. The mysteries were interesting. I didn't like the way one of them ended, and I didn't like the way another one started.
Easter Basket Murder (Lucy Stone)
Hopped Along (Maine Clambake Mystery)
4 stars:
Death By Easter Egg (Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery)
Each of these stories takes place in April, around Easter. These stories have murder, theft, stolen identity, drama, and food. The mysteries were interesting. I didn't like the way one of them ended, and I didn't like the way another one started.
June 3, 2024
I wanted to read this more around Easter, but wasn’t able to get it from the library in time. All three short stories were enjoyable. Leslie Meier is an author I have kept up with her Lucy Stone series from the very beginning. The other two authors I don’t know very well. They weren’t hard to get into and figure out the characters and storyline.
February 9, 2024
This consists of three short stories. The first is Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier. Tinker's Cove is holding a raffle for an Easter basket. The main prize in the basket goes missing and Lucy being the reporter she is, sees a story and is determined to solve the mystery.
The second is Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis. Bar Harbor has their annual egg hunt and Hayley takes her grandson to the event. He finds an easter basket with candy that Hayley notices belongs to the man playing the Easter bunny. When she goes to return the basket, she finds him dead. This was a cute short story and I really enjoyed reading about Hayley's grandson.
The last is Hopped Along by Barbara Ross. Julia finds a dead body in the garden by Windsholme. There is some confusion as to who the dead body is, and Julia is determined to get to the bottom of it.
The second is Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis. Bar Harbor has their annual egg hunt and Hayley takes her grandson to the event. He finds an easter basket with candy that Hayley notices belongs to the man playing the Easter bunny. When she goes to return the basket, she finds him dead. This was a cute short story and I really enjoyed reading about Hayley's grandson.
The last is Hopped Along by Barbara Ross. Julia finds a dead body in the garden by Windsholme. There is some confusion as to who the dead body is, and Julia is determined to get to the bottom of it.
May 17, 2025
I came into this book completely unaware that reading at least one of the books of the authors beforehand would be so important. I'm guessing that this wasn't the point of the bundle; it was to encourage the reader to want to read more of them. I didn't come away with this. I was extremely confused by the stories. I had more the feeling that I had an unexpected test in front of me where I had no clue about the subject matter or how to answer anything.
The characters or the story (stories) was (weren't) expanded enough to keep my attention. The first one especially drove me around the bend because it was all 'tell' and not 'show'. The author was so focused on anything to do with the murder, that any conversations, even between the main character and her husband, was just several paragraphs of what she told him, and what he told her. I didn't get a 'feel' for any of the characters, and that made me skim.
This made it harder for me to continue reading the bundle, and it shouldn't have been like that. I can understand reading a story in a collection and not enjoying it. But then when you move onto the next one, there is usually a very good chance that this one is better. In some way. Yet this didn't happen with this bundle. The second and third books were better, but still didn't make me in any way interested in looking into other books by the authors. This is just a complete miss for me, and I can't help but feel that surprising. It's rare when three cosy mysteries leave me 'meh'.
The first book: Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
Didn't care for the characters, plot, mystery
Rated 1/2 Star
Second book: Death By Easter Egg by Lee Hollis
I can't remember much about the story, but still found it more enjoyable than the first as the characters were at least likeable.
Rated 1 Star
Second book: Hopped Along by Barbara Ross
While I did figure out 'how' the murder had happened long before the main character, I was invested enough to see how it all played out. I will mention that I thought the end happened too quickly. This one was the saving grace and kept the review at 1 Star
1 1/2
Final Rating: 1 Star
The characters or the story (stories) was (weren't) expanded enough to keep my attention. The first one especially drove me around the bend because it was all 'tell' and not 'show'. The author was so focused on anything to do with the murder, that any conversations, even between the main character and her husband, was just several paragraphs of what she told him, and what he told her. I didn't get a 'feel' for any of the characters, and that made me skim.
This made it harder for me to continue reading the bundle, and it shouldn't have been like that. I can understand reading a story in a collection and not enjoying it. But then when you move onto the next one, there is usually a very good chance that this one is better. In some way. Yet this didn't happen with this bundle. The second and third books were better, but still didn't make me in any way interested in looking into other books by the authors. This is just a complete miss for me, and I can't help but feel that surprising. It's rare when three cosy mysteries leave me 'meh'.
The first book: Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
Didn't care for the characters, plot, mystery
Rated 1/2 Star
Second book: Death By Easter Egg by Lee Hollis
I can't remember much about the story, but still found it more enjoyable than the first as the characters were at least likeable.
Rated 1 Star
Second book: Hopped Along by Barbara Ross
While I did figure out 'how' the murder had happened long before the main character, I was invested enough to see how it all played out. I will mention that I thought the end happened too quickly. This one was the saving grace and kept the review at 1 Star
1 1/2
Final Rating: 1 Star
March 12, 2024
Good book!
March 31, 2024
The Hollis story was the best of the lot.
A trio of Easter themed cozy mysteries.
A trio of Easter themed cozy mysteries.
March 31, 2025
Three great authors and three great stories all combined to solve an Easter Murder! It was a fun book with twist and turns that kept me entertained from the beginning to end!!!
February 19, 2024
This book contains three cozy mystery novellas written by three authors: Leslie Meier of the Lucy Stone Mysteries; Lee Hollis of the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktail Mysteries; and Barbara Ross of the Maine Clambake Mysteries. Each story takes place in Maine around Easter and features an Easter festivity.
*****
Easter Basket Murder
Businesses in Tinker's Cove, Maine are losing sales to online shopping. To help local merchants, the Chamber of Commerce organizes a promotion in which residents who shop locally can enter a drawing for a deluxe Easter basket. The basket, which will be displayed in Seamen's Bank, contains chocolate candy, gift certificates, luxury products, and a golden egg sculpture by the famous artist Karl Klaus.
Reporter/amateur sleuth Lucy Stone is writing a story about the business promotion, and takes photos when Klaus comes to the bank to put the golden egg in the Easter basket.
Klaus is a talented artist, but he's an eccentric slob with a bad attitude.
Unfortunately, the golden egg goes missing from the Easter basket, and the brouhaha surrounding the theft leads to murder. On top of that, artist Klaus gets evicted from his home by a scurrilous con artist.
Chasing a few scoops - and being a concerned citizen - Lucy investigates the egg theft and the homicide, and tries to help Klaus resolve his dire situation.
*****
Death By Easter Egg
Hayley Powell of Bar Harbor, Maine owns an upscale eatery called Hayley's Kitchen, which is currently offering a month-long prix fixe Easter Dinner that's attracting diners in droves.
At the same time, Hayley and her husband Bruce have visitors: their son Dustin, Dustin's girlfriend MacKenzie, and the couple's toddler Eli, an adorable little boy who's a fount of energy and mischief.
In the course of her usual business day, Hayley goes to the bank to deposit the receipts from her restaurant and tries to joke around with her old friend, the bank guard Raymond Dobbs.
Raymond seems sullen, though, and things get even more tense when wealthy bank client Natalie Van Dyke discovers that someone robbed her safety deposit box. Natalie is angry and threatening to sue.
The next weekend is the annual Easter egg hunt at Emerson Conners Middle School, and Hayley's grandson Eli is very excited about the event. The toddler gets especially hepped up when the Easter Bunny (bank guard Raymond Dobbs in a bunny costume) strides into the school with a big basket of chocolate eggs. As it happens, Harold's basket also contains his EpiPen, which the bank guard always keeps close because he's deathly allergic to peanuts.
A little while later, mischievous Eli is found in a side room with Raymond's basket of chocolate eggs, which stills holds the EpiPen.
Shockingly, Raymond's dead body is found in another room, with a basket of peanut butter/chocolate eggs and no EpiPen. It seems the baskets got switched somehow.
Hayley doesn't want young Eli to be blamed for Raymond's death so she sets out to discover what really happened. It seems everyone in town knew about Raymond's allergy, so the suspect pool includes everyone at the Easter egg hunt. Thus Lucy has to suss out the motive and the means.
*****
Hopped Along
Julia Snowden works for the Snowden family clambake business, which is hosted out of Windsholme Mansion on Morrow Island, Maine.
The mansion and it's outbuildings were recently renovated, and - before clambake season starts - the grounds are being used for an Easter egg hunt.
Julia's 6-year-old nephew Jack is happily hunting Easter eggs when he gets excited about seeing the 'Easter Bunny.'
Perplexed, Julia searches the grounds and sees an unconscious man in a full morning suit - striped slacks, black tailcoat, vest, etc. - lying in the grass.
Julia hurries to get her boyfriend, Maine State Police Detective Tom Flynn, but the well-dressed gent is gone. Julia later finds the elegant man preparing a meal in the home of her friend Quentin Tupper, who's away on the Côte d’Azur.
The stranger explains that his name is Alfred Minucci, that Quentin is his former employer, and that he's been given permission to stay in the house for a few days. Alfred also confides that he has a tendency to faint.
A few days later, Alfred is murdered in Quentin's house, and Julia hears talk of ANOTHER fellow in a full morning suit roaming around the area. All this is quite puzzling and Julia helps the police investigate.
This novella is the most complex in the collection, and the most romantic, since it features Julia and her boyfriend Tom; Julia's mother Jaqueline and her beau Captain George; and Julia's friend Zoey and her fiancé Jamie Dawes. A scene where family and friends are sharing a delicious Easter dinner is charming (and mouth-watering).
The story 'Death By Easter Egg' contains several recipes, including: scalloped potatoes; French onion potato casserole; and marinated grilled lamb.
Scalloped Potatoes
French Onion Potato Casserole
Marinated Grilled Lamb
These are enjoyable quick reads featuring popular cozy mystery characters.
Thanks to Netgalley; Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross; and Kensington Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
March 28, 2025
This volume has three stories in it.
LESLIE MEIER's "EASTER BASKET MURDER" - 4 stars
This was about on par for Leslie Meier's series (3 stars), and maybe more enjoyable than most (4 stars), but not one I'd reread (5 stars) once I knew whodunit.
I think what made the story better than the usual was the lack of politics in it.
We've gone to various small town shopping gimmicks for the fun of it before. Chocolate walks come to mind. But why not stickers?
I thought the expensive egg decoration hadn't been well guarded either. I was surprised they'd left it with the basket rather than putting it in the vault. Of course, if they had, there wouldn't be a story.
I usually feel like I understand these mysteries, and am a reasonably intelligent person, but there's one clue that I just didn't understand. I don't want to put it here as a spoiler, but I don't see how they got all that information out of it.
One reviewer said that the author took so long setting the stage that when the murder finally happened in one chapter, it was solved in the next! I hadn't noticed how brief the actual murder mystery part was, because there were other, related mysteries going on longer - the theft of the egg. It had been building to that murder the entire time. I did not, however, guess who would be murdered as some other reviewers did. I didn't know if this mystery would be "just" about the theft.
Reviewer Chels Marieantionette called Lucy's husband a "manbaby," and although he didn't particularly act that way in this volume, I had to laugh because that's a pretty good description of him over the years. I'd not heard that expression before.
LEE HOLLIS' "DEATH BY EASTER EGG" - 4 stars
I enjoyed this one perhaps even more that the Leslie Meier one in this volume. I also prefer this story by Lee Hollis to the St. Patrick's Day Irish Coffee one I read earlier this month.
I knew all three stories would have to do with Easter, but I was surprised that the first two also had the commonality of a bank robbery: the theft of the expensive, decorative egg art in Leslie Meier's "Easter Basket Murder" and the theft of the safety deposit box in Lee Hollis' "Death by Easter Egg."
In the afterward of the St. Patrick's Day Irish Coffee mysteries, one of the authors said she didn't know the plots of the other authors, so she'd tried to choose something different (and was successful.) So, I'm going to guess that Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis each didn't know that the other was also writing about a bank robbery.
I loved the little Eli character, the 2 year old "small tornado disguised as my [Hayley's] grandson".
All of his little antics seem normal for a child that age, but they do bring up questions for further thought. If a grandchild is wild, how would you handle the situation without distressing the parents? In this case, MacKenzie was trying to overcome her own strict upbringing by never telling her own son "no," with often disastrous results.
Especially with a two year old, I would suggest distraction, ("Let's go see the ducks" on the way from the playground to the car in order to get him to leave).
Another possibility is saying, "It's time to ..." move on to something else. Oftentimes, in structured programs, preschool or church settings, they frequently say, "It's time for snack," or "It's time to put the toys away," etc, and the children are just used to that signal for a change in structured activity.
If that fails, one can still pick them up to keep their behavior from continuing to spiral out of control. If they resist being picked up, they really have no choice in the matter, but you can also talk gently to them as you hold them in close range, having their full attention, "I need you to ..." and specifically say the desired behavior in words they can understand.
My in-laws used the words "Settle down" or "Simmer down" and I asked my kids if they knew what that meant. They didn't. But whenever I used the words, "It's time to be quiet," or "I need you to be quiet right now" that did the trick. So you have to use words that they are familiar with, to speak in their limited vocabulary.
Of course, children do eventually need to understand "No," and perhaps MacKenzie will eventually learn that she needs to put some limits on her son's behavior, rather than just reacting and going from one extreme parenting style to another extreme parenting style, from her parents' over-controlling to her own over-permissiveness.
I have discovered that when I meet someone with such "all or nothing" thinking on whatever topic, that it often helps to say, "There's a balance," or "There's a middle ground" to get them thinking that there are more than two approaches, but a whole range of them. Then, only if they're interested or open, I'd mention some of those good things from both sides that could be brought into the middle and blended together. I'd start with the good things from the side they've already chosen because it will be easy for them to acknowledge those.
Finding a middle ground between being overly-strict and overly-permissive does not have to deny the need for consistency in expected behavior. And a middle ground between those parenting styles does not necessarily mean compromising your convictions, either.
This permissive parenting (a.k.a gentle parenting), actually, is a concern of some new parents that I know. They say so many parents these days are raising their kids overly permissively, with the end result that they are walking disasters, with a lack of self-control "and I don't even want my kids to be around them."
It is worth researching parenting styles and resources to help us parent well and to teach kids the self-control skills that they will need. That takes a rare form of humility on the part of the parents.
But the real question in this story is not how MacKenzie should parent, but how Hayley should react to her grandson's whirlwind behavior, wanting to spoil him, and not correct him, but realizing that his parents never correct him, so some expensive possessions are in danger of being broken, and he could be a danger to himself as well.
MacKenzie is frightened of parenting "wrong," or harshly, and so she's sensitive to the topic rather than wanting to learn. Fear is her barrier keeping her from considering other ideas. Actually, since almost all parents try their best already, they are almost all sensitive to the topic.
In the face of MacKenzie's fear, Hayley did the best thing possible. She complimented MacKenzie, "I sincerely believe that you are one of the kindest and most loving mothers I have ever seen. And I am as proud of you as I am of Dustin." Full stop, just as Hayley did. No "but ..." That conversation can wait for another day.
Boundaries are good conversations to have with the parents in advance, including such strategies at that age, of distraction, etc. It would've helped if Hayley had declared the new glass coffee-table off-limits right from the start, rather than letting Eli bang on it for awhile before saying something. Children don't understand changing rules very well, and some of them struggle with that more than others, especially at that age.
In fact, Hayley could use the same line "I need you to ..." in discussing the boundary of the coffee table with MacKenzie. It could be as simple as "I need you to watch Eli around that coffee table and distract him if he bangs on it. I don't want him to get hurt if the glass breaks." Setting the expectation up front could go a long way towards both reducing Hayley's stress, and smoothing their relationship because now they have a known need and a plan. Plus, it's obvious the end goal is Eli's well-being rather than a goal of diminishing Eli's personhood or freedoms somehow.
Even if ... SPOILER ... Eli had taken Raymond's epi pen, it wouldn't have been his fault. He wouldn't have been culpable because he had no understanding. And why would any adult in that picture ever tell him and hold that over his head? There's no reason to. That's a grownup-sized problem that a two-year-old should be sheltered from.
BARBARA ROSS ' "HOPPED ALONG"
A 6 year old child character comes across a "dead Easter bunny." I found that blurb from the back to be misleading, as the character had no mask or fuzzy ears or whiskers, but there is no accounting for childish descriptions of things. I think I also remember a children's Easter book in which the Easter bunny wore a top hat.
Secondly, I'd expect a child of that age to assume the Easter bunny was "sleeping" rather than dead. It suggests rather ghoulish TV watching for a child.
I liked these characters and their interactions, and enjoyed watching them together. I'd read another by this author and for that, I am awarding it 4 stars. I doubt I'd reread this one (5 stars) now that I know whodunit.
I liked that this book included an "extra" holiday, April Fools.
The mystery breaks S. S. Van Dines' rules for fair play in writing a mystery that readers can figure out. In particular, I was thinking of rule #20, but I discovered in searching for it that the author had broken other rules along the way - that many of the modern mysteries do. No, I won't say what these rules are or that might give it away.
It is fair to note that Agatha Christie herself has been known to break some of these on occasion. So I tend to think of them more as guidelines than firm rules, with the goal of making the mysteries solvable for the reader.
This solution, however, was "handed to us in a basket." Ha-ha. That is, a figurative basket, not a literal one. There was no trying to reason out the solution, but the amateur detective had just openly observed and declared, and went searching. So there were no particular clues we were supposed to notice.
I usually classify "mysteries" like that more as suspense than mystery, but this wasn't overly suspenseful. The suspect seemed kind and the protagonist was never in danger. Not that I like it when the protagonists recklessly and stupidly endanger themselves either, so take your pick. I suppose I prefer this to the "why on earth did she do that?" sort of unreasonable thing.
One other reviewer complimented the author for making even the murderer likeable. That's an interesting thought, and an interesting goal. I've recently read an article on the current trend of movies making villians likeable. Yes, it broadens our compassion for them, but no, it shouldn't make their behavior more acceptable to us - particularly murdering people, but other things as well - and they definitely shouldn't be emulated.
Do I really think this is a problem for this story? No. This was pretty tame if it was truly the situation/motive stated, and I doubt anyone would emulate it anyway.
But, if you are interested in thinking through that train of thought, here's a link to that article about the recent trend of making villains into heroes:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
So "Hopped Along" tends to be more of a character story, or perhaps a romance, although the romance did not take center stage either. It makes me think of a Hallmark movie where nothing much really happens, but I have also come across other Hallmark movies where too many unlikely things happen, so take your pick on that kind of story, too.
In fact, one reviewer found the romance satisfying and another found Tom more in love with himself. I don't know what I think of that. If I happen to read more of the series, I'd consider the possibility. A third reviewer "hoped for a happier ending", which also makes me think of Hallmark. It was a murder mystery and we didn't have time enough to become too attached to either the victim or the perpetrator.
LESLIE MEIER's "EASTER BASKET MURDER" - 4 stars
This was about on par for Leslie Meier's series (3 stars), and maybe more enjoyable than most (4 stars), but not one I'd reread (5 stars) once I knew whodunit.
I think what made the story better than the usual was the lack of politics in it.
We've gone to various small town shopping gimmicks for the fun of it before. Chocolate walks come to mind. But why not stickers?
I thought the expensive egg decoration hadn't been well guarded either. I was surprised they'd left it with the basket rather than putting it in the vault. Of course, if they had, there wouldn't be a story.
I usually feel like I understand these mysteries, and am a reasonably intelligent person, but there's one clue that I just didn't understand. I don't want to put it here as a spoiler, but I don't see how they got all that information out of it.
One reviewer said that the author took so long setting the stage that when the murder finally happened in one chapter, it was solved in the next! I hadn't noticed how brief the actual murder mystery part was, because there were other, related mysteries going on longer - the theft of the egg. It had been building to that murder the entire time. I did not, however, guess who would be murdered as some other reviewers did. I didn't know if this mystery would be "just" about the theft.
Reviewer Chels Marieantionette called Lucy's husband a "manbaby," and although he didn't particularly act that way in this volume, I had to laugh because that's a pretty good description of him over the years. I'd not heard that expression before.
LEE HOLLIS' "DEATH BY EASTER EGG" - 4 stars
I enjoyed this one perhaps even more that the Leslie Meier one in this volume. I also prefer this story by Lee Hollis to the St. Patrick's Day Irish Coffee one I read earlier this month.
I knew all three stories would have to do with Easter, but I was surprised that the first two also had the commonality of a bank robbery: the theft of the expensive, decorative egg art in Leslie Meier's "Easter Basket Murder" and the theft of the safety deposit box in Lee Hollis' "Death by Easter Egg."
In the afterward of the St. Patrick's Day Irish Coffee mysteries, one of the authors said she didn't know the plots of the other authors, so she'd tried to choose something different (and was successful.) So, I'm going to guess that Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis each didn't know that the other was also writing about a bank robbery.
I loved the little Eli character, the 2 year old "small tornado disguised as my [Hayley's] grandson".
All of his little antics seem normal for a child that age, but they do bring up questions for further thought. If a grandchild is wild, how would you handle the situation without distressing the parents? In this case, MacKenzie was trying to overcome her own strict upbringing by never telling her own son "no," with often disastrous results.
Especially with a two year old, I would suggest distraction, ("Let's go see the ducks" on the way from the playground to the car in order to get him to leave).
Another possibility is saying, "It's time to ..." move on to something else. Oftentimes, in structured programs, preschool or church settings, they frequently say, "It's time for snack," or "It's time to put the toys away," etc, and the children are just used to that signal for a change in structured activity.
If that fails, one can still pick them up to keep their behavior from continuing to spiral out of control. If they resist being picked up, they really have no choice in the matter, but you can also talk gently to them as you hold them in close range, having their full attention, "I need you to ..." and specifically say the desired behavior in words they can understand.
My in-laws used the words "Settle down" or "Simmer down" and I asked my kids if they knew what that meant. They didn't. But whenever I used the words, "It's time to be quiet," or "I need you to be quiet right now" that did the trick. So you have to use words that they are familiar with, to speak in their limited vocabulary.
Of course, children do eventually need to understand "No," and perhaps MacKenzie will eventually learn that she needs to put some limits on her son's behavior, rather than just reacting and going from one extreme parenting style to another extreme parenting style, from her parents' over-controlling to her own over-permissiveness.
I have discovered that when I meet someone with such "all or nothing" thinking on whatever topic, that it often helps to say, "There's a balance," or "There's a middle ground" to get them thinking that there are more than two approaches, but a whole range of them. Then, only if they're interested or open, I'd mention some of those good things from both sides that could be brought into the middle and blended together. I'd start with the good things from the side they've already chosen because it will be easy for them to acknowledge those.
Finding a middle ground between being overly-strict and overly-permissive does not have to deny the need for consistency in expected behavior. And a middle ground between those parenting styles does not necessarily mean compromising your convictions, either.
This permissive parenting (a.k.a gentle parenting), actually, is a concern of some new parents that I know. They say so many parents these days are raising their kids overly permissively, with the end result that they are walking disasters, with a lack of self-control "and I don't even want my kids to be around them."
It is worth researching parenting styles and resources to help us parent well and to teach kids the self-control skills that they will need. That takes a rare form of humility on the part of the parents.
But the real question in this story is not how MacKenzie should parent, but how Hayley should react to her grandson's whirlwind behavior, wanting to spoil him, and not correct him, but realizing that his parents never correct him, so some expensive possessions are in danger of being broken, and he could be a danger to himself as well.
MacKenzie is frightened of parenting "wrong," or harshly, and so she's sensitive to the topic rather than wanting to learn. Fear is her barrier keeping her from considering other ideas. Actually, since almost all parents try their best already, they are almost all sensitive to the topic.
In the face of MacKenzie's fear, Hayley did the best thing possible. She complimented MacKenzie, "I sincerely believe that you are one of the kindest and most loving mothers I have ever seen. And I am as proud of you as I am of Dustin." Full stop, just as Hayley did. No "but ..." That conversation can wait for another day.
Boundaries are good conversations to have with the parents in advance, including such strategies at that age, of distraction, etc. It would've helped if Hayley had declared the new glass coffee-table off-limits right from the start, rather than letting Eli bang on it for awhile before saying something. Children don't understand changing rules very well, and some of them struggle with that more than others, especially at that age.
In fact, Hayley could use the same line "I need you to ..." in discussing the boundary of the coffee table with MacKenzie. It could be as simple as "I need you to watch Eli around that coffee table and distract him if he bangs on it. I don't want him to get hurt if the glass breaks." Setting the expectation up front could go a long way towards both reducing Hayley's stress, and smoothing their relationship because now they have a known need and a plan. Plus, it's obvious the end goal is Eli's well-being rather than a goal of diminishing Eli's personhood or freedoms somehow.
Even if ... SPOILER ... Eli had taken Raymond's epi pen, it wouldn't have been his fault. He wouldn't have been culpable because he had no understanding. And why would any adult in that picture ever tell him and hold that over his head? There's no reason to. That's a grownup-sized problem that a two-year-old should be sheltered from.
BARBARA ROSS ' "HOPPED ALONG"
A 6 year old child character comes across a "dead Easter bunny." I found that blurb from the back to be misleading, as the character had no mask or fuzzy ears or whiskers, but there is no accounting for childish descriptions of things. I think I also remember a children's Easter book in which the Easter bunny wore a top hat.
Secondly, I'd expect a child of that age to assume the Easter bunny was "sleeping" rather than dead. It suggests rather ghoulish TV watching for a child.
I liked these characters and their interactions, and enjoyed watching them together. I'd read another by this author and for that, I am awarding it 4 stars. I doubt I'd reread this one (5 stars) now that I know whodunit.
I liked that this book included an "extra" holiday, April Fools.
The mystery breaks S. S. Van Dines' rules for fair play in writing a mystery that readers can figure out. In particular, I was thinking of rule #20, but I discovered in searching for it that the author had broken other rules along the way - that many of the modern mysteries do. No, I won't say what these rules are or that might give it away.
It is fair to note that Agatha Christie herself has been known to break some of these on occasion. So I tend to think of them more as guidelines than firm rules, with the goal of making the mysteries solvable for the reader.
This solution, however, was "handed to us in a basket." Ha-ha. That is, a figurative basket, not a literal one. There was no trying to reason out the solution, but the amateur detective had just openly observed and declared, and went searching. So there were no particular clues we were supposed to notice.
I usually classify "mysteries" like that more as suspense than mystery, but this wasn't overly suspenseful. The suspect seemed kind and the protagonist was never in danger. Not that I like it when the protagonists recklessly and stupidly endanger themselves either, so take your pick. I suppose I prefer this to the "why on earth did she do that?" sort of unreasonable thing.
One other reviewer complimented the author for making even the murderer likeable. That's an interesting thought, and an interesting goal. I've recently read an article on the current trend of movies making villians likeable. Yes, it broadens our compassion for them, but no, it shouldn't make their behavior more acceptable to us - particularly murdering people, but other things as well - and they definitely shouldn't be emulated.
Do I really think this is a problem for this story? No. This was pretty tame if it was truly the situation/motive stated, and I doubt anyone would emulate it anyway.
But, if you are interested in thinking through that train of thought, here's a link to that article about the recent trend of making villains into heroes:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
So "Hopped Along" tends to be more of a character story, or perhaps a romance, although the romance did not take center stage either. It makes me think of a Hallmark movie where nothing much really happens, but I have also come across other Hallmark movies where too many unlikely things happen, so take your pick on that kind of story, too.
In fact, one reviewer found the romance satisfying and another found Tom more in love with himself. I don't know what I think of that. If I happen to read more of the series, I'd consider the possibility. A third reviewer "hoped for a happier ending", which also makes me think of Hallmark. It was a murder mystery and we didn't have time enough to become too attached to either the victim or the perpetrator.
Read
March 21, 2024This was really fun and different for me! I never usually read books based on the holidays and I never usually read books with short stories either so I had a good time! Happy Easter! 🐣
January 16, 2024
This book contains 3 cozy novellas surrounding the Easter holiday.
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier is a Lucy Stone novella. 2.5-3 stars.
I enjoyed these when she first started writing them but now I feel all the characters are super judgy and just unpleasant. The story centers around the Tinker's Cove Chamber of Commerce trying to boost local economy sales with an Easter basket raffle. The story itself was cute but I felt the murder mystery and whodunit part was very rushed, like Meier got to near completion and thought, "oh I forgot to off someone!" I adore these compilations but more and more Lucy is not my favorite.
Death By Easter Egg by Lee Hollis - 5 stars.
I LOVE the Hayley Powell mysteries and cannot get enough of them. They are the driving reason why I wanted this book and it did not disappoint.
Hayley's son Dustin, his girlfriend and their 2-year-old Eli come to visit grandma for the Easter holidays. Hayley is ever busy at her restaurant and offering prix-fixe Easter dinner specials is proving to be quite popular. There is a jewlery heist from a safe deposit box that has everyone at the bank puzzled as to where the jewels went and the Easter Bunny is given a basket with peanut butter eggs despite his severe allergy. Hayley is on the case to find out what really happened. This one felt a little rushed too but I thought the plot was better than the first novella. I cannot wait for more Hayley adventures.
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross - 4 stars
This one is based on Ross' Maine clambake mystery series, which I admit I have not read other than a smattering of the novellas in some of the other book compilations. She is a very good writer and I enjoyed this story, especially about the Easter bunny wearing a top hat. Somehow that just makes sense. I found the relationship between Julia and Tom to be a bit weird. However, since I have not read her series I am getting just a snippet of the whole picture.
This was a fun Easter cozy fest and I highly recommend it if you are fans of any or all of these authors.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier is a Lucy Stone novella. 2.5-3 stars.
I enjoyed these when she first started writing them but now I feel all the characters are super judgy and just unpleasant. The story centers around the Tinker's Cove Chamber of Commerce trying to boost local economy sales with an Easter basket raffle. The story itself was cute but I felt the murder mystery and whodunit part was very rushed, like Meier got to near completion and thought, "oh I forgot to off someone!" I adore these compilations but more and more Lucy is not my favorite.
Death By Easter Egg by Lee Hollis - 5 stars.
I LOVE the Hayley Powell mysteries and cannot get enough of them. They are the driving reason why I wanted this book and it did not disappoint.
Hayley's son Dustin, his girlfriend and their 2-year-old Eli come to visit grandma for the Easter holidays. Hayley is ever busy at her restaurant and offering prix-fixe Easter dinner specials is proving to be quite popular. There is a jewlery heist from a safe deposit box that has everyone at the bank puzzled as to where the jewels went and the Easter Bunny is given a basket with peanut butter eggs despite his severe allergy. Hayley is on the case to find out what really happened. This one felt a little rushed too but I thought the plot was better than the first novella. I cannot wait for more Hayley adventures.
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross - 4 stars
This one is based on Ross' Maine clambake mystery series, which I admit I have not read other than a smattering of the novellas in some of the other book compilations. She is a very good writer and I enjoyed this story, especially about the Easter bunny wearing a top hat. Somehow that just makes sense. I found the relationship between Julia and Tom to be a bit weird. However, since I have not read her series I am getting just a snippet of the whole picture.
This was a fun Easter cozy fest and I highly recommend it if you are fans of any or all of these authors.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2024
I really enjoyed these Easter basket themed mini murder mysteries by three of my fave cozy mystery authors. It’s always fun to visit Tinker’s Cove with Lucy, Bill and all their friends. I’d actually guessed the killer in that one. Boy was that an exciting showdown and Lucy got an amazing story from it to report.
When I got to the Hayley Powell story, it wasn’t so easy to guess that, and there was an awesome plot twist toward the end. We got to catch up with Mona, crazy as ever and now chasing a grandkid around who seemed oblivious of her. Hard to think of Hayley as a grandma as well but Mona was really cracking me up. We even got a really good Sergioism!
Julia Snowden in the third story was celebrating Easter on the island where they always had clambakes. The murder turned into a super twisty puzzle that seemed impossible to unravel, but Julia and Tom managed to figure it out. Once the perp was found, the ending jumped to Memorial Day which meant opening the clambakes was just a month away.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.
When I got to the Hayley Powell story, it wasn’t so easy to guess that, and there was an awesome plot twist toward the end. We got to catch up with Mona, crazy as ever and now chasing a grandkid around who seemed oblivious of her. Hard to think of Hayley as a grandma as well but Mona was really cracking me up. We even got a really good Sergioism!
Julia Snowden in the third story was celebrating Easter on the island where they always had clambakes. The murder turned into a super twisty puzzle that seemed impossible to unravel, but Julia and Tom managed to figure it out. Once the perp was found, the ending jumped to Memorial Day which meant opening the clambakes was just a month away.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.
January 17, 2025
Knowing that I was halfway through the last book in the series, I felt I needed to read this short novel before I finished #12. I didn't want to purchase the hardback only to read one of three stories. Then I remembered: the library! I haven't utilized the library since 2019. I placed the hold and boom, I had the book in hand two days later.
Anyway, I enjoyed the story. It had a twist, as many of Barbara's stories do, which always keeps you on your toes. I do have to confess though, that Tom and Julia have a flat relationship. I was no Chris fan and was glad when that ship sailed. Tom is just there. He's in love with himself and no other.
Anyway, I enjoyed the story. It had a twist, as many of Barbara's stories do, which always keeps you on your toes. I do have to confess though, that Tom and Julia have a flat relationship. I was no Chris fan and was glad when that ship sailed. Tom is just there. He's in love with himself and no other.
March 12, 2024
A great little collection of Easter cozy mysteries . I love holiday themed cozys and there are not many Easter's ones,
Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read and review this book
Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read and review this book
November 17, 2023
A fun read of three of my favorite authors showcasing characters their fans will recognize. The first, the one the book title is taken from, features Lucy Stone, initially following up a story on a theft and ending with a murder. The second, by Lee Hollis, may have a murder to solve but deals up lots of laughs (and recipes) in the telling. I found the third, by Barbara Ross, more serious than the others and as her Julia Snowden is one of my all-time favorites, I particularly enjoyed it. My quick take on the individual stories follows.
EASTER BASKET MURDER, by Leslie Meier
This series is one of the few where the characters seem to age. As such, Lucy and husband Bill are now in the empty-nest part of parenthood with their children grown and living their own lives. Bill is rather cranky in this offering but, well, you'll probably sympathize with him as you read. I know I did. As a reporter, Lucy is covering the town's latest effort to raise needed funds. They involve, I bet you can guess, an Easter basket. A well-known but eccentric artist's work has been donated but, whoa, it's stolen. Even worse, right out of the bank where it's being displayed, leading to much chatter about how things have changed in Tinker's Cove. Lucy seems only mildly focused on covering the theft, more focused on other concerns and not feeling the urge to compete for a scoop. Then, whoa, a murder takes place. That certainly piques Lucy's interest but, to be honest, she winds up more or less solving this crime by happenstance. Still, it's a good story and you'll enjoy hanging out with Lucy and the rest. Well, maybe not Ted. See if you agree when you read.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG, by Lee Hollis
Death of the Easter Bunny, whoa. Hayley is just trying to keep her rambunctious, wild-child of a grandson out of mischief. She finds a dead body, instead. Small town Bar Harbor's annual Easter egg hunt sounds like a hoot, both from inattentive parents and children practically running wild. That said, while it made me chuckle, I'm glad I wasn't in charge. In any case, who'd kill the Easter Bunny, aka Raymond, the bank's security guy? Why? How hard is it to rob a security deposit box anyway? How does Eli's dumping his Baby Shark toy in the toilet create problems? So much going on. Just keeping up with Eli's mischief will keep you reading, albeit probably rolling your eyes in disbelief, so it's a fun read as Hayley snoops. Love her columns and, oh, my, lovely recipes, including for cocktails!
HOPPED ALONG, by Barbara Ross
I've always liked this series and came away liking it even more, if that is possible. Not only is Julia Snowden a very relatable character, one we'd like to have as a friend, her depth of caring even in the midst of a murder investigation is impressive. Her relationship with Tom, a detective with the State Police, seems solid and they work together well both as a couple and when gathering information. I wound up liking everyone in this story, even the ultimate killer, go figure. That shows Ross's talent as a writer when she can make us empathize with a killer. The story of how they got to be a killer is a unique one, too, and it's only Julia's unique observation powers that help unravel the truth. And, hey, romance is in the air! I'm already looking forward to where that goes in the next book, which is already in my "to be reviewed" stash. Make sure you read the author's "Dear Reader" notes at the end, too, as it'll give you insight into how she came to this story idea and some of those who helped along the way. It's a strong plot, bringing in several favorite characters and sharing some past background memories, too, as do all three stories in this book, so I'm betting you'll enjoy the read.
Bottom line, while I usually wind up wishing for more from these story collections, it's a satisfying, fun read. Ross's was my favorite, offering a more serious, thoughtful take on the prompt of "Easter basket" that she was probably asked to write to, but all were fun and character driven. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me take this virtual trip to Maine and hang out with these intriguing characters and those that surround their lives.
EASTER BASKET MURDER, by Leslie Meier
This series is one of the few where the characters seem to age. As such, Lucy and husband Bill are now in the empty-nest part of parenthood with their children grown and living their own lives. Bill is rather cranky in this offering but, well, you'll probably sympathize with him as you read. I know I did. As a reporter, Lucy is covering the town's latest effort to raise needed funds. They involve, I bet you can guess, an Easter basket. A well-known but eccentric artist's work has been donated but, whoa, it's stolen. Even worse, right out of the bank where it's being displayed, leading to much chatter about how things have changed in Tinker's Cove. Lucy seems only mildly focused on covering the theft, more focused on other concerns and not feeling the urge to compete for a scoop. Then, whoa, a murder takes place. That certainly piques Lucy's interest but, to be honest, she winds up more or less solving this crime by happenstance. Still, it's a good story and you'll enjoy hanging out with Lucy and the rest. Well, maybe not Ted. See if you agree when you read.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG, by Lee Hollis
Death of the Easter Bunny, whoa. Hayley is just trying to keep her rambunctious, wild-child of a grandson out of mischief. She finds a dead body, instead. Small town Bar Harbor's annual Easter egg hunt sounds like a hoot, both from inattentive parents and children practically running wild. That said, while it made me chuckle, I'm glad I wasn't in charge. In any case, who'd kill the Easter Bunny, aka Raymond, the bank's security guy? Why? How hard is it to rob a security deposit box anyway? How does Eli's dumping his Baby Shark toy in the toilet create problems? So much going on. Just keeping up with Eli's mischief will keep you reading, albeit probably rolling your eyes in disbelief, so it's a fun read as Hayley snoops. Love her columns and, oh, my, lovely recipes, including for cocktails!
HOPPED ALONG, by Barbara Ross
I've always liked this series and came away liking it even more, if that is possible. Not only is Julia Snowden a very relatable character, one we'd like to have as a friend, her depth of caring even in the midst of a murder investigation is impressive. Her relationship with Tom, a detective with the State Police, seems solid and they work together well both as a couple and when gathering information. I wound up liking everyone in this story, even the ultimate killer, go figure. That shows Ross's talent as a writer when she can make us empathize with a killer. The story of how they got to be a killer is a unique one, too, and it's only Julia's unique observation powers that help unravel the truth. And, hey, romance is in the air! I'm already looking forward to where that goes in the next book, which is already in my "to be reviewed" stash. Make sure you read the author's "Dear Reader" notes at the end, too, as it'll give you insight into how she came to this story idea and some of those who helped along the way. It's a strong plot, bringing in several favorite characters and sharing some past background memories, too, as do all three stories in this book, so I'm betting you'll enjoy the read.
Bottom line, while I usually wind up wishing for more from these story collections, it's a satisfying, fun read. Ross's was my favorite, offering a more serious, thoughtful take on the prompt of "Easter basket" that she was probably asked to write to, but all were fun and character driven. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me take this virtual trip to Maine and hang out with these intriguing characters and those that surround their lives.
February 9, 2024
I love reading novellas ... it's like an entire story written within a hundred pages or so. And Kensington Publishing publishes a few books a year with three novellas in one book. This is great when you don't have a lot of time but still want to feel like you accomplished reading a story. And Easter Basket Murder not only will help with your book reading but get you into the Easter and Spring seasons. And another thing I like about this concept is that it allows you to maybe read authors that you haven't read before and allows you a glimpse into their books. The only times I have read books or stories by Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis are in other three novella books, however, I am a huge fan of Barbara Ross.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Easter Basket Murder says it all !! It is just before Easter in Tinker Cove and the Chamber of Commerce is trying to get more business to the local businesses during the off season. They decide to host a shopping spree to get more locals shopping and the prize is a huge Easter basket full of goodies with a golden egg sculptured by local artiist Karl Klaus donated. Unfortunately while on displayed at the bank, the egg is stolen. Main character of this series, Lucy Stone, who is a reporter for the local newspaper, jumps on the case. But everyone that she interviews points the finger at someone else so the suspect list is longer than Santa's naughty list.
At another local fundraiser the egg is uncovered but the person who is arrested is the last person you would suspect !! Lucy, who is always on the case, keeps digging. But her investigating and digging digs up more secrets and one turns deadly.....
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
Hayley Powell has a very hectic life and that is exactly how she likes it but this Easter may be just a little more than she bargained for. Hayley's son, Dustin, his girlfriend MacKenzie and their son Eli are in town to spend Easter with her and her husband Bruce. But Hayley did not know that there was going to be a theft at the bank and the Easter Bunny dying during the annual Easter egg hunt. The gentlemen dressed up as the Easter Bunny, Raymond Dobbs, is also the security guard at the bank and has been since Hayley can remember and everyone knows that Raymond was allergic to peanuts so when it is discovered that he died from eating chocolate eggs stuffed with peanut butter and his basket was switched so he didn't have his epiPen, it is ruled a murder. Hayley needs to find out who killed Ray because she found Eli with the switched basket, Ray's real one.
HOPPED ALONG by Barbara Ross
I just love the Maine Clambake Mystery series and anytime I can escape to Busman's Harbor or Morrow Island and the Windsholme estate, I will go in a heartbeat !! Julia Snowden is the main character in this series and in Hopped Along the Snowden family and friends are having their first Easter celebration at the newly renovated Windsholme estate. Things get a little wierd when Julia's nephew Jack finds an unconscious man dressed in a suit laying in the garden. But when Julia goes back with her boyfriend Tom who is a detective, the man is gone !!
Julia being Julia cannot get the wierd encounter out of her mind and when she goes to check on her friend Quentin's house while he is vacationing elsewhere, she finds the man from the island making soup in Quentin's kitchen. Things turn even wierder when she goes back to the house after confirming with Quentin that the gentlemen should not be there and she finds a dead body. It looks like the same man from the island but something doesn't feel right to Julia.....
I LOVE when you can read three short stories and feel like it is an entire book. Even though these stories are around one hundred pages each, you can enjoy them in one sitting if you wanted to. I am always amazed when I read novella's and marvel at the author's ability to write such a captivating story in a novella size .... especially when a murder needs to be solved.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Easter Basket Murder says it all !! It is just before Easter in Tinker Cove and the Chamber of Commerce is trying to get more business to the local businesses during the off season. They decide to host a shopping spree to get more locals shopping and the prize is a huge Easter basket full of goodies with a golden egg sculptured by local artiist Karl Klaus donated. Unfortunately while on displayed at the bank, the egg is stolen. Main character of this series, Lucy Stone, who is a reporter for the local newspaper, jumps on the case. But everyone that she interviews points the finger at someone else so the suspect list is longer than Santa's naughty list.
At another local fundraiser the egg is uncovered but the person who is arrested is the last person you would suspect !! Lucy, who is always on the case, keeps digging. But her investigating and digging digs up more secrets and one turns deadly.....
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
Hayley Powell has a very hectic life and that is exactly how she likes it but this Easter may be just a little more than she bargained for. Hayley's son, Dustin, his girlfriend MacKenzie and their son Eli are in town to spend Easter with her and her husband Bruce. But Hayley did not know that there was going to be a theft at the bank and the Easter Bunny dying during the annual Easter egg hunt. The gentlemen dressed up as the Easter Bunny, Raymond Dobbs, is also the security guard at the bank and has been since Hayley can remember and everyone knows that Raymond was allergic to peanuts so when it is discovered that he died from eating chocolate eggs stuffed with peanut butter and his basket was switched so he didn't have his epiPen, it is ruled a murder. Hayley needs to find out who killed Ray because she found Eli with the switched basket, Ray's real one.
HOPPED ALONG by Barbara Ross
I just love the Maine Clambake Mystery series and anytime I can escape to Busman's Harbor or Morrow Island and the Windsholme estate, I will go in a heartbeat !! Julia Snowden is the main character in this series and in Hopped Along the Snowden family and friends are having their first Easter celebration at the newly renovated Windsholme estate. Things get a little wierd when Julia's nephew Jack finds an unconscious man dressed in a suit laying in the garden. But when Julia goes back with her boyfriend Tom who is a detective, the man is gone !!
Julia being Julia cannot get the wierd encounter out of her mind and when she goes to check on her friend Quentin's house while he is vacationing elsewhere, she finds the man from the island making soup in Quentin's kitchen. Things turn even wierder when she goes back to the house after confirming with Quentin that the gentlemen should not be there and she finds a dead body. It looks like the same man from the island but something doesn't feel right to Julia.....
I LOVE when you can read three short stories and feel like it is an entire book. Even though these stories are around one hundred pages each, you can enjoy them in one sitting if you wanted to. I am always amazed when I read novella's and marvel at the author's ability to write such a captivating story in a novella size .... especially when a murder needs to be solved.
February 16, 2024
Book Review: "Easter Basket Murder" by Leslie Meier
In the delightful collection of Easter-themed capers set in coastal Maine, "Easter Basket Murder" showcases the talent of three renowned cozy mystery writers - Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross. As readers put on their springtime best and grab a basket, they are thrust into a world where Easter egg hunting takes an unexpected turn towards danger and intrigue.
The book weaves together a series of mysteries that are as charming as they are suspenseful, featuring fan-favorite sleuths from the long-running bestselling cozy mystery series. Each author brings their unique storytelling style to the collection, creating a diverse range of plots and characters that are sure to captivate readers.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
⭐⭐⭐ Stars
In Tinker's Cove, businesses are at odds over an Easter Basket-themed promotion aimed at increasing in-store sales. Conflict arises when a valuable golden egg, created by a reclusive Maine artist, is stolen. Part-time reporter Lucy Stone takes on the task of investigating three struggling entrepreneurs who become suspects in the theft. As Lucy delves deeper into the case, a seemingly harmless shopping spree takes a sinister turn when a murder occurs, forcing her to prevent the killer from striking again and uncovering a town scandal in the process.
My thoughts…In all honesty, I must admit that Lucy isn't my favorite character in this book series. I tend to steer clear of the full-length books featuring her, but I found her more bearable in these novellas. This one was decent. It had an engaging plot with plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing. Admittedly, there wasn't as much investigating as I would have liked, but overall, I still found it enjoyable. Surprisingly, Lucy wasn't as annoying and preachy in this one, which made the reading experience more pleasant than I had anticipated.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
⭐⭐ Stars
The storyline revolves around Hayley Powell, a columnist and restaurateur in Bar Harbor, preparing for an egg hunt with her grandson Eli. However, the festivities take a dark turn when a peanut butter treat leads to the death of the Easter bunny. Hayley finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery and must unravel the clues to prevent further harm.
My thoughts…Out of the three novellas in the series, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. I'm a fan of the series overall, but one thing that bugs me is how the author keeps throwing in these flashbacks right in the middle of the action. It totally messes with the flow of the story, and that was especially true for this novella. It just made it hard for me to stay engaged and really get into the plot.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars
In "Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme," a picturesque mansion on a secluded Maine island, the festive atmosphere is disrupted when a dead body is found in the garden, only to disappear mysteriously. This unexpected turn of events transforms a simple Easter egg hunt into a perilous quest for the truth. Armed with just a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Julia must unravel the puzzle to determine whether she is unwittingly entangled in a murderer's sinister scheme.
My thoughts…Out of the three stories I read, this one totally won me over. It had a pretty decent plot that had me hooked, a mystery that kept me on my toes, characters I actually liked, and a cool setting that I could picture myself in. Two thumbs up - definitely my fave of the bunch.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
In the delightful collection of Easter-themed capers set in coastal Maine, "Easter Basket Murder" showcases the talent of three renowned cozy mystery writers - Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross. As readers put on their springtime best and grab a basket, they are thrust into a world where Easter egg hunting takes an unexpected turn towards danger and intrigue.
The book weaves together a series of mysteries that are as charming as they are suspenseful, featuring fan-favorite sleuths from the long-running bestselling cozy mystery series. Each author brings their unique storytelling style to the collection, creating a diverse range of plots and characters that are sure to captivate readers.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
⭐⭐⭐ Stars
In Tinker's Cove, businesses are at odds over an Easter Basket-themed promotion aimed at increasing in-store sales. Conflict arises when a valuable golden egg, created by a reclusive Maine artist, is stolen. Part-time reporter Lucy Stone takes on the task of investigating three struggling entrepreneurs who become suspects in the theft. As Lucy delves deeper into the case, a seemingly harmless shopping spree takes a sinister turn when a murder occurs, forcing her to prevent the killer from striking again and uncovering a town scandal in the process.
My thoughts…In all honesty, I must admit that Lucy isn't my favorite character in this book series. I tend to steer clear of the full-length books featuring her, but I found her more bearable in these novellas. This one was decent. It had an engaging plot with plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing. Admittedly, there wasn't as much investigating as I would have liked, but overall, I still found it enjoyable. Surprisingly, Lucy wasn't as annoying and preachy in this one, which made the reading experience more pleasant than I had anticipated.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
⭐⭐ Stars
The storyline revolves around Hayley Powell, a columnist and restaurateur in Bar Harbor, preparing for an egg hunt with her grandson Eli. However, the festivities take a dark turn when a peanut butter treat leads to the death of the Easter bunny. Hayley finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery and must unravel the clues to prevent further harm.
My thoughts…Out of the three novellas in the series, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. I'm a fan of the series overall, but one thing that bugs me is how the author keeps throwing in these flashbacks right in the middle of the action. It totally messes with the flow of the story, and that was especially true for this novella. It just made it hard for me to stay engaged and really get into the plot.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars
In "Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme," a picturesque mansion on a secluded Maine island, the festive atmosphere is disrupted when a dead body is found in the garden, only to disappear mysteriously. This unexpected turn of events transforms a simple Easter egg hunt into a perilous quest for the truth. Armed with just a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Julia must unravel the puzzle to determine whether she is unwittingly entangled in a murderer's sinister scheme.
My thoughts…Out of the three stories I read, this one totally won me over. It had a pretty decent plot that had me hooked, a mystery that kept me on my toes, characters I actually liked, and a cool setting that I could picture myself in. Two thumbs up - definitely my fave of the bunch.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
January 26, 2024
"Easter Basket Murder" is a trio of novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket-themed promotion to boost in-store sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate three struggling entrepreneurs who stick out in the local scene. But a huge town scandal comes into focus when a harmless shopping spree turns deadly, leaving Lucy to stop a murderer from springing back into action . . .
My thoughts:
The type of promoting local businesses in this novella is not new - nor the way that it goes sideways and causes even more disruption. Of course some businesses weren't on board and felt the chamber was not serving all of them equally. The eccentric artist who created the golden egg added to the story in more of a human interest aspect. Lucy meant well in trying to help him but not surprisingly, her husband Bill had a very different reaction. The theft of the egg was to be expected. It was quite late in the story before the murder took place though by that time, I had already figured out who would die and who the killer was. It was just a matter of how it all played out. 3 of 5 stars.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Food & Cocktails columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions. Turns out, keeping up with a rambunctious toddler isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—especially when a decadent peanut butter treat kills the Easter bunny himself during the festivities! Now, with a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late . . .
My thoughts:
Hayley is thrilled to have her grandson and his parents visiting for Easter but she is a bit overwhelmed by how hyper the toddler is even before he has had any sugar. His parents don't seem to do anything to discipline him and Hayley doesn't want to overstep. A tough balancing act. It didn't take long for the murder to happen but figuring out the who and why was trickier. There didn't seem to be a lot of suspects let alone a motive - yet Hayley followed up some interesting theories and clues before the culprit and the motive were revealed. 3 of 5 stars.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden—then vanishes soon after without any explanation—an innocent hunt for eggs becomes a dangerous hunt for answers. With no clues beyond a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit , Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game . . ,
My thoughts:
Barbara Ross has outdone herself with this novella! A dead body that vanishes leads to an intriguing story that has Julia, Flynn and Binder confused and searching for a killer. Getting to the truth of this story took time but it was very well done! Of course there is always the family and friend relationships that are also playing out along the way that make this a wonderful read! 5 of 5 stars!!
Overall 4 of 5 stars.
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket-themed promotion to boost in-store sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate three struggling entrepreneurs who stick out in the local scene. But a huge town scandal comes into focus when a harmless shopping spree turns deadly, leaving Lucy to stop a murderer from springing back into action . . .
My thoughts:
The type of promoting local businesses in this novella is not new - nor the way that it goes sideways and causes even more disruption. Of course some businesses weren't on board and felt the chamber was not serving all of them equally. The eccentric artist who created the golden egg added to the story in more of a human interest aspect. Lucy meant well in trying to help him but not surprisingly, her husband Bill had a very different reaction. The theft of the egg was to be expected. It was quite late in the story before the murder took place though by that time, I had already figured out who would die and who the killer was. It was just a matter of how it all played out. 3 of 5 stars.
DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Food & Cocktails columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions. Turns out, keeping up with a rambunctious toddler isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—especially when a decadent peanut butter treat kills the Easter bunny himself during the festivities! Now, with a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late . . .
My thoughts:
Hayley is thrilled to have her grandson and his parents visiting for Easter but she is a bit overwhelmed by how hyper the toddler is even before he has had any sugar. His parents don't seem to do anything to discipline him and Hayley doesn't want to overstep. A tough balancing act. It didn't take long for the murder to happen but figuring out the who and why was trickier. There didn't seem to be a lot of suspects let alone a motive - yet Hayley followed up some interesting theories and clues before the culprit and the motive were revealed. 3 of 5 stars.
HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden—then vanishes soon after without any explanation—an innocent hunt for eggs becomes a dangerous hunt for answers. With no clues beyond a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit , Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game . . ,
My thoughts:
Barbara Ross has outdone herself with this novella! A dead body that vanishes leads to an intriguing story that has Julia, Flynn and Binder confused and searching for a killer. Getting to the truth of this story took time but it was very well done! Of course there is always the family and friend relationships that are also playing out along the way that make this a wonderful read! 5 of 5 stars!!
Overall 4 of 5 stars.
January 23, 2024
This book is a collection of three short mysteries. Each story is set in a small town in Maine at Easter time, which is before the tourists arrive. Each story has a strong female amateur sleuth. Each story also involves an Easter Basket.
I very much appreciated the small town atmosphere in all the stories. They captured fairly accurately what life is like in a small town with a tourist-based economy, from the struggles of businesses in the low-season to the speed with which gossip spreads.
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
In an attempt to bring local shoppers to Tinker’s Cove to spend money, the chamber of commerce plans an Easter event. Shoppers who collect enough Easter egg stickers from making purchases in local stores, win the chance to receive a large Easter basket filled with chocolates, gourmet goodies, and a golden egg by the reclusive artist Karl Klaus. When the egg is stolen and a man winds up dead, Lucy Stone, a reporter from the local paper, begins an investigation of her own.
Short mystery stories rarely work for me. It can be hard to craft an intricate mystery in such a limited space. In this case, the mystery was good. There were adequate clues to figure out what had happened. However, I felt like the sub-plot with the artist slowed the pacing a bit too much. Ultimately, Lucy didn’t really solve the crime, though she did catch the culprit.
Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis
Hayley’s grandson is visiting for Easter, and Hayley is excited about taking the 2-year-old to the Easter egg hunt at the school. Several days before the hunt, there is a robbery at the local bank. At the Easter egg hunt, Hayley sees the bank president arguing with the Easter bunny. When the Easter bunny is murdered, Hayley is determined to find answers.
This story had a nicely developed mystery, entertaining characters, and a nice dose of humor. Hayley was a clever sleuth and a patient grandmother.
In between some chapters there were segments called “Island food and spirits” that appear to be Hayley’s blog with reminiscences of Easter’s past, thoughts on family, and recipes. Not being familiar with Hayley from other books, these inter-chapter segments were confusing at first, though the stories were funny and I appreciated the recipes.
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross
Julie and her family are on their island off the coast of Maine for Easter. Julie is supervising her nephew’s Easter egg hunt, when the boy run out of the garden yelling that the Easter bunny is there, and he’s dead. There are no non-human mammals on island, so Julie rushes to see what has upset her nephew, and she finds a man in a top hat and morning suit unconscious in the vegetable patch. When she returns with help, the man is gone. A search of the island reveals nothing other than an Easter Basket.
This was my favorite of the three stories because I felt it had the most detailed characters and the best atmosphere. The mystery was definitely perplexing though there weren’t a lot of clues and red herrings because of the short length.
I’ve already added one of Barbara Ross’ Maine Clambake Mysteries to my TBR.
I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I very much appreciated the small town atmosphere in all the stories. They captured fairly accurately what life is like in a small town with a tourist-based economy, from the struggles of businesses in the low-season to the speed with which gossip spreads.
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier
In an attempt to bring local shoppers to Tinker’s Cove to spend money, the chamber of commerce plans an Easter event. Shoppers who collect enough Easter egg stickers from making purchases in local stores, win the chance to receive a large Easter basket filled with chocolates, gourmet goodies, and a golden egg by the reclusive artist Karl Klaus. When the egg is stolen and a man winds up dead, Lucy Stone, a reporter from the local paper, begins an investigation of her own.
Short mystery stories rarely work for me. It can be hard to craft an intricate mystery in such a limited space. In this case, the mystery was good. There were adequate clues to figure out what had happened. However, I felt like the sub-plot with the artist slowed the pacing a bit too much. Ultimately, Lucy didn’t really solve the crime, though she did catch the culprit.
Death by Easter Egg by Lee Hollis
Hayley’s grandson is visiting for Easter, and Hayley is excited about taking the 2-year-old to the Easter egg hunt at the school. Several days before the hunt, there is a robbery at the local bank. At the Easter egg hunt, Hayley sees the bank president arguing with the Easter bunny. When the Easter bunny is murdered, Hayley is determined to find answers.
This story had a nicely developed mystery, entertaining characters, and a nice dose of humor. Hayley was a clever sleuth and a patient grandmother.
In between some chapters there were segments called “Island food and spirits” that appear to be Hayley’s blog with reminiscences of Easter’s past, thoughts on family, and recipes. Not being familiar with Hayley from other books, these inter-chapter segments were confusing at first, though the stories were funny and I appreciated the recipes.
Hopped Along by Barbara Ross
Julie and her family are on their island off the coast of Maine for Easter. Julie is supervising her nephew’s Easter egg hunt, when the boy run out of the garden yelling that the Easter bunny is there, and he’s dead. There are no non-human mammals on island, so Julie rushes to see what has upset her nephew, and she finds a man in a top hat and morning suit unconscious in the vegetable patch. When she returns with help, the man is gone. A search of the island reveals nothing other than an Easter Basket.
This was my favorite of the three stories because I felt it had the most detailed characters and the best atmosphere. The mystery was definitely perplexing though there weren’t a lot of clues and red herrings because of the short length.
I’ve already added one of Barbara Ross’ Maine Clambake Mysteries to my TBR.
I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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