Turkey Trot Murder

Lucy Stone #24

by Leslie Meier

It's late autumn in Tinker's Cove, Maine, and the last surviving flowers on Lucy Stone's porch have fallen victim to the first frost of the season. But as the part-time reporter learns, this cold November morning will claim more than potted plants . . .

Besides the annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day, Lucy expects the approaching holiday to be a relatively uneventful one--until she finds beautiful Alison Franklin dead and frozen in Blueberry Pond. No one knows much about Alison, except that she was the daughter of wealthy investor Ed Franklin and struggled quietly with drug addiction. Police blame her death on an accidental overdose, but Lucy can't understand what terrible forces could lead a privileged woman to watery ruin . . .

Alison's funeral service is just as puzzling. Many believe Ed's young--and very pregnant--new wife, Mireille, divided the family, leaving Alison to wither on the vine. Did Mireille truly adore her stepchild as Ed claims, or did she pit father against daughter for personal gain?

As a state of unrest descends on Tinker's Cove, Lucy is thrown into a full-scale investigation. Now, in a race against time, Lucy must beat the killer to the finish line--or she can forget about stuffing and cranberry sauce . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Thanksgiving, Fiction, Holiday, Cozy, Audiobook

247 pages, Hardcover

First published September 26, 2017

About the author

Leslie 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.

Reviews

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was caught off guard by two things. First, that the story takes place in Tinker's Cove. Secondly, that the author had fresh ideas. Well, to amend that, let's say that the author refurbished her old ideas. The resulting book was very nice to read.

I won't be waxing lyrical about Turkey Trot Murder. Leslie Meier does the simple things simply, yet efficiently. I was glad of meeting my favorite characters of Lucy Stone's family. But now they are only 3 people living in the familial house. The other kids have flown from their nest.

Since the turn of the 20th century, mystery or thriller books have had more than one victim, or casualty, per book. This trend is still alive and kicking. It follows, it makes sense to have this format. Yet the murderer's motives in the book are flimsy. That is the only reason why the book didn't gain 5 stars.

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars with some turkey and stuffing🦃

I pick this book up wanting a fun holiday read with some fantastic characters and a fun mystery..... that is why I pick up cozy mysteries, it’s a fun little getaway, usually filled with some fun quirky characters and a fluffy mystery....

I did get some interesting characters and the fun setting of the small town in Maine.... The mystery was also very interesting, and kept me guessing, I always love trying to solve the mystery...

The problem I had with this book was I felt as it was shoving social issues down my throat.... I don’t really mind the book addressing the opioid epidemic, but to do it over and over and over again, was just too much.... in addition to this there was a strong presence of racism, not that any of the main characters were racist, however there were quite a few secondary characters, and I just got sick of hearing about it real quick! I realize the author was trying to show us how ridiculous these characters are, but in doing that it really turned me off from the book, they were such caricatures and so hateful, and quite honestly quite unexpected in a cozy mystery....

I read cozy mysteries as an escape, NOT to have somebody’s political agenda thrown at me... even if I agree with it.... i’ve never read anything from this author, and I probably never will again, even if this book was just a turkey, I was definitely not all that impressed....

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of this 24th addition to the 'Lucy Stone' series incorporates two topics prevalent in the news today: immigration and drug use. The amateur sleuth in these stories, Lucy Stone, is a wife, mother, and reporter for the 'Pennysaver' newspaper in her home town of Tinker's Cove, Maine. In the course of her work Lucy observes both of the above issues affecting her community.

The book can be read as a standalone.

*****



Lucy Stone is out jogging with her dog Libby, preparing for the Turkey Trot Race scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, when she spots a body in Blueberry Pond. The deceased is identified as college student Alison Franklin, daughter of local billionaire Ed Franklin.



Ed is well known in Tinker's Cove for several reasons: he built a huge, ostentatious mansion that clashes with the town's ambiance; his beautiful trophy wife is pregnant; he's head of the community's 'Board of Health'; and he's an outspoken xenophobe who doesn't like 'Mexicans.'



Alison's death is a shock to the local residents, who speculate that opioid use was responsible for the accident. However, Alison's toxicology screens haven't come back, and Lucy isn't convinced the girl was a user.....or that her death was an accident.

Nevertheless, Alison's father publicly lambastes Mexican drug pushers for killing his daughter. Moreover, when three Latino youths are arrested for selling drugs in Tinker's Cove, Ed sponsors a conspicuous billboard showing the boys' mug shots - with the caption "America for Americans."



Ed also harasses Rey Rodriguez, a California television chef/cook book author who recently moved to Tinker's Cove. Rey, who's descended from Spaniards who came to America before the pilgrims, is about to open an upscale restaurant called 'The Cali Kitchen'......



…….which will be managed by his son Matt.



Bigoted Ed refers to Rey's family as 'unwanted Mexicans' and - citing (phony) regulations about dishwater effluent - says the eatery has to use paper plates. Rey's attorney is confident that Ed's restrictions won't hold up, and preparations continue to open the classy restaurant.

Shortly afterwards, a group calling itself "America for Americans" holds a raucous demonstration at The Cali Kitchen, shouting and throwing rocks.....with Ed looking on from his SUV. In the midst of the hubbub, someone is shot to death, and Matt Rodriguez becomes a suspect.



In a side plot, Lucy observes regular drug sales in a parking lot near her jogging path. Planning to write an article, Lucy stakes out the spot with her camera.....and sees a young man named Hank - who went to college with her daughter - making a buy. Lucy confronts Hank about the drugs and the police about the pusher.



Though the story contains two deaths - as well as illegal drug sales - it's not structured as a typical mystery. There's very little detective work, either by Lucy or the police. Instead, a 'lightbulb moment' leads Lucy to the truth about what happened to Allison and Ed, which (to me) is cheating.

I have two more quibbles with the book.

First, when Lucy looks into rehab facilities for Hank, she learns that they're hard to get into and very expensive. However - almost miraculously - a spot becomes available; money is found; and Hank is happy to go. This isn't realistic, and probably doesn't reflect reality for most drug addicts.



Second, Ed Franklin's blatant xenophobia is overdone. Ed's frequent, obnoxious rants against Mexicans are meant to show how 'wrong-thinking' he is.....but there's a LOT of this mean-spirited blather.



To be fair, in an interview the author noted that her novels explore current topics that catch her attention. In this book the things that inspired Leslie Meier were President Trump's 'personality' (nuff said); and how ubiquitous the drug trade has become.

I think long-time fans of the Lucy Stone series would like this book, which contains well-liked, familiar characters. New readers, however, might want to start with a different volume.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

In TURKEY TROT MURDER, Lucy and Libby the lab (who seriously is one of my favorite characters in the series for the way she’s constantly sitting by while everyone is cooking, waiting for human food) are out for a run one morning when they discover a person has fallen through the thin ice at Blueberry Pond. But was it an accident, a suicide, or did something more insidious occur? Complicating matters is the fact that the deceased father is a wealthy man who wants to assert power over the town council. There’s a drug problem in Tinker’s Cove, a racism problem in Tinker’s Cove, and dead bodies keep appearing. This one had some heavier subject matter and not as much holiday themed material as other holiday books. Still, it had an interesting mystery to solve and I always enjoy the Lucy Stone books.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turkey Trot Murder is the 24th Lucy Stone mystery written by Leslie Meier. In this installment, drugs have invaded the small Maine town where the books are set, and the very Puritan attitudes of some residents outright try to hurt a Latino family who has moved to the area and opened a restaurant. Unsure why it's happen, but angry over his daughter's death from a drug overdose, a wealthy resident takes up arms against the family and tries to stop their restaurant from being built. Then he's killed! Enjoyed the different view points, but the mystery ended abruptly without closing the side stories. It also didn't pick up any line from the last book about Zoe's college costs and an investment Bill made. I can't tell if the editor isn't paying attention or the author is not interested in carrying stories more solidly from one book to the next. Oh well.... three more to go before I'm current and then I'll have a break to see if maybe I miss the series more.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure about this one maybe I should start at the beginning it was okay but wasn’t great, couldn’t get into it.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing entry in the Lucy Stone series.

After 23 books, I realize that an author may get tired of a genre or a set of characters.  I give Ms. Meier credit for trying to update the setting by adding current events.  However, the white supremacists in this novel are just ethnic stereotypes that sound suspiciously similar to Trump supporters.  That choice may offend some readers.  In addition, I felt like I was being hit over the head with the numerous references to the opioid epidemic.  I get it.  Opioids are baaaad. Unfortunately, now my head hurts so much that I need to take some opioids (just kidding). The quick resolution of the plot had so many coincidences that it was totally unbelievable.

I have to say that I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.  If you like cozy mysteries, please read any other book by this author.  I guarantee it will be better than the Turkey Trot Murder and many of the other cozy mysteries currently being marketed. However, I have to reluctantly (because I love the other books in the series) give 1 star for this one.

Thanks to the publisher, Kensington Books, and netgalley for an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read this and other book reviews on my blog, dianereviewsbooks.com.

[L.M.]

DNF
I've read every book in this series. Leslie Meier was always really good at creating unlikeable characters. Lucy's kind of a doormat, her husband is an odd combo of absent and yet controlling, and her children are ungrateful miscreants. But in early books there were interesting side characters and good storylines and it all worked. Lately her books seem to be political platforms peopled by caricatures of the worst stereotypes across the entire spectrum. This book just felt hateful, it made me uncomfortable.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Ms. Meiers seems intent on injecting more and more current events into her books. It was the greedy 1 %ers a few books ago and racism and the opiate epidemic with this book. While important issues, I read cozies in order to step outside of what is happening in the world. Sadly, it is time to move on from this series.

[Debbie Beeman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am glad I got this book out of the library instead of paying for it. I don’t feel this book falls into the cozy mystery category, it falls into the author’s political views. If she wants to write these, she should write opinion pieces for the newspapers not pass it off as a holiday cozy. If the author continues down this road, I’m thinking maybe the Pennysaver needs to close down for good.

[Kim j · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not sure how I want to rate this book because it was not a Lucy Stone cozy book. It was a political book and if I wanted to read about that I would have gone to that section to pick a book. I read books that are made up to get away from everyday life and enjoy reading. This I did not enjoy. It was about addiction crisis, race relations, protests and much more. I don't mind if an author does a story that includes these items as a story but not ALL at once and this was out of character for the characters. Its fantasy to think that you get someone into rehab overnight and that will solve the crisis!!! I hope the author does not keep this up as its a turnoff.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but more political than most. My top suspect did turn out to be guilty.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

That's it. Breaking point reached. Not only can I not stick with this series any longer, despite all my efforts to make the best of it until it eventually ends, I can't even make myself finish this book. I have grown to actively dislike the characters and tone of the series to the point that I cannot even endure them to enjoy the mystery. Everything about this series has become a Facebook-style political rant. And with that, I take a hard pass on finding out if Lucy ever stops acting like a selfish human being or if any of her children finally mature into someone even remotely decent.

I typically feel a little guilty rating a book I tag as abandoned because it was left uncompleted and I don't really know, but I made it 52 pages (four chapters, roughly 20% of the book) in and I've read more than enough of this series to justify rating this book under these particular circumstances without the least hesitation.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

There's nothing like a good cozy mystery to add to the holiday spirit! This was a perfect way to spend the last few days of November!

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a commentary on current American events and less of a cozy mystery. Too preachy. Two stars is actually overly generous for this mystery. 🖓

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Stone is training for Tinker Cove's annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot when she stumbles across the body of Alison Franklin facedown in the partially frozen pond. Is it murder, suicide, or accidental overdose? Lucy is determined to get to the bottom of the story. In addition to the death of Alison, opioid addiction and anti-immigrant hatred are rearing their ugly heads in this lovely Maine town, and Lucy must do everything she can to protect her family. Incredibly well-written (as usual, Ms. Meier!!!) and fast-paced, this cozy mystery will keep the reader up well into the wee hours of the night because they won't be able to put it down. Loved it, and highly recommend! A+++

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as usual, possibly because it was filled with talk about drug abuse and racial discrimination. Which of course are real things that happen, but I just wasn't really in the mood for it. While Lucy is preparing to run in the annual Turkey Trot Race, she comes across a body in a frozen pond. It's a young girl, and everyone is positive she was doing drugs. When her father, who was promoting riots about the Mexican people in Tinker's Cove was shot and killed, Lucy tries to tie the two things together.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

[☘Tara Sheehan☘ · Rating 1 out of 5]

The 24th in the Lucy Stone Series continues her sleuthing activities while also playing journalist.

I normally have nothing but positive, glowing remarks for Lucy Meier and her mystery series but this one was rough.

Only a few page in a dead body is found and it’s immediately told this is the daughter of a wealthy town newbie who has been irritating quite a bit of the town. That isn’t my problem. My problem was a remark made that because this was a wealthy person somehow that made her death worse – yes that was actually stated. Why is a wealthy person’s death more tragic than others? Maybe it angered me because I’m part of the 99% who struggles to pay their bills, has to budget carefully, has to hear my daughter tell me it’s ok if she doesn’t participate in a school activity because she knows we need the money for food. Yes it hurt quite a bit that even if Meier didn’t intend it this way she made me feel like my death and by extension life is worth less than the 1%. Granted I already get told that regularly by the 1% but to hear it from an author I admired made it worse.

Then there were the stereotypes and ignorant comments made towards drug abuse. Don’t get me started on the racism used in the plot line because I will never get off my soapbox. I’m very pro-immigrant being part of a family of immigrants so this section of the story was playing seesaw for which part upset the most in this book.

I come to Meier and others like her in this genre so I can escape from a society that tells me how I and others like me are the reason society sucks. I don’t want it rubbed in my face again, especially in this manner, in a fiction book meant to provide escapism.

Were there any positives? It’s not your normal fluff piece by Meier but her main characters stayed true to how they’ve always been portrayed. She does provide great character work particularly since quite a few of them pissed me off so they felt authentic. The mystery aspect was her typically well-written and the planned out crime plus logical solve were what I’d come to expect from the author.

I have a feeling this is going to be one of those you will either love or hate depending on where you stand on certain issues or if you even care when hot button topics in society get used as plot points in your fiction stories – particularly if you are used to depending on the author to provide light fair to get you AWAY from the hot button topics.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Couldn't put it down, had to read in one sitting! I have never read a book by Leslie Meier before this one and also have only read a few cozy mysteries in my lifetime. I occasionally watch some cozy mysteries on Hallmark channel and I believe this would make an excellent movie!

This book is so timely! The theme of Thanksgiving, as an important national American holiday, fits so well with the other themes Meier addresses in her murder mystery. While the investigation of a young adult's death takes the forefront, larger societal issues are at play throughout. The opiate epidemic and immigration, both connected to racism, take the lead, while misogyny, police brutality, classicism, and neo-nationalism follow-up, as issues felt and reacted to throughout the story.

These socio-political issues aren't merely mentioned, they are addressed and unavoidable. The reader is shown how they are prevalent in every aspect of our living in modern America. One can't avoid the cultural context we have constructed as a society. This story is bold and direct at confronting these issues.

We are given the view of millennials, boomers, and gen-xers through the characters, seeing how none of these generations are static in their actions and beliefs (we are even given a view of the generation before the boomers with the character, Miss Tilley - I'm not sure what they're called). All are put on the spot to "take a side" and take a stand on problems in their Maine community, located near enough to major cities, like Boston and NYC, and the nearby college of the fictional town.

I love this book and highly recommend it. My only criticism is that it wrapped up a little suddenly.

[Christopher Hicks · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is book 24 in a series. I used to love this series and anxiously awaited the next one. After the last few books I believe it’s time this author stops and either writes a new series or quits altogether. Ms Meier is clearly a disgruntled liberal and has turned her books into a political “crap fest” while I still enjoyed the main characters (it’s like visiting old friends) and she’s one of very few authors who actually age her characters each year. We’ve seen the four Stone children be born, raised and now with the exception of Zoe, they’re all gone off to live their own lives. Which is kinda sad because the family dynamic of the stories always added something great. However adding the topics of opioid addiction, racism and immigration into her story just comes off as “preachy” and making the main “villain” to basically be an exact replica of the President was a tad much. Instead of naming him Ed Franklin I’m surprised his name wasn’t something like Ronald Grump!! 🙄 as much as I like the characters of Tinkers Cove, it may be time to let this series go 😐

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Did he actually call me a big frog?"

This was another silly cozy mystery. The mystery was pretty good but the who done it felt a little forced.

But this is, by far, the most politically charged cozy mystery I've ever read. It broached the topic of racism and rampant fear around immigration and "border control." It also vented frustrations about a poorly funded medical community for both addicts and recovery and mental health. It was interesting to see all these topics tackled in one book and I'm not sure I liked having it all thrown in to one but it definitely added a few interesting and funny parts!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series over the years. Tinkers Cove and its residents are familiar and it's nice to be reacquainted with them.

I was troubled by the new 'political correctness' of Ms. Meier's latest cozy. To me, cozies are not the best venue for attempting to express societal concerns, especially, to say it kindly, in such a simplistic manner. The violent demise of a character (his description will quickly let you know the person he is intended to remind you of) did not seem appropriate.

I was disappointed, as I expected more.

[Michelle Courtney]

Well, I'm not going to rate this. I never give below 3 stars. The author pours themselves into their books, I wouldnt crush them. ANYWAY So the reason Im not excited about this one, POLITICS. She bashes facists, and is mean to the dog she adopts. I almost put it down. The author flip flops with her views from Democrat, but then believes Republican ways. Being mean to the dog she adopted. I just couldnt take.

[Pria Alston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another Lucy Stone book in the series. I liked that it felt contemporary and using current issues. It was a little triggering as a POC I didn't expect to deal with racism and hate speech while reading a cozy mystery

[Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won't be finishing this. There are already too many drug use issues, political issues and race issues in the world right now........I just don't need that in a book.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Donald Trump was obviously the model for the Ed Franklin character. Loud and rude, married to a much younger pregnant wife, sitting in a gross position at the town meeting, hating immigrants (even though his family were), stirring up trouble and exploiting his followers. All these characteristics and more! Thankfully, he got his just desserts, and it wasn’t blueberry pie.

This episode was a little over the top with social issues, drugs and immigration. She was trying to make a point, but I thought it was handled poorly. Very racist.

SPOILER- why would Alison go out on this ice unless the dog owner wasn’t capable of doing it? Very obvious who that was. I always solve the murder way before Lucy, but I still enjoy seeing how it all finally dawns on her, duh!

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turkey Trot Murder is the 24th installment in Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone Mystery series. The storyline is well plotted and the characters well developed and relatable. There’s a lot going on in this book and there are lots of twists, and turns involving multiple murders, a bombing, and general turmoil in this small town to keep the reader engaged. Ms. Meier not only addresses the sensitive issues of drug addiction and racism that is so prevalent in our country, but also the generosity and forgiveness most people have in their hearts but is all too often not practiced.

Lucy Stone lives in Tinker’s Cove, Maine and is a mother, wife, and part-time reporter, feature writer, and copy editor for the Pennysaver, a weekly newspaper. She’s entering the town’s annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day and while training one morning, she discovers a frozen body in Blueberry Pond. The body is identified as Alison Franklin, the daughter of wealthy investor Ed Franklin, and the authorities originally believe her death may be drug related, but Lucy believes she was murdered. Ed is outspoken, pushy, and one hundred percent a racist. His new wife, Mireille, is around Alison’s age and very pregnant. Both Ed and Mireille are devastated by the murder. Ed begins campaigning against immigrants, the drugs he believes they are responsible for, and strongly objects to Rey Rodrigues, a Latino restaurant owner from California, opening Cali Kitchen, which will feature a sophisticated fusion menu. Ed is found murdered in his car and later, Lucy’s husband, Bill, who is the restaurant’s contractor for the building renovations, is injured when someone blew up the building. Lucy has always been relentless in her endeavor to uncover truths and is determined to find out if all these sad events are related.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Rereader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thankful November Reading Challenge
Prompt: read a book with a bird on the cover

This is easily one of the worst mystery novels I've ever read. The writing was unbearably simple, the characters were so cliched that my face imploded from cringe every time they opened their mouths, and the "mystery" was handled so, so poorly.

Hear me out, folks: the title of this novel is Turkey Trot Murder. Emphasis on MURDER. Clearly, someone is murdered in this novel, right? Okay, then can someone explain to me why it took up until 40% in the ebook for ANYONE to entertain the notion that the first victim was MURDERED? In a novel titled Turkey Trot MURDER??????

Also, the racism/anti-immigration/drug plotline completely overshadowed the main plot only--SPOILER ALERT--for it to be a gigantic red herring that had absolutely nothing to do with the actual murder mystery. It was just there for Meier to inject some social/political shit into her novel to distract readers from the below average murder mystery she barely worked on. It also doesn't help that the social/political shit was handled about as subtly as a blaring, obnoxious car alarm.

That's all I've got. Was really disappointed in this, won't be reading anything else from this author, but if you still want to, be my guest.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this author, Leslie Meier, must really feel strongly about what is happening in this country and our political environment! This lighthearted mystery plot involves the opioid crisis and the deeply disturbing immigrant confrontation.

Using the plot of Lucy Stone, amateur detective and newspaper reporter for the sleepy town of Tinker's Cove, finding a young girl dead under the ice, possibly having suffered from a drug overdose, Meier presents all the ugly horrible prejudices we are listening to everyday in the news.

It all is much easier to tie up in a box with a ribbon when writing it in a mystery novel. The mystery will be solved, the killer brought to justice, and in the end the town will survive the angry prejudice that is revealed and come together, sharing a meal and getting back to living side by side. But can that also happen in real life?