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Lucy Stone #5 & 18
Valentine Candy Murder
It’s Valentine’s Day in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, but when it comes to foul play, Pennysaver reporter Lucy Stone can’t sugar-coat the truth . . .
VALENTINE MURDER
Lucy has barely arrived at her first library board meeting when the new librarian is found dead in the basement. The agitated group assumes Bitsy Howell was killed by an outsider—until Detective Lt. Horowitz announces that the killer is among them. Lucy knew that Bitsy rubbed some people the wrong way. But she has a hunch the murderous motives run a lot deeper. And as she snoops into the curious lifestyles and shocking secrets of Tinker’s Cove’s most solid citizens, what she finds is far from hearts and flowers . . .
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER
Despite the frigid winter temperatures, to boost the economy, Tinker’s Cove is launching a travel promotion for Valentine’s Day. Lucy is assigned a puff piece on upscale Chanticleer Chocolate—and its deliciously handsome owner. But there’s another tantalizing tart behind the counter—sultry store manager Tamzin Graves. Leaving a throng of jealous women in her wake, it’s almost no surprise when Tamzin turns up dead, her body covered in chocolate. And as Lucy closes in on the culprit, she may find herself locked in the clutches of a half-baked killer . . .
VALENTINE MURDER
Lucy has barely arrived at her first library board meeting when the new librarian is found dead in the basement. The agitated group assumes Bitsy Howell was killed by an outsider—until Detective Lt. Horowitz announces that the killer is among them. Lucy knew that Bitsy rubbed some people the wrong way. But she has a hunch the murderous motives run a lot deeper. And as she snoops into the curious lifestyles and shocking secrets of Tinker’s Cove’s most solid citizens, what she finds is far from hearts and flowers . . .
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER
Despite the frigid winter temperatures, to boost the economy, Tinker’s Cove is launching a travel promotion for Valentine’s Day. Lucy is assigned a puff piece on upscale Chanticleer Chocolate—and its deliciously handsome owner. But there’s another tantalizing tart behind the counter—sultry store manager Tamzin Graves. Leaving a throng of jealous women in her wake, it’s almost no surprise when Tamzin turns up dead, her body covered in chocolate. And as Lucy closes in on the culprit, she may find herself locked in the clutches of a half-baked killer . . .
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2018
189 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Meier
67 books2,065 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 73 reviews
November 30, 2018
I was looking for an interesting cosy for Valentine’s Day and happened upon The Valentine Candy Murder which will be published in December.
The Valentine Candy Murder is a compilation of two previously published works by Leslie Meier. She did something similar for Halloween and now we have this, two books in one. The first is Valentine Candy Murder in which a librarian is murdered shortly before a library board meeting. Newly appointed board member, Lucy, searches for answers when she believes the local detective has arrested the wrong person for the murder. The second, Chocolate Covered Murder, revolves around a rather intense rivalry between two chocolate shops in the small town of Tinker’s Cove. Lucy, a freelance reporter for the Pennysaver newspaper, begins her own investigation once again.
If you already are a fan of Meier’s work and/or have followed along the amateur sleuthing of Lucy’s, then having these two holiday themed books under one cover will be delight for you. The characters are vivid and fascinating and the plots themselves lend well to a cosy type read.
I came into these books fresh having never read about Tinker’s Cove or Lucy before now. The first, originally published long ago, felt a bit dated to me. If I had known that the action was taking place in, say, the 80s then I would have better understood perhaps. As it was, there are multiple references to the computer and searching for things online that came across as very antiquated – appropriate for the 80s but not for today. Because there were so many of these references, I found them a bit distracting. The second book skips ahead considerably on Lucy’s timeline so I found myself, once again, rather confused. The toddler in the first book is now a teen and the son is grown and married. I just don’t think that putting these two books together was wise given their vast time difference – at least not for new readers.
If you already are a fan then I’m quite sure you will enjoy these two books together. For the rest of us, I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series and read each individually. The writing is good and cozy and the characters are interesting.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Kensington Press for my advanced copy.
The Valentine Candy Murder is a compilation of two previously published works by Leslie Meier. She did something similar for Halloween and now we have this, two books in one. The first is Valentine Candy Murder in which a librarian is murdered shortly before a library board meeting. Newly appointed board member, Lucy, searches for answers when she believes the local detective has arrested the wrong person for the murder. The second, Chocolate Covered Murder, revolves around a rather intense rivalry between two chocolate shops in the small town of Tinker’s Cove. Lucy, a freelance reporter for the Pennysaver newspaper, begins her own investigation once again.
If you already are a fan of Meier’s work and/or have followed along the amateur sleuthing of Lucy’s, then having these two holiday themed books under one cover will be delight for you. The characters are vivid and fascinating and the plots themselves lend well to a cosy type read.
I came into these books fresh having never read about Tinker’s Cove or Lucy before now. The first, originally published long ago, felt a bit dated to me. If I had known that the action was taking place in, say, the 80s then I would have better understood perhaps. As it was, there are multiple references to the computer and searching for things online that came across as very antiquated – appropriate for the 80s but not for today. Because there were so many of these references, I found them a bit distracting. The second book skips ahead considerably on Lucy’s timeline so I found myself, once again, rather confused. The toddler in the first book is now a teen and the son is grown and married. I just don’t think that putting these two books together was wise given their vast time difference – at least not for new readers.
If you already are a fan then I’m quite sure you will enjoy these two books together. For the rest of us, I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series and read each individually. The writing is good and cozy and the characters are interesting.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Kensington Press for my advanced copy.
February 1, 2025
Another great installment, but I am splitting the 2 books into separate reviews as the short story novella isn't listed and I just read it. This is a great series, and I recommend reading them in order.
February 10, 2019
Valentine Candy Murder by Leslie Meier contains two previously published A Lucy Stone Valentine’s Day Mysteries. Valentine Murder has Lucy Stone, as a new member of the library board, attending her first library board meeting. They are ready to begin, but Bitsy Howell, the librarian, is missing. Lucy goes to fetch Bitsy and finds her shot dead in the workroom. The suspects are limited to the board members according to the police. Lucy cannot stop thinking about the murder. She decides to find out more about Bitsy and her fellow board members. In a small town like Tinker’s Cove, secrets have a way of coming out especially with Lucy making inquiries. Can Lucy unravel the clues to pinpoint the killer before someone she loves comes to harm?
Chocolate Covered Murder has Tinker’s Cove launching “Love is Best on Coast” travel promotion to attract tourists to the town. Lucy Stone, reporter, is assigned to write a piece on Chanticleer Chocolate, which was just voted Best Candy on the Coast by Best of Maine magazine, to tie in with the town’s promotion. The upscale store is owned by chocolatier, Trey Meacham and run by the sultry Tamzin Graves who likes to flirt with the male clientele which is upsetting the local wives. Lucy returns to Chanticleer Chocolate’s to take photographs and finds Tamzin dead behind the counter covered in chocolate. Thanks to Tamzin’s behavior, there are no shortage of suspects. Lucy puts her sleuthing skills to the test. She needs to unscramble the clues, or she could end up the killer’s latest creation.
While Valentine Candy Murder contains two previous A Lucy Stone Mysteries, I enjoyed diving into them again. I thought the stories were well-written with steady pacing. I am a fan of Lucy Stone. We have gotten to watch her mature over the years as she took care of her family, worked as a reporter and solved crimes. We have seen her children grow up and leave the nest. I like Leslie Meier’s engaging writing style. It is always a pleasure to visit Tinker’s Cove and discover what crime Lucy is solving this time. If you have not read any of the other books in the series, you can read this volume. Everything a reader needs to know is included. Personally, I recommend reading A Lucy Stone Mysteries in order. You will get to know Lucy, her family, friends and the town. The mystery in Chocolate Covered Murder is more complex than the one in Valentine Murder. I am giving Valentine Candy Murder 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). If you are looking for a diverting cozy mystery to read for Valentine’s Day, then join Lucy Stone in Valentine Candy Murder.
Chocolate Covered Murder has Tinker’s Cove launching “Love is Best on Coast” travel promotion to attract tourists to the town. Lucy Stone, reporter, is assigned to write a piece on Chanticleer Chocolate, which was just voted Best Candy on the Coast by Best of Maine magazine, to tie in with the town’s promotion. The upscale store is owned by chocolatier, Trey Meacham and run by the sultry Tamzin Graves who likes to flirt with the male clientele which is upsetting the local wives. Lucy returns to Chanticleer Chocolate’s to take photographs and finds Tamzin dead behind the counter covered in chocolate. Thanks to Tamzin’s behavior, there are no shortage of suspects. Lucy puts her sleuthing skills to the test. She needs to unscramble the clues, or she could end up the killer’s latest creation.
While Valentine Candy Murder contains two previous A Lucy Stone Mysteries, I enjoyed diving into them again. I thought the stories were well-written with steady pacing. I am a fan of Lucy Stone. We have gotten to watch her mature over the years as she took care of her family, worked as a reporter and solved crimes. We have seen her children grow up and leave the nest. I like Leslie Meier’s engaging writing style. It is always a pleasure to visit Tinker’s Cove and discover what crime Lucy is solving this time. If you have not read any of the other books in the series, you can read this volume. Everything a reader needs to know is included. Personally, I recommend reading A Lucy Stone Mysteries in order. You will get to know Lucy, her family, friends and the town. The mystery in Chocolate Covered Murder is more complex than the one in Valentine Murder. I am giving Valentine Candy Murder 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). If you are looking for a diverting cozy mystery to read for Valentine’s Day, then join Lucy Stone in Valentine Candy Murder.
November 9, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
This book is actually two previously published books. They are both good fun. In Valentine Murder, Lucy tries to find out who killed the new librarian in Tinker's Cove. In Chocolate Covered Murder, a new chocolate store in town has the town buying expensive treats, and the men enjoying the looks of the store clerk Tamzin. Both books describe the extreme cold of Maine winters. I do enjoy this series and will continue reading more.
This book is actually two previously published books. They are both good fun. In Valentine Murder, Lucy tries to find out who killed the new librarian in Tinker's Cove. In Chocolate Covered Murder, a new chocolate store in town has the town buying expensive treats, and the men enjoying the looks of the store clerk Tamzin. Both books describe the extreme cold of Maine winters. I do enjoy this series and will continue reading more.
January 30, 2020
VALENTINE MURDER, 4 Stars
Lucy, in addition to being a busy mom of four, and an occasional freelance feature writer for the local newspaper, is now a member of the board of directors at the town's library. She is one of seven directors, and imagine her horror, on the very first day of her new duties, when the librarian, Bitsy Howell is murdered. The detective on the case, Lieutenant Horowitz, is certain that one of the directors is responsible for Bitsy's death. She met Hororwitz before and as he knows of her propensity to get involved, he strictly warns her to leave things to the police.
Over the past few years, several cases have arisen involving the gruesome act of murder, and Lucy was right in the thick of things with the very intent of solving them, which she did admirably. Things will be no different this time - she will not wait around for the police. She intends on finding the murderer as soon as possible, despite being commanded by the detective to stay out of it.
Per usual Lucy Stone style, Lucy knows just who to talk to and just what questions to ask. She is superb when it comes to digging to the bottom of matters. All the while playing sleuth, she is living a real life with relationships and situations that cannot be ignored. I especially love her role as a mother - it brings to much to an already well-written story and series.
However, I want to mention two things that kept me from giving this more than four stars. For one thing, the parents were quite lax with their computer and there was no internet safety for their children. Also, while running to the store, she left her four-year-old Zoe in the car in order to avoid an argument over what the little one might want her to buy. (Actually, she left Zoe in the car alone one other time come to think of it.) While the story may be set in small-town Maine, real dangers (well, fictionalized, but real, you know?) do exist and I feel that these matters weren't handled right. Also, a small thing irritated me - ten-year-old Sarah is in the 3rd grade? Hopefully just an editing error.
As with all connected series and books, familiar characters are back. We don't see as much as one of my favorites in this book, however, Barney Culpepper, but with 24 books in this series, I do hope to see him more. Ms. Tilley remains as cantankerous as ever, but I still feel a bit of patience for her. Bill, Lucy's husband, is growing on me. Then, of course, there is the mystery of the murder. It is handled well and efficiently, with enough twists and turns to keep the story at a fast pace. With only a handful of suspects, it was great fun trying to pinpoint the murderer. For an enjoyable and quick read for lovers of cozy mysteries, even with the problems in the story, be sure to pick up this next installment in the series. I am looking forward to reading Christmas Cookie Murder next.
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER, 3 Stars
Lucy Stone is the mother of four, and even though a couple of her children no longer live at homes, she is a very busy woman. Couple that with her job as a newspaper reporter, and there simply are not enough hours in a day. Lucy's boss Ted has given her a frustrating assignment. It is not the serious type of article Lucy prefers working on. Finding people to answer questions is frustrating as usual for Lucy.
Par for the course, things quickly change when two people turn up dead, one of them covered in chocolate. Lucy, the ever focused amateur sleuth, starts looking for answers of her own. In usual format, Lucy knows just who to talk to in order to get to the bottom of things.
I am loving this cozy mystery series, and with this being book 18, am nearing the end. I hope Leslie Meier keeps on writing these. There are currently 27 titles and the next one is Easter Bunny Murder.
Lucy, in addition to being a busy mom of four, and an occasional freelance feature writer for the local newspaper, is now a member of the board of directors at the town's library. She is one of seven directors, and imagine her horror, on the very first day of her new duties, when the librarian, Bitsy Howell is murdered. The detective on the case, Lieutenant Horowitz, is certain that one of the directors is responsible for Bitsy's death. She met Hororwitz before and as he knows of her propensity to get involved, he strictly warns her to leave things to the police.
Over the past few years, several cases have arisen involving the gruesome act of murder, and Lucy was right in the thick of things with the very intent of solving them, which she did admirably. Things will be no different this time - she will not wait around for the police. She intends on finding the murderer as soon as possible, despite being commanded by the detective to stay out of it.
Per usual Lucy Stone style, Lucy knows just who to talk to and just what questions to ask. She is superb when it comes to digging to the bottom of matters. All the while playing sleuth, she is living a real life with relationships and situations that cannot be ignored. I especially love her role as a mother - it brings to much to an already well-written story and series.
However, I want to mention two things that kept me from giving this more than four stars. For one thing, the parents were quite lax with their computer and there was no internet safety for their children. Also, while running to the store, she left her four-year-old Zoe in the car in order to avoid an argument over what the little one might want her to buy. (Actually, she left Zoe in the car alone one other time come to think of it.) While the story may be set in small-town Maine, real dangers (well, fictionalized, but real, you know?) do exist and I feel that these matters weren't handled right. Also, a small thing irritated me - ten-year-old Sarah is in the 3rd grade? Hopefully just an editing error.
As with all connected series and books, familiar characters are back. We don't see as much as one of my favorites in this book, however, Barney Culpepper, but with 24 books in this series, I do hope to see him more. Ms. Tilley remains as cantankerous as ever, but I still feel a bit of patience for her. Bill, Lucy's husband, is growing on me. Then, of course, there is the mystery of the murder. It is handled well and efficiently, with enough twists and turns to keep the story at a fast pace. With only a handful of suspects, it was great fun trying to pinpoint the murderer. For an enjoyable and quick read for lovers of cozy mysteries, even with the problems in the story, be sure to pick up this next installment in the series. I am looking forward to reading Christmas Cookie Murder next.
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER, 3 Stars
Lucy Stone is the mother of four, and even though a couple of her children no longer live at homes, she is a very busy woman. Couple that with her job as a newspaper reporter, and there simply are not enough hours in a day. Lucy's boss Ted has given her a frustrating assignment. It is not the serious type of article Lucy prefers working on. Finding people to answer questions is frustrating as usual for Lucy.
Par for the course, things quickly change when two people turn up dead, one of them covered in chocolate. Lucy, the ever focused amateur sleuth, starts looking for answers of her own. In usual format, Lucy knows just who to talk to in order to get to the bottom of things.
I am loving this cozy mystery series, and with this being book 18, am nearing the end. I hope Leslie Meier keeps on writing these. There are currently 27 titles and the next one is Easter Bunny Murder.
December 22, 2018
This is 2 in 1 kinda book, 2 previously published book brought together as one.
I have not read the series in line and I think I would have enjoyed the book more had I been following Lucy from book 1...
The stories had their own cosy charm as Leslie Meier's books do. There is amateur sleuthing along with vivid characters. The stories were well written and they kind of zap you into it.
Both the books are from different years of publication and different time frames, hence felt a wee bit odd.
On the whole, I enjoyed both the books, it was a 2 hour well spent.
I have not read the series in line and I think I would have enjoyed the book more had I been following Lucy from book 1...
The stories had their own cosy charm as Leslie Meier's books do. There is amateur sleuthing along with vivid characters. The stories were well written and they kind of zap you into it.
Both the books are from different years of publication and different time frames, hence felt a wee bit odd.
On the whole, I enjoyed both the books, it was a 2 hour well spent.
April 25, 2023
Two great books in the Lucy Stone series.
Valentine Murder was interesting and a surprise. I could have sworn I read about Bitsy in newer books, but since I'm reading the series out of order, I may be mistaken. Either way, it was an excellent mystery.
I kinda guessed the bad guy in Chocolate Covered Murder. Reading about Eddie's struggles really hit home with me. I hope to see him again in future books.
Valentine Murder was interesting and a surprise. I could have sworn I read about Bitsy in newer books, but since I'm reading the series out of order, I may be mistaken. Either way, it was an excellent mystery.
I kinda guessed the bad guy in Chocolate Covered Murder. Reading about Eddie's struggles really hit home with me. I hope to see him again in future books.
January 28, 2019
Lucy is assigned a piece on the new chocolate shop in town during the town’s Valentine day promotion. The sultry store manager, Tamzin, is leaving a trail of jealous women when she comes on to there husbands. Tamzin if found dead, laid out, covered with chocolate. Lucy can’t resist trying to find out who did it.
December 3, 2018
A couple of reprints from books written earlier for Valentine's day. The first one is the VALENTINE CANDY Lucy Stone has accepted a job on the Library Board of Directors. At her first meeting, Lucy finds the librarian Bitsy Howell shot in the library 's basement. Bitsy had a habit of noticing the books people checked of library gossip about the books with others. Detective Lt. Horowitz feels the Killer was among the patrons at the Library that day. Lucy decided to look for an answer to Bisty's death.
CHOCOLATE COVERED BODY
Tinker Cove is experiencing the coldest winter on record and the economy is poor and a lot of people are hurting financially. Chanticleer Chocolate has stored for chocolates and the manager, Tamzin Graves has the women in an uproar as she flirts with men of the Cove. Tamzin's body is played out on the counter of store cover with chocolate. Lucy must act fast or she might join Tamzin in death.
I enjoy both books as I did when I first read them. A visit with Stones is a relaxing read.
I recommend the book and series
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
CHOCOLATE COVERED BODY
Tinker Cove is experiencing the coldest winter on record and the economy is poor and a lot of people are hurting financially. Chanticleer Chocolate has stored for chocolates and the manager, Tamzin Graves has the women in an uproar as she flirts with men of the Cove. Tamzin's body is played out on the counter of store cover with chocolate. Lucy must act fast or she might join Tamzin in death.
I enjoy both books as I did when I first read them. A visit with Stones is a relaxing read.
I recommend the book and series
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 18, 2018
This was a wonderful combination of two mysteries, in the first one you are taken back to when Lucy's children were quite young. Lucy has just become a member of the library board and is looking forward to giving feedback. During her first meeting with the board, at the library, she discovers the body of the librarian. It looks like she was shot but who would do such a thing and why? The police are looking into all the board members and Lucy can't help but dig deeper into each of their backgrounds too. When accidents start occurring to Lucy and her family she is determined to find a killer before something truly bad happens. Follow along as she asks questions and tries to figure out just who the killer could be. In the second story we jump ahead to Lucy's children almost all out of the house. In this mystery a local man is found dead but the police have determined it was an accident but Lucy doesn't agree. The dead man helped her out and told her to pay it forward and she means to do so by finding out just what happened to him. When another person is murdered Lucy begins to wonder if the two deaths have something to do with each other. Will she be able to find a killer before there is another victim? Dive in and find out. This is a fun series that I have read from the beginning and you can see the wonderful growth of the characters throughout. I enjoyed returning to when Lucy had small children and then to who she is now. She's a wonderful character who I've enjoyed getting to know and I can't wait to see where the future takes her, especially when all her children are out of the house.
October 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this early book in the series, #5. Zoe is only 4 years old. All the kids are bratty, but not half as bad as they are as they grow up.
Aside from the murder, the story focused on children’s access on the “new” internet and the problems with people wasting their hard earned money on the Lotto. Two subjects that exist today. The book was written in 1999.
This book is a twofer, so I’m continuing on with the Chocolate covered Murder. Uh oh, I’ve already read it so back to Eileen!!
Aside from the murder, the story focused on children’s access on the “new” internet and the problems with people wasting their hard earned money on the Lotto. Two subjects that exist today. The book was written in 1999.
This book is a twofer, so I’m continuing on with the Chocolate covered Murder. Uh oh, I’ve already read it so back to Eileen!!
November 4, 2018
I absolutely loved reading these two Valentine themed Leslie Meier murder mysteries back to bak in Valentine Candy Murder. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the cold Maine winters and I think that added to the harshness of the murders. Lucy Stone is such a fun character who seems to lead a normal life but is whip smart and solves crimes on the side. Leslie Meier describes the scenes so that the reader feels like they’re standing next to Lucy. The description of the first murder scene in Chocolate Covered Murder was so vivid I could see the fishing lure and line wrapped around the body. These two stories are devily delicious and make me want to read more of Leslie Meier stories.
June 14, 2023
Leslie Meier never disappoints. I really like her Lucy Stone series. The characters are fun, it needs to be turned into a Hallmark Channel series and go on forever. Just a town you want to visit and characters you want to befriend.
December 15, 2018
It's the first Leslie Meier's book I read and i can say it was a great discovery.
I loved this two mysteries! They're well written, entertaining and engaging.
Even if it's a cozy mystery the setting is not the usual postcard perfect little town: there're issues, poors and it's great to read a more realistic depiction.
The cast of characters was interesting: some were lovely but other were less than perfect, with a lot of quirks.
The plot were goods and kept me guessing till the end. I couldn't put this book down and I read it in one setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved this two mysteries! They're well written, entertaining and engaging.
Even if it's a cozy mystery the setting is not the usual postcard perfect little town: there're issues, poors and it's great to read a more realistic depiction.
The cast of characters was interesting: some were lovely but other were less than perfect, with a lot of quirks.
The plot were goods and kept me guessing till the end. I couldn't put this book down and I read it in one setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC
February 4, 2019
The antigay stuff grossed me out; I am returning this book. Her husband is looking at porn in the family room "on the Internet on the computer" (in which
she is confusingly disgusted by a threesome not by dog play) and then they take a break from that delightful family time to talk about how they do not approve of the gay "lifestyle" even though some gays are probably not child eating villains probably. You are out of your mind to repackage this crap in 2019. Back to Berkely for cozies.
she is confusingly disgusted by a threesome not by dog play) and then they take a break from that delightful family time to talk about how they do not approve of the gay "lifestyle" even though some gays are probably not child eating villains probably. You are out of your mind to repackage this crap in 2019. Back to Berkely for cozies.
December 11, 2018
VALENTINE MURDER
Lucy has arrived at her first ever library board meeting. Unfortunately, she finds the new librarian dead in the basement. The agitated group assumes Bitsy Howell was killed by an outsider—until Detective Lt. Horowitz announces that the killer is among them. Lucy knew that Bitsy rubbed some people the wrong way. But she has a hunch the murderous motives run a lot deeper. And as she snoops into the curious lifestyles and shocking secrets of Tinker’s Cove’s most solid citizens, what she finds is far from hearts and flowers.
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER
Despite the frigid winter temperatures, to boost the economy, Tinker’s Cove is launching a travel promotion for Valentine’s Day. Lucy is assigned a puff piece on upscale Chanticleer Chocolate—and its deliciously handsome owner. But there’s another tantalizing tart behind the counter—sultry store manager Tamzin Graves. Leaving a throng of jealous women in her wake, it’s almost no surprise when Tamzin turns up dead, her body covered in chocolate. And as Lucy closes in on the culprit, she may find herself locked in the clutches of a half-baked killer.
--
Series: Lucy Stone Mystery Book
Author: Leslie Meier
Genre: Cozy/Holiday Mystery
Publisher: Kensington Books
Valentine Candy Murder book is a fun and entertaining read. With this book, readers get two stories in one. Valentine Murder (book 5) and Chocolate Covered Murder (book 18) which was also published in 2013 is included in this Valentine’s inspired cozy. Leslie Meier has once again created a wonderful story with her main character, Lucy Stone, that has Lucy scratching her head and causing trouble.
Lucy knows that someone murdered Bitsy, but she finds it difficult to believe that one of the town's most upstanding citizens is responsible. Why would any of them commit murder, especially the murder of a librarian and right after they had helped fund the library’s new addition and remodel? It looks like she will have to stick her nose into police business once again to solve another murder in Tinker’s Cove.
Characters in the Lucy Stone mystery series are as down to earth as they come. They remind readers of a simpler time when playing in the snow was a holiday and murder was something that happened in the big city. These characters remind us that everyone has problems, no matter where they live, and sometimes bad things happen to good people.
The characters are warm and interesting. The town is always fun to read about, and Ms. Meier does a fantastic job of describing the two and the characters. This is a long-running series, so it is advised that readers go back to the beginning. Otherwise they will be confused as the timeline in this book is not chronological.
Valentine Candy Murder is worth the read. If readers have never read one of the Lucy Stone mysteries, they will want to read them all once they read these two entertaining stories. Those who have read the series will enjoy returning to an old favorite.
Lucy has arrived at her first ever library board meeting. Unfortunately, she finds the new librarian dead in the basement. The agitated group assumes Bitsy Howell was killed by an outsider—until Detective Lt. Horowitz announces that the killer is among them. Lucy knew that Bitsy rubbed some people the wrong way. But she has a hunch the murderous motives run a lot deeper. And as she snoops into the curious lifestyles and shocking secrets of Tinker’s Cove’s most solid citizens, what she finds is far from hearts and flowers.
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER
Despite the frigid winter temperatures, to boost the economy, Tinker’s Cove is launching a travel promotion for Valentine’s Day. Lucy is assigned a puff piece on upscale Chanticleer Chocolate—and its deliciously handsome owner. But there’s another tantalizing tart behind the counter—sultry store manager Tamzin Graves. Leaving a throng of jealous women in her wake, it’s almost no surprise when Tamzin turns up dead, her body covered in chocolate. And as Lucy closes in on the culprit, she may find herself locked in the clutches of a half-baked killer.
--
Series: Lucy Stone Mystery Book
Author: Leslie Meier
Genre: Cozy/Holiday Mystery
Publisher: Kensington Books
Valentine Candy Murder book is a fun and entertaining read. With this book, readers get two stories in one. Valentine Murder (book 5) and Chocolate Covered Murder (book 18) which was also published in 2013 is included in this Valentine’s inspired cozy. Leslie Meier has once again created a wonderful story with her main character, Lucy Stone, that has Lucy scratching her head and causing trouble.
Lucy knows that someone murdered Bitsy, but she finds it difficult to believe that one of the town's most upstanding citizens is responsible. Why would any of them commit murder, especially the murder of a librarian and right after they had helped fund the library’s new addition and remodel? It looks like she will have to stick her nose into police business once again to solve another murder in Tinker’s Cove.
Characters in the Lucy Stone mystery series are as down to earth as they come. They remind readers of a simpler time when playing in the snow was a holiday and murder was something that happened in the big city. These characters remind us that everyone has problems, no matter where they live, and sometimes bad things happen to good people.
The characters are warm and interesting. The town is always fun to read about, and Ms. Meier does a fantastic job of describing the two and the characters. This is a long-running series, so it is advised that readers go back to the beginning. Otherwise they will be confused as the timeline in this book is not chronological.
Valentine Candy Murder is worth the read. If readers have never read one of the Lucy Stone mysteries, they will want to read them all once they read these two entertaining stories. Those who have read the series will enjoy returning to an old favorite.
December 18, 2018
Two Lucy Stone novels, Valentine Murder #5 originally published in 1998 and Chocolate Covered Murder #18 originally published in 2012, are combined in Valentine Candy Murder.
Two weeks before Valentine’s Day, Lucy is attending her first library board meeting. When she goes to the basement looking for Bitsy, the librarian, she finds her shot dead. The police suspect the board members and Lucy investigates to remove her own name from suspicion in Valentine Murder.
Nine years later in Chocolate Covered Murder, Lucy is once again thrust into a murder investigation. Max is found drowned in an iced over lake surrounded by fishing line. He has a head bruise but the coroner rules it an accident. Lucy disagrees and investigates.”
Valentine Murder seems incredibly dated now. It spends a lot of time talking about a newfangled contraption called a computer. The book never mentions a timeframe but I would assume early 1990s. The second is set so much later that her pre-school age daughter in the first book in now in eighth grade. I think it would have better to put an introduction to each of the books to set the stage. However, both cozy mysteries are well worth the reader’s time. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Two weeks before Valentine’s Day, Lucy is attending her first library board meeting. When she goes to the basement looking for Bitsy, the librarian, she finds her shot dead. The police suspect the board members and Lucy investigates to remove her own name from suspicion in Valentine Murder.
Nine years later in Chocolate Covered Murder, Lucy is once again thrust into a murder investigation. Max is found drowned in an iced over lake surrounded by fishing line. He has a head bruise but the coroner rules it an accident. Lucy disagrees and investigates.”
Valentine Murder seems incredibly dated now. It spends a lot of time talking about a newfangled contraption called a computer. The book never mentions a timeframe but I would assume early 1990s. The second is set so much later that her pre-school age daughter in the first book in now in eighth grade. I think it would have better to put an introduction to each of the books to set the stage. However, both cozy mysteries are well worth the reader’s time. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2018
3 stars
It was alright. I was really pulled into from page one, it just quickly became too long. Good writing yet just too many random subplots and characters.
The premise was good, yet the overall story just could.not hold my Interest. I think this is one of those books that some will either really like it or not like at all. UN, I am I. The latter category.
It was alright. I was really pulled into from page one, it just quickly became too long. Good writing yet just too many random subplots and characters.
The premise was good, yet the overall story just could.not hold my Interest. I think this is one of those books that some will either really like it or not like at all. UN, I am I. The latter category.
February 16, 2019
One of my favorite seasonal cozy series. I was really hoping this would be a new story, rather than two older stories put together in one book. Nonetheless, an added bonus for a new reader who will be hooked and will want to read them all like the rest of us have!!
March 23, 2019
Two previously published Valentine stories. Not my favorite of hers but still enjoyable. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 18, 2018
Leslie Meier's Valentine Candy Murder is a compilation of two previously released Lucy Stone cozy mysteries for readers to enjoy. The stories included are Valentine Murder and Chocolate Covered Murder, and both satisfied the sweet tooth of this candy loving cozy mystery enthusiast!
The very early Lucy Stone books are my favorite, and Valentine Murder is the 5th installment in this beloved series. Lucy Stone is the newest member of the Tinker's Cove library board and her first order of business is to discover who murdered the librarian! A nicely woven tale of murder and mystery in Maine, where Lucy must do everything she can to protect her family and the town she loves. A+
Chocolate Covered Murder is a later Lucy Stone story (#18), and the kids are grown/growing up, but Lucy's priorities still focus on her family. I love the continuing relationships and character development of the Stone family and residents of Tinker's Cove. Just when you think there can't possibly be another murder in this small coastal town in Maine, Ms. Meier does it again! A+
It's so nice that Kensington Books is re-releasing these books in sets - perfect for longtime lovers of Lucy Stone as well those new to the series! I wholeheartedly recommend this book! :-)
The very early Lucy Stone books are my favorite, and Valentine Murder is the 5th installment in this beloved series. Lucy Stone is the newest member of the Tinker's Cove library board and her first order of business is to discover who murdered the librarian! A nicely woven tale of murder and mystery in Maine, where Lucy must do everything she can to protect her family and the town she loves. A+
Chocolate Covered Murder is a later Lucy Stone story (#18), and the kids are grown/growing up, but Lucy's priorities still focus on her family. I love the continuing relationships and character development of the Stone family and residents of Tinker's Cove. Just when you think there can't possibly be another murder in this small coastal town in Maine, Ms. Meier does it again! A+
It's so nice that Kensington Books is re-releasing these books in sets - perfect for longtime lovers of Lucy Stone as well those new to the series! I wholeheartedly recommend this book! :-)
November 24, 2018
Lucy Stone novels # 6 (Valentine Murder) and # 20 (Chocolate Covered Murder) are combined in this book released under a new title makes for one long-lasting satisfying read.
In the first book, (#6), Lucy Stone is a freelance writer at the Pennysaver newspaper while raising four young children, the youngest in preschool three mornings a week. As the newly appointed Library Board member, Lucy becomes a murder suspect when she finds the body of librarian Bitsy Howell.
Threats to Lucy's family has her more determined to solve the crimes.
Set in the late 1990's cellphones and home computers were the new rage and the www an eye opening invention.
In the second book (#20) Tinker's Cove has two chocolate shops and the rivalry between newbie Trey Meacham and Ferns Famous Fudge's Dora Fraser becomes intense when Dora's ex-husband Max is found dead then Tom's store manager is murdered. Small town Tinker's Cove presents its best reasons to celebrate winter that include a baking contest and a Valentine's Day dance. Lucy & Bill are still a loving couple and great support to their family and their community.
Overall a good reading experience even if I had read these when they were originally published I still enjoyed the time spend in Tinker's Cove with Lucy Stone.
I received an ARC of this book through Net Galley.
In the first book, (#6), Lucy Stone is a freelance writer at the Pennysaver newspaper while raising four young children, the youngest in preschool three mornings a week. As the newly appointed Library Board member, Lucy becomes a murder suspect when she finds the body of librarian Bitsy Howell.
Threats to Lucy's family has her more determined to solve the crimes.
Set in the late 1990's cellphones and home computers were the new rage and the www an eye opening invention.
In the second book (#20) Tinker's Cove has two chocolate shops and the rivalry between newbie Trey Meacham and Ferns Famous Fudge's Dora Fraser becomes intense when Dora's ex-husband Max is found dead then Tom's store manager is murdered. Small town Tinker's Cove presents its best reasons to celebrate winter that include a baking contest and a Valentine's Day dance. Lucy & Bill are still a loving couple and great support to their family and their community.
Overall a good reading experience even if I had read these when they were originally published I still enjoyed the time spend in Tinker's Cove with Lucy Stone.
I received an ARC of this book through Net Galley.
February 21, 2022
Got this as a present. Fluffy cozy mystery book. Definitely written in 1999 and feels dated with the mild homophobia and world wide web references.
July 5, 2025
If given the option, I'd have given this zero stars. This edition has two stories in it, of which I only read the first, #5 I guess. I couldn't face another.
Just awful. Hard to believe Lucy Stone is a reoccurring character. She's just simply a dislikable person.
It wasn't written so long ago Lucy should be so clueless about computers. She lets her four year old play games for hours at a time, as well as putting in front of the television with a pile of VHSs. Her teens show her how to get online, input an URL ("it's three w's and a dot...") and she can't even figure out how to use the mouse to click. Yet, the next day, she's sending an email to someone in charge of pewter at a museum. How did she know about the museum and get the email address?
Her husband browses online porn ("exploring the Internet" he says), quite detailed! Her teens have free access to the Internet, even as she watches them troll a man, pretending to be an 18 year old Norwegian blonde woman with a 39" bust! Her son tells her "It's fun to get him going."
She continually leaves her four year old alone in the car, even while shopping. Oh, but if the little girl is "allowed... in the store..." she will insist on a treat! So, what does Lucy do? Brings her a treat for waiting in the car. Alone. In the car. ALONE! Lucy pays little attention when driving or even walking, nearly causing vehicle accidents and bumping into people because she doesn't pay attention. Get a rental car, and doesn't bother with a new car or booster seat, just figures her daughter is old enough.
She's rude. One example is when she took her four year old to McDonald's (where the little girl has hot cocoa. Does McDonald's even have hot cocoa?). Then when done, for absolutely no reason, "rebelliously leaving the tray on the table instead of carrying it to over to the trash container." Why? Why include such a meaningless and mean few sentences?
The four year old has more common sense than Lucy. She wonders if it's safe to sled on the road> Sure, Lucy tells her! Soon after the older children are almost hit by a truck.
Lucy wakes the next day sore from sledding. She uses that terrible pain to excuse the fact she didn't get her job done. Yes, she is supposed to work, she writes for the local newspaper. She talks about the near accident, and how she just couldn't possibly write under such conditions and in such pain, as she overacts sitting down, groaning with the pain.
If that's not enough, she and her husband are homophobic! She doesn't like the gay couple's "lifestyle" and her husband says he might like one of the men if he got to know him, but he'd never accept him.
No reason for it to be called Valentine Candy Murder. Valentine's Day comes and goes, she makes cupcakes and they get decorated with candy. Her husband gave her flowers and candy, but she didn't give him a thing. Speaking of Valentine's Day... the night before Lucy takes a frozen turkey out to cook the next day. And she does, stuffed and all. Does the author not know how long a frozen turkey takes to thaw? Not overnight!
The stolen tankard? They didn't need someone to buy it back for the library. The auction house sold it, and has a record of the buyer. They sold, and the buyer bought, stolen property. The buyer has to give it back. Lucy was very judgmental towards those buying lottery tickets, until a big winner is going to get that tankard back!
I struggled through only because I wanted the book to count for my library's summer reading book count. It was really bad.
Just awful. Hard to believe Lucy Stone is a reoccurring character. She's just simply a dislikable person.
It wasn't written so long ago Lucy should be so clueless about computers. She lets her four year old play games for hours at a time, as well as putting in front of the television with a pile of VHSs. Her teens show her how to get online, input an URL ("it's three w's and a dot...") and she can't even figure out how to use the mouse to click. Yet, the next day, she's sending an email to someone in charge of pewter at a museum. How did she know about the museum and get the email address?
Her husband browses online porn ("exploring the Internet" he says), quite detailed! Her teens have free access to the Internet, even as she watches them troll a man, pretending to be an 18 year old Norwegian blonde woman with a 39" bust! Her son tells her "It's fun to get him going."
She continually leaves her four year old alone in the car, even while shopping. Oh, but if the little girl is "allowed... in the store..." she will insist on a treat! So, what does Lucy do? Brings her a treat for waiting in the car. Alone. In the car. ALONE! Lucy pays little attention when driving or even walking, nearly causing vehicle accidents and bumping into people because she doesn't pay attention. Get a rental car, and doesn't bother with a new car or booster seat, just figures her daughter is old enough.
She's rude. One example is when she took her four year old to McDonald's (where the little girl has hot cocoa. Does McDonald's even have hot cocoa?). Then when done, for absolutely no reason, "rebelliously leaving the tray on the table instead of carrying it to over to the trash container." Why? Why include such a meaningless and mean few sentences?
The four year old has more common sense than Lucy. She wonders if it's safe to sled on the road> Sure, Lucy tells her! Soon after the older children are almost hit by a truck.
Lucy wakes the next day sore from sledding. She uses that terrible pain to excuse the fact she didn't get her job done. Yes, she is supposed to work, she writes for the local newspaper. She talks about the near accident, and how she just couldn't possibly write under such conditions and in such pain, as she overacts sitting down, groaning with the pain.
If that's not enough, she and her husband are homophobic! She doesn't like the gay couple's "lifestyle" and her husband says he might like one of the men if he got to know him, but he'd never accept him.
No reason for it to be called Valentine Candy Murder. Valentine's Day comes and goes, she makes cupcakes and they get decorated with candy. Her husband gave her flowers and candy, but she didn't give him a thing. Speaking of Valentine's Day... the night before Lucy takes a frozen turkey out to cook the next day. And she does, stuffed and all. Does the author not know how long a frozen turkey takes to thaw? Not overnight!
The stolen tankard? They didn't need someone to buy it back for the library. The auction house sold it, and has a record of the buyer. They sold, and the buyer bought, stolen property. The buyer has to give it back. Lucy was very judgmental towards those buying lottery tickets, until a big winner is going to get that tankard back!
I struggled through only because I wanted the book to count for my library's summer reading book count. It was really bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
Valentine Candy Murder isn’t just one cozy mystery; it’s two full-on Lucy Stone novels served up back-to-back like a mystery charcuterie board, and honestly? I devoured every bite. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a small town where people smile sweetly while hiding absurdly big secrets — and where every holiday seems to end in murder — welcome home.
Let’s start with Valentine Murder (Lucy Stone #5). Lucy, our overcommitted queen, has just joined the library board (because, of course, she doesn’t already have enough on her plate with her job, family, and constantly tripping over corpses). She’s barely settled into her seat when Bitsy Howell, the seemingly dull librarian, turns up dead in the library basement. But oh, honey — Bitsy had layers. Gambling issues. Debt. Possible blackmail. Lucy ends up peeling back all these polite small-town facades to find a seedy little undercurrent of secrets in a place that should not be this shady. Add in a blizzard that traps half the town and a handful of tense confrontations, and you’ve got murder mystery comfort food at its finest.
Then we roll into Chocolate Covered Murder (Lucy Stone #18), and if you thought the librarian drama was juicy? Buckle up. Lucy’s assigned to cover Tinker’s Cove’s very own fancy chocolatier, Chanticleer’s Chocolates. Sounds sweet, right? Except the chocolatier’s new store manager winds up murdered and, yes, covered in chocolate. The whole situation drips with tension — between the ambitious young manager trying to climb the local social ladder, jealous co-workers, a not-so-squeaky-clean chocolate empire, and suspicious financial dealings. Lucy’s on the trail, asking all the questions nobody else dares to. And listen, the town’s tourism board really doesn’t want bad press, but murder doesn’t care about your Valentine’s Day campaign.
Characters? Lucy’s still the best messy multitasker around — chasing kids, managing deadlines, and sticking her nose everywhere it absolutely should not be (bless her). Her husband is supportive in that mildly overwhelmed husband way, and the townspeople? Petty, secretive, and utterly delicious.
The series context makes this double feature even better. In Valentine Murder, Lucy’s still figuring out how to juggle family and her never-ending knack for stumbling on corpses. By Chocolate Covered Murder, she’s fully grown into her unofficial detective role — sharper, more skeptical, and honestly done with everyone’s nonsense. Watching that evolution between two full novels? Chef’s kiss.
Trope heaven: small-town murder with layers of jealousy and scandal, amateur sleuth who absolutely cannot mind her own business (and thank god for that), holiday-themed crimes so ridiculous they loop back around to iconic, and local gossip so thick you could spread it on toast.
Final verdict? A rich, indulgent 4 stars. Are these groundbreaking thrillers? No. Are they warm, murder-y comfort reads that scratch every cozy mystery itch? Absolutely. Pour a cup of tea, grab some chocolate, and settle in — Tinker’s Cove is messy, and you’re gonna love it.
Let’s start with Valentine Murder (Lucy Stone #5). Lucy, our overcommitted queen, has just joined the library board (because, of course, she doesn’t already have enough on her plate with her job, family, and constantly tripping over corpses). She’s barely settled into her seat when Bitsy Howell, the seemingly dull librarian, turns up dead in the library basement. But oh, honey — Bitsy had layers. Gambling issues. Debt. Possible blackmail. Lucy ends up peeling back all these polite small-town facades to find a seedy little undercurrent of secrets in a place that should not be this shady. Add in a blizzard that traps half the town and a handful of tense confrontations, and you’ve got murder mystery comfort food at its finest.
Then we roll into Chocolate Covered Murder (Lucy Stone #18), and if you thought the librarian drama was juicy? Buckle up. Lucy’s assigned to cover Tinker’s Cove’s very own fancy chocolatier, Chanticleer’s Chocolates. Sounds sweet, right? Except the chocolatier’s new store manager winds up murdered and, yes, covered in chocolate. The whole situation drips with tension — between the ambitious young manager trying to climb the local social ladder, jealous co-workers, a not-so-squeaky-clean chocolate empire, and suspicious financial dealings. Lucy’s on the trail, asking all the questions nobody else dares to. And listen, the town’s tourism board really doesn’t want bad press, but murder doesn’t care about your Valentine’s Day campaign.
Characters? Lucy’s still the best messy multitasker around — chasing kids, managing deadlines, and sticking her nose everywhere it absolutely should not be (bless her). Her husband is supportive in that mildly overwhelmed husband way, and the townspeople? Petty, secretive, and utterly delicious.
The series context makes this double feature even better. In Valentine Murder, Lucy’s still figuring out how to juggle family and her never-ending knack for stumbling on corpses. By Chocolate Covered Murder, she’s fully grown into her unofficial detective role — sharper, more skeptical, and honestly done with everyone’s nonsense. Watching that evolution between two full novels? Chef’s kiss.
Trope heaven: small-town murder with layers of jealousy and scandal, amateur sleuth who absolutely cannot mind her own business (and thank god for that), holiday-themed crimes so ridiculous they loop back around to iconic, and local gossip so thick you could spread it on toast.
Final verdict? A rich, indulgent 4 stars. Are these groundbreaking thrillers? No. Are they warm, murder-y comfort reads that scratch every cozy mystery itch? Absolutely. Pour a cup of tea, grab some chocolate, and settle in — Tinker’s Cove is messy, and you’re gonna love it.
April 15, 2019
The two stories in this book are previously published stories. When I picked up and began reading the book, I could tell immediately, as the latest Lucy Stone book in the series, has all of her children grown. In the first story, they were still children/teenagers. In the second story, they were older, which may have confused some if they were not familiar with her books in this series, but still younger than they are in her latest book. I am not sure if I ever read these stories in their earlier publications, as I do not remember the stories. I figured this was a bundling of two novellas that were related to Valentine’s Day—they were actually set in that time frame, and the holiday served as a good backdrop.
In both stories, Lucy Stone once again finds herself embroiled in murder mysteries. In the first, a beloved librarian is killed, while in the second a not-so-well-thought-of chocolate store sales person is killed. Lucy works her way through a myriad of clues and events to figure out just what is going on—much to the dismay of the police detective assigned, who would prefer Lucy stay out of it all. In both books, Lucy juggles her life as a mother of children and wife, with her part-time job on the local newspaper and her investigative work. In addition, there are many other activities and events in the small town of Tinker’s Cove, ME, in which she is involved, though they remain on the periphery that come into the tales. Lucy comes across, as usual, as a smart, strong woman, who figures out answers and knows what she wants to do in both murder cases. Of course, many of the characters, in addition to her family, who are a big part of her world make an appearance, and some even lend to her investigative work. Though the stories can be read as stand-alone, it might help to have read at least some of the other books in the series to better understand the characters, the town and how everything relates together. This is a good Valentine’s Day read if you are looking for one. However, it is also just a good, cozy, not-too-complex short read for anyone looking for just that—or who enjoys the author or the series. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
In both stories, Lucy Stone once again finds herself embroiled in murder mysteries. In the first, a beloved librarian is killed, while in the second a not-so-well-thought-of chocolate store sales person is killed. Lucy works her way through a myriad of clues and events to figure out just what is going on—much to the dismay of the police detective assigned, who would prefer Lucy stay out of it all. In both books, Lucy juggles her life as a mother of children and wife, with her part-time job on the local newspaper and her investigative work. In addition, there are many other activities and events in the small town of Tinker’s Cove, ME, in which she is involved, though they remain on the periphery that come into the tales. Lucy comes across, as usual, as a smart, strong woman, who figures out answers and knows what she wants to do in both murder cases. Of course, many of the characters, in addition to her family, who are a big part of her world make an appearance, and some even lend to her investigative work. Though the stories can be read as stand-alone, it might help to have read at least some of the other books in the series to better understand the characters, the town and how everything relates together. This is a good Valentine’s Day read if you are looking for one. However, it is also just a good, cozy, not-too-complex short read for anyone looking for just that—or who enjoys the author or the series. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
October 15, 2019
Valentine Candy Murder was my first full length book experience with Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone series. I have previously read several of the Lucy Stone novellas that were included in holiday books and mostly enjoyed those so I finally decided that it was time to dive into a full length Lucy Stone book. This book featured two previously published Valentine's Day murder stories and I have to say that I enjoyed both stories.
The first story was published quite a bit ago and did seem a bit dated because it talked about learning how to use a computer and do internet searches but I still enjoyed the story and enjoyed getting a look at Lucy's family when all of her kids were young. This story centered around a murdered librarian and Lucy has just begun serving on the library's board of directors. She happens to be the one who discovered the body and learns that the police suspect it was one of the board of directors that killed the librarian. I thought the mystery was fun and even though I had an idea who the killer was about halfway through the book it was still fun learning why the murder occurred.
The second story takes place quite a bit after the first. There's about ten years difference between the two stories and I thought the second story was a bit more relevant to today. The second story centers around a new chocolate shop that opens in town, Chanticleer Chocolates, and the woman that serves as the manager of the store, Tamzin Graves. Tamzin is a bit promiscuous and is openly pursuing relationships with several of Tinker's Cove's married men. There are actually two murders in this story and the first murder occurs several weeks before the second murder. I thought this mystery was solid and even though I did get an idea of who the killer was before the reveal occurred I had no idea why the murders happened.
I enjoyed both of these books and definitely plan to continue reading other entries in the Lucy Stone series. I know there are many, many books in this series so I'm looking forward to a lot of good reading.
The first story was published quite a bit ago and did seem a bit dated because it talked about learning how to use a computer and do internet searches but I still enjoyed the story and enjoyed getting a look at Lucy's family when all of her kids were young. This story centered around a murdered librarian and Lucy has just begun serving on the library's board of directors. She happens to be the one who discovered the body and learns that the police suspect it was one of the board of directors that killed the librarian. I thought the mystery was fun and even though I had an idea who the killer was about halfway through the book it was still fun learning why the murder occurred.
The second story takes place quite a bit after the first. There's about ten years difference between the two stories and I thought the second story was a bit more relevant to today. The second story centers around a new chocolate shop that opens in town, Chanticleer Chocolates, and the woman that serves as the manager of the store, Tamzin Graves. Tamzin is a bit promiscuous and is openly pursuing relationships with several of Tinker's Cove's married men. There are actually two murders in this story and the first murder occurs several weeks before the second murder. I thought this mystery was solid and even though I did get an idea of who the killer was before the reveal occurred I had no idea why the murders happened.
I enjoyed both of these books and definitely plan to continue reading other entries in the Lucy Stone series. I know there are many, many books in this series so I'm looking forward to a lot of good reading.
April 2, 2023
5/30/22
VALENTINE MURDER
This was a fun read! I was trying to read it for Valentine's day this year but I just took longer to finish it because life happens. But every time I picked it back up it was super easy to jump back into without forgetting important details. I love reading cozy murder mysteries. This one was dated back in the 90s and it definitely brought me back to those memories of first discovering the Internet and how it tied up our phone line 😅
4/2/23
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER
Finally getting around to review the second story in this book. I liked this one. I thought the chocolate covered murder was a good little twist. It pin pointed a suspect that made sense to part of the puzzle but the other part of the puzzle (other murder) was still left up for debate on who it was. I'm not great at solving mysteries but I'm sure anyone could easily solve this one. A fun little read for the valentine's day holiday!
VALENTINE MURDER
This was a fun read! I was trying to read it for Valentine's day this year but I just took longer to finish it because life happens. But every time I picked it back up it was super easy to jump back into without forgetting important details. I love reading cozy murder mysteries. This one was dated back in the 90s and it definitely brought me back to those memories of first discovering the Internet and how it tied up our phone line 😅
4/2/23
CHOCOLATE COVERED MURDER
Finally getting around to review the second story in this book. I liked this one. I thought the chocolate covered murder was a good little twist. It pin pointed a suspect that made sense to part of the puzzle but the other part of the puzzle (other murder) was still left up for debate on who it was. I'm not great at solving mysteries but I'm sure anyone could easily solve this one. A fun little read for the valentine's day holiday!
February 17, 2019
This is a duet volume of two previous Lucy Stone books. It's fun to re-visit Lucy and Bill when they are younger and the children are still at home. In Valentine Murder, Lucy is new to the Library Board of directors and finds the librarian dead before her first meeting. Even Bill gets involved when shoddy construction and padded bills come to light with the new addition. In Chocolate covered murder, Lucy is writing for the PennySaver newspaper and is doing a story on Chanticleer Candy company. When she finds the owner covered in chocolate is a race to see if she can solve the murder before the killer takes out Lucy. These are books 5 and 18 in the Lucy Stone series. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 1, 2019
I'm not sure if the book is being republished or if it is suppose to feel dated. While it is a fun story languages, setting and lingo seemed to date the story pulling readers out of the story. It is two books in one story but for some reason they do not feel as if they are book 1 and 2 but more book 1 and maybe book 4 or 5.
The Toddler in book one is now a teen in the next book. Confusing YES!
Having never read this author before I can't say I am looking forward to reading anymore stories bu her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Kensington for the advance copy of Leslie Meier Valentine Candy Murder
The Toddler in book one is now a teen in the next book. Confusing YES!
Having never read this author before I can't say I am looking forward to reading anymore stories bu her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Kensington for the advance copy of Leslie Meier Valentine Candy Murder
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