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Lucy Stone #25.5 - Yule Log Murder
Yule Log Murder
Fresh-baked cookies, pies, and cakes can warm even the frostiest Christmases in coastal Maine. But there’s little room for holiday cheer when murder is the new seasonal tradition . . .
YULE LOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Lucy Stone is thrilled to be cast as an extra in a festive period film—until the set becomes a murder scene decorated in blood and buttercream icing. Returning to her role as sleuth, Lucy dashes to restore peace to Tinker’s Cove, unwrap a cold-hearted criminal’s MO, and reveal how one ornate Yule log cake could possibly cause so much drama.
DEATH BY YULE LOG by LEE HOLLIS
Hayley Powell’s holidays aren’t off to a very merry start. Not only has her daughter brought Conner—an infuriatingly perfect new beau—home to Bar Harbor, but a local troublemaker has been found dead with traces of her signature Yule log cake on his body. As Conner becomes the prime murder suspect, Hayley must put aside her mixed feelings to identify the real killjoy.
LOGGED ON by BARBARA ROSS
Realizing she can’t make a decent Bûche de Noël to save her life, Julia Snowden enlists the help of her eccentric neighbor, Mrs. St. Onge, in hopes of mastering the dessert for Christmas. With everyone in the old woman’s circle missing or deceased, however, it’s up to Julia to stop the deadly tidings before she’s the next Busman’s Harbor resident to meet a not-so-jolly fate.
Kick back with something sweet and indulge in three bite-sized Yuletide tales too good to resist!
YULE LOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Lucy Stone is thrilled to be cast as an extra in a festive period film—until the set becomes a murder scene decorated in blood and buttercream icing. Returning to her role as sleuth, Lucy dashes to restore peace to Tinker’s Cove, unwrap a cold-hearted criminal’s MO, and reveal how one ornate Yule log cake could possibly cause so much drama.
DEATH BY YULE LOG by LEE HOLLIS
Hayley Powell’s holidays aren’t off to a very merry start. Not only has her daughter brought Conner—an infuriatingly perfect new beau—home to Bar Harbor, but a local troublemaker has been found dead with traces of her signature Yule log cake on his body. As Conner becomes the prime murder suspect, Hayley must put aside her mixed feelings to identify the real killjoy.
LOGGED ON by BARBARA ROSS
Realizing she can’t make a decent Bûche de Noël to save her life, Julia Snowden enlists the help of her eccentric neighbor, Mrs. St. Onge, in hopes of mastering the dessert for Christmas. With everyone in the old woman’s circle missing or deceased, however, it’s up to Julia to stop the deadly tidings before she’s the next Busman’s Harbor resident to meet a not-so-jolly fate.
Kick back with something sweet and indulge in three bite-sized Yuletide tales too good to resist!
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First published October 30, 2018
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About the author
Leslie Meier
66 books2,061 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 254 reviews
November 4, 2023
What a great collection of Christmas stories! We open with Leslie Meier’s tale set in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, where reporter Lucy Stone is sent to cover a story about a movie that’s filming in town around Christmas time and soon witnesses a murder. (And of course, a Yule Log Cake is involved.) Lots of fun Christmas-themed scenes as Lucy’s family comes to town and she has to negotiate extra dogs, baking Christmas cookies, trips to the Nutcracker, in-laws, surprise guests, family squabbles, and more. This was a delightful read.
Next, we have more family fun with Lee Hollis’s story. I haven’t yet read her series, only a few novellas and I’m looking forward to catching up with her cozies set in Bar Harbor. Hayley’s family is also home for Christmas, there are surprise boyfriends, and other surprises, more Yule Log Cakes, and a catering event that goes sour when another murder occurs. The victim was a young man with many shall we say older women friends? As Hayley works to figure out which cougars bite, (there’s also a hilarious scene with her daughter’s boyfriend), this one is a hoot! Finally we have Barbara Ross’s story to close things up and a suspicious case of Yule Log Cakes that may be the source of people mysteriously disappearing. This one was lots of fun!
Next, we have more family fun with Lee Hollis’s story. I haven’t yet read her series, only a few novellas and I’m looking forward to catching up with her cozies set in Bar Harbor. Hayley’s family is also home for Christmas, there are surprise boyfriends, and other surprises, more Yule Log Cakes, and a catering event that goes sour when another murder occurs. The victim was a young man with many shall we say older women friends? As Hayley works to figure out which cougars bite, (there’s also a hilarious scene with her daughter’s boyfriend), this one is a hoot! Finally we have Barbara Ross’s story to close things up and a suspicious case of Yule Log Cakes that may be the source of people mysteriously disappearing. This one was lots of fun!
October 29, 2021
In this collection of three novellas by three different authors, you'll find plenty of holiday mayhem. Although I've read one book by Meier and one by Hollis in the past, I only read the novella in this book by Barbara Ross -- Logged On. I will edit my review in the future when I get to these books in the main series... for now, I could only read this specific one, as I'm current on Ross's series whereas I'm at the beginning of the others.
In Logged On, Julia needs help with baking. She knows an elderly neighbor needs help with errands and friendship. Together, they make a Christmas dessert, except as Julia digs deeper as to why the woman's alone, she realizes many people have died after eating this dessert. Will she be next? Julia discovers the woman's former nurse and her grand nephew have both gone missing. Did someone kill them? What are those mysterious mounds of dirt in the basement? So many possibilities!
What a fun story! I knew from the beginning what was going on, but it was a pleasure to read. I wish I could make this dessert too. It sounds easy, but it's not. Probably would take 3 days. All that said, the mystery is clever. The side stories are brief but keep you immersed in Maine. Another fantastic tale from the author.
In Logged On, Julia needs help with baking. She knows an elderly neighbor needs help with errands and friendship. Together, they make a Christmas dessert, except as Julia digs deeper as to why the woman's alone, she realizes many people have died after eating this dessert. Will she be next? Julia discovers the woman's former nurse and her grand nephew have both gone missing. Did someone kill them? What are those mysterious mounds of dirt in the basement? So many possibilities!
What a fun story! I knew from the beginning what was going on, but it was a pleasure to read. I wish I could make this dessert too. It sounds easy, but it's not. Probably would take 3 days. All that said, the mystery is clever. The side stories are brief but keep you immersed in Maine. Another fantastic tale from the author.
April 14, 2022
Lost interest....
YULE LOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
DEATH BY YULE LOG by LEE HOLLIS
LOGGED ON by BARBARA ROSS
YULE LOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
DEATH BY YULE LOG by LEE HOLLIS
LOGGED ON by BARBARA ROSS
October 31, 2018
This book contains three Christmas mystery novellas by three different mystery authors featuring their main sleuths. Up first is the title story by Leslie Meier as Lucy Stone tries to figure out how a young woman died on the set of a movie being filmed in town. Next comes "Death by Yule Log" by Lee Hollis. In this story, Hayley Powell meets her daughter's new boyfriend. While she is less than impressed with him, she begins to poke around when he is accused of murder. Finally comes "Logged On" by Barbara Ross. Christmas is approaching, and Julia Snowden is determined to make a great yule log to impress her boyfriend's family. She's so desperate she gets help from Mrs. St. Onge, an unpleasant neighbor everyone agrees makes the best yule log cakes around. Only, something seems off. Can Julia figure out what is going on?
Fans of any of these authors will want to pick up this book. All three feature strong mysteries. Each story is around 100 pages, yet still feature some good twists and surprises that kept the pages flying. I did find the characters in the Lucy Stone story annoying, but that is my only complaint with the book. I don't read Lee Hollis, but I am tempted to with how much I enjoyed the story here. I love Barbara Ross's books, so it was fabulous to get another story with them. You'll get plenty of Christmas spirit while reading this book, and each author includes some recipes you can make after you've finished the book, including three different recipes for yule logs.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Fans of any of these authors will want to pick up this book. All three feature strong mysteries. Each story is around 100 pages, yet still feature some good twists and surprises that kept the pages flying. I did find the characters in the Lucy Stone story annoying, but that is my only complaint with the book. I don't read Lee Hollis, but I am tempted to with how much I enjoyed the story here. I love Barbara Ross's books, so it was fabulous to get another story with them. You'll get plenty of Christmas spirit while reading this book, and each author includes some recipes you can make after you've finished the book, including three different recipes for yule logs.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 25, 2022
I chose this as one of my seasonal reads because it's that time of year and if there are snow, holidays and dark deeds, I want to read about it. This has the benefit of being a cozy so there's a bit of fun around the dark doings.
Okay, so to the story I really enjoyed. Hayley's daughter Gemma is home for Christmas with her beau, Conner in tow. He's an actor, he and Gemma are moving in together and Hayley has feelings and opinions. This story also alludes to how Hayley and Bruce became a couple (important because the first book I read with him mentioned he came off as creepy). Liddy Crawford's Christmas party is the most sought-after invitation in Bar Harbor and as Hayley's BFF, Hayley and Gemma pitch in to help when the caterer is overextended. Party crashers arrive and one, in particular, proves to be a problem.
Ryan Toledo is handsy with Gemma, violent with Conner when told to stop and summarily tossed from the party. That he winds up the murder victim would surprise no one. But adding to the list of suspects and possible motives is that Ryan was the town lothario and some of his ladies are married. The guy is so disliked his sparsely attended funeral was notable as his aunt (the only family member to bother dropping in) complained the two-minute sermon was far too long. Yikes. Red herrings abound and that was fun trying to work out what happened. I didn't have the situation sussed out but I did figure out the likeliest. Another bright spot was Hayley's columns for the newspaper. The reflections on her children and Christmases past were delightful. The story about her daughter and her ex-husband building Harvey the snowman reminded me of me and my father. I loved that! The recipes also sparked joy. I will be trying out Dustin's Christmas Morning Cinnamon Muffins and the Snowman Pizza (not this Christmas though).
I liked the first and third stories well enough. I have read other stories that fit this season in that series and enjoyed them. I would read more in the other two series by Leslie Meier (Lucy Stone Mysteries) and Barbara Ross. The best recipe in the book I think has to go to, Barbar Ross's Logged On. It's for Odile St. Onge's Yule Log Cake and has an entire paragraph and a half of warning off anyone who is foolish enough to try making this thing. It's elaborate and takes a series of days so this really is an undertaking. I will be taking the advice and if I want to eat one, will find a baker and place an order. The Jewel Brooch Cookies are much more in the doable and delicious category so I saved that to do at a later time. I think the publisher did a really neat thing grouping these into compendiums as each series is set in Maine. All the snowy, holiday cozy feels. I have a couple more to read after this one.
I borrowed this through my library. Well worth it.
Recommended.
Okay, so to the story I really enjoyed. Hayley's daughter Gemma is home for Christmas with her beau, Conner in tow. He's an actor, he and Gemma are moving in together and Hayley has feelings and opinions. This story also alludes to how Hayley and Bruce became a couple (important because the first book I read with him mentioned he came off as creepy). Liddy Crawford's Christmas party is the most sought-after invitation in Bar Harbor and as Hayley's BFF, Hayley and Gemma pitch in to help when the caterer is overextended. Party crashers arrive and one, in particular, proves to be a problem.
Ryan Toledo is handsy with Gemma, violent with Conner when told to stop and summarily tossed from the party. That he winds up the murder victim would surprise no one. But adding to the list of suspects and possible motives is that Ryan was the town lothario and some of his ladies are married. The guy is so disliked his sparsely attended funeral was notable as his aunt (the only family member to bother dropping in) complained the two-minute sermon was far too long. Yikes. Red herrings abound and that was fun trying to work out what happened. I didn't have the situation sussed out but I did figure out the likeliest. Another bright spot was Hayley's columns for the newspaper. The reflections on her children and Christmases past were delightful. The story about her daughter and her ex-husband building Harvey the snowman reminded me of me and my father. I loved that! The recipes also sparked joy. I will be trying out Dustin's Christmas Morning Cinnamon Muffins and the Snowman Pizza (not this Christmas though).
I liked the first and third stories well enough. I have read other stories that fit this season in that series and enjoyed them. I would read more in the other two series by Leslie Meier (Lucy Stone Mysteries) and Barbara Ross. The best recipe in the book I think has to go to, Barbar Ross's Logged On. It's for Odile St. Onge's Yule Log Cake and has an entire paragraph and a half of warning off anyone who is foolish enough to try making this thing. It's elaborate and takes a series of days so this really is an undertaking. I will be taking the advice and if I want to eat one, will find a baker and place an order. The Jewel Brooch Cookies are much more in the doable and delicious category so I saved that to do at a later time. I think the publisher did a really neat thing grouping these into compendiums as each series is set in Maine. All the snowy, holiday cozy feels. I have a couple more to read after this one.
I borrowed this through my library. Well worth it.
Recommended.
November 8, 2018
This book contains three Christmas mystery novellas by three different mystery authors that I love, featuring their main characters and a Yule Log. Up first is the title story by Leslie Meier as Lucy Stone tries to figure out how a young woman died on the set of a movie being filmed in town. Next comes "Death by Yule Log" by Lee Hollis. In this story, Hayley Powell meets her daughter's new boyfriend. While she is less than impressed with him, she begins to poke around when he is accused of murder. Finally comes "Logged On" by Barbara Ross. Christmas is approaching, and Julia Snowden is determined to make a great yule log, so seeks help from Mrs. St. Onge, an unpleasant neighbor everyone agrees makes the best yule log cakes around. All her relatives seemed to have died at Christmas and others in her life are missing. Can Julia solve this mystery?
This is a nice anthology featuring three strong mysteries. The stories are not long, but the authors managed to write some good stories with a few twists and turns. I think I liked Death By Yule Log the best, but all were enjoyable. You do not need to read the series these stories are connected to in order to enjoy them, but if you do, you will recognize many of the same characters. The Yule Log Murder is an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit. Despite all the tales using a yule log, each one had an entirely different spin on the plot. You'll get plenty of Christmas spirit while reading this book, and each author includes some recipes you can make after you've finished the book, including three different recipes for yule logs. The publisher, Kensington Publishing Corporation, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This is a nice anthology featuring three strong mysteries. The stories are not long, but the authors managed to write some good stories with a few twists and turns. I think I liked Death By Yule Log the best, but all were enjoyable. You do not need to read the series these stories are connected to in order to enjoy them, but if you do, you will recognize many of the same characters. The Yule Log Murder is an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit. Despite all the tales using a yule log, each one had an entirely different spin on the plot. You'll get plenty of Christmas spirit while reading this book, and each author includes some recipes you can make after you've finished the book, including three different recipes for yule logs. The publisher, Kensington Publishing Corporation, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
November 26, 2022
News has broken that a major Hollywood movie is going to be filmed just outside of town, and many of the townspeople are going to be used as extras. Lucy manages to snag one of those spots, but her joy turns to sorrow when a young woman dies on the set. The police seem quick to settle on a killer, but Lucy suspects that something else is going on. Can she figure things out?
I must admit that I haven't read many of Lucy's adventures, sticking mainly to the novellas featuring this character and her family. As a result, I don't have the history with Lucy's family that long time series readers do. That may be why I found them annoying. The mystery itself was very strong, however, with a solution I didn't see coming.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Yule Log Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I must admit that I haven't read many of Lucy's adventures, sticking mainly to the novellas featuring this character and her family. As a result, I don't have the history with Lucy's family that long time series readers do. That may be why I found them annoying. The mystery itself was very strong, however, with a solution I didn't see coming.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Yule Log Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 19, 2022
Three great stories.
March 10, 2023
This book contains 3 short stories. The first was a little hard to initially get into, but it grew on me. The second was better and I loved the third. Mystery and Christmas, all about Yule logs.
January 21, 2019
My nine-year-old son insisted on buying me this book for my birthday (the day after Christmas.) My husband tried to talk him out of it, knowing this isn't my usual thing but my son insisted, telling my husband "she loves the Yule log and she loves murder, it's perfect!" (Let me clarify a minute here, every December I enjoy torturing my children by putting the Yule Log on TV. I also enjoy listening to true crime podcasts which n his head has morphed into me loving murder.) He was so proud of himself for coming up with what he viewed as the perfect gift so obviously, I had to read it.
The book is a collection of three novellas, each featuring characters that star in their own series. The fact that I've never read any of the other books in the series didn't really matter too much. Each novella worked as a standalone story. All three stories are set in Maine and feature a Yule Log (the cake, not the virtual fireplace) in some way or another.
#1 Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meierthis one was about Lucy Stone, a reporter for the Pennysaver Newspaper. Leslie Meier has written over 25 books featuring Lucy Stone, all with names like "Valentine Murder" and "Christmas Cookie Murder." In this story, Lucy is cast as an extra in a film being made in a local mansion. When one of the kitchen staff is found dead with Yule Log frosting all over her sweater, Lucy sets out to solve the mystery. I don't usually read cozy mysteries (ok, I basically never read them) so I was a little taken aback by the super neat way it all wrapped up but I guess that's what sort of what makes it cozy. If things didn't wrap up neatly how would the people of Tinker's Cove, Maine ever relax again? I did laugh out loud when Lucy confronted the killer and instead of a denial got the response "how did you figure it out?" While Lucy is trying to solve the murder she is also dealing with a minor conflict in her family but that too wraps up nicely by the end. Finally, at the very end, we get a recipe for the Yule Log cake featured in the book.
#2 Death By Yule Log by Lee Hollis-Hayley Powell is the heroine of Lee Hollis' series-"Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery." These 11 novels have names like "Death of a Kitchen Diva" and "Death of a Coupon Clipper." Hayley is a food and cocktails columnist and single mother looking forward to celebrating the holidays with her college-age children. When her son gets snowed in and her daughter comes home with her too-perfect boyfriend and announces they are moving in together, Hayley realizes this may not be the holiday she imagined. To make things worse, a local bad boy is found dead with traces of Hayley's famous Yule Log on his clothes and Hayley suspects her daughter's boyfriend may have something to do with it. Again, we get a nice, neat ending here that allows everyone in Bar Harbor to rest easy but I liked this on a bit more than "Yule Log Murder."
#3 Logged On by Barbara Ross-Julia Snowden works for her family's clambake business in Busman's Harbor, Maine and is the heroine of Ross' Maine Clambake Mystery series. I think this series has my favorite titles, "Clammed Up," "Boiled Over, " and "Musseled Out" to name a few. Julia is determined to make the perfect Buche de Noel and she decides to enlist the help of her cranky neighbor Mrs. St.Onge whose Buche de Noel is a thing of legend. As Julia bakes with Mrs. St. Onge she learns that almost everyone the old woman knows is either missing or dead and she starts to worry that she'll be next. It wasn't too hard to see the end of this one coming and once again, we get a nice, neat, feel-good ending.
All in all these stories made me think of watching "Murder She Wrote" with my grandmother. While I can't quite see myself reading cozy mysteries on the regular I do sort of get their appeal. Everything wraps up well, the murders sort of happen by accident, and you're not left with the feeling that the world is full of horrible people. These would be a nice break in between some of the darker crime stuff I read. I'll have to let my son pick my books more often.
The book is a collection of three novellas, each featuring characters that star in their own series. The fact that I've never read any of the other books in the series didn't really matter too much. Each novella worked as a standalone story. All three stories are set in Maine and feature a Yule Log (the cake, not the virtual fireplace) in some way or another.
#1 Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meierthis one was about Lucy Stone, a reporter for the Pennysaver Newspaper. Leslie Meier has written over 25 books featuring Lucy Stone, all with names like "Valentine Murder" and "Christmas Cookie Murder." In this story, Lucy is cast as an extra in a film being made in a local mansion. When one of the kitchen staff is found dead with Yule Log frosting all over her sweater, Lucy sets out to solve the mystery. I don't usually read cozy mysteries (ok, I basically never read them) so I was a little taken aback by the super neat way it all wrapped up but I guess that's what sort of what makes it cozy. If things didn't wrap up neatly how would the people of Tinker's Cove, Maine ever relax again? I did laugh out loud when Lucy confronted the killer and instead of a denial got the response "how did you figure it out?" While Lucy is trying to solve the murder she is also dealing with a minor conflict in her family but that too wraps up nicely by the end. Finally, at the very end, we get a recipe for the Yule Log cake featured in the book.
#2 Death By Yule Log by Lee Hollis-Hayley Powell is the heroine of Lee Hollis' series-"Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery." These 11 novels have names like "Death of a Kitchen Diva" and "Death of a Coupon Clipper." Hayley is a food and cocktails columnist and single mother looking forward to celebrating the holidays with her college-age children. When her son gets snowed in and her daughter comes home with her too-perfect boyfriend and announces they are moving in together, Hayley realizes this may not be the holiday she imagined. To make things worse, a local bad boy is found dead with traces of Hayley's famous Yule Log on his clothes and Hayley suspects her daughter's boyfriend may have something to do with it. Again, we get a nice, neat ending here that allows everyone in Bar Harbor to rest easy but I liked this on a bit more than "Yule Log Murder."
#3 Logged On by Barbara Ross-Julia Snowden works for her family's clambake business in Busman's Harbor, Maine and is the heroine of Ross' Maine Clambake Mystery series. I think this series has my favorite titles, "Clammed Up," "Boiled Over, " and "Musseled Out" to name a few. Julia is determined to make the perfect Buche de Noel and she decides to enlist the help of her cranky neighbor Mrs. St.Onge whose Buche de Noel is a thing of legend. As Julia bakes with Mrs. St. Onge she learns that almost everyone the old woman knows is either missing or dead and she starts to worry that she'll be next. It wasn't too hard to see the end of this one coming and once again, we get a nice, neat, feel-good ending.
All in all these stories made me think of watching "Murder She Wrote" with my grandmother. While I can't quite see myself reading cozy mysteries on the regular I do sort of get their appeal. Everything wraps up well, the murders sort of happen by accident, and you're not left with the feeling that the world is full of horrible people. These would be a nice break in between some of the darker crime stuff I read. I'll have to let my son pick my books more often.
October 31, 2018
In this fun Christmas Cozy we have three authors who deliver on some great mysteries. I read all three authors and love the series that they write. In this wonderful compilation you'll first meet Lucy Stone who is happy that her grandson is there to spend Christmas with her but what also has her excited is being an extra in a film that is being shot at a local home. When one of the workers is murdered Lucy finds someone standing over the body with a knife, but did they do it? In the second story Hayley isn't sure how she feels about the boy that her daughter brought home, there is just something about him that rubs her the wrong way. She also hates that her son in snowed in at his fathers and won't be home for the holidays. While at a party an uninvited guest causes a scene and is later found dead. Who would want to kill such a young man and why? Could he really have that many enemies at his age? During the third story Julia wants to learn how to make a Yule Log so her mother suggests she seek out the help of an elderly neighbor who was at one time know for the dessert. Julia gets the older woman to help but during the process she realizes quite a few people have ended up dead around the woman. Is something sinister going on with her or is it all just a fluke? To learn what happens with each of these main characters and their stories jump right in and enjoy the mystery of it all.
November 18, 2018
YULE LOG MURDER is an anthology comprised of three authors, Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross. I was really excited to see another holiday anthology because last year when I tried it, I discovered Lee Hollis, who has become one of my favorite Cozy Mystery authors now. So seeing their name here again made me very excited. It’s always nice to try these books because you can get a feel of an author’s writing style, especially since these novellas are part of their larger series.
Leslie Meier is quite popular with her Lucy Stone series. I have read her before, but I haven’t actually tried a full length novel from her yet. They have all been novellas so far (and holiday ones) so this was a great reminder to try out the rest of the series.
Barbara Ross was an author that I never tried before but I have been eyeing up for some time now, so when I saw that her story was included here, I was excited to give it a shot. I also enjoyed her story. But what’s unique about this collection is that although they all have to do with Yule log, every story is very different from one another.
Lastly, there is Lee Hollis, whose story was my favorite of the bunch. I adored this story and the holiday vibe. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes food and Cozy Mysteries with some charm and humor.
All in all, this anthology is definitely worth the read. I loved all the food references and the holiday theme. It’s perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit!
April 23, 2024
As you can see from my progress update I did not care for the first story but the second and third were fantastic !!! I’m glad I read this as I don’t usually like short stories but I found two new authors because of it that I will continue to read.
January 1, 2019
Another fabulous Christmas anthology from wonderful cozy mystery authors Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross.
I was going to review each story in this book separately, and I do have a favorite of the three, but the overall anthology was so good, I have decided to give my thought on the overall volume. Meier, Hollis, and Ross have once again given readers a Christmas treat with, YULE LOG MURDER.
I read this holiday delight over the course of two days. I hated putting it down! Each story in this anthology, YULE LOG MURDER, DEATH BY YULE LOG, and LOGGED ON, is a cleverly written mystery, packed with more twists and turns than you’ll find on a candy cane. Each author penned their respective tale with intrigue, fun, and the Christmas spirit. Oh, and recipes!
YULE LOG MURDER is the prefect present under any reader’s tree!
I was going to review each story in this book separately, and I do have a favorite of the three, but the overall anthology was so good, I have decided to give my thought on the overall volume. Meier, Hollis, and Ross have once again given readers a Christmas treat with, YULE LOG MURDER.
I read this holiday delight over the course of two days. I hated putting it down! Each story in this anthology, YULE LOG MURDER, DEATH BY YULE LOG, and LOGGED ON, is a cleverly written mystery, packed with more twists and turns than you’ll find on a candy cane. Each author penned their respective tale with intrigue, fun, and the Christmas spirit. Oh, and recipes!
YULE LOG MURDER is the prefect present under any reader’s tree!
January 5, 2019
First, thanks to #NetGalley & #Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this one! I love Christmas themed cozies and a visit with Lucy Stone at Christmas time is always welcome! I enjoy reading about her family and how they all grow and change. My least favorite was the Hayley Powell story. I've never warmed up to this character, so while this wasn't a bad read for me, it wasn't really good either. I also enjoy Barbara Ross' Maine Clambake series and particularly like Ms. St. Onge. In this one she's helping Julia master the art of the Buche de Noel. If you are a fan of one or all of these series, you'll want to read this one!
November 16, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
YULE LOG MURDER is an anthology comprised of three authors, Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross. I was really excited to see another holiday anthology because last year when I tried it, I discovered Lee Hollis, who has become one of my favorite Cozy Mystery authors now. So seeing their name here again made me very excited. It’s always nice to try these books because you can get a feel of an author’s writing style, especially since these novellas are part of their larger series.
Leslie Meier is quite popular with her Lucy Stone series. I have read her before, but I haven’t actually tried a full length novel from her yet. They have all been novellas so far (and holiday ones) so this was a great reminder to try out the rest of the series.
Barbara Ross was an author that I never tried before but I have been eyeing up for some time now, so when I saw that her story was included here, I was excited to give it a shot. I also enjoyed her story. But what’s unique about this collection is that although they all have to do with Yule log, every story is very different from one another.
Lastly, there is Lee Hollis, whose story was my favorite of the bunch. I adored this story and the holiday vibe. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes food and Cozy Mysteries with some charm and humor.
All in all, this anthology is definitely worth the read. I loved all the food references and the holiday theme. It’s perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 8, 2020
Note: I only read the novella by Barbara Ross, as it is part of the Maine Clambake Mysteries series, which I read and enjoy. I have abandoned both the series by Lee Hollis and by Leslie Meier, so I skipped those contributions to this collection. I am also going to break from my usual review format and just discuss the novella.
Logged On (Maine Clambake Mysteries):
When I read a holiday novella, especially one that is themed to Christmas, this is exactly what I look for. Fun, festive, mysterious…but still a bit lighter than the typical fare of even a cozy mystery. This fit the bill to the letter. I did not want to put it down and I was enthralled with watching the details come together. My one and only complaint has *nothing* to do with the story at all: Goodreads has the order of the series listed by the published-date, which does not match up with the timeline taking place in the series. As of this morning, I have contacted the author to point this out to her and see if she would have Goodreads rearrange the series to match the chronology in the books. This is only an issue because she is so very consistent in weaving the story between books and there are some details that come to light at the end of Steamed Open that make some details at the end of Logged On seem as though they came out of left field…and I suspect that if I’d read Sealed Off first (as well as the Halloween novella), I might have not been so confused.
Logged On (Maine Clambake Mysteries):
When I read a holiday novella, especially one that is themed to Christmas, this is exactly what I look for. Fun, festive, mysterious…but still a bit lighter than the typical fare of even a cozy mystery. This fit the bill to the letter. I did not want to put it down and I was enthralled with watching the details come together. My one and only complaint has *nothing* to do with the story at all: Goodreads has the order of the series listed by the published-date, which does not match up with the timeline taking place in the series. As of this morning, I have contacted the author to point this out to her and see if she would have Goodreads rearrange the series to match the chronology in the books. This is only an issue because she is so very consistent in weaving the story between books and there are some details that come to light at the end of Steamed Open that make some details at the end of Logged On seem as though they came out of left field…and I suspect that if I’d read Sealed Off first (as well as the Halloween novella), I might have not been so confused.
November 6, 2018
Yule Log Murder contains three short cozy mysteries by Lucy Stone, Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis. Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier takes us to Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Lucy is playing an extra in the period film, Guinevere being filmed at Pine Point. Lucy finds it tedious until the cook’s assistant is found dead smothered in pink icing from a yule log and a knife to the stomach. When Phyllis Lundquist’s relative is arrested for the crime, Lucy is tasked with finding the culprit. She must work in her sleuthing in between working at the paper, her role in the film and the final preparations for Christmas. Lucy gets an early Christmas present when her son, Patrick and his family arrive to celebrate the holidays. Surprise turns to shock when she encounters their new pit bull, Skittles and hears their unexpected news. Spending time on the set tracking down a killer sounds like a welcome escape to Lucy.
Lee Hollis entertains readers with Death by Yule in Bar Harbor, Maine. Hayley Powell’s holidays are not starting off as planned when her son, Dustin becomes snowed in with his father. Her daughter, Gemma arrives with her new actor boyfriend, Conner who seems too perfect. They attend Liddy’s annual Christmas party which has a significant number of party crashers including local bad boy, Ryan Toledo. After an altercation between Ryan and Conner over Gemma, Ryan is escorted out of the party. A few hours later, Ryan is found in the woods near Liddy’s house with remnants of one of Hayley’s Yule logs on his body. Connor is at the top of the suspect list and a distressed Gemma asks Hayley to clear his name. Which resident of Bar Harbor is getting an orange jumpsuit for Christmas?
Logged On by Barbara Ross is set in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Julia Snowden wants to start her own Christmas tradition and she has decided it will be a Buche de Noel (oh dear). Julia is not going to let the fact she cannot make a decent one stop her. Julia’s mother suggests she consult their crusty neighbor, Mrs. Odile St. Onge. The baking lessons begin, and they give Julia a chance to learn more about the reclusive woman. Julia has noticed that Mrs. St. Onge’s caregiver quit showing up recently along with her grand-nephew which leaves the older woman without assistance. She decides to investigate the matter, and Julia is dismayed when she learns that Mrs. St. Onge has had a few relatives pass away during the holidays after eating her Buche de Noel. The more Julia learns the more alarmed she becomes. Julia is determined to get answers, but she is wary of becoming the next victim.
Yule Log Murder contains three entertaining cozy mysteries. While the three tales are part of existing series, you can read them as standalones. I enjoyed visiting some of my favorite characters during the holiday season. Yule logs are woven into each story. While these delectable cakes are beautiful, they are not easy to make. There are friendly characters, charming small towns, holiday cheer and mysteries in each novella. All three are well-written with steady pacing and good flow. I was a little surprised by what is happening with Patrick Stone’s family in Yule Log Murder. They are not as I remember them, and I hope we see significant changes before they appear in the series again (I know I am being vague, but I do not want to spoil it for you). All three mysteries have humor, but I found myself laughing more at Julia’s antics in Logged On. All three crimes can easily be solved, but they are still pleasing to read (I stayed up very late finishing this collection). I am giving Yule Log Murder 4 out of 5 stars. Find yourself a comfy chair to relax in while reading the diverting and merry novellas in Yule Log Murder.
Lee Hollis entertains readers with Death by Yule in Bar Harbor, Maine. Hayley Powell’s holidays are not starting off as planned when her son, Dustin becomes snowed in with his father. Her daughter, Gemma arrives with her new actor boyfriend, Conner who seems too perfect. They attend Liddy’s annual Christmas party which has a significant number of party crashers including local bad boy, Ryan Toledo. After an altercation between Ryan and Conner over Gemma, Ryan is escorted out of the party. A few hours later, Ryan is found in the woods near Liddy’s house with remnants of one of Hayley’s Yule logs on his body. Connor is at the top of the suspect list and a distressed Gemma asks Hayley to clear his name. Which resident of Bar Harbor is getting an orange jumpsuit for Christmas?
Logged On by Barbara Ross is set in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Julia Snowden wants to start her own Christmas tradition and she has decided it will be a Buche de Noel (oh dear). Julia is not going to let the fact she cannot make a decent one stop her. Julia’s mother suggests she consult their crusty neighbor, Mrs. Odile St. Onge. The baking lessons begin, and they give Julia a chance to learn more about the reclusive woman. Julia has noticed that Mrs. St. Onge’s caregiver quit showing up recently along with her grand-nephew which leaves the older woman without assistance. She decides to investigate the matter, and Julia is dismayed when she learns that Mrs. St. Onge has had a few relatives pass away during the holidays after eating her Buche de Noel. The more Julia learns the more alarmed she becomes. Julia is determined to get answers, but she is wary of becoming the next victim.
Yule Log Murder contains three entertaining cozy mysteries. While the three tales are part of existing series, you can read them as standalones. I enjoyed visiting some of my favorite characters during the holiday season. Yule logs are woven into each story. While these delectable cakes are beautiful, they are not easy to make. There are friendly characters, charming small towns, holiday cheer and mysteries in each novella. All three are well-written with steady pacing and good flow. I was a little surprised by what is happening with Patrick Stone’s family in Yule Log Murder. They are not as I remember them, and I hope we see significant changes before they appear in the series again (I know I am being vague, but I do not want to spoil it for you). All three mysteries have humor, but I found myself laughing more at Julia’s antics in Logged On. All three crimes can easily be solved, but they are still pleasing to read (I stayed up very late finishing this collection). I am giving Yule Log Murder 4 out of 5 stars. Find yourself a comfy chair to relax in while reading the diverting and merry novellas in Yule Log Murder.
October 21, 2018
I won this book from a Good Reads "First Reads" Giveaway and I am so glad that I did! This book will be published on October 30, 2018.
This collection of Christmas cozy mysteries by three new to me authors was a great opportunity for me to get to know their writing styles and characters.
Overall I enjoyed the collection and the two main themes that tied all three stories together: those of "A Yule Log Cake" and "Christmas in Maine." Recipes and letters from each author are included at the end of each story.
By far, my favorite story is the third one by Barbara Ross called "Logged On." I really enjoyed this cozy, slow paced, gentle mystery that did not actually contain a murder but there was a mystery of missing people. Throughout the story, sleuth Julia Snowden, is learning to make a "Buche de Noel" or Yule Log Cake from her Mother's older and very seemingly sinister neighbor, Mrs. St. Onge. I really enjoyed the lesson in making this cake as well as the lesson that never gets old- that of not judging others. This story ended up being very heart warming while the whole story was just glowing with Christmas.
My next favorite story was "Yule Log Murder" by Leslie Meier and features sleuth Lucy Stone who is a mother, grandmother, and newspaper writer. In this story, Lucy works as an extra on a film during Christmas when there is murder on the set involving a peppermint flavored yule log cake. This story was interesting because I was able to get to know Lucy, her family, and the other main characters in her town as she set out to solve the murder. The side story of family issues in her son's marriage also kept my interest.
The third story in this collection was a good mystery by Lee Hollis but the characters and writing style did not suit me very well. This is not to say that sleuth Hayley Powell won't be to many people's liking but she just wasn't to my liking. In this story, food columnist Hayley's daughter's new boyfriend is accused of murdering a guy who plays around with women. I was not very interested in single mother Hayley's personal life or her family dynamics which were very cliche to me (fighting with ex-husband, teenage son happy to eat junk food with ex. etc.).
All in all, I enjoyed this collection and I will look for more books by both Barbara Ross and Leslie Meier!
This collection of Christmas cozy mysteries by three new to me authors was a great opportunity for me to get to know their writing styles and characters.
Overall I enjoyed the collection and the two main themes that tied all three stories together: those of "A Yule Log Cake" and "Christmas in Maine." Recipes and letters from each author are included at the end of each story.
By far, my favorite story is the third one by Barbara Ross called "Logged On." I really enjoyed this cozy, slow paced, gentle mystery that did not actually contain a murder but there was a mystery of missing people. Throughout the story, sleuth Julia Snowden, is learning to make a "Buche de Noel" or Yule Log Cake from her Mother's older and very seemingly sinister neighbor, Mrs. St. Onge. I really enjoyed the lesson in making this cake as well as the lesson that never gets old- that of not judging others. This story ended up being very heart warming while the whole story was just glowing with Christmas.
My next favorite story was "Yule Log Murder" by Leslie Meier and features sleuth Lucy Stone who is a mother, grandmother, and newspaper writer. In this story, Lucy works as an extra on a film during Christmas when there is murder on the set involving a peppermint flavored yule log cake. This story was interesting because I was able to get to know Lucy, her family, and the other main characters in her town as she set out to solve the murder. The side story of family issues in her son's marriage also kept my interest.
The third story in this collection was a good mystery by Lee Hollis but the characters and writing style did not suit me very well. This is not to say that sleuth Hayley Powell won't be to many people's liking but she just wasn't to my liking. In this story, food columnist Hayley's daughter's new boyfriend is accused of murdering a guy who plays around with women. I was not very interested in single mother Hayley's personal life or her family dynamics which were very cliche to me (fighting with ex-husband, teenage son happy to eat junk food with ex. etc.).
All in all, I enjoyed this collection and I will look for more books by both Barbara Ross and Leslie Meier!
August 28, 2018
What a pleasure it was to spend time with some of my favorite friends in Yule Log Murder.
Each story was well told and had plenty of excitement and holiday cheer.
I don't want to choose a favorite story as each of these authors are on my top 10 favorite list.
Lucy Stone has been a long time favorite character and I never tire of reading about her and the family.
Lucy gets involved in another murder investigation and at the same time is dealing with some challenging family issues.
Haley Powell is back writing her food column and struggling with having adult children. This was a quick, fun mystery that kept me quickly turning the pages.
Julia Snowden returns in a fun cozy story, that really kept me guessing. I was honestly not expecting things to turn out as they did, so it was a great ending to the story.
I recommend this to cozy mystery fans. I will probably read this book again at the holidays.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Each story was well told and had plenty of excitement and holiday cheer.
I don't want to choose a favorite story as each of these authors are on my top 10 favorite list.
Lucy Stone has been a long time favorite character and I never tire of reading about her and the family.
Lucy gets involved in another murder investigation and at the same time is dealing with some challenging family issues.
Haley Powell is back writing her food column and struggling with having adult children. This was a quick, fun mystery that kept me quickly turning the pages.
Julia Snowden returns in a fun cozy story, that really kept me guessing. I was honestly not expecting things to turn out as they did, so it was a great ending to the story.
I recommend this to cozy mystery fans. I will probably read this book again at the holidays.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
January 12, 2019
What a wonderful surprise! 3 yule log short stories to keep the holiday mysteries properly running on track. While I love Lisa Meier stories, this was a fun idea for a change.
Lucy is going to be in a movie! But, anywhere you find Lucy, you find a murder waiting to be solved. As always, she gets herself in hot water then manages to get out while fingering the bad guy. A quick who done it with a uniquely Lucy twist.
Now the rest...both stories are written close to the same style as Lisa Meier's books. They take the reader on a fun ride through small town crime scenes that need an imaginative person to solve the yule log mysteries.
I wasn't expecting short stories but I'm not unhappy with these 3. Cozy mysteries all, you'll finish them satisfied that the murderer got what he deserved in the end!
Lucy is going to be in a movie! But, anywhere you find Lucy, you find a murder waiting to be solved. As always, she gets herself in hot water then manages to get out while fingering the bad guy. A quick who done it with a uniquely Lucy twist.
Now the rest...both stories are written close to the same style as Lisa Meier's books. They take the reader on a fun ride through small town crime scenes that need an imaginative person to solve the yule log mysteries.
I wasn't expecting short stories but I'm not unhappy with these 3. Cozy mysteries all, you'll finish them satisfied that the murderer got what he deserved in the end!
February 5, 2019
*I only read the Leslie Meier story because I’m a huge Lucy Stone Fan- will read the other two at Christmas time.*
A lot of things were left up in the air. I know it’s just a seasonal novella, but so many questions were raised about Molly and Toby and I really hope Leslie answers them in the next book. No surprise, they were both pretty rude to Lucy, which always frustrates me. It’s so fun, though, to see the evolution of Lucy from young mother to now grandmother trying to adapt to the modern ideas of child-raising. Thankfully, Bill was only a misogynistic pig once- most of the book he was actually pretty helpful and supportive. And Sara and Zoe were really sweet daughters in this one.
Also we were reintroduced to Juliette (VV’s granddaughter), but left her without explanation while she seems to be in quite a pickle.
3/5 for the unfinished business. Can’t wait for the next book, though!
A lot of things were left up in the air. I know it’s just a seasonal novella, but so many questions were raised about Molly and Toby and I really hope Leslie answers them in the next book. No surprise, they were both pretty rude to Lucy, which always frustrates me. It’s so fun, though, to see the evolution of Lucy from young mother to now grandmother trying to adapt to the modern ideas of child-raising. Thankfully, Bill was only a misogynistic pig once- most of the book he was actually pretty helpful and supportive. And Sara and Zoe were really sweet daughters in this one.
Also we were reintroduced to Juliette (VV’s granddaughter), but left her without explanation while she seems to be in quite a pickle.
3/5 for the unfinished business. Can’t wait for the next book, though!
November 10, 2018
This book is comprised of novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross all of whom I think are good cozy mystery writers.
I thought it was the next Lucy Stone mystery when I started it from the cover and I usually read the Lucy Stone books.
I was frankly disappointed. I think it was a book published for commercial purposes for books that didn't flesh out into novels. I enjoy Christmas stories and cozies but this one just didn't resonate.
I thought it was the next Lucy Stone mystery when I started it from the cover and I usually read the Lucy Stone books.
I was frankly disappointed. I think it was a book published for commercial purposes for books that didn't flesh out into novels. I enjoy Christmas stories and cozies but this one just didn't resonate.
March 27, 2025
Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier -This was a great murder mystery, I enjoy Lucy Stone Mysteries.
Death by Yule Log by Lee Hollis- This Christmas Murder Mystery was really fun to read and try to figure out who did it.
Logged On- by Barbara Ross- All three books were so different and good in their own way.
Death by Yule Log by Lee Hollis- This Christmas Murder Mystery was really fun to read and try to figure out who did it.
Logged On- by Barbara Ross- All three books were so different and good in their own way.
September 30, 2019
Really, 4+ stars? Lucy's husband whines. The murder gets solved suddenly, as if the author had reached her allotted page limit, and her daughter-in-law changes her mind because the dog needs her!!!!
October 21, 2018
This collection of short stories by some of the best cozy mystery writers is just in time for the upcoming holidays! Three novellas are included in this volume and each story features a mystery with a Yule Log as a centerpiece. Because these are short stories, they go by fast but set a great tone for the holiday season. Each author brings characters into their short stories from their popular series, but you don't necessarily have to be familiar with the characters to appreciate the writing. I was pleased to see the release of another compilation from this publisher as I have been quite fond of the previous holiday story collections released. Don't miss out on the newest collection - you will be pleased - so pull up your favorite blanket, cup of hot cocoa and let this book set the scene for this years holiday season!
December 19, 2019
This book is a collection of three Christmas related mysteries by three great cozy mystery authors. I have read a Halloween themed collection by these three authors and loved it, but this one predates that and maybe I just didn't have as much of a connection to the characters here. The Lucy Stone (Leslie Meier author) story was my favorite, but that is also the only series that I am familiar with so it was easier for me to connect to the characters and the story. I think these would work well if you were familiar with the characters and setting more, because I don't know that they came through as strongly. Overall some nice quick holiday reads.
August 6, 2021
I love these mini stories! I am already a huge fan of Lee Hollis & Barbara Ross, now I am warming up to the series by Leslie Meier as well.
October 25, 2018
Three novellas in bestselling cozy mystery series all involving yule logs and set in the Christmas season are told in the Yule Log Murder.
The Yule Log Murder is part of the Lucy Stone series. An assistant on a movie shoot is killed while transporting a yule log. It includes the recipe for the yule log at the end of the story.
In Death by Yule Log, the obnoxious boyfriend of the daughter of Hayley Powell is suspected of bludgeoning someone to death with a frozen yule log. The recipes included sound yummy. They are:
• Mom’s Christmas Morning Cocktail
• Dustin’s Christmas Morning Cinnamon Muffins
• Gemma’s Hot Chocolate
• Mom’s Special Hot Chocolate (adds vodka and peppermint schnapps to Gemma’s recipe above)
• Randy’s Crock-Pot Mulled Wine
• Hayley’s Christmas Yule Log
Logged On tells the story of elderly Mrs. St. Onge, whose complicated Buche de Noel (yule log in French), is suspected of poisoning multiple people in the town. This tale is part of the Maine Clambake Mystery series. It includes the recipe for the Buche de Noel plus a warning by the author to find a professional baker to make the complicated recipe. The author helpfully includes an easy recipe for Jewel Brooch Cookies for those of us that are not professional bakers.
While I enjoyed all three stories, Logged On was my favorite because of its unusual plot. I liked it so much that I am beginning to read the Maine Clambake mysteries beginning with Steamed Open to be published on December 18, 2018. Many people read cozy food mysteries for the recipes. The recipes in Death by Yule Log are much more likely to appear on my Christmas table. Lucy Stone is one of my favorite characters. I feel like I am growing up (or old?) with her family and friends.
The Yule Log Murder is an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit. Despite all the tales using a yule log, each one had an entirely different spin on the plot. It is recommended to cozy readers looking for a few light evening reads. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an advance copy.
The Yule Log Murder is part of the Lucy Stone series. An assistant on a movie shoot is killed while transporting a yule log. It includes the recipe for the yule log at the end of the story.
In Death by Yule Log, the obnoxious boyfriend of the daughter of Hayley Powell is suspected of bludgeoning someone to death with a frozen yule log. The recipes included sound yummy. They are:
• Mom’s Christmas Morning Cocktail
• Dustin’s Christmas Morning Cinnamon Muffins
• Gemma’s Hot Chocolate
• Mom’s Special Hot Chocolate (adds vodka and peppermint schnapps to Gemma’s recipe above)
• Randy’s Crock-Pot Mulled Wine
• Hayley’s Christmas Yule Log
Logged On tells the story of elderly Mrs. St. Onge, whose complicated Buche de Noel (yule log in French), is suspected of poisoning multiple people in the town. This tale is part of the Maine Clambake Mystery series. It includes the recipe for the Buche de Noel plus a warning by the author to find a professional baker to make the complicated recipe. The author helpfully includes an easy recipe for Jewel Brooch Cookies for those of us that are not professional bakers.
While I enjoyed all three stories, Logged On was my favorite because of its unusual plot. I liked it so much that I am beginning to read the Maine Clambake mysteries beginning with Steamed Open to be published on December 18, 2018. Many people read cozy food mysteries for the recipes. The recipes in Death by Yule Log are much more likely to appear on my Christmas table. Lucy Stone is one of my favorite characters. I feel like I am growing up (or old?) with her family and friends.
The Yule Log Murder is an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit. Despite all the tales using a yule log, each one had an entirely different spin on the plot. It is recommended to cozy readers looking for a few light evening reads. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an advance copy.
October 28, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this set of cozy mysteries.
The first short novel is a Lucy Stone story. A movie is being made in Tinker's Cove and Lucy is an extra. One of the catering staff is murdered and the main cook is a suspect. Lucy and her friend Sue get talked into doing the catering for the movie staff, even though Lucy has a house full of guests (her son and his wife and son).
The second story also takes place in Maine, in Bar Harbor. Halley is a mother of two and a food writer for the local newspaper. She also makes and gifts Yule Logs for many people in town. A young man is murdered in the woods with a some of the yule log in his stomach and bludgeoned to death with an actual wooden yule log. Again, the murderer meekly turns himself in.
In the third story, Julia wants to learn to make a French Canadian Buche de Noel, and her mother's reclusive neighbour is willing to show her how. Julia gets concerned that the old lady's elder care assistant and her nephew have both gone missing. Is the old lady a killer, poisoning them with her cooking? This was my favourite book of the three stories, completely light and enjoyable.
These three stories all involve food and Christmas and take place in Maine. I enjoyed them.
The first short novel is a Lucy Stone story. A movie is being made in Tinker's Cove and Lucy is an extra. One of the catering staff is murdered and the main cook is a suspect. Lucy and her friend Sue get talked into doing the catering for the movie staff, even though Lucy has a house full of guests (her son and his wife and son).
The second story also takes place in Maine, in Bar Harbor. Halley is a mother of two and a food writer for the local newspaper. She also makes and gifts Yule Logs for many people in town. A young man is murdered in the woods with a some of the yule log in his stomach and bludgeoned to death with an actual wooden yule log. Again, the murderer meekly turns himself in.
In the third story, Julia wants to learn to make a French Canadian Buche de Noel, and her mother's reclusive neighbour is willing to show her how. Julia gets concerned that the old lady's elder care assistant and her nephew have both gone missing. Is the old lady a killer, poisoning them with her cooking? This was my favourite book of the three stories, completely light and enjoyable.
These three stories all involve food and Christmas and take place in Maine. I enjoyed them.
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