What do you think?
Rate this book
Lucy Stone #17 & 23
British Murder
Lucy Stone’s hometown of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, is where her heart is. But traveling to merry old England brings delightful adventure—along with a helping or two or murder—in these beloved mysteries . . .
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone—until the tour leader suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme. But will it lead her to a criminal mastermind—or ensure that she’s the next victim?
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. But at Moreton Manor, there are secrets—and some unpleasant relatives—lurking among the elaborate chapeaus. When a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room, Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the low-down killer stalking the upper crust, before more blue blood runs red . . .
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone—until the tour leader suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme. But will it lead her to a criminal mastermind—or ensure that she’s the next victim?
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. But at Moreton Manor, there are secrets—and some unpleasant relatives—lurking among the elaborate chapeaus. When a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room, Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the low-down killer stalking the upper crust, before more blue blood runs red . . .
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2020
169 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Meier
67 books2,068 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 9, 2025
Double the trouble, tons of fun when you combine some of the author's international travels together. I read them separately but then accidentally began reading one again trying to catch up on the series in order. Lucy can be a lot to take, but if you don't judge too much in the beginning, they really grow on you.
February 20, 2020
On Sale February 25th, 2020
A new compilation out February 25th in the “A Lucy Stone Mystery” cozy book series from Leslie Meier, British Murder. Published by Kensington Books will have fans looking back in fondness at this series.
Lucy Stone has been a fan favorite for many years, she is spunky, curious, and always seems to stick her nose into trouble. This cozy book series still has readers smiling, and sometimes, crying. The characters are warm, compassionate, intelligent, and engaging. The settings are fascinating and remind you of small towns around the globe. Lucy’s children make you smile, and her husband keeps her and the reader grounded.
This book is a compilation of two older books in this series. The first story is set when Lucy still has young children at home and her first trip to England. The second story has Lucy as a dotting grandmother who is suffering from empty nest syndrome and a return to England. Both cozy books were popular and fun to read, and this compilation will encourage readers to go back and re-read the entire series. It is with a smile that I recommend British Murder and the entire Lucy Stone series.
A new compilation out February 25th in the “A Lucy Stone Mystery” cozy book series from Leslie Meier, British Murder. Published by Kensington Books will have fans looking back in fondness at this series.
Lucy Stone has been a fan favorite for many years, she is spunky, curious, and always seems to stick her nose into trouble. This cozy book series still has readers smiling, and sometimes, crying. The characters are warm, compassionate, intelligent, and engaging. The settings are fascinating and remind you of small towns around the globe. Lucy’s children make you smile, and her husband keeps her and the reader grounded.
This book is a compilation of two older books in this series. The first story is set when Lucy still has young children at home and her first trip to England. The second story has Lucy as a dotting grandmother who is suffering from empty nest syndrome and a return to England. Both cozy books were popular and fun to read, and this compilation will encourage readers to go back and re-read the entire series. It is with a smile that I recommend British Murder and the entire Lucy Stone series.
March 6, 2020
In British Murder, Kensington books brings us two Lucy Stone mysteries in one volume, transporting us from Tinker Cove to England for two cozy mysteries.
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
Lucy needs a break from her busy life, when one of her friends tells her about a trip to England. The friends are set to enjoy a girls’ trip, until their tour leader Professor Temple dies mid-flight (and they have to leave his body in his seat!). Though the initial theory is that Temple died of an asthma attack, Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes.
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy is depressed since her grandson Patrick was taken from her care to reunite with his parents in Alaska, when her best friends push her to get away from Tinkercove for a bit and refresh herself at an English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. What should have been a relaxing stay at a glamorous English manor turns deadly when two bodies are discovered on the manor grounds.
Reflection
I always think cozy mysteries tend to have a range from those on the cozy side of the spectrum (the book focuses more on the characters and their activities than the mystery) and the mystery side of the spectrum (the murder case stays at the forefront). In both books, it was clear that Leslie Meier sticks to the far cozy side of the spectrum. Despite the dead bodies, the mysteries don't really kick off until the second half of each book, which was disappointing to the mystery fan in me.
I think others who like more cozy than mystery in their reads may like this more than I did!
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
Lucy needs a break from her busy life, when one of her friends tells her about a trip to England. The friends are set to enjoy a girls’ trip, until their tour leader Professor Temple dies mid-flight (and they have to leave his body in his seat!). Though the initial theory is that Temple died of an asthma attack, Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes.
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy is depressed since her grandson Patrick was taken from her care to reunite with his parents in Alaska, when her best friends push her to get away from Tinkercove for a bit and refresh herself at an English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. What should have been a relaxing stay at a glamorous English manor turns deadly when two bodies are discovered on the manor grounds.
Reflection
I always think cozy mysteries tend to have a range from those on the cozy side of the spectrum (the book focuses more on the characters and their activities than the mystery) and the mystery side of the spectrum (the murder case stays at the forefront). In both books, it was clear that Leslie Meier sticks to the far cozy side of the spectrum. Despite the dead bodies, the mysteries don't really kick off until the second half of each book, which was disappointing to the mystery fan in me.
I think others who like more cozy than mystery in their reads may like this more than I did!
March 11, 2020
British Murder by Leslie Meier contains two previously published Lucy Stone Mysteries. They can be read as standalones for those new to the series. I have read every Lucy Stone Mystery book. I find them all enjoyable to read and highly entertaining. English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder to contain good writing and the stories moved along at a fast clip. The characters remind me of everyday people. Lucy and her family could be my neighbors or relatives and I like that. The two mysteries were different from each other. The whodunit is British Manor Murder involved more than just a dead body. I liked that there were various elements to it. I enjoyed following the clues and identifying the killer. English Tea Murder had a light mystery. It is more about Lucy’s adventures on the trip. I wish there had more mystery in this one (Less complaining and catching up with an old friend). Leslie Meier has an easy breezy style of writing that makes her stories a pleasure to read. It was also nice to revisit Lucy, her family, and friends. While I love Tinker’s Cove, it was nice to visit a different locale with Lucy. Tinker’s Cove really does not need another dead body (the town is bound to get a bad reputation). The only thing I did not like was how whiny Lucy was at the beginning of British Manor Murder. It did not fit with Lucy’s personality. British Manor Murder contains two lighthearted cozy mysteries that has Lucy donning her sleuthing cap to solve two crimes in jolly old England.
January 30, 2020
British Manor Murder is #27 in the Lucy Stone series. It is an omnibus that includes English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder. I have previously reviewed both of these titles and thus they have been copied into this review.
Lucy Stone’s hometown of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, is where her heart is. But traveling to merry old England brings delightful adventure—along with a helping or two or murder—in these beloved mysteries . . .
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone—until the tour leader suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme. But will it lead her to a criminal mastermind—or ensure that she’s the next victim?
MY THOUGHTS:
If Lucy Stone wasn't nervous at being at least seven miles high in the air while flying to London, on a sponsored trip by Winchester college, when a fellow passenger suddenly drops dead, she certainly is now.
The man that died was tour leader, George Temple. The cause of death was apparently an asthma attack, but, as always, Lucy seeks to see if there was anything else at play here. So, par her natural course, Lucy acts as amateur sleuth yet again.
When in London, Lucy runs into someone from her past - and a man that has sparked her interest - Quentin Rea. Lucy has no business being drawn to Quentin as she is married to Bill, and is the mother of four, and is also now a grandmother.
Not only must Lucy ignore Quentn's overtly flirty behavior, she begins to notice other odd activity among other members of the group that are part of the tour. Strangely enough, just about everyone on the tour has some type of connection to the victim. When it is discovered that there was a real motive for revenge, then Lucy gets even closer to the cause. After another tour member dies, Lucy realizes that she just have to dig deeper and that she might have an idea as to what has happened. Can she prove her ideas, or will this place her in grave danger?
English Tea Murder was a quick read. I wasn't too keen on Lucy being tempted by Quentin, but I guess as it it can be human nature, it was understandable. However, there was enough intrigue to keep the story rolling at a great pace. I look forward to continuing the series.
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. But at Moreton Manor, there are secrets—and some unpleasant relatives—lurking among the elaborate chapeaus. When a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room, Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the low-down killer stalking the upper crust, before more blue blood runs red . . .
MY THOUGHTS:
Every now and again, Lucy Stone manages to get trips out of the country. That is the case in the next book in Leslie Meier's series. She will be joining best friend Sue and is heading to England. This is not her first time in the UK, but this time her objective is different. She is to attend a hat exhibition at an exclusive manor. Unfortunately for Lucy, wherever she is, there is always a body found. That is indeed the case at this time.
Our intrepid amateur sleuth cannot simply plow and and solve this as she has done countless times before. She is in rather an exclusive manor and they are honoring traditions from times of the past. So Lucy really has to be on her Ps and Qs this time around.
British Manor Murder was a light read, and not one of my favorites in the series. I am always glad to read these books, however, because as a whole, this is a great series. Having read all the books in order has made Lucy, husband Bill and their four children (now adults) very dear to me. I think I like Lucy better in her town of Tinker's Grove, Maine. When she heads out of the country and tries to solve murders, I rather lose interest.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Lucy Stone’s hometown of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, is where her heart is. But traveling to merry old England brings delightful adventure—along with a helping or two or murder—in these beloved mysteries . . .
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone—until the tour leader suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme. But will it lead her to a criminal mastermind—or ensure that she’s the next victim?
MY THOUGHTS:
If Lucy Stone wasn't nervous at being at least seven miles high in the air while flying to London, on a sponsored trip by Winchester college, when a fellow passenger suddenly drops dead, she certainly is now.
The man that died was tour leader, George Temple. The cause of death was apparently an asthma attack, but, as always, Lucy seeks to see if there was anything else at play here. So, par her natural course, Lucy acts as amateur sleuth yet again.
When in London, Lucy runs into someone from her past - and a man that has sparked her interest - Quentin Rea. Lucy has no business being drawn to Quentin as she is married to Bill, and is the mother of four, and is also now a grandmother.
Not only must Lucy ignore Quentn's overtly flirty behavior, she begins to notice other odd activity among other members of the group that are part of the tour. Strangely enough, just about everyone on the tour has some type of connection to the victim. When it is discovered that there was a real motive for revenge, then Lucy gets even closer to the cause. After another tour member dies, Lucy realizes that she just have to dig deeper and that she might have an idea as to what has happened. Can she prove her ideas, or will this place her in grave danger?
English Tea Murder was a quick read. I wasn't too keen on Lucy being tempted by Quentin, but I guess as it it can be human nature, it was understandable. However, there was enough intrigue to keep the story rolling at a great pace. I look forward to continuing the series.
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. But at Moreton Manor, there are secrets—and some unpleasant relatives—lurking among the elaborate chapeaus. When a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room, Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the low-down killer stalking the upper crust, before more blue blood runs red . . .
MY THOUGHTS:
Every now and again, Lucy Stone manages to get trips out of the country. That is the case in the next book in Leslie Meier's series. She will be joining best friend Sue and is heading to England. This is not her first time in the UK, but this time her objective is different. She is to attend a hat exhibition at an exclusive manor. Unfortunately for Lucy, wherever she is, there is always a body found. That is indeed the case at this time.
Our intrepid amateur sleuth cannot simply plow and and solve this as she has done countless times before. She is in rather an exclusive manor and they are honoring traditions from times of the past. So Lucy really has to be on her Ps and Qs this time around.
British Manor Murder was a light read, and not one of my favorites in the series. I am always glad to read these books, however, because as a whole, this is a great series. Having read all the books in order has made Lucy, husband Bill and their four children (now adults) very dear to me. I think I like Lucy better in her town of Tinker's Grove, Maine. When she heads out of the country and tries to solve murders, I rather lose interest.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 26, 2020
This book is an omnibus featuring two earlier Lucy Stone mysteries set in England.
English Tea Murder: Lucy Stone and some of her friends join a tour group from Winchester College to England. While still in the air, the tour leader dies of an allergic reaction. A doctor on board the plane who is a member of the group is unable to save the man in time. Lucy and her friends begin to notice some strange things. One member of the group attempts suicide; Lucy's friend Pam is barely spared when pushed in front of traffic. Could the members of the group be involved in a conspiracy? If so, what possible reason could they have had to murder a well-beloved professor? The mystery element in this book is fairly light. The book is mostly an account of a visit to England with a few misadventures along the way. While I enjoyed the sights and sounds of England, I was a bit disappointed that there was not a more clear-cut murder in this one.
British Manor Murder: Lucy's grandson moved to Alaska with her son and his wife. She mopes because she missed seeing the lad. Her friend Sue asks Lucy to accompany her to England for a hat show at Moreton Manor. They expected more grandeur, but find the manor itself serves as a tourist attraction while the family lives in a secondary house. As they wander in the maze, they find a corpse. They discover things are not quite they seem at the manor with cheap reproductions replacing valuable art pieces. Some inconsistency exists between the earlier installment with a British setting and this one. In English Tea Murder Pam, faced with a maze, states the key is to turn to the left since designers know most people will turn right. In this one, Pam can't figure out which way to go and turns right, getting them lost in the maze. It seems either Pam or Lucy would remember this and automatically go left.
I received the omnibus as an electronic advance copy through NetGalley with expectations of an honest review.
English Tea Murder: Lucy Stone and some of her friends join a tour group from Winchester College to England. While still in the air, the tour leader dies of an allergic reaction. A doctor on board the plane who is a member of the group is unable to save the man in time. Lucy and her friends begin to notice some strange things. One member of the group attempts suicide; Lucy's friend Pam is barely spared when pushed in front of traffic. Could the members of the group be involved in a conspiracy? If so, what possible reason could they have had to murder a well-beloved professor? The mystery element in this book is fairly light. The book is mostly an account of a visit to England with a few misadventures along the way. While I enjoyed the sights and sounds of England, I was a bit disappointed that there was not a more clear-cut murder in this one.
British Manor Murder: Lucy's grandson moved to Alaska with her son and his wife. She mopes because she missed seeing the lad. Her friend Sue asks Lucy to accompany her to England for a hat show at Moreton Manor. They expected more grandeur, but find the manor itself serves as a tourist attraction while the family lives in a secondary house. As they wander in the maze, they find a corpse. They discover things are not quite they seem at the manor with cheap reproductions replacing valuable art pieces. Some inconsistency exists between the earlier installment with a British setting and this one. In English Tea Murder Pam, faced with a maze, states the key is to turn to the left since designers know most people will turn right. In this one, Pam can't figure out which way to go and turns right, getting them lost in the maze. It seems either Pam or Lucy would remember this and automatically go left.
I received the omnibus as an electronic advance copy through NetGalley with expectations of an honest review.
February 7, 2020
This book is a combination of two books that have been previously released: English Tea Murder and British Manor Mystery. Since I hadn't read either before, I was happy to dive in. The first book sends Lucy Stone to London with her three breakfast friends (Sue, Pam and Rachel) along with 8 people from the local college and their guide, an adjunct professor. It was quite distressing for the group when the guide dies mid-flight due to anaphylactic shock, even though a doctor on the tour injected him with an epipen. The tour carries on with a new guide, Quentin Rea, the lecturer Lucy came close to have a relationship with back in "Back to School Murder". There's detailed description of all the places in London the group visits, which was enjoyable to read as I have seen some of them myself.
In the second book, Sue is invited to come and stay at Moreton Manor. She takes Lucy with her. Moreton Manor is the home of Perry, an earl of the realm that she had met in the previous book at a display of hats at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Manor is a tour site, and Perry plans a display of his historic hat collection, along with some of Sue's favourites. This book was an enjoyable look at the life of the aristocracy in the modern world, when money is tight but the lifestyle must be maintained. Lucy and Sue witness some events which were a little personal for them to see, but the family didn't stop themselves from arguing or revealing secrets in front of them.
I enjoyed both of these books very much, and I find the plots are getting better in the later books. Well done, Leslie Meier!
Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy.
In the second book, Sue is invited to come and stay at Moreton Manor. She takes Lucy with her. Moreton Manor is the home of Perry, an earl of the realm that she had met in the previous book at a display of hats at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Manor is a tour site, and Perry plans a display of his historic hat collection, along with some of Sue's favourites. This book was an enjoyable look at the life of the aristocracy in the modern world, when money is tight but the lifestyle must be maintained. Lucy and Sue witness some events which were a little personal for them to see, but the family didn't stop themselves from arguing or revealing secrets in front of them.
I enjoyed both of these books very much, and I find the plots are getting better in the later books. Well done, Leslie Meier!
Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy.
January 30, 2020
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is the first of this author that I have read. I loved it! It is actually two stories, both take place in England and the details are fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
February 25, 2020
In this first short Lucy is excited to be going across the pond to England especially since the trip is being sponsored by Winchester College. Things get off on a horrific foot when the tour leader suffers an asthma attack that ends up being fatal. Lucy suspects foul play and puts her investigative hat on while e noting her trip at the same time.
In this second short Lucy is looking forward to enjoying a gala hat show along with her friend from home Sue. While staying at the manor a body is found in a hidden room and there are many people that need to be questioned. Lucy isn't going to let a body ruin her trip she has I is problem with enjoying her stay and investigating at the same time.
This was a fun read that included two wonderful shorts, showing that Lucy isn't just a stay at home mom with a part time job who never travels. She can definitely hold her own no matter what country she is in.
In this second short Lucy is looking forward to enjoying a gala hat show along with her friend from home Sue. While staying at the manor a body is found in a hidden room and there are many people that need to be questioned. Lucy isn't going to let a body ruin her trip she has I is problem with enjoying her stay and investigating at the same time.
This was a fun read that included two wonderful shorts, showing that Lucy isn't just a stay at home mom with a part time job who never travels. She can definitely hold her own no matter what country she is in.
January 23, 2020
English Tea Murder by Leslie Meier
4.5 Stars
This is the seventeenth book in the Lucy Stone mystery series by Leslie Meier.
This book gives homage to one of the world’s most popular mystery writers, Agatha Christie. And in true Christie fashion, an American group going on a tour in London has a mysterious death during the plane ride to England. Their tour guide has trouble breathing and succumbs to anaphylactic shock due to a peanut allergy and dies. Lucy wonders if this death is more than it seems but the thought is pushed quickly out of her mind as she begins to enjoy the wonders of London. Mysterious accidents keep happening throughout the book and Lucy revisits her initial pondering about Tour Guide Temple’s death.
When you get to the end of this you will be in awe at how this book is a wonderful nod to Agatha Christie and done quite well, in my opinion. I enjoyed seeing all the sites of London while getting to know all the tour guide participants and wondering how this motley crew ever came together to begin with. Great fast read. And the mystery really keeps you on your toes too.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
British Manor Murder by Leslie Meier
4.5 Stars
This is the twenty-third book in the Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier.
It was really cool to read these two books together. Having British Manor Murder right on the heels of English Tea Murder made so much sense! Just loving Lucy and her exploits the more I read through the series.
Lucy has traveled again to England with her friend Sue to visit the manor of an Earl who is having a hat show. When a dead body is found in a hidden room on the estate, Lucy finds the residents more than uneasy and then the corpse is identified as the handmaiden of the Earl’s odd Auntie Millicent. But there are no tears for Carl or the tattooed man who was found dead in the maze. What exactly is going on here? This is a question I continually asked myself.
Great mystery and setting. Love these trips to England. I wonder if there are more than these two in the Meier collection of Lucy Stone stories. I will definitely have to check it out! Intrigued all the way through, for sure!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
4.5 Stars
This is the seventeenth book in the Lucy Stone mystery series by Leslie Meier.
This book gives homage to one of the world’s most popular mystery writers, Agatha Christie. And in true Christie fashion, an American group going on a tour in London has a mysterious death during the plane ride to England. Their tour guide has trouble breathing and succumbs to anaphylactic shock due to a peanut allergy and dies. Lucy wonders if this death is more than it seems but the thought is pushed quickly out of her mind as she begins to enjoy the wonders of London. Mysterious accidents keep happening throughout the book and Lucy revisits her initial pondering about Tour Guide Temple’s death.
When you get to the end of this you will be in awe at how this book is a wonderful nod to Agatha Christie and done quite well, in my opinion. I enjoyed seeing all the sites of London while getting to know all the tour guide participants and wondering how this motley crew ever came together to begin with. Great fast read. And the mystery really keeps you on your toes too.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
British Manor Murder by Leslie Meier
4.5 Stars
This is the twenty-third book in the Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier.
It was really cool to read these two books together. Having British Manor Murder right on the heels of English Tea Murder made so much sense! Just loving Lucy and her exploits the more I read through the series.
Lucy has traveled again to England with her friend Sue to visit the manor of an Earl who is having a hat show. When a dead body is found in a hidden room on the estate, Lucy finds the residents more than uneasy and then the corpse is identified as the handmaiden of the Earl’s odd Auntie Millicent. But there are no tears for Carl or the tattooed man who was found dead in the maze. What exactly is going on here? This is a question I continually asked myself.
Great mystery and setting. Love these trips to England. I wonder if there are more than these two in the Meier collection of Lucy Stone stories. I will definitely have to check it out! Intrigued all the way through, for sure!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
February 24, 2020
Leslie Miers British murder book is the latest compilation in the Lucy Stone series including book number 17, English Tea Murder and book number 23, British Manor Murder. Two books in one, two trips abroad, and two different time frames. I've read both of these in the past but read them together in this format as this latest book comes out. English Tea Murder is not my favorite, It didn't flow well for me, I was annoyed with the possibility of Lucy being somewhat smitten with Quentin and, the long and drawn-out time frame just didn't work for me. I really did enjoy British manor murder much more and it was fun to revisit it in this book.
March 12, 2020
I hadn't read the previous books, so this was a little confusing for me. I was unaware that the book was a series, and also contained two different stories. Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a cute cosy mystery, but I wish the stories had been sequential.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
February 25, 2020
Leslie Meier's British Murder is a combination of two previously published Lucy Stone books - English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder.
English Tea Murder finds Lucy and her pals traveling to England with a college tour group. When their guide dies mid-flight, a replacement is sent and the trip goes on as scheduled but when Lucy begins to suspect that the guide's death was more than just a tragic accident, she discovers there may be a connection to the grand dame of mysteries, Agatha Christie!
In British Manor Murder, Lucy and Sue return to England to visit Sue's friend, Perry, Earl of Wickham. Soon after their arrival not one but two dead bodies are found in the manor home, and Lucy must discover who the culprit is before anyone else meets an untimely death.
Another great anthology starring Tinker Cove's star reporter! A+++
English Tea Murder finds Lucy and her pals traveling to England with a college tour group. When their guide dies mid-flight, a replacement is sent and the trip goes on as scheduled but when Lucy begins to suspect that the guide's death was more than just a tragic accident, she discovers there may be a connection to the grand dame of mysteries, Agatha Christie!
In British Manor Murder, Lucy and Sue return to England to visit Sue's friend, Perry, Earl of Wickham. Soon after their arrival not one but two dead bodies are found in the manor home, and Lucy must discover who the culprit is before anyone else meets an untimely death.
Another great anthology starring Tinker Cove's star reporter! A+++
March 10, 2020
Today's review is for British Murder, a cozy mystery compilation by writer Leslie Meier. I'll be honest, when I requested the ARC (yes, this was an ARC provided to me), I had noooo idea this was a compilation rather than a single book. It contains two of Meier's previously-published works English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder. These are part of the Lucy Stone Mysteries series, and there are quite a few of them, by the looks!
So, yes - I did (yet again) read another book out of order, only this one isn't anywhere near the front of the line. I don't even know where these two books fall in the series, but they read like established characters so I am going to go right ahead and assume there are a number of stories prior to either of those contained in the British Murder duo-tome (do you like that term? I don't know if it's original, but I like it. You heard it here).
Now: the stories.
Despite being about an American woman who sort of stumbles across and helps to solve murder mysteries, these books obviously take place in Britain, and those elements have been done well, even if it does seem a little like a tourist visit at points (particularly English Tea Murder, which is set in London). I don't have a huge problem with this, but it does detract from the development of the mystery a little when the descriptions of landmarks and other sites of interest get rather lengthy.
There are some cliches employed throughout the book, but honestly, again - not all that concerned about it. They aren't out of place and don't detract from the plot. On the plot of both novels, I will say that they were pleasant enough to read and the denouement played out fairly well. I did twig to the offenders fairly early on for the first book, and around the middle of the story for the second, but if you do like cozy mysteries I think this series would do you fine. It isn't necessary to have read the prior books in the series, as I haven't and I was able to catch on to who everybody was and what all was happening easily and quickly.
The only thing that really stopped be gelling with this series, I think, was maybe the writing style? Which is nothing at all against the writer, this is just something that happens occasionally. I will say this for Meier: she does an excellent job at writing a character that truly pissed me off, that character actually being the best friend of the protagonist of the series, Lucy Stone. Sue Finch (the best friend) annoyed the hell out of me for two books straight, and that speaks well of the way the character has been written.
If I come across the series, I'll probably give them another try as I do like the premise (I really like England, ok?) - I think I have just been spoiled with my reading choices of late. And, well....this series doesn't come with recipes. You know how I feel about cozy mysteries and recipes.
So, yes - I did (yet again) read another book out of order, only this one isn't anywhere near the front of the line. I don't even know where these two books fall in the series, but they read like established characters so I am going to go right ahead and assume there are a number of stories prior to either of those contained in the British Murder duo-tome (do you like that term? I don't know if it's original, but I like it. You heard it here).
Now: the stories.
Despite being about an American woman who sort of stumbles across and helps to solve murder mysteries, these books obviously take place in Britain, and those elements have been done well, even if it does seem a little like a tourist visit at points (particularly English Tea Murder, which is set in London). I don't have a huge problem with this, but it does detract from the development of the mystery a little when the descriptions of landmarks and other sites of interest get rather lengthy.
There are some cliches employed throughout the book, but honestly, again - not all that concerned about it. They aren't out of place and don't detract from the plot. On the plot of both novels, I will say that they were pleasant enough to read and the denouement played out fairly well. I did twig to the offenders fairly early on for the first book, and around the middle of the story for the second, but if you do like cozy mysteries I think this series would do you fine. It isn't necessary to have read the prior books in the series, as I haven't and I was able to catch on to who everybody was and what all was happening easily and quickly.
The only thing that really stopped be gelling with this series, I think, was maybe the writing style? Which is nothing at all against the writer, this is just something that happens occasionally. I will say this for Meier: she does an excellent job at writing a character that truly pissed me off, that character actually being the best friend of the protagonist of the series, Lucy Stone. Sue Finch (the best friend) annoyed the hell out of me for two books straight, and that speaks well of the way the character has been written.
If I come across the series, I'll probably give them another try as I do like the premise (I really like England, ok?) - I think I have just been spoiled with my reading choices of late. And, well....this series doesn't come with recipes. You know how I feel about cozy mysteries and recipes.
February 11, 2020
Description
Lucy Stone’s hometown of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, is where her heart is. But traveling to merry old England brings delightful adventure—along with a helping or two or murder—in these beloved mysteries . . .
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone—until the tour leader suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme. But will it lead her to a criminal mastermind—or ensure that she’s the next victim?
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. But at Moreton Manor, there are secrets—and some unpleasant relatives—lurking among the elaborate chapeaus. When a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room, Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the low-down killer stalking the upper crust, before more blue blood runs red . . .
My Review
British Murder consists of two stories - "English Tea Murder" and "British Manor Murder" both of which are great stories. In the first book, Lucy finds herself traveling to England where the travel guide an adjunct professor dies mid-flight. To make matters worse the replacement guide is an old flame. Lucy definitely has her hands full. Will she solve the mystery? Definitely get the book to find out, you will not be disappointed. In the second book, Lucy and Sue visit Moreton Manor and of course things get hairy when a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room. Filled with secrets and drama this is by far my most favorite.
This ARC was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you Kensington and Netgalley. A definite winner!!
Lucy Stone’s hometown of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, is where her heart is. But traveling to merry old England brings delightful adventure—along with a helping or two or murder—in these beloved mysteries . . .
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone—until the tour leader suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme. But will it lead her to a criminal mastermind—or ensure that she’s the next victim?
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. But at Moreton Manor, there are secrets—and some unpleasant relatives—lurking among the elaborate chapeaus. When a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room, Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the low-down killer stalking the upper crust, before more blue blood runs red . . .
My Review
British Murder consists of two stories - "English Tea Murder" and "British Manor Murder" both of which are great stories. In the first book, Lucy finds herself traveling to England where the travel guide an adjunct professor dies mid-flight. To make matters worse the replacement guide is an old flame. Lucy definitely has her hands full. Will she solve the mystery? Definitely get the book to find out, you will not be disappointed. In the second book, Lucy and Sue visit Moreton Manor and of course things get hairy when a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room. Filled with secrets and drama this is by far my most favorite.
This ARC was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you Kensington and Netgalley. A definite winner!!
February 13, 2020
This book felt like I hit the jackpot - I was able to read two books for the price of one. English Tea Mystery was originally published in 2011. British Manor was originally published in 2016. The publisher has now combined them into a single volume - making for a longer, but still enjoyable, read.
The first book has the reader joining an academic trip to Britain. Much of the book reads more like a travel guide than a cozy mystery. Without the murders, the book could almost be used as the itinerary for a week-or-two visit to England. The country was beautiful. It would be nearly a perfect trip except when Professor George Temple, the group’s leader, died on the group’s flight from New York to London. Lucy Shaw and her travel companion, Sue Finch, would continue to question the death for the entire trip. It was not quite the experience they had signed up for.
The second book arises because of a brief contact that Sue had made during that first trip. Lucy was depressed - her family was growing up and moving away. To pull her out of her depression Sue invites her to join her on a trip back to England to display portions of her hat collection in a curated display at Moreton Manor, the ancestral home of Perry and Poppy. It went well until bodies started popping up in unlikely places - the very center of a complex maze located on the property and behind the walls of a hidden room that could only be discovered by following the smell or counting the windows on the outside of the manor’s tower. Lucy was again going to discover that murder does not make a great vacation.
Two well-written cozy mysteries make for a fun week of reading. Unless the reader or library already has one or both of these books in their collection, this book would make a good addition to that collection.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The first book has the reader joining an academic trip to Britain. Much of the book reads more like a travel guide than a cozy mystery. Without the murders, the book could almost be used as the itinerary for a week-or-two visit to England. The country was beautiful. It would be nearly a perfect trip except when Professor George Temple, the group’s leader, died on the group’s flight from New York to London. Lucy Shaw and her travel companion, Sue Finch, would continue to question the death for the entire trip. It was not quite the experience they had signed up for.
The second book arises because of a brief contact that Sue had made during that first trip. Lucy was depressed - her family was growing up and moving away. To pull her out of her depression Sue invites her to join her on a trip back to England to display portions of her hat collection in a curated display at Moreton Manor, the ancestral home of Perry and Poppy. It went well until bodies started popping up in unlikely places - the very center of a complex maze located on the property and behind the walls of a hidden room that could only be discovered by following the smell or counting the windows on the outside of the manor’s tower. Lucy was again going to discover that murder does not make a great vacation.
Two well-written cozy mysteries make for a fun week of reading. Unless the reader or library already has one or both of these books in their collection, this book would make a good addition to that collection.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 13, 2020
This book felt like I hit the jackpot - I was able to read two books for the price of one. English Tea Mystery was originally published in 2011. British Manor Mystery was originally published in 2016. The publisher has now combined them into a single volume - making for a longer, but still enjoyable, read
The first book has the reader joining an academic trip to Britain. Much of the book reads more like a travel guide than a cozy mystery. Without the murders, the book could almost be used as the itinerary for a week-or-two visit to England. The country was beautiful. It would be nearly a perfect trip except when Professor George Temple, the group’s leader, died on the group’s flight from New York to London. Lucy Shaw and her travel companion, Sue Finch, would continue to question the death for the entire trip. It was not quite the experience they had signed up for
The second book arises because of a brief contact that Sue had made during that first trip. Lucy was depressed - her family was growing up and moving away. To pull her out of her depression Sue invites her to join her on a trip back to England to display portions of her hat collection in a curated display at Moreton Manor, the ancestral home of Perry and Poppy. It went well until bodies started popping up in unlikely places - the very center of a complex maze located on the property and behind the walls of a hidden room that could only be discovered by following the smell or counting the windows on the outside of the manor’s tower. Lucy was again going to discover that murder does not make a great vacation.
Two well-written cozy mysteries make for a fun week of reading. Unless the reader or library already has one or both of these books in their collection, this book would make a good addition to that collection.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The first book has the reader joining an academic trip to Britain. Much of the book reads more like a travel guide than a cozy mystery. Without the murders, the book could almost be used as the itinerary for a week-or-two visit to England. The country was beautiful. It would be nearly a perfect trip except when Professor George Temple, the group’s leader, died on the group’s flight from New York to London. Lucy Shaw and her travel companion, Sue Finch, would continue to question the death for the entire trip. It was not quite the experience they had signed up for
The second book arises because of a brief contact that Sue had made during that first trip. Lucy was depressed - her family was growing up and moving away. To pull her out of her depression Sue invites her to join her on a trip back to England to display portions of her hat collection in a curated display at Moreton Manor, the ancestral home of Perry and Poppy. It went well until bodies started popping up in unlikely places - the very center of a complex maze located on the property and behind the walls of a hidden room that could only be discovered by following the smell or counting the windows on the outside of the manor’s tower. Lucy was again going to discover that murder does not make a great vacation.
Two well-written cozy mysteries make for a fun week of reading. Unless the reader or library already has one or both of these books in their collection, this book would make a good addition to that collection.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 30, 2023
Lucy Stone’s hometown of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, is where her heart is. Lucy works as a part time reporter for the Tinkers Cove Pennysaver but traveling to England brings adventure along with helping to solve a murder or two. This novel contains two mysteries "English Tea Murder" and "British Manor Murder".
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, thanks to her friend Pam Stilling who is a yoga teacher at the school, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone, Rachel Goodman and Sue Finch until the tour leader of 13, George Temple, suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme of what happened to George and later to a student who was also on the England trip.
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue Finch for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by Perry, the Earl of Wickham, who they met a few years early during a trip to England. Living in the Manor was his sister Poppy, her husband Gerald, daughter Flora, son Desi, an aunt Lady Wickham and her maid Harrison along with the staff. When a painting of General Horatio Hoare falls off the wall everyone goes berserk because of the curse which goes along with the painting. There is an area beneath the main house which is opened to the public as a museum to help with the finances. They soon discover a number of valuable items were missing from the manor and Lucy and Sue soon discover that wealth and status do not guarantee happiness.
Moreton Manor has its secrets and some unpleasant relatives. When a body is found in the middle of the maze, then another one in a hidden room , Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the killer before someone else dies.
ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, thanks to her friend Pam Stilling who is a yoga teacher at the school, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone, Rachel Goodman and Sue Finch until the tour leader of 13, George Temple, suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme of what happened to George and later to a student who was also on the England trip.
BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue Finch for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by Perry, the Earl of Wickham, who they met a few years early during a trip to England. Living in the Manor was his sister Poppy, her husband Gerald, daughter Flora, son Desi, an aunt Lady Wickham and her maid Harrison along with the staff. When a painting of General Horatio Hoare falls off the wall everyone goes berserk because of the curse which goes along with the painting. There is an area beneath the main house which is opened to the public as a museum to help with the finances. They soon discover a number of valuable items were missing from the manor and Lucy and Sue soon discover that wealth and status do not guarantee happiness.
Moreton Manor has its secrets and some unpleasant relatives. When a body is found in the middle of the maze, then another one in a hidden room , Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the killer before someone else dies.
February 24, 2020
When I requested this ARC I wasn't aware that it was two mysteries in one volume. This was a nice surprise and I enjoyed rereading both with a pot of tea on a very rainy weekend. Any mystery Leslie Meier sets in England gets my attention.
The first mystery is #17 and the second is #23 (2011 and 2016) and each can be read as a stand alone. In English Tea Murder Lucy and her friends Sue, Pam and Rachel are on their way to England as part of a college arranged tour but things go very wrong when the professor leading the tour dies mid flight. Once on British soil they wait for another faculty member to take over. Of course, this being an event involving Lucy, murder has hitched a ride on the tour and Lucy adds sleuthing to her itinerary. The mystery wasn't the strongest but that happens in a long running series (26 entries, so far). Every once in awhile there is one that isn't going to be a five star. I gave it 3 stars.
The other half of this book is #23, British Manor Murder and is stronger than English Tea Murder, earning it a 4 star. Lucy is in a funk and, when her friend Sue, invites her to accompany her on a trip to England and a hat show called Heads Up, hosted by Perry, Earl of Wickham and his sister, Poppy. As soon as they arrive strange things occur leading to murder and the ensuing investigation making for a pleasant reading escape.
All in all, any of Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone mysteries are a lovely cozy reading experience and I was happy to reread both of these entries.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The first mystery is #17 and the second is #23 (2011 and 2016) and each can be read as a stand alone. In English Tea Murder Lucy and her friends Sue, Pam and Rachel are on their way to England as part of a college arranged tour but things go very wrong when the professor leading the tour dies mid flight. Once on British soil they wait for another faculty member to take over. Of course, this being an event involving Lucy, murder has hitched a ride on the tour and Lucy adds sleuthing to her itinerary. The mystery wasn't the strongest but that happens in a long running series (26 entries, so far). Every once in awhile there is one that isn't going to be a five star. I gave it 3 stars.
The other half of this book is #23, British Manor Murder and is stronger than English Tea Murder, earning it a 4 star. Lucy is in a funk and, when her friend Sue, invites her to accompany her on a trip to England and a hat show called Heads Up, hosted by Perry, Earl of Wickham and his sister, Poppy. As soon as they arrive strange things occur leading to murder and the ensuing investigation making for a pleasant reading escape.
All in all, any of Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone mysteries are a lovely cozy reading experience and I was happy to reread both of these entries.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2020
Leslie Meier has re-released two of her Lucy Stone mysteries in British Murder, which includes English Tea Murder and British Manor Mystery. While I don’t consider the Lucy Stone mysteries classic literature, they are fun, dependable reads and I like Lucy Stone as a protagonist.
English Tea Murder finds Lucy traveling to Britain with her three closest friends on a small tour organized through the local college. I enjoy the banter between Lucy and her friends, though I’ve yet to figure out whey Lucy is so close with Sue, who does not seem very likable at all. The book features a lot of local color and sites, much shopping, suspicious behavior by her fellow tourists and a clever nod of the head to Agatha Christie. While I didn’t find this book to be earth shaking, I enjoyed it. Three Stars.
The second of the two books is British Manor Murder, where a depressed Lucy accompanies her best friend Sue Finch on a trip to England for a hat show, taking advantage of an invitation Sue had received to stay at a British manor. I actually liked this book better than the other book. While the murders are really more in the background, it was fun to spend time with Lucy as she stays with an aristocratic family where not everything is as it seems. The little mysteries help bring Lucy out of her doldrums and the book features some nice color. I enjoyed it. Four Stars.
I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are solely my own.
English Tea Murder finds Lucy traveling to Britain with her three closest friends on a small tour organized through the local college. I enjoy the banter between Lucy and her friends, though I’ve yet to figure out whey Lucy is so close with Sue, who does not seem very likable at all. The book features a lot of local color and sites, much shopping, suspicious behavior by her fellow tourists and a clever nod of the head to Agatha Christie. While I didn’t find this book to be earth shaking, I enjoyed it. Three Stars.
The second of the two books is British Manor Murder, where a depressed Lucy accompanies her best friend Sue Finch on a trip to England for a hat show, taking advantage of an invitation Sue had received to stay at a British manor. I actually liked this book better than the other book. While the murders are really more in the background, it was fun to spend time with Lucy as she stays with an aristocratic family where not everything is as it seems. The little mysteries help bring Lucy out of her doldrums and the book features some nice color. I enjoyed it. Four Stars.
I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are solely my own.
April 20, 2020
This book is made up of two shorter novels, both set in England. I have read quite a few of the Lucy Stone series, and have really enjoyed them. Generally there’s a lot about Lucy’s life outside of her sleuthing and while the books are built around the mysteries, you also get to know her friends and family.
The English Tea Murder, the first story in the book, has Lucy and her friends visiting England on a college sponsored tour. I thought this one was rather slow moving. There Is a lot of description of various sites, shopping trips, stops for meals, etc, that the mystery part of the story seemed like an afterthought. Outside of Lucy and her friends, the characters seemed pretty one dimensional. Most of them seemed to have undisclosed issues, but I just couldn’t bring myself to care all that much about what happened to them. The ending was definitely not what I expected, but it definitely tied all the loose ends together.
The British Manor Murder was my favorite of the two, possibly because I am a fan of English village mysteries, and this one had that sort of feel about it. This one was a more of a straightforward mystery than the first one. There was still quite a lot of descriptions of sightseeing, shopping and so forth, but it didn’t seem to be as pervasive as in the first story. Maybe I felt this way because I liked the characters in this story better, and felt more sympathetic toward them. I was able to guess “whodunnit” in this one.
I want to thank Kensington Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book. .
The English Tea Murder, the first story in the book, has Lucy and her friends visiting England on a college sponsored tour. I thought this one was rather slow moving. There Is a lot of description of various sites, shopping trips, stops for meals, etc, that the mystery part of the story seemed like an afterthought. Outside of Lucy and her friends, the characters seemed pretty one dimensional. Most of them seemed to have undisclosed issues, but I just couldn’t bring myself to care all that much about what happened to them. The ending was definitely not what I expected, but it definitely tied all the loose ends together.
The British Manor Murder was my favorite of the two, possibly because I am a fan of English village mysteries, and this one had that sort of feel about it. This one was a more of a straightforward mystery than the first one. There was still quite a lot of descriptions of sightseeing, shopping and so forth, but it didn’t seem to be as pervasive as in the first story. Maybe I felt this way because I liked the characters in this story better, and felt more sympathetic toward them. I was able to guess “whodunnit” in this one.
I want to thank Kensington Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book. .
February 10, 2020
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in return for an unbiased review. Confusingly it wasn’t clear that there were two books in one. I thought it was progressing super slowly...
Anyway, this book started out well - there was a lot of detail about London. It did seem very odd that a college runs a school trip abroad for 4 students, plus their parents, and then 4 others (one who teaches a class there and her three friends)... I mean if you can only run a trip by bringing family and some other very tangentially connected adults? I did wonder - as another reviewer seems to have done - whether this was to help the author write off a visit as a business expense. It was hard to warm to most of the characters, in particular the teens and Quentin. The “bonus” murder at the end felt a little like filler, and all wrapped up too quickly.
The second book sees Lucy return to England with Sue, as a result of a chance encounter Sue had with an Earl in the British Museum, during the English Tea Murder book. This was marginally better with characters and plot, though I’m a bit confused how in one breath Lucy and Bill are worried about college fund money, and in the next she’s flying to England...
As cosy mysteries go, they’re about par for the course - fairly light and not taxing to the brain. But I can’t say I really connected with any of the characters, so probably won’t be trying any others in the series.
Anyway, this book started out well - there was a lot of detail about London. It did seem very odd that a college runs a school trip abroad for 4 students, plus their parents, and then 4 others (one who teaches a class there and her three friends)... I mean if you can only run a trip by bringing family and some other very tangentially connected adults? I did wonder - as another reviewer seems to have done - whether this was to help the author write off a visit as a business expense. It was hard to warm to most of the characters, in particular the teens and Quentin. The “bonus” murder at the end felt a little like filler, and all wrapped up too quickly.
The second book sees Lucy return to England with Sue, as a result of a chance encounter Sue had with an Earl in the British Museum, during the English Tea Murder book. This was marginally better with characters and plot, though I’m a bit confused how in one breath Lucy and Bill are worried about college fund money, and in the next she’s flying to England...
As cosy mysteries go, they’re about par for the course - fairly light and not taxing to the brain. But I can’t say I really connected with any of the characters, so probably won’t be trying any others in the series.
March 25, 2020
With British Murder, you get not one, but two murder mysteries! It’s #17 and #23 in the Lucy Stone series. It’s the first time I read books in this series and they’re OK as standalones. The first story was an entertaining plot. Well, it mostly felt like a travel journal with the characters visiting England, from London to Brighton, Bath and Stonehenge. Lots of sightseeing and shopping going on, so much so that at some point you can almost forget there’s an investigation to conduct. But I did enjoy revisiting my own English adventures through the protagonists wandering. And if you felt as though the storyline sounded more like some chicklit with Americans discovering England, fret not, you actually get a somber murder mystery with twists and turns in the last quarter of the storyline. Just enjoy the tourism part, it gets super serious afterwards. As for the second book, Lucy and her friend are staying in a manor that’s somewhat reminiscent of the lifestyle depicted in Downton Abbey. The plot didn’t catch my attention as much the first one, but I did enjoy the description of this outlandish world where the owners try to maintain an outdated way of life. You really get a sense of britishness, which is I believe what the author aimed at: some (dangerous) escapism for the American female leads.
March 17, 2020
I was excited about getting to read and review British Murder because I have always wanted to go to England. British Murder is two complete stories in one, English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder. Both cozy mysteries are set in England.
I loved the characters in this book. Lucy Stone is the “faux” detective in this series. She’s funny and down to earth and loves her family. Her group of friends were fun and enjoyable, and her friend Sue, joins her on a second trip to England in the British Manor Murder.
My absolute favorite thing about this book was the highly descriptive scenes when the group was touring England. The author did a such a great job, I felt like I was right there. She continued the trend in the second mystery, British Manor Murder. I loved English Tea Murder, but wasn’t as fond of British Manor Murder. To me, the first story had more of a mystery behind it and was quite captivating. I found the second mystery a bit boring. If you enjoy cozy mysteries you will enjoy this book. I recommend it, for a quick and easy, but enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie Meier, and Kensington Publishing Corporation for the opportunity to read and review this **** book.
I loved the characters in this book. Lucy Stone is the “faux” detective in this series. She’s funny and down to earth and loves her family. Her group of friends were fun and enjoyable, and her friend Sue, joins her on a second trip to England in the British Manor Murder.
My absolute favorite thing about this book was the highly descriptive scenes when the group was touring England. The author did a such a great job, I felt like I was right there. She continued the trend in the second mystery, British Manor Murder. I loved English Tea Murder, but wasn’t as fond of British Manor Murder. To me, the first story had more of a mystery behind it and was quite captivating. I found the second mystery a bit boring. If you enjoy cozy mysteries you will enjoy this book. I recommend it, for a quick and easy, but enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie Meier, and Kensington Publishing Corporation for the opportunity to read and review this **** book.
March 21, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is a Lucy Stone double-header with two mysteries both set in Jolly Old England. But with Lucy you know it is going to be a bad day for someone. In the first story it is a college professor who is leading a group on a tour to London. He dies on the plane and Lucy spends the remainder of the book trying to figure who killed him and why. That is when she is not grousing about English history.
It turns out the prof is not a very nice guy and he did something that had serious implications for many of the tour members. It is a good mystery with lots of backstory that fills in both the who and the why..
In the second story Lucy accompanies her friend Sue to England to visit a Manor and an Earl whom she met in the previous story. There are two bodies in this tale and a complicated mystery of shenanigans going on under the noses of the aristocracy. Again there is plenty of social commentary of things British, not necessarily wrong but somewhat jarring in the midst of the story. Still and all both stories were entertaining and well worth the read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
It turns out the prof is not a very nice guy and he did something that had serious implications for many of the tour members. It is a good mystery with lots of backstory that fills in both the who and the why..
In the second story Lucy accompanies her friend Sue to England to visit a Manor and an Earl whom she met in the previous story. There are two bodies in this tale and a complicated mystery of shenanigans going on under the noses of the aristocracy. Again there is plenty of social commentary of things British, not necessarily wrong but somewhat jarring in the midst of the story. Still and all both stories were entertaining and well worth the read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
March 25, 2020
I requested this on Netgalley purely because I loved the cover - kitsch and cliched it is so cute!
Both of these mysteries are slow burners. Agatha Christie style, there is lots of build up and then a big reveal at the end.
Lots of British history and cultural references in both books that are interesting and amusing. The idea that Lucy would actually see someone in a bowler hat on the Tube made me smile as having lived my whole life in London I haven't never once seen this!
Lucy and her friends are a great and I really warmed to the characters. I would like to read some of the books set in the US for comparison.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for adigital copy of these great mysteries in return for an honest review.
Both of these mysteries are slow burners. Agatha Christie style, there is lots of build up and then a big reveal at the end.
Of the two, my favourite was English Tea Murder as the mystery was more complex and the characters' motivations seemed more believable.
Lots of British history and cultural references in both books that are interesting and amusing. The idea that Lucy would actually see someone in a bowler hat on the Tube made me smile as having lived my whole life in London I haven't never once seen this!
Lucy and her friends are a great and I really warmed to the characters. I would like to read some of the books set in the US for comparison.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for adigital copy of these great mysteries in return for an honest review.
March 1, 2020
The good news: British Murder is two Lucy Stone novels for a single book’s price. The bad news: The two novels, English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder, were previously published in 2011 and 2016. So if you haven’t read either novel, you are getting a good deal. If you have read either one or both, it’s not so good.
The English Tea Murder is number seventeen in the Lucy Stone series. The British Manor Murder is number 23 in the Lucy Stone series. Both are great cozy mysteries set in England and definitely worth 4 stars on their own merits. I’m just disappointed in the Amazon book description not making the repackaging more clear. However, I am willing to assume that just may have been me not being observant enough so 4 stars for the pair of books.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The English Tea Murder is number seventeen in the Lucy Stone series. The British Manor Murder is number 23 in the Lucy Stone series. Both are great cozy mysteries set in England and definitely worth 4 stars on their own merits. I’m just disappointed in the Amazon book description not making the repackaging more clear. However, I am willing to assume that just may have been me not being observant enough so 4 stars for the pair of books.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 20, 2022
British Murder is a title in this long running cozy mystery series featuring Lucy Stone. I have been reading about Lucy for many years.
This book is a double treat as it includes two stories, English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder. Each of these takes Lucy away from her native Maine. Both books have murder of course. In the first, a tour leader dies mid flight. Along with enjoying England, Lucy will need to solve the case. In the second novel, Lucy is at a country manor house when she discovers a bludgeoned body. Naturally, she intrepidly solves the case.
Lovers of mysteries that are not gory and those who love all things British will want to give this title a look. It is currently just $1.99 in e book form.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book is a double treat as it includes two stories, English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder. Each of these takes Lucy away from her native Maine. Both books have murder of course. In the first, a tour leader dies mid flight. Along with enjoying England, Lucy will need to solve the case. In the second novel, Lucy is at a country manor house when she discovers a bludgeoned body. Naturally, she intrepidly solves the case.
Lovers of mysteries that are not gory and those who love all things British will want to give this title a look. It is currently just $1.99 in e book form.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
March 6, 2020
In this book you get two different stories with Lucy Stone set in England. The first book is English Tea Murder, Lucy and three of her friends go with a college group to England. But even before they get there one of the group dies on the plane. And then little things start to happen and Lucy starts to suspect there is something going on.
The next story British Manor Murder Lucy goes with her friend Sue to England to have a small vacation at a manor. They find out that the owners of the manor are not living the life of luxury like you would think but have many problems.
This is a must and you get two stories for the price of one.
The next story British Manor Murder Lucy goes with her friend Sue to England to have a small vacation at a manor. They find out that the owners of the manor are not living the life of luxury like you would think but have many problems.
This is a must and you get two stories for the price of one.
April 5, 2020
Leslie Meier's cozy mysteries always bring a solid mystery along with the entertainment provided in this case by Lucy Stone and her gang of rowdies. In fact, this book gives us two murders to be solved. The setting for these stories are British communities that will never be the same once Lucy is through solving the crimes. Leslie Meier's characters feel like old friends that are regaling their vacation adventures where they had a great time even if they did have to stop for a little thing like murder. I have read every Leslie Meier book I have come across and never been disappointed. That is one of my best recommendations!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews