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Lucy Stone #13.5
Candy Canes of Christmas Past
this is contained in: Candy Cane Murder
Candy Canes Of Christmas Past by New York Times-bestselling author Leslie Meier
Lucy Stone must learn the mystery of a glass candy cane found smashed to bits near a corpse—to unlock the doors of Christmas past and find a killer who got away with murder.
Candy Canes Of Christmas Past by New York Times-bestselling author Leslie Meier
Lucy Stone must learn the mystery of a glass candy cane found smashed to bits near a corpse—to unlock the doors of Christmas past and find a killer who got away with murder.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2023
95 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Meier
66 books2,063 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 36 reviews
April 15, 2025
Cute holiday story. Loved the imagery. Lucy Stone is a good protagonist, and anything with Miss Tilley is helpful. Enjoyed this trip down memory lane a lot, as it showed how Lucy met all her friends in Tinkers Cove.
February 19, 2020
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: The simple flow of the plot, keeping it true to reality, charming family dynamics, gentle humor and subtle sarcasm at oneself keeps the reader intrigued and interested.
Candy Canes of Christmas Past is the third and final novella in the anthology Candy Cane Murder by Leslie Meier published in October of 2007, as part of her Lucy Stone series. She co-authored this anthology with Joanne Fluke and Laura Levine.
Lucy Stone happily settled in the remote town of Tinker's Cove in Maine with her husband Bill and children. A chance mention of her son about their first Christmas in Tinker's Cove almost 35 years ago, takes Lucy on a trip down the memory lane when she had solved a mysterious candy cane and a murder that had occurred decades ago.
Author Leslie takes the reader into a life set some 35 years ago when this book was written. Some of things jogged a lot of memories in my brain, making it a true trip for the readers as well.
Leslie shows the readers the simple dynamics of a young family settling during hard times, yet finding simple joy in doing daily things. Of course, there are times when both Lucy and Bill find at each other's throats, at times when Lucy almost gives up making effort to pursue Bill's dreams, or times when she gets tired of taking care of an active 2 yr old while being 6 months pregnant.
Leslie gives us romance and mystery, but without the rosy glasses, green grass and lavender perfume. She shows it to readers as she sees it, in this case, as she imagines and writes it. That way of delivery of the plot kept charming me as a reader.
She also has her character Lucy finding humor and mocking at herself in good way, even though her husband was struggling to get their house together or that there was no stove to cook food for them. That free-spirit and attitude to take life in a stride actually attracted me more to Lucy Stone.
Friendships born, Love realized, Families endured, and Mystery solved - I must say, Leslie found a successful recipe for Lucy Stone series. However, not reading her other books, I presume this is the first mystery that Lucy solves, forming a prequel to the series.
Leslie, just like other authors throws references to TV shows, Music Movies and Books all through the plot, connecting them to the plot still - Books (A Gift of Magi, Night Before Christmas); TV Show (Upstairs, Downstairs; Mr. Rogers Neighborhood); Music (Donna Summers, Helen Reddy and BeeGees Songs). Oh, she does give us some recipes too at the end - Christmas Spritz Cookies and Sand Tarts.
The simple flow of the plot, keeping it true to reality, charming family dynamics, gentle humor and subtle sarcasm at oneself keeps the reader intrigued and interested. I, for one, have put the series on my "to read" list. And for all those of you, who love cozy mysteries, this is a definite pick.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Some of the books Lucy reads to spend her time while coping living in a new town - The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey;
b. One of the suspects from past, Katherine Kaiser, Miss Tilley's father's secretary, left town and came back 6 months later, rumored to have given birth to a child, a love-child between Katherine and Miss Tilley's Father. A plot for a future book, or perhaps already had been part of a plot in the thirteen books already printed prior to this book.
c. Lucy recites a nursery rhyme, Pease Porridge Hot (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pease_P...), almost mocking at her own life. On flip-side she also sings "I am a woman, hear me roar" to her husband proving her strength in so few words.
d. The local museum of Tinker's Cove acquires a mummy and Lucy wonders how did they get it. Again another plot for a future book, or already done perhaps.
e. Lucy doesn’t get to solve how a glass candy cane had landed under the arm of Miss Tilley's mother when she fell from the stairs. Again another plot for a future book, perhaps.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. Lucy Stone's family includes - her husband Bill; oldest son Toby, his wife Molly and infant Patrick; three daughters Elizabeth, Sarah and Zoe.
b. Tinker's Cove Residents - Miss Tilley, the Librarian; Sue Finch & her husband Sid and daughter; Miller Sisters (Emily and Ellie); Rachel & Bob Goodman, their son Richie; Wilf Lundgren, the postman; Sherman Cobb, one of the local lawyers; Fred Rumford;
3. Grammatical / Character / Location / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 407, Line 9, it should be "…shivered at bit in her flannel…"
Recommendation: The simple flow of the plot, keeping it true to reality, charming family dynamics, gentle humor and subtle sarcasm at oneself keeps the reader intrigued and interested.
Candy Canes of Christmas Past is the third and final novella in the anthology Candy Cane Murder by Leslie Meier published in October of 2007, as part of her Lucy Stone series. She co-authored this anthology with Joanne Fluke and Laura Levine.
Lucy Stone happily settled in the remote town of Tinker's Cove in Maine with her husband Bill and children. A chance mention of her son about their first Christmas in Tinker's Cove almost 35 years ago, takes Lucy on a trip down the memory lane when she had solved a mysterious candy cane and a murder that had occurred decades ago.
Author Leslie takes the reader into a life set some 35 years ago when this book was written. Some of things jogged a lot of memories in my brain, making it a true trip for the readers as well.
Leslie shows the readers the simple dynamics of a young family settling during hard times, yet finding simple joy in doing daily things. Of course, there are times when both Lucy and Bill find at each other's throats, at times when Lucy almost gives up making effort to pursue Bill's dreams, or times when she gets tired of taking care of an active 2 yr old while being 6 months pregnant.
Leslie gives us romance and mystery, but without the rosy glasses, green grass and lavender perfume. She shows it to readers as she sees it, in this case, as she imagines and writes it. That way of delivery of the plot kept charming me as a reader.
She also has her character Lucy finding humor and mocking at herself in good way, even though her husband was struggling to get their house together or that there was no stove to cook food for them. That free-spirit and attitude to take life in a stride actually attracted me more to Lucy Stone.
Friendships born, Love realized, Families endured, and Mystery solved - I must say, Leslie found a successful recipe for Lucy Stone series. However, not reading her other books, I presume this is the first mystery that Lucy solves, forming a prequel to the series.
Leslie, just like other authors throws references to TV shows, Music Movies and Books all through the plot, connecting them to the plot still - Books (A Gift of Magi, Night Before Christmas); TV Show (Upstairs, Downstairs; Mr. Rogers Neighborhood); Music (Donna Summers, Helen Reddy and BeeGees Songs). Oh, she does give us some recipes too at the end - Christmas Spritz Cookies and Sand Tarts.
The simple flow of the plot, keeping it true to reality, charming family dynamics, gentle humor and subtle sarcasm at oneself keeps the reader intrigued and interested. I, for one, have put the series on my "to read" list. And for all those of you, who love cozy mysteries, this is a definite pick.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Some of the books Lucy reads to spend her time while coping living in a new town - The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey;
b. One of the suspects from past, Katherine Kaiser, Miss Tilley's father's secretary, left town and came back 6 months later, rumored to have given birth to a child, a love-child between Katherine and Miss Tilley's Father. A plot for a future book, or perhaps already had been part of a plot in the thirteen books already printed prior to this book.
c. Lucy recites a nursery rhyme, Pease Porridge Hot (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pease_P...), almost mocking at her own life. On flip-side she also sings "I am a woman, hear me roar" to her husband proving her strength in so few words.
d. The local museum of Tinker's Cove acquires a mummy and Lucy wonders how did they get it. Again another plot for a future book, or already done perhaps.
e. Lucy doesn’t get to solve how a glass candy cane had landed under the arm of Miss Tilley's mother when she fell from the stairs. Again another plot for a future book, perhaps.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. Lucy Stone's family includes - her husband Bill; oldest son Toby, his wife Molly and infant Patrick; three daughters Elizabeth, Sarah and Zoe.
b. Tinker's Cove Residents - Miss Tilley, the Librarian; Sue Finch & her husband Sid and daughter; Miller Sisters (Emily and Ellie); Rachel & Bob Goodman, their son Richie; Wilf Lundgren, the postman; Sherman Cobb, one of the local lawyers; Fred Rumford;
3. Grammatical / Character / Location / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 407, Line 9, it should be "…shivered at bit in her flannel…"
January 9, 2021
My favorite Christmas Cozy story of hers so far and I've read 2 others. This was a charming story of their first Christmas in a small town and how wonderful it was. The mystery was solving a death in the past for a friend. A Christmas gift Lucy receives helps her solve the mystery. This is part of Candy Cane Murders which is a collection with 2 other authors. Loved this.
September 29, 2020
It was okay. An interesting antagonist. Not sure I like her style of sleuthing, but it was a fun read.
June 27, 2024
What I enjoyed most was that the time was set back to 1983, when Lucy and her husband, Bill, were new residents of Tinker's Cove. It is the story about how Lucy met the local residents whom I have already grown to know and love in the Lucy Stone Mystery series. At that time, Lucy was very pregnant with her second child, and Toby was just a toddler. Yes, I enjoyed the mystery, too, but I would not give the book five stars if I had read this novella without reading the other books first. I cannot say what my rating would be in such a case, since it is impossible for me to know and judge.
December 4, 2023
This felt like holiday depression in book form.
December 9, 2023
This story takes us back in time to the first Christmas that Lucy Stone spent in Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Lucy is trying to deal with her husband's project, fixing up their home. So when town librarian Miss Tilly is nice to Lucy, Lucy looks for some way to repay her new friend. And that's how she begins trying to uncover the circumstances surrounding Miss Tilly's mother's death almost 50 years before. Was Mrs. Tilly murdered? If so, how can Lucy find out what happened after all these years.
This story is as much about Lucy's struggles to fit into a new town and live in an old house as it is about the mystery. Lucy and her husband are really struggling, which gives most of this story a darker tone for a cozy. It is also a weak mystery. The solution was very coincidental and almost an after thought compared to the resolution to the other story line. But I liked the characters. They are vivid and seem like people I would love to get to know better. While it didn’t turn out that way, this story lets me see the appeal for those who do like them.
NOTE: This story was originally part of the anthology Candy Cane Murder, so if you’ve read that book, there is no need to pick up this story a second time.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This story is as much about Lucy's struggles to fit into a new town and live in an old house as it is about the mystery. Lucy and her husband are really struggling, which gives most of this story a darker tone for a cozy. It is also a weak mystery. The solution was very coincidental and almost an after thought compared to the resolution to the other story line. But I liked the characters. They are vivid and seem like people I would love to get to know better. While it didn’t turn out that way, this story lets me see the appeal for those who do like them.
NOTE: This story was originally part of the anthology Candy Cane Murder, so if you’ve read that book, there is no need to pick up this story a second time.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 6, 2022
4.25 star
This was cute. It was nice to see a blast from the past Christmas to when Bill and Lucy moved to Tinker Cove. I liked show how Bill and Lucy were welcomed into the town. It was sweet to see the neighbors pitch to give them a great Christmas after their renovations didn’t go to plan.
I liked seeing Toby as a little toddler especially since in the current timeline, he has a child of his own named Patrick. He was both adorable and a little sticker too. It was fun to see his see his origins.
The mystery was good too, though I do prefer the full length novel mysteries better, but this one was still decent. It was another solid entry into the Lucy Stone mysteries.
This was cute. It was nice to see a blast from the past Christmas to when Bill and Lucy moved to Tinker Cove. I liked show how Bill and Lucy were welcomed into the town. It was sweet to see the neighbors pitch to give them a great Christmas after their renovations didn’t go to plan.
I liked seeing Toby as a little toddler especially since in the current timeline, he has a child of his own named Patrick. He was both adorable and a little sticker too. It was fun to see his see his origins.
The mystery was good too, though I do prefer the full length novel mysteries better, but this one was still decent. It was another solid entry into the Lucy Stone mysteries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2023
It all started from a Mother Earth (ME) news article!
This intriguing story starts by introducing you to Bill and Lucy. They have bought a MAJOR fixer upper in Maine following a new dream they adopted after Bill read a ME story about a $$$ NYC lawyer who had the same dream and realized it!! Bill was a Wallstreet stockbroker and is working to make the same dream come true!
Every chapter adds a new intriguing character who joins in pursuing the dream and becoming part of Lucy's new life . Together they take on solving a 50 year old suspicious death in their small town.
Funny...tender...nostalgic.. a real Christmas treat!!!
This intriguing story starts by introducing you to Bill and Lucy. They have bought a MAJOR fixer upper in Maine following a new dream they adopted after Bill read a ME story about a $$$ NYC lawyer who had the same dream and realized it!! Bill was a Wallstreet stockbroker and is working to make the same dream come true!
Every chapter adds a new intriguing character who joins in pursuing the dream and becoming part of Lucy's new life . Together they take on solving a 50 year old suspicious death in their small town.
Funny...tender...nostalgic.. a real Christmas treat!!!
December 3, 2023
Good read
It's Saturday, I'm comphy in my recliner covered by my furry blanket, recovering from strep throat. My husband is relaxing watching Saturday college football games (go Noles!) and in between all my naps I've been able to zip through this cozy mystery by Leslie Meier. I've read a lot of her current books recently and have now gone back to the beginning of her Lucy Stone series. This book, like all her others I've read, continues to please. Get into the Christmas spirit and purchase this book for an enjoyable read!
It's Saturday, I'm comphy in my recliner covered by my furry blanket, recovering from strep throat. My husband is relaxing watching Saturday college football games (go Noles!) and in between all my naps I've been able to zip through this cozy mystery by Leslie Meier. I've read a lot of her current books recently and have now gone back to the beginning of her Lucy Stone series. This book, like all her others I've read, continues to please. Get into the Christmas spirit and purchase this book for an enjoyable read!
January 6, 2025
I was trying to end the year with a few lighter and fun books, and this cozy mystery did the trick. I've read a few Lucy Stone books this year, and I enjoyed that this one flashed back to when Lucy first moved to Tinker's Cove. It was a nice chance to see how all the characters that have been featured in other books started to appear in Lucy's life. Plus this was a short and fun holiday mystery too.
December 14, 2025
Turned out I had actually read this previously but it was included in a volume of 3 Christmas stories with Joanne Fluke as the main author. However, it was such a fun reread. A nice throw back to when Lucy and her husband were really struggling with their first child (and pregnant with the second). And, of course, Miss Tilly was still working at the library...I love her. Great fun to read this again at this season!
December 31, 2022
I really liked the small town, trying to renovate a house, poor as dirt storyline. I've been there and can totally relate (minus the renovating a house). I didn't think the mystery was very plausible, but it fit in great with the storyline and it's how she met everyone in town. It was a very nicely done novella :)
October 5, 2023
Christmas novel
What a great book. This is a feel good story about how friends and neighbors come together at Christmas in a small town. Lucy along with her husband Bill and son Toby move into a house which needs to be fixed up. Friends come to give them a very nice Christmas with food and gifts for Toby
What a great book. This is a feel good story about how friends and neighbors come together at Christmas in a small town. Lucy along with her husband Bill and son Toby move into a house which needs to be fixed up. Friends come to give them a very nice Christmas with food and gifts for Toby
November 19, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy little story! My only qualm with it is that sometimes I think the author forgot they made the main character pregnant. 🤣 Like a couple of times it talks about her being far enough along that the baby is kicking, but she also drinks wine, brings a Christmas tree in by herself, and drinks spiked eggnog.
But other than that, I really loved this one!
But other than that, I really loved this one!
December 12, 2025
Loved reading about Lucy meeting all the treasured townsfolk of Tinkers Cove during her first holiday season in Maine. This book was sweet (though Bill will forever irritate me with his lack of support for one of my favorite fictional ladies). The mystery was interesting and the holiday cheer was high.
October 13, 2023
I love Lucy Stone mysteries. Lucy became my friend and I could escape to Maine in each of her stories when my life was chaotic. This book is a simple story of what Christmas really is about. If you like these kinds of books you will enjoy this one.
November 6, 2023
Wonderful!
This book left me happy and filled with Christmas spirit! Lucy carried on through adversity and still reached out to those around her. Enjoyed reading how she ended up in Tinkers Cove and seeing how her family started. Warm and loving story!
This book left me happy and filled with Christmas spirit! Lucy carried on through adversity and still reached out to those around her. Enjoyed reading how she ended up in Tinkers Cove and seeing how her family started. Warm and loving story!
February 24, 2024
Looked this novelette; a great read and love the way the Mom lead character solves the mystery. Also loved the introduction of all the characters in this small Maine town. I hope there will be move of these.
July 19, 2024
I enjoyed this little story. Holidays happy feels. Struggling family makes it through tough times. Woman in need ends up suddenly saved. A long unsolved death, suspected murder, finally gets solved. Cute story.
November 24, 2020
MOre than a murder mystery. Good examination of relationships.
February 13, 2021
This was a great read. I read it within the Candy Cane Murder book. I wasn't able to predict the ending on this one.
May 15, 2022
**3.5 Stars**
December 18, 2022
Enjoyable to the max!
October 9, 2023
Christmas cookies
Loved this short story and couldn't put it down! I have read all of the Lucy Stone books and never disappointed.
Loved this short story and couldn't put it down! I have read all of the Lucy Stone books and never disappointed.
November 3, 2023
Loved this sweet little story!
Read
December 15, 2023Christmas Cozy
This is just what I needed to keep my mystery spirits up during the Christmas season! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a Christmas themed cozy!
This is just what I needed to keep my mystery spirits up during the Christmas season! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a Christmas themed cozy!
December 31, 2023
I can never get enough of this series! I just finished reading it for the second time
May 30, 2024
Loved it
One of the earlier titles I think. It goes to illustrate how Lucy got into solving local mysteries. It was great. I didn't see the end coming.
One of the earlier titles I think. It goes to illustrate how Lucy got into solving local mysteries. It was great. I didn't see the end coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews