Irish Parade Murder

Lucy Stone #27

by Leslie Meier

"Published in 2021 by arrangement with Kensington Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Group"--Copyright page.

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

419 pages, Library Binding

First published February 4, 2021

About the author

Leslie Meier lives in Braintree and Harwich (Cape Cod), Massachusetts. She is the creator of 'Lucy Stone', a reporter and amateur sleuth in the fictional seaside village of Tinker's Cove, Maine.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Lucy Stone Mystery had a lot going on! We start out with the funeral of Lucy’s father-in-law. As Lucy and Bill get back to Tinker’s Cove, Maine, they discover Lucy’s boss, Ted, has bought the newspaper at the nearby town of Gillead, and they’re going to be expanding and consolidating some services with the reporters there. What this means for Lucy is that a reporter young enough to be one of her kids is now in charge of her and doing everything he can to undermine her at every turn (oh, I loved those scenes!) There’s also a huge Irish parade and festival being planned in town, plus hints of possible local corruption at play. I enjoy the books in this series the most when they’re set in Tinker’s Cove and we see the local politics play into things, so this one was great. Add in a woman who is claiming to be Bill’s long-lost sister from the results of a DNA test, and this was one wild ride!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 27th book in the Lucy Stone Mysteries, Irish Parade Murder, is a great story about town rivalries, secret children / DNA tests, and newspaper drama. Three different stories collide together in Leslie Meier's latest book, and I was glad to see the series back on a positive path. I loved the various Irish themed scenes and characters, plus the ode to many Irish people in history. Poor Lucy always gets herself stuck in a bad situation. Enjoyed this one, but the last 5 books have ended super abruptly without unraveling the case or showing how the bad guys pay for their crimes. Sure, they're arrested, but Lucy never gets her balance back. The series never used to be liked that... oh well... thankful to be fully current and able to read the 2022 release later this week!

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Library Book 📕

This Lucy Stone Book had a lot going on. A new employee at The Courier, the death of a family member, the death of a prison guard, old remains discovered by a woman walking her dog, a crooked sheriff. It was also heavy on politics. The title is misleading. No murder at an Irish Parade. In fact, most of this book takes place in February. If you’re looking for a St. Patrick’s themed mystery, this unfortunately isn’t the one.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the adventures of Lucy Stone, however, I like to escape the world when I read. The movements such as Me Too, Gay Vietnam Vets, and Black Lives Matter mentioned was off putting and unnecessary. If I wanted to read the news, I wouldn’t have picked up this book in the first place.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Go woke - go broke.
I read cozy mysteries for escape. If you want to be a contemporary, social commentary type mystery, then don't put a cartoon leprechaun on your cover.

With its constant theme of police brutality, sexism in the workplace, metoo moments and fake news, I was unhappy throughout most of the book.

I also figured out the murderer fairly early on and the resolution was strangely sudden and more violent than expected.

This is a long, long standing series, which has somehow managed to keep most of the characters fresh. This edition, however, fell very flat with me.

Glad I didn't actually buy the book.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a long review, so I apologize in advance. I don't know why I keep giving this series a chance. I was initially drawn to this series because it involved a mom who got sucked into mysteries. The last few books were total flops, so I got hopeful when I read more positive reviews on this latest installment.

This book finds us back in Tinker's Cove with the characters I fell in love with since book 1. Ted Stillings has applied for (and received) a grant, which allows him to purchase the neighboring towns' newspaper and add an additional reporter, Rob Callahan, to the Pennysaver's staff. From the get go, Lucy feels intimidated and threatened by Rob and doesn't really seem to give him an inkling of a chance. In a portion of the book, Lucy gets mighty offended when Ted hands over his editing duties to Rob. Rob asks Lucy for help on editing her news story and Lucy thinks she is really sticking it to Rob when she leaves work early and let's Rob "fend for himself" while editing HER news story, even though he asked her opinions. She flounces out of the office, slamming the door, even making the door bell jingle extra hard, so Rob knew she meant business, in true petulant child form. This seems to come back to bite Lucy in the ass when, her news story was printed and it is chock full of errors. Gee Lucy.....maybe if you had, I don't know, stuck around and been there while Rob edited your work, it would be correct?

The real and true crime doesn't happen until about 3/4 of the way in the book and, once again, the murderer just falls into Lucy's lap with no real investigative reporting happening on her end. I miss the old days where the ENTIRE BOOK had the crime and investigative reporting within the book. Lately, the crime is like an afterthought in addition to Lucy's ramblings and life events.

In the background, Lucy's father in law passes away and a woman(Kate) is claiming to be Bill's sister. Kudos to Edna, Bill's mom, for attempting to give this woman a warm welcome into the family....because she surely didn't receive it from ANYONE in Lucy's family, including Lucy's brats she calls children. Lucy speaks up and tells Edna that she thinks this woman is doing this for financial gain and was pretty hurtful in her words to Edna. Lucy is then SHOCKED that Edna leaves the farmhouse the next day and moves in with Kate. I don't blame Edna. Lucy was very rude and disrespectful to her. Later on, while dealing with the Kate saga, Bill is still giving Kate and Edna grief and THEN Lucy tells Bill to basically relax. Really? Flip flop Lucy.

Lately, it wouldn't be a Lucy Stone book without mentioning or having a few things in it: Politics? ✔Me too movement? ✔ Women's supposed inequality? ✔ Grammatical errors that I fix and have to keep a pencil nearby when I read? ✔ Lucy's double standards and judgement? ✔ Abortion vs pro-life?✔ Climate change? ✔ How crappy the economy has been for the last year? (We get it. You hate Trump!) ✔ Blue Lives Matter versus Black Lives Matter? ✔

Sadly, the entire premise and crime of this book is ONE. BIG. POLITICAL. HOT TOPIC. How disappointing.

Some things I found confusing/offensive within the book:

Page 120- Phyllis states "isn't it funny how coffee tastes and smells so good until you spill it? Then it's just icky." Is she licking coffee up after it's spilled and it tastes gross? Confusing statement.

Page 163: Lucy was becoming breathless from the effort of keeping up with Rosemary, who was surprisingly quick for such a large woman. Page 166: Lucy wondered if Rosemary approved of all this emphasis on Catholicism....or maybe she appreciated having time to herself she could spend at the gym. WOW. DIG? The weight comments on other characters continues. The comments are really unnecessary.

Lucy goes to interview Gabe's mom and, when asked about Melanie (the woman who accused him of sexual infractions), his mother's demeanor instantly changes and she becomes hard and cold towards Lucy. Lucy's response? Well, shucks, I must've hit a nerve and she brushes it off. Didn't his mother's response tell her ANYTHING? Isn't Lucy supposed to be this investigative reporter? Is she that clueless and lacks instincts?

I used to thoroughly enjoy Lucy, when she was a younger mother and actually investigated crimes. Now that Lucy has grown older, she has turned into a cranky, judgemental old lady. (Judging Rev. Marge for having a second helping of mac and cheese, while noting that she had gotten fat, yet Bob Goodman had a "full plate", but must've "missed lunch"?) Come on Leslie Meier. Do better please. You're about to lose another reader.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but I do enjoy the characters I've come to care about over the years. And while I do agree with the views written, I personally don't like political themes in a cozy mystery book (but, of course, that is certainly the author's right). 😊

[Jennifer J Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Last Book I'll ever read by Leslie Meier

I have read all of Ms Meiers books, but this will be the last. The entire book was a litany of support for "social justice" issues where it is very apparent that Meier strongly supports, BLM, climate control, Me Too, and drags down law enforcement as corrupt. I don't know the last time I've been so disgusted with a book and author. Yes we get is Leslie..you're a card carrying liberal and have definately drunk the kool-aid. God job. You've lost this reader..

[Cathi Lips - LovesBooksMore · Rating 4 out of 5]

My absolute favorite Leslie Meier to date!

When Lucy’s father in law passes , the family gathers in Florida to say goodbye. Grandma Edna is now by herself with just Bill as her only son. A strange letter pops up from a woman claiming to be an estranged daughter- Katie Klein. Bill doesn’t trust it although Edna feels a pull toward this kind woman.

Meanwhile, St Pattys Day is coming and Tinkers Cove is excited for the big parade in Gilead. The small newspaper has now bought the county newspaper and has gone online as well...life is good.

Lucy begins digging into the parade for a story and finds the sheriff is a bit corrupt, a murder of a local prison warden occurs and a fellow journalist gets the blame .
Lucy is on the case and finds herself caught in the middle before she knows it.

[Elizabeth Plunkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see Leslie Meier had a new Lucy Stone Mystery out, Irish Parade Murder! I was reading another cozy mystery one of many in the series and was struggling to get into it. At first I though I might be off of the genre or just burned out books after quite the reading streak, but when I picked up Irish Parade Murder and read half in the first sitting I knew that this was a good one and I wasn't off cozies. Lucy Stone is back to her daily life as reporter, mom and wife in her coastal Maine town Tinker's Cove. I love seeing the evolution of Lucy and her family and friends. Without giving away too much of the plot, this book dives into police corruption, the opioid epidemic and pay to play politics. I always wanted to read another chapter to see where the story would go. Perfect read for anytime of year.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but the later ones starting getting too political. This one was way too much. The politics get in the way of the mystery. I read cozies for escape and the mystery, not to have the author’s political views shoved down my throat.

Good-bye, Lucy. It was fun for a while, but you’ve worn out your welcome.

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Leslie series for awhile. Like most of them. This is the 27th book in series. Bill (Lucy husband) dad died. They went to Florida for the funeral. Lucy seem a woman that she thought was not related to any of Bill family there. Come to find out she said ( Catherine) that she was Bill Half sister. At Lucy job ( The Penny Saver) Ted the owner told everyone he was expanding the news room with another news room too and her hired a man to help out Rob. It was St. Patrick Day and Lucy went to this woman Rosie for an article because she makes Puppets. Rosie made a puppet for the movie War Horse. She made a puppet for St. Pat Day parade. But the sheriff told her that it was to late to participate. So Lucy decided to talk to the Sheriff. He was lying Lucy found out. Discrimination to a puppet that Rosie was going to show off in parade ( Mother Jones) a man died in this series. Rob was trying to figure out if the man who died sexually harassed woman in jail. So Rob was locked up because police said they had witnessed the man were seen with Rob. it is good because Edna ( Bill mom) wanted to have memories of her husband. This is pretty much seems kinda a hit at home because my own father Ron Shaheen died on St. Patrick's Day. Miss you dad

[Paula Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some corruption regarding the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. They are excluding people from participating in the parade for any number of made up reasons and some of it is discrimination. Lucy the reporter researches and there are no exclusions in the county or town articles to prevent them from marching.

I enjoyed reading this book as I have all of the others that I have read and will continue to read them.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read quite a few books in this series and generally love them. Several books in this series have addressed issues that are going on in the world, but this book seemed a little heavy on politics. Small amounts of current affair topics are fine but I read to escape reality I don't want a ton of it in the book I'm reading for fun. Lucy's husband has always been kind of irritating but he wasn't that bad in this book. I still enjoy Lucy's character and the mystery is well-written with its twists and turns. I will keep reading this series, but I just hope some of the secondary characters go in a different direction in the future.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the mystery part of the book and the mother-in-law part, but was turned off by all the “politically correct” and cancel culture elements. One or two issues are o.k. to weave into a storyline, but it felt as if the author had this checklist of things she wanted to include.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back home after attending her father-in-laws funeral Lucy is met with some changes at the paper. The paper has hired a young new reporter, Rob Callahan, who has tons of new ideas and wants to change things to suit him. When assignments are given out and Lucy is only given the story that the new star has passed on she knows she herself needs to turn the tides to her favor and away from Rob. Rob soon finds himself in trouble when he is charged with the death of a corrections officer. Lucy may not like the young man but she is positive he doesn't have it in him to kill another person. Lucy must travel down a dark path to figure out just who the killer is and why they committed such a crime. As more and more things come to light Lucy begins to wonder what all she'll find and how what she does find will affect her and her family not to let her job.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irish Parade Murder by Leslie Meier is the 27th A Lucy Stone Mystery. I have been enjoying Lucy Stone’s adventures since the beginning. Lucy is a part-time reporter with The Pennysaver in Tinker’s Cove, Maine where she lives in a quaint farmhouse with her husband, Bill plus her two youngest children, Sara and Zoe. The family is devastated when Bill’s father passes away. They all go to Florida for the funeral and comfort Edna, Bill’s mother. Lucy returns to work to find Ted is making changes at The Pennysaver. Ted has brought on a new reporter, Rob Callahan who is interested in making a name for himself quickly. Rob forgets that Tinker’s Cove and Gilead are small towns (gossip travels faster than the speed of light and small-town politics are at play). Rob finds himself in hot water when he is charged with the murder of a local corrections officer. Lucy may not be a fan of her rival, but she is not going to let him be railroaded. Lucy has another mystery to solve at home. A woman claims to the daughter of Bill’s father and provides a DNA report. Lucy and Bill are worried the woman is a scam artist. They also cannot find Bill Sr.’s will, which could lead to devastating consequences. Irish Parade Murder is a lively cozy mystery. This latest A Lucy Stone Mystery reminds me of the earlier books in the series. The whodunit involving Rob was multifaceted. I had a good time following the investigation. Lucy delves into the local Irish Catholic community where values have not changed in fifty plus years (things move slowly in Rome). I thought Irish Parade Murder was well-written with developed characters and a charming, small town setting. I look forward to Lucy Stone’s next adventure. Irish Parade Murder is a spirited cozy mystery with political plotting, rival reporters, a DNA dilemma, step dancing sisters, an AWOL will, and happy green hair.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Stone doesn’t know what to think about her job. First she thinks she’s about to lose her job as part-time reporter for the local newspaper in Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Then, she learns her boss is actually expanding the paper, which would be a good thing except he has also hired a young, know-it-all reporter who is being given all the top assignments. Even though Lucy doesn’t care much for Rob’s journalistic talent or his people skills, when the brash reporter is accused of murder, Lucy has doubts. She uses her own investigative skills to get to the truth of the murder case.

Many of the books in the Lucy Stone series are tied to a specific holiday and the focus of this book is St. Patrick’s Day. Many of the stories the newspaper is covering and the drama in the book revolve around the town’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and traditions which aren’t always inclusive to all the local residents. Lucy’s interviews with parade participants work well to show the contrast in opinions of the town. When Rob is accused of murder, I like that Lucy is able to put her personal feelings about him aside to objectively investigate the crime. Rob is so obnoxious, I found it hard to feel sorry for him even when it looked more and more like he was innocent of the murder, but lucky for him, Lucy was a bigger person and kept searching for the truth!

In addition to the obstacles Lucy is facing at work, she also has a personal issue to deal with. When her husband Bill’s father dies, a woman comes forward claiming to be Bill’s half sister. Lucy and Bill are afraid the woman is a fraudster trying to make a claim on Bill Senior’s estate. This mystery as well as the murder investigation are both interesting. I was surprised the author tackles such a heavy topic as police corruption in a cozy mystery, but it does fit in well with the plot. The story is dramatic and entertaining even if the way things work a little too easily at the end. Overall, this is a solid installment in this well-written series.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on Smitten Review Site and Blog.

[chels marieantoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite Lucy Stone mystery yet (and, yes, I’ve read them all). It’s ripe with current issues: racism, political corruption, police misconduct, sexism... it covers so much while flowing smoothly without overwhelming.
I’ve been disappointed in Meier’s recent releases, honestly, as she’s tried to stay hip with the times while sometimes falling short or under-developing topics, but Irish Parade Murder was spot-on.
As per usual: cozy mysteries are unrealistic, tying everything up in a neat bow. In this case, these systemic issues definitely aren’t going to right themselves after one small town sleuth does a little digging, but I always love Lucy for her efforts.
This book is definitely liberal on topics like birth control & sex education and - if you’re a true conservative catholic Irishman (or woman) - you probably won’t like the way the topics lean. But I think Meier’s interests are legitimate and necessary and I’m glad to see a cozy mystery addressing big issues.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish Parade Murder by Leslie Meier is the 27th Lucy Stone Mystery.

I have only read two other Lucy Stone Mysteries but I do enjoy Leslie Meier’s conversational writing style which makes her stories a pleasure to read. Lucy has gone from working as a customer service rep many years ago while taking care of her four children to a reporter at the Pennysaver. She has solved many mysteries, and in this tale of mayhem and murder Lucy has returned home from her father-in-law's funeral just in time to meet Rob Callahan, the man her boss has employed as another reporter at the Pennysaver. The young, brash Rob has stacks of new ideas and is looking to make some changes in his favour so Lucy knows she has to up her game. When Rob finds himself in trouble after being charged with the death of a corrections officer, Lucy sets out to help him even though he isn't on her list of favourite people.

Set in the coastal Maine town of Tinker's Cove, the story moved along at a steady pace. The focus of this book is St. Patrick’s Day and some of the stories the newspaper is covering and the drama in the book revolve around the town’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations and traditions. Lucy’s interviews with parade participants work well to show the differing opinions of the town's residents. Corruption, lies and deceit all feature making Irish Parade Murder very compelling and I enjoyed the side stories as well. Rich with current issues such as racism, political corruption and misconduct it covers so much whilst not being overwhelming. I highly recommend reading this engrossing cosy mystery with the discerning and intrepid Lucy Stone.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third Lucy Stone mystery and I’m enjoying the series more each time I visit Tinker’s Cove, Maine. This is book 27 in the series and obviously I’ve not read in order. Like any series you probably should read in order.

Irish Parade Murder has three storylines going on. One is the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade which has some questionable practices. Two is the death of Lucy’s father-in-law and the “discovery” of a immediate relative. The third storyline is the new reporter Rob and his arrest in the murder of a local scuzzy corrections officer. Can Lucy get to the bottom of the three mysteries before the pot o’gold disappears?

As with the two previous books, my attention was held and I enjoyed trying to solve the mysteries. The Irish history provided was interesting. I plan on continuing the series and maybe I’ll go back to the beginning or maybe not. I like to read dangerously. LOL.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled between three stars and four stars, and I decided on four stars because I am likely to read more stories from this series. I enjoyed the characters very much along with the murder mystery. The setting is cozy because it is in a small seaside town named Tinker's Cove in Maine. However, I was somewhat unhappy with the ending. I can safely say without being a spoiler that I feel exactly the same way about Kate that Bill Stone, Jr. does! (You have to read until the end of the book to find out exactly what that means!)

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Stone is back in another exciting adventure! Back home after her father-in-law’s funeral, Lucy walks into some major changes at work. And little does she know that her own personal life is about to change, too. Throw in a couple of suspicious deaths, a new reporter who looks like he might want Lucy’s job, and a mysterious woman with an unusual claim, and you have what turns out to be a great tale, straight from the wonderful imagination of author Leslie Meier whose capable hands have penned an engrossing mystery. Though it’s number 27 in the series, it’s a fresh and relevant look at today’s society. This well written story with the great characters readers have come to love shouldn’t be missed.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish Parade Murder is an excellent addition to this long time series by Leslie Meier.
Lucy Stone has been one of my favorite characters, and her role in this book really impressed me.
After the loss of her father in law, Lucy suddenly senses that things aren’t going right at her job as a reporter for The Pennysaver. Lucy loves her job, and the thought of losing it is tearing her apart.
Lucy doesn’t think things can get worse, when a stranger shows up, saying she is related to Lucy’s husband, Bill.
Corruption, lies, and deceit fill the pages in this book, making it a must read for all cozy mystery lovers!
I highly recommend this series.

[Carol Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in this series, and I think this latest one is the best yet. All the main characters are very likable and after all this time they feel like friends. Lucy is a part time newspaper reporter for her small town paper, and finds herself in jeopardy often while trying to solve a mystery. It’s fun to see how she gets herself out of predicaments and moves forward. There were lots of twists in this storyline. Complete with an Irish parade and a festival, this is a not to be missed cozy mystery. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Shannon Ferguson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started with promise but quickly fizzled out with a lot of self-doubt, man-bashing, and strangely unnecessary social commentary. I fizzled out before the murder even happened.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 27thbook in the Lucy Stone series. Lucy is a reporter for the local paper, The Pennysaver. The paper merges with another local paper and a big shot reporter, Rob, joins the team. But when he has an altercation with a corrections officer and the CO ends up dying in a car accident under suspicious circumstances, Rob is arrested. This forces Lucy to do some digging into the sheriff's department. I liked this more than the last few books in the series. It felt more like the older books that made me fall in love with the Stone family. The side story of Bill's father dying and a possible new relative was okay. I didn't really see how it fit with the rest of the story and I would have been fine without it. I liked having Bill's mother visit. This was a nice addition in the series. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I try to read something Irish-themed this time of year. I opted for a cozy mystery this time. Not a great choice, I’m afraid.

The novel takes place in a small town in Maine. It’s almost time for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which is kind of a big deal but not without controversy. Lucy Stone is a reporter for the weekly newspaper. Two “cozy” boxes checked. There are two mysteries, I guess, neither of which was very hard to figure out as a reader. The writing isn’t very good, a lot more telling than showing. It was all just very shallow.

It was a quick read, I’ll give it that. I did like Lucy Stone, who is really the only character we know get to know at all. I’ll stick with Maeve Binchy for my Irish fix.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story in this one was really good. A little more serious than you usually find in a cozy but it kept the cozy vibe. The editing, however, was not up to the usual standards (I think Rob may have edited this book). There were at least 2 timeline errors that I caught. I also enjoyed having Lucy’s mother-in-law in town and the storyline that went with her.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. Leslie Meier is my favorite cozy author and I always love reading her books. She is just the best!! However, I figured out the killer too easily in this book.