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Lucy Stone #29
Mother of the Bride Murder
As part-time Tinker’s Cove, Maine reporter Lucy Stone says “ oui” to her daughter’s surprise wedding invitation in France, she must also make a different kind of vow—to catch a killer!
When Lucy Stone arrives at a sprawling French chateau with the whole family, it should be the trip of a lifetime—especially because she’s about to watch her oldest daughter, Elizabeth, marry the handsome, successful man of her dreams. But while navigating the vast countryside estate owned by her impenetrably wealthy in-laws-to-be, the jet-lagged mother of the bride has a creeping feeling that Elizabeth’s fairytale nuptials to Jean-Luc Schoen-Rene are destined to become a nightmare . . .
Maternal instincts are validated the moment a body is pulled from a centuries-old moat on the property. A young woman has dropped dead under mysterious circumstances—possibly at the hands of someone at the chateau—and unflattering rumors about the Schoen-Rene line and their inner circle flow like champagne. Then there’s the matter of Elizabeth’s hunky ex beau showing up on the scene as she prepares to walk down the aisle . . .
With tensions building, personalities clashing, and real dangers emerging at the chateau, Lucy is determined to protect her family, together for the first time in years, and expose the one responsible. She’ll have to locate the culprit among a list of worldly jilted lovers and potential criminal masterminds, or Elizabeth’s trip down the aisle could end in tragedy . . .
When Lucy Stone arrives at a sprawling French chateau with the whole family, it should be the trip of a lifetime—especially because she’s about to watch her oldest daughter, Elizabeth, marry the handsome, successful man of her dreams. But while navigating the vast countryside estate owned by her impenetrably wealthy in-laws-to-be, the jet-lagged mother of the bride has a creeping feeling that Elizabeth’s fairytale nuptials to Jean-Luc Schoen-Rene are destined to become a nightmare . . .
Maternal instincts are validated the moment a body is pulled from a centuries-old moat on the property. A young woman has dropped dead under mysterious circumstances—possibly at the hands of someone at the chateau—and unflattering rumors about the Schoen-Rene line and their inner circle flow like champagne. Then there’s the matter of Elizabeth’s hunky ex beau showing up on the scene as she prepares to walk down the aisle . . .
With tensions building, personalities clashing, and real dangers emerging at the chateau, Lucy is determined to protect her family, together for the first time in years, and expose the one responsible. She’ll have to locate the culprit among a list of worldly jilted lovers and potential criminal masterminds, or Elizabeth’s trip down the aisle could end in tragedy . . .
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2023
210 people are currently reading
7634 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Meier
66 books2,060 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 284 reviews
January 17, 2023
Mother of the Bride Murder is the latest Lucy Stone Mystery set to release in 2023. Many thanks to NetGalley for sending me an early copy. I began reading the series earlier this year and finished ~40+ (includes a bunch of in-between holiday novellas) already. Focused on a news reporter in a small Maine town, these books delight readers with light mysteries and the changing lives of the Stone family. Since the first book, Lucy's 4 children have aged about ~25 years, and it's been fun to watch the growth of all the characters. In this installment, her oldest daughter is getting married in France, and the news is a shock to Lucy. Elizabeth found herself a hunky, rich husband but when the wedding week arrives, a dead body in the moat surrounding their sprawling estate darkens the namesake of her potential in-laws. This book was quite different than the rest. Lucy doesn't really try to solve the murder, which doesn't happen until 50% in. Plus, we don't even know who the girl is, nor do we get to meet potential suspects. We're told who it is around 75% and the rest is how to catch him/her. For those reasons, I wasn't totally immersed in the book, but because of the character progression and easy breeze writing style, I enjoyed the story. Settling on 4 stars to recognize the book for what it is.
November 2, 2025
In this 29th book in the 'Lucy Stone' series, the journalist/amateur sleuth travels to France for her daughter's wedding. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
Lucy Stone, who lives in Tinker's Cove, Maine, is a wife, mother, and reporter for the local Courier newspaper.
Lucy and her husband Bill are empty nesters, with four grown children, from oldest to youngest: Toby, Elizabeth, Sara, and Zoe.
Toby is an environmentalist who lives in Alaska with his wife Molly and preteen son Patrick;
Elizabeth works as a concierge in a luxury hotel in Paris;
Sara is employed at the Museum of Science in Boston;
and Zoe works for the Sea Dogs baseball team in Portland, Maine.
Lucy gets a surprise call from her daughter Elizabeth, who announces she's engaged to a French businessman named Jean-Luc Schoen-Rene.
According to Elizabeth, Jean-Luc is handsome, wealthy, and charming, and he works for the family business, an opulent château/hotel that hosts special events like conferences and weddings.
Elizabeth and Jean-Luc's nuptials will take place in a few months time, and all the Stones are invited to attend.....and to stay at the château for free. Plane tickets to France are pricey, though, and things look discouraging until Lucy gets lucky, and the entire family is able to go to France for the wedding.
The guest accommodations at the chateau are luxurious, the food is good, and the Schoen-Rene family is welcoming. Still, Lucy has some concerns about Elizabeth's upcoming marriage.
🗼 Lucy fears Elizabeth may be more starry-eyed about the lifestyles of the rich and famous than about the groom.
🗼 Elizabeth quit her job at the Paris hotel to work at the chateau, and her 'boss' will be her mother-in-law; Lucy thinks mixing up marriage with employment is not a good idea.
🗼 The 'apartment' in the chateau meant for Elizabeth and Jean-Luc is a dark, drab, old-fashioned two-room domicile - NOTHING LIKE the beautiful guest rooms.
Still, Elizabeth insists she loves Jean-Luc, she's happy, and she's gung-ho to go ahead with the marriage.
A good bit of the story is about the wedding preparations; the ribbing and needling among the Stone siblings; Lucy and Bill entertaining their grandson Patrick; environmentalist Toby lecturing everyone about global warming; family members sightseeing in France; and more.
Though this is a mystery, the murder victim doesn't show up until well into the book. The deceased is an unidentified young woman fished out of the moat surrounding the chateau.
It so happens that a brothel is located close to the resort, and there are suspicions the deceased is a prostitute - perhaps an Eastern European girl - that 'visited' guests in the hotel.
The discovery of the dead body is followed by a shooting, and the Stone family must stay in France for the duration of the police inquiries.
By now, Lucy's detective instincts are in high gear, but she's in a foreign country and can't do much investigating. Still, Lucy's probing helps reveal the truth about what's going on.
I like the Lucy Stone cozy mysteries, but this novel is more about vacationing in France with your family than about solving crimes. A bit disappointing.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
April 3, 2023
I have read the entire series and the last few have not been quite as good as the first few. This one, in particular, will be the last I will read in the series. The investigating was almost non-existent, which is understandable because Lucy can’t really do so much in France (although she has in the past). What bothers me so much is 1) how Lucy has managed to raise such bratty children and 2) why there is so many social justice references (yes, sex trafficking and climate change are huge issues but I read to get away from all of this). This is no longer the happy comfort reads I used to love. I cannot recommend this one.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and @dreamscape_media for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and @dreamscape_media for an honest review.
April 30, 2023
I am beginning to think this series has run its course. I can't stomach any of Lucy's children. What brats! All they do is complain or make fun of other people. Elizabeth is the worst. I think Chris deserves someone much better than her. Too much of the focus of the story was on social issues...sex trafficking and climate change. I like my cozies to be light-hearted fun with some sarcastic wit. There was really nothing "cozy" about this story at all. A big disappointment.
October 26, 2022
I've been a Lucy Stone fan for a long time, and I never get bored with this series.
Lucy is a wife, mother, reporter and friend, who lives in the tiny town of Tinker's Cove, Maine.
She has 4 children, all grown now, and a delightful grandson.
Lucy's oldest daughter lives in France, and a surprise phone call sends the entire Stone family to France, for her daughter's wedding.
Lucy is hesitant about this whirlwind marriage, but she puts a smile on her face, and helps where she's needed.
When a dead body is pulled out of the water, by her small grandson, Lucy is determined to get to the truth, regardless of the outcome.
This is a fantastic addition to the series, and the author does an amazing job making her characters appear real, with everyday issues.
I recommend this book and series to everyone.
#MotheroftheBrideMurder #NetGalley
Lucy is a wife, mother, reporter and friend, who lives in the tiny town of Tinker's Cove, Maine.
She has 4 children, all grown now, and a delightful grandson.
Lucy's oldest daughter lives in France, and a surprise phone call sends the entire Stone family to France, for her daughter's wedding.
Lucy is hesitant about this whirlwind marriage, but she puts a smile on her face, and helps where she's needed.
When a dead body is pulled out of the water, by her small grandson, Lucy is determined to get to the truth, regardless of the outcome.
This is a fantastic addition to the series, and the author does an amazing job making her characters appear real, with everyday issues.
I recommend this book and series to everyone.
#MotheroftheBrideMurder #NetGalley
January 24, 2023
I’m not quite sure how to review or characterize the newest Lucy Stone mystery by Leslie Meier. I have read all the books in the series and generally like them. I enjoy Lucy and how the books have progressed chronologically over the years. Lucy, who was a young mother of three in the very first story, is now an empty nester gathering her family in France for the wedding of oldest daughter, Elizabeth. It is a lot of fun seeing the family altogether again, witnessing their interactions and seeing where their lives have taken them. As this is a cozy mystery, there is a murder but it’s really not Lucy’s to solve since she is virtually powerless to do much investigating in France. Most of the action takes place in the chateau owned by Elizabeth’s future in-laws, but the book almost stagnates as the family is virtually trapped there by circumstances. There are also serious topics touched upon such as sex trafficking and climate change to name two, but these themes are at times overbearing. Nothing and no one at the chateau is what or whom they seem but what exactly is going on? I felt the book drifted along a bit too long before coming to a somewhat rushed conclusion. The Stone family were great but Elizabeth’s fiancé were written so one dimensionally, if hardly at all, it was hard to understand why Elizabeth was so excited to marry Jean-Luc or into his family.
While I enjoyed catching up with the Stone family and the book was mildly entertaining, I didn’t think it was the best in the series. Three stars.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
While I enjoyed catching up with the Stone family and the book was mildly entertaining, I didn’t think it was the best in the series. Three stars.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
June 1, 2023
I have rarely , if ever, found myself reading a book in which I come to hate every single character, but here we are. I finished the story, because it's the 29th in the series, but wow. Everyone is awful.
April 11, 2023
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. Okay I have to say first off I used to really enjoy this series and how it was a very cozy easy listening murder mystery novels. But I have to say the last two I have read have really really gotten under my skin. This author is absolutely beating everyone over the head with these political issues that people don't want to hear about, that is why we are wanting to read books to get away from all that. So when you put your political opinions in your novels it is absolutely such a turn off from continuing to read your novels. How many times do you have to mention climate change and then sex trafficking? But the whole climate change was absolutely ridiculous.
Also every single character in this novel I just could not stand, even the main character. All her kids are brats including her and her husband. I think this will be my last time reading from this author and this series.
Also every single character in this novel I just could not stand, even the main character. All her kids are brats including her and her husband. I think this will be my last time reading from this author and this series.
August 6, 2023
I have read a few of these mysteries over the years but can't quite remember which ones. I liked this more than I expected, since it had a bit of a slow start. Lucy and family have arrived at a French chateau to celebrate the upcoming wedding of oldest daughter Elizabeth. The action finally starts when the body of a young woman is found floating in the chateau moat. Lucy and family are frustrated since, due to French law, they are not allowed to leave while the police investigate. Lucy investigates so that they can all finally get back home, but that leads to complications for her family. A decent cozy that made me want to go back and read some more of this series.
January 4, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This is a kindle e-book novel from kindle unlimited book 29 in the series
Elizabeth tells her mother that she is getting married in France and she wants the family there. She and Bill manage to get to France with the family. Elizabeth's future husband's family owns a chateau outside of Paris. They arrive at the chateau and the fun begins. A girl 👧 is from dead, the future husband is shot, and Lucy's grandson is kidnapped but it all ends will.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤😮🏡
This is a kindle e-book novel from kindle unlimited book 29 in the series
Elizabeth tells her mother that she is getting married in France and she wants the family there. She and Bill manage to get to France with the family. Elizabeth's future husband's family owns a chateau outside of Paris. They arrive at the chateau and the fun begins. A girl 👧 is from dead, the future husband is shot, and Lucy's grandson is kidnapped but it all ends will.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤😮🏡
June 18, 2023
Lucy Stone’s oldest daughter Elizabeth is about to get married in France. Lucy and the entire family arrive at a beautiful French château in order to prepare for the celebration. The Stones are not rolling in dough, but a recent lottery win certainly helps their trip. This is especially so since their soon-to-be in-laws are exceptionally wealthy. Is Elizabeth’s love for fiancé Jean-Luc the real thing?
When a woman’s body turns up on the property, especially after they noticed a less than reputable house nearby, Lucy can’t help but wonder if Jean-Luc’s family has any connection to the body. Elizabeth’s ex Chris is the police officer on the case.
29 books in and this series continues to be a real delight. In typical cozy mystery fashion, it was indeed a dead body, intrigue and drama. I loved that the entire family was in France, and a Hall lose his grandson. Patrick became embroiled in the mystery that was involved. I had a feeling about how things might turn out in this book, and I will say that I was not surprised, so there is plenty of fodder for the next book or books in the series.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
When a woman’s body turns up on the property, especially after they noticed a less than reputable house nearby, Lucy can’t help but wonder if Jean-Luc’s family has any connection to the body. Elizabeth’s ex Chris is the police officer on the case.
29 books in and this series continues to be a real delight. In typical cozy mystery fashion, it was indeed a dead body, intrigue and drama. I loved that the entire family was in France, and a Hall lose his grandson. Patrick became embroiled in the mystery that was involved. I had a feeling about how things might turn out in this book, and I will say that I was not surprised, so there is plenty of fodder for the next book or books in the series.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 18, 2023
I didn’t finish this book so probably shouldn’t review it but I will anyway. I have read all of the Lucy Stone series and mostly have enjoyed them. Her husband Bill and son Toby have been annoying before but in this book they are unbearable. Selfish, rude, treating hotel workers badly. I don’t need to read about Toby, his wife and son all having guns and his plan to buy an AR 15 for “when the end comes.” I think I enjoy the books where the Lucy Stone story is one of three along with a story by Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross. I probably won’t read anymore stand alone Leslie Meier books.
November 1, 2023
YIKES. This is marketed as a stand alone, although it's also part of a series.
The characters were obnoxious, self centered, and many times openly racist.
The author seems to have confused politics with plot, and has Lucy's eco-conscious son buying an AK47 "for hunting" - um.... no.
The plot is awful, the characters are awful, the story is awful. I can tolerate cozy mysteries for the most part, but there's nothing cozy about racism and automatic weapons. Oof.
The characters were obnoxious, self centered, and many times openly racist.
The author seems to have confused politics with plot, and has Lucy's eco-conscious son buying an AK47 "for hunting" - um.... no.
The plot is awful, the characters are awful, the story is awful. I can tolerate cozy mysteries for the most part, but there's nothing cozy about racism and automatic weapons. Oof.
May 5, 2023
I used to enjoy this series but I’m out. This was way too pro gun. “I’m going to buy an AR 15 before they are banned.” Gross.
April 27, 2023
Lucy's daughter is getting married in France and the whole family has traveled to the French chateau her soon to be husbands family owns. After meeting her soon to be son-in-law she isn't sure if he is right for her daughter or if Elizabeth even loves him. Leading up to the wedding the family is taking part in different activities like fishing. While fishing Lucy's son and grandson hook a dead body. It's the body of a young woman, and rumors say she was part of a bordello styled house just down the road from the chateau. Then Elizabeth's ex-boyfriend shows up as security and it looks like he may still have feelings for her. Things go from bad to worse when there is a shooting and fingers are pointing every which way. Follow along as Lucy tries to figure out what is going on and if she should keep her daughter from marrying.
September 25, 2024
Put this at the top of your Ridiculist - it was beyond bad. The stars dimmed with each chapter.
Lucy has dragged her whole family to Paris for Elizabeth’s over the top wedding fiasco. Bill is his usual uncouth self, Lucy blames herself for everything, Sara and Zoe are as obnoxious as usual, Toby is a wimp, Molly a doormat and Patrick is rude and should have been in time out the entire trip. What a cast of dislikable characters
The French family are a bunch of racist snobs who are not what they seem. Of course a dead body livens up their visit. The entire plot is just absurd and so repetitive.
I’ve read many books in this series, but this is the worst by far. Book #30 is the only one I have on hand right now, so I’ll have to read it. It couldn’t be worse, could it?
Lucy has dragged her whole family to Paris for Elizabeth’s over the top wedding fiasco. Bill is his usual uncouth self, Lucy blames herself for everything, Sara and Zoe are as obnoxious as usual, Toby is a wimp, Molly a doormat and Patrick is rude and should have been in time out the entire trip. What a cast of dislikable characters
The French family are a bunch of racist snobs who are not what they seem. Of course a dead body livens up their visit. The entire plot is just absurd and so repetitive.
I’ve read many books in this series, but this is the worst by far. Book #30 is the only one I have on hand right now, so I’ll have to read it. It couldn’t be worse, could it?
October 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The characters are great. It was different with them being in France. Still the bad guy was known by the French family they just didn’t tell the Americans. It was kind of anti-climatic that the inquest ended the justice. #MotheroftheBrideMurder #NetGalley
May 21, 2023
In Leslie Meier's latest Lucy Stone Mystery, we see Lucy and her entire family travel to France for Elizabeth's wedding. The groom is handsome, French nobility, and lives in a glorious château functioning as a hotel that will put Elizabeth's skills to use. But from the moment the family touches down in Europe, things seem amiss. After not long, a woman's body is pulled from the moat, making Lucy's fears that things are too good to be true a reality.
While I haven't read this series from the beginning, I think this is perhaps my fourth or so Lucy Stone mystery, so I'm familiar with the essence and really enjoyed all the others I've read. But this one missed the mark for me. It wasn't really a mystery; there are no deaths until about halfway through the book, we essentially know what happened the whole time, and Lucy hardly investigates. It's almost more of a "cozy thriller" which isn't really a category, but perhaps it is now. But I could probably get on board with an out-of-the-box pacing and plot if I loved everything else--but I didn't. I found pretty much every character but Lucy to be annoying, entitled, and bratty. All of her children, her grandson, and her husband seemed like walking stereotypes, perhaps exacerbated by the narrator's overused whining tone. The book also had perhaps too much of reality dose in it, with constant discussions of money struggles and climate change, instead of serving as escapism. And we spend so much time discussing how much Lucy and her husband are struggling financially, only for them to VERY conveniently win a small lottery sum enabling the rest of the book. I could have done without all of that. I'll probably still read the next book, because Meier is obviously a prolific writer, but this one was a swing and a miss.
Thanks to Tantour Audio for my ALC and Kensington Books for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3 stars - 6/10
While I haven't read this series from the beginning, I think this is perhaps my fourth or so Lucy Stone mystery, so I'm familiar with the essence and really enjoyed all the others I've read. But this one missed the mark for me. It wasn't really a mystery; there are no deaths until about halfway through the book, we essentially know what happened the whole time, and Lucy hardly investigates. It's almost more of a "cozy thriller" which isn't really a category, but perhaps it is now. But I could probably get on board with an out-of-the-box pacing and plot if I loved everything else--but I didn't. I found pretty much every character but Lucy to be annoying, entitled, and bratty. All of her children, her grandson, and her husband seemed like walking stereotypes, perhaps exacerbated by the narrator's overused whining tone. The book also had perhaps too much of reality dose in it, with constant discussions of money struggles and climate change, instead of serving as escapism. And we spend so much time discussing how much Lucy and her husband are struggling financially, only for them to VERY conveniently win a small lottery sum enabling the rest of the book. I could have done without all of that. I'll probably still read the next book, because Meier is obviously a prolific writer, but this one was a swing and a miss.
Thanks to Tantour Audio for my ALC and Kensington Books for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3 stars - 6/10
June 13, 2023
It’s an easy read that takes its time building the plot and then rushes through said plot. Even though it’s the first book I’ve read from this series, it was bothersome how shallow many of the characters felt and seemed really preachy on the social issues.
August 17, 2023
Awful. Everyone in this family is an asshole.
October 12, 2023
I can't finish this book. It's boring with rude obnoxious characters and it doesn't feel realistic or like a mystery. The Stones are a repulsive family.
April 15, 2023
I have read several, but not all, of the books in this series. I have enjoyed some more than others, but thought I'd really like one with a wedding at the center of the story. Unfortunately, the book isn't as fun as I thought it would be. It was interesting learning about the French setting, but I missed Tinker's Cove with Lucy working on assignments for the local newspaper. There wasn't a lot of investigating at all and much of the book was a family drama. There was plenty of that, but I was hoping for a more light-hearted, cozy mystery. There are entertaining moments in the book, but especially compared to the last couple of installments of the series, this one was disappointing for me and I rated it 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance copy of this ebook. I received it at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance copy of this ebook. I received it at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
January 20, 2024
I have enjoyed following Lucy Stone and the supporting cast of characters grow through this long-running cozy series, but felt this installment was a bit weak. The murder doesn't occur until halfway in, and very little sleuthing took place. As the series has evolved and her children have grown, it was nice to have the entire Stone family reunited for eldest daughter Elizabeth's wedding in France. The setting was très magnifique, but I look forward to returning to Tinker's Cove for the next installment.
Read
August 27, 2025I don't know if it counts as dnf bc I never started?
February 13, 2023
If you've read my blog before, you know I enjoy the Lucy Stone cozy mystery series. I've read many of the books over the last five years and I was delighted that Kensington and Net Galley provided me with an ARC for Mother of the Bride Murder which will be published April 25th.
I am of the opinion that sometimes you connect with a cozy sleuth and sometimes you don't and that is A-OK. I connect with Lucy Stone even though I don't always agree with her. We live in Lucy's head in these books and so we really get to know her thoughts and opinions. After reading many of her adventures, I find that the reason I will read this series as long as Leslie Meier writes them is that Lucy and the Tinker Cove crew feel like real people. They are written with depth and the dialogue sounds just like you might have in your own daily life.
Reading this book I was worried about Lucy's relationship with Toby more than I was about the actual murder. I'm glad that by the end of it, they were in a good place. However because of what happens, now I'm pretty concerned that Molly is never going to want to move back to Maine. I miss the days when Molly lived nearby. She's a great daughter-in-law.
I was also reminded in this book that Elizabeth is my least favorite of the daughters, she always seems to be too interested in wealth. See, the characters are normal everyday middle-class-ish people you probably know. I could write a really long post going on about everything in the book like I was telling you about my neighbor, that's how Lucy feels after you read some of this series.
My rating for this book is 4. It's a good solid book, I liked that much of the drama involving the Stone family could have been avoided if Marie and Hugo had been upfront with their guests. I do prefer when the whole book takes place in Tinker's Cove.
If you haven't read any of this series, you can read this book, you don't have to know all about the other books.
Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this book. All the opinions are mine
I am of the opinion that sometimes you connect with a cozy sleuth and sometimes you don't and that is A-OK. I connect with Lucy Stone even though I don't always agree with her. We live in Lucy's head in these books and so we really get to know her thoughts and opinions. After reading many of her adventures, I find that the reason I will read this series as long as Leslie Meier writes them is that Lucy and the Tinker Cove crew feel like real people. They are written with depth and the dialogue sounds just like you might have in your own daily life.
Reading this book I was worried about Lucy's relationship with Toby more than I was about the actual murder. I'm glad that by the end of it, they were in a good place. However because of what happens, now I'm pretty concerned that Molly is never going to want to move back to Maine. I miss the days when Molly lived nearby. She's a great daughter-in-law.
I was also reminded in this book that Elizabeth is my least favorite of the daughters, she always seems to be too interested in wealth. See, the characters are normal everyday middle-class-ish people you probably know. I could write a really long post going on about everything in the book like I was telling you about my neighbor, that's how Lucy feels after you read some of this series.
My rating for this book is 4. It's a good solid book, I liked that much of the drama involving the Stone family could have been avoided if Marie and Hugo had been upfront with their guests. I do prefer when the whole book takes place in Tinker's Cove.
If you haven't read any of this series, you can read this book, you don't have to know all about the other books.
Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this book. All the opinions are mine
February 20, 2023
Mother of the Bride Murder by Leslie Meier is a pleasant read for fans of the Lucy Stone series. This installment finds Lucy and family heading to France for eldest daughter Elizabeth’s wedding. Of course, amidst the festivities, Lucy finds herself investigating a murder.
While the pacing is steady and the plot well laid out, I can’t say that I connected with the characters in this book. I was struck by the discontent and dysfunction of the various family members as they gathered for what should have been a celebration. That said, the book has some charming moments and the small-town setting is captured in the writing. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)
While the pacing is steady and the plot well laid out, I can’t say that I connected with the characters in this book. I was struck by the discontent and dysfunction of the various family members as they gathered for what should have been a celebration. That said, the book has some charming moments and the small-town setting is captured in the writing. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)
October 25, 2022
Mother of the Bride Murder by Leslie Meier is a great cozy mystery that is the 29th book in my all-time favorite series, Lucy Stone. I just loved it.
This is the first cozy mystery series that I ever discovered, and I fell in love with the first book I read ( out of order with the Valentine Murder). I have been an avid fan ever since. I have read all 29 books and all of the associated novellas. I have grown up with the Stone family in Tinker’s Cove, Maine. I have watched Toby, Elizabeth, and Zoey grown from childhood to now young adults. I have befriended Pam, Sue, Rachel, and Phyllis as Lucy has done. I have been with them all through thick and thin, and will continue to do so.
Ms. Meier has brought another great installment to this charming and timeless series. Lucy is such an excellent main character…part seasoned reporter, part sleuth, Mom/now Grandmother, friend, and all around a lovable, realistic, and likable woman.
This time the Stone Family are in France and get involved in a murder/mystery that has some high stakes associated with them…their own family.
I loved seeing it all unfold, and I really did enjoy the ending. Can’t wait for the next book!!!!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/25/23.
This is the first cozy mystery series that I ever discovered, and I fell in love with the first book I read ( out of order with the Valentine Murder). I have been an avid fan ever since. I have read all 29 books and all of the associated novellas. I have grown up with the Stone family in Tinker’s Cove, Maine. I have watched Toby, Elizabeth, and Zoey grown from childhood to now young adults. I have befriended Pam, Sue, Rachel, and Phyllis as Lucy has done. I have been with them all through thick and thin, and will continue to do so.
Ms. Meier has brought another great installment to this charming and timeless series. Lucy is such an excellent main character…part seasoned reporter, part sleuth, Mom/now Grandmother, friend, and all around a lovable, realistic, and likable woman.
This time the Stone Family are in France and get involved in a murder/mystery that has some high stakes associated with them…their own family.
I loved seeing it all unfold, and I really did enjoy the ending. Can’t wait for the next book!!!!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/25/23.
July 30, 2023
I have been a fan of Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone cozy mysteries since book 1. I eagerly waited for this book to come out, my anticipation growing the closer it got to release date.
First, I listen to the audio book versions so a new narrator threw me off track for a bit but I carried on. Lucy's family is all grown up, all the kids are adults and out making their own way in the world. Unfortunately they have not outgrown their childish bratty behavior or attitudes and her husband has become a completely miserable person, even Lucy herself has an attitude problem.
It was 50% into the book before the murder happened, Lucy really didn't do anything to solve it, and if I heard about sex trafficking or climate change/doomsday prepping one more time.....
You would never know this was supposed to be a coming together of the family in France for the eldest daughter's wedding.
This one just missed the mark in so many ways that I'll just stop here and let you make your own decision.
Very disappointing, I'm glad I listened through a library service and didn't pay for this one, it won't be joining the rest of the series on my audiobook shelf where I keep my purchased Lucy Stone books.
First, I listen to the audio book versions so a new narrator threw me off track for a bit but I carried on. Lucy's family is all grown up, all the kids are adults and out making their own way in the world. Unfortunately they have not outgrown their childish bratty behavior or attitudes and her husband has become a completely miserable person, even Lucy herself has an attitude problem.
It was 50% into the book before the murder happened, Lucy really didn't do anything to solve it, and if I heard about sex trafficking or climate change/doomsday prepping one more time.....
You would never know this was supposed to be a coming together of the family in France for the eldest daughter's wedding.
This one just missed the mark in so many ways that I'll just stop here and let you make your own decision.
Very disappointing, I'm glad I listened through a library service and didn't pay for this one, it won't be joining the rest of the series on my audiobook shelf where I keep my purchased Lucy Stone books.
July 10, 2023
#29 in the Tinker's Cove, Maine part-time reporter for the town's newspaper, Courier, Lucy Stone mystery series.
Yuck!
Lucy's oldest daughter, Elizabeth, is getting married in France to the son of a titled wealthy French family and Lucy is thrilled. She pretty much badgers the hr remaining 2 daughters and son with family and her husband into making this a family event. Money to attend is an issue and, low and behold, her husband wins a large lottery jackpot and financial issues are resolved!
Upon their arrival, Lucy starts to have second thoughts that Elizabeth is making the right choice and there appears to be a lot going on behind the scenes that arouses Lucy's suspicions and she she starts meddling. The ante is upped when a body is discovered in the family's chateau moat and then the wedding ceremony is interrupted by a gun shot. Things get pretty messy and escalated by Lucy's meddling.
All this gets old fast and Lucy is really tiresome.
Yuck!
Lucy's oldest daughter, Elizabeth, is getting married in France to the son of a titled wealthy French family and Lucy is thrilled. She pretty much badgers the hr remaining 2 daughters and son with family and her husband into making this a family event. Money to attend is an issue and, low and behold, her husband wins a large lottery jackpot and financial issues are resolved!
Upon their arrival, Lucy starts to have second thoughts that Elizabeth is making the right choice and there appears to be a lot going on behind the scenes that arouses Lucy's suspicions and she she starts meddling. The ante is upped when a body is discovered in the family's chateau moat and then the wedding ceremony is interrupted by a gun shot. Things get pretty messy and escalated by Lucy's meddling.
All this gets old fast and Lucy is really tiresome.
April 25, 2023
Lucy and family travel to France for her eldest's wedding! And in a French chateau! But things aren't so rosy when a body is found and Lucy must discover who the killer is.
This was a bit different than others of the series I have read. Being away from Maine means missing many of the characters that I have enjoyed reading about. Lucy doesn't actually do a lot of investigating and parts feel anticlimactic. I was also disappointed in how Lucy's children acted at time. Her son, in particular, was very reluctant to go to France for the wedding. We have seen them grow up and move on with their lives, even starting their own families. I thought I would like them a bit better at this point. Overall, the story is ok, just not one of my favorites in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This was a bit different than others of the series I have read. Being away from Maine means missing many of the characters that I have enjoyed reading about. Lucy doesn't actually do a lot of investigating and parts feel anticlimactic. I was also disappointed in how Lucy's children acted at time. Her son, in particular, was very reluctant to go to France for the wedding. We have seen them grow up and move on with their lives, even starting their own families. I thought I would like them a bit better at this point. Overall, the story is ok, just not one of my favorites in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
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