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Lucy Stone #11
Star Spangled Murder
Lucy Stone is in the doghouse--with her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Prudence Pratt. It seems that Kudo, the Stones' misbehaving mutt, has developed a taste for Mrs. Pratt's blue-ribbon winning chickens, as well an escape artist's talent for sneaking out. With the Fourth of July coming up, Lucy doesn't want to set off any more fireworks with the crabby Prudence.
Another sign that the crazy days of summer are in full swing arrives when a group of naturists--a.k.a. nudists--descends on Tinker's Cove, skinny-dipping at the pond that borders Mrs. Pratt's property, giving her something else to complain about. Worse still, the local lobstermen are upset about poachers--and suspicion falls on Mrs. Pratt's husband and son. Then the July Fourth fireworks are canceled to protect a patch of extremely rare purple-spotted lichen, and Mrs Pratt is the victim of a hit and run.
Tinker's Cove is full of suspects, but none with so personal a motive as the Stones. Their feud with Mrs. Pratt has put them at risk of losing their freedom this Independence Day--unless Lucy can start things off with a bang by catching a red, white and blue killer. . .
Another sign that the crazy days of summer are in full swing arrives when a group of naturists--a.k.a. nudists--descends on Tinker's Cove, skinny-dipping at the pond that borders Mrs. Pratt's property, giving her something else to complain about. Worse still, the local lobstermen are upset about poachers--and suspicion falls on Mrs. Pratt's husband and son. Then the July Fourth fireworks are canceled to protect a patch of extremely rare purple-spotted lichen, and Mrs Pratt is the victim of a hit and run.
Tinker's Cove is full of suspects, but none with so personal a motive as the Stones. Their feud with Mrs. Pratt has put them at risk of losing their freedom this Independence Day--unless Lucy can start things off with a bang by catching a red, white and blue killer. . .
283 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2005
248 people are currently reading
1491 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Meier
69 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
January 17, 2024
This cozy mystery set in Tinker’s Cove, Maine hit all my favorite notes. Lucy Stone was at home in her small town, wrangling her four kids, her dog (there’s a hilarious scene early on with the dog that had me in stitches) and the town’s current issues of the week—skinny dippers, and the fact that the local tree huggers want to cancel the Fourth of July fireworks in order to preserve some obscure species of lichen.
Add in the fact that lobster are going missing from the traps, and tempers are flaring. Then, of course, a body turns up. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and the ones set in Tinker’s Cove with all the favorite characters running around are the very best ones in the series. So I ate this up!
As Lucy has to juggle her eldest daughter’s longing to hang out with the nudists, her son’s desire to flirt, make hundreds of paper carnations for the 4th of July parade, she also has to solve a murder… and Toby is suddenly in trouble with the law. Then there’s her guilty dog, the chicken killer. As things get even more harried in town between the various factions, and Lucy is at her wit’s end trying to solve the mystery and keep Toby out of trouble, this one had an exciting finish. And Libby ❤
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Add in the fact that lobster are going missing from the traps, and tempers are flaring. Then, of course, a body turns up. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and the ones set in Tinker’s Cove with all the favorite characters running around are the very best ones in the series. So I ate this up!
As Lucy has to juggle her eldest daughter’s longing to hang out with the nudists, her son’s desire to flirt, make hundreds of paper carnations for the 4th of July parade, she also has to solve a murder… and Toby is suddenly in trouble with the law. Then there’s her guilty dog, the chicken killer. As things get even more harried in town between the various factions, and Lucy is at her wit’s end trying to solve the mystery and keep Toby out of trouble, this one had an exciting finish. And Libby ❤
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
May 16, 2025
Star Spangled Murder is the 11th book in the Lucy Stone Mysteries written by Leslie Meier. I've been reading the series from the beginning, having only started it earlier this year. There are close to 35 books at this point, and I am planning to catch up by end of year so I'm ready for the 2023 release the day it's published. Set in Maine, they revolve around a 45ish mother with 4 kids, mostly grown up by now, and the series has the characters age with each new release, so we've seen them grow over a decade at this point. I enjoy the series, mostly because it is very focused on supporting character development, which I love in books, but at times the plots are not-so-cozy and the personalities can be a bit too realistic. In this one, the mystery ended with a strange tie-together and seemingly came from nowhere. I felt more could've been done to make the book a stronger connected tale. But the nudist colony and the focus on Kudo had me either in tears or total laughs.
July 10, 2022
Another solid book in the Lucy Stone cozy mystery series! I'm glad I read this one during the week of the 4th too! Love this series. If you enjoy cozies (especially series that have a LOT of books) then this is a must read!
February 3, 2013
Animal Lovers Beware of this book.
I started these books looking for a good cozy series that had a strong female lead in a loving relationship with her husband. What I got was a weak-minded female character who is too afraid to raise her kids properly because she wants them to like her and treats her husband more like a casual acquaintance than her husband. The characters are flat and exist for one reason and one reason only- to give Lucy Stone something to complain about in her head.
I have read ten of these books now and some had promise, made me think that it was possible for the author to find her footing in them and produce quality cozy mysteries. I was wrong. I have continued on because I hate leaving series unfinished, a no book left behind mentality if you will. However that is not enough to make me read a single page more of the Lucy Stone series. I am done with the books and the author should they ever write something else.
In the first book, the family pet was callously mangled and left for dead in the road. We never found out who did it and it never was brought into the plot. The pet was then 'dropped into the grave'. What was the purpose of this? Then the kids were given 3 kittens as a charming Christmas surprise only to disappear from the story with only a brief line about it claiming one of the character had allergies. This reminds me of all the parents who think it is an adorable idea to get a bunny for their kids for Easter only to find out how big of a job bunnies are and them promptly release them into the wild. Finally, in this book Kudo, the family dog has to go to a 'dog hearing' because he tends to get loose to chase the neighbor's chickens. This book finds Lucy Stone keeping the dog in a cage for most of the day to avoid the dog escaping. So they go to the dog hearing, possible spoilers here for anyone planning to read the book, and they decide to give the dog 'one more chance'. Less than 10 pages later, Lucy calls the dog over to her and the dog runs in the middle of the road. Kudo gets ran over and dies at the vet's office. Are you kidding me? Oh but that isn't enough, Lucy's main feeling is relief. Relief that they no longer have to worry about keeping Kudo from getting into the neighbor's chickens. Turns out the neighbor's son was the one who ran the dog over, and then sped off. Then, her train of thought turns to 'oh dear, did it do damage to the jerk who ran over my dog's car? I better go over to the neighbor's house and make nice.' I understand not everyone thinks of their dogs/cats or whatever animal companion they have as part of their family but wow, the handling of an animal dying could be handled better than this, don't you think?
Other things about this book that I found nails on the chalkboard annoying were the mystery itself. The murder didn't take place until 47% into the book! Hello, this is a cozy MYSTERY, what is the keyword here? Mystery! Lucy's son, Toby gets into a fight and Lucy's first thought is to yell at him for embarrassing her. Going on and on about where she went wrong, what will her friends think of her, and so forth. Not once asking what happened, or trying to find out if the person he fought with did something that caused her son to defend himself. Nope, she doesn't care. All she cares about is how it looks to her friends and what people will think. Finally, SPOILERS AHEAD, the murderer is a character who had been a murder victim in an earlier book. The author didn't mean to use the same last name which is clear but in the big reveal scene she slips from using the new last name, to the murder victim's last name. We are eleven books in and that is one heck of an editing mistake to make. Alas it is the author's series and she can write it exactly as she pleases. She can continue with shoving her political agendas down reader's throats, writing flat one dimensional characters, loosely written unfocused mysteries, and poor treatment of animals. It is my choice to continue on with these books or not and I say no way will I ever be returning to Tinker's Cove.
I started these books looking for a good cozy series that had a strong female lead in a loving relationship with her husband. What I got was a weak-minded female character who is too afraid to raise her kids properly because she wants them to like her and treats her husband more like a casual acquaintance than her husband. The characters are flat and exist for one reason and one reason only- to give Lucy Stone something to complain about in her head.
I have read ten of these books now and some had promise, made me think that it was possible for the author to find her footing in them and produce quality cozy mysteries. I was wrong. I have continued on because I hate leaving series unfinished, a no book left behind mentality if you will. However that is not enough to make me read a single page more of the Lucy Stone series. I am done with the books and the author should they ever write something else.
In the first book, the family pet was callously mangled and left for dead in the road. We never found out who did it and it never was brought into the plot. The pet was then 'dropped into the grave'. What was the purpose of this? Then the kids were given 3 kittens as a charming Christmas surprise only to disappear from the story with only a brief line about it claiming one of the character had allergies. This reminds me of all the parents who think it is an adorable idea to get a bunny for their kids for Easter only to find out how big of a job bunnies are and them promptly release them into the wild. Finally, in this book Kudo, the family dog has to go to a 'dog hearing' because he tends to get loose to chase the neighbor's chickens. This book finds Lucy Stone keeping the dog in a cage for most of the day to avoid the dog escaping. So they go to the dog hearing, possible spoilers here for anyone planning to read the book, and they decide to give the dog 'one more chance'. Less than 10 pages later, Lucy calls the dog over to her and the dog runs in the middle of the road. Kudo gets ran over and dies at the vet's office. Are you kidding me? Oh but that isn't enough, Lucy's main feeling is relief. Relief that they no longer have to worry about keeping Kudo from getting into the neighbor's chickens. Turns out the neighbor's son was the one who ran the dog over, and then sped off. Then, her train of thought turns to 'oh dear, did it do damage to the jerk who ran over my dog's car? I better go over to the neighbor's house and make nice.' I understand not everyone thinks of their dogs/cats or whatever animal companion they have as part of their family but wow, the handling of an animal dying could be handled better than this, don't you think?
Other things about this book that I found nails on the chalkboard annoying were the mystery itself. The murder didn't take place until 47% into the book! Hello, this is a cozy MYSTERY, what is the keyword here? Mystery! Lucy's son, Toby gets into a fight and Lucy's first thought is to yell at him for embarrassing her. Going on and on about where she went wrong, what will her friends think of her, and so forth. Not once asking what happened, or trying to find out if the person he fought with did something that caused her son to defend himself. Nope, she doesn't care. All she cares about is how it looks to her friends and what people will think. Finally, SPOILERS AHEAD, the murderer is a character who had been a murder victim in an earlier book. The author didn't mean to use the same last name which is clear but in the big reveal scene she slips from using the new last name, to the murder victim's last name. We are eleven books in and that is one heck of an editing mistake to make. Alas it is the author's series and she can write it exactly as she pleases. She can continue with shoving her political agendas down reader's throats, writing flat one dimensional characters, loosely written unfocused mysteries, and poor treatment of animals. It is my choice to continue on with these books or not and I say no way will I ever be returning to Tinker's Cove.
June 30, 2016
Minus the tragic pet incident this was a great book! Lucy always makes me laugh even though she's a worrier. The ending was perfect and the plot was great for a 4th of July story. Lobster poaching, nudity, no fireworks, a hit and run.... All make for a great story!
July 24, 2017
This was a very fast-paced, enjoyable read, completed in about 3 hours. The continuing battle over the Stone's wayward dog results in a final warning after a town hearing. But that's not the worst of things dividing the town: the cancellation of the 4th of July fireworks due to concern over a protected plant species, a nudist colony near the Stone's property in one of the favorite picnic spots and local lakes for the town, and possible lobster trap poaching--all of which seem to culminate in the death of the Stone's neighbor at the center of the controversies. The Stone family all become the center of unwanted attention and one member appears to be under suspicion for the neighbor's murder.
Lucy finds herself in the thick of the investigation and face-to-face with the murderer after refusing to allow her family to be the subject of media fodder. I really liked her spunk in this book!
Lucy finds herself in the thick of the investigation and face-to-face with the murderer after refusing to allow her family to be the subject of media fodder. I really liked her spunk in this book!
December 31, 2023
4 stars
I read this in one sitting on a flight from New Jersey to LA on a summer vacation. What a perfect way to spend those hours!
I read this in one sitting on a flight from New Jersey to LA on a summer vacation. What a perfect way to spend those hours!
July 1, 2014
An enjoyable mystery. I didn't like that the murder didn't occur until 100 pages in and the culprit was just stumbled upon but overall a likeable book.
February 6, 2016
One of my favorite series--this one didn't have much about Miss Tilley but there are nudists, chicken killing dogs and firework smuggling. All in all, a pretty cute read.
November 8, 2024
I really did not know who the murderer was until the very end! Aside from that, I am still enjoying the character development in the series. I enjoy reading about what is going on in the household of Lucy and Bill Stone and also at the Pennysaver newspaper where Lucy works part-time. The characters are all interesting!
July 6, 2025
I always enjoy my visits to Tinkers Cove, and this was no exception. This is one of the earlier books in the series, (#11, I think) and it was fun reading about the Stone family when the children were younger. While the family dynamic and setting made for a fun read for the 4th, I felt the mystery was a little thin and the resolution wasn't my favorite.
July 18, 2018
A nice little cozy mystery set in Maine. There are lobster fishermen, nudists and prize winning chickens. A little crazy but it all works. The ending came together a little too quickly for me. This is just a relaxing, fun read.
July 26, 2012
Great light murder mystery... she is a great writer and I enjoy her story lines and characters!
March 28, 2021
Lucy's dog, Kudo keeps escaping from his pen, and running over to the Pratt's to harrass their chickens. At the same time, Lucy contends with her own son also having a court hearing, plans to cancel all things Fourth of July and a nudist colony taking over Blueberry Pond, by her house. What's a mom to do?
November 14, 2024
Lucy is the quintessential Drama Queen, she turns a molehill into Mt Everest. She’s a busybody and a nosy parker. Bill is a throwback to the 1950’s and the kids are disrespectful spoiled brats. Does Ms Meier want us to detest her characters?
The pot was pretty good and I didn’t guess the ending. But I do have one question, why didn’t Bitsy’s car show any evidence to prove or disprove her claim? All the other cars that they tested proved the drivers innocent. And is her last name Parsons or Howell? Lousy editing again.
The pot was pretty good and I didn’t guess the ending. But I do have one question, why didn’t Bitsy’s car show any evidence to prove or disprove her claim? All the other cars that they tested proved the drivers innocent. And is her last name Parsons or Howell? Lousy editing again.
May 15, 2008
Lucy Stone, wife, mother and full time reporter of the Tinker's Cove, Maine weekly paper the Pennysaver was covering the Board Of Selectmen's meeting.
Normally the most interesting thing at the meeting was whether she would be able to stay awake during it. Tonight, however things turned out to be exciting.
Jonathan Franke, local environmentalist has discovered that the purple spotted lichen plant is growing around Tinker's Cover. And by state law, any endangered species must be protected at all costs.
So to protect if from the possibilities of fire and trampling, the annual fireworks display has to be cancelled.
Despite the protests from the local Veterans group, merchants and the organizers of the annual parade, the board decides they don't want to spend any money on a lawsuit, so the fireworks are cancelled.
If that hadn't been exciting enough, Prudence Pratt, announces that she wants something to be done about all the naked people down at Blueberry Pond. At first everyone just ignores her, after all, who hasn't stripped down and jumped into the pond on a hot day at least once in their life.
But when they find out that Blueberry Pond has been declared one of the best places for naturalist's to visit, everything changes. After all, no one wants a nudist colony in town. But they're not sure a law banning it, as Prudence wants is the way to go.
Lucy tries to interview Prudence, but the women refuses, after yelling a few things at her. Prudence, who lives next door to Lucy and her family are not on good terms. The Stone's family dog, Kudo keeps getting out and killing the Pratt's chickens. Although Lucy pays her for the chickens, Prudence is taking the Stone family to doggy court to have the problem taken care of.
This animosity towards the two family's looks suspicious when later, Lucy stumbles across Prudence's body, run over in her driveway.
Who would kill Prudence? Although no one liked her, did they hate her enough to kill her? Surely the naturalists wouldn't kill her just because she was trying to get them banned.
With the police looking at her, Lucy decides she'd better look into this case before she's arrested for murder.
Normally the most interesting thing at the meeting was whether she would be able to stay awake during it. Tonight, however things turned out to be exciting.
Jonathan Franke, local environmentalist has discovered that the purple spotted lichen plant is growing around Tinker's Cover. And by state law, any endangered species must be protected at all costs.
So to protect if from the possibilities of fire and trampling, the annual fireworks display has to be cancelled.
Despite the protests from the local Veterans group, merchants and the organizers of the annual parade, the board decides they don't want to spend any money on a lawsuit, so the fireworks are cancelled.
If that hadn't been exciting enough, Prudence Pratt, announces that she wants something to be done about all the naked people down at Blueberry Pond. At first everyone just ignores her, after all, who hasn't stripped down and jumped into the pond on a hot day at least once in their life.
But when they find out that Blueberry Pond has been declared one of the best places for naturalist's to visit, everything changes. After all, no one wants a nudist colony in town. But they're not sure a law banning it, as Prudence wants is the way to go.
Lucy tries to interview Prudence, but the women refuses, after yelling a few things at her. Prudence, who lives next door to Lucy and her family are not on good terms. The Stone's family dog, Kudo keeps getting out and killing the Pratt's chickens. Although Lucy pays her for the chickens, Prudence is taking the Stone family to doggy court to have the problem taken care of.
This animosity towards the two family's looks suspicious when later, Lucy stumbles across Prudence's body, run over in her driveway.
Who would kill Prudence? Although no one liked her, did they hate her enough to kill her? Surely the naturalists wouldn't kill her just because she was trying to get them banned.
With the police looking at her, Lucy decides she'd better look into this case before she's arrested for murder.
June 26, 2017
Some thoughts. First, many reviewers get so indignant about Lucy. They're bothered that she whines about her job, complains about her children, doesn't have a romantic, idealistic marriage. To all that I say, if you're eleven books into this series, you already know who Lucy is and if it bothers you that much, by book two, you probably should have bowed out. Lucy is who she is, flaws and all. And to be honest, what I like about her character is that she is so believable. I know plenty of women who can get whiny about the demands of work, bemoan the attitudes of their children, and aren't always smitten with their spouses. It's life. But if you're paying attention, she also realizes how much she enjoys her job, that her children do have moments where they surprise her and shine (as children do!), and that she and her husband have a totally normal relationship.
Second, yes, this adventure with Lucy has something really sad in it. Beyond the murder that launches the investigation, that is. Without spoiling anything in the plot, I will concur that, for animal lovers, this one may rest a little heavier. However, the central theme of the whole series involves loss of life, so...there you have it.
I actually found this installment of the Lucy Stone mysteries had some moments of levity, always appreciated in a cozy mystery. I liked the way the various plot threads wove together without all neatly tying into the central case, yet not feeling out of place. I thought the final twist and reveal were well placed and that the ending left things on a happy note. As always, looking forward to seeing where Lucy's adventures take her next!
Second, yes, this adventure with Lucy has something really sad in it. Beyond the murder that launches the investigation, that is. Without spoiling anything in the plot, I will concur that, for animal lovers, this one may rest a little heavier. However, the central theme of the whole series involves loss of life, so...there you have it.
I actually found this installment of the Lucy Stone mysteries had some moments of levity, always appreciated in a cozy mystery. I liked the way the various plot threads wove together without all neatly tying into the central case, yet not feeling out of place. I thought the final twist and reveal were well placed and that the ending left things on a happy note. As always, looking forward to seeing where Lucy's adventures take her next!
December 21, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at https://www.robinlovesreading.com.
Mrs. Prudence Pratt is Lucy Stone’s nemesis. More accurately put, Mrs. Pratt is Kudo’s, the family’s dog, nemesis. Kudos keeps escaping and killing her blue-ribbon chickens. Before the Stone family can correct the matter, Mrs. Pratt will go to any means necessary to have the dog destroyed. As if enough isn’t going on in Tinker’s Cove, there are some trying to cancel the upcoming fireworks display and a colony of nudists, or more accurately referred to, naturists, have descended upon the local pond.
Oh, and let’s not forget the serious concern that the lobster trade might be affected by poachers. As a part-time reporter, Lucy is trying to cover at least one of these stories...well, she would rather leave the naturists to her boss.
Sort of a spoiler here...but each story in this cozy mystery series contains a murder...
Mrs. Pratt is dead. Her manner of death is beyond all doubt a murder. Since Lucy is concerned that the police are looking at her for it, she decides to check into it for herself. Will she be able to locate the murderer without bringing danger to herself?
For a relatively short book, the story is quite busy. There is the requisite family drama, the aforementioned murder, Lucy’s hectic job, and a bit more. This is a nice addition to the series that I have been enjoying thus far. This is a quick read, and despite some serious issues, it is rather light-hearted.
There are twenty-five books in the series thus far, and book twelve is New Year’s Eve Murder.
Mrs. Prudence Pratt is Lucy Stone’s nemesis. More accurately put, Mrs. Pratt is Kudo’s, the family’s dog, nemesis. Kudos keeps escaping and killing her blue-ribbon chickens. Before the Stone family can correct the matter, Mrs. Pratt will go to any means necessary to have the dog destroyed. As if enough isn’t going on in Tinker’s Cove, there are some trying to cancel the upcoming fireworks display and a colony of nudists, or more accurately referred to, naturists, have descended upon the local pond.
Oh, and let’s not forget the serious concern that the lobster trade might be affected by poachers. As a part-time reporter, Lucy is trying to cover at least one of these stories...well, she would rather leave the naturists to her boss.
Sort of a spoiler here...but each story in this cozy mystery series contains a murder...
Mrs. Pratt is dead. Her manner of death is beyond all doubt a murder. Since Lucy is concerned that the police are looking at her for it, she decides to check into it for herself. Will she be able to locate the murderer without bringing danger to herself?
For a relatively short book, the story is quite busy. There is the requisite family drama, the aforementioned murder, Lucy’s hectic job, and a bit more. This is a nice addition to the series that I have been enjoying thus far. This is a quick read, and despite some serious issues, it is rather light-hearted.
There are twenty-five books in the series thus far, and book twelve is New Year’s Eve Murder.
March 29, 2018
I liked the story, the mystery was good in keeping with the series.
However, I have one gripe with this book. Chapter 22 page 209 Lucy stone is at the 4th of July picnic watching a baseball game and the national anthem is being sung. I've copied the following passage from the book below.
(Tears sprang to her eyes as they always did when she heard the Star-Spangled Banner and she was glad she was wearing sunglasses.
The singers belted out the last words of the song--"and the home of the free"-- and everyone cheered and clapped and whistled.......)
No one noticed that the got the last line of The Star-Spangled Banner wrong? Couldn't anyone be bothered to look up the words? The last line being, as any real American would know, "and the home of the brave." Who edited this? Not to mention how could an American author make such an egregious mistake with her own national anthem?
Kind of ruined the believability of the moment. Sloppy editing? Sloppy writer? Somebody have a brain fart that day? No one caught this? Just saying.
However, I have one gripe with this book. Chapter 22 page 209 Lucy stone is at the 4th of July picnic watching a baseball game and the national anthem is being sung. I've copied the following passage from the book below.
(Tears sprang to her eyes as they always did when she heard the Star-Spangled Banner and she was glad she was wearing sunglasses.
The singers belted out the last words of the song--"and the home of the free"-- and everyone cheered and clapped and whistled.......)
No one noticed that the got the last line of The Star-Spangled Banner wrong? Couldn't anyone be bothered to look up the words? The last line being, as any real American would know, "and the home of the brave." Who edited this? Not to mention how could an American author make such an egregious mistake with her own national anthem?
Kind of ruined the believability of the moment. Sloppy editing? Sloppy writer? Somebody have a brain fart that day? No one caught this? Just saying.
February 28, 2019
This series is probably a "fluff" read about Lucy Stone and her family who live in Tinker's Cove, Maine, where there seems to be a big attraction to crime! That being said, I really love these books. Lucy is the wife of Bill and mother of four kids who behave like normal children anywhere. As they have gotten older in each book, gone off to college, started having adult issues, the stories ring true. I love it that Lucy could stand to lose some weight, has trouble juggling home life, kid's schedules, part time work, and even having squabbles with her husband on occasion. I've come to love the townsfolk and their quirks. It's almost like really being in Tinker's Cove with each book. So for those who might write off this series, give it a chance. Quite a few current issues are addressed in the series and the mysteries are pretty good.
May 13, 2015
I really liked this book. Lucy Stone is in the doghouse with her neighbor Prudence Pratt. It seems that Kudo, the Stone's misbehaving mutt, has developed a taste for Mrs. Pratt's blue ribbon chickens as well as a escape artists talent for sneaking out. With the 4th of Judy coming she doesn't want to set off any fireworks with Prudence. When a group of naturists a.k.a. nudists descends on Tinker's Cove a skinny dipping at the pond that borders Mrs. Pratt's property, giving her something to complain about. Worse yet, the lobster men are upset about the poachers and it falls on Mrs. Pratt's husband and son. They cancel the fireworks and Mrs. Pratt is the victim of a hit and run. Can Lucy catch a red,white,blue killer?
September 1, 2016
It's odd how for certain authors genius appears only in flashes. Not in any way shape or form is this book great or even good. I never liked the courtroom scenes or any sort of administrative scene. Lucy's family were rarely seen and they never made their presence count, them being together near the end notwithstanding. The Prologue was a hoot and a magnificent start to an otherwise drab book. But I wonder if there was a clue in the song titled 'She Wore and Itsy Bitsy Eenie Meenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini'. I do.
February 5, 2016
This book was annoying in many ways (for example, Lucy's whole "gee, I wish there's something I could do?" attitude about her teenage daughter sunbathing with a group of nudists. Be a parent Lucy!) and I didn't like the careless way the family dog was treated. But apart from that, this book gave me everything else I've come to expect from a Lucy Stone book and so it was enjoyable enough to merit 3.5 stars.
July 18, 2013
Another story from the Lucy Stone series. I enjoy Lucy and her family and all the trouble they get into. Their neighbor is murdered and Lucy and her son are considered suspects because of run ins they have had with the family. But they know they aren't guilty so to get the media off their case Lucy has to find out who the real murdered is.
October 18, 2015
Lucy and her family are viewed as being Hatfields and Mccoys with their neighbors who aren't very nice people.
October 24, 2013
Set in Maine. Nice family...slow start but it came together nicely to the finish. Loved her friend, Sue.
November 27, 2019
Best book so far! I especially loved that the opening and closing chapters were cutely different than usual! I didn't think I could fall in love with the Stone clan anymore and I do with every book!
November 5, 2022
surprise ending tricked me!
September 4, 2017
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I like reading this series and I plan on reading more books from this series.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I like reading this series and I plan on reading more books from this series.
July 4, 2021
Happy 4th of July!!!!!❤️🤍💙
These cozy mystery books by Leslie Meier always get me in the holiday spirit! They are always themed to whatever holiday it is! The author takes care to include all the little holiday details that make it a fun holiday story.
In this particular mystery, our neighborhood sleuth, Lucy Stone is set out to solve another murder in her small town of Tinkers Cove, Maine. Along the way, her dog gets run over, she gets attacked and held hostage in a chicken coup, as well as gets stuck in the middle of the water on a boat!
Some fun things are included as well when Lucy gets to interview a war veteran, reflects on freedom, enjoys a great fireworks display and attends a baseball game on the 4th! She even comes close to making potato salad! Lucy’s family gets a new puppy named Liberty! Those are the fun holiday details I mentioned.
It turns out at the end that two people confessed to the murder making it an unsolved case. I definitely didn’t expect that but I enjoyed the holiday spirit nonetheless! 🇺🇸
These cozy mystery books by Leslie Meier always get me in the holiday spirit! They are always themed to whatever holiday it is! The author takes care to include all the little holiday details that make it a fun holiday story.
In this particular mystery, our neighborhood sleuth, Lucy Stone is set out to solve another murder in her small town of Tinkers Cove, Maine. Along the way, her dog gets run over, she gets attacked and held hostage in a chicken coup, as well as gets stuck in the middle of the water on a boat!
Some fun things are included as well when Lucy gets to interview a war veteran, reflects on freedom, enjoys a great fireworks display and attends a baseball game on the 4th! She even comes close to making potato salad! Lucy’s family gets a new puppy named Liberty! Those are the fun holiday details I mentioned.
It turns out at the end that two people confessed to the murder making it an unsolved case. I definitely didn’t expect that but I enjoyed the holiday spirit nonetheless! 🇺🇸
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