Lucy Stone’s late-winter blues usually vanish by the time Tinker’s Cove goes green for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. There’s just one wee problem that not even the luck of the Irish can fix—murder! After returning from her father-in-law’s funeral in Florida, Lucy can almost hear the death knell of her part-time reporter job the instant she meets new hire Rob Callahan. He’s young, … Rob Callahan. He’s young, ambitious, and positioning himself to become the Pennysaver’s next star reporter. Adding insult to injury, Lucy only gets assigned the local St. Patrick’s Day parade once Rob passes on the story. But before beer flows and bagpipes sound, Rob becomes suspected of destroying more than other people’s careers . . .
It’s a shock when Rob is suddenly charged with sending a corrections officer from town to a fiery death. Contrary to the evidence, Lucy seriously doubts her office rival committed murder, and she’s willing to follow that nagging hunch into the darkest corners of the community if it means shedding light on the truth . . .
As an unnerving mystery unfolds, a strange woman reveals news that could change everything for Lucy and her family. Troubles in her personal and professional life are colliding, and Lucy comes to realize that she’ll sooner discover a four-leaf clover than confront a killer with the gift of the gab and live to tell about it . . .
more
I wanted to love this, I usually do. That being said, a couple of times during the first half of the book I was tempted to DNF, but the second half made me glad I finished it.
This is almost a tale of 3 books, well, okay 2 books and 2 parts. I honestly felt like the author couldn’t decide what story they wanted to tell, so they combined several into one and hoped it came out okay, which usually isn’t the case. Usually I love Leslie Meier’s mysteries, but the first half I honestly couldn’t figure out where she was going, and about 4 times I put my book down and said I’m done. Each time I said I would give it a couple more minutes. Finally around 60% the story caught and I finished it.
Irish Parade Murder by Leslie Meier is the newest (27th) book in the amazing Lucy Stone mystery series. I have to admit that I have read every single book Ms. Meier has written and I am always anticipating the newest addition to my favorite series. I have truly enjoyed these cozy murder mysteries since their inception, and after all of these years, I am still in love with this cast of characters. Tinker’s Cove, Maine feels like a second home to me, and the town’s inhabitants feel part of my own hometown. I am particularly fond of the Stone family and after reading all of Ms. Meier’s novels and novellas, I feel as if I am a part of their family as well.
I identify with Lucy. She is my favorite heroine and female sleuth. She is a great mom, strong, intelligent, fiery when needed, imperfect, a loyal friend, and a great partner to Bill, her husband. I love reading all that she gets into (sometimes through no fault of her own). I just love her!
This book is a great addition to this series and is Lucy at her best. The murder/mystery plot is spot on. There were plenty of twists tossed in, plenty of potential culprits, and suspense abound. I loved the fact that the story included a St. Patrick’s Day theme. It was cute, creative, held my interest, and stayed true to the continued development of the characters. I love that Bill, Sarah, and Zoe got more screen time. They have really grown into their own. The banter, wit, and one-liners were excellent and had me laughing out loud many times. I cannot recommend this book, and this series enough. It is beyond my favorite in existence and I cannot wait for the next visit with Lucy and Tinker’s Cove.
Perfect in every way. 5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.