It’s late autumn in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, and the last surviving flowers on Lucy Stone’s porch have fallen victim to the first frost of the season. But as the part-time reporter learns, this cold November morning will claim more than potted plants . . . Besides the annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day, Lucy expects the approaching holiday to be a relatively uneventful one—until she finds … uneventful one—until she finds beautiful Alison Franklin dead and frozen in Blueberry Pond. No one knows much about Alison, except that she was the daughter of wealthy investor Ed Franklin and struggled quietly with drug addiction. Police blame her death on an accidental overdose, but Lucy can’t understand what terrible forces could lead a privileged woman to watery ruin . . .
As a state of unrest descends on Tinker’s Cove, Lucy is thrown into a full-scale investigation. Now, in a race against time, Lucy must beat the killer to the finish line—or she can forget about stuffing and cranberry sauce . . .
“Reading a new Leslie Meier mystery is like catching up with a dear old friend.”
—Kate Carlisle, New York Times bestselling author
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TURKEY TROT MURDER This is a fast-paced cozy mystery. I enjoyed the mystery with its twists and turns. Some of the characters are relatable, but some you just find unlikable. The storyline covers some heavier subject matters like racism. I recommend this book to fans of the series and cozy mysteries.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
That’s it. Breaking point reached. Not only can I not stick with this series any longer, despite all my efforts to make the best of it until it eventually ends, I can’t even make myself finish this book. I have grown to actively dislike the characters and tone of the series to the point that I cannot even endure them to enjoy the mystery. Everything about this series has become a Facebook-style political rant. And with that, I take a hard pass on finding out if Lucy ever stops acting like a selfish human being or if any of her children finally mature into someone even remotely decent.
I typically feel a little guilty rating a book I tag as abandoned because it was left uncompleted and I don’t really know, but I made it 52 pages (four chapters, roughly 20% of the book) in and I’ve read more than enough of this series to justify rating this book under these particular circumstances without the least hesitation.
While out training for the annual Turkey Trot 5k, Lucy sadly comes across the body of a woman who has apparently fallen through the ice at Blueberry Pond. As she is new in town not much is know about the young woman, Alison Franklin, except that she is the daughter of one of the town’s most wealthy citizens. The police quickly blame Alison’s death on an accidental drug overdose, and her previous struggle with addiction supports that theory. Lucy does not believe that Alison’s death was accidental and she begins to investigate more about Alison to determine if there could be another explanation.
In addition to the unexpended death, Tinker’s Cove is thrown into chaos when racial tensions rise. People are quick to blame a new Latino family for the influx of drugs to the town. Lucy is closely connected to the turmoil when a business her husband is remodelling is burned to the ground, presumably because the owners are Puerto Rican.
I have read this entire series and enjoyed each book. This book was the first that made me wonder if the series was taking a turn. The author has included themes that are currently in the news, drugs and racial tensions. I couldn’t help but wonder if certain parts of the storyline were written to take jabs at the current administration and that was off putting.
Many of the usual characters were missing. As Lucy and Bill’s children grow up it is perfectly normal for them to be moving on, but they are missed. The new characters are interesting and developed well. Many quickly became suspects. I decided I knew who the murderer was in the first third of the book and dismissed them soon after. When the killer was revealed I was surprised.
I have recommended this series in the past, but I don’t know how I feel about this book. Overall I enjoyed it, but it gives me pause about rushing to read the next book when it is released.
Enjoy the earlier books in series….last few have been a bit heavy handed dealing with topical or political issues.
I can understand the author’s motivations, but I believe cozy mysteries are escapes.
I love Leslie’s books, easy to read and a fun way to relax!
If you love Lucy Stone then you will love this new book about her and her lovable friends, family, and co-workers.
Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier is the twenty-fourth A Lucy Stone Mystery. Lucy Stone is out jogging (really) preparing for Tinker’s Cove annual Turkey Trot 5K race. She is going by Blueberry Pond when she notices something pink near the reeds. Upon closer (and careful) inspection, Lucy finds the body of a girl and immediately contact the police. The victim is Alison Franklin, daughter of new board of health member, Ed Franklin. Alison’s death is blamed on drugs which has been a problem recently in the local area. Lucy, however, is unsure that drugs were Alison’s undoing. Chef Rey Rodriguez has purchased the Olde Irish Pub and plans to turn it into Cali Kitchen. Locals are in an uproar over this new addition thanks to Ed Franklin (he is lumping the Rodriguez family in with Mexican drug dealers). Things are heating up in Tinker’s Cove and Lucy will need to work quickly if the town is to have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!
Turkey Trot Murder is well-written and engaging. It has a nice easy writing style and flow that makes for a pleasurable read. It is always delightful to revisit Lucy Stone and her family. Lucy has certainly changed since readers were introduced to her (and her family) in Mistletoe Murder. There is plenty of action in Turkey Trot Murder (murder and mayhem—just the way I like it). I like how Ms. Meier tackled the issues of opiate dependency and immigration. Ed Franklin will remind readers of a real life figure that holds a high political office in our country. I give Turkey Trot Murder 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). Ms. Meier creates such engaging, personable characters (Lucy, Bill, Rachel, Pam, Ted) and a charming town (that is facing some troubles). I like the humor that is injected into the story creating many laugh out loud moments (which I really needed since I read this while we were without power after Hurricane Irma). The mystery was absorbing, and I liked following the clues to solve the case. I really appreciate the lovely ending and how the author wrapped up all the storylines. I look forward to reading the next A Lucy Stone Mystery when it is published.
While training for the upcoming Turkey Trot run Lucy comes across the body of a young girl named Alison on the ice, who happens to be the daughter of a rich community member. It’s not visible what killed her so gossip runs rampant about the drugs that have become prevalent in the small town and people are sure that is the cause. It doesn’t help that her father, Ed Franklin, is becoming increasingly harsh in voicing his opinion about the people that he feels are immigrants in Tinker’s Cove. When Ed is found dead in his Range Rover the discontent between the towns people reaches a new high. Can Lucy figure out what caused Alison to go out on that ice and who killed her father. With an uneasiness taking over the town will the answers come to Lucy before it’s to late. I appreciate how the author took several issues relevant to our times and worked them into her book.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.