Fresh-baked cookies, pies, and cakes can warm even the frostiest Christmases in coastal Maine. But there’s little room for holiday cheer when murder is the new seasonal tradition . . . YULE LOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIERLucy Stone is thrilled to be cast as an extra in a festive period film—until the set becomes a murder scene decorated in blood and buttercream icing. Returning to her role as … icing. Returning to her role as sleuth, Lucy dashes to restore peace to Tinker’s Cove, unwrap a cold-hearted criminal’s MO, and reveal how one ornate Yule log cake could possibly cause so much drama.
DEATH BY YULE LOG by LEE HOLLIS
Hayley Powell’s holidays aren’t off to a very merry start. Not only has her daughter brought Conner—an infuriatingly perfect new beau—home to Bar Harbor, but a local troublemaker has been found dead with traces of her signature Yule log cake on his body. As Conner becomes the prime murder suspect, Hayley must put aside her mixed feelings to identify the real killjoy.
LOGGED ON by BARBARA ROSS
Realizing she can’t make a decent Bûche de Noël to save her life, Julia Snowden enlists the help of her eccentric neighbor, Mrs. St. Onge, in hopes of mastering the dessert for Christmas. With everyone in the old woman’s circle missing or deceased, however, it’s up to Julia to stop the deadly tidings before she’s the next Busman’s Harbor resident to meet a not-so-jolly fate.
Kick back with something sweet and indulge in three bite-sized Yuletide tales too good to resist!
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If cozy lovers are looking for a great way to get into the holiday spirit, check out Yule Log Murders, a trio of novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross. In “Yule Log Murder,” by Leslie Meier, Lucy Stone is a reluctant caterer at a movie being shot in her hometown of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, during the hectic holiday season. When she stumbles over a dead body, she has to add sleuthing to her already-too-long to-do list. “In Death by Yule Log,” penned by Lee Hollis, Maine food columnist Haley Powell suspects that the charming young man her daughter has brought home for the holidays is a serial killer. And last, but certainly not least, Julia Snowden is determined to make a traditional Yule log dessert for her family in “Logged On,” by Barbara Ross. Completely lacking in baking skills, she turns to an elderly neighbor for help. During the course of the lessons, the home health aide assigned to the neighbor disappears, and Julia suspects her neighbor is hiding a terrible secret.
“Yule Log Murder’ is better than a midnight madness sale at the mall. And you won’t have to fight for a parking space!
Another fabulous Christmas anthology from wonderful cozy mystery authors Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross.
I was going to review each story in this book separately, and I do have a favorite of the three, but the overall anthology was so good, I have decided to give my thought on the overall volume. Meier, Hollis, and Ross have once again given readers a Christmas treat with, YULE LOG MURDER.
I read this holiday delight over the course of two days. I hated putting it down! Each story in this anthology, YULE LOG MURDER, DEATH BY YULE LOG, and LOGGED ON, is a cleverly written mystery, packed with more twists and turns than you’ll find on a candy cane. Each author penned their respective tale with intrigue, fun, and the Christmas spirit. Oh, and recipes!
YULE LOG MURDER is the prefect present under any reader’s tree!
This book contains three Christmas mystery novellas by three different mystery authors featuring their main sleuths. Up first is the title story by Leslie Meier as Lucy Stone tries to figure out how a young woman died on the set of a movie being filmed in town. Next comes “Death by Yule Log” by Lee Hollis. In this story, Hayley Powell meets her daughter’s new boyfriend. While she is less than impressed with him, she begins to poke around when he is accused of murder. Finally comes “Logged On” by Barbara Ross. Christmas is approaching, and Julia Snowden is determined to make a great yule log to impress her boyfriend’s family. She’s so desperate she gets help from Mrs. St. Onge, an unpleasant neighbor everyone agrees makes the best yule log cakes around. Only, something seems off. Can Julia figure out what is going on?
Fans of any of these authors will want to pick up this book. All three feature strong mysteries. Each story is around 100 pages, yet still feature some good twists and surprises that kept the pages flying. I did find the characters in the Lucy Stone story annoying, but that is my only complaint with the book. I don’t read Lee Hollis, but I am tempted to with how much I enjoyed the story here. I love Barbara Ross’s books, so it was fabulous to get another story with them. You’ll get plenty of Christmas spirit while reading this book, and each author includes some recipes you can make after you’ve finished the book, including three different recipes for yule logs.
Very good and entertaining! Fun, short stories!
Note: I only read the novella by Barbara Ross, as it is part of the Maine Clambake Mysteries series, which I read and enjoy. I have abandoned both the series by Lee Hollis and by Leslie Meier, so I skipped those contributions to this collection. I am also going to break from my usual review format and just discuss the novella.
“Logged On” (Maine Clambake Mysteries):
When I read a holiday novella, especially one that is themed to Christmas, this is exactly what I look for. Fun, festive, mysterious…but still a bit lighter than the typical fare of even a cozy mystery. This fit the bill to the letter. I did not want to put it down and I was enthralled with watching the details come together. My one and only complaint has *nothing* to do with the story at all: Goodreads (which I use to track everything I read, as well as to guide me in the order I read a given series) has the order of the series listed by the published-date, which does not match up with the timeline taking place in the series. I wish Goodreads would rearrange the series to match the chronology in the books. This is only an issue because Ms. Ross is so very consistent in weaving the story between books and there are some details that come to light at the end of “Steamed Open” that make some details at the end of “Logged On” seem as though they came out of left field…and I suspect that if I’d read “Sealed Off” first (as well as the Halloween novella), I might have not been so confused.
Combining three great cozy mystery authors together for a holiday feast of murder and Christmas cheer is a great way to get into a suspenseful holiday mood. These short themed stories are sure to delight the fans of theae three authors as well as garner a slew of new cozy mystery buffs.
This book contained three Christmas cozy mystery novellas. I thoroughly enjoyed each one. I was able to get right into each story from the beginning and didn’t want them to end so quickly.
I received a copy of this to review from #netgalley & #KensintonBooks.
3 delightful stories that I tried to read as though they were stand alone stories as I’ve no idea where they fell in any series. I’ve read a few of Leslie Meier’s books but not in any order, so it wasn’t terrible. If you’re a reader who has to have them in order though? Be sure you do your research.
I loved the recipes that came in the books. I’m hoping to be able to make at least one of them. One, I know I have no hope of making. The stories were very well written and I enjoyed the unique writing styles of each author. This is easily a must-read/give for the holiday season. If you’re trying to find a last minute gift for the holidays, surprise your reader with this.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books, Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Barbara Ross, and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read these stories and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.
This novella was included in a three-story book focused on gingerbread that I received as a holiday present. I read Joanne Fluke’s books, which was the reason I got this one, but I’m getting interested in Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone series as a result of this book, Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots. I read the ~100 page story in a paperback before bed last night in about 45 minutes. It’s a very quick read, a teaser to get fans interested in the larger series. Lucy Stone is a fun character and this was a nice break away from a cozy about murder. Instead, it focused on a kidnapping that ended with a murder. What a twist! Apart from the mystery, the really fun aspect is the interaction between Lucy and her family. She has a few older kids, middle/high school age kids and at least one grandchild from what I can tell so far. It takes place in Maine, but they spent time in Louisiana, too, I believe. I’ve so much to learn… It hits the spot as a fun read when you just need to escape from reality.
Yule Log Murder contains three short cozy mysteries by Lucy Stone, Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis. Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier takes us to Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Lucy is playing an extra in the period film, Guinevere being filmed at Pine Point. Lucy finds it tedious until the cook’s assistant is found dead smothered in pink icing from a yule log and a knife to the stomach. When Phyllis Lundquist’s relative is arrested for the crime, Lucy is tasked with finding the culprit. She must work in her sleuthing in between working at the paper, her role in the film and the final preparations for Christmas. Lucy gets an early Christmas present when her son, Patrick and his family arrive to celebrate the holidays. Surprise turns to shock when she encounters their new pit bull, Skittles and hears their unexpected news. Spending time on the set tracking down a killer sounds like a welcome escape to Lucy.
Lee Hollis entertains readers with Death by Yule in Bar Harbor, Maine. Hayley Powell’s holidays are not starting off as planned when her son, Dustin becomes snowed in with his father. Her daughter, Gemma arrives with her new actor boyfriend, Conner who seems too perfect. They attend Liddy’s annual Christmas party which has a significant number of party crashers including local bad boy, Ryan Toledo. After an altercation between Ryan and Conner over Gemma, Ryan is escorted out of the party. A few hours later, Ryan is found in the woods near Liddy’s house with remnants of one of Hayley’s Yule logs on his body. Connor is at the top of the suspect list and a distressed Gemma asks Hayley to clear his name. Which resident of Bar Harbor is getting an orange jumpsuit for Christmas?
Logged On by Barbara Ross is set in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Julia Snowden wants to start her own Christmas tradition and she has decided it will be a Buche de Noel (oh dear). Julia is not going to let the fact she cannot make a decent one stop her. Julia’s mother suggests she consult their crusty neighbor, Mrs. Odile St. Onge. The baking lessons begin, and they give Julia a chance to learn more about the reclusive woman. Julia has noticed that Mrs. St. Onge’s caregiver quit showing up recently along with her grand-nephew which leaves the older woman without assistance. She decides to investigate the matter, and Julia is dismayed when she learns that Mrs. St. Onge has had a few relatives pass away during the holidays after eating her Buche de Noel. The more Julia learns the more alarmed she becomes. Julia is determined to get answers, but she is wary of becoming the next victim.
Yule Log Murder contains three entertaining cozy mysteries. While the three tales are part of existing series, you can read them as standalones. I enjoyed visiting some of my favorite characters during the holiday season. Yule logs are woven into each story. While these delectable cakes are beautiful, they are not easy to make. There are friendly characters, charming small towns, holiday cheer and mysteries in each novella. All three are well-written with steady pacing and good flow. I was a little surprised by what is happening with Patrick Stone’s family in Yule Log Murder. They are not as I remember them, and I hope we see significant changes before they appear in the series again (I know I am being vague, but I do not want to spoil it for you). All three mysteries have humor, but I found myself laughing more at Julia’s antics in Logged On. All three crimes can easily be solved, but they are still pleasing to read (I stayed up very late finishing this collection). I am giving Yule Log Murder 4 out of 5 stars. Find yourself a comfy chair to relax in while reading the diverting and merry novellas in Yule Log Murder.
Yule Log Murder brings three of my favorite authors together again for another holiday trilogy of Maine Christmas novellas, and I couldn’t be happier!
Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier is the first story in the book, and Lucy Stone has her hands full when Toby, Molly, and Patrick surprise the family for a Christmas visit, but she’s too busy to spend much time with them because she’s (of course!!!) investigating a suspicious death that occurred at the estate formerly owned by the late, and very wealthy, Vivian Van Vorst, and her friend Phyllis’s niece is the prime suspect!
Lee Hollis’ Death by Yule Log finds Hayley and family missing Dustin at Christmas after he’s snowed in at his dad’s house, but with the arrival of Gemma and her boyfriend (who may or may not be a serial killer), Hayley’s quickly distracted. Add in the discovery of a local bad boy murdered outside of Liddy’s house, and her blossoming romance with (who’d have thunk it???) Bruce Linney, and Hayley’s up to her meringue mushrooms in trouble!
The final story, Barbara Ross’ Logged On, focuses on Julia’s quest to make a perfect Buche de Noel for the holidays so that she can impress her boyfriend Chris’ family when they arrive for a visit. The trouble is she needs help from the scary woman next door, Odile St. Onge, whom Julia suspects may have poisoned several relatives, to master the task!
These three stories are the perfect combination of cozy and murder, all with yummy holiday recipes, and each one is a great addition to the authors’ series. A+++
In this fun Christmas Cozy we have three authors who deliver on some great mysteries. I read all three authors and love the series that they write. In this wonderful compilation you’ll first meet Lucy Stone who is happy that her grandson is there to spend Christmas with her but what also has her excited is being an extra in a film that is being shot at a local home. When one of the workers is murdered Lucy finds someone standing over the body with a knife, but did they do it? In the second story Hayley isn’t sure how she feels about the boy that her daughter brought home, there is just something about him that rubs her the wrong way. She also hates that her son in snowed in at his fathers and won’t be home for the holidays. While at a party an uninvited guest causes a scene and is later found dead. Who would want to kill such a young man and why? Could he really have that many enemies at his age? During the third story Julia wants to learn how to make a Yule Log so her mother suggests she seek out the help of an elderly neighbor who was at one time know for the dessert. Julia gets the older woman to help but during the process she realizes quite a few people have ended up dead around the woman. Is something sinister going on with her or is it all just a fluke? To learn what happens with each of these main characters and their stories jump right in and enjoy the mystery of it all.
Reviewing LOGGED ON by Barbara Ross
Oh good gracious that was Ridiculous! Julia has murder stuck in her head and that poor lady almost got arrested for nothing! Exactly why I don’t bake… it’s dangerous.
Reviewing DEATH BY YULE LOG by Lee Hollis
That was funny! Oh Mona came out of my mouth so many times my family was looking at me strange. She’s the usual trouble maker but yeesh (insert eye roll here). My favorite part was Hayley rereading her long ago column and remembering who she thought her future husband was going to be. All he has to do is ask the question.
I ranked it as excellent in my computer review. I wish I could find all of her books.
YULE LOG MURDER is three Christmas novellas by three cozy mystery authors all with a common thread of all taking place in Maine and have a yule log being an important factor in each one. It was wonderful to see that the main characters were from one of their series in each novella. The authors also includes recipes that were mentioned in their story, which was a wonderful addition to the book.
YULE LOG MURDER by Leslie Meier is set in Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Lucy Stone, who works at the Pennysaver Newspaper, has landed a role as an extra in a film production. The filming is at Pine Point, now owned by Juliette Duff, who inherited it from her Grandmother – Vivian Van Vorst, and directed by her recently wed husband, Ross Rocket, whose real name we learn is Ronald Rosensweig. It’s during work on the production that Bobbi Holden, a young prankster who was an actress want-a-be, is found murdered lying face down in a yule log with a knife in her chest.
Lucy, while maintaining her newspaper job, and sometimes in that capacity, and keeping up with the filming schedule, uses her past amateur sleuth abilities to help find out who the killer is and why Bobbi was killed. It seems that all the evidence points in one direction, but sometimes the compass is off it seems and things aren’t quite as they seem.
DEATH BY YULE LOG by Lee Hollis takes place in Bar Harbor. Hayley Powell Christmas is starting off to a rocky start when she find out her son, Dustin, isn’t able to get home for Christmas due to the weather. Then Gemma shows up with Conner, her boyfriend, who she is less than thrilled with from the first get go.
When Ryan Toledo shows up vying for Gemma’s attention while in a drunken state, Connor comes to her rescue which led to a big brawl with Conner injured and Ryan thrown out. When Ryan is found murdered shortly thereafter, Conner is the prime suspect. Hayley puts her initial feelings aside and fights to find out the truth on what happened to Ryan and who the real killer is.
LOGGED ON by Barbara Ross happens in Busman Harbor.
Julia Snowden is determined to be able to make the perfect Buche de Noel for Christmas so that she can have something to make her stamp on or contribution to the holidays. Her Mother suggest that she ask their eccentric neighbor, Mrs. Odile St. Onge to teach her how since hers from years page were all the rage and most sought after around.
As a child, Julia, as well as all the other children, feared that house and its occupant. Julie faces her fears and approaches Mrs. Onge to ask for her help. She then feels sorry for this elderly lady all on her own and tries to help with things like picking up groceries and doing things around the house. She still feels that something isn’t right but can’t quite put her finger on it until they start talking. Seems everyone is either missing or dead that had had dealings with Mrs. Onge including her husband. Was he missing or dead? Can she figure out what amiss before something else happens to someone?
I found this book a delight to read and bound to get any cozy reader into the holiday frame of mind. After reading the three novellas in this one fantastic book, you will be running to find some of the other books that their amateur sleuths are in to read more of their adventures. Definitely recommend this book any cozy mystery reader for any time of year. After all, can’t we all use a bit of holiday mystery all year long!
This book was a disappointment. The first story, in particular, was quite dull and drawn out. None of the segments presented engaging characters.
This collection of short stories by some of the best cozy mystery writers is just in time for the upcoming holidays! Three novellas are included in this volume and each story features a mystery with a Yule Log as a centerpiece. Because these are short stories, they go by fast but set a great tone for the holiday season. Each author brings characters into their short stories from their popular series, but you don’t necessarily have to be familiar with the characters to appreciate the writing. I was pleased to see the release of another compilation from this publisher as I have been quite fond of the previous holiday story collections released. Don’t miss out on the newest collection – you will be pleased – so pull up your favorite blanket, cup of hot cocoa and let this book set the scene for this years holiday season!