Member Reviews
I was excited about getting to read and review British Murder because I have always wanted to go to England. British Murder is two complete stories in one, English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder. Both cozy mysteries are set in England.
I loved the characters in this book. Lucy Stone is the “faux” detective in this series. She’s funny and down to earth and loves her family. Her group of friends were fun and enjoyable, and her friend Sue, joins her on a second trip to England in the British Manor Murder.
My absolute favorite thing about this book was the highly descriptive scenes when the group was touring England. The author did a such a great job, I felt like I was right there. She continued the trend in the second mystery, British Manor Murder. I loved English Tea Murder, but wasn’t as fond of British Manor Murder. To me, the first story had more of a mystery behind it and was quite captivating. I found the second mystery a bit boring. If you enjoy cozy mysteries you will enjoy this book. I recommend it, for a quick and easy, but enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie Meier, and KensingtonPublishing Corporation for the opportunity to read and review this **** book.
I loved this book!! Loved both stories in the book!! Wasn't confused by not reading the other books in the series!! May read the other books in the series!! Received this book from Kensington books from netgally!!
I hadn't read the previous books, so this was a little confusing for me. I was unaware that the book was a series, and also contained two different stories. Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a cute cosy mystery, but I wish the stories had been sequential.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
British Murder by Leslie Meier contains two previously published Lucy Stone Mysteries. They can be read as standalones for those new to the series. I have read every Lucy Stone Mystery book. I find them all enjoyable to read and highly entertaining. English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder to contain good writing and the stories moved along at a fast clip. The characters remind me of everyday people. Lucy and her family could be my neighbors or relatives and I like that. The two mysteries were different from each other. The whodunit is British Manor Murder involved more than just a dead body. I liked that there were various elements to it. I enjoyed following the clues and identifying the killer. English Tea Murder had a light mystery. It is more about Lucy’s adventures on the trip. I wish there had more mystery in this one (Less complaining and catching up with an old friend). Leslie Meier has an easy breezy style of writing that makes her stories a pleasure to read. It was also nice to revisit Lucy, her family, and friends. While I love Tinker’s Cove, it was nice to visit a different locale with Lucy. Tinker’s Cove really does not need another dead body (the town is bound to get a bad reputation). The only thing I did not like was how whiny Lucy was at the beginning of British Manor Murder. It did not fit with Lucy’s personality. British Manor Murder contains two lighthearted cozy mysteries that has Lucy donning her sleuthing cap to solve two crimes in jolly old England.
I really enjoy the mystery series by this author and this story didn’t disappoint. I find myself reading the story quickly as I get engrossed in the characters.
You might already be a fan of Leslie Meier and read her Lucy Stone series. They are fun cozy mysteries! British Murder is actually a reprint of two that take place in the United Kingdom. Both English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder were good, but I liked British Manor the best! Lucy always ends up in these predicaments, but luckily has her sleuthing skills with her! If you haven’t read these and are looking for a new series, here you go!
Today's review is for British Murder, a cozy mystery compilation by writer Leslie Meier. I'll be honest, when I requested the ARC (yes, this was an ARC provided to me), I had noooo idea this was a compilation rather than a single book. It contains two of Meier's previously-published works English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder. These are part of the Lucy Stone Mysteries series, and there are quite a few of them, by the looks!
So, yes - I did (yet again) read another book out of order, only this one isn't anywhere near the front of the line. I don't even know where these two books fall in the series, but they read like established characters so I am going to go right ahead and assume there are a number of stories prior to either of those contained in the British Murder duo-tome (do you like that term? I don't know if it's original, but I like it. You heard it here).
Now: the stories.
Despite being about an American woman who sort of stumbles across and helps to solve murder mysteries, these books obviously take place in Britain, and those elements have been done well, even if it does seem a little like a tourist visit at points (particularly English Tea Murder, which is set in London). I don't have a huge problem with this, but it does detract from the development of the mystery a little when the descriptions of landmarks and other sites of interest get rather lengthy.
There are some cliches employed throughout the book, but honestly, again - not all that concerned about it. They aren't out of place and don't detract from the plot. On the plot of both novels, I will say that they were pleasant enough to read and the denouement played out fairly well. I did twig to the offenders fairly early on for the first book, and around the middle of the story for the second, but if you do like cozy mysteries I think this series would do you fine. It isn't necessary to have read the prior books in the series, as I haven't and I was able to catch on to who everybody was and what all was happening easily and quickly.
The only thing that really stopped be gelling with this series, I think, was maybe the writing style? Which is nothing at all against the writer, this is just something that happens occasionally. I will say this for Meier: she does an excellent job at writing a character that truly pissed me off, that character actually being the best friend of the protagonist of the series, Lucy Stone. Sue Finch (the best friend) annoyed the hell out of me for two books straight, and that speaks well of the way the character has been written.
If I come across the series, I'll probably give them another try as I do like the premise (I really like England, ok?) - I think I have just been spoiled with my reading choices of late. And, well....this series doesn't come with recipes. You know how I feel about cozy mysteries and recipes.
In this book you get two different stories with Lucy Stone set in England. The first book is English Tea Murder, Lucy and three of her friends go with a college group to England. But even before they get there one of the group dies on the plane. And then little things start to happen and Lucy starts to suspect there is something going on.
The next story British Manor Murder Lucy goes with her friend Sue to England to have a small vacation at a manor. They find out that the owners of the manor are not living the life of luxury like you would think but have many problems.
This is a must and you get two stories for the price of one.
Wow!!!! English Tea Murder was so good!!! I read it years ago but had forgotten the details and it was like reading a new book! Not only did I love getting to hear about history, but I enjoyed getting to hear about all of the famous sites in England that they visited. This mystery was one of the more complicated that Lucy has had to solve. Once I started it, I had to keep reading until I found out who did it!
British Manor Murder
This story was awesome, too! It was centered around a man that Sue and Lucy met in English Tea Murder. The mystery was great and once again I really enjoyed hearing about the history in England. I loved that they were staying in a castle with all of the hidden rooms and wonderful antiques. Don't hesitate to buy this book!
The good news: British Murder is two Lucy Stone novels for a single book’s price. The bad news: The two novels, English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder, were previously published in 2011 and 2016. So if you haven’t read either novel, you are getting a good deal. If you have read either one or both, it’s not so good.
The English Tea Murder is number seventeen in the Lucy Stone series. The British Manor Murder is number 23 in the Lucy Stone series. Both are great cozy mysteries set in England and definitely worth 4 stars on their own merits. I’m just disappointed in the Amazon book description not making the repackaging more clear. However, I am willing to assume that just may have been me not being observant enough so 4 stars for the pair of books.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
British Murder by Leslie Meier is the 17th book, English Tea Murder, and 23rdbook, British Manor Murder. in the Lucy Stone mystery series. I have been reading Lucy Stone books for years, and the books are like visiting old friends, I love this series. Both books are about Lucy's travels to England, first one about a fatal asthma attack while flying, second one about a body found in Moreton Manor. I found these books to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. There are a lot of fun twists and turns. I enjoy the way Ms. Meier relates to everyday life and people. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, as always. It is also fun to watch how her life has changed over the years. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book and the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I read both of these stories when they originally came out. I really enjoy the Lucy Stone mysteries & have enjoyed getting to know the characters throughout the years. Being from Maine myself, it is always fun to read these stories to see if I recognize any "landmarks" or familiar references in the stories. This is a GREAT cozy mystery series and I look forward to the next in the series!
This book is an omnibus featuring two earlier Lucy Stone mysteries set in England.
<i>English Tea Murder</i>: Lucy Stone and some of her friends join a tour group from Winchester College to England. While still in the air, the tour leader dies of an allergic reaction. A doctor on board the plane who is a member of the group is unable to save the man in time. Lucy and her friends begin to notice some strange things. One member of the group attempts suicide; Lucy's friend Pam is barely spared when pushed in front of traffic. Could the members of the group be involved in a conspiracy? If so, what possible reason could they have had to murder a well-beloved professor? The mystery element in this book is fairly light. The book is mostly an account of a visit to England with a few misadventures along the way. While I enjoyed the sights and sounds of England, I was a bit disappointed that there was not a more clear-cut murder in this one.
<i>British Manor Murder</i>: Lucy's grandson moved to Alaska with her son and his wife. She mopes because she missed seeing the lad. Her friend Sue asks Lucy to accompany her to England for a hat show at Moreton Manor. They expected more grandeur, but find the manor itself serves as a tourist attraction while the family lives in a secondary house. As they wander in the maze, they find a corpse. They discover things are not quite they seem at the manor with cheap reproductions replacing valuable art pieces. Some inconsistency exists between the earlier installment with a British setting and this one. In <i>English Tea Murder</i> Pam, faced with a maze, states the key is to turn to the left since designers know most people will turn right. In this one, Pam can't figure out which way to go and turns right, getting them lost in the maze. It seems either Pam or Lucy would remember this and automatically go left.
I received the omnibus as an electronic advance copy through NetGalley with expectations of an honest review.
A new compilation out February 25th in the “A Lucy Stone Mystery” cozy book series from Leslie Meier, British Murder. Published by Kensington Books will have fans looking back in fondness at this series.
Lucy Stone has been a fan favorite for many years, she is spunky, curious, and always seems to stick her nose into trouble. This cozy book series still has readers smiling, and sometimes, crying. The characters are warm, compassionate, intelligent, and engaging. The settings are fascinating and remind you of small towns around the globe. Lucy’s children make you smile, and her husband keeps her and the reader grounded.
This book is a compilation of two older books in this series. The first story is set when Lucy still has young children at home and her first trip to England. The second story has Lucy as a dotting grandmother who is suffering from empty nest syndrome and a return to England. Both cozy books were popular and fun to read, and this compilation will encourage readers to go back and re-read the entire series. It is with a smile that I recommend British Murder and the entire Lucy Stone series.
ARC provided by Kensington via NetGalley
In this first short Lucy is excited to be going across the pond to England especially since the trip is being sponsored by Winchester College. Things get off on a horrific foot when the tour leader suffers an asthma attack that ends up being fatal. Lucy suspects foul play and puts her investigative hat on while e noting her trip at the same time.
In this second short Lucy is looking forward to enjoying a gala hat show along with her friend from home Sue. While staying at the manor a body is found in a hidden room and there are many people that need to be questioned. Lucy isn't going to let a body ruin her trip she has I is problem with enjoying her stay and investigating at the same time.
This was a fun read that included two wonderful shorts, showing that Lucy isn't just a stay at home mom with a part time job who never travels. She can definitely hold her own no matter what country she is in.
When I requested this ARC I wasn't aware that it was two mysteries in one volume. This was a nice surprise and I enjoyed rereading both with a pot of tea on a very rainy weekend. Any mystery Leslie Meier sets in England gets my attention.
The first mystery is #17 and the second is #23 (2011 and 2016) and each can be read as a stand alone. In English Tea Murder Lucy and her friends Sue, Pam and Rachel are on their way to England as part of a college arranged tour but things go very wrong when the professor leading the tour dies mid flight. Once on British soil they wait for another faculty member to take over. Of course, this being an event involving Lucy, murder has hitched a ride on the tour and Lucy adds sleuthing to her itinerary. The mystery wasn't the strongest but that happens in a long running series (26 entries, so far). Every once in awhile there is one that isn't going to be a five star. I gave it 3 stars.
The other half of this book is #23, British Manor Murder and is stronger than English Tea Murder, earning it a 4 star. Lucy is in a funk and, when her friend Sue, invites her to accompany her on a trip to England and a hat show called Heads Up, hosted by Perry, Earl of Wickham and his sister, Poppy. As soon as they arrive strange things occur leading to murder and the ensuing investigation making for a pleasant reading escape.
All in all, any of Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone mysteries are a lovely cozy reading experience and I was happy to reread both of these entries.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
A cozy mystery full of twists & turns in "jolly old England" . What starts as a college tour from Boston quickly turns deadly. Many landmarks are part of the plot, as well as life in a manor house.
Thank you for granting me access to this book.
I will leave a 4 star review on Amazon under name of Connie
Leslie Miers British murder book is the latest compilation in the Lucy Stone series including book number 17, English Tea Murder and book number 23, British Manor Murder. Two books in one, two trips abroad, and two different time frames. I've read both of these in the past but read them together in this format as this latest book comes out. English Tea Murder is not my favorite, It didn't flow well for me, I was annoyed with the possibility of Lucy being somewhat smitten with Quentin and, the long and drawn-out time frame just didn't work for me. I really did enjoy British manor murder much more and it was fun to revisit it in this book.
Leslie Meier has re-released two of her Lucy Stone mysteries in British Murder, which includes English Tea Murder and British Manor Mystery. While I don’t consider the Lucy Stone mysteries classic literature, they are fun, dependable reads and I like Lucy Stone as a protagonist.
English Tea Murder finds Lucy traveling to Britain with her three closest friends on a small tour organized through the local college. I enjoy the banter between Lucy and her friends, though I’ve yet to figure out whey Lucy is so close with Sue, who does not seem very likable at all. The book features a lot of local color and sites, much shopping, suspicious behavior by her fellow tourists and a clever nod of the head to Agatha Christie. While I didn’t find this book to be earth shaking, I enjoyed it. Three Stars.
The second of the two books is British Manor Murder, where a depressed Lucy accompanies her best friend Sue Finch on a trip to England for a hat show, taking advantage of an invitation Sue had received to stay at a British manor. I actually liked this book better than the other book. While the murders are really more in the background, it was fun to spend time with Lucy as she stays with an aristocratic family where not everything is as it seems. The little mysteries help bring Lucy out of her doldrums and the book features some nice color. I enjoyed it. Four Stars.
I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are solely my own.
British Murder is two past Lucy Stone Books released in one volume. I always love a good Lucy Stone mystery. It makes it extra special when she leaves Tinker's Cove for another destination. However, I will say these two were not my favorites. While the book kept one wanting to turn the page, I missed the comradery of her friends and neighbors in Tinker's Cove. However, the author does a great job of introducing the reader to England and places around London. While normally the series can be read each as a stand alone, I feel that these may be confusing because they take place during different time lines in her normal series. I highly recommend this series for any one who loves cozy mysteries which one can sit and enjoy. I received a copy through Netgalley. A positive review was not required.