This is a compilation of two previously published books. There is no intro explaining why the Thanksgiving themed books were repackaged or even a little synopsis of what happened in years between these two books. Instead, in the first book, Lucy's kids range from a freshman in college to a first grader. In the second book, that first grader is now a freshman in college and the college student is in Alaska with a wife and kid.

The storytelling of life in a little Maine village is fine. The murder mysteries are interesting until the murderer and motive is revealed. I wasn't that thrilled with the resolution of either book. Especially in the first book.

In the second book, I found it very odd that the mother of the murder victim kept being described as "birth mother" instead of just Alison's mother. She was an adult who lived with her father instead of her mother after the divorce.

But hey, it's hard to find books themed around Thanksgiving which is my favorite holiday.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.*

I am a huge fan of Leslie Meier and her books. This book is a culmination of her Thanksgiving cozy mysteries Turkey Day Murder and Turkey Trot Murder. Both stories take place in the quaint little town of Tinker's Cove, Maine. I have read all of the Lucy Stone books and I love them all. The community itself is always so warm and inviting. You just want to stay there and wrap yourself up in the warmth. Sure, there's murder and mystery but the townspeople always band together to be there for each other through all the losses and hardships and that's what makes them so wonderful. Anyone can write a book set in a small town, but, it's a great author who can make everyone in that town come alive and make you wish that that town was actually a real place. Tinker's Cove is one of my very favorite places to go visit when I am reading and I hope that Leslie Meier will keep writing Lucy Stone books for a long long time to come. I love these books so much that I have even gotten my sister hooked on them. Warmth, community, family, are all words that I would use to describe this series. Read these books. You will not be disappointed!

This ARC was given to me by NetGalley for my own honest review. All opinions are that of my own true honest feelings and thoughts.

The first book in this selection was Turkey Day Murder, a older one written in 2008. Lucy is working as a part-time reporter for the local paper. The local Indian band wants to build a casino on some land being used as a turkey farm, and many locals are opposed, as is Curt Nolan, a member of the tribe. When Curt is found dead at the Thanksgiving Day football game, Lucy is upset as she had met him at the local town council meeting. She agrees to take his dog, renamed Kudo. Lucy nearly comes to harm at the turkey farm when cornered by the killer, but Kudo interrupts (along with the local policeman) and she is saved. Months later, at the ground breaking for the casino, Indian remains are unearthed by the excavator, and construction is stopped due to their historical importance. Another fast and fun read.

Murder frequents the Thanksgiving holiday in the small town of Tinker’s Cove, in Leslie Meier’s Gobble, Gobble Murder. This book contains a generous two murder mysteries, Turkey Day Murder and Turkey Trot Murder. The series starring Lucy Stone, reporter for the local newspaper, The Pennysaver, will have her once again more than involved in its reporting.

This was a tough one for me. I must admit that I struggled to read this book to the very end. I could not identify with the protagonist or most of the supportive characters. The protagonist was not strong. She was wavering in her opinions and at times was rude and seemed uncaring and insensitive. Most of the supportive characters were very one dimensional. There was not enough depth to these characters and the reason for their issues was lacking development. Also, there were so many angry characters in the both of the stories. It was very difficult for me to process.

The characters in these stories had some very strong opinions about other cultures. Their harsh characterization in a socially sensitive time, along with their misconceptions and their dialogue, left an off-putting taste. If it had been in just one story, I’d chance it to that particular storyline, but in both?… Just, no.

The first story was centered around an issue with Native Americans. The initial issue involved a citizen of Tinker’s Cove and his dog. This issue evolves into a much more complicated issue on the recognition of a Native American tribe for the cliche of putting a casino on town property. There was lots of emphasis on Lucy Stone’s current life issues and very little murder-mystery.

The second story improves on the murder-mystery narrative. The murder happens right away but it lingers in the background while other issues arise at Tinker’s Cove. Some of those issues involving the construction of a new restaurant owned by a Hispanic character. This is where the story takes an uncomfortable turn.

“BUILD THE WALL! DEPORT THE DRUG DEALERS! and AMERICA FOR AMERICANS!”

“You cant’s just come into this town and start polluting the water with your greasy

Mexican gunk.”

“Mexicans should stay in Mexico. America is for Americans.”

This is just some of the dialogue used by the characters of this story. Race is a sensitive topic and we shouldn’t limit ourselves with misconceived notions on other cultures. I felt like this was in poor taste and disrespectful. The dialogue of these blatantly outspoken fictional characters fit the reality and narrative of the world today, perfectly.

I’m a champion for the underdog and even the self-serving villain. Supportive characters are my favorite and villains, even so. I love unscrupulous characters… But, I draw a line. At this point, I no longer cared about the murder or the mystery. All I could think about was the undertone of the story and the unbelievable comments coming from the members of this town. I would never want to live in a town like this one. The town itself is a character and this one seems to lack respect towards its citizens.

I hope you’re still hanging in there. I’m rating this book two stars for good editing and story flow. Not all characters were hurtful. I was certainly not encouraged by the words this author used to bring her characters to life. But…she did have a moment where Lucy Stone helps a very minor character who is battling addiction. Addiction is near and dear to my heart and this author did right by Hank’s character. The help brought to the very smallest of a supportive character mentioned was really the only redeeming quality of this book, in my opinion. The scene was well written and emotional.

Although, I completely understand that unsavory characters like these exist in the real world, I’m not too keen on seeing it in a cozy murder-mystery. If I wanted the current reality, I would simply turn on the news. Perhaps, this is a misconception on my end. In the end Lucy Stone was not a strong enough protagonist to change my mind.

~ Patricia

I usually love the Lucy Stone series for its sense of family and a good murder mystery, but I just wasn't a fan of either of the story lines in "Turkey Day Murder" or "Turkey Trot Murder". Yes, they were timely subjects, but a little too real for the times. I guess had I realized this wasn't a new story when I requested it, I probably wouldn't have taken it (note to self: double check the description next time, lol).

There are definitely redeeming qualities about each story being the regular characters and good old Miss Tilley. I just love that character! She tells it like it is, and in real life, the lady would probably be a proud one hundred years old seeing how long ago this series got started. It was interesting to read an older Thanksgiving when Zoe was only five years old then flash forward thirteen years to when she's eighteen and interested in the poor guy who was the suspect. I can tell the author has very good continuity and stays consistent with newer books as far as characters and background stories go. Each Thanksgiving celebration itself was very cozy and Lucy-like, but again, I just didn't care for the particular social and political issues that led to the murders.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

A timely set of cozy mysteries to whet your appetite for more Leslie Meier! Each story has been published prior to this so you may have seen them before, but they are worth the reading time.

Lucy Stone's series is set in Tinker's Cove, Maine where Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims are celebrated with style. With most of her family planning to be elsewhere on Thanksgiving, Lucy and Bill can do as they please. Or they can until a dead body shows up...and the holiday takes a dark turn. The second story shows the town's ugly side when racism and vandalism blow up a family restaurant. Both stories are Meier gold, cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing while Lucy digs up the dirt.

Gobble, Gobble Murder by Leslie Meier is two stores from the Lucy Stone mystery series. The first book is the 7th book in the series, Turkey Day Murder, and the second one is the 24th book, Turkey Trot Murder. I have been reading Lucy Stone books for years, and the books are like visiting old friends, I love this series. Both books are Thanksgiving stories, to get you in the mood. I found these books to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. There are a lot of fun plus 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. If you love cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Leslie Meier has been chronicling the adventures of Lucy Stone since about 1991 so she is quite experienced at writing the light mysteries that her fans enjoy. The stories are set in Tinkers Cove which would be an idyllic spot were it not for the murders. This book contains two previously published novels.

In these novels, fall is in the air and Thanksgiving is approaching. In Turkey Day Murder an activist is killed while in Turkey Trot Murder a frozen corpse is found. Lucy can’t help but get involved.

Fans of cozy mysteries and those who enjoy the novels of Katherine Hall Page will I think enjoy this collection. There is the added bonus of enjoying time with Lucy’s family.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Gobble, Gobble Murder by Leslie Meier was really two novels, same basic cast. They were both pretty good books, if years apart: Turkey Day Murder and Turkey Trot Murder. Lucy Stone is a wife and mom in a small town in Maine. She works part time as a reporter for the Pennysaver. Does the Pennysaver even exist any more? Meier has the way a small town works to a T: the good side and the bad. Her characters could not be more realistic, especially Lucy and her frustrations with her children and her husband: each transitory, each true. Also her description of the meetings the selectmen help in which they governed the town were so right on. Both plots were well thought out and unfolded in a respectable fashion. The most interesting thing is how much things changed on the intervening years between the two novels. It is so reflective of the way our country has changed.

These Lucy Stone novels were new to me, but welcome. They are well written and timely. They sometimes made me smile. They sometimes did not. There is so much going on in the world, it is important that snip-its are written and digested by the readers. Sometimes this happens in the guise of a cozy mystery. It did in this case with these two Thanksgiving-themed stories. I recommend you read this book.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Gobble, Gobble Murder by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #gobblegobblemurder

Gobble, Gobble Murder contains two previously released Lucy Stone mysteries, the seventh book in the series, Turkey Day Murder, and the 24th book in the series, Turkey Trot Murder. I’ve previously had the privilege to review Turkey Trot Murder, but this is my first time reading and reviewing Turkey Day Murder. I highly recommend Gobble, Gobble Murder for Lucy Stone, or cozy mystery fans, especially if you’ve never had the opportunity to read these two turkey tales.

Turkey Day Murder
I have a soft spot for the earlier Lucy Stone mysteries. Toby, Lucy’s oldest is set to return from college for Thanksgiving and she’s determined to make the home as warm and welcoming as possible. Of course, like all best-laid plans…

The town of Tinker’s Cove has a rough history with the Native American tribe that was once where the town stands, the Metinnicut tribe. While part of the tribe is pushing to open a casino, some, like Curt Nolan, hopes to shine a light on the history and contributions of his people. While his cause is noble, Curt Nolan hasn’t won fans with his views. Especially those surrounding an ancient war club that the football team, the Warriors, use at the start of every game. When Curt Nolan is found with his head bashed in, the number of suspects only continues to grow.

Lucy balances her latest murder case, with her Thanksgiving meal attendance ever-increasing, and her living room serving as an unexpected crash pad for four additional college students.

While I love the early Lucy Stone books, this one hasn’t aged as well as some of the others. The two biggest offenders are the approach by Leslie Meier of Native American culture and Native Americans and how Ms. Meier writes about Bill’s treatment of Lucy. All of the issues pertaining to how Native Americans and their culture are represented would easily take up several pages and as someone who is not an expert, I just wanted to mention that the views are outdated.

Turkey Trot Murder
This turkey tale all starts when local reporter Lucy Stone while training for the annual Tinker’s Cove 5K Turkey Trot, stumbles upon the body of the very lovely (and very blonde) Alison Franklin under the ice at Blueberry Pond. While her death first appears to be a tragic accident, rumors spark and spread like fire that Alison had a little opioid problem, the very same problem that seems to have taken over Tinker’s Cove in record time.

Alison’s very wealthy father, a Donald Trump stand-in named Ed Franklin, blames a group of immigrants for the drug problem and starts a local movement with a slogan, “America for Americans.” His goal is to not only insure those whom he believes are responsible for his daughter’s death end up behind bars, but he wants to stop the opening of a new Tinker’s Cove restaurant, the brain-child of celebrity chef Rey Rodriguez. Rey Rodriguez fights Ed’s racism publicly and it’s not long before Ed joins his daughter six-feet under, leaving behind a very young and very pregnant trophy wife and a very resentful ex-wife.

As Lucy races to solve the mystery of both Alison and Ed Franklin’s deaths, her beloved town turns into a literal powder keg. With multiple murders, drugs, and explosions, the latest from Leslie Meier is far from boring. Turkey Trot Murder was a departure in tone from past Lucy Stone mysteries with focuses on two very timely issues; the opioid addiction that has impacted so many communities like the fictional Tinker’s Cove and the ongoing debate on immigration in the United States. There are certain parts of Turkey Trot Murder that were a little uncomfortable for me to read, especially Ed's dialog, and this book isn’t as light-hearted as your average cozy mystery. I still wouldn't hesitate in recommending it for fans of the Lucy Stone series.

You have two Lucy Stone stories in this book. Both are great story lines, which of course take place around Thanksgiving. You have to love Miss Tilley! Lucy certainly has an interesting job as a newspaper reporter, especially for a small town. You just never know what might turn up. I enjoyed hanging out with these folks and hope I can again soon. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

In this new book from Meier we get to wonderful short stories that are set during the Thanksgiving holiday.
In Turkey Day Murder the Metinnicut Indians want to open a casino in the town of Tinker's Cove. Some people are for it and others against the idea. One of the Indians, Curt Nolan, would love for it to become real as long as a museum is included so that their history will be available for others to explore. When Curt ends up dead Lucy investigates and uncovers quite the story.
In Turkey Trot Murder Lucy is training for the Turkey Trot 5K that is held on Thanksgiving Day every year. While on one of her training ing runs she discovers the body of Alison Franklin frozen to death in Blueberry Pond. The police think drugs are involved but Lucy isn't so sure. She decides to do her own investigation and comes across quite a few clues. Lucy realizes she must sort fact from fiction to find out what really happened to Alison.
Both are fun short reads that will get your mind working, can you figure out who the killers are?

Gobble, Gobble Murder by Leslie Meier is a compilation of two previously published Thanksgiving themed mysteries, Turkey Day Murder (2000) and Turkey Trot Murder (2017).

Turkey Day Murder is quite an entertaining read; well plotted, plenty of suspects and and a taut cozy. It reminds me why I always look for a new Lucy Stone mystery. One of the things I really enjoy about a Lucy Stone book is Lucy herself and her family. Lucy is a bit of an “every woman.” She balances her family, a part time job and her occasional forays into sleuthing. Neither Lucy nor any member of her family is close to perfect and their foibles keep the books entertaining. There is a realistic tone to the interactions between the family members and the world around them. Her children are far closer to reality than young people in other books I’ve read.

One thing I found interesting is how clearly Turkey Day Murder reflects its earlier publication date in a less politically correct time. The plot revolves around the possibility of a casino being built by a Native American tribe on farmland in the middle of rural Tinker’s Cove, Maine. The word Indian, rarely used today, is the word used to describe tribe members and there are a few references that might be considered questionable today. I was not offended; I just think it is interesting and am glad that the original text was left.

I give this book a solid 4 1/2 stars.

Turkey Trot Murder, the second of the two books, is a tight little mystery, clearly written in response to anti immigration sentiments, in particular immigrants from Mexico. The book also addresses the opioid epidemic and its devastating consequences. Lucy remains the everywoman, though instead of juggling a family of four and a part time job, she is rapidly becoming an empty nester and dealing with the prospect of spending a Thanksgiving with only her husband, Bill. 

The mystery was well written and I enjoyed the book but did get a bit tired of the repeated messages threaded into the book. That said, I give it a solid 3 1/2 stars. 

The two books together represent a great bargain for those new to this entertaining series. Four stars.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any way. The opinions stated are solely my own.

I’m a big Lucy Stone fan, so I’m probably not a great critic. These two mysteries are very solid and great picks to combine in one Thanksgiving extravaganza. I love the way Meier brings bigger world & cultural issues into her books including indigenous peoples and the opioid crisis in the current events along with these two interesting mysteries. Sometimes Lucy’s family can take advantage of her, which really bothers me, but in Turkey Trot her husband Bill was actually a pretty good partner.
This is a great cozy mystery set to kick off the holiday 2020 season.

Gobble Gobble Murder
By Leslie Meier.
I like Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone she’s like an old friend last year I was bedridden for 6 weeks and I had never read a Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone book but I started reading them and they helped to get me through a very difficult time ergo Lucy is like an old friend, after all we’ve been through a lot together.
This book has two previously published books Turkey Day Murder and Turkey Trot Murder I’ve read both of them before so rereading them was like revisiting an old friend and hearing favorite stories.
The first story is Turkey Day Murder and is filled with iconic Thanksgiving symbols there’s a visit to the Turkey Farm, the high school football game and pumpkin pie and best of all Lucy Stone’s son is home from college and he’s brought friends and it is not going well. In the midst of all of this a local tribe is trying to win federal recognition so they can build a casino which has divided the town with some people wanting it and some worried that the casino would change the character of the town. It is a not uncommon problem in many areas of our country. Tribal activist, Curt Nolan, is found dead and both sides are angry and blaming each other. Lucy manages to untangle the Gordian knot of clues and find the murderer. The ending is also a bit of a surprising and satisfying twist.
The second story is Turkey Trot Murder as the story opens Lucy Stone is training for the annual Turkey Trot run and comes across a dead body in the pond. The body belongs to the daughter of the town’s wealthiest man and drugs are suspected. Some Hispanics are arrested dealing drugs which foments a surge of anti-immigrant feelings. In the midst of all of this a TV chef who is known for his Mexican cooking comes into town with the intention of opening a gourmet Mexican restaurant.
The anti-immigrant forces seize upon the fact that they are Hispanic and ignoring the fact that the Hispanics’ family goes back centuries in this country, gathers their troops and begins to cause major damage. This is a cautionary tale that is perfect for this time in our country and a call to understanding and unity rather than hate and division. Ultimately Lucy comes through at the end and solves the murders.

Gobble Gobble Murder is two novellas previously released Lucy Stone murder mysteries written by Leslie Meier. Lucy Stone is a part time reporter, part time mystery solver. The series follows Lucy and her family throughout the years. I do like that each of these mysteries were set during Thanksgiving and the theme, however, since the stories are several years apart, it could be confusing to new readers. Leslie Meier has created characters in Lucy and her family that the reader can easily relate. They have every day concerns and problems which we do. I really enjoy reading this series and seeing how the family grows and changes. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

This once again is 2 older Leslie Meier books published together with a theme. In this case it’s obviously Thanksgiving.

The first book is Turkey Day Murder and is an older book. The murder involves an Indian activist. One of her better books.

The second book is Turkey Trot Murder. It is one of my least favorite books in this series. It’s has heavy involvement with the opioid trade. This is not why I read cozy mysteries.

I received a copy of Gobble, Gobble Murder through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gobble, Gobble Murder is the combination of two Thanksgiving themed Lucy Stone mysteries, Turkey Day Murder and Turkey Trot Murder. Both mysteries focus on big issues, one on Native Americans and their rights and the other on the opioid crisis and immigration. Tackling big issues made both of these books relevant, but to me they were just okay. It took me over half the book to get into the Turkey Day Murder story, which made reading slow. I definitely liked the Turkey Trot Murder the best and was captured by that story from the prologue.

Overall, I did enjoy the Gobble, Gobble Murder book, but it was a slow start. I liked the Thanksgiving feel and the town of Tinker’s Cove a lot. I’m just hoping my own Thanksgiving is more about family and being thankful and has less controversy and murder!

Turkey day murder

I loved every minute of it! I enjoyed reading about Lucy’s family when they were younger. The mystery was great and I never guessed who the murderer was! This story definitely got me into the holiday spirit!

Turkey trot Murder

This story was set later in life when the kids were grown and Lucy and Bill were alone for the holiday. The mystery kept me guessing through the entire story. Don’t hesitate to purchase this book!

Know that this is two- two!- Lucy Stone novels in one book. They are both Thanksgiving themed and both feature our intrepid Lucy Stone and her family. Fans of of the series know that Meier writes a fun cozy. If you haven't read her before, these two are fine as sorta standalone (there are two after all) and you will see some of the growth of the character. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.