Full disclosure: I only read "Perked Up" by Barbara Ross. I have read all the books in the Maine Clambake series, including the novellas.

"Perked Up" is a wonderful addition to the series. While a storm rages outside, Julia, Jacqueline, Zoey, and Captain George gather for a quiet night of movies and Irish coffees. Nature, however, has other plans and the characters are plunged into darkness.

What follows is a fascinating premise for a story set on St. Patrick's Day. Captain George begins telling a story about a 150-year-old cold case in which a wealthy Irish-Catholic farmer was murdered in his home. His former home, which nows serves as a B&B, is rumored to be haunted by a ghost. Is it Hugh O'Hara looking for justice? Or is it some other spirit seeking assistance?

Throughout the night, other townspeople stop by and contribute their own information and theories to the tale.

In the light of the next day, Julia decides to devote her investigative powers to solving this case and hopefully, bringing peace to a wandering spirit.

With this being a novella, the mystery is wrapped up pretty quickly, but the story does hint at some personal and professional successes for Julia. I look forward to reading Book #11.

T==he book contains three novellas that all take place in Maine around St Patrick's Day. It is a fast read and entertains. Strongly recommend for readers of cozy mysteries. The Lucy Stone novella was my favorite centering around a murder and a group of high school Irish step dancers. As usual, Lucy, our reporter, finds a clue that the police miss and her boss is just as oblivious to Lucy's value as always. The other stories center around the murder of a comedians and a ghost story.

Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross have hit with a delightful collection of three novellas all involving Irish Coffee. Each one took the coffee concept and used it in a different conceptual setting involving the respective protagonists of their novel series: Lucy Stone, Hailey Powell, and Julia Snowden. All can be said to be whodunits, but the different styles make this a tasty treat for readers. Meier's is a more traditional whodunit when the mother of a young Irish step dancer Lucy meets through her work is killed; Hollis does a twist on old friends via the murder of a comedian and an Irish coffee; while Ross tells a story from several viewpoints of people sharing Irish Coffee as they tell the stories surrounding a 150-year-old murder (and lead to Julia finding out the truth behind the unsolved killing). This book is a fun and easy read - as well as a great way to either become acquainted with these writers and their characters or to spend time with them again. Please note, the views expressed here are my own, but I received my copy of the book through NetGalley.

I love Maine. It's gorgeous, rugged, and in many ways untouched by time in a way few places are today. The weather can be harsh and unforgiving and the people who call Maine home have had to learn to cope with the extremes. Central to these stories is how the characters deal with the frigid cold even when the calendar tells them it's spring, a main coping mechanism being hot beverages that sometimes include a bit of a kick.

IRISH COFFEE MURDER by Leslie Meier
When I started the Lucy Stone series I loved it. She worked for a catalog company and had a few small children and she wasn't afraid to jump into the fray to solve a mystery. The old fixer-upper she and her husband had escaped to, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, was a dream and Lucy was just your average every day mom. As the series progressed, things changed. Lucy's husband (what is his name, he makes only the rarest of appearances) became more demanding and willing to do less and less around the house, the behavior of her children devolved until they were out of control hooligans, and her concern switched from gathering clues to expounding upon the tragedies of poverty. Not real poverty mind you, but an ultra-privileged view of what poverty is, not being able to afford a brand new vehicle, not having the money to fly your kids all over the world, considering buying store brand breakfast cereal (having never tried it before). There was one redeeming point in the story though where Lucy meets a few teenagers and remarks on how polite they are. She acknowledges that her own kids could never have behaved politely and that she didn't do a very good job of raising them. That gave me hope for Lucy.

DEATH OF AN IRISH COFFEE DRINKER by Lee Hollis
Lee Hollis is one of my very favorite cozy authors and this series is one of my top 3 favorites. This story was great. An old classmate of Hayley's, Jefferson, who has achieved some fame as a stand-up comedian has returned to town to do a show at the Criterion Theater. Hayley agrees to cater the after-party at Drinks Like a Fish. There are some strange things going on and Jefferson's assistant is making life miserable for everyone. When Jefferson drops dead at the after-party Hayley is on the case. Could it have been her signature Irish Coffee that did him in? How about the beefy bodyguard? The nasty assistant? Or the would-be caterer who is clearly hiding something? Hayley is on the case! There were also three columns included in the story, which I loved. This is a great addition to an awesome series.

PERKED UP by Barbara Ross
Now this one was special. You expect ghost stories in a Halloween themed book, but you don't expect them in a St. Patrick's day book! A snowstorm has hit Busman's Harbor and half the town has gathered at the Snowden house to warm up by the fire and sip Irish Coffees. There's not a lot to talk about in the middle of winter in Maine so they start telling the story of an old unsolved murder and the ghost left behind. But this is not just any local legend, this is a legend that has many sides and every guest has their own opinion on whodunnit. As you might suspect, Julia decides to hunt down the truth... as soon as the power comes back on and the roads clear up. I loved the historical angle and the research she does to dig up clues in old documents. The author mentions at the end that being the third story in the book she feels like she needs to do something unique and all I can say is mission accomplished!

Irish Coffee Murder is a collection of three novellas featuring St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Coffee

IRISH COFFEE MURDER by LESLIE MEIER

Part-time reporter Lucy Stone is writing an article about four Irish step dancing students from Tinker’s Cove who are trying for a nation-wide dance competition. She is just getting to know the students and their mothers when one of the mothers is found dead in her bathtub. Lucy begins to look into the murder but what she finds will surprise her.

“Irish Coffee Murder” is a nicely done novella. I really liked the Irish step dancing theme and the behind the scenes glimpses of competition life. The Irish coffee theme fits in quite well in this story. The mystery was well done (and a bit sad) - I did figure out who the killer was but the way the solution was revealed was very well done.

DEATH OF AN IRISH COFFEE DRINKER by LEE HOLLIS

While it will mean a lot of extra work, and some extra help, Hayley Powell agrees to cater the after-party for Jefferson O’Keefe, a local comedian who has made it big, but has agreed to do a local show for St. Patrick’s Day. But when Jefferson dies suddenly and Irish coffee seems to be the murder weapon, Hayley wants to figure out who would want to kill Jefferson and why.

“Death of an Irish Coffee Drinker” is a nicely done novella. I love the setting, the storyline of local boy made good, and the description of food and drinks. The mystery is well done with just the right number of suspects. This was fun to read as I tried to solve the mystery alongside Hayley. Without giving too much away, the choice of murder weapon was unique – I don’t think I’ve ever come across that method of killing anyone in a book before!

PERKED UP by BARBARA ROSS

Stuck inside on a snowy St. Patrick’s Day with no power, Julia Snowden, family, and friends spend the evening sharing local ghost stories while drinking Irish coffees. When a long ago murder is discussed, everyone has a theory as to who the killer is. Julia is intrigued enough to do some sleuthing into the case – will she be able to solve this cold case that has baffled the police for years?

While I enjoyed all the stories in the book, “Perked Up” may be my favorite of the bunch. I love the idea of the group discussing the long ago – it was an interesting case and the fact that everyone had a different theory that they were adamant was the truth lent a great deal of humor to the story. The solution to the case was a great one with quite a few twists (no wonder there were so many different theories as to who the killer was!) – I really did enjoy reading this story.

Irish Coffee Murder is a collection of three novellas – a perfect book to read while drinking some Irish Coffee!

This is a fun, Irish coffee-themed cozy mystery novella collection. Each story stands alone, with the coffee being the only link between the stories. Each story does contain characters from other stories by these authors, but this collection can stand alone. These are quick stories that will be a wonderful complement for St. Patrick's Day!

I am a big fan of Leslie Meier, so full disclosure hers was the only novella that I read in this collection. I did truly enjoy what I read and would recommend this title for lovers of the cozy mystery genre. This novella managed to create an Irish atmosphere through the atmosphere, references to cozy beverages and foods, characters with Irish names and interests, etc. The mystery was a big "meh", but it's all about the cozy so I could overlook that. Recommend for those who are fans of the Lucy Stone series or just want a good cozy mystery with an Irish feel.

Leslie Meier's selection was a short little adventure for Lucy Stone. At least this time she was not in danger. Throughout all three selections typographical errors that hopefully will be corrected before final printing.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of Irish Coffee Murder. This is my personal review.
This is a book with three stories in it. Irish Coffee Murder by Leslie Meier, Death of an Irish Coffee by Lee Hollis, and Perked up by Barbara Ross.
Every story has a cozy murder mystery, and every story has twists and turns that kept me guessing who was guilty.
I have read every Leslie Meier book out and this book gave me a chance to get a taste of two new authors for me. I now have new books to look for by Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. A delightful compendium of three short stories with each story including Irish Coffees in the stories. Each author cleverly ties in cozy mysteries that, somewhere in them, use Irish coffees as either murder weapons, possible murder weapons, or a warm drink on a cold night to solve a cold case murder. Fun way to read authors you already like or be introduced to some that you’ll probably enjoy! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I loved getting three short stories from some great series.
Lucy Stone interviews Irish dancers for the paper however when one of the mothers are murdered she takes the case on.
As owner of Bar Harbor’s hottest new restaurant, Hayley Powell offers to cater the after-party for popular comedian Jefferson O’Keefe, who’s playing his old hometown for St. Patrick’s Day. All was well until the comedian dies after having a drink.
It’s a snowy St. Patrick’s Day in Busman’s Harbor. But when the power goes out, what better way for Julia Snowden to spend the evening than sharing local ghost stories—and Irish coffees—with friends and family? By the time the lights come back, they might even have solved the coldest case in town .
All fun quick stories that will have you wanting more!
#IrishCoffeeMurder #NetGalley

Three novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross. The first is a Lucy Stone mystery. Lucy is writing an article about Irish dance students and their moms when one is killed. I'm a long time follower of Lucy and I love her!
The next is by Lee Hollis. Hayley is asked to cater a party for a comedian. After drinking some whiskey ends up dead. A good solid mystery.
Last is Barbara Ross with a Maine Clambake Mystery. Julia and her friend, along with her friend's mother discuss a 150 year old murder. This heightens Julia's interest into finding out who the real killer is. Excellent mystery! Great writing by all 3! Thanks #netgalley and #Keningston for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

This is three short novels, the first is a Lucy Stone story. She is writing a story for the Courier about the Irish dancing students and their competition. When one of the mothers is killed, Lucy investigates.

The Lee Hollis mystery is about a comedian from Bar Harbor who is murdered after giving a performance at the theatre. Hillary investigates and finds who the killer is long before the police do.

In the Barbara Ross story (my favourite of the three), Julia and Zoe makes Irish coffees for the household, as more people from the neighbour arrive during a power outage. They perk the coffee over the fireplace and whip the cream with a manual beater. Talk surrounds an unsolved murder for 150 years ago, with each person having heard different theories as to the killer. Fun story.

A great collection of short mysteries. I especially liked the one by Lee Hollis. All three made me want some Irish coffee. Yum.

Irish Coffee Murder is a collection of three in-between novellas with settings in Maine. The books are written by Leslie Meier of the Lucy Stone Mysteries, Lee Hollis of the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktail Mysteries, and Barbara Ross of the Maine Clambake Mysteries. I have read all the previous books in the series (well over 60 in total) and highly recommend them for cozy mystery lovers.

In the Lucy Stone Mystery, Lucy interviews a team of Irish dancers, four high school girls looking for big wins and escapes from some family situations. One of the mothers turns up dead, and each of the 3 other women and their daughters have motives. Why would someone kill a seemingly kind and innocent lady? Lucy learns the truth about the underbelly of Irish dancing (who knew?) and makes some new friends in the process. Great fun, easy read, looking forward to an Irish Coffee now.

In the Food & Cocktails Mysteries, St. Patrick's Day has arrived in Bar Harbor, and Liddy asks Hayley to cater for a comedian's big splash in a local entertainment venue. Hayley's brother will throw in the booze for an after party, and his key employee asks to do the catering. Hayley agrees but at the last minute, the woman gets sick. She shows up to help anyway and the guest of honor drinks some bad whiskey... which ends up killing him! What is going on? Who poisoned the guy and for what reason? He seemed so kind... except his murderer felt differently. Good way to introduce new characters and revive some old ones. I always love visiting this wonderful town.

In the dead of winter, the lights go off in Busman's Harbor of the Maine Clambake Mysteries. Julia entertains her friend, mother, and her mother's friend with warm Irish drinks and they soon tell a ghost story about something that happened 150 years ago. But once the story ends, Julia isn't sure who killed the man and whether he was the ghost currently haunting people on St. Patrick's Day. Soon enough, different neighbors show up to partake in the Irish coffee and huddle together to stay warm, each sharing their own version of the 150 year old story. When the lights return, Julia is determined to research the truth - and she finds the real killer. Loved the change in style and it shows the strength of good writing.

Irish Coffee Murder novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross have me ready to put on green and celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Irish dancing has Lucy Stone caught up in a fight between dance moms and has her on the trail of another murder. I am not as familiar with the other 2 series but look forward to reading more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross have returned with another quality anthology set in their respective worlds. What I enjoy about this anthologies is that it’s the same authors all the time, so I feel comfortable picking it up and catching up on these characters.

If you’re new to these authors, it’s a great way to try them out. But for me, I love being able to jump between authors and different series and still look forward to the next anthology that will be coming out featuring the same authors. In some ways, it’s comforting for me.

That being said, there’s definitely a cozy feeling with this collection of short stories, especially since the theme this time is Irish Coffee. Just thinking about it makes me hungry again. So if you enjoy foodie mysteries, then this is definitely one to check out. I devoured this book quickly!

I love the Leslie Meier Lucy Stone series. I was thrilled to learn about the other authors and look forward to trying the other author's books in the future.

I follow authors LESLIE MEIER, LEE HOLLIS & BARBARA ROSS, and will forever read anything they write. This book contains one Irish Coffee related story from each author, so I will review them separately:
IRISH COFFEE MURDER by LESLIE MEIER – It was wonderful to meet up again with Lucy and her friends, and as usual, the reader gets cozily snuggled into Lucy’s life and new situation. The plot was intriguing and gripping. I knew which character I wanted to be murdered, but that did not happen, which made the story more interesting for me. I almost read the story in one sitting, but when I got to the end, I felt that the ‘wrapping up’ was rushed, and even though all loose ends were tied, it left me wanting more detail. This happened to me for the last novella she wrote last year in her story Haunted House Murder, yet, if she writes them, I will read them. Leslie has a gift for entertaining us with the familiar and the new, so that makes me eager to read her books. Proof of her popularity is that her 29th.book Mother of the Bride Murder is being published on April 25, 2023. I am eagerly anticipating it.
DEATH OF AN IRISH COFFEE DRINKER by LEE HOLLIS – I was prepared to laugh and be entertained with a new Hayley Powell escapade, and I was not disappointed! This brother and sister writing duo truly knows how to grab us and puts us in the middle of Hayley’s fun and funny situations. The expressions used are so funny, and the story was written very smoothly and made you want to read on. The ending was unexpected, and did not seem rushed. I can’t wait to read the last book Death of an Ice Cream Scooper ( #15), which is in my TBR list.
PERKED UP by BARBARA ROSS – Barbara’s books and novellas are MUST reads for me, because I know that I will be immersed in the world of Julia Snowden, her Clambake business in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and the cast of friends I have gotten to love throughout the 10 books in this series. I also know I will learn something useful. Barbara selects a certain topic of perhaps historical significance to weave a story around a murder. The story she chose in this book was absolutely fascinating, and it was so detailed, and told from various characters’ point of view, that you believe it happened just as described at the end, which was totally unexpected. I loved this book as it develops further into Julia’s personal life, and it is nice to see that she has made a new friendship from a character in a previous novel. Congratulations, Barbara. I hope she continues writing mysteries about Julia and the Maine Clambake Mysteries.
I was blessed to be able to read an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

As the daughter of an Irish American matriarch, Irish Coffee Murder had me at the title. I was delighted by this trio of highly entertaining and well-written stories, with endearing characters and evocative settings (plus: recipes!). I'm a New England girl myself, so I loved the local references and the care the authors all took in getting places, language, customs, and context correct. I liked all three stories, but was especially taken with Barbara Ross' ghostly tale, and the fascinating true history of the Irish in Maine. I had never heard of Benedicta, the community planned as a safe haven for Irish immigrants. Plus, who wouldn't want to be in front of a fire on a snowy night in Busman's Harbor with a steaming mug of Irish coffee, listening to memorable characters telling different versions of the same ghost story? Slainte!