Back to School Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery Series Book 4) Kindle Edition

As I said in an earlier review, summer afternoons are perfect for exploring the exploits of Tinker's Cove murder meddling sleuth Lucy Stone. So I decided to use my second of three books as an excuse to crash under the tree at the annual family burnt meat ritual. So while the pork steaks (a part of the pig known only to residents of Saint Louis) were slowly cooking on the grill I was quickly turning the pages of Leslie Meier's Back To School Murder.The start of this adventure is a real blast - a high noon bomb blast at the grade school Lucy's daughter Sara attends. Luckily all the children escape injury including one who is rescued in the nick of time by assistant principal, Carol Crane. But within a couple of chapters she is rewarded for her heroism by being murdered. So, who done it? Was it Mr. Mopps, the school janitor, the high school science teacher, Lucy's night school English professor, or the sleazy minister? As usual Lucy is convinced the wrong person has been arrested for the murder and so she sets out to solve the crime herself.Two complications to Lucy's solving the crime as well as being able to meet her husband's demands for having dinner on the table at six sharp each day have been added in this book. First, she has become a part-time working mother (at the Pennysaver weekly newspaper) and second she has returned to college. But we all know that this won't stop her from discovering the identity of the murderer at the end of this very enjoyable book. Only this time I was at least a chapter or several pages ahead of her sleuthing abilities.

There are lots of every day crisis that sometimes detracts from the investigation. Lucy tries to balance her family, job, and friends and still tries to find the truth. She looks for information following hints and personal beliefs to finally lead her to the truth.

This is a great series! I’ve read them all and reread a few because I enjoy the characters so much!!

I just discovered this series a week or so ago, and I love it! The mysteries are reminiscent of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. The focus is on putting the everyday details together rather than on bizarre turns beyond the realm of most people's reality. For the most part, the characters are decent people who are not doing drugs and murdering others as a regular practice. The main character is a good mother who loves her kids and husband--nice change of pace. Although I also love Lee Child's Jack Reacher, I very much enjoy this series, and this one was another good read.

The book was just a little dirtier than I though it would be, condition wise.

Fairly decent story line with a moderate number of spelling and/or grammar problems. Characters aren't particularly compelling or very interesting. Lucy poorly manages her time, makes very unwise decisions and is way to self involved but she grows on you. Her husband and kids are only there as foils to move the story line along. However I am rarely able to guess the true culprit as it often turns out to be some barely mentioned character until the "surprise ending". OK read to kill an afternoon or at bedtime.

Another great Lucy Stone mystery, Leslie Meier tells a great story. Her characters are fully developed and I feel like I know Lucy Stone, her family and her friends. Each one of the Lucy Stone mysteries travels a well developed path, leaving the reader guessing who did it until the end. She builds suspense as the story develops. so that you can not put down the book .

LIKED THE STORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHARACTERS, GOOD READ

As a very new devotee of what you term "Cozy Mysteries" this book ,along with three other authors, was my first read-- and I couldnt put it down! As an English reader this was first foray into "small town America" as I believe its known. The characters were so believable and the various family situations so true to life I wished I might move there immediately!! I particularly enjoyed the holiday theme, and Lucy is a very believable amateur detective. I ordered my next book within days and cant wait to read the entire series!...

A regular football Mum with her family at the centre of her life suddenly thinks she's a desirable sexy siren and it doesn't work. A pity because her stories have, up to now been enjoyable and entertaining.Go back to what you know and what you do best. Back To School Murder: Lucy Stone Series, Book 4Back To School Murder: Lucy Stone Series, Book 4