Meet Leslie
Author of the Lucy Stone Mysteries
I started writing in the late ‘80s when I was attending graduate classes at Bridgewater State College. I wanted to become certified to teach high school English and one of the required courses was Writing and the Teaching of Writing. My professor suggested that one of the papers I wrote for that course was good enough to be published and I sent it off to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine’s Department of First Stories. I got $100 for the story and I’ve been writing ever since. The teaching, however, didn’t work out.
My books draw heavily on my experience as a mother of three and my work as a reporter for various weekly newspapers on Cape Cod. My heroine, Lucy Stone, is a reporter in the fictional town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, where she lives in an old farmhouse (quite similar to mine on Cape Cod!) with her restoration carpenter husband Bill and four children. As the series has progressed the kids have grown older, roughly paralleling my own family. We seem to have reached a point beyond which Lucy cannot age–my editor seems to want her to remain forty-something forever, though I have to admit I personally am dying to write “Menopause is Murder!”
I usually write one Lucy Stone mystery every year and as you can tell, my editor likes me to feature the holidays in my books. Of course Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and my newest mystery “Eggnog Murder,” is included in an anthology with two other Christmas novellas by Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis. I’ve long been a fan of the classic English country house mystery, and was a faithful watcher of “Downton Abbey,” so I couldn’t resist trying to write one. I think I succeeded rather well, if I do say so myself, with “British Manor Murder,” which came out in October, 2016.
My books are classified as “cozies” but a good friend insists they are really “comedies of manners” and I do enjoy expressing my view of contemporary American life.
Now that the kids are grown — we have five fabulous grandchildren — my husband and I are enjoying dividing our time between Braintree and Cape Cod, along with our cat, Sylvester.
177 Responses
I have all the Lucy Stone books,and have enjoyed reading them over the years. I live not too far from town where the original Lucy Stone lived. I often have wondered if ” our Lucy ” is named after the historical Lucy .
One thing I’d like to see, even if only for one book, is Lucy and her husband becoming foster parents. I think there are a few stories that could be a tie in to this idea, including Lucy’s take on working with DCF. ( and their take on working with the Stones. lol)
I’m working at an assisted living facility and helping one of our residents learn to read. I host a bookclub meeting once a week and we are reading Mail Order Murder… really loving this book. Can you help me find an audio version to assist?
I have gotten far far behind on reading the series. I am wondering is it possible to see a character list as to where they are now. thank you in advance
I am on page 78 of Patchwork Quilt Murder and wept through the loss experienced by Lucy and her family (I’m not saying what, in case someone sees this that hasn’t read the book. I hate spoiling the plot for somebody else).
I have loved this series for years, and I’m wondering, will the loss be replaced? to me, that’s the only thing that helps.
Now I need to go cry again.
Thank you for this series that I love.
Denise in Ohio
I love Lucy Stone. As of today, I just finished the latest, Patchwork Quilt Murder. So good! I have read them all. I’ll be here waiting on the next one. thanks so much
Wendy
Just finished Mother of the Bride Murder and loved that the whole family was back together for this one. I made some editorial comments on a previous large print and have more on this one. On Page 152 on the bottom line Elizabeth should not be asking this. I think it should be Toby. Page 260 – paragraph beginning “But what is their choice?” a very British voice was heard . . . “you know yourself, Toby, . . .” The paragraph doesn’t fit here, the next person she hears is a French cop. and why would Toby know about running the chateau business? Page 263 – last full paragraph – “Toby’s big ears” should read Patrick’s big ears. Page 271 last line “come on Patrick,” said Bill – Bill’s not there, her has driven to the hospital Toby must have said this. 272 – since Bill’s not there Toby didn’t decide to help out. After “The officer smiled leave out the beginning of the paragraph and start with off they ran, but maybe it should read Toby and Patrick ran off….
I wish the omnibus editions had the titles of each individual stories on the actual cover please. We accidently ordered stories we already read because we thought the omnibus editions were different stories
Although I have not lived in the US since 2001, I have been a fan from afar. We lived in Budapest, Hungary for 19 years and I imported some of your books while living there. In 2020, we moved to Cuenca, Ecuador. I am made it my mission to obtain every one of your books that have been published thus far. I started from book one and am reading them in order, more than one book, for the second time. I love the fact that the kids grow, so I don’t want to miss out on any of their formative years.
I am currently wrapping up “British Manor Murder”. I had to take a break when I realized I did not have “Candy Corn Murder” so read other authors until it was delivered.
It is so impressive how these books have aged but still have current issues. Some of the women’s rights, college tuition, abortion (TX I believe it mentioned) and in this current book the fact the minister is stymied how the older population still votes for the conservatives, even if it is against their best interest.
Due to cost of shipping here and limits of bookcase space, I will have to wait longer than I want for the paperback copy of the book coming out in April. However, it will give me something to look forward to.
Leslie I have read all of your books and have followed Lucy Stone and her family; however in Tippy Toe Murder Bill has a sister and in Irish Parade Murder he’s an only child! Also I noticed that you mentioned the killing of the Stone’s cat, their first dog Kudo getting run over by a car and now in Patch Quilt Murder we endure the death of Libby! I find it disturbing that you put your readers through this type of pain especially for us animal lovers; you could’ve just mentioned Libby’s passing
I have been reading Turkey Day Murder, no conclusion on her arrest?
What page if any is that on?
I want to join the mailing list of new books released.
I enjoy your books! You do a great job of incorporating local knowledge into your stories whether Maine or elsewhere.
I see Star Spangled Murder is dedicated to your father who served in the Army Air Corps, entering at the same time my father did and serving in the same places. I have a photo album and will now wonder if any of the people in the photos is your father!
I have read all your books and have loved them all. Can’t wait for the next one. Blessings.
I am listening to the Christmas Carol Murder. It reminds me of the farm forclosures in the ’80s and 90s. I was farming, always on the financial edge. I was a member of Minnesota COACT and Minnesota Farmers Union and went to many of the protests and sat in on the hearings. I was not brave enough to be those allowed themselves to be arrested using the excuse that I had to feed my cattle. I retired and sold the farm in 2012 and moved back where family lived in New York. Hearing this book is kindof bitter. Free independent famers are few. Almost all farmland in the country is in the hands of absentee owners. I still grow and can most of my vegetables I eat in my garden. For too many people food comes from a grocery store and growing a garden is too much work. I am glad to be old. I know that whoever owns the land rules the country.
Hi Leslie
Love all your books and the narrator Karen White.
Question: how did you discover Massapequa on Long Island NY?
It was funny to hear that in my audible book from the library
Also in the Valentine murder story, why did Lucy get so upset at the police officer when she
tried take the drawing off Miss Bitsys computer?
I know it was from your daughter, but as you should know, everything is evidence in an investigation.
Just saying.
Hi Leslie
Valentine Murder:
How on earth did you know about Massapequa on Long Island Ny? Lol
Trying to read all of the Lucy Stone mysteries.
Please keep Karen White as the narrator.
TY
love all your books ? Lucy stone is a great character. ? keep them coming. just a suggestion, Lucy’s daughter works in a hotel. you had her meet someone but did not work out. would like to see someone become special for her.
Leslie,
I met you on the trip to Tuscany.
Patti and I never got your’s and Clsire’s addresses. Would love to get together with you both.
I just finished Irish Coffee Murder and as I have said before and other people have made the same discoveries/comments. Major typo on page 120 of the book it says “”Sunday night, the night Deirdre was murdered?”” when it was Tori that was murdered. Hope you aren’t paying someone to proofread your books.
My mom is turning 100 years old soon and has read every one of your books! She said she would get so engrossed in your stories that she wouldn’t realize she had been reading for hours! She is a big fan!
Dear Leslie, it looks like we are the same vintage! I also graduated in 1966.
I just finished the Easter Bonnet Murder and loved it. I write cozy mysteries and enjoyed seeing how you approach the subject. Mine are set in Monterey, CA. The characters in your book were a lot of fun and the interaction with Zoey reminded me of the struggles dealing with young people leaving home for the first time. I can’t wait to read some of your other books!
I’m wondering where you encountered my family name. There are only around eight of us, so I assume you saw it somewhere or met one of us at one time in order to use it for one of your characters. I’d love to know where!
Dear Leslie Meier,
I’ve enjoyed all you books, but just finished “Mother of the Bride Murder”, and just loved it! You are a blessing. Thank you!
Gretchen.
Hello,
We officially invite you to be part of BooksShelf.com platform for authors and readers!
We welcome you to have your own page filled with your books and short stories, we welcome you to be interviewed!
Hi Leslie. I’m also HCHS ‘66’. I just started reading your series. I began with the first book. I am enjoying it. I was wondering if your Miss Tilley was a tribute to our Miss Tilley, or did you think is was a good name for a spinster librarian? Silly question I know, but inquiring minds, etc.
Do you have a newsletter?
Where can I obtain a complete list of your Lucy Stone mystery books?
We met in 1998 at Buttonwood Books in Duxbury, MA. You were part of a three person mystery writers panel (the other two being Jeremiah Healy and Philip R. Craig) who graciously answered questions from fans and hopeful writers. You signed a copy of Back to School Murder that I bought that night.
I’m currently reading my way through the Lucy Stone series. I’m worrying about several medical issues and trying to come to terms with getting old (70 in August). The Lucy books are the only ones I can lose myself in. The balance between the mystery and the domestic is perfect. In Turkey Trot Murder, Lucy has to pee and pees in the woods! Thank god! At last a real human!
Thanks for so many great books.
All my best.
I have read every one of your Lucy Stone books. I love them all and always look forward to the next one. Keep them coming! The little town of Tinker’s Cove would be a place I would definitely live in. I have read them in order, so you get to know all the main characters and when you read on you get the feeling that you know them all personally and everything about them. Menopause is Murder would be a great book. It is something that Lucy, Pam, Rachel, and Sue would all have in common. LOL
Hi. Your Lucy Stone series is one of my all time favorites. After all the years of reading them, it was so relatable and still is. I just completed Easter Bonnet Murder and loved it. There is one part that unexpectedly sent a shock through my system. The part where it mentioned why would a stage 4 cancer patient/survivor plan for the future, such as a vacation. As a stage 4 cancer survivor for 6 years, we need these future fun plans to give us hope. We are not in denial, but want to enjoy what life has to offer in spite of our changes in our bodies due to side effects of cancer meds and the cancer itself.
I love all your Lucy Stone books! Just finished Easter Bonnet Murder, but have a wee correction in Ch. 17 — Charles & Diana were married in St. Paul’s Cathedral, not Westminster Abbey.
The plot was super clever, tho’ & I loved the outcome, which I did not even come close to guessing. Already looking forward to Lucy’s next adventure!
I love your book series Leslie! I always wondered though what happened to Abby? I hope I get to see new books from you soon!
I have read all the books and just love them, but I never read Leslie’s bio! I grew up on Cape Cod (Falmouth) and have also spent many vacations in Maine. Additionally, my best friend from childhood graduated from Bridgewater State with a teaching degree. Hmm, lots of similarities between us.
I’ve read most of the Lucy Stone series and greatly enjoyed the plot of Easter Bonnet Murder. On the downside, I was appalled by the number of run-on sentences! I don’t recall that being your style in earlier books.
As a 78 yr old gay male I have read and enjoyed all of your books. Irish Parade Murder is by far my favorite. Thank You for the many hours of reading pleasure.
During the Pandemic, I became addicted to reading Cozy Mysteries, and I enjoy them all. However, I had never laughed so hard while reading them as I did when I read “The Gingerbread Cookie Murder.” I loved the way you portrayed Prozac and the way your mother pampered her. Thank you for that.
I really enjoy your Lucy Stone books and have practically read every one of them; however in several of your books you’ve had too many killings of animals! The death of Kudo being hit by a car the strangulation of their cat a shooting of a dog all I find disturbing and unnecessary also there have many misprints ie in Tippy Toe Murder Bill and Toby leave for the weekend to attend a baseball game and stay at Bills sisters house but yet in your latest novel Irish Parade Murder he’s an only child! Also in Tippy Toe Murder Sue Finch refers to having 2 children but yet in other books there’s just Sidra! Do you not remember and keep track of your characters and their family who you’ve referenced before?
I love Lucy Stone and her family; however I noticed that in Tippy Toe Murder Bill Stone has a sister and in your recent book Irish Murder Parade he’s an only child! I’ve noticed a couple of errors in your books that perhaps the editors didn’t catch; but nevertheless I love your Lucy Stone series and look forward to Easter Bonnet Murder
Hello Leslie… I’m in the middle of “Irish Parade Murder” & so far, so good!!!
I hope you don’t mind, but I found a typo on page 27. It’s in the middle of the page, where it indicates “someow” instead of “somehow”.
Hope all is well with you, wherever you might be & I look forward to reading many more of your very enjoyable books.
Take care & be well, TERRI…
I read a lot of cozies, and I liked the first Lucy Stone one I read, Tippy Toe Murder. I immediately started reading another, Valentine Murder. I let one typo pass: the day of library board meeting cannot be both the third Thursday and the last Thursday of the month. (The last Thursday would be either the 4th or 5th Thursday.) And I was only slightly annoyed that Lucy wonders why Miss Tilley didn’t call the police after the glass case is broken, and then Lucy doesn’t do that herself. That sort of thing happens in cozies. But I had to stop reading when Lucy leaves her daughter in the car when it’s 5 degrees (Fahrenheit?) out, while she tuns into a potentially dangerous situation. Really? And what happens to her daughter if Lucy doesn’t get back in 3 minutes or so? Maybe your publisher needs to add a proofreader who lives in Maine.
I love your Lucy Stone series, especially those that take place during the holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas,etc.) I noticed you got quite a few Halloween and Christmas themed books (which I adore), including the ones in the cozy mystery anthologies that include works from other authors I enjoy like Joanne Fluke and Lee Hollis. I am curious if those two holidays are your favorite?
Just finished Irish Parade Murder. While I really have enjoyed the Lucy Stone Mysteries through the years I found this one to be too political. I did not care for the way you portrayed Catholics and police officers. I am a practicing Catholic and my husband has spent 35 years in law enforcement. I think I have payed my last visit to Tinkers Cove.
Do you have a newsletter If so I would like to subscribe
Is Halloween Party Murder counted as a novella after Easter Bonnet Murder? I keep a list of books I want to read and just saw this one for preorder on Amazon, but since it’s an anthology, I wanted to make sure to ask you. Thank you! 🙂
I love Lucy Stone and have been reading her for years but am so disappointed in her latest, Irish parade Murder.
I Love Lucy Stone and have been reading her for years but I am so disappointed in one of the latest, Irish Parade murder. I couldn’t finish it, I was so upset.
Ms. Meier, I love your Lucy Stone books and have started the whole series again. I read them many years ago and Mistletoe Murder is still my favorite of all of them. I received a gift card for Christmas for Kobo and promptly bought the ones I didn’t have……..its been awesome to have Lucy Stone and family keep me company during this pandemic. Thank you!
Love all your books and eagerly await the newest. I am rereading Wicked Witch Murder and noticed that on page 79 Lucy’s daughters are making chocolate chip cookies with Libby the dog ready to lick up spills. Lucy warns them not to give Libby too many cookies. Just wanted to let you know that chocolate can be toxic to dogs. As many people read your books would hate for them to give chocolate chip cookies to their dog.
I just finished reading Irish Parade Murder. I read all your books and this is one of the best. I really enjoyed it.
Enjoyed another of your books – “British Manor Murder”
A couple of comments:
Page 3 you had “Princess Kate” and than on page 165 has correct title “Duchess Kate”. Wonder was this and error or were you trying to point out that Americans do not always know the correct titles of UK royalty:?
Page 220 “Lucy and Sue thanked Sarah for the tea..” but they drank lemonade.
My daughter is a great fan, so on a whim she bought Mistletoe Murder for me. I just finished the book and love it. However, I would like to purchase the next book in the series Tippy-toe Murder but would like it in book form, not Kindle. Amazon had it this morning for a crazy price, but later said it was not longer available. Any suggestions where I can get a new copy of this book, reasonably priced? Thanks
I just finished The Irish Parade Murder today, the day after the Derek Chauvin trial ended. Thanks for addressing our need to come together in your book. The book just seemed to fit with how I’m feeling. I’ve read all your books and love them, but wanted you to know that your message really hit home especially this time.
Possible contradiction in “Silver Anniversary Murder”:
In the Epilogue you list her injuries to include ‘and whiplash from crashing into the the barrier’ but in the previous page you state that after throwing herself out of the car she saw her car go right through the barrier…
A most enjoyable read, as your other books.
I just finished reading your last book Irish Parade Murder that I checked out from the library. It had an excellent plot as all of your books that I have read do. I felt that this book might have been a little rushed as there were several errors/typos that should have been caught. Have you changed proofreaders?
I have just finished The Irish Parade Murder and loved it, as I have all your books. I would like to applaud you for addressing several of today’s social issues in your books. You have brought new perspectives to me and I’m sure many other readers. If you can bring light to even one other reader’s thoughts on these subjects, you have changed the world for the better. I really appreciate the way you maintain the entertainment value of your books, while yet holding up a mirror to the real world. And, of course, thank you for the hours of enjoyable reading you have given me.
Do you need to read these books in order ? I was interested in starting with the Easter one but wasn’t sure
Do you have to read your books in order or can you read them independently? I am new to your series and just grabbed the Irish Parade Murder at the library but didn’t know if I should wait to read it. Thanks!