"St. Patrick's Day Murder," the 14th in Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone series, begins with the discovery of Old Dan Malone's decapitated body in the harbor just off of Tinker's Cove, Maine. Such violence is unusual for the quiet, east coast village. What's more, Malone owned "The Bilge," a local watering hole, popular with the lobstermen and other workers, and was liked well enough by the townsfolk. The crowd outside the door waiting for the pub to open is testament to that.
A Doomed Production
Lucy Stone, mother of four and part-time reporter for the town's weekly newspaper, the "Pennysaver," just happens to be on the scene when the body is discovered, although the traditionalist (chauvinist?) police chief wouldn't let her very close to the melee. As she is returning to the news office, she runs into the local priest who tells her all about the new church theater production, "Finian's Rainbow," in honor of St. Patrick's Day and the town's Irish roots.
Soon Lucy and her friends are involved in the play. Malone's much younger brother, Dylan and his family arrive from Ireland to direct and star in the play, and strange things begin happening all over town. As the theater group is singing "How are Things in Glockamora," the "Bilge" is vandalized, then Lucy's young daughter goes missing, and finally Dylan is nearly bludgeoned to death with a very strange weapon. Will Lucy's efforts to find the truth put her family and friends in danger?
A Satisfying Holiday Mystery
"St. Patrick's Day Murder," despite the gruesome murder, is a light, very readable cozy mystery, with likeable characters and an Irish flair. The story includes a little of everything--a murder, a play, a little bit of Irish lore, enchanted crows and fairies, and a fugitive. In spite of all of these disparate parts, however, the novel is cohesive and enjoyable. New England residents will like the frequent local references and her attention to detail.
About Leslie Meier
Leslie Meier is the author of 13 previous Lucy Stone mysteries, most of which are holiday-related. Her most recent novels include the 2006 release, "Bake Sale Murder" and 2005's "New Year's Eve Murder." Meier's work has also been published in "Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine." She lives in Rhode Island with her husband, where she is at work on another Lucy Stone mystery.
Other Irish-Themed Murder Mysteries
- "Irish Linen" by Andrew Greeley
- "Laced" by Carol Higgins Clark
- "St. Patrick's Day Murder" by Lee Harris
Sandy Mitchell - Sandy Mitchell is a fulltime freelance writer, based in Cleveland Ohio. Her passion for reading began as early as she could hold a book ...
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