BLOG TOUR: British Murder by Leslie Meier @TLCBookTours @kensingtonbooks #britishmurder #lucystonemysteries

In British Murder, Kensington books brings us two Lucy Stone mysteries in one volume, transporting us from Tinkercove to England for two cozy mysteries. I had a fun time experiencing the UK along with Lucy, and I loved that they paired these together in one volume (with an adorable cover, no less!)!

ENGLISH TEA MURDER

Lucy needs a bit of a break from her busy life in Tinker’s Cove, when one of her friends tells her about a trip to England sponsored by Winchester College. The four friends jump at the chance for a girls’ trip, and Lucy thinks that her friend’s flight anxiety is going to be the roughest part of the trip. That is, until their tour leader Professor George Temple dies mid-flight (and they have to leave his body in his seat!).

Though the initial theory is that Temple died of an asthma attack, Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes. As the tour goes on, Lucy starts to notice some suspicious behavior from some of the other tour guests. Between stops for afternoon tea, visits to historic sites, and catching up with an old flame, she’s ensnared in a daring scheme. But will it lead her to a criminal mastermind—or ensure that she’s the next victim?

This was the first I got to know of Lucy, since it is the first mystery of the two volume set. I always think cozy mysteries tend to have a range from those on the cozy side of the spectrum (the book focuses more on the characters and their activities than the mystery) and the mystery side of the spectrum (the murder case stays at the forefront). In both English Tea Murder and British Manor Murder, it was clear that Leslie Meier sticks to the far cozy side of the spectrum. Though there is a dead body in the first chapter, the mystery really doesn’t seem apparent until more than halfway through the book.

The first half of the book focuses much more on the sightseeing adventures and food the women were eating. It was fun to get to transport myself to England along with Lucy and her friends! I liked how much detail there was in their trip, and I thought the group of friends were fun. I was a bit less interested in the other characters in this book relative to the other I read. I also wanted there to be a bit more mystery than we got, but it was an enjoyable read that transported me right across the pond!

BRITISH MANOR MURDER

Lucy is depressed since her grandson Patrick was taken from her care to reunite with his parents in Alaska. Sure, maybe she hasn’t put on make-up lately, and maybe she has taken a few more naps, but Lucy insists that she is fine. When her best friends push her to get away from Tinkercove for a bit and refresh herself at an English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham, Lucy reluctantly agrees.

What should have been a relaxing stay at a glamorous English manor, recharging Lucy and helping her feel more like herself, turns deadly. The Earl, known as Perry, and his sister Poppy are having financial challenges, and struggle to keep up with the needs of Moreton Manor. When two bodies are discovered on the manor grounds, Lucy helps investigate before things get even worse for Perry and his sister.

This was an interesting contrast to read with the other mystery, because Lucy herself is in a much more negative place in this novel. Her empty nest syndrome has led to her being in a funk, and it follows her to England until she gets distracted by the mystery and is able to focus on something besides her loneliness.

The cast of characters at the manor are just that—characters! I found many of them not necessarily likable, but they added some texture and color to the story that was fun. The mystery itself is a bit slower, not really kicking off until nearly halfway through the book. Through twists and turns, I enjoyed figuring out whodunnit, and I think it is safe to say that Leslie Meier likes to hold some things back for a fun surprise at the end.

Thank you Kensington Books and TLC Book Tours for my copy. Opinions are my own.

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