British Murder

By Leslie Meier

Published by Kensington Books

What’s it about?

A collection of two stories featuring Lucy Stone’s adventures in England. Normally a resident of small town, Tinker’s Cove, Maine, Lucy heads to England for some murderous holidays.

The Blurb:

ENGLISH TEA MURDER
A trip to England, sponsored by Winchester College, sounds practically perfect to Lucy Stone—until the tour leader suffers a fatal asthma attack mid-flight. Lucy suspects some very unnatural causes, but luckily, she packed her sleuthing skills. 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?

BRITISH MANOR MURDER
Lucy can’t wait to join her friend Sue for a gala hat show at the English country house owned by the Earl of Wickham. But at Moreton Manor, there are secrets—and some unpleasant relatives—lurking among the elaborate chapeaus. When a bludgeoned body is found in a hidden room, Lucy must sift through friends and family foes to find the low-down killer stalking the upper crust, before more blue blood runs red . . .

What I think?

I requested this on Netgalley purely because I loved the cover – kitsch and cliched it is so cute!

Both of these mysteries are slow burners. Agatha Christie style, there is lots of build up and then a big reveal at the end.

Of the two, my favourite was English Tea Murder as the mystery was more complex and the characters’ motivations seemed more believable.

Lots of British history and cultural references in both books that are interesting and amusing. The idea that Lucy would actually see someone in a bowler hat on the Tube made me smile as having lived my whole life in London I haven’t never once seen this!

Lucy and her friends are a great and I really warmed to the characters. I would like to read some of the books set in the US for comparison.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for adigital copy of these great mysteries in return for an honest review.

I haven’t been able to find a link to this particular edition in the UK, but if you search for Leslie Meier there are lots of Lucy Stone mysteries that are available.