Turkey Day Murder

Lucy Stone #7

by Leslie Meier

Tinker’s Cove, Maine, has a long history of Thanksgiving festivities, from visits with TomTom Turkey to the annual Warriors high school football game and Lucy Stone’s impressive pumpkin pie. But this year, someone has added murder to the menu, and Lucy intends to discover who left Metinnicut Indian activist Curt Nolan dead—with an ancient war club next to his head. The list of suspects isn’t exactly brief. Nolan had a habit of disagreeing with just about everybody he met. Between fixing dinner for twelve and keeping her four kids from tearing each other limb from limb, Lucy has a pretty full plate already. So what’s a little investigation? But if she’s not careful, she may find herself served up as a last-minute course, stone-cold dead with all the trimmings…  

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Thanksgiving, Holiday, Cozy, Audiobook

318 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Leslie Meier lives in Braintree and Harwich (Cape Cod), Massachusetts. She is the creator of 'Lucy Stone', a reporter and amateur sleuth in the fictional seaside village of Tinker's Cove, Maine.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

TURKEY DAY MURDER brings up back to Tinker’s Cove for more Lucy Stone and her Down East Maine adventures! It’s nearly Thanksgiving. Lucy is expecting her son Toby and his college roommate to return. That means lots of cooking, kicking her oldest daughter out of his room, and getting the house ready. Plus there are visits to the turkey farm, turkey art projects, yummy recipes, and of course those town council meetings that always cause trouble. This time around, it’s first about Cujo the dog who has been eating dozens of chickens. (You just have to laugh at the characters in this scene.) Then the town is divided over allowing a casino to be built. This one is a whirlwind with Thanksgiving chaos, appearances by all the Tinker’s Cove locals, and of course, a murder for Lucy to solve. I was completely laughing at the turkey kitchen scene because who wouldn’t have freaked out and thought to do the same? Loved this one!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's difficult to find a Thanksgiving theme novel so I end up with the 7th book in the Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier. I've been seeing her cozy mysteries everywhere and glad I finally get to try one of her books.

Set in Tinker's Cove, Maine, the story has everything a cozy reader likes to kick start Thanksgiving spirit. 🦃🍂 Food and festivities. I find it unique where an unlikeable character is Lucy's husband Bill. This isn't normal, not for a cozy. No lovey-dovey? I'm curious to see if she'll eventually dump that jerk. 🤪

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Turkey Day Murder, a mid-series installment of the Lucy Stone Mysteries, readers learn all about the Native American tribes of Maine. When a casino is proposed, the town board has concerns... and soon, a member of the tribe is killed. I enjoyed learning about the history of the Maine Native Americans, and the focus on turkeys was helpful too. I felt the story concluded too quickly with a murder culprit that was less than ideal, sorta just thrown together. But the side stories were captivating, and I do like the realistic nature of the people in Tinker's Cover. Maybe I'm becoming a Pollyanna but some people have no filter. I think I need to live like a hermit. LOL

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little cozy mystery. Lucy Stone is always in the middle of a murder no matter what her husband or Horowitz says to her. This one had more action in it and had a nice plot. I was completely floored with the killer, had no idea who it was until the last two chapters. Nice, solid book and would recommend! Perfect for the upcoming season. Happy reading!!!

[Sarah B · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was indeed entertaining to read I really did not find myself inspired by this mystery. That is I had no interest in trying to guess who the killer was. Also the death (or murder I should say) had nothing to do with the Thanksgiving dinner shown on the cover. Instead it was related to lots of controversy about a gambling casino being built on a farm for the Metinnicut tribe. Most of the plot revolves around this issue and if the town's people are ready for change. There is also the fact the murder itself doesn't occur until after a hundred pages in. In other mysteries I've read it usually occurs much sooner. I was actually surprised it happened so late. I guess the main character, Lucy, had to do lots of shopping and go to meetings first.

Is it sad the most interesting thing in here (to me) was the fact how TomTom the turkey goes after red items? I know a male turkey named Fred and he likes to dance circles around women with his tail feathers spread and his wing tips dragging on the ground. Off hand I can't recall if I've ever wore red around him or not but I do find this fascinating! So now I am wondering if turkeys truly go after red items? Fred wonders about loose and I have never seen any hostility from him. If anything he is the ranch's mascot.

The end did not state what had happened to TomTom.

I actually found most of the social stuff in here related to Thanksgiving very dull and boring. I guess I just can't relate to it?

The bits with the dog Kudo were nice too. I just guess the animals in here interested me more than the human characters!

This is the first book I have read from this series.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep asking myself why do I read these books? They just are not that good the bulk of the books consists of Lucy feeling sorry for herself, cleaning, taking care of children, and being berated by her husband. After the Valentines installment I said if the next book is as bad I wont read the rest. The Valentines installment was also offensive in some regards and that is what really made me question why I read these books. I feel some obligation I guess. Once I start a series I finish it. Anyways, the murder does not take place until almost halfway through the book and were subjected to Lucy's usual grousing. However, it was better than the last book until there is a misunderstanding. Lucy is arrested and charged with some pretty frivolous crimes. Lucy was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time but Bill lays into her. Telling her if she had two brain cells she would not had been in that situation in the first place because the house was a mess and its her job to clean it. Once again I am left wondering why is she married to this man who in some books comes off as an alcoholic and is borderline verbally/mentally abusive. There is also the issue with Julia Tilly who asks Lucy to look into the murder and says some very unkind things to Lucy when she is not making the progress Miss Tilly expected, and rejects the fact that Lucy is truly busy and trying to look into the murder without getting herself into trouble. Clearly halfway through the book the plot took a turn for the worse.I question Meier's motives in writing these books it seems as if she is forcing her own personal belief systems upon the reader and fails miserably. Why? Because she is inconstant. She tries to make Lucy a modern working woman with a family, yet every chance she gets she makes Lucy out to be a woman who cannot make good decisions and lacks common sense. Then there is Bill. He is the biggest contradiction. Why write Lucy as a working mother at all if her husband is going to treat her as if it is 1950? Bill is what really ruins these books for me he is a pig. Don't even get me started on the other issues Meier makes her opinion known on. Either write an entertaining book or go into politics but leave Lucy out of it.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in a series I'm currently working my way through, Turkey Day Murder was one of my least favorite in this series so far.

I mostly like Lucy. She's kind and caring, but she honestly has no spine when it comes to her husband. Her husband who, in this book, told her that she should've been cleaning the house instead. It was so infuriating,a dn, if you cannot tell, I absolutely CANNOT stand Bill!

The mystery was good, though parts of it were slightly obvious and the ending was too perfect for my taste. I know this is a short review, but I really have nothing else to say about the book. Overall a good book that would've benefitted if Bill would've been away on a trip.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love the book--always glad I don't live in Tinker's Cove.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.

It is another busy holiday season for Lucy Stone and her family. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and Lucy is as occupied as always. Her family is growing fast, and her oldest, Toby is away at his first year of college. Lucy and the family are eager for him to come home for Thanksgiving. Lucy is still working part-time at the town's newspaper and is currently covering the town's meetings. There is something going on and lots of people are up in arms.

Before long, as is always the case in the Lucy Stone series, there is a murder. Although Lucy has some freedom as a reporter, she plans to leave the investigation to the police. But, one of her dear friends pleads with her to look into it. What else can Lucy do but comply? Lucy has one suspect in mind and is determined to find answers.

This is book 7 in the series, and it is an enjoyable read. There is an even mix of Lucy on the job, on the case and with her family. I wasn't crazy about Lucy in a couple of books where I wasn't fond of her parenting skills, but I am liking her again in this book. She is indeed a great Mom, seasoned as she is. She is pretty good at her job, although a bit distracted, and she annoys her boss a bit.

This series continues with Wedding Day Murder. These books are really all great reads. Even if the characters can get a bit annoying, there is always an interesting case to be solved. This story, like the others, are light reads, but the mysteries are enough to capture my interest. I look forward to continuing on with all of Leslie Meier's books, which are still in production.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Thanksgiving the Stone Family of Tinker's Cove,
Maine is expecting 12 for dinner. Two of these are
vegan college students.
Lucy is transferring the turkey from the pan to the
platter...oops...it lands on the floor. Find out what
Lucy does to make the Thanksgiving meal gravy!!!
During the town's Thanksgiving festivities, the body
of a Metinnicut Indian activist who was against the
building of a casino is found dead.
The story is full of many twists and turns. There are
plenty of interesting, colorful characters for the
suspect list. A chicken killing dog and TomTom the
turkey add to the mix.
A humorous holiday cozy mystery.
This is book # 7 in the Lucy Stone cozy mystery series.
It can be read as a stand alone.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An author and series completely new to me. I really enjoyed this book and have now ordered other books in the series.
This book really got me in the Thanksgiving spirit. I loved the descriptions of the Thanksgiving table, the family, the food, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV, local football, the town and its people.
Even though this is a book 7, I saw it as a stand alone. I did not feel I had missed anything from previous books.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Thanksgiving and likes some mystery to go with their turkey!!

[Bethany T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took a long time to get going. I was worried about starting with the seventh book in this series, but it was easy enough to settle into the world of Tinker's Cove, Maine. However, it was the mystery that made things difficult for me. The murder didn't occur until halfway through the book! Basically, there is controversy over a plan for a casino to be built on farmland, and an activist for the Metinnicut tribe ends up murdered. I found the mystery dull, and it didn't really feel like the main character, Lucy Stone, ever did much sleuthing.

Now, some thoughts on Lucy Stone. Marked with spoilers just to avoid dropping a big rant in this review (there are no actual spoilers in it): Exactly what kind of newspaper did she write for in which she could go to a community meeting at night and not have the article due until noon the next day?! As a copy editor for a print newspaper, I can confirm that local newspapers do not work that way. If a reporter goes to a community meeting in the evening (and the meeting is regarded as a newsworthy matter, as it is in the book), that article is due before press time that same night. Otherwise the article is two days old by the time readers’ eyes are on it. (Some community meetings are covered by correspondents and treated as filler, but that didn’t seem to be the case in this book. The article was a big deal that resulted in floods of calls from readers.) And if there’s drama regarding a meeting topic, the reporter would be a fool (and bad at their job!) to hurry away the moment votes are cast, possibly missing an after-meeting conflict, as Lucy did in this book. Oh, and a part-time reporter would not be asked to cover a homicide. Reporters also do not write obituaries or call relatives to gather quotes on the deceased. Families write the obits, send them to the funeral home, and the funeral home sends them to the paper. I guess I can shrug over the unrealistic way the newspaper was portrayed in this book. But it was harder to ignore how Lucy was portrayed. She was professionally incompetent and seemed not to care about her job, being completely distracted by the most mundane family “struggles.”

Lucy’s family drama was a bit too silly to be relatable. There’s a part where she decides to “concentrate on her blessings” instead of her worries over her son Toby, reflecting on how she should at least be happy he isn’t “in jail or unemployed or working at a dead-end job.” Gasp! A college-age son working a dead-end job?! Certainly this is comparable to being in jail or unemployed. Such a tragedy! Yeah, it’s just silly. I definitely didn’t understand the focus on Toby in this book. He seemed like a normal college-age boy, not some delinquent to worry over.

Also, let me repeat, there was no mystery or murder until page 106!

Verdict
Such a slow read. I was the wrong audience for this. Three stars because a mediocre mystery is still good enough to warrant some love.

So, who would enjoy this book?
Based on a few things (the way characters act and the things portrayed as dramatic and important), readers 50+ may be the targeted audience for this series. It’s not a murder mystery I think younger adults or teens will enjoy. Which is such a shame because murder mysteries are my favorite, and I hate disliking this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Turkey Day Murder is the first book by this author I have read. I was expecting a fun, light mystery around Thanksgiving day. Maybe a little zany fun. What I got instead was a rather dull read. All of the characters were rather boring, the murder, the investigation, everything. Really Lucy didn't do much investigating she just thought about things for the most part and noticed people as she did her job.

Lucy is a reporter who covers the town meetings. She never writes what really goes on, how the one guy sleeps through the whole thing every time for example, as the small town wouldn't like that. She has three daughters and a son who left for college in the fall and will be home for Thanksgiving. She misses him and is excited to see him again. He is bringing a friend, but she hopes it will be just like it was when he lived there. Only it is not. Her son brought home three friends, they are almost never home, they are just off doing their own thing. Most of this book seems to be about Lucy wanting everything to be perfect and the way it used to be and lamenting it is not. The way she is, the way she thinks, I didn't care for her at all. She just is...she never says anything about things that bother her and just expects them to change. Like she never talks to her son while he is home, just expects him to be the same as he always was. There is talk with her friends about how you never get back the same kid once they go off to college, how that changes them, how they grow, and on and on. There was just a lot of domestic details that I didn't really care about that made the story not so much fun to read.

Through all of that you also have the Metinnicut tribe trying to be recognizes as a tribe. Lucy finds that they have plans to build a casino in town if they do get tribal status and that of course is polarizing in town. Some people support it, some people don't. Curt was a very vocal member of the tribe who doesn't want anything to do with a casino. He is really proud of his heritage and just wants them to be recognized for who they are. He gets in a lot of verbal sparing matches with people so when he shows up dead at the Thanksgiving football game there are a lot of suspects. Lucy's friend asks her to help investigate, and Lucy grudgingly agrees, but then the friend is not very nice to her. When the friend doesn't think she is doing enough or finding the killer fast enough she just tears into Lucy. It was strange and just made me think why would you still help this person out? I mean if they are not going to be thankful for what you can do then why bother with them? Or her husband who doesn't seem like the best as he yells at Lucy for not taking care of the house and stuff. It was just...I didn't really get to know or care for any of the people I met in the book. It was not fun and lighthearted, it was more Lucy bemoaning everything which made me not want to continue reading. I did and it felt like everything just suddenly got wrapped up, but I wanted more of a holiday read. Maybe next year I will find a good Thanksgiving read.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! I am newcomer to the cozy mystery genre and am loving every minute of it! This was my first, but certainly not my last, Leslier Meier, cozy. She is a master of every element of the cozy genre. If you are looking for classic literature with an esoteric theme and message, this is not the book for you. On the other hand, if you want to a book that you can enjoy while snuggled up in your favorite chair with your favorite pet while drinking a warm beverage of choice then you cannot go wrong with this selection. This book contains the irresistible elements of Thanksgiving, dogs, Native Americans, and an alpha male Tom turkey you won't soon forget! In addition, the character of Lucy Stone is grappling with the universal issue of watching her children grow up and away as she struggles to find balance in her own life. Highly recommend if you are a fan of the cozy genre or just want a good Thanksgiving read. Gobble Gobble!

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had second thoughts about the rating, and I may have been harsh, but in the end it doesn't matter. I will keep on reading this series till the end. The reasons for that are scattered throughout the book. The author knows when to reveal the full details of Lucy's thoughts, but she doesn't become attached to her character. She never praises Lucy and simply relays her highly moralistic meanderings. Officer Barney Culpepper makes a late entrance, but then the murder itself was late in coming. Altogether a very neatly ended mystery with a nicely tied bow. And the climax was different, as Lucy was not dragged through hot coals here. She was barely hurt. We can be thankful for favors, big or small.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turkey Day Murder by Leslie Meier is book 7 in the Lucy Stone Mystery series. Tinker's Cove is getting ready for Thanksgiving celebrations, when local Metinnicut Indian activist Curt Nolan is murdered with an ancient war club and reporter Lucy Stone becomes caught up in the investigation. A fun, quick mystery that I enjoyed. I liked Lucy, who is caring and down to earth, although probabley needs to stand up for herself more with the male members of the family. An entertaining, typically cozy, small town mystery.

[Cathy Hooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cozy mystery just didn’t do it for me. The murder didn’t happen until almost halfway through the book, though I guessed who the victim would be in the first chapter. None of the characters were particularly sympathetic, even Lucy-our main character. She wasn’t unlikable but was a pushover. Her teen kids were rude to her, but I am sure they learned it from their jerk dad. Lucy did little to solve the murder and really the conclusion was rather blah.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this entry in the Lucy Stone series. Even when she tries to not get involved she does. What I don't like is that you're 100 pages into the story before there's a body.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always down for a Lucy Stone Mystery. All of the townspeople are very realistic in my opinion and they all add something to the story. I also like hearing about all the drama with her husband and kids. In this story I didn't really like her husband very much though. I'm curious what direction the author taking their relationship.

[Ali Moser · Rating 3 out of 5]

her husband keeps getting worse and worse

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one very much, similarly to all the way I have enjoyed the six previous books in this series. The only thing that was somewhat lacking was the climax of the story. I don't want to be more specific about it because I do not want to be a spoiler. Still, as usual, I enjoyed the character development very much. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, too! All in all, it was very enjoyable!

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gah, this book was terrible. Lucy Stone is a meek Mary Sue, who allows her 1950s-esque toad of a husband to verbally (and quite meanly) berate her in front of their daughters, expecting her to clean the house instead of attending a funeral. That man needs to be single; these cozy women are constantly doormats for men who think they know more (and know better) than the women they step on. Ugh.

Then there's Mrs. Tilley, an old woman who bullies Lucy for info on a murder, and says rude things to Lucy *about Lucy* when Mrs. Tilley doesn't think she'll get her way--like telling Lucy to illegally record a convo (a la Linda Tripp-style), but says Lucy's basically not savvy enough to trick someone into spilling the beans.

There's also the college son who brings more people to his parents' home for Thanksgiving then he had originally planned--and they have no manners, including the son. She doesn't talk to him about this, but lets herself simmer angrily. She does a lot of that, actually.

And don't get me started on her prudishness. When one woman tells Lucy, basically, that *she* would never attend a casino, but if someone else wants to do that, to each their own... Lucy practically falls down dead, because how dare someone have such an open mind about a casino?!

Lucy Stone was more of a turkey in this tale than TomTom, the actual prize turkey. I only hope the other Leslie Meier turkey-related tale is better, but based on this, I'm guessing not.

There are 3 foul words (sh*t, b*tch, and f*cking) in this one, but no sex or graphic violence. I'm giving this 2 stars for the cover art and the cute dog & ornery turkey, TomTom.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is Tinker’s Cove really ready for an Indian casino and hotel? In this Book #7 Lucy gets all involved in Native American affairs, she can’t keep her nose out of everyone else’s business.

This is one of the weaker efforts of this long running series. Toby drags home his friends from college for Thanksgiving. Is Lucy really going to kowtow to the vegan guest? Let her go hungry!! The nerve of Bill telling Lucy she should stay home and clean. I’d have wrapped the vacuum around his neck! Kids spoiled, rude and demanding as always. They should be permanently grounded.

I have one more book to read in this never ending saga of murder and nonsense.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good cozy little mystery. Lucy works for a small town newspaper in Maine. (I've sometimes thought about that job in the small town in Maine I live in. But, I'm thinking these books make it seem dangerous. No murders in the years I've lived here. My luck, they would start with my first article on the Farmers Market. Candle sellers can be a cut throat bunch.) Anyway, cute book, but her husband needs to lighten up, some. That's why Mainers hardly ever marry Texans. I would have 'smacked him upside his head.'

[Shella · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing and also inconsistent- for example- I was really laughing about the turkey falling in the floor- but her conversation with her daughter was totally inappropriate and out of character for Lucy. Do the secondary characters develop more? Bill and Toby are extremely annoying- Bill is supposed to be this great guy easy going and then here and there he treats Lucy poorly and is not supportive. Toby is a hot mess. I’m still going to read the next one- I do like Lucy and a couple secondary characters enough to keep reading- does the series get better?

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is a quick-paced cozy mystery. I sometimes feel sorry for Lucy because she is taken for granted by her husband and kids. But I think most women have felt the same way Lucy does at one time. The mystery is engaging and keeps the reader guessing. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries and the series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Rachel Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite Lucy Stove book so far. Lucy was actually likable. As per usual she does less “solving” and far more “accidentally stumbling into the murderer.” That being said it was a quick good read with realistic characters.

However, now that I like Lucy, she really needs to dump Bill. He was a complete ass in this book.

[MaryBeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy reads combining family, cooking, holidays and mystery!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Thanksgiving theme; it really put me in the mood for Turkey Day!

[Alyssa White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor tom-tom! What happened?!