A Lucy Stone Mystery — by Leslie Meier

Order	Book	Date	Rating
1	Mail-Order Murder // Mistletoe Murder	Dec-1991	4
2	Tippy-Toe Murder	1994	4.5
3	Trick or Treat Murder	Oct-1996	4
4	Back to School Murder	Oct-1997	4
5	Valentine Murder	Feb-1999	5
6	Christmas Cookie Murder	Nov-1999	4.5
7	Turkey Day Murder	Oct-2000	4
8	Wedding Day Murder	Nov-2001	5
9	Birthday Party Murder	Aug-2002	5
10	Father's Day Murder	Jun-2003	5
11	Star Spangled Murder	Jun-2004	4
12	New Year's Eve Murder	Nov-2005	4
13	Bake Sale Murder	Dec-2006	5
13.5	Candy Canes of Christmas Past (ss)	Oct-2007	4.5
14	St. Patrick's Day Murder	Jan-2008	4.5
15	Mother's Day Murder	Apr-2009	5
16	Wicked Witch Murder	Sep-2010	4
16.5	Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots (ss)	Oct-2010	5
17	English Tea Murder	Jul-2011	4.5
18	Chocolate Covered Murder	Jan-2012	4.5
19	Easter Bunny Murder	Feb-2013	4.5
20	Christmas Carol Murder	Sep-2013	4.5
21	French Pastry Murder	Sep-2014	5
22	Candy Corn Murder	Jul-2015	5
23	British Manor Murder	Oct-2016	4
23.5	Eggnog Murder (ss)	Nov-2016	4.5
24	Turkey Trot Murder	Oct-2017	5
25	Silver Anniversary Murder	Sep-2018	4
25.1	Yule Log Murder (ss)	Nov-2018	4.5
25.2	Valentine Candy Murder	Dec-2018	3.5
25.3	Haunted House Murder (ss)	Sep-2019	4
26	Invitation Only Murder	Nov-2019	5
26.5	Christmas Card Murder (ss)	Nov-2020	5
27	Irish Parade Murder	Jan-2021	4
27.5	Halloween Party Murder (ss)	Sep-2021	4.5
28	Easter Bonnet Murder	Jan-2022	5
28.5	Irish Coffee Murder (ss)	Jan-2023	4.5
29	Mother of the Bride Murder	Apr-2023	4
29.5	Easter Basket Murder (ss)	Jan-2024	4
30	Patchwork Quilt Murder	Apr-2024	5
31	Bridal Shower Murder	Mar-2025	5
31.4	Halloween Night Murder	Sep-2025	4.5
31.5	Easter Egg Murder	Mar-2026	5
32	Countdown to Christmas Murder	Oct-2026	0

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Series Premise

The Lucy Stone series centers on Lucy Stone, who works as a reporter for the local newspaper while raising her family in Tinker's Cove. Each book features a new murder investigation that Lucy becomes personally involved in through her reporting or town connections. The stories often tie into holidays or local events, blending mystery with everyday family and community life.

The Lucy Stone Series Reading Order

Publication order gives the best experience for the Lucy Stone series and Lucy Stone books in order. Each book has a complete central plot focused on a new murder case with its own investigation and resolution. Character relationships and ongoing developments, including the growth of Lucy's children from young kids to adults and changes in her family dynamics, carry across the books. Readers who begin with a later volume will understand the mystery but may miss the depth of Lucy’s personal and family evolution that builds over time.

Explanation of reading order types

The Lucy Stone Series Characters

Lucy Stone is the central protagonist, a determined mother and part-time reporter who often stumbles into murder investigations. Her husband Bill and their four children form the core of her personal life, with the children maturing significantly as the series progresses. Recurring friends and town residents, such as her best friend Sue Finch, provide additional support and continuity.

Setting of the The Lucy Stone Series

The series is set in the fictional small coastal town of Tinker's Cove, Maine. The New England seaside environment, with its changing seasons and close-knit community, influences both the crimes and daily life. Many stories revolve around local festivals, holidays, or town events that bring residents together.

Tone & Themes of the The Lucy Stone Series

The tone is cozy and light, with gentle suspense and a strong focus on family and community. Central themes include balancing work and family, small-town dynamics, friendship, and the challenges of everyday life alongside solving crimes. Leslie Meier emphasizes realistic family situations and the warmth of long-term relationships.

Is the The Lucy Stone Series Worth Reading?

The Lucy Stone series appeals to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with strong character development and a focus on family life. Its long-running nature allows readers to watch Lucy and her family grow over many years. Fans of traditional cozy mysteries often appreciate the mix of engaging puzzles and relatable personal stories.

Content Warnings and Heat Level

The books include depictions of murder and mild violence typical of cozy mysteries, but descriptions remain relatively gentle. Sexual content is minimal or absent. As light adult cozy mysteries, they are generally suitable for most readers, though some stories touch on family stress or social issues.

The Lucy Stone series offers cozy mysteries rooted in small-town life and family relationships. Following the books in order provides the fullest picture of Lucy's personal journey alongside each new case. Overall, the series delivers satisfying, character-driven stories that feel like returning to a familiar community.