Meet Leslie
Author of the Lucy Stone Mysteries
I started writing in the late ‘80s when I was attending graduate classes at Bridgewater State College. I wanted to become certified to teach high school English and one of the required courses was Writing and the Teaching of Writing. My professor suggested that one of the papers I wrote for that course was good enough to be published and I sent it off to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine’s Department of First Stories. I got $100 for the story and I’ve been writing ever since. The teaching, however, didn’t work out.
My books draw heavily on my experience as a mother of three and my work as a reporter for various weekly newspapers on Cape Cod. My heroine, Lucy Stone, is a reporter in the fictional town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, where she lives in an old farmhouse (quite similar to mine on Cape Cod!) with her restoration carpenter husband Bill and four children. As the series has progressed the kids have grown older, roughly paralleling my own family. We seem to have reached a point beyond which Lucy cannot age–my editor seems to want her to remain forty-something forever, though I have to admit I personally am dying to write “Menopause is Murder!”
I usually write one Lucy Stone mystery every year and as you can tell, my editor likes me to feature the holidays in my books. Of course Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and my newest mystery “Eggnog Murder,” is included in an anthology with two other Christmas novellas by Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis. I’ve long been a fan of the classic English country house mystery, and was a faithful watcher of “Downton Abbey,” so I couldn’t resist trying to write one. I think I succeeded rather well, if I do say so myself, with “British Manor Murder,” which came out in October, 2016.
My books are classified as “cozies” but a good friend insists they are really “comedies of manners” and I do enjoy expressing my view of contemporary American life.
Now that the kids are grown — we have five fabulous grandchildren — my husband and I are enjoying dividing our time between Braintree and Cape Cod, along with our cat, Sylvester.
168 Responses
I love your books but I can’t see very well to read the paper or digital books, so I’ve been listening to audio books for years. When I listen to a series, I always listen to them in order and I was just wondering why several of the Lucy Stone novels have not been released in audio form?
08 Wedding Day Murder, 09 Birthday Party Murder, 11 Star Spangled Murder, 13 bake sale Murder, and 17 English Tea Murder. Also, the Lucy Stone Mystery Holiday Doubles are not available in audio form.
Do you have a mailing list? Would love to join.
I am currently reading Trick or Treat Murder (Lucy Stone #3). I have read several others in the series so obviously I’m not reading in order. I am very pleased to read that Lucy is nursing her infant Zoe and carrying her around town wherever she goes. As a former lay lactation consultant, I am thrilled when I read about moms who are breastfeeding. Thank you for normalizing breastfeeding.
PS I enjoy Lucy and her family and friends and will keep reading her adventures
Hello Leslie!
Thank you so much for your wonderful books. Re reading them all during quarantine. Love Lucy and her adventures. Thank you so much for your books.
July 27th
Hello Leslie… I hope this brief note finds you & your family doing well during these very difficult times.
I just finished “Invitation Only Murder” & although I liked it, thought – at the end – it was a bit over the top & far afield. I’ve read most of your books, enjoyed them very much & certainly look forward to those coming out in the future.
Take good care, be safe & have a lovely day, TERRi…
In British Manor Murder, I was very disappointed to see that you casually used the term “wife beater” shirt to describe an article of man’s clothing. This is not a term to be used so thoughtlessly in this age of heightened awareness of domestic violence. This description is disrespectful to men and women. Disappointed that this wasn’t corrected before publication.
I have finished the entire Lucy Stone series and I have to say the novels get better every time. I know I will miss having a new novel to read each year. Enjoy your grandchildren, husband, and cat.
I’m wondering if ‘Invitation Only Murder’ is based on Mohegan Island off the coast of Maine.
I just love Leslie’s Lucy Stone books. I have read them for years and years. I think I have read almost every one of them. Leslie please keep writing about Lucy & her family & her beloved Tinkers Cove. Thank you so much
I have q couple of questions about the Lucy Stone series…my favorite series.
In the first of the series, Sue had more than one child Sidea but later it was said she only had Sidra. What happened to the other kid?
In the book where the library roof collapses, at the dedication a year later, Corney had gotten married. The next book, she had maiden name back. What happened to her hubby? It never is mentioned.
I love the Lucy Stone mysteries and have read every one but the last two. I will be reading those soon. I hope you will keep writing them!
I luv Your Lucy Stone books and my granddaughter is starting the series. Are there any drawings of Lucy or accurate physical descriptions? I always have had a mental picture in my mind however my granddaughter seems to be having trouble visualizing the character which appears to be the common trait of the Youth today. Thank You for any help & color me embarrassed if there are and I forgot. Sincerely Yours, Susan
I really enjoy the Lucy Stone books, but her husband Bill is such a pill. He doesn’t seem supportive of Lucy, I just read Silver Anniversary Murder and his reaction to Lucy’s phone call with Dante was just over the top. Her kids were already obnoxious now he’s getting there too. I hope he becomes more supportive in future books.
I would love to know where Leslie got her bright yellow coat in this picture! It is adorable.
I am just finishing up Turkey Trot Murder. Today’s World as seen by Lucy.
I am just finishing up Turkey Trot Murder. Today’s World as seen by Lucy. Great book.
I really enjoy your books.
It is a testament to your writing how much I absolutely loathe the husband (and most of the kids) and still keep coming back to read these.
(Are we supposed to hate the husband? He’s terrible.)
Love the Lucy Stone series! But writing about her children that are so disrespectful to her is disrespecting all of us mothers.
Could you post a chronological list of the Lucy Stone Murder series. It would be helpful if it were printable. I started reading them years ago. I want to own the series, but I need a complete list.
Dear Ms. Meier,
I just finished reading your 25th Anniversary book. I have, in fact, looked forward to and have read all of your Lucy Stone books. This latest book seems to have to most dramatic action and is solely a Lucy book since her family is now grown. I will say this is probably the last of your books I expect to read.
I understand a book’s author has a free voice as to the book and the characters. I also realize your books’ characters and you are come from an area of the country with a mostly similar train of thought.
Whether or not I agree with an author is generally not something I get excited about when reading a group of work.. One rather knows what to expect. This time your political, religious and Planned parenthood lectures were highly evident throughout the book . Fiction, escape, characters, plot, excitement, humor, family is why I’ve read your books. I don’t appreciate personal lectures.
This note will have no bearing on you. I would guess you’ll gain readers and maybe lose a few. Certainly your prerogative. But, mine also to have a voice. Thank you….
I love the Lucy Stone mysteries. I have been trying to read them in order, but my library doesn’t have all of them. I have bought many, and put them on my Kindle. I just finished Mother’s Day Murder, and am having some concerns about an aspect of the book. When Sara is tormented by classmates, and her picture taken in the locker room, I am disappointed with the reaction from Lucy’s friends, and from Lucy as well. Never is it acceptable to do that to anyone, and I was surprised that the responses were that “kids will be kids”. I fully expected Lucy to demand consequences for the girls who were responsible, instead of backing down from their parents.
Dear author,
This is Monnie, an editor from Dreame, a newly established platform.
You can learn more about us and our platform by visiting the website or download Dreame App on Apple store or Google Play.
I am writing this email to ask whether you are interested in displaying your books on Dreame.
If you are interested in, could you pls show me your email?
We could discuss more details about the offer via email.
My email address is monnie@dreame.com
Please feel free to contact me for anything you want to know.
I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Thanks in advance
Monnie
Thank you for writing such amazing stories. I have loved going on all the adventures with Lucy. When I start reading I can’t wait to get to the end and when the endis in sight I want the pages to last longer. I’ve read the entire series (most books in one night) and can hardly wait for the next book.
Thank you for writing such amazing stories. I have loved going on all the adventures with Lucy. I’ve read the entire series (most books in one night) and can hardly wait for the next book.
I just finished reading Valentine Murder! Loved it! Great book! Im looking forward to reading Trick or Treat murder next!! Stay Amazing!!! ~Sara
Should I read the Lucy Stone Books in the order they were written or are they stand alone novels?
Hello Leslie, I interview authors; you have captured my attention and I’d love to interview you.
I interview authors via email or phone (your choice) of published book(s); drop me a line and let’s talk at ab3ring@juno.com or dalanbinder@gmail.com. It is only about 17 questions or so long.
My website is located here;
https://sites.google.com/site/dalanbinder OR http://www.davidalanbinder.com
I look forward to hearing from you. It is a simple; I email you questions and you return them with the answers. I do make a few exceptions and may phone interview if agreed to by both of us.
Here is a sample of an interview with Craig Johnson author of Longmire, books plus the A&E Network and Netflix series recently published to my website:
https://sites.google.com/site/dalanbinder/blog/0606-294post-craigjohnsoninterviewwithdavidalanbinder
Let’s talk. “After all, if we are not here to help each other, then what are we here for?”
David Alan Binder
P.S. The fine print: By filling out the interview questions, you agree to the publishing of the interview on my website.
Join the Community: People I’ve interviewed are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, David A. Adler author of 250 books, Dandi Mackall author of 450 books (one is a Hallmark movie-My Boyfriend’s Dogs), UCLA Professor of screenwriting – Richard Walter, Bill Crider author of mystery fiction, Craig Johnson for the series Longmire, Robin Burcell, Barry Lancet (Japantown, was optioned by J. J. Abrams), Craig Dirgo and Boyd Morrison (all THREE are coauthors of different books with Clive Cussler), Robert Gatewood, authors of Children’s books, thrillers, poetry, historical novels, romance, non-fiction, self-publishers and those with over 20 famous publishing houses, an 11 year old author, Father Goose, Don Knotts’ brother-in-law, editors, two authors that have a TV special for Hallmark and Teachers, PHD’s, Lawyers, Doctors, Educators, and Professors, Self-Help gurus, writers for articles, journals, magazines and technical writers, all sorts and types of award winners, a singer, plus authors in (10 countries) Japan, England, Wales, Canada, India, Scotland, Ecuador, Spain, Australia, Denmark and (45 states) USA plus Puerto Rico. Over 329 authors of collectively almost 5000 books!
I enjoy your Lucy Stone books, but I have something else to thank you for…
In the English Tea Murder……you talked about the Victoria and Albert Museum……To quote Lucy, her opinion of Dale Chihuly’s glass sculpture was like a nest of snakes……
In Seattle’s Benaroya Halll, there is a sculpture that is the same sort of thing..
In my opinion Dale, who designs his glass…..is about the same to me as my following a knitting pattern…It is the blowers who do the work, who are creating the piece…
I lived in Stanwood near the Pilchuck glass works….and knew a few of the artis
I tend to believe that it is my input that is discerned in my work.
Keep giving us “good reads”
i just read “holiday murder”, 2 of your older stories in one book. i have a question about one of the recipes that follow “christmas cookie murder”. you said to use 1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal.I appreciate the “uncooked”, but am wondering what kind of oatmeal; instant, quick, old-fashion, etc. it makes a difference, you know!
i have loved your books from the first one…& am actually glad that you didn’t become a teacher!
Leslie Thank you for addressing drug addiction in your books. I lost my son Nicholas to a drug overdose . Thankyoufor making people aware Christy
I’m very pleased youre addressing the terrible issue of drug addiction. I lost my son Nicholas from a drug overdose. It happenens to the best of families unfortunately. thankyou for making your readers aware. Christy
Hi Leslie,
I first came upon your books in my local library. My favorite holiday is Halloween and the first book I was drawn to was Wicked Witch Murder. It was love at first read! Since then I have been crazy about getting the entire collection. Lucy Stone mysteries for me are a fun read and help make the already stressful holidays and social gatherings comical. Possibly maybe one day you could write one on baby showers? Hint Hint**? Thanks again for all your hard work into this series and the character of Lucy!
I love your books. I started reading them when my family was young and I lived in Las Vegas but in my heart I was living somewhere with lots of trees. I’m still reading your books now that my kids are grown and I live in western Washington. I wish I had a restoration carpenter like Bill living in my old house so he could fix stuff. I like the daughter, Elizabeth. I also like the social commentary woven into your books.
Your newest photo on the back of “Turkey Trot Murder” startled me. It is a perfect image of my mother 40 years ago! Except that she never wore yellow, I would never have known it wasn’t her.
I feel a story line in this somehow…feel free to use it if you want!
I just finished reading Turkey Trot Murder. Although you may alienate some readers, I commend you for expressing your beliefs about prejudice in America. And I have to tell you I laughed out loud at the line, “American Immigrants.”
Hi- I am enjoying the Lucy Stone series. I have a question, when should I read the Lucy Stone stories that are featured in Joanne Fluke’s books? I have read all the Hannah Swenson books but didn’t read any of the extra stories because I like to read the books in order. Should I go by publication date or is there an order? For example, St. Patrick’s Day Murder was published in 2007 and so was Joanne’s Candy Cane Murder. Which do I read first? And of course there’s Joanne’s Gingerbread Murder and A Winter Wonderland, also. Thank you so much!
~Tina Johnson
I just finished reading & vastly enjoying the book ” French Pastry Murder” — I have a few questions though— what is the next book time wise after the 4 couples returned back to Tinker’s Cove– will the loose ends be tied up there– What happened to Richard?? How did the passports get returned so fast after that?? How does Norah take the situation?? & what becomes of Elizabeth’s Boyfriend Chris??
I ‘LOVE’ your books and have read them all!! I live in Roanoke, VA and like the New England setting. Please do not stop writing. Sometime I may try my hand at a short story. My husband thinks I should. I’m not sure how good I would be at writing mysteries, but I sure do enjoy reading them! I would love to get copies of all of your Lucy Stone books. Is there any bookstores that sell them as a collecton?
I have been trying to email Leslie for a phone interview with a Massachusetts paper. No luck. Please help.
My mom was looking for some light mysteries to read after reading all of Joanna Fluke’s books. I found your books and bought a couple for her to try. I have now bought ALL of them and she loves them. I decided to give one a try and have just finished #5. They are a great way to spend time on the elliptical at the gym. Thank you!
Linda Belanger
You are my favorite author. I love the fact that the mysteries are not bloodthirsty. Each novel I lose myself in, it is as if I become Lucy Stone. Please continue to write more Lucy Stone novels for us.
Thanks.
Lisa
I enjoy reading about Lucy Stone and her new stories.
Love everyone if your books read most of them twice
After reading your books for many years, I should finally tell you how much I have really enjoyed them! I look forward to reading each new one with much pleasure. I have to agree with your editor, I really do love to read holiday themed books. I love your setting in Maine, as it’s such a wonderful state! (I’m from the mid-west). I’m an empty nest grandmother with one little grandchild in Massachusetts. So I’m very entertained by Lucy’s family escapades. None of your books have disappointed! Love every one of ’em. Don’t ever quit your series!!! One of your many fans, Mary
I have been a fan of yours for many years and can honestly say I have enjoyed each and every one of your books!
I would like to review some of your books on my blog: wonderwomensixty.com.
I want to be sure my followers aren’t missing out on your fabulous mysteries.
Let me know if that’s ok with you — and thank you again for the countless hours I got to spend with Lucy Stone and your other charming characters!
I have all the Lucy Stone books, and when I drive route9 east, I go by the Lucy Stone marker. ( I live near the Quabnin in Massachusetts)
I was wondering, as someone who has worked with foster children for ages, and who knows each has a “story”, have you ever considered having the Stone’s become foster parents? That would vary the ages of the children, and bring in a new dimension. And Lucy’s children would for sure have something to say about that !
I am trying to contact Leslie about a book signing event in August 2016 on Cape Cod.
Are you working on a Lucy Stone Brook right now? I’ve read the whole series so far and just love it. I hope you have a new one coming out soon.
I just read my first Leslie Meier novel, and I loved it. It was everything I was looking for – a cozy with no gruesome murder, great characters that I could enjoy and care about, who were not perfect but trying. I loved that the whole town had Christmas Spirit. It’s seems as if God is not politically correct these days.
I loved the number of suspects, the writing, the percentage of dialogue to exposition. It was marvelous. I hope someday to be able to write a novel this well.
I’ve been reading Leslie Meier’s books since she “worked” for Country Cousins as an operator. I really have enjoyed her books and have “watched” her family
grow.
I just want to thank you Mrs. Meier for the Lucy Stone Mysteries. I have read all of them and I wait excitedly for a new one to come out. I just finished Candy Corn Murder and it was as wonderful as the others. I can’t wait until the next mystery will be released. Do you have plans to release a new novel in the near future? I just can’t get enough of Lucy and her family and friends. I will always be a big fan of yours.
Hi Leslie, I love all of your books and I am looking forward to reading your newest book that just came out.
I loved your latest book! I could identify with the Patrick pre-School parts!
I have a son and got many calls from his school!
Hi Leslie, could you let me know how many books you wrote (combined with Joanne Fluke). Also, which book title is the one where Toby is a baby?
I’m enjoying Lucy and her various adventures, you write so well, and have a wonderful way of educating without preaching and making your characters come alive. So wish someone would create Lucy Stone mystery tv series on PBS.
I have totally enjoyed your books and now have my adult niece hooked on them too.
I find they are easy to read yet keep your attention. Please continue to write
them I am almost finished reading all the books on my list.
I am currently reading Christmas Carol Murder and I love how all the names and circumstances mirror ‘A Christmas Carol’. I have enjoyed each and every book I have read so far.
Thanks, Pat
I want to send a message to Leslie Meier but I do not have an address or email so please pass this on to here or let me know where I can writ her. Thank You.
Dear Leslie Meir:
I read one of your books and I’ve been captivated ever since; it was the bait that hooked me. I enjoy sitting down with one of your books as much as I enjoy a good movie. It can be a toss up. Your books are fun to read. I have enjoyed everyone of them, and I read almost every one. There is so much about the Lucy Stone household and everyday life of Lucy that many people can relate to.
Thank you,
Michael Fitzpatrick
I wanted to know want is the first Lucy stone book you wrote? i might see if my library can get it for me.I like your books, they keep me guess to figure out is the murderer.