Back to School Murder by Leslie Meier

Back to School Murder by Leslie Meier is the 4th book in the Lucy Stone Mystery Series. I’ve read a couple of these books but they were later on in the series, so it’s interesting to read about how Lucy first gets into journalism and amateur sleuthing.

About the Book

It’s back to school time in the peaceful Maine town of Tinker’s Cove, and for Lucy Stone, mother of four, it isn’t a moment too soon. But trouble at the local elementary school soon has the sometime crime-solver juggling family, job, and night classes with another mystery. And it starts with a bang.

A bomb goes off with the noon lunch bell, but not before all the kids are safely evacuated, and Carol Crane, the new assistant principal, is hailed as a hero. But days later, Carol is found murdered and everyone is stunned when the most popular teacher at the school is arrested for the crime. However, not everyone is buying the open-and-shut case, including Lucy, who’s about to uncover some sizzling secrets and explosive surprises—and get an education in the fine art of murder—in this “lively” mystery from the New York Times-bestselling author (Publishers Weekly). (from Amazon.com)

My Thoughts

I was reading this book at the beach over Labor Day and my Dad saw me. He asked me what I was reading and I explained that it was a cozy mystery where the local elementary school gets bombed. And the Vice Principal saves a disabled child from the building, but then days later she’s found murdered.

“Jesus!” He said.

“That got really dark.” Dave, my boyfriend, said.

And they are right! It’s a surprisingly dark plot for a cozy mystery. But it all works out in the end so I think it’s fine. Haha. I felt like the storyline of this book was really unique and kept me guessing.

I liked how there were different storylines going on. First of all, there’s the bomb at the elementary school. And then there’s Lucy’s job filling in at The Pennysaver. And then there’s all the drama going on with Lucy’s kids and her husband. It made for a very interesting story because there was so much going on.

I know this book was published back in 1997 but it was a little old fashioned for my taste. A big point of contention is that Lucy’s husband doesn’t want her to have a part time job because his dinner needs to be ready and the exact same time every night.

I found that irritating. Lol. But what can I say… I’m a child of the 90’s and a feminist.

I like that Lucy worked at the paper in this story and it made me sad that her job was only temporary. But like I said, I’ve read some of the later books in the series and I know that she manages to find her way and get more involved with journalism in the future.

Lucy Stone isn’t my favorite cozy mystery series, but I enjoy these books well enough! It’s fun to read about the newspaper office. Lucy’s four kids always have something going on so they also keep her on her feet. It did make me chuckle how Lucy’s husband was very reluctant when he found out their daughter may have a boyfriend! But I guess that’s typical dad stuff!

xo Marian