Affiliate Disclosure & Image Credits
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This article may contain affiliate links. If you click one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Book cover images in this article are provided courtesy of Open Library.
Leslie Meier is best known for her long-running Lucy Stone Mystery series, which began with Mistletoe Murder (1991). The series is best read in publication order, as each book follows Lucy Stone’s life in the small town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, through her roles as a mother, reporter, and amateur sleuth.
Publication Order
Here is the publication order of Leslie Meier’s cozy mysteries. Reading them this way allows you to follow Lucy Stone’s growth from young mother to seasoned investigator.
Lucy Stone Mystery Series
- Mistletoe Murder (1991) – Lucy’s holiday season takes a chilling turn when she discovers a murder.
- Tippy Toe Murder (1994) – A missing child and a murder puzzle Lucy and her community.
- Trick or Treat Murder (1996) – Halloween festivities are marred by deadly secrets.
- Back to School Murder (1997) – The start of school brings shocking tragedy.
- Turkey Day Murder (1997) – Thanksgiving celebrations end in a suspicious death.
- Valentine Murder (1998) – Love is in the air, but so is danger.
- Christmas Cookie Murder (1999) – A cookie swap turns sinister.
- Birthday Party Murder (2000) – A social gathering uncovers dark truths.
- Wedding Day Murder (2001) – A joyous occasion is overshadowed by crime.
- Father’s Day Murder (2003) – Family ties are tested by a deadly case.
- Star Spangled Murder (2004) – Independence Day celebrations hide murderous intent.
- New Year’s Eve Murder (2005) – A holiday trip becomes perilous.
- Bake Sale Murder (2006) – Fundraising turns fatal in Tinker’s Cove.
- St. Patrick’s Day Murder (2007) – Luck runs out for a local citizen.
- Mother’s Day Murder (2008) – Family drama and homicide collide.
- Wicked Witch Murder (2010) – Witchcraft rumors add a chilling twist.
- Christmas Carol Murder (2013) – A Dickens-themed festival hides deadly secrets.
- Easter Bunny Murder (2013) – Spring celebrations bring shocking discoveries.
- French Pastry Murder (2014) – Lucy travels abroad and encounters murder in Paris.
- Candy Corn Murder (2015) – Halloween decorations lead to deadly revelations.
- British Manor Murder (2016) – A trip to England turns sinister.
- Turkey Trot Murder (2017) – Thanksgiving again proves dangerous in Tinker’s Cove.
- Silver Anniversary Murder (2018) – A reunion brings old secrets to light.
- Yule Log Murder (2018) – Holiday cheer is interrupted by a deadly crime.
- Invitation Only Murder (2019) – A secluded island gathering turns fatal.
- Haunted House Murder (2019) – Lucy investigates spooky events at Halloween.
- Irish Parade Murder (2021) – St. Patrick’s Day festivities conceal darker truths.
- Easter Bonnet Murder (2022) – Easter celebrations take a deadly twist.
- Mother of the Bride Murder (2023) – A wedding event becomes deadly.
- Father’s Day Murder (2024, reissue/new edition) – Lucy’s family is caught up in another suspenseful holiday mystery.
Chronological Order
The chronological order matches the publication order, since Leslie Meier wrote the Lucy Stone Mysteries sequentially following Lucy’s family life and career progression. Each book takes place during a specific holiday or season, and events build naturally over time.
Recommended Reading Order
The recommended reading order for Leslie Meier’s books is publication order. This is because:
- Lucy ages and her children grow up, adding realism and continuity.
- Earlier books lay the foundation for recurring characters and relationships.
- Holiday-themed installments make sense in seasonal sequence.
New readers can also start with any book since each mystery stands alone, but for the full experience, begin with Mistletoe Murder and work forward.
Complete Book Series List (Checklist)
Here is a full checklist of Leslie Meier’s works:
- Lucy Stone Mysteries — 30 books (1991–2024)
- Anthologies / Collaborations — Candy Cane Murder (2007), Wicked Witch Murder (2010), Yule Log Murder (2018), Haunted House Murder (2019)
- Standalone Novellas — Included within collections alongside authors like Joanne Fluke and Laura Levine
Latest Release
The latest installment is Mother of the Bride Murder (2023). A reissue of Father’s Day Murder was released in 2024, keeping the series fresh for longtime fans. Given Meier’s consistent pattern of yearly releases, more Lucy Stone mysteries are expected in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about Leslie Meier books in order.
How many Lucy Stone Mysteries are there?
There are 30 books as of 2024.
Is the Lucy Stone series finished?
No. New titles are still being released regularly.
What order should I read Leslie Meier’s books in?
Publication order is best, starting with Mistletoe Murder (1991).
Are Leslie Meier’s books cozy mysteries?
Yes. They feature small-town settings, amateur sleuthing, and minimal graphic content.
Do I need to read Leslie Meier’s books in order?
Not strictly. Each story is self-contained, but reading in order helps follow Lucy’s personal journey.
Does Leslie Meier write outside the Lucy Stone Mysteries?
Her main focus is the Lucy Stone series, though she has contributed novellas to collaborative cozy mystery collections.
Related Series
Fans of Leslie Meier may also enjoy:
- Betty Hechtman Books in Order – Yarn-related cozy mysteries.
- Victoria Gilbert Books in Order – Blue Ridge Library Mysteries.
- Lynn Cahoon Books in Order – Tourist Trap and Farm-to-Fork Mysteries.
These authors share the cozy, small-town charm that makes Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone series so beloved.