Invitation Only Murder by Leslie Meier is the 26th A Lucy Stone Mystery. I have read every single A Lucy Stone Mystery and it has always been one of my favorite series. I like Leslie Meier's conversational writing style which makes every story a pleasure to read. I have watched Lucy go from working a part-time job as a customer service rep at night while taking care of her four kids during the day to reporter at the Pennysaver with only two college aged kids at home. She has solved over two dozen mysteries, but this one is by far the most dangerous. After finding Parker Newman dead at the bottom of a seaside cliff, Lucy becomes stuck on an island with a killer. There is no way for them to contact the outside world once the island's boat were discovered missing. Scott Newman purchased Fletcher's Island and is only using technology available in the early 1900s (no cell phones, televisions, motorized boats, electricity). The story moved along at a steady pace as Lucy helps out in the kitchen, explores the island, spends time with Scott Newman's twin boys, and attempts to narrow down the suspects. Most readers will have no problem identifying the culprit before the reveal. I kept hoping for a twist to surprise me. Lucy came across as judgmental in Invitation Only Murder. I can certainly understand her views considering the island residents, but it was unlike Lucy. I also did not understand the attitude of some of the island's residents. If I was on an isolated island with a killer, I would do whatever it took to get help. I did enjoy the foggy atmosphere of the island which made it feel spooky (great atmosphere for a mystery). Invitation Only Murder was disappointing to me. It felt different from the other books in this series. I missed Tinker's Cove and its residents. The story lacked that cozy feel that I love in the Lucy Stone mysteries. It was interesting to learn about Puffins which nested on the island. If you have not read any of the other book in A Lucy Stone Mystery series, I do not suggest starting with Invitation Only Murder. I do, though, highly recommend reading this charming cozy mystery series with the intrepid Lucy Stone. Invitation Only Murder has impish twins, frightening fog, sniping sisters, a crazy killer and absence of contemporary conveniences.

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