St. Patrick’s Day Murder

At the start of Meier’s charming 14th Lucy Stone mystery (after 2006’s Bake Sale Murder ), the Pennysaver reporter is on her way to interview the new harbormaster of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, and relishing the unusually warm January day when she stumbles on a beheaded body at the end of the pier. The victim turns out to be Dan Malone, owner of the local dive bar. Lucy finds herself not only breaking the story but breaking the news to Dan’s brother, Dylan, a famous Irish actor in town to direct a play for the church’s centennial St. Patrick’s Day celebration. As Dylan’s daughter encourages Lucy’s little girl to believe in fairies and goblins, Lucy hunts for a very real killer. Warm and homespun characters, plenty of seaside ambience and a fast-moving plot make this a perfect winter cozy. (Jan.)