Elizabeth’s wedding day is fast approaching, and the whole Stone family has traveled to France to witness this momentous occasion. Her son and his family were reluctant to make the trip, but Lucy convinced him that it would not be the same without the whole family there, and that it would be a great experience for his son. Unfortunately, things go awry. A body of a young woman is found in a moat on the groom’s family’s property, and then things go from bad to worse. This is an interesting departure from the normal novels in the series. Lucy cannot investigate the crime like she could at home, but she still manages to nose around. This story is more about the lives of the characters and less about the crimes and murder, and for me, it is really more interesting. I enjoy reading about Lucy and her family. It was nice to see the sisters being a bit snarky with each other, and to see Toby’s son some acting out like a normal kid. He was not going to eat snails! They seemed like real people having a not-so-great time being forced to be together when they would rather just be home. There are some tense moments in this cozy, but all’s well that ends well, and this one does. ( )

Mother of the Bride Murder by Leslie Meier has the Stone family traveling to France for Elizabeth’s wedding. I have read every book and novella in A Lucy Stone Mysteries. I have enjoyed following Lucy, Bill, and the kids from the beginning. Lucy and Bill are now empty nesters. Lucy is excited to learn that Elizabeth is getting married, but she is disappointed that the wedding is in France. It will be an expensive venture to get all the family members to France plus they will need appropriate outfits for the wedding. I enjoyed seeing all the Stones together. It is a happy reunion and Lucy is tickled pink. With regard to the wedding, I was surprised that Lucy was not consulted (she is the mother of the bride). The groom’s mother was like a steam roller. It was her way, and she would flatten anyone in her path. The mystery is disappointing. The mystery does not begin until the body is found close to the halfway mark. A couple of clues or bits of information surface while the family lounges by the pool, fishes, goes sightseeing, and shops. They are stuck in France until the police complete their investigation (French law—their passports were confiscated). Thank heavens they get to stay at the chateau for free. I knew where the body would be found as soon as the item was mentioned. Lucy’s family kept telling her she could not poke her nose into the case because they were in France (not in Tinker’s Cove). I was surprised that Lucy did not dive into the case. I thought her curiosity would propel her into searching for answers. There is a tiny bit of action. The case is concluded early. The author devoted more time to sex trafficking and climate change than to the whodunit. I have noticed in the last few A Lucy Stone Mysteries that the author addresses serious issues in each book. I found It over-the-top at times (like it is being shoved down your throat). I liked the earlier books in this series, and I wish the author would go back to that style. The extra characters in the story, including Elizabeth’s fiancé, were one dimensional. The author did not take the time to flesh them out a little. While I enjoyed catching up with the Stone children, I did not how the author has changed Toby. He got on his soap box a few times about climate change. Young Patrick brags about shooting a gun and killing game. I did not enjoy the dysfunctional groom’s family and the rampant discontent. I thought the Stone family would want to explore France and check out the sites (a once in a lifetime opportunity visiting France). Zoe and Sara preferred to lounge by the pool and check out the pool boys. Mother of the Bride Murder was lackluster and one of my least favorite books in this series. Murder of the Bride Murder transports readers to France with a wonderful windfall, lavish chateau, a family reunification, a murdered woman in the moat, an unforeseen visitor, a cool pool, and a nuptial banquet. ( )

*a Lucy Stone mystery that is enjoyable to read
*not as strong of a novel as previous books, but easy to read
*kept my interest from cover to cover
*recommend ( )

This long-running cozy mystery series (this is the 29th installment) remains a top five series for me. After all this time spent reading all of Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone books, the characters feel like family to me and it's always a pleasure to visit with them again.

One thing I loved about this one is that all of the recurring characters, at least all of Lucy Stone's family members, are present in this book because the entire family ventures off to a chateau in France to attend the wedding of one of Lucy's daughters. It's interesting to see how they all pitch in, though this time to help Lucy out in sleuthing (admittedly, not as much sleuthing in this book).

I missed the usual Maine settings and Lucy's local friends and co-workers but it was fun to see the family in an unfamiliar location and situation.

Really enjoyed this one, even though it seemed a bit odd that Lucy got involved in sleuthing.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review) ( )