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zeltron_frond's review against another edition
I couldn't even finish the first story. I made it to chapter 7. It was definitely meant for a micromanaging, closed-minded boomer -- not to say that all of them are like that, but that this was meant for one who is like that. I hated being in the main character's head. I hope the author doesn't have a daughter-in-law. The son was awful and the obvious product of his horrible mother.
emilyinlibraryland's review against another edition
4.0
I only read the Barbara Ross story, but it was great. Hilarious, mysterious, and a great quick trip back to Busman’s Harbor.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Yule Log Murder contains three short cozy mysteries by Lucy Stone, Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis. Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier takes us to Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Lucy is playing an extra in the period film, Guinevere being filmed at Pine Point. Lucy finds it tedious until the cook’s assistant is found dead smothered in pink icing from a yule log and a knife to the stomach. When Phyllis Lundquist’s relative is arrested for the crime, Lucy is tasked with finding the culprit. She must work in her sleuthing in between working at the paper, her role in the film and the final preparations for Christmas. Lucy gets an early Christmas present when her son, Patrick and his family arrive to celebrate the holidays. Surprise turns to shock when she encounters their new pit bull, Skittles and hears their unexpected news. Spending time on the set tracking down a killer sounds like a welcome escape to Lucy.
Lee Hollis entertains readers with Death by Yule in Bar Harbor, Maine. Hayley Powell’s holidays are not starting off as planned when her son, Dustin becomes snowed in with his father. Her daughter, Gemma arrives with her new actor boyfriend, Conner who seems too perfect. They attend Liddy’s annual Christmas party which has a significant number of party crashers including local bad boy, Ryan Toledo. After an altercation between Ryan and Conner over Gemma, Ryan is escorted out of the party. A few hours later, Ryan is found in the woods near Liddy’s house with remnants of one of Hayley’s Yule logs on his body. Connor is at the top of the suspect list and a distressed Gemma asks Hayley to clear his name. Which resident of Bar Harbor is getting an orange jumpsuit for Christmas?
Logged On by Barbara Ross is set in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Julia Snowden wants to start her own Christmas tradition and she has decided it will be a Buche de Noel (oh dear). Julia is not going to let the fact she cannot make a decent one stop her. Julia’s mother suggests she consult their crusty neighbor, Mrs. Odile St. Onge. The baking lessons begin, and they give Julia a chance to learn more about the reclusive woman. Julia has noticed that Mrs. St. Onge’s caregiver quit showing up recently along with her grand-nephew which leaves the older woman without assistance. She decides to investigate the matter, and Julia is dismayed when she learns that Mrs. St. Onge has had a few relatives pass away during the holidays after eating her Buche de Noel. The more Julia learns the more alarmed she becomes. Julia is determined to get answers, but she is wary of becoming the next victim.
Yule Log Murder contains three entertaining cozy mysteries. While the three tales are part of existing series, you can read them as standalones. I enjoyed visiting some of my favorite characters during the holiday season. Yule logs are woven into each story. While these delectable cakes are beautiful, they are not easy to make. There are friendly characters, charming small towns, holiday cheer and mysteries in each novella. All three are well-written with steady pacing and good flow. I was a little surprised by what is happening with Patrick Stone’s family in Yule Log Murder. They are not as I remember them, and I hope we see significant changes before they appear in the series again (I know I am being vague, but I do not want to spoil it for you). All three mysteries have humor, but I found myself laughing more at Julia’s antics in Logged On. All three crimes can easily be solved, but they are still pleasing to read (I stayed up very late finishing this collection). I am giving Yule Log Murder 4 out of 5 stars. Find yourself a comfy chair to relax in while reading the diverting and merry novellas in Yule Log Murder.
Lee Hollis entertains readers with Death by Yule in Bar Harbor, Maine. Hayley Powell’s holidays are not starting off as planned when her son, Dustin becomes snowed in with his father. Her daughter, Gemma arrives with her new actor boyfriend, Conner who seems too perfect. They attend Liddy’s annual Christmas party which has a significant number of party crashers including local bad boy, Ryan Toledo. After an altercation between Ryan and Conner over Gemma, Ryan is escorted out of the party. A few hours later, Ryan is found in the woods near Liddy’s house with remnants of one of Hayley’s Yule logs on his body. Connor is at the top of the suspect list and a distressed Gemma asks Hayley to clear his name. Which resident of Bar Harbor is getting an orange jumpsuit for Christmas?
Logged On by Barbara Ross is set in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Julia Snowden wants to start her own Christmas tradition and she has decided it will be a Buche de Noel (oh dear). Julia is not going to let the fact she cannot make a decent one stop her. Julia’s mother suggests she consult their crusty neighbor, Mrs. Odile St. Onge. The baking lessons begin, and they give Julia a chance to learn more about the reclusive woman. Julia has noticed that Mrs. St. Onge’s caregiver quit showing up recently along with her grand-nephew which leaves the older woman without assistance. She decides to investigate the matter, and Julia is dismayed when she learns that Mrs. St. Onge has had a few relatives pass away during the holidays after eating her Buche de Noel. The more Julia learns the more alarmed she becomes. Julia is determined to get answers, but she is wary of becoming the next victim.
Yule Log Murder contains three entertaining cozy mysteries. While the three tales are part of existing series, you can read them as standalones. I enjoyed visiting some of my favorite characters during the holiday season. Yule logs are woven into each story. While these delectable cakes are beautiful, they are not easy to make. There are friendly characters, charming small towns, holiday cheer and mysteries in each novella. All three are well-written with steady pacing and good flow. I was a little surprised by what is happening with Patrick Stone’s family in Yule Log Murder. They are not as I remember them, and I hope we see significant changes before they appear in the series again (I know I am being vague, but I do not want to spoil it for you). All three mysteries have humor, but I found myself laughing more at Julia’s antics in Logged On. All three crimes can easily be solved, but they are still pleasing to read (I stayed up very late finishing this collection). I am giving Yule Log Murder 4 out of 5 stars. Find yourself a comfy chair to relax in while reading the diverting and merry novellas in Yule Log Murder.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
YULE LOG MURDER is a collection of three cozy mystery novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross. With the holiday season often hectic, it’s nice to sit down and relax with a story that captures the Christmas spirit. I greatly appreciate that each novella can be read as a standalone and aren’t so long that I can’t get to the myriad of activities and chores that get scheduled for this time of year.
Each of the stories are set in Maine: Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier is in Tinker’s Cover; Death by Yule Log by Lee Hollis is in Bar Harbor; and Logged On by Barbara Ross is in Busman Harbor. I greatly enjoyed spending time with each of the well-known characters from these well-loved series. Even if you’re not familiar with these authors, the stories can be read as a standalone. Despite the limited word count, the three authors expertly captures the setting of their stories and flavor it liberally with the holiday spirit. They also give the reader an excellent feeling for their protagonist and supporting characters. The mysteries have good plots but have a gentler feel to them which, in my opinion, make them perfect for the holidays. YULE LOG MURDER is the perfect book to curl up with in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and a plate of Christmas cookies!
Each of the three authors have included holiday recipes with their story. I adore Barbara Ross’ description of her protagonist, Julia Snowden, learning to make Bûche de Noël. Barbara includes the recipe for it at the back of the book and I was thoroughly entertained reading her introduction and advice for the recipe!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Each of the stories are set in Maine: Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier is in Tinker’s Cover; Death by Yule Log by Lee Hollis is in Bar Harbor; and Logged On by Barbara Ross is in Busman Harbor. I greatly enjoyed spending time with each of the well-known characters from these well-loved series. Even if you’re not familiar with these authors, the stories can be read as a standalone. Despite the limited word count, the three authors expertly captures the setting of their stories and flavor it liberally with the holiday spirit. They also give the reader an excellent feeling for their protagonist and supporting characters. The mysteries have good plots but have a gentler feel to them which, in my opinion, make them perfect for the holidays. YULE LOG MURDER is the perfect book to curl up with in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and a plate of Christmas cookies!
Each of the three authors have included holiday recipes with their story. I adore Barbara Ross’ description of her protagonist, Julia Snowden, learning to make Bûche de Noël. Barbara includes the recipe for it at the back of the book and I was thoroughly entertained reading her introduction and advice for the recipe!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
kriszuk's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
persnickety_9's review against another edition
2.0
I have seriously got to stop buying books for 99 cents smh. 2.5 stars? It was way too cliche and boring.