Book Review: St. Patrick's Day Murder by Leslie Meier

Not many people in Tinker's Cove, Maine, knew Old Dan Malone. The grizzled barkeep's social circle was limited to the rough-hewn lobstermen and other assorted toughs that frequented his bar, a derelict main street dive called, appropriately, the Bilge. But when his body is found bobbing in the town's icy harbor, Lucy Stone, ace reporter for the Pennysaver newspaper, makes getting to know more about Old Dan a priority. And apparently, there's lots to learn.

Like the fact that local musician Dave Reilly insists Old Dan conned a winning lottery ticket worth five grand from him. And that handyman Brian Donohue claims that Old Dan stiffed him for repair work he'd done at the bar. There are even whispers about some connection to the Irish Republican Army. The confusion surrounding the death is only compounded by the arrival of actor Dylan Malone, Old Dan's brother and a prominent, if fading, attraction of the Dublin stage. Dylan has come to direct the production of "Finian's Rainbow," the featured event at Our Lady of Hope's annual St. Patrick's Day extravaganza. He's also come to help his brother renovate the Bilge, turning the dingy tavern into an authentic--if decidedly upscale--Irish pub.

Was Old Dan killed by someone he'd cheated, someone he'd loved, or someone who just couldn't stand the idea of losing their favorite watering hole? While Lucy can't be sure, one thing is abundantly clear--the stage is set for a murder mystery with a killer ending! 

                              MY REVIEW:


St. Patrick's Day Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lucy Stone is a journalist and whenever a murder happens in her town she always seems to be in the middle of it. This time a body is found in the water and is the bar owner, Dan, of a dive called The Bilge. According to Dave, Dan had conned Dave out of a lottery ticket. Brian, the handyman says Dan stiffed him for repair work. Then Dan's brother, SIL and niece come into town. Dylan and his wife are actors and are putting on a play in town. The SIL and niece tell all these Irish stories that make Lucy's daughter scared. Not to mention that the 2 girls end up missing but they were really taken by the SIl. The SIL was a piece of work and I never liked her. I also did not trust her husband. 


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