by Sandra Murphy
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Invitation Only, and links to purchase it.
Scott Newman is a billionaire. He’s got the idea of moving his family to a private island that’s off the grid. A wood burning stove, a real “ice box”, no wifi, no radio, everything expensively done but rustic. His twin daughters, from his first marriage, hate it because they’re away from luxury. His twin boys, from his current (second) marriage, miss their friends and video games. His wife is a fashionista, except for when picking vegetables in their garden. Then she’s a fashionista in bib overalls.
Newman invites the whole town of Tinker’s Cove to see what living off the grid is like. It looks idyllic—at least on the surface.
Lucy Stone is a reporter for the Pennysaver newspaper. When Scott finds out, he invites her to come stay for a week so she can write an article about living green. Since things are not going smoothly at home—Sara is pouting, Zoe has a most unsuitable boyfriend and is being defiant about it—Lucy accepts the invitation. 
Lucy’s first night on the island is restful, the first truly solid sleep she’s had in forever. She decides to take a walk and explore the area before breakfast. Unfortunately, while looking for the path up from the beach, she finds a body. With time ticking down before the tide washes the body out to sea, she runs to find help.
Since there’s no way to contact the police, an undertaker, or help of any kind, the body is stored in the ice house until the ferry returns. Although the family insists it was an accident, Lucy’s not so sure. If she’s right, there’s a murderer on the island.
Vandalism and a disappearance prove Lucy right. Who can be trusted, who’s telling the truth, and who’s the killer? Can Lucy solve that puzzle before she becomes a victim?
This is book twenty-nine in the long running series. Lucy’s son Toby is living in Alaska, married with a son of his own; Elizabeth is working at a prestigious hotel in Paris. Now if Lucy can just survive Sara and Zoe’s college years, boyfriends, and sibling rivalry…
This book is different in that Lucy has no backup. She can’t call the police, count on her friends for information, Bill’s not there to worry about her, and she’s trapped with a bunch of strangers. She has to rely on her own judgment. With a killer on the loose, Lucy has the good sense to not take major risks, at least unless there’s no other choice.
Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians, the suspense will keep the pages turning, pasts twists and lies, to a satisfying ending.
To enter to win a copy of Invitation Only, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Invitation,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 15, 2020. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If you are entering via email please include you mailing address in case you win, it will be deleted after the contest. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
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By Invitation Only sounds intriguing and unique. Thanks.
One of my favoite authors. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this books.
I would love to win the book!
I would love to win and read this book. Sounds like fun.
I’ve read and enjoyed previous Lucy Stone mysteries. This is a great “locked door” mystery. I wouldn’t want to live off the grid without the usual amenities but admit it makes for a great murder mystery scenario.
I love this series!
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
Thank you for the chance! Love Lucy Stone!
Leslie Meier is one of my favorite Cozy authors. I love the adventures of Lucy Stone and can’t wait to read this one. If you ever get a chance to meet Leslie, do it. She’s a very lovely person.
Margaret: scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com
Great series, it’s still fresh and intriguing.
kozo8989@hotmail.com
As always, Thanks so very much for the review and the chance to win!!!
I just love the cover – sounds like a book I should own – thanks for the chance !
Leslie Meier is a wonderful writer, and this book sounds great!
One of my favorite series, and one of the ones that got me hooked on cozies! Can’t wait to read this one!
Jwhite410(at)yahoo(dot)com
Looks like a good book. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by her.
I’d love to read this! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
I really enjoy this series. The last one going to help her daughter at the hotel was awesome. This one sounds different. I can’t wait to read it. It’s neat the different setting off the grid.
Love this series
jwhaley4(at)aol(dot)com
Well that’s different. You don’t see a lot of books with puffins on the cover. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Invitation Only Murder. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
I’m always looking for new authors and series to read, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com
Love the Lucy Stone mysteries. Looking forward to reading the latest book.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Adorable cover. Thanks for the chance.
positive DOT ideas DOT 4you AT gmail DOT com
Love books by Leslie Meier and this storyline sounds great. Thank you for the chance.
I love your books and have read many of them
We have a winner!