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Meg Langslow #23
Toucan Keep a Secret
A new side-splitting Meg Langslow mystery from award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of Gone Gull.
Meg Langslow is at Trinity Episcopal locking up after an event and checking on the toucan Meg's friend Rev. Robyn Smith is fostering in her office. After hearing a hammering in the columbarium (the small building where cremated remains are held), Meg finds an elderly parishioner lying dead on the floor of the crypt. Several niches have been chiseled open; several urns knocked out; and amid the spilled ashes is a gold ring with a huge red stone.
The curmudgeonly victim had become disgruntled with the church and ranted all over town about taking back his wife's ashes. Did someone who had it in for him follow him to the columbarium? Or was the motive grave robbery? Or did he see someone breaking in and investigate? Why was the ruby left behind?
While the Chief Burke investigates the murder, Robyn recruits Meg to contact the families of the people whose ashes were disturbed. During this task, Meg learns many secrets about Caerphilly's history--and finds that the toucan may play a role in unmasking the killer. Clues and events indicate that a thief broke into the church to steal the toucan the night of the murder, so Meg decides to set a trap for the would-be toucan thief--who might also be the killer.
Toucan Keep a Secret is the twenty-third book in New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews' hilarious Mag Langslow mystery series.
Meg Langslow is at Trinity Episcopal locking up after an event and checking on the toucan Meg's friend Rev. Robyn Smith is fostering in her office. After hearing a hammering in the columbarium (the small building where cremated remains are held), Meg finds an elderly parishioner lying dead on the floor of the crypt. Several niches have been chiseled open; several urns knocked out; and amid the spilled ashes is a gold ring with a huge red stone.
The curmudgeonly victim had become disgruntled with the church and ranted all over town about taking back his wife's ashes. Did someone who had it in for him follow him to the columbarium? Or was the motive grave robbery? Or did he see someone breaking in and investigate? Why was the ruby left behind?
While the Chief Burke investigates the murder, Robyn recruits Meg to contact the families of the people whose ashes were disturbed. During this task, Meg learns many secrets about Caerphilly's history--and finds that the toucan may play a role in unmasking the killer. Clues and events indicate that a thief broke into the church to steal the toucan the night of the murder, so Meg decides to set a trap for the would-be toucan thief--who might also be the killer.
Toucan Keep a Secret is the twenty-third book in New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews' hilarious Mag Langslow mystery series.
294 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2018
409 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Donna Andrews
122Ìýbooks2,031ÌýfollowersDonna Andrews was born in Yorktown, Virginia, the setting of Murder with Peacocks and Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos, and now lives and works in Reston, Virginia. When not writing fiction, Andrews is a self-confessed nerd, rarely found away from her computer, unless she's messing in the garden
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January 1, 2019
3.5 stars out of 4
This is yet another charming addition to the Meg Langslow Mystery series.
The book opens with Meg on rotation to close up the church for the night when she hears a banging out by the columbarium. Our fearless Meg investigates yet has enough sense to call 911 and keep dispatcher Debbie Ann on the line while she checks on the goings-on. Of course, what does she find but a freshly dead parishioner among the disturbed ash niches of other long since passed parishioners as well as a single ruby ring.
Chief Burke is soon on scene to take over the murder investigation. Reverend Robyn asks Meg to seek out the surviving loved ones of the parishioners whose resting places were disturbed and in some cases destroyed. In her sensitivity to the situation, Robyn advises that the church will need to re-dedicate the cremains in the columbarium and the loved ones may wish to hold special services, take the cremains elsewhere or just allow the church to proceed as they would. Meg is on it and can't resist trying to solve the mystery as she makes her house calls.
This 23rd book of the series focuses mostly on Meg's derring-do and although the other usual charming characters appear in the story and we get to visit with them from time to time throughout, there is not lots of action involving them in this particular story. I for one love the family interaction described in previous books and rather missed it in this one. Regardless, it is still an entertaining cozy mystery which is refreshing in its light banter and charming wit. Now on to Meg's next adventure, "Lark! The Herald Angel Sings"!
This is yet another charming addition to the Meg Langslow Mystery series.
The book opens with Meg on rotation to close up the church for the night when she hears a banging out by the columbarium. Our fearless Meg investigates yet has enough sense to call 911 and keep dispatcher Debbie Ann on the line while she checks on the goings-on. Of course, what does she find but a freshly dead parishioner among the disturbed ash niches of other long since passed parishioners as well as a single ruby ring.
Chief Burke is soon on scene to take over the murder investigation. Reverend Robyn asks Meg to seek out the surviving loved ones of the parishioners whose resting places were disturbed and in some cases destroyed. In her sensitivity to the situation, Robyn advises that the church will need to re-dedicate the cremains in the columbarium and the loved ones may wish to hold special services, take the cremains elsewhere or just allow the church to proceed as they would. Meg is on it and can't resist trying to solve the mystery as she makes her house calls.
This 23rd book of the series focuses mostly on Meg's derring-do and although the other usual charming characters appear in the story and we get to visit with them from time to time throughout, there is not lots of action involving them in this particular story. I for one love the family interaction described in previous books and rather missed it in this one. Regardless, it is still an entertaining cozy mystery which is refreshing in its light banter and charming wit. Now on to Meg's next adventure, "Lark! The Herald Angel Sings"!
September 12, 2018
Meg Langslow is taking a turn locking up the Episcopal Church in town. She's part of the brigade helping out since Reverend Robyn Smith is out on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Meg just about has everything taken care of when she hears a pounding coming from the columbarium. When she goes to investigate, she finds several of the crypts have been opened, and the dead body of Junius Hagley on the ground. Mr. Hagley was a grouchy old man who Meg and her mother secretly call one of the Muttering Misogynists, but Meg didn't wish him dead. What has Meg stumbled into now?
My biggest issue with this book involved the use of the term misogynist to describe the victim as well as describing some of his actions as mansplaining. Honestly, I felt both of these terms didn't have much to do with the mystery plot in the slightest and were there more to lecture us than to entertain. Which is a shame because the mystery itself was very entertaining. Between a mystery from the past and how it is factoring into the events of the present, I was hooked until Meg pieced it together at the end. We get most of the series regulars here, and they entertain as always. The new characters are colorful and therefore plenty of fun as well. A few of the scenes were so much funny they literally made me laugh out loud.
Read my full review at .
My biggest issue with this book involved the use of the term misogynist to describe the victim as well as describing some of his actions as mansplaining. Honestly, I felt both of these terms didn't have much to do with the mystery plot in the slightest and were there more to lecture us than to entertain. Which is a shame because the mystery itself was very entertaining. Between a mystery from the past and how it is factoring into the events of the present, I was hooked until Meg pieced it together at the end. We get most of the series regulars here, and they entertain as always. The new characters are colorful and therefore plenty of fun as well. A few of the scenes were so much funny they literally made me laugh out loud.
Read my full review at .
August 7, 2023
Twenty-third in the Meg Langslow cozy mystery series set in Caerphilly, Virginia, (Yorktown) and revolving around a blacksmith-cum-mom and her family.
My Take
I absolutely adore Andrews' Meg Langslow warm and cozy series for the small town feel and all the compassion that abounds throughout the town. Sure ya got yer curmudgeons and bad guys…what's a story without 'em? But they take care of each other and figure out ways to help so it doesn't hurt. I just love, love, love it!
It's first person protagonist point-of-view from Meg's perspective, and since she's such a nosey parker and involved in everything with a brain, we know everything she knows and experiences. And it amazes me how busy this little town is!
Between Robyn's pregnancy and the multiple projects underway at their home, Ragnar's charity, past events that continue to involve Trinity Episcopal, and force Meg to hunt down survivors, some of whom aren't interested in being found…yep, a busy little place indeed.
Andrews has kept the fun going even though those awful Pruitts are finally gone, and poor Chief Burke has yet another Pruitt headache uncovered by this desecration of the columbarium. This ought'a be fun!
I do like Dr Womble, even if he does wander off-topic a lot. Any man who will turn a barn into a library has my vote, *grin* And the story is filled with his good deeds. A very decent man. I like his friend, too, lol. That Archie now. He and his mother. I keep fantasizing about a a mean, stupid bomb. One that takes out mean and stupid people. Hmmm�
Oh, all right, I'll be good. It is a good ending with quite a few surprises, mostly good ones. And then there's that sneaky little twist at the very end…snicker�
The Story
It's been thirty years since the infamous Van der Lynden jewel heist, and it's all coming back with the desecration of the columbarium and that great ruby ring rolling around the dead body.
A past history that opens up quite a few events that made no sense at the time…as nonsensical as that killer who sees toucan and thinks parrot�
Seems hyenas are good security�
The Characters
Meg Langslow does artful blacksmithing and is a special assistant to the mayor. Primarily because Meg gets things done and has a huge clan to call upon. She's married to Professor Michael Waterston who teaches drama at Caerphilly College and is an assistant coach with their sons' Little League team. They have twin sons, Josh and Jamie, who are close friends with Adam Burke with Mason (Jan is his mom) making up the fourth of the Four Horsemen. The Twinmobile is that necessary van for all moms of active kids. Spike is the Small Evil One who only likes the twins.
Dr Langslow is Meg's crime-fancying dad, James, who is also the local medical examiner. Mother is quite intimidating when she needs to be, a real go-getter with tons of practical compassion. Rob is Meg's brother who owns a computer game company and lives with the Waterstons along with Rose Noire, their vegetarian and organic cousin, who will love the challenge. Tinkerbell is Rob's Irish wolfhound. Cordelia is the Langslow's long-lost (and found) grandmother who had once played with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Grandfather, a.k.a., "Great", is a biologist, bird fancier, and owns the Caerphilly Zoo.
Trinity Episcopal Church is�
…where Meg and family attends on Sundays. And every other day of the week it seems, lol. The Reverend Robyn Smith is on bed rest for the last three months of her pregnancy. Matt is her artistic husband. Admiral Nimitz is the three-year-old toco toucan Robyn is fostering while his owner, Larry Baker, is on active duty on the USS Harry Truman. The Ladies of St Clotilda are the chief organizers for good works in the church. The church will need to reinstitute the Key Holders, an official volunteer post. Sally Penworthy is rather flighty, so it's her fault.
Viola Wilson is the wife of Reverend Wilson at New Life Baptist. Father Dr Lyndon Shakespeare is a friend of Womble's and one of the supply priests (the ecclesiastical equivalent of a substitute teacher).
Junius Hagley is one of two Muttering Misogynists; Mr Sedlak is the other, blithering, one*. His wife, Dolores, was in one of the crypts along with James Asmundsen Washington, P. Jefferson Blair, Lacey Shiffley (a renegade Shiffley!), Beatrice Helen Falkenhausen van der Lynden, and Known Only to God.
Dr Rufus Womble is Robyn's predecessor, a pack rat, and quite the sneak. Seems he needed volunteers to keep him on track as he got too easily lost in a book. His wife, Emma Womble, sounds an absolute sweetheart. Wyclif and Wilberforce are their gray tabbies. The Reverend George Burwell Nelson Page, a.k.a., Gothic George, was the rector when the crypt was built.
Charles Hagley is Junius' son, a lawyer who lives in Richmond.
Mrs. Parker Blair is PJ's aunt. Professor James Donovan is part of the law school faculty and can make decisions about Blair's desecration. Jeannie is the law faculty's secretary.
Archibald Falkenhuaser van der Lynden is Beatrice's ne'er do well son, who seems to spend most of his life at Inchness, a rehab facility. J. Elliott Vanderbilt of Wellington Blodgett handles his affairs. Beatrice's husband, Archie Sr, was thought to have been a financial wizard. William Fitzgerald "Fitz" Marshall and Paul Blair were the two friends who volunteered. Belinda Pruitt and Mr Jackson are the only guests still alive from the party. Mrs Winkleson bought the estate and named it Raven Hill, and then Ragnar bought it�
…Ragnarsheim is�
…the sprawling "farm" of Ragnar Ragarsen, a.k.a., that Viking musician, a heavy-metal drummer who retired. Despite his penchant for all things gothic, he holds open house for friends who are down on their luck. Fred is a bass player and former band mate. Hosmer is alphabetizing the books in Ragnar's library. Buddy is doing a great job of keeping the gazebo clean…those geese, you know. Ragnar's black swans have the same hair trigger temper as mute swans.
Roddy is one of Michael's star pupils; Evan needs way too much help getting into character. Jaren is another student helping with the re-enactment.
Bart Hempel, the ringleader of the real robbers, is serving thirty-to-life. Aaron Hempel was Bart's younger brother.
Jim Washington had been the Van der Lyndens' gardener, gopher…and scapegoat, but managed to get a job with Randall's dad � to piss off the Pruitts, lol. He was Junius' brother-in-law, married to Mary, Dolores' sister.
Lacey Shiffley was quite the rebel when she eloped with Anse Whicker from Clay County. Ida and Ferd Shiffley were her parents and quite keen for her to go to college.
Caerphilly PD
Chief Henry Burke retired from the Baltimore PD and is in charge in Caerphilly (he attends New Life Baptist where his wife, Minerva, is the choir director), as well as resigned to Meg barging in. He and his wife are raising their orphaned grandsons: Frank, Jr; Calvin; and, Adam.
Horace Hollingsworth is a deputy and a crime scene specialist. As well as one of Meg's cousins. Debbie Ann is the dispatcher. Other deputies include Aida Butler (one of Meg's friends) and Vern Shiffley.
The sprawling Shiffley clan
Randall Shiffley is the de facto head of the clan. He's in construction and is also the mayor and county manager. Judge Jane Shiffley can be quite stern and is Lacey's next-of-kin. Cal is Judge Jane's bailiff and dating a Shiffley. Osgood Shiffley is a good mechanic. Wilma Shiffley used to clean for the Hagleys for years.
Caerphilly Zoo is...
...owned by "Great", Manoj is the heavy aviary keeper. Axel is his assistant.
Dr Clarence Rutledge is the town veterinarian. Fred Singer is the owner, editor, and chief bottle-washer of the Clarion, the local paper. His grandson plays on a rival Little League team and is a great catcher. Maudie Morton runs the local funeral home where Hagley, Washington, and Reggie Thistlethwaite had been some of Maudie's Gentlemen. Lettice Forsythe runs an antiques shop.
The Eagles are�
…Josh and Jason's Little League team coached by Tory Davis. The team's pitchers are Manuel Espionza and Danny Takahashi.
* The Philadelphia Eleven were those horrible women who were ordained back in 1974.
The Cover and Title
The cover uses a diamond gradient with a pale turquoise radiating up and down into a much deeper turquoise. Centered in the lightest area are three multicolored toucans � orange, black, red, white, yellow, greens, and blues � lined up along a branch, chatting to each other. A bit of info blurb is at the top in a lime green with the author's name immediately below it in an embossed white. Just below the third toucan's tail is the series information in white. Additional whimsy shows up in the first word of the embossed white title curving up on each end with the rest of the title below it in a straight line.
The title is right, Toucan Keep a Secret. If one of them is dead.
My Take
I absolutely adore Andrews' Meg Langslow warm and cozy series for the small town feel and all the compassion that abounds throughout the town. Sure ya got yer curmudgeons and bad guys…what's a story without 'em? But they take care of each other and figure out ways to help so it doesn't hurt. I just love, love, love it!
It's first person protagonist point-of-view from Meg's perspective, and since she's such a nosey parker and involved in everything with a brain, we know everything she knows and experiences. And it amazes me how busy this little town is!
Between Robyn's pregnancy and the multiple projects underway at their home, Ragnar's charity, past events that continue to involve Trinity Episcopal, and force Meg to hunt down survivors, some of whom aren't interested in being found…yep, a busy little place indeed.
Andrews has kept the fun going even though those awful Pruitts are finally gone, and poor Chief Burke has yet another Pruitt headache uncovered by this desecration of the columbarium. This ought'a be fun!
I do like Dr Womble, even if he does wander off-topic a lot. Any man who will turn a barn into a library has my vote, *grin* And the story is filled with his good deeds. A very decent man. I like his friend, too, lol. That Archie now. He and his mother. I keep fantasizing about a a mean, stupid bomb. One that takes out mean and stupid people. Hmmm�
Oh, all right, I'll be good. It is a good ending with quite a few surprises, mostly good ones. And then there's that sneaky little twist at the very end…snicker�
The Story
It's been thirty years since the infamous Van der Lynden jewel heist, and it's all coming back with the desecration of the columbarium and that great ruby ring rolling around the dead body.
A past history that opens up quite a few events that made no sense at the time…as nonsensical as that killer who sees toucan and thinks parrot�
Seems hyenas are good security�
The Characters
Meg Langslow does artful blacksmithing and is a special assistant to the mayor. Primarily because Meg gets things done and has a huge clan to call upon. She's married to Professor Michael Waterston who teaches drama at Caerphilly College and is an assistant coach with their sons' Little League team. They have twin sons, Josh and Jamie, who are close friends with Adam Burke with Mason (Jan is his mom) making up the fourth of the Four Horsemen. The Twinmobile is that necessary van for all moms of active kids. Spike is the Small Evil One who only likes the twins.
Dr Langslow is Meg's crime-fancying dad, James, who is also the local medical examiner. Mother is quite intimidating when she needs to be, a real go-getter with tons of practical compassion. Rob is Meg's brother who owns a computer game company and lives with the Waterstons along with Rose Noire, their vegetarian and organic cousin, who will love the challenge. Tinkerbell is Rob's Irish wolfhound. Cordelia is the Langslow's long-lost (and found) grandmother who had once played with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Grandfather, a.k.a., "Great", is a biologist, bird fancier, and owns the Caerphilly Zoo.
Trinity Episcopal Church is�
…where Meg and family attends on Sundays. And every other day of the week it seems, lol. The Reverend Robyn Smith is on bed rest for the last three months of her pregnancy. Matt is her artistic husband. Admiral Nimitz is the three-year-old toco toucan Robyn is fostering while his owner, Larry Baker, is on active duty on the USS Harry Truman. The Ladies of St Clotilda are the chief organizers for good works in the church. The church will need to reinstitute the Key Holders, an official volunteer post. Sally Penworthy is rather flighty, so it's her fault.
Viola Wilson is the wife of Reverend Wilson at New Life Baptist. Father Dr Lyndon Shakespeare is a friend of Womble's and one of the supply priests (the ecclesiastical equivalent of a substitute teacher).
Junius Hagley is one of two Muttering Misogynists; Mr Sedlak is the other, blithering, one*. His wife, Dolores, was in one of the crypts along with James Asmundsen Washington, P. Jefferson Blair, Lacey Shiffley (a renegade Shiffley!), Beatrice Helen Falkenhausen van der Lynden, and Known Only to God.
Dr Rufus Womble is Robyn's predecessor, a pack rat, and quite the sneak. Seems he needed volunteers to keep him on track as he got too easily lost in a book. His wife, Emma Womble, sounds an absolute sweetheart. Wyclif and Wilberforce are their gray tabbies. The Reverend George Burwell Nelson Page, a.k.a., Gothic George, was the rector when the crypt was built.
Charles Hagley is Junius' son, a lawyer who lives in Richmond.
Mrs. Parker Blair is PJ's aunt. Professor James Donovan is part of the law school faculty and can make decisions about Blair's desecration. Jeannie is the law faculty's secretary.
Archibald Falkenhuaser van der Lynden is Beatrice's ne'er do well son, who seems to spend most of his life at Inchness, a rehab facility. J. Elliott Vanderbilt of Wellington Blodgett handles his affairs. Beatrice's husband, Archie Sr, was thought to have been a financial wizard. William Fitzgerald "Fitz" Marshall and Paul Blair were the two friends who volunteered. Belinda Pruitt and Mr Jackson are the only guests still alive from the party. Mrs Winkleson bought the estate and named it Raven Hill, and then Ragnar bought it�
…Ragnarsheim is�
…the sprawling "farm" of Ragnar Ragarsen, a.k.a., that Viking musician, a heavy-metal drummer who retired. Despite his penchant for all things gothic, he holds open house for friends who are down on their luck. Fred is a bass player and former band mate. Hosmer is alphabetizing the books in Ragnar's library. Buddy is doing a great job of keeping the gazebo clean…those geese, you know. Ragnar's black swans have the same hair trigger temper as mute swans.
Roddy is one of Michael's star pupils; Evan needs way too much help getting into character. Jaren is another student helping with the re-enactment.
Bart Hempel, the ringleader of the real robbers, is serving thirty-to-life. Aaron Hempel was Bart's younger brother.
Jim Washington had been the Van der Lyndens' gardener, gopher…and scapegoat, but managed to get a job with Randall's dad � to piss off the Pruitts, lol. He was Junius' brother-in-law, married to Mary, Dolores' sister.
Lacey Shiffley was quite the rebel when she eloped with Anse Whicker from Clay County. Ida and Ferd Shiffley were her parents and quite keen for her to go to college.
Caerphilly PD
Chief Henry Burke retired from the Baltimore PD and is in charge in Caerphilly (he attends New Life Baptist where his wife, Minerva, is the choir director), as well as resigned to Meg barging in. He and his wife are raising their orphaned grandsons: Frank, Jr; Calvin; and, Adam.
Horace Hollingsworth is a deputy and a crime scene specialist. As well as one of Meg's cousins. Debbie Ann is the dispatcher. Other deputies include Aida Butler (one of Meg's friends) and Vern Shiffley.
The sprawling Shiffley clan
Randall Shiffley is the de facto head of the clan. He's in construction and is also the mayor and county manager. Judge Jane Shiffley can be quite stern and is Lacey's next-of-kin. Cal is Judge Jane's bailiff and dating a Shiffley. Osgood Shiffley is a good mechanic. Wilma Shiffley used to clean for the Hagleys for years.
Caerphilly Zoo is...
...owned by "Great", Manoj is the heavy aviary keeper. Axel is his assistant.
Dr Clarence Rutledge is the town veterinarian. Fred Singer is the owner, editor, and chief bottle-washer of the Clarion, the local paper. His grandson plays on a rival Little League team and is a great catcher. Maudie Morton runs the local funeral home where Hagley, Washington, and Reggie Thistlethwaite had been some of Maudie's Gentlemen. Lettice Forsythe runs an antiques shop.
The Eagles are�
…Josh and Jason's Little League team coached by Tory Davis. The team's pitchers are Manuel Espionza and Danny Takahashi.
* The Philadelphia Eleven were those horrible women who were ordained back in 1974.
The Cover and Title
The cover uses a diamond gradient with a pale turquoise radiating up and down into a much deeper turquoise. Centered in the lightest area are three multicolored toucans � orange, black, red, white, yellow, greens, and blues � lined up along a branch, chatting to each other. A bit of info blurb is at the top in a lime green with the author's name immediately below it in an embossed white. Just below the third toucan's tail is the series information in white. Additional whimsy shows up in the first word of the embossed white title curving up on each end with the rest of the title below it in a straight line.
The title is right, Toucan Keep a Secret. If one of them is dead.
August 13, 2018
In this next book of the series it is Meg's turn to close up her church after a nightly meeting being held there because their Reverend is pregnant and on bed rest. While locking up and checking on their guest, a toucan the Rev. Robyn is fostering Meg hears a banging noise. The noise sounds like its coming from the church's crypt so Meg goes off to investigate. What she finds is the dead body of one of the church members and several of the niches have been tampered and among the ashes a ring. The dead man had been making noises about retrieving his wife's ashes from their niche and it looks like maybe he had taken matters into his own hands, but who killed him and why? While the police look into the death Meg is tasked with finding the owners of the niches that have been disturbed and asking the families how they would like the church to fix the problem. Along the way Meg learns of a robbery that happened years ago and begins to wonder if it is at all related to what happened at the crypt. Follow along as Meg tends to her family, helps out her church, takes care of a toucan, and all the while still looks for clues into who could have killed her fellow parishioner. This is such an entertaining series filled with unique characters, a lovely setting, and plot line that is always fun to try and figure out. This series is still going strong after 23 books, I look forward to many more.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2024
Another reread -- er relisten -- fourth time 'round and I'm loving each book in this series as much or more than the first time!
----
I've been randomly reading...listening...to this series as audio books become available at my library. Full of zany characters -- Meg's family is hilariously quirky! And I love the comedic plot twists. An elaborate mystery with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing (and grinning) right to the end.
Bernadette Dunne's narration is incredibly entertaining. She has such a distinctive almost gravely voice that lends well to all the different characters and that makes for a captivating listening experience.
This is only the third Meg Langslow book I've read but I'll definitely be reading more. And I haven't had any problems leaping right in mid-to-late in the series.
----
I've been randomly reading...listening...to this series as audio books become available at my library. Full of zany characters -- Meg's family is hilariously quirky! And I love the comedic plot twists. An elaborate mystery with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing (and grinning) right to the end.
Bernadette Dunne's narration is incredibly entertaining. She has such a distinctive almost gravely voice that lends well to all the different characters and that makes for a captivating listening experience.
This is only the third Meg Langslow book I've read but I'll definitely be reading more. And I haven't had any problems leaping right in mid-to-late in the series.
October 4, 2018
A self righteous snoops finds a body in her church's columbarium. She looks into things, and accomplishes nothing except criticizing every other character in the book. Eventually the mystery sort of solves itself. The toucan in the title doesn't talk but the murderer doesn't know that. Other than that, it's barely in the book, but does make a mess where ever it goes.
Not much of a mystery, and the sleuth doesn't appeal to me at all.
Not much of a mystery, and the sleuth doesn't appeal to me at all.
February 10, 2021
Reliably funny mystery series.
July 7, 2018
Toucan Keep a Secret is the twenty-third book in Donna Andrews� Mag Langslow mystery series. Ms. Andrews provides sufficient character background to allow this book can be read as a standalone. The mysteries are well plotted and the characters well developed in this steadily paced book. There are lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
Meg Langslow lives in Caerphilly with her husband, Michael, and their twin sons, Jamie and Josh. She’s locking up Trinity Episcopal Church and checking on Admiral Nimitz, Larry Baker’s toucan her friend, Reverend Robyn Smith, is taking care of while his owner is on active duty. Robyn is in the third trimester and her doctor has placed her on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. It’s late in the evening when Meg hears a hammering sound in the columbarium (the crypt where cremated remains are held) she finds an elderly parishioner, Junius Hagley, lying dead on the floor. She also notices several vandalized niches as well as urns and cremains scattered on the floor. The victim, a vestry member who wasn’t well liked, had been ranting about taking back his wife’s ashes. Meg spots a crow bar that is the murder weapon and a ring with a large red stone. Horace, a county police officer and one-man forensics team, secures and documents the evidence and Dr. Langslow, Meg’s dad, a doctor and the medical examiner, examines the body to determine time and cause of death. While Chief Henry Burke, a retired Baltimore homicide detective, investigates the murder, Meg is recruited by Robyn to contact the families of the people whose ashes were disturbed to determine how they want to handle reinternment. Chief Burke is trying to determine if the murder and vandalism had something to do with the theft of Mrs. van der Lynden’s jewelry during the Dames of Caerphilly’s New Year’s party she hosted in1987, and Meg’s dad wants to reenact the robbery that occurred the van der Lynden house. Meg leaves the major investigating to the police, but she asks questions every chance she gets and shares the information with Chief Burke, who is happy to have her help, although she does end up in over her head.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Meg Langslow lives in Caerphilly with her husband, Michael, and their twin sons, Jamie and Josh. She’s locking up Trinity Episcopal Church and checking on Admiral Nimitz, Larry Baker’s toucan her friend, Reverend Robyn Smith, is taking care of while his owner is on active duty. Robyn is in the third trimester and her doctor has placed her on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. It’s late in the evening when Meg hears a hammering sound in the columbarium (the crypt where cremated remains are held) she finds an elderly parishioner, Junius Hagley, lying dead on the floor. She also notices several vandalized niches as well as urns and cremains scattered on the floor. The victim, a vestry member who wasn’t well liked, had been ranting about taking back his wife’s ashes. Meg spots a crow bar that is the murder weapon and a ring with a large red stone. Horace, a county police officer and one-man forensics team, secures and documents the evidence and Dr. Langslow, Meg’s dad, a doctor and the medical examiner, examines the body to determine time and cause of death. While Chief Henry Burke, a retired Baltimore homicide detective, investigates the murder, Meg is recruited by Robyn to contact the families of the people whose ashes were disturbed to determine how they want to handle reinternment. Chief Burke is trying to determine if the murder and vandalism had something to do with the theft of Mrs. van der Lynden’s jewelry during the Dames of Caerphilly’s New Year’s party she hosted in1987, and Meg’s dad wants to reenact the robbery that occurred the van der Lynden house. Meg leaves the major investigating to the police, but she asks questions every chance she gets and shares the information with Chief Burke, who is happy to have her help, although she does end up in over her head.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
July 22, 2018
Donna Andrews' very delightful 23rd Meg Langslow Mystery, Toucan Keep a Secret, was very quickly read by this cozy enthusiast in just a few hours on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Our heroine, Meg, is locking up at her church one evening when she hears a loud banging and sees a light in the supposedly empty (well, except for the dead people!!!) crypt. Upon entering she discovers the body of a member of the vestry who's been bludgeoned to death with a crowbar, and also the scattered ashes and broken urns of several late members of the congregation, as well as a priceless ruby ring! Who did this and why did they choose these particular niches to desecrate? Is there a connection to a 30-year-old jewelry robbery? Can a non-speaking toucan really hold the secret to the crime? Do yourself a favor and take a trip to the town of Caerphilly to discover the answers to these, and other, burning questions! Note: You don't need to read the first 22 books in the series prior to picking this one up (unless you want to!), as this book works perfectly well as a standalone read. 5 stars!
August 7, 2018
Toucan Keep a Secret by Donna Andrews is the 23th book in the Meg Langslow series, and another great addition. One evening Meg Lanslow is locking up the Episcopal
Church when she hears hammering in the columbarium and goes to investigate, finding a dead body and some open cremated remains. Determined to keep Rev. Robyn Smith calm while she is on bed rest for her pregnancy, Meg investigates. I love this series, and the wonderful characters. Caerphilly sounds like a great town, with all their quirky people and large families. The plot of the stories are always well written and developed and often make me laugh out loud. This book has more twists. and turns, that kept me reading page after page. I strongly recommend this book and the whole series for anyone who likes well written cozy mysteries that are unique and delightful.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Church when she hears hammering in the columbarium and goes to investigate, finding a dead body and some open cremated remains. Determined to keep Rev. Robyn Smith calm while she is on bed rest for her pregnancy, Meg investigates. I love this series, and the wonderful characters. Caerphilly sounds like a great town, with all their quirky people and large families. The plot of the stories are always well written and developed and often make me laugh out loud. This book has more twists. and turns, that kept me reading page after page. I strongly recommend this book and the whole series for anyone who likes well written cozy mysteries that are unique and delightful.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 16, 2022
After reading several heavy non-fiction & fiction books lately, it was time for the coziest of mysteries with a visit to Caerphilly to check on Meg, Michael, & the twins. Combined with their zany group of family members & friends, there's always something interesting going on. Robyn, the minister at Trinity Church, is home on bedrest, so everyone is chipping in to help with Meg, the master organizer, at the helm. She's in charge of locking up the church, plus watching over the toucan being fostered by Robyn while its owner is deployed, so of course, she's on hand when a member of the vestry is murdered in the columbarium out back. A decades-old cold case is re-opened as she & Chief Burke work to solve the murder before anyone else gets hurt. There's a re-enactment of an old jewelry heist at the local mansion, now re-named Ragnarsheim, that hopes to solve the crime & find the jewels. Through it all, Meg remains calm & organized with her notebook-that-reminds-her-to-breathe.
September 4, 2018
Oh how I love these books!!
Once again Donna Andrews delivers a great book, full of fun, relatable characters, a very good mystery and laughter throughout the whole book.
Meg, Michael and the Twins are just such a great main base family and add all of Meg's kooky family that swirls around them and then the characters of the town of Caerphilly just top everything off like a lovely cherry on top of a fantastic ice cream sundae!
This adventure features mostly Meg and her father with showings from her Mom and Michael and the boys, but its mostly Meg and her Dad [plus the sheriff] and a very messy toucan. And several very dead people. And a old mystery that also needs solved before the murderer strikes again.
This was such a good book and I loved every second of it. She really cannot write them fast enough to suit me! ;-)
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Once again Donna Andrews delivers a great book, full of fun, relatable characters, a very good mystery and laughter throughout the whole book.
Meg, Michael and the Twins are just such a great main base family and add all of Meg's kooky family that swirls around them and then the characters of the town of Caerphilly just top everything off like a lovely cherry on top of a fantastic ice cream sundae!
This adventure features mostly Meg and her father with showings from her Mom and Michael and the boys, but its mostly Meg and her Dad [plus the sheriff] and a very messy toucan. And several very dead people. And a old mystery that also needs solved before the murderer strikes again.
This was such a good book and I loved every second of it. She really cannot write them fast enough to suit me! ;-)
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2021
Meg is participating in assisting at Trinity church, and during her performance of lockdown, Meg sees a light out in the crypt. Upon checking into the lights, she discovers the body of one of the church parishioners.
The victim was murdered with a crowbar when he surprised someone trying to break into the niches. Meg suspects that the culprit was after the suspected missing jewels from a 30 year old jewellry heist. Meg has also been requested to look after a toucan that the minister Robyn is looking after for a friend.
This book was a real page turner.
The victim was murdered with a crowbar when he surprised someone trying to break into the niches. Meg suspects that the culprit was after the suspected missing jewels from a 30 year old jewellry heist. Meg has also been requested to look after a toucan that the minister Robyn is looking after for a friend.
This book was a real page turner.
October 20, 2018
Thanks goodness my library system had this book! It's another outstanding, fun mystery with a few new characters and some golden oldies. That is, established characters. Ms. Andrews's books totally suck in me in every time, and I love my visits with Meg and her family and friends. Laugh out loud? Yes! Multiple times. Now I'm anticipating the next one!
April 20, 2022
Three and a half stars.
August 8, 2018
It started of well enough but lost tempo to the end. It was a nice and pleasant beach read, but nothing special. There was some detecting done by Meg, but after all she just stumbled into the way of the culprit. Perhaps I already have red to many of the Langslow Books, but I liked the old ones better because there was more going on.
August 28, 2018
Fairly short for this series - and though I did like it, it was lacking the family interactions that make the series charming. There are glimpses of her eccentric family members but they are largely in the background, with Meg rushing from one location to another. I also felt the mystery could have been fleshed out better. Still a decent read, just not a favorite in this series.
September 28, 2018
Meg for President!
Capable, good natured, totally unflappable Meg can solve any problem that comes up, with creativity and efficency. With her large, crazy family, she has access to unlimited manpower and skills.
Meg is one of my very favourite characters in fiction. If she were president of the USA, America would have all their problems solved in no time.
Capable, good natured, totally unflappable Meg can solve any problem that comes up, with creativity and efficency. With her large, crazy family, she has access to unlimited manpower and skills.
Meg is one of my very favourite characters in fiction. If she were president of the USA, America would have all their problems solved in no time.
August 29, 2022
Donna Andrews needs to get over her love of lists. When you walk into a house that can be considered cluttered and on the verge of being called hoarding you don't need to give a run down of everything that is in the room. She even gives lists of the authors whose books are in the room. 🙄 SO MANY LISTS!!! 😬
September 1, 2023
I find these novels very satisfying. Not necessarily for the mystery but more as a window into the world of an utterly competent get-it-done kind of individual. I want to be Meg, but without the dead bodies.
August 8, 2018
I have enjoyed all twenty-three books in this wonderful series and this one is my new favorite. Meg and her family have such a love of life, living it as it comes, This time Meg is locking up the church after the vestry meeting and hears banging coming from the columbarium - please don't confuse it with a crypt - and sees a light inside when it shouldn't be there. Just like the dead body shouldn't be there. Somebody has been trying to pry off the plaques from various niches with a crowbar then goes so far as to use it as a murder weapon. Amid the scattered ashes and broken glass and china Meg finds the body of one of Trinity churches least favorite members.
If that wasn't enough to deal with, now there is a toucan who needs tending to - his name is Nimitz and he is a very messy bird. That's no reason for somebody to want to snatch him. Meg is then asked to act on behalf of the church to contact all of the next of kin of the damaged niches and find out how they want to proceed with the repairs, putting the urns back where they belong. That gives Meg the perfect excuse to ask a whole lot of questions because every single one of the defiled niches and urns had a connection to a jewel robbery that happened way back in the 1970's.. The jewelry was never recovered, the crime never solved. Until, of course, Meg gets involved, with the blessing of the local police.
I'm hard pressed to say which character in this series is my favorite. Is it Meg? Is it her delightful father, a retired doctor? Is it her larger than life grandfather with his private zoo? Not to forget her young sons and her mother and her grandmother. These are people I would love to call family and friends. There would never, ever be a dull moment.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
If that wasn't enough to deal with, now there is a toucan who needs tending to - his name is Nimitz and he is a very messy bird. That's no reason for somebody to want to snatch him. Meg is then asked to act on behalf of the church to contact all of the next of kin of the damaged niches and find out how they want to proceed with the repairs, putting the urns back where they belong. That gives Meg the perfect excuse to ask a whole lot of questions because every single one of the defiled niches and urns had a connection to a jewel robbery that happened way back in the 1970's.. The jewelry was never recovered, the crime never solved. Until, of course, Meg gets involved, with the blessing of the local police.
I'm hard pressed to say which character in this series is my favorite. Is it Meg? Is it her delightful father, a retired doctor? Is it her larger than life grandfather with his private zoo? Not to forget her young sons and her mother and her grandmother. These are people I would love to call family and friends. There would never, ever be a dull moment.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 5, 2021
Unlike the other books in this series the crime happens almost from page one. Meg is on church duty filling in for pastor Robin who is off on bed rest while waiting to deliver her baby. As she's about to leave she hears a hammering from the crypt (columbarium a term I only knew about from when my mother died and we looked over burial options.) She heads out to explore and finds Mr. Hagley a grumpy old guy with his head bashed in. Several resting places have been disturbed and there's a giant ruby ring there as well. Meg is tasked with helping the church console those whose loved one's resting places were disturbed. It soon becomes clear that the murder and destruction in the columbarium are linked to a 30 year old jewel robbery that was rumoured to be an insurance scam. The toucan Admiral Nimitz comes into play because everyone mistakes him for a parrot and thinks he'll talk and reveal the killer. All we really learn about him is his owner is in the navy and serving overseas, Robin is caring for him, and he makes a big mess. Overall this one was one of the weaker books in the series. It wasn't bad but not as enjoyable. It did have humourous moments like the reenactment of the jewel robbery, and Spike coming to the rescue at the end but I had a hard time really getting into it and my mind often wandered while reading it. I did like the Agatha Christie like twist at the end though so these things helped redeem the story.
August 7, 2018
How does Donna Andrews keep coming up with all of the bird puns? She is so clever, and I really enjoy her sense of humor.
“Toucan Keep a Secret� is a typical Andrews book. The heroine is Meg Langslow, worker in wrought iron, wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter and sometime sleuth; and the rest of the gang is all here, too. The setting is Caerphilly, VA, which would be a very odd little town indeed if it were real. (And oh, how I wish it were real!) In this book, Meg is helping fill in at her local Episcopal church while the priest is on bedrest for her pregnancy.
Naturally, there is a murder. And naturally, this being a Donna Andrews book, things turn zany and madcap although while you are reading the book it seems very plausible. This is Andrews� genius; everything seems ordinary on the surface, while underneath it is all very odd. What a pleasure these books, and this one in particular, are for readers with a sense of humor.
No spoilers from me as I do not want to ruin the book for future readers who should have the fun of discovery for themselves. Do yourself a favor and read “Toucan Keep a Secret.�
“Toucan Keep a Secret� is a typical Andrews book. The heroine is Meg Langslow, worker in wrought iron, wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter and sometime sleuth; and the rest of the gang is all here, too. The setting is Caerphilly, VA, which would be a very odd little town indeed if it were real. (And oh, how I wish it were real!) In this book, Meg is helping fill in at her local Episcopal church while the priest is on bedrest for her pregnancy.
Naturally, there is a murder. And naturally, this being a Donna Andrews book, things turn zany and madcap although while you are reading the book it seems very plausible. This is Andrews� genius; everything seems ordinary on the surface, while underneath it is all very odd. What a pleasure these books, and this one in particular, are for readers with a sense of humor.
No spoilers from me as I do not want to ruin the book for future readers who should have the fun of discovery for themselves. Do yourself a favor and read “Toucan Keep a Secret.�
August 17, 2018
Rev Robyn is pregnant and on bed rest. In her place, many of the parishioners are covering the things Robyn would normally cover. It is Meg's turn to close up the church and make sure that everything is working okay. As she is collecting the Toucan, that Robyn was caring for, for a young man who has been sent to sea, and the key to the church van, she hears knocking and it seems to be coming for the cemetery. She goes to investigate and discovers that one of the old-timers, who doesn't' like female priests and is against too many things to name. She calls for help and then helps Robyn notify the next of kin for those whose niches in the columbarium were disturbed. Along the way, she learns information and constantly notifies the sheriff.
The story was in book and audio form (listening while driving and reading when I could sit at home) and in book format, I noticed some errors that I think are typing problems. I would recommend this story as it can be read out of order from the series and can be enjoyed by even teenagers (yep, I have teens) and they were chuckling at some of the things that happened in the story.
The story was in book and audio form (listening while driving and reading when I could sit at home) and in book format, I noticed some errors that I think are typing problems. I would recommend this story as it can be read out of order from the series and can be enjoyed by even teenagers (yep, I have teens) and they were chuckling at some of the things that happened in the story.
December 15, 2018
I was fortunate enough to win TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET by Donna Andrews from Laurie Ham at Kings River Life Magazine (). Thanks, Laurie.
To prepare for sleep, I re-read light hearted books (can't be kept awake by the plot). Meg Langslow series books are in rotation for my bedtime reading.
TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET is Meg Langslow #23. The church has an underground crypt from which loud noises emanate, then a body is discovered. I was much too interested in what would happen next to be willing to sleep.
Meg Langslow's family displays the best characteristics of amateur (amateuse?) mystery fiction. Some characters are certifiably nuts, others endearing, and some a mixture; I'm sure being part of such a family would be truly enervating, but for armchair travellers, it's quite entertaining. And it's satisfying to watch the development of these personalities.
Several spots have laugh-out-loud moments.
If you've never read any Meg Langslow books by Donna Andrews, start with #1. My librarian couldn't get interested in the minutiae of weddings, so I've recommended she move to #2. These books are just too amusing to pass up.
To prepare for sleep, I re-read light hearted books (can't be kept awake by the plot). Meg Langslow series books are in rotation for my bedtime reading.
TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET is Meg Langslow #23. The church has an underground crypt from which loud noises emanate, then a body is discovered. I was much too interested in what would happen next to be willing to sleep.
Meg Langslow's family displays the best characteristics of amateur (amateuse?) mystery fiction. Some characters are certifiably nuts, others endearing, and some a mixture; I'm sure being part of such a family would be truly enervating, but for armchair travellers, it's quite entertaining. And it's satisfying to watch the development of these personalities.
Several spots have laugh-out-loud moments.
If you've never read any Meg Langslow books by Donna Andrews, start with #1. My librarian couldn't get interested in the minutiae of weddings, so I've recommended she move to #2. These books are just too amusing to pass up.
November 3, 2021
Toucan Keep a Secret
Meg Langslow, Book 23
I Picked Up This Book Because: #BlameItOnLitsy #Scarlathon Group Read
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via P Public Library
Dates Read: 10/15/21 - 10/16/21
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Bernadette Dunne
The Characters:
Meg Langslow:
:
Chief Burke, Meg’s Mom, Meg’s Husband,
The Story:
This was my first read with Ms. Andrews but it won’t be my last. Though it is a bit shocking to jump right into number 23 in a series I didn’t feel that it was difficult to jump right in. The mystery was intriguing and the small town seems charming. I really enjoyed it.
The Random Thoughts:
*sings* gotta secret can you keep it
Meg Langslow, Book 23
I Picked Up This Book Because: #BlameItOnLitsy #Scarlathon Group Read
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via P Public Library
Dates Read: 10/15/21 - 10/16/21
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Bernadette Dunne
The Characters:
Meg Langslow:
:
Chief Burke, Meg’s Mom, Meg’s Husband,
The Story:
This was my first read with Ms. Andrews but it won’t be my last. Though it is a bit shocking to jump right into number 23 in a series I didn’t feel that it was difficult to jump right in. The mystery was intriguing and the small town seems charming. I really enjoyed it.
The Random Thoughts:
*sings* gotta secret can you keep it
August 13, 2018
Toucan Keep a Secret about a thirty-year-old robbery and murder.
By all accounts, Junius Hagley was not a nice man. Frustrated by the paperwork to disintern his wife’s cremated remains, he took matters, and a crowbar, into his own hands to rectify the situation. When someone interrupts, and then murders him, Meg investigates for Pastor Robin, who is on pregnancy bedrest.
It’s always a pleasure to return to Meg’s world. After 23 books, her family and friends feel like my friends too. I would have liked more time with Michael and the boys—even with her ironwork—which were much more prevalent in the early entries in the series. Still Toucan Keep a Secret is a good cozy mystery worth 4 stars.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
By all accounts, Junius Hagley was not a nice man. Frustrated by the paperwork to disintern his wife’s cremated remains, he took matters, and a crowbar, into his own hands to rectify the situation. When someone interrupts, and then murders him, Meg investigates for Pastor Robin, who is on pregnancy bedrest.
It’s always a pleasure to return to Meg’s world. After 23 books, her family and friends feel like my friends too. I would have liked more time with Michael and the boys—even with her ironwork—which were much more prevalent in the early entries in the series. Still Toucan Keep a Secret is a good cozy mystery worth 4 stars.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
September 19, 2019
Meg is watching over the church while the pregnant pastor Robyn suffers at home on bedrest. When Meg discovers someone is the columbarium when she investigates she finds a dead body. Robyn asks Meg to make the arrangements for the disturbed crypts to be reburied. The victim being investigated for his death leads to a long ago burglary. As Meg investigates the heat seems to be on her by people wanting her out of the way! Will she figure it out or get herself knocked out!
I love Meg and her family and friends. We also get to follow Meg as she investigates the crypts that were disturbed which coincide with the robbery! It was a mystery inside a mystery one of the greatest ones there are! Can't wait to see what is next for Meg and her family and friends!
I love Meg and her family and friends. We also get to follow Meg as she investigates the crypts that were disturbed which coincide with the robbery! It was a mystery inside a mystery one of the greatest ones there are! Can't wait to see what is next for Meg and her family and friends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2018
TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET by Donna Andrews
The Twenty-Third Meg Langslow Mystery
With Reverend Robyn Smith on bed rest, Meg Langslow is on duty at Trinity Episcopalian. Loud banging interrupts her from securing the church for the night and leads her to the graveyard only to find Julius Hagley, one of the Muttering Misogynists, dead inside the vandalized columbarium. Did he interrupt an intruder or did the women in the vestry finally have enough of him? Or was his murder somehow connected to an old unsolved jewel robbery, an event that ties all the disturbed cremains together?
A return to Caerphilly, Virginia is a return to fun. Donna Andrews leads her zany cast of characters through a well plotted mystery filled with laughs.
It doesn't matter if you've read each previous book in the series, have been away a while and missed a few, or if this is your first Meg Langslow Mystery, you can jump right in and not feel lost or as if you had missed something. Despite being the twenty-third book in the series TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET remains fresh.
I quite enjoyed the tie in to an unsolved mystery. Delving into the past while seeing its effects on the present bring added dimension to the story. I also love how Meg gets the whole family and community involved, in helping the toucan, helping the Smiths, and solving the murder! TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET is a great addition to this long-running series.
FTC Disclosure � The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Twenty-Third Meg Langslow Mystery
With Reverend Robyn Smith on bed rest, Meg Langslow is on duty at Trinity Episcopalian. Loud banging interrupts her from securing the church for the night and leads her to the graveyard only to find Julius Hagley, one of the Muttering Misogynists, dead inside the vandalized columbarium. Did he interrupt an intruder or did the women in the vestry finally have enough of him? Or was his murder somehow connected to an old unsolved jewel robbery, an event that ties all the disturbed cremains together?
A return to Caerphilly, Virginia is a return to fun. Donna Andrews leads her zany cast of characters through a well plotted mystery filled with laughs.
It doesn't matter if you've read each previous book in the series, have been away a while and missed a few, or if this is your first Meg Langslow Mystery, you can jump right in and not feel lost or as if you had missed something. Despite being the twenty-third book in the series TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET remains fresh.
I quite enjoyed the tie in to an unsolved mystery. Delving into the past while seeing its effects on the present bring added dimension to the story. I also love how Meg gets the whole family and community involved, in helping the toucan, helping the Smiths, and solving the murder! TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET is a great addition to this long-running series.
FTC Disclosure � The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
August 22, 2018
Meg Langslow discovers the body of a vestry member when she's locking up the local church. What's almost as bad, she finds that the columbarium has been vandalized. But why would the ashes of these particular people, including a "John Doe," be disturbed? Meg is asked to represent the church in dealing with the next-of-kin, to see if they want their loved ones reinterred, but some of them are hard to find. And almost all of them want to talk about a thirty-year-old jewel robbery, largely because the valuable loot has never been found. Many members of Meg's family make token appearances, but this book doesn't include one of Andrews' specialty big fat mob scenes, unfortunately.
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