Donna Andrews wraps up her latest whodunnit in festive holiday charm!
This series feels like coming home to me, and I especially look forward to the Christmas installments. This did not disappoint!
Meg's grandmother is hosting a conference aimed at helping those who are trying to get wrongly convicted exonerated, and Meg's sister-in-law Delaney is pregnant, on bed rest, and due at any time, so they are trying to have a quiet holiday. But, the suspicious death of a vocal critic at the conference and his body being found in Meg's yard turn the family holidays upside down.
I have been trying to pinpoint what I love about this series, and I cannot pick just one aspect. They are a great mix of whodunnit, humor, and heart with a warm group of kind and caring characters, and I love how all the elements come together. Meg is a likable and smart sleuth surrounded by an endearing and quirky cast, many of whom are her family members who get into all sorts of shenanigans. The characters grow and evolve across the series, but the books are also structured so readers can jump in anywhere and not be lost.
The mystery in this book is well-paced and solidly plotted, with a sizeable suspect pool and plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. Andrews also respectfully delves into timely issues like wrongful convictions, DNA testing advancements, social media, and podcasts, adding depth to the story. And if that's not enough, there are adorable animals, festive holiday vibes, and a new addition to the family. This is the perfect choice for a holiday cozy mystery to curl up with this season!
Bernadette Dunne narrates the audiobook, and she perfectly captures Meg and all the recurring characters. Her voice is lovely, and she nails the humor, atmosphere, and suspense and just brings it all to life! Such a fun listen!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for my gifted audiobook!
My steep was Maple Cream Earl Grey by Portal Tea, from my October Amoda Tea box. A delicious mix of maple, vanilla, bergamot, and orange.
PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:
Bells are ringing and alarms are sounding in Donna Andrews' latest cheery addition in the New York Times bestselling Meg Langslow series.Meg's sister-in-law, Delaney is pregnant. Since her due date is on or around Christmas Day, this is putting a bit of a damper on the usual holiday festivities. Meg and Michael are NOT hosting the usual house full of relatives and parties. Instead, Meg, along with her mother, her grandmother, her cousin Rose Noire, and her good friend Caroline, are militantly doing everything they can think of to keep Delaney quiet and healthy. All the relatives are farmed out to friends and neighbors; all the parties are being held somewhere else, and while Delaney is bored and mutinous, she's doing well, and they're managing to maintain a serene, peaceful environment for her . . . until a body is found in Meg and Michael's yard. Can Meg still keep Delaney calm in the middle of a murder investigation, all while trying to catch the killer?Full of her usual twists and turns, paired with relatable family holiday drama and Caerphilly’s traditional Christmas merriment, Donna Andrews brings readers another joyful classic.
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