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Meg Langslow #19
Lord of the Wings
A new side-splitting Meg Langslow mystery from award–winning, New York Times bestselling author of The Good, The Bad, and The Emus.
The brilliantly funny Donna Andrews delivers another winner in the acclaimed avian-themed series that mystery readers have come to love. The nineteenth book in her New York Times best-selling series continues to surprise and delight in this next knee-slapping adventure featuring Meg Langslow and all the eccentric characters that make up her world.
It's another holiday and Mayor Randall Shiffley has turned Caerphilly, Virginia into Spooky City, USA. The residents are covering every window with cobwebs and roaming the streets in costume to entertain the tourists, and Meg's grandfather is opening a new "Creatures of the Night" exhibit in the zoo.
When a suspicious fire burns the Haunted House and a body is found, Meg Langslow surrenders her home as a safer party venue. But all too soon a real body mars the town's creepy fun, and it's up to Meg to save Halloween.
Like Meg Langslow, the blacksmith heroine of her series, Donna Andrews was born and raised in Yorktown, Virginia. She introduced Meg to readers in her Malice Domestic Contest-winning first mystery, Murder with Peacocks, and readers are still laughing. This novel swept up the Agatha, Anthony, Barry, and a Romantic Times award for best first novel, and a Lefty for funniest mystery.
With Lord of the Wings, readers can look forward to another zany Meg Langslow mystery — this one filled with Halloween spirit and suspense.
The brilliantly funny Donna Andrews delivers another winner in the acclaimed avian-themed series that mystery readers have come to love. The nineteenth book in her New York Times best-selling series continues to surprise and delight in this next knee-slapping adventure featuring Meg Langslow and all the eccentric characters that make up her world.
It's another holiday and Mayor Randall Shiffley has turned Caerphilly, Virginia into Spooky City, USA. The residents are covering every window with cobwebs and roaming the streets in costume to entertain the tourists, and Meg's grandfather is opening a new "Creatures of the Night" exhibit in the zoo.
When a suspicious fire burns the Haunted House and a body is found, Meg Langslow surrenders her home as a safer party venue. But all too soon a real body mars the town's creepy fun, and it's up to Meg to save Halloween.
Like Meg Langslow, the blacksmith heroine of her series, Donna Andrews was born and raised in Yorktown, Virginia. She introduced Meg to readers in her Malice Domestic Contest-winning first mystery, Murder with Peacocks, and readers are still laughing. This novel swept up the Agatha, Anthony, Barry, and a Romantic Times award for best first novel, and a Lefty for funniest mystery.
With Lord of the Wings, readers can look forward to another zany Meg Langslow mystery — this one filled with Halloween spirit and suspense.
307 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2015
313 people are currently reading
1699 people want to read
About the author
Donna Andrews
103 books2,093 followersDonna 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
http://us.macmillan.com/author/donnaa...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/donnaa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
October 21, 2022
Lord of the Wings by Donna Andrews is a 2015 Minotaur publication.
I’ve been reading through this series for a couple of years, just grabbing the next book in line whenever the mood strikes. Occasionally this means that I’ll end up with a Christmas story in the middle of July, but somehow, this time around the next book up just happened to be a Halloween themed story – which was just pure coincidence- but it fit my mood perfectly.
Caerphilly is hosting its first ever Halloween festival -and for once Meg is not the chief organizer. But, the twins’ revolving door of Halloween costumes, deadly role-playing games, a haunted house, and two murders keep Meg on her toes, as she regales us with her hilarious internal dialogue.
As per usual, the story is wildly zany and entertaining, and seems to always go by too quickly. Another wonderfully enjoyable chapter in the series! As always- I’m looking forward to Meg’s next adventure!
I’ve been reading through this series for a couple of years, just grabbing the next book in line whenever the mood strikes. Occasionally this means that I’ll end up with a Christmas story in the middle of July, but somehow, this time around the next book up just happened to be a Halloween themed story – which was just pure coincidence- but it fit my mood perfectly.
Caerphilly is hosting its first ever Halloween festival -and for once Meg is not the chief organizer. But, the twins’ revolving door of Halloween costumes, deadly role-playing games, a haunted house, and two murders keep Meg on her toes, as she regales us with her hilarious internal dialogue.
As per usual, the story is wildly zany and entertaining, and seems to always go by too quickly. Another wonderfully enjoyable chapter in the series! As always- I’m looking forward to Meg’s next adventure!
November 17, 2016
Was in the mood for something light and silly and this delivered! A little long, perhaps, but the writing was charming and the situations were expectedly humorous. Haven't read anything else in this series but i could see myself trying another at some point.
December 9, 2021
I found this one to be lots of fun and a pleasure to read. So much stuff just kept happening that it was very entertaining. It had lots of twists and turns and a few events even made me chuckle a bit. Which is very rare for me. The thing I liked is how the story flowed so super smoothly and it was carried forward by conversations between the characters. Its a very easy fast read. The story has details to satisfy but its not full of those super long annoying paragraphs of descriptions if you know what I mean. And it moves so fast you won't get bored.
I will say that there are a ton of characters in here and for some people it may be hard to keep straight who is who. There seems to be a lot of books in this series and I haven't read any of the others...basically I just jumped right in with this one because it was a Halloween story that I found at the library. And plus I loved the cover! Those pretty ravens against that orange sky! But those ravens make lots of mischief for their owner! 😅 But no, I really didn't have any problems with who was who. I just enjoyed the story.
I also did not try to guess who it was or why the murders had happened. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I just wanted to enjoy the spooky fun. There are many great characters in here and some are outrageous too! Others are funny or do stupid things (just like in real life). And that llama!! That was a real surprise! I had to laugh at the one line about an idea to make a second llama jealous by offering the first cucumbers!
This is the story of a small town that is celebrating Halloween in a very big way: a huge haunted house, a special exhibit at the zoo, concerts and a multiple day festival. But someone else has their own plan and soon people show up dead! Then more things happen and people get hurt... Who is behind it? Why? But the main character has not only to run security on the Goblin Patrol but also has very young kids to deal with! Very strong female lead in here.
I will definitely read more books in this series!
I will say that there are a ton of characters in here and for some people it may be hard to keep straight who is who. There seems to be a lot of books in this series and I haven't read any of the others...basically I just jumped right in with this one because it was a Halloween story that I found at the library. And plus I loved the cover! Those pretty ravens against that orange sky! But those ravens make lots of mischief for their owner! 😅 But no, I really didn't have any problems with who was who. I just enjoyed the story.
I also did not try to guess who it was or why the murders had happened. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I just wanted to enjoy the spooky fun. There are many great characters in here and some are outrageous too! Others are funny or do stupid things (just like in real life). And that llama!! That was a real surprise! I had to laugh at the one line about an idea to make a second llama jealous by offering the first cucumbers!
This is the story of a small town that is celebrating Halloween in a very big way: a huge haunted house, a special exhibit at the zoo, concerts and a multiple day festival. But someone else has their own plan and soon people show up dead! Then more things happen and people get hurt... Who is behind it? Why? But the main character has not only to run security on the Goblin Patrol but also has very young kids to deal with! Very strong female lead in here.
I will definitely read more books in this series!
August 21, 2024
Nineteenth in the Meg Langslow amateur sleuth mystery series and revolving around Meg, a mother and blacksmith in the town of Caerphilly, Virginia.
My Take
I usually enjoy Andrews' writing, and Lord of the Wings was missing something. I suspect that all the focus on the Halloween activities in town was my problem, as there wasn't much focus on the family. It's the family that I adore the most. Dad is so pushy when it comes to doing his doctor-thing, and if he can combine it with solving a mystery…he is so there! It felt as though Grandfather only had a cameo piece, although he was fun with his costume and ravens, but his personality really didn't shine through. Mother wasn't as present nor was Rose Noire. Rob popped in, and I loved his part in this. I especially enjoyed how active his company was with those costumes! I am so jealous!! Y'all have got to check out the coat of arms! I want one! Hmmm, I want one of those robot costumes too…
I'm rather envious of the town. Seems that people really pull together to accomplish things. Most places would need to do a study, argue with a committee for six months, and maybe get it done in two years. Nope, in Caerphilly, it just takes overnight.
Meg is an indulgent mom with all those costume changes, lol. A girl (and the boys) after my own heart. I loved the bit where Andrews describes the evolution of Jamie's costumes — ahh, if only we had all had moms like that, *giggle*. Then poor Meg gets shot down when her concept and Josh's concept of a robot costume clashes. Ya can't help but feel for her. I'm not sure if I'd've been as complacent about it as Meg. No, no, I'm positive I wouldn't have.
Meg's annoyance with Lydia Van Meter is justified and funny in that want your cake and eat it too way. Meg doesn't want to run the Halloween festival, but she hates how Lydia deals with it. I do have to grant that Meg is absolutely right — and that's before things get really deep in Caerphilly. Just look at Meg's suggestion about the protesters. I do appreciate Meg's honesty in admitting to herself that some of her irritation is that she'd have done things differently from Lydia.
Oh, yeah! Scarecrows set up to simulate a zombie attack, lol.
I know that in the past I've whined about Andrews mentioning that bloody "notebook-that-tells-me-when-to-breathe" much too often, and Andrews has almost cut it out of this one. I don't mean to be a hypocrite, but if I hadn't read the previous stories, I wouldn't have picked up on it in Lord of the Wings. And, ahem, when is Meg gonna get an iPad? I'd think it'd be easier…
I may not agree with Dr. Smoot's taste in décor, but ya gotta appreciate a man who's willing to go with what he likes. I enjoyed Grandfather's blending of science and the spirit of Halloween as well. What a great way to spark children's interests!
It's also cozy family fun and an easy read.
The Story
It's another holiday and Mayor Randall Shiffley has turned Caerphilly, Virginia into Spooky City, USA. The residents are covering every window with cobwebs and roaming the streets in costume to entertain the tourists, and Meg's grandfather is opening a new "Creatures of the Night" exhibit in the zoo.
When a suspicious fire burns the museum and a body is found, Meg Langslow surrenders her home as a safer party venue. But all too soon a real body mars the town's creepy fun, and it's up to Meg to save Halloween.
The Characters
Meg Langslow is a blacksmith and mom to twin boys: Josh and Jamie. Michael Waterston is her husband who teaches drama at the local college; he's also heir apparent for the drama chair. The llamas are still trotting around and being coopted into various roles, *more laughter*. They even have their own llama costume closet. Spike is their "Small Evil One". Do NOT try to pet him! Dahlia Waterston is Michael's mother, and now known as "Grammy".
Rob Langslow is her somewhat scattered lawyer brother, who made his fortune with a computer game. Mutant Wizards is his computer gaming company. Sounds like it's taking off in a variety of directions. Tinkerbell is his Irish wolfhound. Rose Noire is their cousin. Both she and Rob live with Meg and Michael.
Dad, Dr. Langslow, loves to stick his nose into everything. So, it helps that he's now Caerphilly's medical examiner. Mother has exquisite taste. Their grandfather, Dr. Montgomery Blake, owns Caerphilly Zoo; he's a famous zoologist and environmentalist. Caroline runs a local private wildlife sanctuary and is one of Grandfather's usual allies — and one of the few able to boss him around. She also organizes Blake's Brigade, a loosely organized group of fanatically devoted bird and animal lovers who volunteer to help Grandfather with his animal welfare and environmental projects. They must have a blast with all the odd calls-to-arms they have! Vincent Price is a thirteen-foot male alligator. Dr. Clarence Rutledge is the local veterinarian.
Randall Shiffley is the current mayor of Caerphilly. The thoughtless and self-absorbed Lydia Van Meter was recently hired to a new position, Special Assistant to the Mayor.
Caerphilly PD
Chief Burke has come to accept Meg's help. Debbie Ann is the emergency dispatcher. Deputies Vern Shiffley; Aida Butler, who's a friend of Meg's (her Aunt Niobe is acclaimed as one of the best cooks in the county); Sammy Wendell; and, Jabba the Hut, who is a civilian liaison in costume, are all working this week. Deputy Paulsen is on loan from Goochland County.
Horace Hollingsworth is one of Meg's cousins who likes to wear an ape costume. He's also Caerphilly's current scene-of-crime investigator. Cousin Festus Hollingsworth is a very good defense attorney.
Chief Jim Featherstone is head of the fire department.
The Goblin Patrol is…
…more properly known as the Visitor Relations and Police Liaison Patrol. Meg is heading this, and she's enjoying the more limited role. Charlie Gardner is her second-in-command. Other patrollers include Osgood Shiffley who runs the gas station and is one of Randall's cousins; Ragnar Ragnarsen is the closest thing Caerphilly has to a celebrity — a retired heavy metal drummer; Ashley Shiffley is another cousin; and, Thor Larson (he works for Grandmother Cordelia, one of Meg's grandmothers, during semester breaks and summer vacations).
Dr. Smoot is obsessed with all things vampire (the Chief is so pleased he's no longer the local medical examiner!) Now he's struggling to open Caerphilly Museum of Oddities and Antiquities about the town's history, and it's this year's Haunted House (it's the Smoot family house left to Smoot by Aunt Venicia).
Muriel owns the local diner. Mason and Noah are Jamie and Josh's best friends. The Reverend Robyn Smith is rector at Trinity Episcopal. Harris Griswald bought his wife, Becky, one butt-ugly brooch. Branson Flugleman runs the feed store. Mrs. Ellie Draper is the head librarian. Dr. Sengupta is an orthopedist. Dr. Carper is treating Smoot. The Rancid Dead are a local heavy metal band who play throughout the festival. Luigi owns the pizza restaurant. Frank Ledbetter owns the Caerphilly Clarion and has his own take on Brimfield's demands.
The Shiffleys are…
…an old Caerphilly family who have stuck around. Arabella Shiffley was one of their black sheep. She married a no-good, dishonest bootlegger, Billy Pratherton. Yep, he was unlike the honest bootleggers in the family, ahem. Arabella Pratherton Walmsley is a great-granddaughter who died in an accident as she was tracking down ancestors. Mary Walmsley is Arabella's mother. Randall is renting his aunt's house's to Lydia. Judge Jane will help at the museum. Cousin Peewee owns the field where they'll set up the concert venue. Velma Shiffley is the kids' teacher.
The Brimfields are…
…another old Caerphilly family who fled in the 1930s. Josiah is the current head of the family. William Henry Harrison Brimfield , John Tyler Brimfield, and Millard Fillmore Brimfield were in and around World War I.
The Paltroons are…
…members of the DAR in Caerphilly. Captain-Major-Colonel Habakkuk Paltroon fought in the Revolutionary War. The current Mrs. Paltroon is a snob and a pain in the neck. She'll get her fall, lol. Meanwhile, she's holding court at the Weed booth. Dr. Gwinnett Cavendish is an art restoration and conservation expert.
The Pruitts are…
…the longtime family who almost bankrupted Caerphilly.
The scavenger hunt is…
…wreaking havoc on the festival with all the stunts they're pulling. The prize is a copy of Vampire Colonies II published by Mutant Wizards. Justin Klapcroft is only the first. James Green has a spotted past and not much of a future. Tyler Rasmussen has an ornery father. Wayne Smith is a student at Christopher Newport University.
The Raven Clan is…
…but one of the clans at the festival and is in charge of decorating the barn. And what they're doing running around with real swords, I don't know. Norton Brewer is a nineteen-year-old computer science major; the Elders of Clan Raven include Bill Higgins, Tony Ruiz, and Celia Smith.
A LARP is a live action role-playing game.
The Cover and Title
The cover is Halloween orange with ravens flying over the silhouette of the perfect "haunted" three-story Victorian house. True to the story, there is one raven with the "one ring".
The title is pushing it a bit to continue with Andrews' avian theme for titles, but it is catchy as it plays off the Lord of the Rings idea with that naughty raven who is the Lord of the Wings.
My Take
I usually enjoy Andrews' writing, and Lord of the Wings was missing something. I suspect that all the focus on the Halloween activities in town was my problem, as there wasn't much focus on the family. It's the family that I adore the most. Dad is so pushy when it comes to doing his doctor-thing, and if he can combine it with solving a mystery…he is so there! It felt as though Grandfather only had a cameo piece, although he was fun with his costume and ravens, but his personality really didn't shine through. Mother wasn't as present nor was Rose Noire. Rob popped in, and I loved his part in this. I especially enjoyed how active his company was with those costumes! I am so jealous!! Y'all have got to check out the coat of arms! I want one! Hmmm, I want one of those robot costumes too…
I'm rather envious of the town. Seems that people really pull together to accomplish things. Most places would need to do a study, argue with a committee for six months, and maybe get it done in two years. Nope, in Caerphilly, it just takes overnight.
Meg is an indulgent mom with all those costume changes, lol. A girl (and the boys) after my own heart. I loved the bit where Andrews describes the evolution of Jamie's costumes — ahh, if only we had all had moms like that, *giggle*. Then poor Meg gets shot down when her concept and Josh's concept of a robot costume clashes. Ya can't help but feel for her. I'm not sure if I'd've been as complacent about it as Meg. No, no, I'm positive I wouldn't have.
Meg's annoyance with Lydia Van Meter is justified and funny in that want your cake and eat it too way. Meg doesn't want to run the Halloween festival, but she hates how Lydia deals with it. I do have to grant that Meg is absolutely right — and that's before things get really deep in Caerphilly. Just look at Meg's suggestion about the protesters. I do appreciate Meg's honesty in admitting to herself that some of her irritation is that she'd have done things differently from Lydia.
Oh, yeah! Scarecrows set up to simulate a zombie attack, lol.
I know that in the past I've whined about Andrews mentioning that bloody "notebook-that-tells-me-when-to-breathe" much too often, and Andrews has almost cut it out of this one. I don't mean to be a hypocrite, but if I hadn't read the previous stories, I wouldn't have picked up on it in Lord of the Wings. And, ahem, when is Meg gonna get an iPad? I'd think it'd be easier…
I may not agree with Dr. Smoot's taste in décor, but ya gotta appreciate a man who's willing to go with what he likes. I enjoyed Grandfather's blending of science and the spirit of Halloween as well. What a great way to spark children's interests!
"'Always open season on tourists,' Osgood said with a straight face. 'The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries considers them a nuisance species…'"It's a great story for those who are working to promote their towns with ideas on how to generate some income. A few stories back, Caerphilly almost went bankrupt thanks to one family's shenanigans, so the core characters have been working hard.
It's also cozy family fun and an easy read.
The Story
It's another holiday and Mayor Randall Shiffley has turned Caerphilly, Virginia into Spooky City, USA. The residents are covering every window with cobwebs and roaming the streets in costume to entertain the tourists, and Meg's grandfather is opening a new "Creatures of the Night" exhibit in the zoo.
When a suspicious fire burns the museum and a body is found, Meg Langslow surrenders her home as a safer party venue. But all too soon a real body mars the town's creepy fun, and it's up to Meg to save Halloween.
The Characters
Meg Langslow is a blacksmith and mom to twin boys: Josh and Jamie. Michael Waterston is her husband who teaches drama at the local college; he's also heir apparent for the drama chair. The llamas are still trotting around and being coopted into various roles, *more laughter*. They even have their own llama costume closet. Spike is their "Small Evil One". Do NOT try to pet him! Dahlia Waterston is Michael's mother, and now known as "Grammy".
Rob Langslow is her somewhat scattered lawyer brother, who made his fortune with a computer game. Mutant Wizards is his computer gaming company. Sounds like it's taking off in a variety of directions. Tinkerbell is his Irish wolfhound. Rose Noire is their cousin. Both she and Rob live with Meg and Michael.
Dad, Dr. Langslow, loves to stick his nose into everything. So, it helps that he's now Caerphilly's medical examiner. Mother has exquisite taste. Their grandfather, Dr. Montgomery Blake, owns Caerphilly Zoo; he's a famous zoologist and environmentalist. Caroline runs a local private wildlife sanctuary and is one of Grandfather's usual allies — and one of the few able to boss him around. She also organizes Blake's Brigade, a loosely organized group of fanatically devoted bird and animal lovers who volunteer to help Grandfather with his animal welfare and environmental projects. They must have a blast with all the odd calls-to-arms they have! Vincent Price is a thirteen-foot male alligator. Dr. Clarence Rutledge is the local veterinarian.
Randall Shiffley is the current mayor of Caerphilly. The thoughtless and self-absorbed Lydia Van Meter was recently hired to a new position, Special Assistant to the Mayor.
Caerphilly PD
Chief Burke has come to accept Meg's help. Debbie Ann is the emergency dispatcher. Deputies Vern Shiffley; Aida Butler, who's a friend of Meg's (her Aunt Niobe is acclaimed as one of the best cooks in the county); Sammy Wendell; and, Jabba the Hut, who is a civilian liaison in costume, are all working this week. Deputy Paulsen is on loan from Goochland County.
Horace Hollingsworth is one of Meg's cousins who likes to wear an ape costume. He's also Caerphilly's current scene-of-crime investigator. Cousin Festus Hollingsworth is a very good defense attorney.
Chief Jim Featherstone is head of the fire department.
The Goblin Patrol is…
…more properly known as the Visitor Relations and Police Liaison Patrol. Meg is heading this, and she's enjoying the more limited role. Charlie Gardner is her second-in-command. Other patrollers include Osgood Shiffley who runs the gas station and is one of Randall's cousins; Ragnar Ragnarsen is the closest thing Caerphilly has to a celebrity — a retired heavy metal drummer; Ashley Shiffley is another cousin; and, Thor Larson (he works for Grandmother Cordelia, one of Meg's grandmothers, during semester breaks and summer vacations).
Dr. Smoot is obsessed with all things vampire (the Chief is so pleased he's no longer the local medical examiner!) Now he's struggling to open Caerphilly Museum of Oddities and Antiquities about the town's history, and it's this year's Haunted House (it's the Smoot family house left to Smoot by Aunt Venicia).
Muriel owns the local diner. Mason and Noah are Jamie and Josh's best friends. The Reverend Robyn Smith is rector at Trinity Episcopal. Harris Griswald bought his wife, Becky, one butt-ugly brooch. Branson Flugleman runs the feed store. Mrs. Ellie Draper is the head librarian. Dr. Sengupta is an orthopedist. Dr. Carper is treating Smoot. The Rancid Dead are a local heavy metal band who play throughout the festival. Luigi owns the pizza restaurant. Frank Ledbetter owns the Caerphilly Clarion and has his own take on Brimfield's demands.
The Shiffleys are…
…an old Caerphilly family who have stuck around. Arabella Shiffley was one of their black sheep. She married a no-good, dishonest bootlegger, Billy Pratherton. Yep, he was unlike the honest bootleggers in the family, ahem. Arabella Pratherton Walmsley is a great-granddaughter who died in an accident as she was tracking down ancestors. Mary Walmsley is Arabella's mother. Randall is renting his aunt's house's to Lydia. Judge Jane will help at the museum. Cousin Peewee owns the field where they'll set up the concert venue. Velma Shiffley is the kids' teacher.
The Brimfields are…
…another old Caerphilly family who fled in the 1930s. Josiah is the current head of the family. William Henry Harrison Brimfield , John Tyler Brimfield, and Millard Fillmore Brimfield were in and around World War I.
The Paltroons are…
…members of the DAR in Caerphilly. Captain-Major-Colonel Habakkuk Paltroon fought in the Revolutionary War. The current Mrs. Paltroon is a snob and a pain in the neck. She'll get her fall, lol. Meanwhile, she's holding court at the Weed booth. Dr. Gwinnett Cavendish is an art restoration and conservation expert.
The Pruitts are…
…the longtime family who almost bankrupted Caerphilly.
The scavenger hunt is…
…wreaking havoc on the festival with all the stunts they're pulling. The prize is a copy of Vampire Colonies II published by Mutant Wizards. Justin Klapcroft is only the first. James Green has a spotted past and not much of a future. Tyler Rasmussen has an ornery father. Wayne Smith is a student at Christopher Newport University.
The Raven Clan is…
…but one of the clans at the festival and is in charge of decorating the barn. And what they're doing running around with real swords, I don't know. Norton Brewer is a nineteen-year-old computer science major; the Elders of Clan Raven include Bill Higgins, Tony Ruiz, and Celia Smith.
A LARP is a live action role-playing game.
The Cover and Title
The cover is Halloween orange with ravens flying over the silhouette of the perfect "haunted" three-story Victorian house. True to the story, there is one raven with the "one ring".
The title is pushing it a bit to continue with Andrews' avian theme for titles, but it is catchy as it plays off the Lord of the Rings idea with that naughty raven who is the Lord of the Wings.
April 25, 2020
I'm starting to think of myself as a relative of Meg's and wanting to go and visit her!
September 8, 2025
3.75🌟
Mood Reader Season/ Vibes: Autumn
Cool concept! A little convoluted and it took me a while to get through so I spent some time just trying to remember all the characters.
Mood Reader Season/ Vibes: Autumn
Cool concept! A little convoluted and it took me a while to get through so I spent some time just trying to remember all the characters.
August 14, 2015
It's Halloween and the town has a huge Halloween festival planned. Normally Meg would be the one running things, but they've hired a woman named Lydia to take over. Meg should be relieved, but finds that she and Lydia don't work well together. Why? That's mainly because Lydia is totally disorganized and has no clue how things work in a small town being invaded by crazed tourist who spend most of the time vandalizing and pretending to be vampires and zombies. It's a security nightmare. That's where Meg comes in since she's on "Goblin Patrol".
The book is pretty hectic, with Meg running all over the place trying to control the masses. She's also investigating stupid pranks, vandalism, theft, arson, and even murder. It all just seems incredibly out of control and dangerous.
It made me tired reading about Meg trying to do everything. There are so many characters and events strung together, it was hard to enjoy any of the characters or humor. It was over the top, but not in a good way.
The book is pretty hectic, with Meg running all over the place trying to control the masses. She's also investigating stupid pranks, vandalism, theft, arson, and even murder. It all just seems incredibly out of control and dangerous.
It made me tired reading about Meg trying to do everything. There are so many characters and events strung together, it was hard to enjoy any of the characters or humor. It was over the top, but not in a good way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2015
“It’s Halloween in Caerphilly and the town has come up with another festival to bring in the tourists. Meg Langslow is heading up the “Goblin Patrol”, there’s trouble at the Haunted House, and body parts are being found at the zoo. Meg is once again called in to save the day and solve the crime. If you enjoy your mysteries packed with humor and fun, don’t miss this return to Caerphilly with Meg and her zany family and friends.”
Karen Emery, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN
Karen Emery, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN
September 30, 2015
I'm sorry if this review is messy, but I had to write in on my phone.
I only made it to chapter 5 before calling it quits on this book. It's very disappointing because I was really looking forward to reading it, but it's just not the book for me.
I absolutely hate the character of Meg. She thinks very highly of herself, and seems to be annoyed with everyone who, in her opinion, does something "wrong," which means they don't do it the way she would have done it. She used to be a volunteer, but now they hired a woman, Lydia, for the position, and Meg hates her, simply because she's annoying and disorganized. There's one point in the book where she thinks to herself something along the lines of, "I worked way harder than Lydia and also had a family to take care of and I did that as a volunteer," so obviously that means Meg is a much better worker/person than Lydia is.
The characterization of Meg was also all over the place. She's a grown woman with two six year old twin boys, but she'll mutter "chill" to herself when she's being especially judgmental. At one point, she visits Lydia and sees how disorganized she is, and thinks to herself that she would have loved to bring a big book with her to read while she's waiting for Lydia, to show off her intelligence and superiority.
She's also this way with her twins, Josh and Jamie. While they're on their way to a zoo, one of them wonders if Dr. Smoot, a vampire enthusiast, has fangs. Meg worries to herself and wonders where they would have heard such a thing, because apparently, six year olds are too young to know about that stuff. Yet, when they're in the zoo and visiting the naked mole rat exhibit, one kid yells the word naked and the first graders laugh. Meg then wonders if they're really that immature, even though she had previously worried about her kids being too young to know what fangs are.
Other than that, the pacing in this book was all over the place, there aren't that many descriptions of things, besides the Halloween decorations in the town, and the writing is absolutely awful.
This was my first Meg Langslow mystery, and it is also definitely my last.
I only made it to chapter 5 before calling it quits on this book. It's very disappointing because I was really looking forward to reading it, but it's just not the book for me.
I absolutely hate the character of Meg. She thinks very highly of herself, and seems to be annoyed with everyone who, in her opinion, does something "wrong," which means they don't do it the way she would have done it. She used to be a volunteer, but now they hired a woman, Lydia, for the position, and Meg hates her, simply because she's annoying and disorganized. There's one point in the book where she thinks to herself something along the lines of, "I worked way harder than Lydia and also had a family to take care of and I did that as a volunteer," so obviously that means Meg is a much better worker/person than Lydia is.
The characterization of Meg was also all over the place. She's a grown woman with two six year old twin boys, but she'll mutter "chill" to herself when she's being especially judgmental. At one point, she visits Lydia and sees how disorganized she is, and thinks to herself that she would have loved to bring a big book with her to read while she's waiting for Lydia, to show off her intelligence and superiority.
She's also this way with her twins, Josh and Jamie. While they're on their way to a zoo, one of them wonders if Dr. Smoot, a vampire enthusiast, has fangs. Meg worries to herself and wonders where they would have heard such a thing, because apparently, six year olds are too young to know about that stuff. Yet, when they're in the zoo and visiting the naked mole rat exhibit, one kid yells the word naked and the first graders laugh. Meg then wonders if they're really that immature, even though she had previously worried about her kids being too young to know what fangs are.
Other than that, the pacing in this book was all over the place, there aren't that many descriptions of things, besides the Halloween decorations in the town, and the writing is absolutely awful.
This was my first Meg Langslow mystery, and it is also definitely my last.
August 26, 2015
I wait for Donna Andrews' books like a kid waiting for summer. I enjoy getting to catch up with Meg and her zany family. I love the humor and the scenarios.
This one is a new favorite. It's the first one that she's set at Halloween. There have been other Christmas themes and a few summer ones, but Halloween is a great setting.
It's the first annual Halloween festival in Caerphilly and this time instead of organizing the whole thing, Meg is running the security force known as the 'Goblin Patrol'. She's not as swamped as usual thanks to her 6 year old twins who are in school. But she still gets plenty of calls from the actual organizer, Lydia Van Meter.
The first hint of trouble comes from the Haunted House, run by vampire enthusiast and former claustrophobe, Dr. Smoot. The Haunted House was broken into and since it holds the newly formed Caerphilly Museum of Oddities and Antiquities, he's worried.
Then the zoo discovers body parts and finally a body. Both the murder and break-ins seem to be tied to a scavenger hunt that centered around the zoo and museum.
Meg has to manage the Goblins, make costumes for her sons, find lawyers for the scavenger hunt participants who got arrested, liaise with Mutant Wizards for Chief Burke, and deal with the ever annoying Lydia, who's getting paid to do Meg's former volunteer position, and ticking off the townspeople.
The usual humor and fun from Donna Andrews. Not a tough mystery to figure out, but there were some interesting twists that led to motive.
I really enjoyed the costume they inflicted on the 'Small Evil One' and the unkindness of ravens that Dr. Blake saddled himself with.
This one is a new favorite. It's the first one that she's set at Halloween. There have been other Christmas themes and a few summer ones, but Halloween is a great setting.
It's the first annual Halloween festival in Caerphilly and this time instead of organizing the whole thing, Meg is running the security force known as the 'Goblin Patrol'. She's not as swamped as usual thanks to her 6 year old twins who are in school. But she still gets plenty of calls from the actual organizer, Lydia Van Meter.
The first hint of trouble comes from the Haunted House, run by vampire enthusiast and former claustrophobe, Dr. Smoot. The Haunted House was broken into and since it holds the newly formed Caerphilly Museum of Oddities and Antiquities, he's worried.
Then the zoo discovers body parts and finally a body. Both the murder and break-ins seem to be tied to a scavenger hunt that centered around the zoo and museum.
Meg has to manage the Goblins, make costumes for her sons, find lawyers for the scavenger hunt participants who got arrested, liaise with Mutant Wizards for Chief Burke, and deal with the ever annoying Lydia, who's getting paid to do Meg's former volunteer position, and ticking off the townspeople.
The usual humor and fun from Donna Andrews. Not a tough mystery to figure out, but there were some interesting twists that led to motive.
I really enjoyed the costume they inflicted on the 'Small Evil One' and the unkindness of ravens that Dr. Blake saddled himself with.
June 16, 2016
Halloween Antics In Caerphilly
A visit to Caerphilly and the Langslows is always amusing. This book does not disappoint. It is Halloween in Caerphilly and the town is hosting a Halloween festival. Rob and his company, Mutant Wizard are featured. Dr. Smoot is in all his glory with the Haunted House. Meg and Michael are on Goblin Patrol as someone is leaving fake body parts around. Grandfather has a group of Ravens following him. A stranger' s body is found in the Haunted House. He was shot with through the head. While you can read this series as a stand alone it is better. Read in order.
A visit to Caerphilly and the Langslows is always amusing. This book does not disappoint. It is Halloween in Caerphilly and the town is hosting a Halloween festival. Rob and his company, Mutant Wizard are featured. Dr. Smoot is in all his glory with the Haunted House. Meg and Michael are on Goblin Patrol as someone is leaving fake body parts around. Grandfather has a group of Ravens following him. A stranger' s body is found in the Haunted House. He was shot with through the head. While you can read this series as a stand alone it is better. Read in order.
October 15, 2025
Make that the sixth time I've listened to this book -- it's become an annual tradition and it never gets old. Love this series sooooo much!
That this is the third time in three years I've listened to 'Lord of the Wings' should convey how much I love this mystery, this series and the whole eclectic Langslow/Waterson clan! Especially as narrated by Bernadette Dunne. The Halloweeniest of Halloween cozies with the kind of madcap mayhem Donna Andrews faithfully delivers. I'm still giddy just thinking about it. And the mystery is soooooo good. Lots of layers and twisty turns. And you can't beat these characters. A perfect Halloween read...or listen.
That this is the third time in three years I've listened to 'Lord of the Wings' should convey how much I love this mystery, this series and the whole eclectic Langslow/Waterson clan! Especially as narrated by Bernadette Dunne. The Halloweeniest of Halloween cozies with the kind of madcap mayhem Donna Andrews faithfully delivers. I'm still giddy just thinking about it. And the mystery is soooooo good. Lots of layers and twisty turns. And you can't beat these characters. A perfect Halloween read...or listen.
September 6, 2018
Caerphilly, VA tries to raise some much needed cash by holding a Halloween festival, and for once Meg Langslow isn't running things. The mayor has hired an assistant, who is in charge. But she disappears in the middle of the book, so Meg shoulders the burden, including the two mysterious deaths and the strange scavenger hunt that is disrupting things. There's not quite as much about Meg's family, as the three-day festival takes virtually all her time and energy.
November 5, 2016
“It’s Halloween in Caerphilly and the town has come up with another festival to bring in the tourists."
My Take:
This wasn't my favorite book in the series. It could have been titled, "Two Murders Nobody Really Cares About Are Accidentally Solved While Meg Does Halloween." Sadly, Meg didn't seem to enjoy Halloween this year. I thought this book lacked the charm of the early books that pulled me in and made me want to read more about Meg and her family.
My Take:
This wasn't my favorite book in the series. It could have been titled, "Two Murders Nobody Really Cares About Are Accidentally Solved While Meg Does Halloween." Sadly, Meg didn't seem to enjoy Halloween this year. I thought this book lacked the charm of the early books that pulled me in and made me want to read more about Meg and her family.
December 26, 2015
A great one to get you into the halloween spirit; it's chock full of vampires and zombies and haunted houses. Best of all the crazy-eccentric characters that make this series stand out among the rest.
Wordier review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/127354...
Wordier review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/127354...
October 23, 2025
This is one of my favorite series. I love Meg, her family and the town members of Caerphilly. This is the 19th in the series, and I love it as much now as in the beginning.
It's Halloween and Meg is helping with the Halloween festival. So many of our favorite characters are back, even if just for a quick cameo. Grandfather is running a Creatures of the Night exhibit at the Caerphilly Zoo. During a field trip with the twins, fake body parts start cropping up in the animal inclosures. The body parts might be fake, but the body that is found outside the zoo isn't fake!
Meg uncovers a secret scavenger hunt and starts to look into how it might relate to the dead body. As usual, Meg is always on the run, solving clues and getting very little sleep!
It's Halloween and Meg is helping with the Halloween festival. So many of our favorite characters are back, even if just for a quick cameo. Grandfather is running a Creatures of the Night exhibit at the Caerphilly Zoo. During a field trip with the twins, fake body parts start cropping up in the animal inclosures. The body parts might be fake, but the body that is found outside the zoo isn't fake!
Meg uncovers a secret scavenger hunt and starts to look into how it might relate to the dead body. As usual, Meg is always on the run, solving clues and getting very little sleep!
September 10, 2020
Another enjoyable read from Donna Andrews who does a first-rate job of getting clues to her amateur sleuth via perfectly plausible means. Love the characters and look forward to reading another in the series.
October 17, 2019
The town of Caerphilly, VA is hosting a Halloween event that is family friendly during daylight hours and for adults during the evening hours. Randall Shiffley hired a young woman, Lydia, to run the event and Meg was volunteered to lead the Goblin Brigade. The Goblin Brigade is the nickname for the liaisons between the police and tourists and the locals. But Meg is being run ragged, still putting out fires all over the place. Dr. Smoot's house/haunted house/museum was broken into, but nothing appeared to have been taken. People are causing trouble at Dr. Blake's zoo and a body is found. It seems that someone started a LARPers version scavenger hunt where you have a certain amount of time to find and send in proof and then you get a new list. As the event continues more things begin to happen and then Lydia disappears as the Smoot House is set on fire, Smoot is found injured and another body is found. Is she a victim, an accomplice or just not involved.
I love having these books play as I drive as my kids are almost always with me and they start giggling over silly things that are read, i.e. the Ravens saying, "Nevermore," "Doom, doom," or "Room Service." Another was the pun of a coat of arms (a coat with extra arms all doing things). I love to hear them giggling or laughing and as they are teens these times are few and far between.
This book is also part of series and thankfully this series does not need to be read in order.
I love having these books play as I drive as my kids are almost always with me and they start giggling over silly things that are read, i.e. the Ravens saying, "Nevermore," "Doom, doom," or "Room Service." Another was the pun of a coat of arms (a coat with extra arms all doing things). I love to hear them giggling or laughing and as they are teens these times are few and far between.
This book is also part of series and thankfully this series does not need to be read in order.
December 22, 2017
Caerphilly, PA is having their first Halloween Festival and be ready for a reading marathon filled with laughter, wonderful descriptions, unique and rememberable characters, witty dialog, and murders most foul.
If you get hungry you can visit the Baptists for their fried chicken meals, or the Catholics for their fried fish meals, or the Episcopalians for their Ham dinners, among the street foods offered.
What is there to do? Well, The Fun Fair, Outside Concerts, The Haunted House and the Zoo, with it's 'Creatures of the Night' exhibit. In fact, people are dying to get in....no one is sure why?
Meg Lanslow and her husband, Michael with their multitudes of relatives, friends, and neighbors are on 'Goblin Patrol' to try and keep order. When there is an arson fire at the Museum/Haunted House, The patrols step up!
This author is top of her craft. I save these novels up for when I want a 'sure' read. Which is why I was reading Halloween in the midst of my Christmas preparations. I still have two more new novels (to me,) stored up and I'm going to have one Happy Holiday Season. Join me!
If you get hungry you can visit the Baptists for their fried chicken meals, or the Catholics for their fried fish meals, or the Episcopalians for their Ham dinners, among the street foods offered.
What is there to do? Well, The Fun Fair, Outside Concerts, The Haunted House and the Zoo, with it's 'Creatures of the Night' exhibit. In fact, people are dying to get in....no one is sure why?
Meg Lanslow and her husband, Michael with their multitudes of relatives, friends, and neighbors are on 'Goblin Patrol' to try and keep order. When there is an arson fire at the Museum/Haunted House, The patrols step up!
This author is top of her craft. I save these novels up for when I want a 'sure' read. Which is why I was reading Halloween in the midst of my Christmas preparations. I still have two more new novels (to me,) stored up and I'm going to have one Happy Holiday Season. Join me!
October 5, 2015
This should not be the first book you read in this series. The amazing relationships between many of the characters are relied on instead of developed. Overall, the novel felt disjointed and not as smooth flowing as previous in the series. The biggest negative of this book was the sub-plot with the We read this book for Meg and don't need her toned down. I love Meg and I wish her blacksmithing had had more opportunity to shine here. (Or, y'know, any opportunity.) I also love the interactions with her family and would love to see them more involved in the action such as in previous stories.
The best part of this novel is by far Ragnar Ragnarson. He was adorable and fascinating and I look forward to him becoming a reappearing character. I'd love to delve into his love life, back story, and amazingly absurd mansion!
The best part of this novel is by far Ragnar Ragnarson. He was adorable and fascinating and I look forward to him becoming a reappearing character. I'd love to delve into his love life, back story, and amazingly absurd mansion!
August 25, 2015
The town of Caerphilly is hosting the first annual Halloween festival, and Meg is hoping she can take it easy since she is only in charge of the Goblin Patrol, the extra volunteer security force. However, a break in at the haunted house, a foot in the alligators, and a dead body complicate matters.
I love this series, and this book is another fun addition. When I realized it was set at Halloween, I almost set it aside until October, but I just couldn’t wait. The characters are strong and charming as always, and the various aspects of the plot keep things moving forward quickly. I was disappointed that one character introduced a couple books back is once again absent, but that is my only complaint in another fantastic read.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I love this series, and this book is another fun addition. When I realized it was set at Halloween, I almost set it aside until October, but I just couldn’t wait. The characters are strong and charming as always, and the various aspects of the plot keep things moving forward quickly. I was disappointed that one character introduced a couple books back is once again absent, but that is my only complaint in another fantastic read.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 26, 2015
3.5 stars. I still enjoy spending time with Meg and her friends and extensive family. But I am having a harder time with the "small town hijinks". Caerphilly, Virginia is small enough that everyone knows everyone else, and most folks are related to each other one way or another. It has at least 3 churches (Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Baptist). It has a hospital and a college, but no other visible means of support. Yet they pull off week-long festivals, which Meg has organized in the past. This year, they are having a huge Halloween fest. Someone else has been hired as organizer - not Meg, and not anyone else's family member, either. Really? Once again, when things go wrong, they are able to change venues, find a bunch of cousins who can build a stage in an afternoon, etc. Just starting to get a little hard to swallow.
That said, it's still a funny, entertaining read.
That said, it's still a funny, entertaining read.
July 11, 2025
Another fun entry in the long-running Meg Langslow series. It is late October, and Caerphilly is having its first annual Halloween festival. For once, Meg doesn't have to organize the whole thing, because the mayor has hired an event coordinator. Only she's not working out all that well....
A twisted scavenger hunt, role-playing vampires, and Dr. Smoot's odd town museum keep things hopping. Then someone follows up the scavengers' fake body parts with a real body. Eeeek!
This is probably not the best place to start this series, since a lot of the fun is revisiting old friends and old haunts. But it's definitely worth reading.
A twisted scavenger hunt, role-playing vampires, and Dr. Smoot's odd town museum keep things hopping. Then someone follows up the scavengers' fake body parts with a real body. Eeeek!
This is probably not the best place to start this series, since a lot of the fun is revisiting old friends and old haunts. But it's definitely worth reading.
June 15, 2018
Meg is trying to manage Halloween, juggling between the town's celebration where she is in charge of the 'Goblin Patrol' which is handling the problems with visitors (visitor relations) and with her twins and their demands for costumes, etc. Her brother Rob is still living on the third floor of her house and her cousin Rose Noir is still living at her house as well. But the house is so big that it's not a problem. Then a problem starts with people trying to break into her grandfather's zoo - then they find a body in the woods. It seems the break-ins and maybe the death are related to some sort of scavenger hunt going on.
July 10, 2019
Another fine Meg Langslow story by Donna Andrews. It's Halloween and the town is abuzz with all the Haunted Houses and fairs going on to celebrate the holiday weekend. Tourists are everywhere, and soon there's mischief afoot - and a murder.
This series never seems to grow old or stale. You can read them out of order and not be lost. There were a few seemingly separate stories going on at the same time, and they all nicely pulled together at the end. I had no clue who was behind all that was going on, and it made sense at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will continue the series with reading pleasure.
This series never seems to grow old or stale. You can read them out of order and not be lost. There were a few seemingly separate stories going on at the same time, and they all nicely pulled together at the end. I had no clue who was behind all that was going on, and it made sense at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will continue the series with reading pleasure.
September 23, 2017
This book is # 19 in a series. It could stand alone, but I think it is more fun to read in order so you have a good understanding of how the characters work together and which ones are related to each other. Join the crazy life of Meg and Micheal and their 6 year old Twins as Halloween is being celebrated. Of Course a body or two enters the story and Meg goes about trying to solve the mystery and motive. I thought for sure I had it all figured out, but one more twist was added. This is a series that I can read just for fun.
June 6, 2015
I always enjoy Meg Langslow books. They make you laugh and use your brain to keep up with Meg and her family solving their current case. It's Halloween in Caerphilly, VA and the town is going all out to celebrate. When they find a dead body at the zoo and have a fire in the haunted museum it's time to solve the crimes before someone, mainly Meg, get hurt. A great cozy, smoothly written and a joy to read. Can't wait for #20.
November 11, 2025
I'm 9 chapters in and am falling asleep while at work. Donna Andrews books are usually more engaging than this. I've listened to her other 18 books in the series and each has been engaging but this one I'm just about to quit because there is just way too much fluff. It's been 2 hours of listening at 1.2 speed and just keeps getting worse. I'm hoping that it picks up soon.
Fortunately the book eventually picked up but it definitely is my least favorite of the books so far.
Fortunately the book eventually picked up but it definitely is my least favorite of the books so far.
October 30, 2023
I think the author forgot that the point of a book is to tell a story.
How can someone come up with such an interesting concept for a book (a Halloween scavenger hunt turned deadly) and then write about someone just driving around town telling people their crap in the local museum might get stolen? Wasted premise.
How can someone come up with such an interesting concept for a book (a Halloween scavenger hunt turned deadly) and then write about someone just driving around town telling people their crap in the local museum might get stolen? Wasted premise.
February 11, 2016
It's Halloween and a town wide festival is happening. Body parts, vampires, and a haunted house all play into the mystery and zaniness of Meg's life and hunt for a killer.
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