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Meg Langslow #22
How the Finch Stole Christmas!
How the Finch Stole Christmas!
Meg's husband has decided to escalate his one-man show of Dickens' A Christmas Carol into a full-scale production with a large cast including their sons Jamie and Josh as Tiny Tim and young Scrooge and Meg helping as stage manager.
When a famous, though slightly over-the-hill, actor comes to town to play the starring role of Scrooge, no one expects that he’s bringing a lot of baggage and enemies with him.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2017
411 people are currently reading
1825 people want to read
About the author
Donna Andrews
103 books2,091 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 399 reviews
November 30, 2025
I adore all of the books in Donna Andrews’ fabulous Meg Langslow series, and her Christmas novels are special favorites at this time of year. HOW THE FINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS was a delight with all my favorite Caerphilly characters showing up to play a part, Meg’s grandfather trying to rescue endangered finches the fish and wildlife department needs a home for at the same time as the drama department and Michael are going bananas because the lead in the Christmas Carol play, a famous actor who has been hired to play Scrooge, can’t stop getting drunk and generally being a pill. The small-town hijinks, delightful small town characters, and adorable animals always make this series fun, and the notes of Christmas cheer were perfectly done! 5/5 stars.
July 18, 2021
In this 22nd book in the 'Meg Langslow' series, Meg - who's a blacksmith, wife, mother, and amateur sleuth - helps save animals from an unscrupulous purveyor and assists in the pursuit of a killer. The book can be read as a standalone, though familiarity with the characters is a perk.
*****
It's almost Christmas in Caerphilly, Virginia and Meg Langslow is assisting her husband - actor and drama professor Michael Waterston - stage an elaborate production of 'A Christmas Carol.'
Michael hires Malcolm Haver, a television star from three decades ago, to play Scrooge - which turns out to be a mistake. Haver comes to rehearsals late; is always drunk; can't find his mark on the stage; complains about his costume; and so on. However, Haver has an ironclad contract and can't be fired.
In addition, Haver is an entitled and eccentric individual. He criticizes his 'terrible accommodations' at the Caerphilly Inn (which is really very nice); is rude and overbearing; and maneuvers to buy an exotic Gouldian finch, a group of which are being used for another Christmas festivity.
Gouldian finches
Meanwhile, almost everyone in Caerphilly is conspiring to keep Haver sober - by not selling him alcohol; searching his hotel room; monitoring his dressing room; confiscating his whiskey; and so on. Nevertheless, the wily actor keeps getting liquored up. In an attempt to deal with the problem Meg arranges for a sober companion to watch over the old thespian.
Before the sober companion arrives, however, Meg sees Haver sneaking away from the theater and follows the oblivious actor, hoping to discover who's selling him liquor.
Meg detects the identity of the enabler AND learns that the same person is harboring exotic animals and running a puppy mill.
The discovery of the illegal/mistreated animals leads to a dawn raid on the culprit's barn by law enforcement and animal lovers (especially Meg's relatives).
To add to the drama, a murder occurs and Malcolm Haver is suspected of the crime. This throws 'The Christmas Carol' into disarray, since the lead actor may be a no-show. Will the play go on? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Many favorite recurring characters are on hand, including: Meg's mother - the world's best 'fixer'; Meg's father - the medical examiner; Meg's grandfather - the zoo director and a committed animal activist; Meg's twin sons, Josh and Jamie, who have small parts in 'A Christmas Carol'; the Reverend Robyn Smith - who's trying to figure out what 'Weaseltide' is; Ekaterina Vorobyaninova - the owner of the Caerphilly Inn (and an excellent spy vis a vis the residents); and others.
I enjoyed the book, which is an amusing cozy mystery, and a pleasant read for the Christmas season.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
November 16, 2017
Meg Langslow's husband, Michael is directing the annual charity benefit production of A Christmas Carol. Instead of Michael's usual one man show, this time they have hired a big-name actor to star in the production, but Malcolm Haver has been a problem from day one. He's a raging alcoholic, chronically late, and just a complete pain. Both Meg and Michael hope that having Haver in the cast will boost ticket sales, if his out of control drinking doesn't wreck the entire production. Haver's contract prevents him from being fired so Meg and her extended family struggle to keep him sober enough to perform. This means following him around town and hiring a "minder'' to be sure nobody sells or gives him alcohol. Add in the annual Christmas pageant at church, the discovery of an animal smuggling ring, and her grandfather pestering everyone to foster finches seized from the smugglers, and the holiday season is keeping Meg extremely busy. When a dead body is discovered in the snow and their cantankerous star actor is a murder suspect, the holiday season gets even less jolly. Can Meg and her rag tag group of friends and family make sure the Christmas productions go off without a hitch, solve the murder and break the ring of animal smugglers before the holiday season becomes a complete disaster?
This is the first book by Donna Andrews that I've read. It's #22 in the Meg Langslow series, but I was able to jump in and enjoy the story without having read any of the previous books. I could tell that I wasn't up to snuff with some of the background or personalities of the characters from previous stories, but I was still able to very much enjoy this Christmas-y cozy mystery. My favorite character by far is Meg's grandfather. He is a side character and not as developed as some of the other more main players....but his personality is just delightful. His attempts to sneak multitudes of finches into the 12 Days of Christmas display at the theater and his habit of discussing inappropriate topics (like murdered hunters and how to fingerprint dead bodies bloated by laying in water for days) at the dinner table just made him the shining star of this book, in my opinion. There wasn't a single character I didn't like (well, except maybe for the horrific Malcolm Haver), and I liked the nice mix of mystery and humor. The plot moved along at a nice pace, and the mystery definitely had a few unexpected twists and turns. All in all, a very enjoyable cozy mystery!
I liked the fact that this book wasn't in a hurry to get to the murder. There was a nice bit of story before the body popped up. The side mystery of the animal smugglers didn't over-power the murder mystery portion of the plot.....the two intertwined to make a wonderfully complex investigation. The story moves along at a nice pace, and had several surprises! Nicely done!
This is a fun book to read. It's a nice mix of holiday theme, humor, fun characters and mystery. I will definitely be going back to read the earlier books in this series. I think this will be a cozy series that I will enjoy!
For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://donnaandrews.com/
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from St Martins Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This is the first book by Donna Andrews that I've read. It's #22 in the Meg Langslow series, but I was able to jump in and enjoy the story without having read any of the previous books. I could tell that I wasn't up to snuff with some of the background or personalities of the characters from previous stories, but I was still able to very much enjoy this Christmas-y cozy mystery. My favorite character by far is Meg's grandfather. He is a side character and not as developed as some of the other more main players....but his personality is just delightful. His attempts to sneak multitudes of finches into the 12 Days of Christmas display at the theater and his habit of discussing inappropriate topics (like murdered hunters and how to fingerprint dead bodies bloated by laying in water for days) at the dinner table just made him the shining star of this book, in my opinion. There wasn't a single character I didn't like (well, except maybe for the horrific Malcolm Haver), and I liked the nice mix of mystery and humor. The plot moved along at a nice pace, and the mystery definitely had a few unexpected twists and turns. All in all, a very enjoyable cozy mystery!
I liked the fact that this book wasn't in a hurry to get to the murder. There was a nice bit of story before the body popped up. The side mystery of the animal smugglers didn't over-power the murder mystery portion of the plot.....the two intertwined to make a wonderfully complex investigation. The story moves along at a nice pace, and had several surprises! Nicely done!
This is a fun book to read. It's a nice mix of holiday theme, humor, fun characters and mystery. I will definitely be going back to read the earlier books in this series. I think this will be a cozy series that I will enjoy!
For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://donnaandrews.com/
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from St Martins Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
December 19, 2017
This Christmas, Meg’s husband Michael has turned his one-man production of A Christmas Carol into a full play. In an effort to bring in more people to watch, Malcolm Haver has been cast as Scrooge. Malcolm is best known for a part in a cult TV show from 30 years ago, but he does have a loyal fan base. Unfortunately, he also has a habit of showing up late and drunk. In an effort to find out where Malcolm is getting his alcohol, Meg follows him from the theater one day. Where will Malcolm lead her?
While my teaser doesn’t reveal much of it, there is a mystery, even a murder, in this book. It’s just best to watch it all unfold for yourself. I did feel the ending was a tad weak, and the pacing was a little uneven early on, but these are minor complaints. I love these characters, and they are in fine form here. We get some laughs as grins along the way as always. Really, it’s hard to not have fun while reading this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
While my teaser doesn’t reveal much of it, there is a mystery, even a murder, in this book. It’s just best to watch it all unfold for yourself. I did feel the ending was a tad weak, and the pacing was a little uneven early on, but these are minor complaints. I love these characters, and they are in fine form here. We get some laughs as grins along the way as always. Really, it’s hard to not have fun while reading this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Want to read
November 25, 2017This entire series by author Donna Andrews is so fun. She knows who to write a great mystery that keeps the reader's attention, and make us laugh while doing so. Just when I think she can't come up with another original story for this series, she puts out a book like HOW THE FINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, and I know I'm going to stay hooked, and looking forward to the next!
November 10, 2017
Donna Andrews comes back strong with How the Finch Stole Christmas!, the 22nd book in Andrews’s Meg Langslow series. In the previous Christmas books in this series, we have seen Michael, Meg’s theater professor husband, perform a dramatic recitation of A Christmas Carol to raise money for the local book bank. This year, he has expanded the performance into a complete cast production that will raise money for many of the programs run by the city of Caerphilly, VA throughout the year. To create an even bigger draw than having Michael star as Scrooge, the city has hired a former star who hasn’t had a successful acting job in ages due to his alcoholism. Michael soon gets really upset at the town because they let Haver, the actor, insert language into his contract that makes it virtually impossible to fire Haver, despite the fact that he misses rehearsals, hasn’t learned his lines, and shows up to what rehearsals he does deem worthy of attending quite drunk.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
December 13, 2017
3.5 stars
I am so far behind in this series, sigh. But I just couldn't pass this up when the opportunity to review it arose. Fortunately, the story worked even though I was behind. I think it would probably work as a stand alone even if you've read none of the preceding books. Andrews sprinkled in the necessary back info and character info as needed, sparing us an info dump, and making it easy to understand what was going on.
The story was set at Christmas time, and it made effective use of the holiday; it's integral to the story. Andrews also made effective use of the theater. Meg's husband used to be an actor on a TV show. These days he teaches at a university and directs community theater. I always enjoy her stories that feature or make use of his acting. Not only do we get a behind the scenes glimpse but the authenticity is so strong that I feel like I'm there. Oh, and how could I forget the fan girl? The depiction of both hardcore fans and Internet community was spot on and respectfully handled. Andrews understand the power of fans, of fame, and of bonding.
There were several mysteries going and while I had my suspicions about some matters, Andrews surprised me with some twists. The story lines were original, topical, and entertaining. There were a few places where the story dragged, and the first murder takes place after a slow build up. After that, though, the pace picked up. The mysteries at first seemed disparate but slowly came together and I enjoyed that Meg worked with the police, not in secret or against their wishes. She had reasons for being involved, her involvement made sense, and I liked that.
"How the Finch Stole Christmas" was a entertaining mix of holiday spirit, humor, characterization, and mystery. I had a good time catching up with old friends.
Some favorite quotes:
"I don't think he's a homicidal maniac," I said. "Just a common or garden murderer." "Oh, and that is so much better."
But the stable wasn't unattended. Half a dozen cats sat solemnly in a circle around it, creating the eerie impression that a delegation of Easter Island heads had come along to join the adoration of the magi. Although the effect was rather spoiled by the fact that one of the cats was scrabbling at the manger with his paws, attempting to extract baby Jesus.
"I have no wish to defy the United States government," Manoj said. "But I have even less wish to disobey your grandfather." Nice to know he had his priorities straight.
I am so far behind in this series, sigh. But I just couldn't pass this up when the opportunity to review it arose. Fortunately, the story worked even though I was behind. I think it would probably work as a stand alone even if you've read none of the preceding books. Andrews sprinkled in the necessary back info and character info as needed, sparing us an info dump, and making it easy to understand what was going on.
The story was set at Christmas time, and it made effective use of the holiday; it's integral to the story. Andrews also made effective use of the theater. Meg's husband used to be an actor on a TV show. These days he teaches at a university and directs community theater. I always enjoy her stories that feature or make use of his acting. Not only do we get a behind the scenes glimpse but the authenticity is so strong that I feel like I'm there. Oh, and how could I forget the fan girl? The depiction of both hardcore fans and Internet community was spot on and respectfully handled. Andrews understand the power of fans, of fame, and of bonding.
There were several mysteries going and while I had my suspicions about some matters, Andrews surprised me with some twists. The story lines were original, topical, and entertaining. There were a few places where the story dragged, and the first murder takes place after a slow build up. After that, though, the pace picked up. The mysteries at first seemed disparate but slowly came together and I enjoyed that Meg worked with the police, not in secret or against their wishes. She had reasons for being involved, her involvement made sense, and I liked that.
"How the Finch Stole Christmas" was a entertaining mix of holiday spirit, humor, characterization, and mystery. I had a good time catching up with old friends.
Some favorite quotes:
"I don't think he's a homicidal maniac," I said. "Just a common or garden murderer." "Oh, and that is so much better."
But the stable wasn't unattended. Half a dozen cats sat solemnly in a circle around it, creating the eerie impression that a delegation of Easter Island heads had come along to join the adoration of the magi. Although the effect was rather spoiled by the fact that one of the cats was scrabbling at the manger with his paws, attempting to extract baby Jesus.
"I have no wish to defy the United States government," Manoj said. "But I have even less wish to disobey your grandfather." Nice to know he had his priorities straight.
October 13, 2024
OH how I love these books. Totally and completely love them. And all the wacky characters that come with them.
This time around, Michael [Meg's husband] is putting on The Christmas Carol as a whole, instead of as a one-man play as he has always done. And he has managed to persuade a "has-been" actor to play the part of Scrooge. But that man has a drinking problem and things are not going well. Especially when they find out that someone has been supplying him liquor after everyone had been warned against that very thing. Meg follows him one night and doesn't find booze, but what she does find is much worse and much more dangerous. And chaos ensues, as only it can in Caerphilly.
And the killer is a complete and utter surprise - that is the BEST part of a mystery book.
I loved this book - every second of it. I highly recommend this series to anyone!
This time around, Michael [Meg's husband] is putting on The Christmas Carol as a whole, instead of as a one-man play as he has always done. And he has managed to persuade a "has-been" actor to play the part of Scrooge. But that man has a drinking problem and things are not going well. Especially when they find out that someone has been supplying him liquor after everyone had been warned against that very thing. Meg follows him one night and doesn't find booze, but what she does find is much worse and much more dangerous. And chaos ensues, as only it can in Caerphilly.
And the killer is a complete and utter surprise - that is the BEST part of a mystery book.
I loved this book - every second of it. I highly recommend this series to anyone!
September 11, 2025
Fifth time listening and it's still as delightful as the first time. I can't get enough of Meg Langlsow and the Christmas books are the best.
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More festive murder and mayhem with true Langslow flare. Love the touches of The Christmas Carol woven throughout. I looooooovvvveeee this series so much!!!!!
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More festive murder and mayhem with true Langslow flare. Love the touches of The Christmas Carol woven throughout. I looooooovvvveeee this series so much!!!!!
January 27, 2020
This was supposed to be a Christmas read but I had to wait this long til the reserve came in. I always enjoy these.
December 9, 2017
I enjoy the mystery books about blacksmith Meg Langslow and her extended family in Caerphilly. Here the folks are doing something quite usual for a change; putting on a Christmas production of A Christmas Carol. In trying to keep the visiting big-name actor away from drink, Meg discovers an out-of-town pet hoarder and puppy mill, ready to sell pets for Christmas. A hiker has been found dead early in the tale, and when a second death occurs it starts looking like murder.
The finches of the title are token calling birds to go with the French hens and partridge in the town hall decor. Only, there are more finches every day.... This isn't a big matter so don't worry about them 'stealing Christmas'.
If you enjoy the series you'll love this addition but if you have not tried any, you may as well start here as anywhere, it would be a good introduction. Meg has previously starred in other Christmas mysteries and this is the 22nd book in the series.
I read an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The finches of the title are token calling birds to go with the French hens and partridge in the town hall decor. Only, there are more finches every day.... This isn't a big matter so don't worry about them 'stealing Christmas'.
If you enjoy the series you'll love this addition but if you have not tried any, you may as well start here as anywhere, it would be a good introduction. Meg has previously starred in other Christmas mysteries and this is the 22nd book in the series.
I read an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
December 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in Virginia. The characters were well developed and the story line had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. I did guess who the main villain was near the end before it was revealed, which is always nice when I'm reading a cozy. I would recommend this book to people that love animals, cozy mysteries, and holiday stories.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
December 3, 2017
Love this light-hearted series and this is a great Christmas romp in Caerphilly. There were a few glaring editing errors that sort of surprised me. In one place it said himself instead of myself which made absolutely no sense at all. I am wondering if these types of errors are more prevalent in ebooks? I am also wondering just how old Spike the dog is now since he was around well before Meg’s twins who are now ten year olds.
December 19, 2022
This is everything a good Christmas cozy should be! Although I could’ve done with a little more tacky, I really enjoyed this book! SO cozy, a good mystery and not too obvious of a plot. Yes, thank you Donna Andrews. I’ll be back to read more of your stuff next year!
January 2, 2018
Donna Andrews never, ever disappoints! This newest Meg Langslow mystery delivers the characters (sometimes wacky), the plot, the laughs, and the action that doesn't let the reader go!
October 25, 2017
Meg Langslow is back again. Despite just chasing down errant seagulls just a few months ago (Gone Gull), she's back this Christmas season to celebrate How the Finch Stole Christmas! And to share in the joy of the holiday season, she has brought her whole crazy family to the party, along with special guests.
For this year's Christmas in Caerphilly Festival, Michael decided to change his one-man A Christmas Carol into a full cast, and the town put up the money to hire a well-known actor for the role of Scrooge. Malcolm Haver was quite dashing in his time (which was more than a couple of years ago), but he got the contract to join the cast, thanks to a friend on the college board. And he is enough of a draw for this production, so director Michael decided to make the best of it.
Sadly, professional actor Haver did not decide to make the best of it. His performance is being badly affected by the alcohol he's supposed to be staying away from, and Meg is determined to hunt down whoever his supplier is.
Also on her to-do list in her notebook-that-tells-her-when-to-breathe is to keep her and Michael's two sons moving back and forth to school and rehearsals for both A Christmas Carol and the church pageant, find a minder to separate Malcolm Haver from any kind of liquor, try to keep her father from talking about the corpse of a hunter that was found in a nearby river in public and especially at family dinners, and (of course) to stop her grandfather from forcing finches onto every unsuspecting potential foster bird parent. He currently has more finches than he can keep in his zoo and insists that his friend at the Fish and Wildlife Service are about to rescue even more of the beautiful birds from an animal smuggling operation. Oh, and Reverend Robin has asked her to figure out what "Weaseltide" is, so she'll know if it's okay to celebrate it at the church.
So basically for Meg, it's just another day in Caerphilly.
Join Donna Andrews in celebrating this 22nd book in the Meg Langslow series of witty bird mysteries. There is no family as adorable and insane as Meg's, and there is no time like the holidays to jump into the middle of the craziness and make yourself a part of it all. Andrews' writing is smart and compelling, and you'll feel just at home in her 22nd book as you do in her first. Jump in anywhere in the series, but make sure to celebrate this holiday season with Meg, Michael, their sons, her parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends as well as a literal zoo of animals.
Do I really have to say how much I love this book, and really every book in this series? Meg Langslow is who I want to be when I grow up, and I would read any and every book that Donna Andrews could write about her (or about anyone else). How the Finch Stole Christmas! is a must-read this holiday season, and the perfect reread for Christmases to come!
Galleys for How the Finch Stole Christmas! were provided by St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.
For this year's Christmas in Caerphilly Festival, Michael decided to change his one-man A Christmas Carol into a full cast, and the town put up the money to hire a well-known actor for the role of Scrooge. Malcolm Haver was quite dashing in his time (which was more than a couple of years ago), but he got the contract to join the cast, thanks to a friend on the college board. And he is enough of a draw for this production, so director Michael decided to make the best of it.
Sadly, professional actor Haver did not decide to make the best of it. His performance is being badly affected by the alcohol he's supposed to be staying away from, and Meg is determined to hunt down whoever his supplier is.
Also on her to-do list in her notebook-that-tells-her-when-to-breathe is to keep her and Michael's two sons moving back and forth to school and rehearsals for both A Christmas Carol and the church pageant, find a minder to separate Malcolm Haver from any kind of liquor, try to keep her father from talking about the corpse of a hunter that was found in a nearby river in public and especially at family dinners, and (of course) to stop her grandfather from forcing finches onto every unsuspecting potential foster bird parent. He currently has more finches than he can keep in his zoo and insists that his friend at the Fish and Wildlife Service are about to rescue even more of the beautiful birds from an animal smuggling operation. Oh, and Reverend Robin has asked her to figure out what "Weaseltide" is, so she'll know if it's okay to celebrate it at the church.
So basically for Meg, it's just another day in Caerphilly.
Join Donna Andrews in celebrating this 22nd book in the Meg Langslow series of witty bird mysteries. There is no family as adorable and insane as Meg's, and there is no time like the holidays to jump into the middle of the craziness and make yourself a part of it all. Andrews' writing is smart and compelling, and you'll feel just at home in her 22nd book as you do in her first. Jump in anywhere in the series, but make sure to celebrate this holiday season with Meg, Michael, their sons, her parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends as well as a literal zoo of animals.
Do I really have to say how much I love this book, and really every book in this series? Meg Langslow is who I want to be when I grow up, and I would read any and every book that Donna Andrews could write about her (or about anyone else). How the Finch Stole Christmas! is a must-read this holiday season, and the perfect reread for Christmases to come!
Galleys for How the Finch Stole Christmas! were provided by St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.
December 19, 2018
This is the first Meg Langslow book I have read although it is the 22nd book in Donna Andrews’s series. In this Christmas adventure, Michael, Meg’s theater professor husband, is producing "The Christmas Carol" to raise money for various programs in Caerphilly, Virginia. To create an even bigger draw than having Michael star as Scrooge, they have hired a former star who is having issues due to his alcoholism. Michael finds out that the university has allowed the agent to insert language into the contract that makes it virtually impossible to fire Haver, despite the fact that he misses rehearsals, hasn’t learned his lines, and shows up to what rehearsals he does deem worthy of attending quite drunk. Meg decides to help Michael by following Haver to find out who is supplying him with his alcohol. What she stumbles upon was more than she expected.
With murders, rare animals, puppy mills, bootlegging and more, there is more than enough mystery and intrigue in this book. I enjoyed following Meg in her sleuthing, and seeing all the issues she has uncovered. Her family was very interesting and I loved how the town came together in a crisis. Of course the culprit was not anyone who I suspected, although it was a very plausible ending to the story. The pace of the story was well done and the plot was interesting and quite believable. I am probably not going to go back and read all the books in this series, but if the opportunity arises to read another, I certainly will. This book worked find as a standalone and I am assuming the others will as well.
With murders, rare animals, puppy mills, bootlegging and more, there is more than enough mystery and intrigue in this book. I enjoyed following Meg in her sleuthing, and seeing all the issues she has uncovered. Her family was very interesting and I loved how the town came together in a crisis. Of course the culprit was not anyone who I suspected, although it was a very plausible ending to the story. The pace of the story was well done and the plot was interesting and quite believable. I am probably not going to go back and read all the books in this series, but if the opportunity arises to read another, I certainly will. This book worked find as a standalone and I am assuming the others will as well.
January 31, 2020
I am so happy I made the goal to read this series so close to Christmas.
The holiday books seem very uplifting. In this story Haver, a guest actor, has Meg on her toes trying to keep him sober. While she is trying to find the "bootlegger" supplying him with alcohol, she stumbles on a huge case of animal smuggling and a murder. The family is around in key positions to aid the pursuit of the murder. Michael's "The Christmas Carol" with full cast is a great production. Will Michael get his chance to save Meg?
Find How the Finch Stole Christmas! at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
The holiday books seem very uplifting. In this story Haver, a guest actor, has Meg on her toes trying to keep him sober. While she is trying to find the "bootlegger" supplying him with alcohol, she stumbles on a huge case of animal smuggling and a murder. The family is around in key positions to aid the pursuit of the murder. Michael's "The Christmas Carol" with full cast is a great production. Will Michael get his chance to save Meg?
Find How the Finch Stole Christmas! at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
September 19, 2017
September 12th I finished Donna Andrews upcoming holiday themed Meg Langslow Mystery, How the Finch Stole Christmas. This one is out October 24th and published by Minotaur Books. I love the cover, and this is the first in series I have ever read. Even though I had not read the series, I found this was easy to follow and I was pleased that it was not at all predictable. Having read similar themed Christmas cozies, I was sure I had it all figured out but I was really thrilled that Donna did not take the easy way out with this mystery! I enjoyed how the title really came into play into the mystery itself . The story was well done and thought out, with strong characters and purpose. I really enjoyed the storyline and I am happy I found a series I can continue to enjoy!
October 25, 2017
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
My feelings on this are slightly complicated. Overall, I really enjoyed it. My only issue is that parts of the story had a disconnected feeling to them. Other than that, it was great.
My feelings on this are slightly complicated. Overall, I really enjoyed it. My only issue is that parts of the story had a disconnected feeling to them. Other than that, it was great.
October 11, 2025
I am a huge Meg Langslow mystery fan! I binge-read the entire series up through book 20, then had to wait (rather impatiently) for books 21 and 22.
How the Finch Stole Christmas is another delightful story in the series. I really enjoy the Christmas-themed mysteries, and was glad to see Meg's husband continue on with his "Dicken's A Christmas Carol" show. This time, he changed from a one-man show to a full production, with Meg as the stage manager (while still working for the mayor) and their twin boys with parts in the play. An actor who is past his prime was hired to play the role of Scrooge, and while he could play the part well, he's an alcoholic who'd prefer to be drinking rather than acting. Despite help from the town to keep him sober, Meg finds herself struggling to find out where he gets his booze. At the same time, we've got animal smuggling, exotic finches, an overzealous fan who may be just a tad crazy, and a dead body (or two)!
I felt like Meg's family was more on the sidelines this time around, but I did enjoy the ending and the Christmas-feel of the book. I can't wait to read this one again at Christmastime!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
How the Finch Stole Christmas is another delightful story in the series. I really enjoy the Christmas-themed mysteries, and was glad to see Meg's husband continue on with his "Dicken's A Christmas Carol" show. This time, he changed from a one-man show to a full production, with Meg as the stage manager (while still working for the mayor) and their twin boys with parts in the play. An actor who is past his prime was hired to play the role of Scrooge, and while he could play the part well, he's an alcoholic who'd prefer to be drinking rather than acting. Despite help from the town to keep him sober, Meg finds herself struggling to find out where he gets his booze. At the same time, we've got animal smuggling, exotic finches, an overzealous fan who may be just a tad crazy, and a dead body (or two)!
I felt like Meg's family was more on the sidelines this time around, but I did enjoy the ending and the Christmas-feel of the book. I can't wait to read this one again at Christmastime!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2018
This book follows Meg and her husband Michael whose been working with a very difficult actor to put on A Christmas Carol which is making the Ebeneezer a saint compared to the actor named Malcolm Haver they are trying to keep sober and in line. Meg also finds herself knee deep in finches and can't figure out why other than her grandfather trying to foster finches all over town! When a local renter Johnny Willimer winds up dead and no idea what happened Meg finds herself more questions than answers! Will they figured who killed the renter and why? Will the play go on without a problem or will it get worse?
I loved this series granted I had read one previous book I really need to catch up. Meg and Michael have their hands full with so much going on. I liked the banter between certain characters at time made me laugh. Such an enjoyable adventure to go on it was such fun and really was a great mystery as well!
I loved this series granted I had read one previous book I really need to catch up. Meg and Michael have their hands full with so much going on. I liked the banter between certain characters at time made me laugh. Such an enjoyable adventure to go on it was such fun and really was a great mystery as well!
November 22, 2017
It's nearing Christmas and Meg's husband is working with an alcoholic as his lead for A Christmas Carol. She's doing her best to keep the guy sober, but isn't having much luck. In her task she comes across an exotic animal trafficking ring and soon stumbles across a murder.
Like most of the books in this series there are dozens of characters and one chaotic situation after another. I've always found this frustrating. I'd much rather the author focus on one main story, but this is the 22nd book in the series and I don't see that happening. Each novel seems more farfetched than the one before it.
Like most of the books in this series there are dozens of characters and one chaotic situation after another. I've always found this frustrating. I'd much rather the author focus on one main story, but this is the 22nd book in the series and I don't see that happening. Each novel seems more farfetched than the one before it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2017
It's hard to believe that I have been reading this series since 1999 This is the 22nd book and not a clinker on the shelf. Andrews still tells a fine story with all the eccentric characters readers have come to expect. Probably should have waited till closer to Christmas to read it but couldn't wait.
March 30, 2018
Received this book as a Christmas joke by my son-in-law, but after reading it, I'm now planning to read the entire series. The humor is warm and clever and the cast of characters make you want to be in that small town, celebrating Christmas with friends, eating that home-cooked food. Plus, I'd really love to see one of those little finches who inspire the mystery that Meg Langslow solves.
December 6, 2019
Tigers and kittens and puppies, oh my! Every visit to Caerphilly is a delight! An already hectic schedule is complicated by an unreliable actor, animal smuggling, holiday preparations, and of course, murder. These later books are less zany than the earlier books but they are just as much fun.
March 29, 2021
Christmas time again. How fitting that even though it's now spring it was snowing almost all week when I read this. This year there's a twist on the normal holiday tradition of Michael's one man show A Christmas Carol. This year it's going to be a full on play with a once celebrated TV actor Malcolm Haver. While a few people are very excited to have him in the show he's a pain for poor Meg. Haver is a drunk and despite everyone in town refusing to sell him booze and his bottles being confiscated he still manages to get drunk. So Meg follows him one day and discovers not only the source of the booze but a horrid case of animal hoarding with close to a hundred puppies, a tiger, finches, some monkeys and a house so full of cats it feels like the room is moving when you go inside. She also spots the elderly mother of the booze and animal keeper and calls the police. Despite trying to figure out the identity of a John Doe in the neighbouring county police resources and those of Grandfather Blake are dispatched to rescue the animals. The booze guy is John Willimer and both he and Haver have vanished. During the raid Meg helps the overly cheerful social worker bring the elderly lady, the mother in law of Willimer to safety and trying to round up her favourite cat in order to get her to leave. When she heads back outside an escaped puppy leads Meg to discover a body on the snow and its Willimer with a gunshot in his head. Now Meg is dealing with a barn full of animals, a play her husband and both sons are in and a missing drunk actor who's high on the list of suspects. Again it was a fun relaxing and enjoyable read. I had a few laughs, Haver's agent O'Manion getting his hands stuck in mousetraps and fly paper and scores of fluffy golden retriever puppies attacking a murderer with puppy affection, and like mother like sons this time it was Josh and Jamie to their mother's rescue. I know I want them to stay young, but it is kind of cool that they are starting to play a bigger role in the series.
March 17, 2018
To be fair, the rating is more me than the book itself.
I was looking for a cozy mystery, a little sugar-coating. Christmas seemed like a good time for such a story to be set and the cover was pretty. I was chugging along, not impressed, but not thoroughly UN either. I didn't like the smug tone of the ever-right, always-wonderful main character, but...okay...I can get over it. I further didn't like how things were told, but not shown: don't just say the town was decorated for Christmas and looked nice. SHOW me. Give me some atmosphere and opulence, please. But...okay...I can use my imagination and make something richer of the flatness. I also chose to ignore the strained effort to provide lovably eccentric supporting characters. I told myself this was a series and I was picking it up in the middle, so cut it some slack.
But then the puppy mill that also housed exotic, mistreated beasts. It was too jarring and inappropriate and completely defiled the image I was trying build in my mind so I could enjoy this tale despite it falling so very short of, say, a Jan Karon authored Mitford book.
I mean, a puppy mill?! Oh, goody: more animal cruelty. So, chuck it into the pile to be returned to the library.
I was looking for a cozy mystery, a little sugar-coating. Christmas seemed like a good time for such a story to be set and the cover was pretty. I was chugging along, not impressed, but not thoroughly UN either. I didn't like the smug tone of the ever-right, always-wonderful main character, but...okay...I can get over it. I further didn't like how things were told, but not shown: don't just say the town was decorated for Christmas and looked nice. SHOW me. Give me some atmosphere and opulence, please. But...okay...I can use my imagination and make something richer of the flatness. I also chose to ignore the strained effort to provide lovably eccentric supporting characters. I told myself this was a series and I was picking it up in the middle, so cut it some slack.
But then the puppy mill that also housed exotic, mistreated beasts. It was too jarring and inappropriate and completely defiled the image I was trying build in my mind so I could enjoy this tale despite it falling so very short of, say, a Jan Karon authored Mitford book.
I mean, a puppy mill?! Oh, goody: more animal cruelty. So, chuck it into the pile to be returned to the library.
December 13, 2017
Usually I like Donna Andrews books, and the various zany characters and fun Christmas details are all there, but what I couldn't get past were the horrible ableist stereotypes in the ending.
I suspected the person who turned out to be the murderer from the beginning, especially with the weird litter box thing (why didn't Meg at least look inside it?), but I also wondered why such a person would live surrounded by cat piss for weeks or months, if she didn't really want to. That question did not get answered.
If the murderer had turned out to be a badass disabled person who managed to kill someone despite all the various difficulties of her condition, I would have been ok with this book. However, it was yet again a matter of the character was faking their condition the whole time. Eyeroll-worthy. Tired. Cliche. Annoying.
C'mon, Donna Andrews, you can do better than this!
I suspected the person who turned out to be the murderer from the beginning, especially with the weird litter box thing (why didn't Meg at least look inside it?), but I also wondered why such a person would live surrounded by cat piss for weeks or months, if she didn't really want to. That question did not get answered.
If the murderer had turned out to be a badass disabled person who managed to kill someone despite all the various difficulties of her condition, I would have been ok with this book. However, it was yet again a matter of the character was faking their condition the whole time. Eyeroll-worthy. Tired. Cliche. Annoying.
C'mon, Donna Andrews, you can do better than this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2017
I picked up How the Finch Stole Christmas! (Meg Langslow #22) by Donna Andrews as a lark - it looked like a cute cozy mystery to listen to during the first week of December. I was not disappointed! The characters and story line were engaging, and I really enjoyed meeting the residents of the town of Caerphilly while they readied the town for their production of A Christmas Carol. A 5-star read (well, listen!) for me, and I will most certainly look for the other Meg Langslow books. Of note: I rarely read a series out of sequence, but I didn't feel at all lost starting this one with the 22nd installment. Highly recommended! :-)
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