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Merry Wrath Mysteries #7
Map Skills Murder
From USA Today bestselling author, Leslie Langtry comes the next laugh-out-loud Merry Wrath Mystery...
Summer is moving fast for ex-CIA Agent turned Girl Scout troop leader, Merry Wrath. Wedding plans are underway, with the groom's twin sisters on a mission to decorate the festivities with taxidermized animals and a full troop of flower girls with terrible taste in dresses.
If that wasn’t enough to deal with, the Girl Scouts dig up a treasure map in Merry’s yard. A century ago, the mysterious axe murder of Mad Mimi and the secret of her missing treasure were never solved. Merry thinks this map could be the key... but unfortunately, the investigation of this cold case—complete with a secret diary, gold bullion, and a llama named Tinkles—yields a modern day murder!
Are these crimes connected? And more importantly—who has an axe to grind with Merry Wrath?
Summer is moving fast for ex-CIA Agent turned Girl Scout troop leader, Merry Wrath. Wedding plans are underway, with the groom's twin sisters on a mission to decorate the festivities with taxidermized animals and a full troop of flower girls with terrible taste in dresses.
If that wasn’t enough to deal with, the Girl Scouts dig up a treasure map in Merry’s yard. A century ago, the mysterious axe murder of Mad Mimi and the secret of her missing treasure were never solved. Merry thinks this map could be the key... but unfortunately, the investigation of this cold case—complete with a secret diary, gold bullion, and a llama named Tinkles—yields a modern day murder!
Are these crimes connected? And more importantly—who has an axe to grind with Merry Wrath?
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2018
296 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Langtry
97 books727 followersLeslie Langtry is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the Merry Wrath Mysteries and the Bombay Family of Assassins Greatest Hits series. She lives in the Midwest with her family and is an active Girl Scout volunteer. Her dream is to someday invent calorie free cake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 19, 2018
I just can’t get enough of this series. I am always laughing so hard I have tears rolling down my face. This I have to read these while my husband is at work. There were plenty of twists in this one to keep you guessing. I just can’t wait to find out what the future holds.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 20, 2018
Merry is back!
Another fun adventure for Merry, Kelly, and the rest of the troop! Lots of fun and mystery happens whenever Merry finds a body. Can’t wait for the next one!
Another fun adventure for Merry, Kelly, and the rest of the troop! Lots of fun and mystery happens whenever Merry finds a body. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 16, 2018
Merry Wrath is back and, boy, does this author have an exciting story to tell! With the Girl Scout Troop, and Merry’s cat, Philby, and her narcoleptic kitten, Martini, this story is a laugh a minute. The excitement really begins when the Troop finds a treasure map that might be from a family who lived in town more than 100 years ago. As always, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 6, 2024
Another great book in this series.
August 16, 2018
As always a hoot of a mystery with merry.
August 20, 2018
I really liked the last one but this was kind of a letdown. The girl scouts had three activities in there, however, they weren't up to their usual antics. They almost seemed like normal children (except for building a pipe bomb out of an American Girl doll). I really would have liked to hear the parents reaction to the pageant/hooker dress. On the plus side, the visits with Mr. Fancy Pants and the Macaw were hilarious. The taxidermist dioramas were as disturbing as ever. A bouquet our of dead rodents and a garter belt with praying mantises, really?
To the story: Merry and the girls found a treasure map in her backyard. This was connected to the historic murder of a local woman (I think Mehitable) who died approx. a hundred years ago. In the present, Rex has to investigate the murder of one of two members of the historical society, who apparently found said treasure. As this is official police business Merry can't get involved. She reacts in her usual immature way by investigating behind his back.
For the most part, the book was fine, even though Merry's insecurities regarding Rex and Riley made an unpleasant comeback. However, she did a lot of introspection and realized some important things about herself and the relationship, so I'm mostly going to give this a pass. The drama did seem a little forced, though.
The real issue was the case. In my opinion, it fell apart in the end. There was a bunch of stuff that was never properly explained such as why there were, in fact, two maps , whether the cousin really tried to murder Mehitable, why she hid parts of her diary and why she seemed lucid in some entries and not in others, etc. I got the distinct impression that the author originally had planned another ending for the historical case. Also, Ike found a few gold bars, which got him killed. Once the hiding place for the rest of the gold was uncovered even the author couldn't come up with a plausible explanation and had Merry use the words "I guess". That didn't exactly add credibility to the explanation.
The present time case wasn't much better. Though the person I suspected from the start was the perpetrator, there were some strange things. And I don't necessarily mean how our ex-CIA-agent got coldcocked twice and never noticed an important visual cue (which is how Rex solved the case). The real issue is the connection between the killer and his accomplice.
Definitely not the best entry in the series.
To the story: Merry and the girls found a treasure map in her backyard. This was connected to the historic murder of a local woman (I think Mehitable) who died approx. a hundred years ago. In the present, Rex has to investigate the murder of one of two members of the historical society, who apparently found said treasure. As this is official police business Merry can't get involved. She reacts in her usual immature way by investigating behind his back.
For the most part, the book was fine, even though Merry's insecurities regarding Rex and Riley made an unpleasant comeback. However, she did a lot of introspection and realized some important things about herself and the relationship, so I'm mostly going to give this a pass. The drama did seem a little forced, though.
The real issue was the case. In my opinion, it fell apart in the end. There was a bunch of stuff that was never properly explained such as why there were, in fact, two maps , whether the cousin really tried to murder Mehitable, why she hid parts of her diary and why she seemed lucid in some entries and not in others, etc. I got the distinct impression that the author originally had planned another ending for the historical case. Also, Ike found a few gold bars, which got him killed. Once the hiding place for the rest of the gold was uncovered even the author couldn't come up with a plausible explanation and had Merry use the words "I guess". That didn't exactly add credibility to the explanation.
The present time case wasn't much better. Though the person I suspected from the start was the perpetrator, there were some strange things. And I don't necessarily mean how our ex-CIA-agent got coldcocked twice and never noticed an important visual cue (which is how Rex solved the case). The real issue is the connection between the killer and his accomplice.
Definitely not the best entry in the series.
January 15, 2024
I am loving the series and wacky world that ex CIA agent Merry Wrath finds herself living in. From the girl Scout that is in training to pull off the perfect murder, to the very disapproving cat, to the slightly mad taxidermy twins, to life saving zoo animals this story has it all and so much more. The strange thing is it actually works and makes for some great entertainment. The characters as you can tell are not your normal boy and girl next door types and because of this you find yourself chuckling or rolling your eyes over there antics. The mystery was good, not a lot of suspects but as she was working two cases you never actually realised that when you were reading. The cases play off each other and both get nicely wrapped up. I originally got this to get the audio book version cheaper but I started reading and before I knew it I had finished the book, it won't stop me from getting the audio book though, so the fun can continue again and again. Maybe after I have finished the next book.
Keeping her girl scout troop entertained during the Summer months is hard for Merry. There is only so many times she can take them to pick out bridesmaid dress or only so many times they are allowed in the shop. So when they discover a treasure map contacted to missing good and a dead body, things start to get interesting as there interest in local history is peaked. The problem is it also leads Merry to discover a much more recent dead body. Can Merry and her girls solve a cold case by finding the missing gold? And is the two deaths connected to that gold? Earning a new merit badge for map reading could be more dangerous than even Merry thought.
Keeping her girl scout troop entertained during the Summer months is hard for Merry. There is only so many times she can take them to pick out bridesmaid dress or only so many times they are allowed in the shop. So when they discover a treasure map contacted to missing good and a dead body, things start to get interesting as there interest in local history is peaked. The problem is it also leads Merry to discover a much more recent dead body. Can Merry and her girls solve a cold case by finding the missing gold? And is the two deaths connected to that gold? Earning a new merit badge for map reading could be more dangerous than even Merry thought.
January 5, 2026
Just when Merry made so much personal growth in the previous book we are right back to insecure, whatever shall I do, love triangle of her own making Merry.
The mystery itself was actually not terrible in theory. It was far fetched, but humorous and with twists and turns. However there were so many unanswered questions and leaps in logic. The cause of the first death was just completely farcical. Especially since up to that point it seemed to be building to a plausible culprit who was then dropped from the story all together. The second murder spent way to much time on irrelevant details that had nothing at all the do with furthering the story.
I also was disappointed authors outdated way of approaching mental health. “Looney bin” “crazy” “mad” are just a few of the word used to describe a character who was obviously struggling.
The mystery itself was actually not terrible in theory. It was far fetched, but humorous and with twists and turns. However there were so many unanswered questions and leaps in logic. The cause of the first death was just completely farcical. Especially since up to that point it seemed to be building to a plausible culprit who was then dropped from the story all together. The second murder spent way to much time on irrelevant details that had nothing at all the do with furthering the story.
I also was disappointed authors outdated way of approaching mental health. “Looney bin” “crazy” “mad” are just a few of the word used to describe a character who was obviously struggling.
July 19, 2018
This is a great book; this is the seventh book in the Merry Wrath Mystery series written by Leslie Langtry. Merry Wrath is an ex-CIA agent who is now a Girl Scout troop. Her summer is moving fast with wedding plans. When the Girl Scout girls dig up a treasure map in Merry’s yard. A century ago, the mysterious axe murder of Mad Mimi and the secret of her missing treasure were never solved. Merry thinks this map could be the key... but unfortunately, the investigation of this cold case—complete with a secret diary, gold bullion, and a llama named Tinkles—yields a modern day murder!
This book will keep you up reading way past your bedtime because you will not want to put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book by this great author.
This book will keep you up reading way past your bedtime because you will not want to put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book by this great author.
July 20, 2018
I love reading this series of zany happenings in the life of Merry Wrath. This one doesn't disappoint, with more of her future sister-in-laws and their taxidermy madness, her girl scout troop and their bent towards spy techniques, and of course her own connection to her pets and adopted Mr. Fancy Pants. Just in case all this and laughing uncontrollably while reading isn't enough, there is a darn good mystery with a surprise ending as well.
Don't miss the fun! Be sure to read this book! And just in case you are new to Merry Wrath, you really need to start at the beginning of the series for total understanding and a ton more laughs! Great series!
Don't miss the fun! Be sure to read this book! And just in case you are new to Merry Wrath, you really need to start at the beginning of the series for total understanding and a ton more laughs! Great series!
May 2, 2024
Map Skills Murder is the 7th book in the Merry Wrath Mystery series and it is as enjoyable as all of the rest. Merry and her best friend Kelly are Girl Scout leaders. Merry, Kelly and the girls find a map in her yard which sends Merry on a treasure hunt, literally. What a fun storyline! Merry is working on plans for her wedding to Detective Rex Ferguson. Rex's twin sisters Randi and Ronni are taxidermists. They add humor but generally detract from the story. Overall a good cozy mystery. #MapSkillsMurder #MerryWrathMysteries #GemmaHallidayPublishing
July 18, 2018
25 Stars!
All the Merry Wrath books are so much fun! There’s laughter & downright silliness along with action & murder. Rex’s twin sisters are a real hoot. I can just visualize all their animals. Her Girl Scout Troop is so much fun & a bit scary, especially Betty. And Merry’s conversations with Mr Fancy Pants have me laughing out loud. Once I picked up this book I could not put it down. I tried to slow down & savor it but the pages just seem to turn themselves.
All the Merry Wrath books are so much fun! There’s laughter & downright silliness along with action & murder. Rex’s twin sisters are a real hoot. I can just visualize all their animals. Her Girl Scout Troop is so much fun & a bit scary, especially Betty. And Merry’s conversations with Mr Fancy Pants have me laughing out loud. Once I picked up this book I could not put it down. I tried to slow down & savor it but the pages just seem to turn themselves.
July 23, 2018
I always look forward to digging into a new Merry Wrath story. I know it is a guaranteed laugh out loud good time. This book did not disappoint.
Merry is still planning her wedding to Rex with some unwanted help from her future sister-in-law and a group of twelve rambunctious Girl Scouts. The antics continue when a treasure map, a cold case murder, and a modern day murder are thrown in.
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
Merry is still planning her wedding to Rex with some unwanted help from her future sister-in-law and a group of twelve rambunctious Girl Scouts. The antics continue when a treasure map, a cold case murder, and a modern day murder are thrown in.
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
August 6, 2020
Merry and the troop find a treasure map buried in her yard which leads to investigating an old ax murder. Quick, fun read.
What I enjoyed:
* the girls in the girl scout troop are so much fun
* Nice to see Merry actually thinking about her future for a change
* Decent mystery - the old one was better than the new one
What could be better:
* I thought the love triangle was going away, but it doesn't seem like it
* the obession with taxidermied animals is getting a bit much
What I enjoyed:
* the girls in the girl scout troop are so much fun
* Nice to see Merry actually thinking about her future for a change
* Decent mystery - the old one was better than the new one
What could be better:
* I thought the love triangle was going away, but it doesn't seem like it
* the obession with taxidermied animals is getting a bit much
October 15, 2021
Wonderful entertaining listening 🔰😀
Another will written romantic thriller adventure mystery in the Merry Wrath Series book seven by Leslie Langtry. Merry and her best friend are having fun with the Girl 👧Scouts while preparing for her wedding when dead bodies start showing up. Then a one hundred year old murder is discovered and the fun begins. I would recommend this novel and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚 2021 🐈🏠😯🐏🐕
Another will written romantic thriller adventure mystery in the Merry Wrath Series book seven by Leslie Langtry. Merry and her best friend are having fun with the Girl 👧Scouts while preparing for her wedding when dead bodies start showing up. Then a one hundred year old murder is discovered and the fun begins. I would recommend this novel and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚 2021 🐈🏠😯🐏🐕
November 27, 2018
Enough
I started out totally enjoying this series but by book 7 I ran out of patience. Merry is by no means the epitome of a strong woman and the constant pathos over her love life just got to be boring. I'm going quit with this book. I find I don't really care if she ever gets married or to who.
I started out totally enjoying this series but by book 7 I ran out of patience. Merry is by no means the epitome of a strong woman and the constant pathos over her love life just got to be boring. I'm going quit with this book. I find I don't really care if she ever gets married or to who.
September 8, 2020
I like that Kelly has stopped being a mega bitch to Merry and is now actually behaving like a friend. I get why Rex is upset about Merry interfering in cases and putting her life in danger but if he truly expects and wants her to change then he does not understand her at all nor is he the right person for her. Merry won’t be happy if she is not involved in cases & getting into trouble.
September 6, 2024
Related to the crazy lady?
Merry is on a special type of mission to start with in this book. A mystery in the founder of the town and boy did she find some interesting stuff. Merry being Merry, of course, walked in on a body. Could this be her fault again? How does her fiancee deal with her need for excitement
Merry is on a special type of mission to start with in this book. A mystery in the founder of the town and boy did she find some interesting stuff. Merry being Merry, of course, walked in on a body. Could this be her fault again? How does her fiancee deal with her need for excitement
July 16, 2018
So funny! This is a great series. I love reading about Merry and her adventures with the Girl Scouts. There's a lot to love in this book....a treasure map, an axe murder, bridesmaid dress shopping...the mystery is good but it never gets too serious. Lots of colorful characters and zany antics.
July 23, 2018
Al paca the bags.
Another great story from Leslie. Merry gets into more trouble than you can poke a stick at and most of it by accident. Lions, vultures, llamas and guides and a dead body, pretty much the same as usual.
Another great story from Leslie. Merry gets into more trouble than you can poke a stick at and most of it by accident. Lions, vultures, llamas and guides and a dead body, pretty much the same as usual.
July 24, 2018
When Merry's band of CIA operatives in training (aka her girl scout troop) digs up a treasure map, it sets them on a trail to find the treasure and solve a decades-old murder. This is another laugh-out-loud mystery from Langtry.
July 29, 2018
When the regular meets the unreal you will find Merry Wrath.
How a one Girl Scout leader get into this much trouble in a little town in Iowa. Ever since Merry came back to town the murder rated has doubled. What will the Chief of police do with her. Love it.
How a one Girl Scout leader get into this much trouble in a little town in Iowa. Ever since Merry came back to town the murder rated has doubled. What will the Chief of police do with her. Love it.
August 7, 2018
Great series this is one of my favorites
Love this series, oh it would be so much fun to be a girl scout in her troop,lol . Lot of good twist and turns in this story and even mr fancy pants it back .
Love this series, oh it would be so much fun to be a girl scout in her troop,lol . Lot of good twist and turns in this story and even mr fancy pants it back .
January 25, 2022
Search For Gold
Merry and her Girl Scout group find a treasure map buried in her back yard. Now she’s looking for treasure and she and Rex are trying to solve a 100 year old murder. Lots of crazy laughs in Whose There, Iowa.
Merry and her Girl Scout group find a treasure map buried in her back yard. Now she’s looking for treasure and she and Rex are trying to solve a 100 year old murder. Lots of crazy laughs in Whose There, Iowa.
July 7, 2024
Boy can poor Merry get in trouble. The girls had a bit of fun in this one too. I'm enjoying all the adventures. Kind of interesting to have started towards the end and now catching some of the adventures at the beginning.
October 27, 2024
I love the stories…and love Merri and Rex…it is a 4 because it leaves them in a question about their wedding and marriage! I want them together! And needed more of the Girl Scouts! I hope this is not the end of Merri and Rex!
March 23, 2025
This book really was a great who done it. It had so many twists and turns in it. It really kept you guessing to the end.
I stayed up all night reading it, It’s one of those books you have ti keep reading till you have read it all.
Grab a copy for your self.
Debra H.
I stayed up all night reading it, It’s one of those books you have ti keep reading till you have read it all.
Grab a copy for your self.
Debra H.
July 25, 2018
Mr. Fancypants will always be a favorite of mine! Also, I appreciate the main character development from book to book, that she’s an intelligent, caring, strong, independent, and ambitious woman.
August 16, 2018
Funny and entertaining
The former CIA agent turned Girl Scout leader does it again with another fun story. Looking forward to the
next installment in this series.
The former CIA agent turned Girl Scout leader does it again with another fun story. Looking forward to the
next installment in this series.
February 21, 2020
I didn't care much for Merry in this one. 😞 Seriously, she needs to figure out a real job before she loses Rex for good. If she can't give up the "investigating" then she needs to give up Rex.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews