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Merry Wrath Mysteries #9
Marriage Vow Murder
From USA Today bestselling author, Leslie Langtry comes one former assassin turned suburbanite, a wedding in hilarious peril, and a very dead body...
Wedding Traditions as good as gold…Let’s start out with Something Old…
When this creepy message is found with an elderly, murdered florist in the first pew of a church the day before Merry Wrath's wedding, her hopes wilt like day old, discount flowers. And when the groom, Rex, vanishes into thin air, she can only assume the worst—and she’s not talking about the ugly, Vegas showgirl-like flower girl dresses her Girl Scout troop have picked out.
Weddings make a family of two…Let’s add in Something New…
The clues come with diabolically difficult puzzles, so Merry enlists the help of her former 4th grade teacher—a champion puzzler—while she turns the town upside down, in a frantic search for her fiancé. Once a surprising past is revealed, it doesn’t take long for the investigation to spin out of control faster than ten fourth-graders high on Pixy Stix on a merry-go-round.
With many suspects, few leads, and the clock ticking, will Merry find her groom in time for a happily ever after?
Wedding Traditions as good as gold…Let’s start out with Something Old…
When this creepy message is found with an elderly, murdered florist in the first pew of a church the day before Merry Wrath's wedding, her hopes wilt like day old, discount flowers. And when the groom, Rex, vanishes into thin air, she can only assume the worst—and she’s not talking about the ugly, Vegas showgirl-like flower girl dresses her Girl Scout troop have picked out.
Weddings make a family of two…Let’s add in Something New…
The clues come with diabolically difficult puzzles, so Merry enlists the help of her former 4th grade teacher—a champion puzzler—while she turns the town upside down, in a frantic search for her fiancé. Once a surprising past is revealed, it doesn’t take long for the investigation to spin out of control faster than ten fourth-graders high on Pixy Stix on a merry-go-round.
With many suspects, few leads, and the clock ticking, will Merry find her groom in time for a happily ever after?
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2019
294 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Langtry
97 books728 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 44 reviews
January 8, 2019
One day before the wedding, ex-CIA agent Merry Wrath discovers her police detective fiancé Rex Ferguson has gone missing. The chase is on to find out what happened. This is a very funny book that kept me laughing and looking for clues to where Rex might be. The Girl Scout Troop kept me in stitches! I highly recommend this book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 16, 2019
“Marriage Vow Murder” earns 5/5 Floral Bouquets…Clever and Entertaining!
This was a very engaging read! The mystery of this ninth book was a definite page-turner, having fun trying to decipher the clues myself and seeing possible connections all the way to a satisfying “Oh, my!” ending. Merry is “wedding” stressed, so much so that when she's told the florist is dead in the front pew. When the police respond to their 9-1-1 call, Merry expects her fiancé/groom/detective to arrive on scene, but the officer doesn't know where he is, his cell goes right to voicemail, and the CIA-worthy tracking app installed on their phones pings nothing. Her spy-dar alerts…the groom is missing! Worried about what past mission may be back to haunt her or past case of her fiancé/detective, clues are discovered. Clues as puzzles and riddles lead Merry on a wild, somewhat perilous, adventure to find the groom hoping she'd not be a widow before she's a wife. I first learned about Leslie Langtry through her fun books, “Ukulele Murder” and “Ukulele Deadly,” from the multi-author Aloha Lagoon Mystery series, so I knew her engaging writing style and clever plots would keep me just as entertained. I was right. The premise of using some precocious Girl Scouts as sidekicks was unique along with an antagonistic ex-handler/PI, close BFF Kelly, quirky family, former teachers, and a plethora of bad deed doers! I enjoyed Langtry’s first-person narrative that set the tone well, shared Merry’s inner thoughts, and revisited some of her previous covert entanglements, so as a newbie I was never at a disadvantage. Oh, I've got to read more of her Merry books!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
This was a very engaging read! The mystery of this ninth book was a definite page-turner, having fun trying to decipher the clues myself and seeing possible connections all the way to a satisfying “Oh, my!” ending. Merry is “wedding” stressed, so much so that when she's told the florist is dead in the front pew. When the police respond to their 9-1-1 call, Merry expects her fiancé/groom/detective to arrive on scene, but the officer doesn't know where he is, his cell goes right to voicemail, and the CIA-worthy tracking app installed on their phones pings nothing. Her spy-dar alerts…the groom is missing! Worried about what past mission may be back to haunt her or past case of her fiancé/detective, clues are discovered. Clues as puzzles and riddles lead Merry on a wild, somewhat perilous, adventure to find the groom hoping she'd not be a widow before she's a wife. I first learned about Leslie Langtry through her fun books, “Ukulele Murder” and “Ukulele Deadly,” from the multi-author Aloha Lagoon Mystery series, so I knew her engaging writing style and clever plots would keep me just as entertained. I was right. The premise of using some precocious Girl Scouts as sidekicks was unique along with an antagonistic ex-handler/PI, close BFF Kelly, quirky family, former teachers, and a plethora of bad deed doers! I enjoyed Langtry’s first-person narrative that set the tone well, shared Merry’s inner thoughts, and revisited some of her previous covert entanglements, so as a newbie I was never at a disadvantage. Oh, I've got to read more of her Merry books!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
December 17, 2018
Another FANTASTIC mystery by Leslie Langtry! Whether you are already a fan of Merry Wrath or a new reader you will not be able to put this down! Merry is off on another adventure with her friends, former spy handler, 4th grade teacher, girl scout troop and the dysfunctional local police. Her fiance is missing right before their wedding and Merry has never been more motivated. There are puzzles to solve, pasts to explore, girl scouts in over their heads, and of course cat vs bird fights at the zoo. (Yeah, only Merry Wrath can pull that one off) The writing is so entertaining that you just can't stop reading. It's funny, serious, and mysterious all in perfect proportions. I love Merry Wrath adventures!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review.
Merged review:
Another FANTASTIC mystery by Leslie Langtry! Whether you are already a fan of Merry Wrath or a new reader you will not be able to put this down! Merry is off on another adventure with her friends, former spy handler, 4th grade teacher, girl scout troop and the dysfunctional local police. Her fiance is missing right before their wedding and Merry has never been more motivated. There are puzzles to solve, pasts to explore, girl scouts in over their heads, and of course cat vs bird fights at the zoo. (Yeah, only Merry Wrath can pull that one off) The writing is so entertaining that you just can't stop reading. It's funny, serious, and mysterious all in perfect proportions. I love Merry Wrath adventures!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review.
Merged review:
Another FANTASTIC mystery by Leslie Langtry! Whether you are already a fan of Merry Wrath or a new reader you will not be able to put this down! Merry is off on another adventure with her friends, former spy handler, 4th grade teacher, girl scout troop and the dysfunctional local police. Her fiance is missing right before their wedding and Merry has never been more motivated. There are puzzles to solve, pasts to explore, girl scouts in over their heads, and of course cat vs bird fights at the zoo. (Yeah, only Merry Wrath can pull that one off) The writing is so entertaining that you just can't stop reading. It's funny, serious, and mysterious all in perfect proportions. I love Merry Wrath adventures!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review.
February 15, 2020
The book I’ve been waiting for is finally here...
Merry and Rex’s wedding!! But wait it will never be that easy for these guys nothing ever is in Merry;S life and Rex has kind learnt to roll with the punches...lol but when the prospective groom goes missing. Merry goes straight into CIA mode to. Ring her man home and get him to the alter and of course she is aided by her amazing Girl Scout troop.
Merry and Rex’s wedding!! But wait it will never be that easy for these guys nothing ever is in Merry;S life and Rex has kind learnt to roll with the punches...lol but when the prospective groom goes missing. Merry goes straight into CIA mode to. Ring her man home and get him to the alter and of course she is aided by her amazing Girl Scout troop.
October 10, 2024
Great and funny story.
January 23, 2019
Excellent
Excellent but I missed Ida be and gerty . They were very much h the best parts on the books
Excellent but I missed Ida be and gerty . They were very much h the best parts on the books
January 8, 2019
It is Merry's wedding rehearsal but the groom is missing. It becomes obvious that he has been kidnapped when Merry starts to receive clues in the form of riddles and puzzles. Since the bride is an ex-spy and the groom a detective there are a lot of undesirables that have a bone to pick with them which makes for a long suspect list.
This story will keep you entertained with a colorful cast of characters and multiple plausible suspects that keep you guessing until the end. Any of the nine books in the Merry Wrath series would be a great choice if you are looking for a fun and easy read.
Merged review:
It is Merry's wedding rehearsal but the groom is missing. It becomes obvious that he has been kidnapped when Merry starts to receive clues in the form of riddles and puzzles. Since the bride is an ex-spy and the groom a detective there are a lot of undesirables that have a bone to pick with them which makes for a long suspect list.
This story will keep you entertained with a colorful cast of characters and multiple plausible suspects that keep you guessing until the end. Any of the nine books in the Merry Wrath series would be a great choice if you are looking for a fun and easy read.
This story will keep you entertained with a colorful cast of characters and multiple plausible suspects that keep you guessing until the end. Any of the nine books in the Merry Wrath series would be a great choice if you are looking for a fun and easy read.
Merged review:
It is Merry's wedding rehearsal but the groom is missing. It becomes obvious that he has been kidnapped when Merry starts to receive clues in the form of riddles and puzzles. Since the bride is an ex-spy and the groom a detective there are a lot of undesirables that have a bone to pick with them which makes for a long suspect list.
This story will keep you entertained with a colorful cast of characters and multiple plausible suspects that keep you guessing until the end. Any of the nine books in the Merry Wrath series would be a great choice if you are looking for a fun and easy read.
January 11, 2019
Can it be? Are Merry and Rex really getting married? Will there be taxidermy animals on display at the wedding? Just how ugly are the flower girl dresses? These and many more questions will be answered in Marriage Vow Murder, the 9th book in the series.
When the long awaited wedding is finally here, Merry's bridegroom Rex is suddenly nowhere to be found. Then at the church awaiting the dress rehearsal, the florist is discovered on the front pew-dead. Before long it becomes apparent that Rex has been kidnapped, and the clues are beyond Merry's puzzle solving abilities. She reconnects with her fourth grade teacher who was accomplished in solving puzzles, and asks her to help. For over a week Merry and friends are led all over town trying to figure out the puzzles that will release Rex from his evil kidnappers and let Merry and Rex finally say, "I do."
In true Merry Wrath fashion we accept the absurd and unlikely to be possible and even probable. In Who's There, Iowa, anything can and will happen! Just when one theory seems to have merit, Ms Langtry comes up with multiple possible theories to confuse not just the reader, but her characters as well. From beginning to end, this is a book that will keep you entertained and wanting more. Why is it good books always seem to be so short?
When the long awaited wedding is finally here, Merry's bridegroom Rex is suddenly nowhere to be found. Then at the church awaiting the dress rehearsal, the florist is discovered on the front pew-dead. Before long it becomes apparent that Rex has been kidnapped, and the clues are beyond Merry's puzzle solving abilities. She reconnects with her fourth grade teacher who was accomplished in solving puzzles, and asks her to help. For over a week Merry and friends are led all over town trying to figure out the puzzles that will release Rex from his evil kidnappers and let Merry and Rex finally say, "I do."
In true Merry Wrath fashion we accept the absurd and unlikely to be possible and even probable. In Who's There, Iowa, anything can and will happen! Just when one theory seems to have merit, Ms Langtry comes up with multiple possible theories to confuse not just the reader, but her characters as well. From beginning to end, this is a book that will keep you entertained and wanting more. Why is it good books always seem to be so short?
May 18, 2019
I read this series because of its quirky humor, which is akin to the Charley Davidson urban fantasy series, and not its intricate criminal cases.
As such this book had some really funny things in there. Totally unbelievable but hilarious macho killing methods, very strange prior missions, interesting thoughts about cats and dogs, and of course the girl scouts. I would adopt Betty if she was a real person.
The case, on the other hand, was complete and other poppycock. While I guessed the culprit based on genre stereotypes more than logic, even after the solution was revealed it made little sense. Most of the questions that arose were either attributed to the culprit being a psychopath, which is very lazy, or not answered at all. For example, how did he/she get into Merry’s van or get ahold of the second victim, a CIA agent?
To summarize: if you read this series because of the humor than this entry is great, if you're looking for a good plot then this book is horrible. For me, the humor is enough and I'm just grateful that the author never went down the love triangle road.
As such this book had some really funny things in there. Totally unbelievable but hilarious macho killing methods, very strange prior missions, interesting thoughts about cats and dogs, and of course the girl scouts. I would adopt Betty if she was a real person.
The case, on the other hand, was complete and other poppycock. While I guessed the culprit based on genre stereotypes more than logic, even after the solution was revealed it made little sense. Most of the questions that arose were either attributed to the culprit being a psychopath, which is very lazy, or not answered at all. For example, how did he/she get into Merry’s van or get ahold of the second victim, a CIA agent?
To summarize: if you read this series because of the humor than this entry is great, if you're looking for a good plot then this book is horrible. For me, the humor is enough and I'm just grateful that the author never went down the love triangle road.
May 8, 2024
Marriage Vow Murder is the 9th book in the wonderful Merry Wrath Mysteries. Merry Wrath is a retired CIA spy and is now a Girl Scout leader along with her best friend Kelly. It is the day of the rehearsal dinner for Merry and Rex's wedding but Rex doesn't show up! They get a puzzle clue when they find the florist dead. Merry gets her former 4th grade teacher Linda to help with the puzzles. I thought maybe this was all a practical joke on Merry that everyone was in on because she misses not being a spy. No Rex was definitely kidnapped and it took Merry. Riley, the police, Linda, Kelly and the 10 Girl Scouts nine days to find and save him! This book was really hard to put down! The puzzles and action kept me guessing. Very exciting ending! #MarriageVowMurder #MerryWrathMysteries. #GemmaHallidayPublishing
April 6, 2022
The day before her wedding, there is a body in the church and the groom has disappeared.
What I enjoyed:
* The girl scout troop is great as always
* The love triangle finally seems done and Merry seems to be over Riley
* Loved the introduction of Linda, one of Merry's old teachers
What could have been better:
* Missed having Rex around although I didn't miss him telling Merry to stay out of the investigation
* Sheriff seems off, who lets a brand new officer lead the investigation into another officer's disappearance?
*
What I enjoyed:
* The girl scout troop is great as always
* The love triangle finally seems done and Merry seems to be over Riley
* Loved the introduction of Linda, one of Merry's old teachers
What could have been better:
* Missed having Rex around although I didn't miss him telling Merry to stay out of the investigation
* Sheriff seems off, who lets a brand new officer lead the investigation into another officer's disappearance?
*
January 8, 2026
This book seems is such a pleasant departure from the previous ones in this series. The mystery starts on page one and keeps going until nearly the very end. Riley was in the story, but was truly a friend to Merry. There were plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing.
I did feel the author forced the ending a bit. Plus the editor missed several mixed up names and incorrect pronouns that disturbed the flow of the story. Also, for a character that notoriously gets very little sleep she slept more in this book than the previous 8.
All-in-all this is my favorite book thus far in the series.
I did feel the author forced the ending a bit. Plus the editor missed several mixed up names and incorrect pronouns that disturbed the flow of the story. Also, for a character that notoriously gets very little sleep she slept more in this book than the previous 8.
All-in-all this is my favorite book thus far in the series.
October 12, 2019
Good Grief!
How much trouble can it be getting married in a small town? Leslie certainly throws everything she can in the path of her star couple that's for sure. The day before the wedding the groom gets kidnapped, with Merrys past and Rexs job the suspects are to many to count or successful weed out, especially as so many of them are unaccounted for. Merry with the help of Riley, Karen, the girls and a new found friend is given the go ahead by the Sherriff to interfere in the case to find him. What a twisted and tangled road that is.
How much trouble can it be getting married in a small town? Leslie certainly throws everything she can in the path of her star couple that's for sure. The day before the wedding the groom gets kidnapped, with Merrys past and Rexs job the suspects are to many to count or successful weed out, especially as so many of them are unaccounted for. Merry with the help of Riley, Karen, the girls and a new found friend is given the go ahead by the Sherriff to interfere in the case to find him. What a twisted and tangled road that is.
January 9, 2019
Rex goes missing the night before the wedding and Merry has to solve clues, all based on a wedding rhyme. She enlists the help of her grade 4 teacher, who was always great at solving puzzles, and Riley who has set up his new PI firm in town. There are many possible kidnappers and it’s hard for them to narrow the list down. The girls are all there, hilarious as always. Another fun book in this great series!
January 10, 2019
The day has finally come for the wedding between Merry and Rex. Church ✔, dresses✔, bridesmaids and groomsmen✔, ten flower girls✔. Oh no, the groom is a no show. Merry begins to panic when Rex does not arrive at the rehearsal. She does not believe he has done a runner so that means he must have been kidnapped. Merry spends the next nine days trying to solve the mystery of who has Rex and why he was taken.
I received an ARC from the author for purposes of an unbiased review.
I received an ARC from the author for purposes of an unbiased review.
January 11, 2019
Will there be a wedding puzzles riddles dead bodies
Another great Merry Wrath mystery , Merry is getting married but finds dead body during rehearsal, and where is service Rex , girls with Betty leading them ok she my favorite girl scout but the leaders hold her check mostly. All our favorite character s with couple new one are in this story. Really enjoyed lot of twist turns red herring to solve find clues fiddle puzzles the killer is leaving behind and save kidnap Rex.
Another great Merry Wrath mystery , Merry is getting married but finds dead body during rehearsal, and where is service Rex , girls with Betty leading them ok she my favorite girl scout but the leaders hold her check mostly. All our favorite character s with couple new one are in this story. Really enjoyed lot of twist turns red herring to solve find clues fiddle puzzles the killer is leaving behind and save kidnap Rex.
January 14, 2019
Marriage Vow Murder
I love the Merry Wrath mysteries, and this one is no exception.
Merry is all set to marry,her detective,Rex Ferguson when things start going wrong.
First her florist is murdered just before their rehearsal. Then Rex is no show.
Merry literally looses it trying to find Rex.
She gets help from her former CIA handler,Riley,her best friend Linda,the new detective in town,Ted Weir, and an unexpected former 4th grade teacher.
The ending is a real surprise
I love the Merry Wrath mysteries, and this one is no exception.
Merry is all set to marry,her detective,Rex Ferguson when things start going wrong.
First her florist is murdered just before their rehearsal. Then Rex is no show.
Merry literally looses it trying to find Rex.
She gets help from her former CIA handler,Riley,her best friend Linda,the new detective in town,Ted Weir, and an unexpected former 4th grade teacher.
The ending is a real surprise
January 16, 2019
Another great read from Leslie. A body in the church the day before Merry and Rex's wedding is shocking enough,,and then Rex goes missing? Poor Merry is put through the ringer in this one. Still plenty of humour but a good splash of emotions to go with it . Loved it, as always. I just love the girl scout troop, they are just brilliant. Betty is the best though.
If you haven't read any of Merry Wrath's adventures, then start at the beginning, you can thank me later.
If you haven't read any of Merry Wrath's adventures, then start at the beginning, you can thank me later.
January 10, 2022
Wonderful entertaining listening 🔰😀
Another will written romantic thriller adventure mystery novel by Leslie Langtry in the Merry Wrath Mystery Series book 9, about the kidnapping of Rex the day before their wedding. Merry Wrath and friends investigate all the leads which leads to 👍 the unexpected conclusion. I highly recommend this novel and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to 👍novels 🔰🏡😄 2022
Another will written romantic thriller adventure mystery novel by Leslie Langtry in the Merry Wrath Mystery Series book 9, about the kidnapping of Rex the day before their wedding. Merry Wrath and friends investigate all the leads which leads to 👍 the unexpected conclusion. I highly recommend this novel and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to 👍novels 🔰🏡😄 2022
January 9, 2019
Who Would Have Thought Getting Married Was So Hard?
This was a delectable concoction of laughs & suspense. Lots of old characters & a few new weave together in an intriguing plot. Merry & her crew must find the missing bridegroom by following puzzles/clues before time runs out. I really could not put it down!
This was a delectable concoction of laughs & suspense. Lots of old characters & a few new weave together in an intriguing plot. Merry & her crew must find the missing bridegroom by following puzzles/clues before time runs out. I really could not put it down!
January 14, 2019
Love this series
Merry Wrath is a great main character - I love that she can kick serious butt and she's quirky as all hell. Add in her girl scout group and it's just plain hilarious. Every book that I've read from this author has been extremely entertaining, and this book was no exception. Thanks Leslie for another great read!
Merry Wrath is a great main character - I love that she can kick serious butt and she's quirky as all hell. Add in her girl scout group and it's just plain hilarious. Every book that I've read from this author has been extremely entertaining, and this book was no exception. Thanks Leslie for another great read!
April 2, 2019
I've been binge reading this series. I went back and re-read the last two - loved them just as much this time around as I did the first! New characters are showing up that just seem to enhance Merry's return to civilian life. Each new addition adds to the plot, not just to add new faces. This book was so well crafted. Great for me I get a really fun read!
January 25, 2019
WOW WOW WOW
I was so exited for this book. I was on pins and needles the entire time. I thought I would break my kindle turning the pages so quickly. This series gets better with each book. I am counting the days until the next one.
I was so exited for this book. I was on pins and needles the entire time. I thought I would break my kindle turning the pages so quickly. This series gets better with each book. I am counting the days until the next one.
October 6, 2020
A wedding for Merry and Rex or not. Rex is missing the day before the wedding. Merry is confused what do these clues mean? A new cop in Rex office gave Merry permission to look for Rex it was funny, fun and serious bodies kept showing up. read Marriage vow murder
January 27, 2022
Where’s The Groom
Wedding rehearsal is here and the groom has been kidnapped. Now Merry is searching desperately with the clues being left. A great series with a crazy cast of characters, lots of twists and turns, and laugh out loud chaos.
Wedding rehearsal is here and the groom has been kidnapped. Now Merry is searching desperately with the clues being left. A great series with a crazy cast of characters, lots of twists and turns, and laugh out loud chaos.
November 14, 2025
wedding Day Blues
Another great read. It is both a mixture of laughter and seriousness.
With new chapters and serious dangers.
Bringing Old characters together working to solve the deadly case in time.
Get yours now to read.
Debra H.
Another great read. It is both a mixture of laughter and seriousness.
With new chapters and serious dangers.
Bringing Old characters together working to solve the deadly case in time.
Get yours now to read.
Debra H.
January 12, 2019
I couldn't put it down!
January 19, 2019
I love her wacky style. Can’t wait for the next one.
February 1, 2019
MARRIAGE IS HELL!!!
What do you do when the groom is kidnapped and you have really weird clues to solve to get find him? Merry and the girls step up to the plate.
What do you do when the groom is kidnapped and you have really weird clues to solve to get find him? Merry and the girls step up to the plate.
February 6, 2019
Love this series. Each book is fun, well written and interesting with some laugh out loud moments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews