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Merry Wrath Mysteries #11
Meerkats and Murder
Just as Merry Wrath’s former career as a CIA agent seems to be fading into a distant memory, the agent turned Girl Scout troop leader discovers that her beloved little suburban ranch house may not be what it seems. When a masked gunman breaks in to demand the return of "Nye," she fears that she may not have been the first spy to live there. What…or who is "Nye?"
And when Merry trips over the dead body of that same gunman later at the zoo, she realizes that her favorite king vulture and his mouthy scarlet macaw friend may be witnesses to a murder. Suddenly this becomes much more personal, and her list of suspects grows from a cosplaying teenaged demigod zookeeper, to a possible plot by the Russians... which may even include Merry's old arch-nemesis.
Things aren’t going well for her Girl Scout troop either, as a new addition causes trouble, and the girls begin to turn against each other—sparking way more than just preteen angst. From a dangerous close encounter with a mythical red wolf, to a jovial, geriatric group of Russian expats who brew their own mind-bending vodka, Merry Wrath worries that if she doesn’t find the killer soon, this case may be her last.
And when Merry trips over the dead body of that same gunman later at the zoo, she realizes that her favorite king vulture and his mouthy scarlet macaw friend may be witnesses to a murder. Suddenly this becomes much more personal, and her list of suspects grows from a cosplaying teenaged demigod zookeeper, to a possible plot by the Russians... which may even include Merry's old arch-nemesis.
Things aren’t going well for her Girl Scout troop either, as a new addition causes trouble, and the girls begin to turn against each other—sparking way more than just preteen angst. From a dangerous close encounter with a mythical red wolf, to a jovial, geriatric group of Russian expats who brew their own mind-bending vodka, Merry Wrath worries that if she doesn’t find the killer soon, this case may be her last.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2019
242 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Langtry
97 books722 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 47 reviews
May 5, 2019
Another funny story featuring former CIA agent, Merry Wrath. She and her Girl Scout Troop are always hilarious, but 9-1/2-year-old Betty really kept me in stitches when another girl joins their troop. Merry is kept busy tracking down a murderer. I really loved the surprise ending!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
November 18, 2019
i love that you never know what Merry Wrath is going to get into. and the girl scouts make the book. another enjoyable installment
July 3, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better with each new book published in the series! Merry is such a hoot and gets herself into all kinds of crazy situations. And this surprise ending was awesome! How does Ms. Langtry think of these things! I love the small town setting. The characters are all so real, even if they think or do weird stuff. And the plots are amazing. I couldn’t put it down! If you like fun cozy mysteries with a twist at the end, you need to read this one!
June 26, 2019
A zany, crazy fun mystery with a great ending. I love this series!
July 5, 2019
I do not know how Ms.Langley does it but the series just keeps getting better and better. I love the troop and all their antics, but I am glad I do not have to deal with all the havoc they cause. My favorite is Betty, who is scary is in good way.
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.
December 1, 2022
Another great Merry Wrath mystery. I love these characters and how they can make me laugh out loud. And Leslie Langtry keeps thing a interesting with Merry's continued adjustment to civilian life!
December 21, 2020
Merry Wrath has a storyline that is, for the most part, so and so. Aided she is my a ton of side characters that make this fun.
Someone breaks into Merry’s house twice and then ends up dead. Even a person caught up in denial realizes that the cause is the former tenant, a spy, and the mysterious NYE. But Merry puts on a full Johnny English halfway through. The less you think about the plot, the better.
Let me talk about the Girl Scouts. The first chapter must be among the funniest things I've ever read. Afterward, Merry teams up with Betty for a short amount of time. This was a complete waste of comedy gold.
This should be the highest rated book. Instead, I gave it three stars because the other characters more or less deliver. But the book was a real disappointment.
Someone breaks into Merry’s house twice and then ends up dead. Even a person caught up in denial realizes that the cause is the former tenant, a spy, and the mysterious NYE. But Merry puts on a full Johnny English halfway through. The less you think about the plot, the better.
Let me talk about the Girl Scouts. The first chapter must be among the funniest things I've ever read. Afterward, Merry teams up with Betty for a short amount of time. This was a complete waste of comedy gold.
This should be the highest rated book. Instead, I gave it three stars because the other characters more or less deliver. But the book was a real disappointment.
May 5, 2019
Now that Merry and Rex are married, Merry uses her old house for Girl Scout crafting meetings and whenever they are likely to make a mess. Since it is just a half block from school, it doesn't cause any problems for the girls or parents to go there instead of school. Except one night when Betty was the last to leave, and someone got the drop on Merry, putting a gun to her back. After two break-ins by what she believes to be the same person, Merry goes to the zoo to talk to Mr. Fancy Pants. At night. When the zoo was closed. Using the copy of the director's key that Merry made so she could bring Mr. Fancy Pants Girl Scout cookies. However this time there was a new creature outside Mr. Fancy Pants' enclosure-the dead body of the man who had broken into Merry's house twice, asking for NYE.
After asking Riley (her old CIA partner) what he knew about all this, she discovered she had been tricked into buying the house. Riley bribed the real estate Agent to make sure Merry bought it because it had been owned previously by a double agent from Russia. When he took off he let it be known that he had left some classified documents hidden in the house. Riley and the CIA needed more time to search for the documents.
Disillusioned by Riley and the CIA, Merry tries to find the spy, find the document, and prove her arch nemesis Lana is also hanging around town. Meanwhile a new student in scouts is stirring up the girls and causing problems. When Betty gets in a fight with her at school, she gets kicked out of school for 3 days and produces a forged note saying she is staying with Merry while her parents are gone on business. One thing after another keeps Merry and Betty running around Iowa searching for the missing Russian double agent starting with Betty's Russian Grandfather.
It's a wild chase to find the murder and the missing document before the CIA or Riley. Good thing she has Betty on her side to help! Good thing too that Rex is such an understanding guy, or she probably wouldn't be married any longer. One of my absolute favorite authors, Leslie Langtry brings the reader laughs on top of laughs. She thinks of some of the most obtuse deductions and logic for her characters. Her characters-both human and animal-are entertaining and clever. From cats to a dog, to Meerkats to a wolf, to Mr. Fancy Pants, the animals were as essential as the humans.
There is so much more going on in this book, but I can't spoon feed you everything. You need some surprises to discover as you race through the book like I did! Pre-order or buy when it's out, just get a hold of the book and settle in for a wonderful read! You'll be glad you did!
After asking Riley (her old CIA partner) what he knew about all this, she discovered she had been tricked into buying the house. Riley bribed the real estate Agent to make sure Merry bought it because it had been owned previously by a double agent from Russia. When he took off he let it be known that he had left some classified documents hidden in the house. Riley and the CIA needed more time to search for the documents.
Disillusioned by Riley and the CIA, Merry tries to find the spy, find the document, and prove her arch nemesis Lana is also hanging around town. Meanwhile a new student in scouts is stirring up the girls and causing problems. When Betty gets in a fight with her at school, she gets kicked out of school for 3 days and produces a forged note saying she is staying with Merry while her parents are gone on business. One thing after another keeps Merry and Betty running around Iowa searching for the missing Russian double agent starting with Betty's Russian Grandfather.
It's a wild chase to find the murder and the missing document before the CIA or Riley. Good thing she has Betty on her side to help! Good thing too that Rex is such an understanding guy, or she probably wouldn't be married any longer. One of my absolute favorite authors, Leslie Langtry brings the reader laughs on top of laughs. She thinks of some of the most obtuse deductions and logic for her characters. Her characters-both human and animal-are entertaining and clever. From cats to a dog, to Meerkats to a wolf, to Mr. Fancy Pants, the animals were as essential as the humans.
There is so much more going on in this book, but I can't spoon feed you everything. You need some surprises to discover as you race through the book like I did! Pre-order or buy when it's out, just get a hold of the book and settle in for a wonderful read! You'll be glad you did!
July 22, 2019
Meerkats and Murder earns 5/5 Armed Cat Collars...Engaging with a Few Giggles!
It’s just another gathering of the troop as Merry and Kelly enjoy the young girls’ creative writing efforts on their newest project. Although they were asked to write about contemporary social media and bullying issues they might face, they are more interested in spies, terrorists, and murder. However, art imitates life when Merry is later surprised by a masked man with a gun demanding to know where “Nye” is. The intruder escapes, but later she finds a note dropped in his escape with her address and the initials “JH.” Ok, it’s time to use the spy skills: informal questioning, checking with her former CIA handler, a bit of hacking, and...“CLASSIFIED”? The identity of “JH” leads to surprises, secrets, and a dead body! But, circumstances provide Merry an interesting sidekick...a nine-year-old dynamo!
You go, girl...girls! Leslie Langtry's writing style is very entertaining including delightful snarky insights and humorous comments that make me eager for every new Merry Wrath book. This very clever, intriguing mystery once again has Merry’s past giving her trouble: old nemeses, Russian spies, and missing documents. However, the girls are having trouble at school bringing up some non-spy issues. I greatly enjoyed the first-person narrative sharing Merry's inner thoughts, many of her experiences, often dangers, as a spy, and snarky comments and descriptions that always provide the giggles. Beyond clever, entertaining, and with just the right amount of humor. Don’t forget the sister-in-law taxidermists and a plethora of “fur” friends to round out this now “Top Ten” favorite series.
I do love bonuses with my cozies, so what could I suggest for this Merry Wrath Mystery series? Maybe some CIA tricks like best moves to disarm an assassin, how to store your uzi, safety tips for storing plutonium in your basement? Or a recipe for “Spy—C Stew” or ways to use Russian vodka...just saying.
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
It’s just another gathering of the troop as Merry and Kelly enjoy the young girls’ creative writing efforts on their newest project. Although they were asked to write about contemporary social media and bullying issues they might face, they are more interested in spies, terrorists, and murder. However, art imitates life when Merry is later surprised by a masked man with a gun demanding to know where “Nye” is. The intruder escapes, but later she finds a note dropped in his escape with her address and the initials “JH.” Ok, it’s time to use the spy skills: informal questioning, checking with her former CIA handler, a bit of hacking, and...“CLASSIFIED”? The identity of “JH” leads to surprises, secrets, and a dead body! But, circumstances provide Merry an interesting sidekick...a nine-year-old dynamo!
You go, girl...girls! Leslie Langtry's writing style is very entertaining including delightful snarky insights and humorous comments that make me eager for every new Merry Wrath book. This very clever, intriguing mystery once again has Merry’s past giving her trouble: old nemeses, Russian spies, and missing documents. However, the girls are having trouble at school bringing up some non-spy issues. I greatly enjoyed the first-person narrative sharing Merry's inner thoughts, many of her experiences, often dangers, as a spy, and snarky comments and descriptions that always provide the giggles. Beyond clever, entertaining, and with just the right amount of humor. Don’t forget the sister-in-law taxidermists and a plethora of “fur” friends to round out this now “Top Ten” favorite series.
I do love bonuses with my cozies, so what could I suggest for this Merry Wrath Mystery series? Maybe some CIA tricks like best moves to disarm an assassin, how to store your uzi, safety tips for storing plutonium in your basement? Or a recipe for “Spy—C Stew” or ways to use Russian vodka...just saying.
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
July 5, 2019
Never a spoiler in my reviews! If you love hijinx and laugh out loud mystery stories, this one is for you! How can you not love Merry Wrath, her Girl Scouts, spies, murder, I could go on and on, but you just need to get this book! You can start here or start and the beginning of the series, either way, you WILL NOT be disappointed with the stories, characters or the pace! Realistic characters that you would love to be friends with! Always twists and turns that keep you guessing till the end, this talented author hands us the best kind of cozy! This installment is so good, the only reason it took me two days to read it was because I had to go to sleep...I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and am providing my unsolicited, honest assessment of this book. Get it now!
August 25, 2023
When you are reading a chaotic comedy you really need to be in the humour and, in the case of "Meerkats and Murder" I was, but only some of the time.
I also need to get my eyes checked as I mistaken thought this was the first in the series - it turned out to be the 11th.
Former spy Merry Wrath is now an occasional Girl Scout Troop leader - one of whom, Betty, impresses Merry with her savagery and skills.
There also a new girl in the Troop and she's sowing discord among the previously amiable girls.
When someone breaks into Merry's home and threatens her it turns out that her ex-employers had a hand in her getting the house in the first place. And they had their reasons!
It does have some funny parts but, overall, I though it was too formulaic and random. Maybe the earlier books were better.
3 Stars.
I also need to get my eyes checked as I mistaken thought this was the first in the series - it turned out to be the 11th.
Former spy Merry Wrath is now an occasional Girl Scout Troop leader - one of whom, Betty, impresses Merry with her savagery and skills.
There also a new girl in the Troop and she's sowing discord among the previously amiable girls.
When someone breaks into Merry's home and threatens her it turns out that her ex-employers had a hand in her getting the house in the first place. And they had their reasons!
It does have some funny parts but, overall, I though it was too formulaic and random. Maybe the earlier books were better.
3 Stars.
July 9, 2019
I just love this series, and each book is unique in its own way. Merry and her girl scout troop have a new member, and nobody likes her! There is a very good reason for this, which I will not tell for fear of spoiling it, but this girl causes all kinds of trouble. Betty is getting even smarter (and more dangerous), and is actually bonding with Merry more, her hero and role model. Mr. Fancy Pants plays a major role in this book, and there is a lot of activity taking place at the local zoo (did I say kidnapped birds???) Now I know you will want to read this book if you are at all familiar with the Merry Wrath series! Very nice, definitely a page turner. Well done, bravo!
June 19, 2019
Ex CIA agent & scout troop leader Merry Wrath continues to discover bodies in Meerkats and Murder. Ms. Langtry's adventures of the world's most unlikely scout troop leader and her scouts continue to captivate me. Scout Betty really gets to shine in this book. With the usual cast of characters, plus several more Russians and new zoo animals, Ms. Langtry continues to spin Merry's adventures in Who's There, Iowa. Once again I was stumped by the quite surprising ending. You don't want to miss this adventure!
July 2, 2019
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review. This is a great series. Merry once again finds herself caught up in a mystery. Who'd have thought that the house she owned harbored secret spy paperwork - apparently a lot of people. In the midst of it all, her scout troop gains a new member who is causing chaos. Now let's add Russian spies to the mix. This was a great read. Every time I thought I knew who it was, a new clue was uncovered. While you don't need to read every book in the series to keep up with it, I highly recommend it as it is such a fun series.
July 4, 2019
This series just keeps getting better.
I'd happily give this book five stars as it's laugh out loud funny,entertaining fun!Merry and the gang are all present and the usual madness and mayhem ensue.Someone keeps breaking into Merrys house and they are looking for something,the question is what,and why?Throw in a murder,mad russians,a king vulture ,a host of other zoo animals,spies and the girl scout group and you're guaranteed a fantastic,funny read.I love Mr fancy pants and Betty!Read it and so will you.
I'd happily give this book five stars as it's laugh out loud funny,entertaining fun!Merry and the gang are all present and the usual madness and mayhem ensue.Someone keeps breaking into Merrys house and they are looking for something,the question is what,and why?Throw in a murder,mad russians,a king vulture ,a host of other zoo animals,spies and the girl scout group and you're guaranteed a fantastic,funny read.I love Mr fancy pants and Betty!Read it and so will you.
July 3, 2019
My new favorite in this series zoo spies girl scouts
This series gets better and better. Betty is in this one A lot my favorite girl scout . The zoo me fancy pants Dickie the parrot new animal no spoilers . The cats the wolfhound . We learn more about the word kid who takes care of the animals at night. Great series great mystery lots of red herrings and I was guessing right up until the end.
This series gets better and better. Betty is in this one A lot my favorite girl scout . The zoo me fancy pants Dickie the parrot new animal no spoilers . The cats the wolfhound . We learn more about the word kid who takes care of the animals at night. Great series great mystery lots of red herrings and I was guessing right up until the end.
July 6, 2019
I really enjoy this series! Merry Wrath is a former CIA agent and a Girl Scout troop leader. However, her former career doesn’t seem to have been left behind. With a husband that’s a detective, her former handler, her bff and a troop of girls fascinated with her former career, and her habit of finding dead bodies, life is far from dull. The characters are interesting and the Girl Scouts are hilarious!
July 5, 2019
Another outstanding entry in the Merry Wrath saga. I laughed out-loud through the whole thing.
Merry's CIA past collides once again with her present when a former Russian spy tries to find a file he think is hidden in her house. With the help of her former partner, her trusty scout troop, and her cats (yes, her cats), Merry tries to find the file and the spies. Hilarity ensues.
Merry's CIA past collides once again with her present when a former Russian spy tries to find a file he think is hidden in her house. With the help of her former partner, her trusty scout troop, and her cats (yes, her cats), Merry tries to find the file and the spies. Hilarity ensues.
October 16, 2019
We need more stars.
Brilliant. While I miss Merry's mad spy skills from the earlier books although it looks like her young protege is coming along nicely, the laughs never stop and the intrigue is more intriguier than ever before. The best part though is the animals there actions, interactions and reactions are wonderful.
Brilliant. While I miss Merry's mad spy skills from the earlier books although it looks like her young protege is coming along nicely, the laughs never stop and the intrigue is more intriguier than ever before. The best part though is the animals there actions, interactions and reactions are wonderful.
January 30, 2022
The Spy Who Came Before Me
Merry Wrath Ferguson is happily married and still co-leader of a Girl Scout Troop. When she has to add another scout to the troop they aren’t happy because she’s a distraction and divisive person. Then her house keeps getting broken into and lots of mayhem happens. Great series with great characters.
Merry Wrath Ferguson is happily married and still co-leader of a Girl Scout Troop. When she has to add another scout to the troop they aren’t happy because she’s a distraction and divisive person. Then her house keeps getting broken into and lots of mayhem happens. Great series with great characters.
July 6, 2019
Meerkats and Murder is a delightful romp! Leslie Langtry has a unique voice and a loveable heroine in Merry Wrath. Hardly a page goes by without a laugh, an ingenious idea, and, quite often, a body! Full of enjoyable characters and zany twists, Meerkats and Murders is a great read!
July 10, 2019
Outstanding
Not only is this a fantastic mystery it is a hilarious comedy. I haven't laughed so hard in quite a while. Betty nearly had me in tears I was laughing so hard. I absolutely loved every word.
Not only is this a fantastic mystery it is a hilarious comedy. I haven't laughed so hard in quite a while. Betty nearly had me in tears I was laughing so hard. I absolutely loved every word.
July 18, 2019
I have read every book
I love all the characters in these books. The story line was fun and intriguing, but there was just a tad too much of Philby the cat and his at antics that I felt was a tad of a distraction and did nothing for the story line.
I love all the characters in these books. The story line was fun and intriguing, but there was just a tad too much of Philby the cat and his at antics that I felt was a tad of a distraction and did nothing for the story line.
September 1, 2019
Another Fun Merry Wrath Story!
Leslie Langtry writes funny cozy mysteries! Greatest Hit Mysteries, Merry Wrath, and others. This one has a laugh out loud part involving animals. And there is a red wolf who likes to play fetch. All with an interesting cozy mystery.
Leslie Langtry writes funny cozy mysteries! Greatest Hit Mysteries, Merry Wrath, and others. This one has a laugh out loud part involving animals. And there is a red wolf who likes to play fetch. All with an interesting cozy mystery.
September 25, 2019
I really loved this series but the storyline has run its course for me. It will be hard to not pick up the next book (assuming there is a next book) but the very last scene in this book made me laugh out loud and I feel like I ended on a high note!
October 15, 2019
The girls are back at it! What could go wrong? In this newest adventure, there's a mystery involving: Russian spies, fourth grade Girl Scouts, birds of prey, and the Obladi Zoo. This was a good, fun read as always! Highly recommended!
February 9, 2020
This book was as brilliant as all her others in this series. Contained humour and suspense could not put it down.
I love the characters and how her girl guide troop get involved. As a leader myself I find it funy.
I love the characters and how her girl guide troop get involved. As a leader myself I find it funy.
September 13, 2020
Riley once again proves why Rex was the right choice. Betty steals the show with her schemes, attempted murder and handy Russian grandparents. Merry adopts a new zoo animal (and I love him). The new troop member causing trouble is handled in a most unexpected way.
January 16, 2022
Wonderful entertaining mystery listening 🔰😀
Another will written romantic thriller adventure murder mystery by Leslie Langtry book 11in the Merry Wrath Mysteries Series. Once again Merry Wrath, friends, and the girl scout troop are involved in the investigation of a murder. Betty has been bad 👎 at school and is staying with Merry and Rex oh what fun. The investigation is going no 👎 where, when the light goes on for Merry Wrath and the mystery is solved. I highly recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 to 👍 novels 🔰🏡😄 2022
Another will written romantic thriller adventure murder mystery by Leslie Langtry book 11in the Merry Wrath Mysteries Series. Once again Merry Wrath, friends, and the girl scout troop are involved in the investigation of a murder. Betty has been bad 👎 at school and is staying with Merry and Rex oh what fun. The investigation is going no 👎 where, when the light goes on for Merry Wrath and the mystery is solved. I highly recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 to 👍 novels 🔰🏡😄 2022
September 10, 2024
Zoo killing
Marry had to confess once again that she's been seeking in the zoo, not because she got caught but because she found a body. This body was one person she kinda knew. To find the killer, she had to look near and far. This book kept me laughing all the way through it.
Marry had to confess once again that she's been seeking in the zoo, not because she got caught but because she found a body. This body was one person she kinda knew. To find the killer, she had to look near and far. This book kept me laughing all the way through it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews