What do you think?
Rate this book
Merry Wrath Mysteries #15
Macho Man Murder
From USA Today bestselling author Leslie Langtry comes the latest hilarious Merry Wrath Mystery, where Merry's past with the CIA comes back to haunt her in a very lively way in small town Iowa!
Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the water…
Who expects to come home and find an angry Chechen strong man in their front yard? That’s what former CIA turned suburbanite Merry Wrath discovers when she comes home from a disastrous pool party with her Girl Scout troop. Only this is Iowa, not Chechnya, and Aslan is anything but friendly, having realized Merry doubled crossed him in her former CIA life.
As revenge for the humiliation, Aslan has an ultimatum for Merry: kill her former handler, Riley Andrews, or Aslan’s goons, Ron and Ivan, will kill Merry’s husband, Rex.
Be careful what you wish for…
When Merry’s assassin colleague Hilly (who isn’t an assassin because the CIA doesn’t have assassins – that would be illegal) shows up to help, Merry dares to hope the two of them can find a solution to avoid killing Riley and protect Rex. But before they can come up with a plan, Merry is faced with a dead body, and Hilly tells police she saw Ron and Ivan dumping it. Unfortunately, Merry know that's not true as she was with the dim-witted rogues when the murder happened.
It’s a not-so-classic cozy conundrum…
Now Merry is trapped in a diabolical dilemma. With Hilly and Riley now suspects in the murder, she could say nothing and watch Ron and Ivan take the fall. Or does she do the right thing, and help Ron and Ivan implicate her friends in the process? Merry has to solve this one on her own as she walks a fine line between doing the right thing for the wrong people, or the wrong thing for the right people.
Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the water…
Who expects to come home and find an angry Chechen strong man in their front yard? That’s what former CIA turned suburbanite Merry Wrath discovers when she comes home from a disastrous pool party with her Girl Scout troop. Only this is Iowa, not Chechnya, and Aslan is anything but friendly, having realized Merry doubled crossed him in her former CIA life.
As revenge for the humiliation, Aslan has an ultimatum for Merry: kill her former handler, Riley Andrews, or Aslan’s goons, Ron and Ivan, will kill Merry’s husband, Rex.
Be careful what you wish for…
When Merry’s assassin colleague Hilly (who isn’t an assassin because the CIA doesn’t have assassins – that would be illegal) shows up to help, Merry dares to hope the two of them can find a solution to avoid killing Riley and protect Rex. But before they can come up with a plan, Merry is faced with a dead body, and Hilly tells police she saw Ron and Ivan dumping it. Unfortunately, Merry know that's not true as she was with the dim-witted rogues when the murder happened.
It’s a not-so-classic cozy conundrum…
Now Merry is trapped in a diabolical dilemma. With Hilly and Riley now suspects in the murder, she could say nothing and watch Ron and Ivan take the fall. Or does she do the right thing, and help Ron and Ivan implicate her friends in the process? Merry has to solve this one on her own as she walks a fine line between doing the right thing for the wrong people, or the wrong thing for the right people.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2020
298 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Langtry
97 books724 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 10, 2022
I absolutely love this series. This book was another warped romp from Leslie Langtry.
October 2, 2020
This far out fun series with laugh out loud moments is my favorite break from the real world. Thanks to former spy Merry Wrath who is trying to live a peaceful life in Who's There, Iowa but past cases just keep showing up. This one also has a great twist with her sisters-in-law. It's a great read for a good time.
July 23, 2020
The Chechens are in town and are trying to force Merry to kill her former CIA friend or they will kill her husband. As serious as this sounds the book has a lot of laughs. You can’t do better than a Merry Wrath for a humorous book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 31, 2020
Nobody has a more confusing life than Merry Wrath (Ferguson)! Between her 10 girls in the Girl Scout troop (and their wild ideas with the brains to implement them), her old CIA cohorts showing up making demands, her old CIA targets showing up with their own demands, her "private concerns" (read Mr. Fancy Pants), her bizzaro pets, her crazy sister-in-laws, and one husband who is too good to be true, her life is a whirlwind of crazy. And so many laughs for readers! Just when you think the author has surely run out of ideas, WHAM! Merry is off and running after yet another...well you fill in the blank. Any thing from horse to terrorist will work. But don't take my word for it. Read for yourself this 15th (!!!) book and be prepared to ignore the world until you finish. You'll love it too.
February 20, 2024
Love these stories.
I love these stories. When I first read one of these stories, I loved them. I enjoy everyone of them. Great job.
I love these stories. When I first read one of these stories, I loved them. I enjoy everyone of them. Great job.
July 27, 2020
Macho Man Murder earns 5/5 Comic Books...Totally Engaging Page-Turner!
Merry Wrath continues her efforts to shield friends, family, and a group of pre-teens from her previous life as a CIA operative, but without much success. Coming back earlier from a pool trip (think frogs and sharks) with her Girl Scouts in tow, Wally, a Chechen terrorist, is sitting on the front lawn of her second house, the Troop’s clubhouse and where she hides all her spy weapons and gadgets. Immediately surrounding him the ten sidekicks ponder many torturous reactions, but she takes him inside. Fearful how he found her and any potential stray bullets, she learns he has a job for her...”You owe me...” The job? Kill Merry’s former CIA handler or his thugs will take out her husband. Trying to skirt the threat, she discovers issues with her past CIA work, a dead body, a hoard of comic books, and a false report making her once again question in whom she puts her trust.
Leslie Langtry has once again penned a delightful romp with Merry, her girls, and few terrorists she’d prefer were thrown in prison. The drama is unique, spy turned Scout leader, and compelling as it isn’t just keeping friends and family safe without causing the Chechens to go ballistic, literally; Merry becomes aware of the depth of the politics within the intelligence community and surprised to learn how deep their involvement. Maybe getting rid of a few wouldn’t be bad...a little house cleaning! The twist, however, is that Merry may need to rely on those who may not have her back like the ten Girl Scouts. Ok, the girls. One needs to suspend belief that pre-teens are actually going to go up against angry Chechens, but the girls are delightful “kiss ass” girls who want to learn more about a high-powered rocket launcher than a high-powered sales technique for selling cookies...which might be a more helpful back-up skill! Descriptive from Merry’s perspective, I love her snarky thoughts and wit of the dialogue, twist and turns of the drama, and all that Merry goes through to save others. It’s a great series, and with this fifteenth book many newbies will be quickly engaged, but the series evolves, so going back to the rest of the series will undoubtedly be a must!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Merry Wrath continues her efforts to shield friends, family, and a group of pre-teens from her previous life as a CIA operative, but without much success. Coming back earlier from a pool trip (think frogs and sharks) with her Girl Scouts in tow, Wally, a Chechen terrorist, is sitting on the front lawn of her second house, the Troop’s clubhouse and where she hides all her spy weapons and gadgets. Immediately surrounding him the ten sidekicks ponder many torturous reactions, but she takes him inside. Fearful how he found her and any potential stray bullets, she learns he has a job for her...”You owe me...” The job? Kill Merry’s former CIA handler or his thugs will take out her husband. Trying to skirt the threat, she discovers issues with her past CIA work, a dead body, a hoard of comic books, and a false report making her once again question in whom she puts her trust.
Leslie Langtry has once again penned a delightful romp with Merry, her girls, and few terrorists she’d prefer were thrown in prison. The drama is unique, spy turned Scout leader, and compelling as it isn’t just keeping friends and family safe without causing the Chechens to go ballistic, literally; Merry becomes aware of the depth of the politics within the intelligence community and surprised to learn how deep their involvement. Maybe getting rid of a few wouldn’t be bad...a little house cleaning! The twist, however, is that Merry may need to rely on those who may not have her back like the ten Girl Scouts. Ok, the girls. One needs to suspend belief that pre-teens are actually going to go up against angry Chechens, but the girls are delightful “kiss ass” girls who want to learn more about a high-powered rocket launcher than a high-powered sales technique for selling cookies...which might be a more helpful back-up skill! Descriptive from Merry’s perspective, I love her snarky thoughts and wit of the dialogue, twist and turns of the drama, and all that Merry goes through to save others. It’s a great series, and with this fifteenth book many newbies will be quickly engaged, but the series evolves, so going back to the rest of the series will undoubtedly be a must!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
August 6, 2020
Again I wasn't disappointed. I have loved every book in this series and look forward to the next one. I enjoy all the characters (especially the girls in the troop) i also really enjoyed Ron and Ivan in this book. Definitely a two thumbs up read from me.👍👍🙂
July 31, 2020
WHEN IS A MURDER NOT A MURDER
Merry has this dilemma. She is threatened with the life of her husband if she doesn't kill her ex boss. Her life is out of control: her girl scouts want a girlfriend for Mr. Fancy Pants, the one who released a negative video of her is trying to kill her and the bad guys from Chesneya.
Merry has this dilemma. She is threatened with the life of her husband if she doesn't kill her ex boss. Her life is out of control: her girl scouts want a girlfriend for Mr. Fancy Pants, the one who released a negative video of her is trying to kill her and the bad guys from Chesneya.
July 21, 2020
I love this series!
This has become one of my favorite cozy series. It is so entertaining and I look forward to each installment.
This has become one of my favorite cozy series. It is so entertaining and I look forward to each installment.
July 9, 2020
Never a spoiler in my review, this series is such fun! Leslie Langtry continues to amaze. You get everything you hope for in a perfectly written cozy mystery including the ability to read these books as standalones which is the best too, because you can start anywhere (that means here if you haven't read any others yet) jump right in, learn and understand the main characters and their relationships that recur in every book. Each storyline is independent of the one before, so the books (including this one) end cleanly and leave you satisfied. There is so much laugh out loud humor it will bring you to tears, on top of a well thought out whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end. How could you possibly go wrong with a former CIA operative turned girl scout leader to a bunch of very interesting little girls, none of whom (Merry or the girls) can seem to keep out of trouble in a town named Who's There? And in this book, what could possibly go wrong at a pool party for the girls? There is no shortage of activity or happenings to keep Merry and the rest of the quirky cast on their toes and ready for action! Get this book, you won't be disappointed. I received an ARC of this book and this is my unsolicited and honest review.
July 7, 2020
This is yet another wonderful book in the Merry Wrath series! As Merry finally is living a normal life with her husband, Rex, her dog and two cats (one who looks like Hitler and one who looks like Elvis), her CIA past keeps coming back to complicate her life. This time, the Chechen terrorists she was with when she was undercover with the CIA (the very ones she was with when her identity has been “accidentally” revealed) suddenly appears demanding she kill Riley or he will have his thugs kill Rex. At the same time Hilly also returns, the CIA assassin-who-isn’t-an-assassin. Why is she there (again)? All of my favorite characters appear in this book including Merry’s Girl Scout troop, Mr. Fancy Pants, the twins Ronni and Randi, and new characters are introduced to the series that are totally hilarious and too good to give away their identities (you have to read the book)! This author has amazed me again with her witty writing of another fun, action-packed adventure of Merry Wrath that had me laughing the whole way through.
July 9, 2020
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
This is one of my absolute favorite series. In this book, Merry (former CIA spy) is having quite the problem. Someone from her past threatens to kill her husband, Rex, if she doesn't kill her former CIA spy friend, Riley. Then things get really messy as the person threatening her is killed. This occurs right after her friend Hilly who is an assassin (not an assassin according to the CIA) shows up for a visit. Suspicious right? Now let's add 2 henchmen, 4 girl scouts from her troop and her husband's sisters to the mix. Poor Merry has quite the headache trying to solve this one. It is one crazy, fun ride that will have you changing your guess as to who done it many times.
This is one of my absolute favorite series. In this book, Merry (former CIA spy) is having quite the problem. Someone from her past threatens to kill her husband, Rex, if she doesn't kill her former CIA spy friend, Riley. Then things get really messy as the person threatening her is killed. This occurs right after her friend Hilly who is an assassin (not an assassin according to the CIA) shows up for a visit. Suspicious right? Now let's add 2 henchmen, 4 girl scouts from her troop and her husband's sisters to the mix. Poor Merry has quite the headache trying to solve this one. It is one crazy, fun ride that will have you changing your guess as to who done it many times.
July 11, 2020
It really takes a writer with an amazing sense of humor to mix terrorists, CIA operatives, police detectives, girl scouts, animals and other characters and make such a good story with suspense. Leslie Langtry does this brilliantly. This book takes place when Wally, a foreign terrorist comes to see Merry to demand that she kill Riley or he will kill her husband Rex. It has many twists and turn in the story yet has amazing humor. I enjoyed it very much!
July 8, 2020
Merry does it again
Love this series. Merry and her Girl scouts can make everything better. If you like to laugh out loud you will love this series. Merry finds herself in some crazy circumstances when some frienemys come to visit. But with the help of her friends and her Girl Scout troop, Merry solved her mystery and makes life interesting in Who's There . You will be amused. I wish I had Leslie Langtrys' imagination..
Love this series. Merry and her Girl scouts can make everything better. If you like to laugh out loud you will love this series. Merry finds herself in some crazy circumstances when some frienemys come to visit. But with the help of her friends and her Girl Scout troop, Merry solved her mystery and makes life interesting in Who's There . You will be amused. I wish I had Leslie Langtrys' imagination..
July 11, 2020
This series never fails to make me laugh. Merry & her girls scouts get themselves into some crazy adventures. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
June 16, 2020
Another outstanding Merry Wrath adventure! Merry Wrath and her band of comedic family and friends keeps getting better and better. Laughs and mystery await in this latest tale about an ex-CIA agent blending her past life with her new hometown girl identity. Merry Wrath can't leave well enough alone when a few former Chechen associates come to Who's There, Iowa. Worse yet, there is a murder and once again Merry's husband, Rex (also the town police chief), asks her to stay out of the investigation. More Chechens in town are suspect, but Merry's former handler Riley is acting strange and the quirky ex-CIA and unpredictable Hilly is back in town. Mix in Rex's twin sisters, 10 girl scouts, some favorite zoo animals, the druid club teens, and some folks in the neighboring town of Bladderly and you will not want to put this one down.
I have read many of these books and I still anxiously pick up the next one as soon as possible. This one had me laughing out loud on page 1. Best books ever!
I have read many of these books and I still anxiously pick up the next one as soon as possible. This one had me laughing out loud on page 1. Best books ever!
July 8, 2020
I love these books with Merry Wrath and her troop of girl scouts with unusual skills. It is non stop action with all our favorite characters and four footed friends. More characters surface from Merry's past with the CIA. As usual, very little is as it first appears. I simply sat and enjoyed the twists and turns as I devoured this book one afternoon! Get the book and let the hijinks begin! This is another zany tale from a master writer.
July 7, 2020
The one thing I love most about this series is the books not only have a great mystery but the humor makes me laugh until I cry. Just when I think they can’t possibly get any better I am once again amazed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book but also purchased a copy as I just have to support one of my favorite authors.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book but also purchased a copy as I just have to support one of my favorite authors.
June 30, 2020
Thank you to Gemma Halliday Publishing for the review copy of this book. Misunderstandings and mayhem abound in the 15th Merry Wrath Mystery by Leslie Langtry. The situations that Merry Wrath (Ferguson) gets herself into are absolutely ridiculous, but I am here for it! I love ‘watching’ the process unfold. In this installment of the Merry Wrath Mysteries, Merry finds herself face to face with a blast from her past who threatens the life she has come to hold dear in Who’s There. Instead of feeling relief when Wally turns up dead, Merry feels the need to exonerate her friends. In true Merry Wrath (Ferguson) style, Merry finds herself in one crazy situation after another, and Rex shows the patience of a saint.
June 28, 2020
I just love this series! (What does that say about me?😳🤣) This book is the best one so far! Ms. Langtry has a way with words that is hilarious! Who would think of a protagonist who is a former CIA operative turned Girl Scout leader?! The main character of Merry has a good heart, a conscience and a penchant for trouble. This is an easy read. If you like a good mystery, a main character who loves and wants to protect her family and friends and a really quirky sense of the absurd, then you definitely need to read this series!
December 31, 2022
These are fun, but are they written by different people? In the last book the troop had a meeting with the zoo director about the vulture; and it happened again here, but differently. A few other details are repeating, differently.
And it doesn't matter; the books are still fun.
And it doesn't matter; the books are still fun.
April 1, 2022
Wonderful entertaining mystery listening 🎶😉
Another will written romantic murder mystery adventure thriller novel by Leslie Langtry book fifteen in the Merry Wrath Mystery Series. Once again Merry finds herself, girl 👧 scout troop and friends involved in a murder investigation while finding a girl bird 🐦 for Fancy Pants. It gets a lot out of control with Merry and her attacker ending up in the hospital. At Merry's coming home party she solves the case. I recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye issues and damage from nerve damage caused by shingles. 🏡🔰👒☺ 2022
Another will written romantic murder mystery adventure thriller novel by Leslie Langtry book fifteen in the Merry Wrath Mystery Series. Once again Merry finds herself, girl 👧 scout troop and friends involved in a murder investigation while finding a girl bird 🐦 for Fancy Pants. It gets a lot out of control with Merry and her attacker ending up in the hospital. At Merry's coming home party she solves the case. I recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye issues and damage from nerve damage caused by shingles. 🏡🔰👒☺ 2022
May 23, 2021
It’s been awhile since I read one of these so I was really looking forward to it. But while it was enjoyable enough, I found it a little lacking. Not quite sure why - it just didn’t quite live up to my expectations or memories in terms of amusement. Also Betty and the other girls weren’t in that much and when they were they seemed strangely hostile towards Merry at times. And Merry seems to be getting more clueless and inept as the series goes on which, given her past as a spy, is just annoying.
July 26, 2020
Something is missing.
Was looking forward in the next saga of Merry, however she felt more of a laughing stock, out of touch with her years of training and being ridiculed. It would be nice for her to get her skills and fitness back and some credibility. I am not sure if I will continue the series which is a shame as I had enjoyed them.
Was looking forward in the next saga of Merry, however she felt more of a laughing stock, out of touch with her years of training and being ridiculed. It would be nice for her to get her skills and fitness back and some credibility. I am not sure if I will continue the series which is a shame as I had enjoyed them.
January 31, 2023
Leslie Langtry wrote another laugh out loud entry in the Merry Wrath series. Once again, Kerry's past is is catching up with her. This was a clever mystery as well. Lots of twists and turns, questions, and Red being as patient as ever. It was a great read!
February 28, 2025
2.5 rating. This is so ridiculous. An ex CIA agent that needs help from 10 year old girl scouts? The entire book is over the top silliness. YA might find this humorous, I did not. It was so juvenile. It was like reading a captain underpants book for my kids.
July 8, 2020
Just finished this book and loved it! Couldn't put it down! The end was a surprise but I liked it.
July 13, 2020
Laugh out loud funny
Excellent read . I enjoyed Hilly being around more in this one, and can’t wait to see what’s next for Merry and if course Mr Fancy Pants
Excellent read . I enjoyed Hilly being around more in this one, and can’t wait to see what’s next for Merry and if course Mr Fancy Pants
July 14, 2020
Good one
This one is funny. Some of the conversations are hysterical .😀😀😀😀. Read this one ASAP. CAN'T wait for #16. Please!
This one is funny. Some of the conversations are hysterical .😀😀😀😀. Read this one ASAP. CAN'T wait for #16. Please!
July 22, 2020
Love this series. The girl scouts are a hoot and Merry is a kick
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews