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Merry Wrath Mysteries #19
Mosquito Bite Murder
From USA Today bestselling author Leslie Langtry comes a killer summer camping trip!
In her career as a spy, Merry Wrath had her share of camping trips—from glamping in a yurt at Oktoberfest with drug lord Carlos the Armadillo to an awkward team building campout in the backyard of a Yakuza mob boss who thought “trust falls” should have lethal consequences. So when the former CIA turned Girl Scout troop leader has the opportunity to take six girls from her troop into a vast, private nature preserve in search of an abandoned scout camp, she jumps at it. The fact that she can secretly use this as a chance to meet up with another spy who has asked for her help just seems to be an added bonus.
Of course she doesn't expect to find a guy named Chad in a shallow grave. He’s still alive, at least for the moment, and he insists on accompanying them further into the woods. Merry’s contact is a no-show, but another, more dangerous colleague surprises them on the trail. And just when she thinks she might be able to handle things, the group find themselves confronted by a hostile group of senior citizen hermits.
From the strange noises in the night, to vampire ticks, and the constant fear of being invaded by Communists, everything in Merry’s world appears to be dangerously off kilter. When she’s accosted by a 200lb snapping turtle named Old Eisenhower, Merry realizes that not everything is what it appears to be. Can Merry figure it out who is behind the stranger occurrences before the camping trip ends up with a body count?
In her career as a spy, Merry Wrath had her share of camping trips—from glamping in a yurt at Oktoberfest with drug lord Carlos the Armadillo to an awkward team building campout in the backyard of a Yakuza mob boss who thought “trust falls” should have lethal consequences. So when the former CIA turned Girl Scout troop leader has the opportunity to take six girls from her troop into a vast, private nature preserve in search of an abandoned scout camp, she jumps at it. The fact that she can secretly use this as a chance to meet up with another spy who has asked for her help just seems to be an added bonus.
Of course she doesn't expect to find a guy named Chad in a shallow grave. He’s still alive, at least for the moment, and he insists on accompanying them further into the woods. Merry’s contact is a no-show, but another, more dangerous colleague surprises them on the trail. And just when she thinks she might be able to handle things, the group find themselves confronted by a hostile group of senior citizen hermits.
From the strange noises in the night, to vampire ticks, and the constant fear of being invaded by Communists, everything in Merry’s world appears to be dangerously off kilter. When she’s accosted by a 200lb snapping turtle named Old Eisenhower, Merry realizes that not everything is what it appears to be. Can Merry figure it out who is behind the stranger occurrences before the camping trip ends up with a body count?
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2021
About the author
Leslie Langtry
103 books731 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 33 reviews
June 16, 2023
Merry did it again! A totally unexpected whodunit, and lots of surprises. And, I'll never think of potatoes the same way again! But, Merry figures things out in the end. And, Betty and the girls jump in to help and have fun, too.
January 2, 2023
Maybe a few too many storylines all trying to come together; but the books are still fun!
December 25, 2025
This was the usual quick giggle fest full of antics from now 11yo Betty and encouraged by sometimes visiting character Hilly. I couldn’t guess what was happening til the end. So much fun!
August 25, 2021
Mosquito Bite Murder Earns 5/5 Zip Guns…Entertaining, Witty Page-Turner!
Merry has devised an excellent cover for her covert meeting with former colleague now considered a traitor. She has devised a camping trip for her troop of precocious Girl Scouts to find and map a long forgotten Girl Scout camp in order to earn their Bronze Award. She didn’t feel she was putting them in harms way since these girls have thwarted more bad guys than many seasoned agents, not to mention being at ease with flame throwers and zip guns. They have permission to trek through a private nature preserve in the search of the camp facility, so everyone, including Merry’s former CIA handler in lieu of co-leader Kelly, are prepared to rough it. But, no matter how prepared they are, it’s going to get difficult…very difficult, especially when an “assassin not an assassin” friend shows up, a half-buried man is discovered, a group of decades “off-grid” senior citizen Girl Scouts show up, a dead body causes troubles, and Old Eisenhower snaps.
Leslie Langtry is a master-ess of witty repartee, quirky characters, and predicaments that defy all safety measures, and with this nineteenth into the woods adventure, she still keeps it fresh and exciting fun. As a Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and Mrs. Peel wannabe, Merry’s backstory and all the references to her past CIA experiences are fascinating and humorous. I feel part of the drama with the first-person narrative she employs, and although there is a need to suspend disbelief about pre-teens as unofficial agents-in-training, I can attest, from personal experience as a retired teacher, ten-year-olds can surprise you with their precocious manners and capable skills. This series portrays those extremes, but who knows what real undercover agents were like as young kids? I’m sure there is a real Betty out there whose parents worried about her interest in weapons, surveillance, and enhanced interrogation techniques. There is plenty of adult angst, too, with the need to find a so-called rogue former agent, a missing body, and the age-old dilemma with which all agents struggle, who can you trust? Leslie’s writing style is entertaining with a cadence that’s easy to read and incidents that are nail-biting for mystery lovers, hilarious for cozy fans, and a few four-legged creatures for animal lovers…it continues to be one of my favorite series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Merry has devised an excellent cover for her covert meeting with former colleague now considered a traitor. She has devised a camping trip for her troop of precocious Girl Scouts to find and map a long forgotten Girl Scout camp in order to earn their Bronze Award. She didn’t feel she was putting them in harms way since these girls have thwarted more bad guys than many seasoned agents, not to mention being at ease with flame throwers and zip guns. They have permission to trek through a private nature preserve in the search of the camp facility, so everyone, including Merry’s former CIA handler in lieu of co-leader Kelly, are prepared to rough it. But, no matter how prepared they are, it’s going to get difficult…very difficult, especially when an “assassin not an assassin” friend shows up, a half-buried man is discovered, a group of decades “off-grid” senior citizen Girl Scouts show up, a dead body causes troubles, and Old Eisenhower snaps.
Leslie Langtry is a master-ess of witty repartee, quirky characters, and predicaments that defy all safety measures, and with this nineteenth into the woods adventure, she still keeps it fresh and exciting fun. As a Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and Mrs. Peel wannabe, Merry’s backstory and all the references to her past CIA experiences are fascinating and humorous. I feel part of the drama with the first-person narrative she employs, and although there is a need to suspend disbelief about pre-teens as unofficial agents-in-training, I can attest, from personal experience as a retired teacher, ten-year-olds can surprise you with their precocious manners and capable skills. This series portrays those extremes, but who knows what real undercover agents were like as young kids? I’m sure there is a real Betty out there whose parents worried about her interest in weapons, surveillance, and enhanced interrogation techniques. There is plenty of adult angst, too, with the need to find a so-called rogue former agent, a missing body, and the age-old dilemma with which all agents struggle, who can you trust? Leslie’s writing style is entertaining with a cadence that’s easy to read and incidents that are nail-biting for mystery lovers, hilarious for cozy fans, and a few four-legged creatures for animal lovers…it continues to be one of my favorite series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
August 10, 2021
Ever wonder what Merry's scouts would be like 50 years from now? Hold that thought! Merry was contacted by her friend in the CIA, asking for a favor and Merry agrees to meet her in a remote forest preserve at an old Girl Scout camp that was closed in the mid-1960s. Merry brings Riley along for the hike, and has also arranged for some of the girls to come and map out the old camp to earn a special Bronze Award. They encounter an unconscious man in a clearing where they were going to set up camp for the night, and then Hilly shows up unannounced (the CIA assassin who isn’t an assassin), who had decided to join them on the hike. Once they revive the mystery man, all continue to hike until they find the old camp. To their surprise, there are six women living there who have been living at the camp since its closing in the 1960s, who are so much like the girls it’s just downright scary! They have been surviving for over 50 years with few resources! One is even named Betty! As the girls get to know their “older selves” it is interesting that the similarities are more than just a few. Who are these women? Who is the mystery man they found on the way? Why did Hilly suddenly show up? This book is very unique, as are all of the Merry Wrath books. A very enjoyable, funny, page-turning book that is once again very hard to put down.
August 15, 2021
Once again I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Well I love all her books. Merry and the girls are off in the woods for a few days to an “abandoned “ preserve that used to be a Girl Scout camp. Riley has tagged along to help keep the precocious girls in line and earn their Bronze award. Merry is really using the trip as an excuse to meet up with Maria after receiving a cryptic message from Maria begging for help. They find ever it Maria and the adventures they encounter are epic. You have to read this awesome next book in the series. You won’t be disappointed!! Rutabaga!!!
August 16, 2021
Merry and some of her scouts, plus Riley, go to map out a long lost Girl Scout camp. They get a lot of surprises along the way!
Same great characters from the series and an interesting addition of an older troop of scouts! Lots of fun and some former CIA stories to keep you entertained as the story unfolds. To me, there seemed to be an awful lot of repetition of Merry's confusion and indecision while trying to decide what to do next. I thought the middle of the book was going to go on forever. But all is resolved eventually, and loads of chuckles along the way.
Same great characters from the series and an interesting addition of an older troop of scouts! Lots of fun and some former CIA stories to keep you entertained as the story unfolds. To me, there seemed to be an awful lot of repetition of Merry's confusion and indecision while trying to decide what to do next. I thought the middle of the book was going to go on forever. But all is resolved eventually, and loads of chuckles along the way.
August 10, 2021
Mosquito Bite Murder is another zany adventure with Merry and the scouts. How does Ms. Langtry come up with these hilarious, over the top stories? I clear my schedule every time a new book releases. I know I will be laughing out loud while spending an enjoyable evening in this fascinating world. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at camp and Betty's ideas for some new badges. If you have never read one of the Merry Wrath mysteries, do so now. I am sure you will end up hooked on them just as I am!
August 13, 2021
Still funny after all these books
Book 19 in the Merry Wrath series. I don't know how Leslie Langtry does it but this series is still funny. The characters have grown in many ways but they never fail to make me laugh. This book is no different they are searching for a lost Girl Scout camp and stumble on a body and some "relics" from the sixties. Merry and her troop never fail to entertain. Read the book you'll agree..
Book 19 in the Merry Wrath series. I don't know how Leslie Langtry does it but this series is still funny. The characters have grown in many ways but they never fail to make me laugh. This book is no different they are searching for a lost Girl Scout camp and stumble on a body and some "relics" from the sixties. Merry and her troop never fail to entertain. Read the book you'll agree..
August 25, 2021
Excellent read
Another hilarious visit with ex CIA agent turned Girl Scout troop leader Merry Wrath. This time Merry and the girls are working on their Bronze Award at a deserted camp. On their first night they run across a dead body that is not dead, a scout troop from the past (or maybe versions on themselves from the future) and a CIA hit person who is not a hit person. Because of course they did. Reality stinks, these books rule, and I can't wait for the next one.
Another hilarious visit with ex CIA agent turned Girl Scout troop leader Merry Wrath. This time Merry and the girls are working on their Bronze Award at a deserted camp. On their first night they run across a dead body that is not dead, a scout troop from the past (or maybe versions on themselves from the future) and a CIA hit person who is not a hit person. Because of course they did. Reality stinks, these books rule, and I can't wait for the next one.
August 25, 2021
Bzzzzz Slap! (Fick)
I love the Merry Wrath universe! I can only imagine how the girls and the (older) girls will get on. I hope the older girls of troop 0014 appear in a few more books.
Betty, Ava, Inez, the Katelyns, and Lauren are my favorite kids. I can't wait to share their further adventures.
But can Merry 'try' to get in better shape, just a little bit. You know like we all do, one step forward and two steps back?
I love the Merry Wrath universe! I can only imagine how the girls and the (older) girls will get on. I hope the older girls of troop 0014 appear in a few more books.
Betty, Ava, Inez, the Katelyns, and Lauren are my favorite kids. I can't wait to share their further adventures.
But can Merry 'try' to get in better shape, just a little bit. You know like we all do, one step forward and two steps back?
December 10, 2021
Camping at its finest
I love the Merry Wrath mysteries. I laugh out loud and really enjoy the whole book. What an imagination Leslie Langtry has. Her scout troop is just as diverse and full of quirky girls as are the situations that Merry finds herself in. I hope after this adventure that Merry learns more about her four Kaitlyns so she can distinguish between them. Having matching sets of personalities with 50 years difference in ages was funny.
I love the Merry Wrath mysteries. I laugh out loud and really enjoy the whole book. What an imagination Leslie Langtry has. Her scout troop is just as diverse and full of quirky girls as are the situations that Merry finds herself in. I hope after this adventure that Merry learns more about her four Kaitlyns so she can distinguish between them. Having matching sets of personalities with 50 years difference in ages was funny.
May 21, 2022
Entertaining listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery adventure thriller novel by Leslie Langtry Merry Wrath book 19 about Merry and her girl 👧scouts troop on a outing where murder occurs. Merry and Riley once again are investigating as too why? Who? What is going on? What an ending. I would recommend this novel and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of health issues. 2022 👒😊
Another will written murder mystery adventure thriller novel by Leslie Langtry Merry Wrath book 19 about Merry and her girl 👧scouts troop on a outing where murder occurs. Merry and Riley once again are investigating as too why? Who? What is going on? What an ending. I would recommend this novel and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of health issues. 2022 👒😊
November 14, 2024
Camp Hideaway
Merry, Riley and six of the Girl Scout troop head into a nature preserve to map an old abandoned girl school camp. On the way, they run into a dead body of a man who comes back to life. Hilly, not a CIA assassin, joins them on the trail. Finding six older women at the camp they discover a group who had hidden at the camp for fifty years. A laugh out loud twisted tale of murder and mayhem. Love the series.
Merry, Riley and six of the Girl Scout troop head into a nature preserve to map an old abandoned girl school camp. On the way, they run into a dead body of a man who comes back to life. Hilly, not a CIA assassin, joins them on the trail. Finding six older women at the camp they discover a group who had hidden at the camp for fifty years. A laugh out loud twisted tale of murder and mayhem. Love the series.
August 12, 2021
Another Fun Merry Wrath Novel!
This one's plot is absurd. Absurdly funny, that is! Merry is out of her depth for most of the book as usual, until near the end when she figures it all out. This is supposed to be the last Merry Wrath book but there was a small hint there would be another. I hope so!
This one's plot is absurd. Absurdly funny, that is! Merry is out of her depth for most of the book as usual, until near the end when she figures it all out. This is supposed to be the last Merry Wrath book but there was a small hint there would be another. I hope so!
August 11, 2021
Merry and her troop go camping
As usual Merry Wrath is a mess as she takes the girls camping with CIA agents. An enormous snapping turtle and a cougar become camp mascots, toads become juggling objects, and Merry gets hypnotized.
As usual Merry Wrath is a mess as she takes the girls camping with CIA agents. An enormous snapping turtle and a cougar become camp mascots, toads become juggling objects, and Merry gets hypnotized.
August 24, 2021
This book and actually all of the series makes me laugh out loud! You know it's all made up but I have to keep reading to see what happens next. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do next! A definite read!!
August 27, 2021
Such a fun read!
I am loving this particular series by Leslie Langtry - although I have to say I highly recommend EACH and EVERY book she has written. This latest book in the Merry Wrath series is hilarious and mysterious and just a glorious fun filled romp! Most highly recommend!
I am loving this particular series by Leslie Langtry - although I have to say I highly recommend EACH and EVERY book she has written. This latest book in the Merry Wrath series is hilarious and mysterious and just a glorious fun filled romp! Most highly recommend!
September 10, 2021
Not Great
I usually love these easy reading mysteries by Leslie Langtry but this one was not good at all. It really had very little story… no plot and no mystery. It seemed very thrown together and missing major characters. Sad!
I usually love these easy reading mysteries by Leslie Langtry but this one was not good at all. It really had very little story… no plot and no mystery. It seemed very thrown together and missing major characters. Sad!
September 13, 2021
Lots of fun
This book is a great read. The character development and the addition of new characters made this book even more fun than others in this series. There were twists in the plot and it was a guesser until the end.
This book is a great read. The character development and the addition of new characters made this book even more fun than others in this series. There were twists in the plot and it was a guesser until the end.
January 7, 2022
Another great book
Another book with a lot happening. Merry takes the troop on a trip to find an old scout camp & gets more than she bargained for. Lots of twists & turns the reader will never see coming. Pick up a copy to see how it all unfolds.
Another book with a lot happening. Merry takes the troop on a trip to find an old scout camp & gets more than she bargained for. Lots of twists & turns the reader will never see coming. Pick up a copy to see how it all unfolds.
August 30, 2021
A funny read
Very good read, I am always kept in suspense and laughing. Leslie's humor comes through in her books and makes my day
Very good read, I am always kept in suspense and laughing. Leslie's humor comes through in her books and makes my day
September 10, 2021
It's always fun
No matter how miserable you are, this series can cheer you up. Laugh out loud funny with a bit of romance puts this series on the top ten list.
No matter how miserable you are, this series can cheer you up. Laugh out loud funny with a bit of romance puts this series on the top ten list.
September 21, 2021
Fantastic
I think this was the best book in the series so far. I loved the new characters and hope to see more of them.
I think this was the best book in the series so far. I loved the new characters and hope to see more of them.
September 21, 2021
A thoroughly fun read!
I loved the addention of Larry and Eisenhower! To bad the girls couldn't take them back with them ;). This was a fun read
I loved the addention of Larry and Eisenhower! To bad the girls couldn't take them back with them ;). This was a fun read
Read
January 28, 2022Camp
Again nothing to dislike at all. Loved this story and the potato grenades. I love that all the stories are so different and still so funny
Again nothing to dislike at all. Loved this story and the potato grenades. I love that all the stories are so different and still so funny
April 4, 2022
Great read
I enjoyed this story, great plot and kept
me on my toes. Fun twist and turns. Hilly and Merry keep the laughs coming.
I enjoyed this story, great plot and kept
me on my toes. Fun twist and turns. Hilly and Merry keep the laughs coming.
July 7, 2022
Fun, entertaining and engaging
December 22, 2022
3.5 stars
Easy, funny read
Easy, funny read
January 21, 2023
Another good one. I'm not sure where the ideas come from, but I enjoy them. Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews