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Meg Langslow #29
Murder Most Fowl
A Shakespearean twist on the long-running Meg Langslow mystery series in Murder Most Fowl, the next installment from Donna Andrews, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of The Falcon Always Wings Twice.
Meg Langslow’s in for a busy summer. Her husband is directing a production of Macbeth, and most of the cast and crew are occupying spare bedrooms in their house. She also has to keep an eye on Camp Birnam, where a group of medieval reenactors are commemorating the real-life Macbeth by setting up what they fondly believe is an authentic medieval Scottish military camp.
And then there’s Damien Goodwin, a filmmaker who has been hanging around, trying to document the production. When Goodwin hosts a showing of some of the footage he’s taken, he manages to embarrass or offend just about everyone. The next morning Meg isn’t exactly surprised to find that someone has murdered him.
But who? Some people’s motives were obvious from the footage: the couple whose affair was revealed . . . the bombastic leader of the reenactors, who could be facing years in prison if the evidence from the video helps convict him of sheep stealing . . . the actress who’s desperately trying to downplay a health issue that could cost her the role of her life. Other motives are only hinted at―did the filmmaker have other footage that would reveal why one of the actors is behaving so furtively?
Unfortunately, whoever murdered Goodwin also destroyed all the electronic devices on which his video was stored. So Caerphilly’s chief of police―and Meg―must rediscover the same secrets the filmmaker did if they want to catch a killer.
Meg Langslow’s in for a busy summer. Her husband is directing a production of Macbeth, and most of the cast and crew are occupying spare bedrooms in their house. She also has to keep an eye on Camp Birnam, where a group of medieval reenactors are commemorating the real-life Macbeth by setting up what they fondly believe is an authentic medieval Scottish military camp.
And then there’s Damien Goodwin, a filmmaker who has been hanging around, trying to document the production. When Goodwin hosts a showing of some of the footage he’s taken, he manages to embarrass or offend just about everyone. The next morning Meg isn’t exactly surprised to find that someone has murdered him.
But who? Some people’s motives were obvious from the footage: the couple whose affair was revealed . . . the bombastic leader of the reenactors, who could be facing years in prison if the evidence from the video helps convict him of sheep stealing . . . the actress who’s desperately trying to downplay a health issue that could cost her the role of her life. Other motives are only hinted at―did the filmmaker have other footage that would reveal why one of the actors is behaving so furtively?
Unfortunately, whoever murdered Goodwin also destroyed all the electronic devices on which his video was stored. So Caerphilly’s chief of police―and Meg―must rediscover the same secrets the filmmaker did if they want to catch a killer.
Audiobook
First published August 3, 2021
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About the author
Donna Andrews
103 books2,095 followersDonna Andrews was born in Yorktown, Virginia, the setting of Murder with Peacocks and Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos, and now lives and works in Reston, Virginia. When not writing fiction, Andrews is a self-confessed nerd, rarely found away from her computer, unless she's messing in the garden
http://us.macmillan.com/author/donnaa...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/donnaa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
April 21, 2022
Three and a half stars.
Life is busy for Meg Langslow and complicated by lots of people who are staying on the property. Her husband Michael is rehearsing his production of Macbeth. As well as the cast being on site there is also a group of medieval reenactors who have set up what they claim is an authentic medieval military camp. Filmmaker Damien Goodwin is documenting proceedings. When he shows the footage he has taken, it creates an uproar. A number of people are upset.
When a dead body is found, there are any number of suspects to chose from. And who is responsible for the spells, the book hiding a secret, and fires lit in tinder dry land? What is wrong with Michael’s lead actress who is experiencing severe pains? And what happened to the dagger Meg created closely based on what twins Josh and Jamie found?
As you can tell, from this brief account, there are several mysteries for Meg and Caephilly’s chief of police to solve. Although this is book 29 in a series about Meg Langslow, I found it reads okay as a stand alone. Closer investigation revealed I had read two earlier books in this series involving Meg.
The character of Meg is likeable and she has a support cast of interesting and quirky characters , including a couple of the canine kind and other assorted animals. An entertaining mystery with a few twists and some humour at times. Those who enjoy cosies should appreciate this one.
Life is busy for Meg Langslow and complicated by lots of people who are staying on the property. Her husband Michael is rehearsing his production of Macbeth. As well as the cast being on site there is also a group of medieval reenactors who have set up what they claim is an authentic medieval military camp. Filmmaker Damien Goodwin is documenting proceedings. When he shows the footage he has taken, it creates an uproar. A number of people are upset.
When a dead body is found, there are any number of suspects to chose from. And who is responsible for the spells, the book hiding a secret, and fires lit in tinder dry land? What is wrong with Michael’s lead actress who is experiencing severe pains? And what happened to the dagger Meg created closely based on what twins Josh and Jamie found?
As you can tell, from this brief account, there are several mysteries for Meg and Caephilly’s chief of police to solve. Although this is book 29 in a series about Meg Langslow, I found it reads okay as a stand alone. Closer investigation revealed I had read two earlier books in this series involving Meg.
The character of Meg is likeable and she has a support cast of interesting and quirky characters , including a couple of the canine kind and other assorted animals. An entertaining mystery with a few twists and some humour at times. Those who enjoy cosies should appreciate this one.
September 9, 2024
It’s turning into a crazy summer for Meg Langslow. Not only is her husband, Michael, directing a production of Macbeth, but the actors are camping out on their farm. Meanwhile, another group has decided to reenact what life was like in sixth center Scotland, and they are camped nearby. Filming all of this is a documentarian, Damien Goodwin. But when he shows what he has so far, no one seems happy. The next morning, Meg finds Damien’s dead body. Can she figure out who killed him?
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 13, 2021
When Meg Langslow finds a dead body on her farm, she joins with Caerphilly's chief of police to investigate the murder.
There's a lot going on in this story, but it all works together nicely. There are plenty of quirky characters, many of whom could be suspects. Plus there are some clever sub-mysteries within this novel.
The protagonist is brilliant. The setting is quaint. The well-paced plot is twisted and kept me guessing right to the end.
All in all, this is an enjoyable cozy mystery.
There's a lot going on in this story, but it all works together nicely. There are plenty of quirky characters, many of whom could be suspects. Plus there are some clever sub-mysteries within this novel.
The protagonist is brilliant. The setting is quaint. The well-paced plot is twisted and kept me guessing right to the end.
All in all, this is an enjoyable cozy mystery.
August 3, 2021
Back in the spring, I embarked on a rereading of Donna Andrews' entire Meg Langslow series. Timing was perfect - I finished The Gift of the Magpie on the weekend, just in time for Murder Most Fowl's arrival.
I love the whole series, but Murder Most Fowl is my new favourite!
I love the whole series, but Murder Most Fowl is my new favourite!
July 19, 2025
fifth read was just as fantastic as the first time round!
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I've been so busy binging this series in a reread frenzy I missed the release date of the 29th book! Still mid series in my re-reading...well, listening, because I love Bernadette Dunne's narration...but I had to skip ahead and spend a Shakespearean summer with Meg and her zany clan and all of her Caerphilly sidekicks. Man, I love this series. Andrews clever use of humour never gets old. And these characters are the friends and family I've always longed for. Love the way this author adds a healthy dollop of heartwarming to even her most hair-raising mysteries. And the grin-inducing comedy is sublime. I hope she doesn't stop at #30 -- woohoo -- another Meg Langslow Christmas extravaganza comes out in October.
----
I've been so busy binging this series in a reread frenzy I missed the release date of the 29th book! Still mid series in my re-reading...well, listening, because I love Bernadette Dunne's narration...but I had to skip ahead and spend a Shakespearean summer with Meg and her zany clan and all of her Caerphilly sidekicks. Man, I love this series. Andrews clever use of humour never gets old. And these characters are the friends and family I've always longed for. Love the way this author adds a healthy dollop of heartwarming to even her most hair-raising mysteries. And the grin-inducing comedy is sublime. I hope she doesn't stop at #30 -- woohoo -- another Meg Langslow Christmas extravaganza comes out in October.
September 3, 2023
This book actually made me laugh several times. Entertaining and enjoyable.
August 8, 2021
"Out, damned spot! out, I say!—One: two: why,
Then, 'tis time to do't.—Hell is murky!—Fie, my
Lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we
Fear who knows it, when none can call our power to
Account?—Yet who would have thought the old man
To have had so much blood in him."
**Lady Macbeth**
Oh how I enjoyed this venture into Meg's world - I love how, at 29 [and counting] books, these still feel fresh and fun and entertaining as the first ones did. I love how you know the main set of characters that are going to be in each one and when they show up in the story, it is like meeting with old friends. I love how we get new people to me, though inevitably, that means someone is going to be murdered [though not always - a few of her books have had no murder in them and that has been extremely refreshing] and someone is a killer - all things that happen in this one. Michael is putting on "The Scottish Play" in D.C. and they are running rehearsals in Caerphilly at the college and staying at Meg and Michael's house [God love them] rather than incur the expense of staying in DC. There is also a reenactment camp staying close by, supposedly there at the invitation of the History dept, but things are NOT turning out as planned there [this is my shocked face]. There is a vandal loose, Rose Noire is sure that something evil is happening, cast members are getting sick, Meg's take on the "Scottish Dagger" comes up missing, geese and puppies suddenly appear and murder occurs - all in a days work for Meg and Company right?
This was a really good read and while I had guessed who the killer was, the why [and some other details] were completely wrong so that is a huge WIN in my book, and the end was just really sweet. This is, hands down, one of my all-time favorite series and should Ms. Andrews ever decide to retire, I may never recover. Well done!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Andrews, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Then, 'tis time to do't.—Hell is murky!—Fie, my
Lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we
Fear who knows it, when none can call our power to
Account?—Yet who would have thought the old man
To have had so much blood in him."
**Lady Macbeth**
Oh how I enjoyed this venture into Meg's world - I love how, at 29 [and counting] books, these still feel fresh and fun and entertaining as the first ones did. I love how you know the main set of characters that are going to be in each one and when they show up in the story, it is like meeting with old friends. I love how we get new people to me, though inevitably, that means someone is going to be murdered [though not always - a few of her books have had no murder in them and that has been extremely refreshing] and someone is a killer - all things that happen in this one. Michael is putting on "The Scottish Play" in D.C. and they are running rehearsals in Caerphilly at the college and staying at Meg and Michael's house [God love them] rather than incur the expense of staying in DC. There is also a reenactment camp staying close by, supposedly there at the invitation of the History dept, but things are NOT turning out as planned there [this is my shocked face]. There is a vandal loose, Rose Noire is sure that something evil is happening, cast members are getting sick, Meg's take on the "Scottish Dagger" comes up missing, geese and puppies suddenly appear and murder occurs - all in a days work for Meg and Company right?
This was a really good read and while I had guessed who the killer was, the why [and some other details] were completely wrong so that is a huge WIN in my book, and the end was just really sweet. This is, hands down, one of my all-time favorite series and should Ms. Andrews ever decide to retire, I may never recover. Well done!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Andrews, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2021
Meg's husband Michael is directing a production of Macbeth for the summer, so the house is full of actors. In addition, there is a troop of medieval reenactors on the grounds that have been a nuisance. Included in a mix is a nosy filmmaker documenting the production, but when his embarrassing footage is shown to everyone, it comes as no surprise that he is eventually found murdered, and that there are many who might have reason to want him dead.
This has become one of my comfort series. I love the characters that have become old friends, and the flow of the writing. This one is as satisfying as those that have come before, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
This has become one of my comfort series. I love the characters that have become old friends, and the flow of the writing. This one is as satisfying as those that have come before, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
September 6, 2021
At this point I'm just really happy I get to read these books. 29 books in, they're still interesting, they have well thought out subjects, and Meg still has a lot of sense. The characters are quirky, but not in an off-putting way. But every now and then I remember that Michael had a mother, and I wonder where she went? Florida? Did she really want that much distance between Spike and herself?
(HM to the other one not spoken of: Meg's sister/Kevin's mom).
(HM to the other one not spoken of: Meg's sister/Kevin's mom).
October 22, 2021
probably a 3 1/2 star read - worth reading, not as good as some others in the series
August 27, 2021
I've read all the Meg Lanslow books including the Christmas novels. Some I've enjoyed more than others. With this installment the formula has worn a little thin. Rose Noire is still smudging sage for cleansing, Meg is still managing on about 20 minutes sleep a day with her finger in every pot, there are always gobs of people in and out of her house that are miraculously fed, and there is also some type of encampment nearby. The only thing missing from this one was Grandfather and Cordelia. The murder and investigation itself was only mildly engaging. By the end of the book I decided I was reading this series out of habit rather than enjoyment.
August 16, 2021
In this next book Megs husband is busy directing a production of Macbeth for the college he works at. Their home has become a hotel for the cast and crew with all the rooms filled up. Along with the play there is a group of actors who have set up a medieval camp not far from their home. Meg is past being irritated by this group and can't wait for the whole thing to be over with. She also has to deal with film maker Damien Goodwin who is making a documentary of the whole production. When Damien ends up murdered no one is really shocked, the man had plenty of people around who disliked him. Some of the motives for his death were obvious and then there were others that Meg knew she was going to have to dig for. Follow along as she digs into the lives of all those a part of the whole production. Will she figure out who the killer is before someone else ends up dead?
August 20, 2021
Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews is the 29th book in the Meg Langslow series, and another great addition. I love this series, and the wonderful characters. Caerphilly sounds like a great town, with all their quirky people and large families. The plot of the stories are always well written and developed and often make me laugh out loud. This book has more twists. and turns, that kept me reading page after page. I strongly recommend this book and the whole series for anyone who likes well written cozy mysteries that are unique and delightful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 22, 2021
I love Meg Lanslow and all her cozy mysteries. There's a lot of humor, friendship and excellent sleuthing around animals. Love it!! I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 9, 2021
Delightful, fun series. I love Meg's world.
July 29, 2022
"Murder Most Fowl" was a difficult book to rate. I enjoyed most of the story, but some of it left me skipping and turning pages to get to the mystery.
Granted, I have only read a few other books in Andrew's series, so my three-star review is not a reflection on the other books or the entire series.
Murder Most Fowl dealt with sensitive issues that left me gutted. Animal abuse and kidnapping were significant factors in the novel. And every other chapter dealt with family drama, puppy rescues, and finding the culprit responsible for this unethical situation.
I was hoping for more on Meg's husband Michael's directional performance for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Little was mentioned. Aside from the strange behaviors of the cast and crew, who somehow involve themselves in the mystery, it was a tiny part of the story.
The mystery, when it was a focal point, was fascinating. I liked the interaction between the sheriff and Meg getting involved and sleuthing for clues. I liked the scenes in the woods. Just not a lot of redeemable qualities to rate higher than three stars. Also, I would not label this a cozy mystery, with some characters' general swearing and ridiculous behavior. Maybe the next outing will be better.
Granted, I have only read a few other books in Andrew's series, so my three-star review is not a reflection on the other books or the entire series.
Murder Most Fowl dealt with sensitive issues that left me gutted. Animal abuse and kidnapping were significant factors in the novel. And every other chapter dealt with family drama, puppy rescues, and finding the culprit responsible for this unethical situation.
I was hoping for more on Meg's husband Michael's directional performance for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Little was mentioned. Aside from the strange behaviors of the cast and crew, who somehow involve themselves in the mystery, it was a tiny part of the story.
The mystery, when it was a focal point, was fascinating. I liked the interaction between the sheriff and Meg getting involved and sleuthing for clues. I liked the scenes in the woods. Just not a lot of redeemable qualities to rate higher than three stars. Also, I would not label this a cozy mystery, with some characters' general swearing and ridiculous behavior. Maybe the next outing will be better.
June 29, 2021
I love Donna Andrews and her Meg Langslow mysteries. Unfortunately, this one was a disappointment. In this installment, a production of Macbeth takes over the farm. A filmmaker is following the cast members to make a candid video of the events, but he pushes things a bit too far and gets himself murdered. It took quite a while for the murder to happen (I'm not giving anything away - this IS a murder mystery, after all), and I found myself skipping pages and then multiple pages just to get to the solution. One reason I love this series is the ability to follow the characters and get to know them, but there is an overkill point, and this is it. It's always enjoyable to listen average conversations between the characters (it IS a cozy mystery, after all ;)), but again, this one reached that point. I am giving it three stars overall, but when compared to Ms. Andrews' other books, it is a two star for me. I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.
August 2, 2021
Murder Most Fowl is the 29th book in this series! I have not read any of the others, but I think fans of the series or fans of cozy mysteries in general would like it. I did like the quirky characters, but for me the book was a little slow. I feel like there was too much introduction type setup for a book set in a world that there are already 28 other books. I do think I might try to go back and read the first book in the series and see what I think about the pacing and story line, maybe this is the norm for this series. Five stars for the absolutely adorable cover, 3.5 stars for the book.
April 23, 2021
For once, I didn't zip through one of the books in this series. So many of the elements in this story have been used multiple times in the past, such as Michael and his students putting on a production. There wasn't enough originality in what cobbled the parts together to keep my attention as much as usual.
I think fans of the series will still get something out of the visit.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I think fans of the series will still get something out of the visit.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2021
I love every visit I make to Caerphilly and all time spent with the Langslow clan. This one took a little longer to get going but it was still very enjoyable. I recommend reading this series in order because the family life and their functions are so ingrained in the story, it's nice to be there from the beginning.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
Overall I liked this book. Meg's husband is doing a play and many people are living on the property. A man is murdered but not many people liked him. This makes it difficult to know who is behind it. Thankfully Meg figures it out and all is well for now.
September 4, 2021
Meg Langslow's husband has a chance to direct the play "Macbeth" in a prestigious theater, but it's much easier to rehearse in their large Virginia home, especially since their pre-teen sons have parts, and are more easily controlled in the rural area. When a videographer who is filming both the actors and the nearby camp of historical reenactors is murdered, Meg--oh, and the official police, too--springs into action. Her cousin Rose Noire has observed what she thinks are evil witches trying to cast a spell; the incompetent leader of the reenactors disappears; a dagger Meg crafted for the play is missing; and Lady Macbeth herself seems to be suffering from some intestinal problems. Throw in academic politics and vandalism, and Meg has her hands full.
October 28, 2021
Well.
I'm not sure what to think of that finale. On the one hand, it's a nice gesture and on the other hand...
I read books 1-28 basically back to back but then I had a break between 28 and this one(29). I was hoping that her books were like pumpkin. After gorging on it for October and November you can't stand it... until it comes around again the next October.
But I would be reading and I would think "here is a good place for some good comedy." And it wasn't there. The first few were funny. But the latter ones get formulaic and, if that's what you want, I recommend this one. But, if you're looking for something like the first one I recommend rereading the first one.
I, for one, am probably done. Many thanks to my library for stocking them.
I'm not sure what to think of that finale. On the one hand, it's a nice gesture and on the other hand...
I read books 1-28 basically back to back but then I had a break between 28 and this one(29). I was hoping that her books were like pumpkin. After gorging on it for October and November you can't stand it... until it comes around again the next October.
But I would be reading and I would think "here is a good place for some good comedy." And it wasn't there. The first few were funny. But the latter ones get formulaic and, if that's what you want, I recommend this one. But, if you're looking for something like the first one I recommend rereading the first one.
I, for one, am probably done. Many thanks to my library for stocking them.
September 26, 2021
Book 29 in the series and still just as fun as the first few. As always, Meg's got a lot going on in her life. Michael's actors in the play he's directing, are staying with them, all with their own issues and personality quirks. Add in Meg's extended family, and it all makes for some laugh out loud moments and a grand read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
September 16, 2021
Really enjoyable, and more believable than some, tale with medieval reenacters, a cast rehearsing Macbeth, the usual assortment of relatives (they're like an Elizabethan progress showing up at Meg's or her mom's house all the time), and an assortment of animals. Learned a fair amount about chickens and geese, as well as to be careful with antique bottles.
January 22, 2022
Another fun story
November 11, 2021
I never figured out who the killer was. I wasn't even close! :)
February 20, 2022
As entertaining as ever. The supporting cast of Meg's family, Michael's actors and the local police and all their doings somehow remind me of a painting by the younger Pieter Brueghel
September 12, 2024
Twenty-ninth in the Meg Langslow amateur sleuth cozy mystery series and revolving around a woman blacksmith who just has to know, as “the play’s the thing”.
My Take
This one is a pip! It is an advantage when one has such an extended family with such a range of knowledge.
Oh, lord, Andrews has such a mix of characters. I mean, Meg’s family is outlandish enough, but then Andrews adds in that filmmaker and “Camp Birnam”, lololol. To be fair, I do love her family, and their fascination with knowledge. The boys absorb the Latin names for things, quote literature, and understand the historical differences between Birnam Wood and Grandmother’s faire.. The lawyers in the family come in handy EVERY single story, and wonderfully so when Meg has to make things clear to that irritating filmmaker! I also envy their farm and collection of animals, enough to have fun with but not have to make a living from.
Luckily?, the boys discover a hand rising up from the ground, which provides Meg with the inspiration she needs for that theatrical dagger needed for King Duncan. Michael wants a seriously creepy vibe for his production.
It’s extortion when Philpotts uses his clout to insist on Michael replacing his script with his “authoritative” version of Macbeth. It’s forced an alliance with the History Department. Poor Michael. All these politics! I had to laugh at the ringers Mother has been rounding up for those lectures, lol. Oh, oh, oh . . . it gets better with Philpotts directing his own play and all the whining he does, roflmao. I needed popcorn for those scenes. And it just gets better!!
I do love the animals in and around the farm — Seth’s sheep do make me laugh.
Mother makes me laugh even more — I can just hear her lecturing the inhabitants of Birnam Wood, lol. It’s what they deserve . . . and more. It does help that they have Mother and Dad’s permission to camp on their farm. Wait’ll you read of the tricks the re-enactors get up to! No one sane would do these things!
Whoa, while Goodwin’s preview of his documentary is a nasty bit of work, it does come in handy when it comes to those re-enactors. I did have to laugh at how Goodwin enhanced the video with the audio tracks.
That behind-the-scenes gossip eventually betrays more nastiness.
The Meg Langslow series’ arcs include Meg’s evolvement into her Mother, something Meg both deplores and welcomes. Of course, the primary arc is of their evolving family with Andrews using first person protagonist point-of-view from Meg’s perspectives, so we know-all - see-all through her eyes.
I always enjoy the behind-the-scenes facts Meg provides about blacksmithing. It makes me think.
The support and compassion of the people in Caerphilly County always cheers me up. Andrews has such great characters and the action is non-stop with the English and History departments’ interference and requirements, the re-enactors deeds, Goodwin’s nastiness, the evil trio, and the fun of Meg’s family.
And Dad is trying to decide which breed of goose to get. Oh, those puppies! They spur Tinkerbell into confronting Spike! Yay, Tink!
You'll be laughing, moaning, and fuming all the way.
The Story
It’s a questionable state of affairs, what with the History and English departments’ requirements for their (non) support of Michael attempting to rehearse Macbeth at home instead of in Washington D.C.
That intrusive documentary filmmaker with his surprising preview, the lead actress’ health and character issues, those whacked-out re-enactors(!), the mysterious spellers endangering the countryside, and the puppy invasion.
It’s murder . . .
The Characters
Meg Langslow — they call Meg the “Enforcer — has one commission this time — a seriously creepy dagger. Dr Michael Waterston, her husband, teaches drama at the local college. Josh and Jamie are their twins, who are already as tall as Meg! Spike is their eight-and-a-half pound fur ball. They have a nice assortment of animal life that includes the llamas, which include Zeppo and Harpo, the lightest sleeper, and the Welsummer and Sumatran chickens — Napoleon is one of the roosters.
Dr Langslow is Meg’s dad and a mystery/murder enthusiast who is the local medical examiner. He also helps out at the zoo and the local vet’s. Mother is always correct with excellent taste. Rose Noire is a cousin who lives on the farm and has a organic herb farm of her own. Rob Langslow is Meg’s brother; Tinkerbell is Rob’s Irish Wolfhound. Delaney is Rob’s fiancée. The Hollingsworths are from Mother’s side of the family and include cousin Horace Hollingsworth, a deputy in Caerphilly these days and their only CSI tech. Grandfather is Dr Montgomery Blake, a world-famous environmentalist and animal-rights activist who owns the Caerphilly Zoo. Grandmother Cordelia ( The Good, the Bad, and the Emus , 17) operates the Riverton Renaissance Faire. Both are Dad’s parents. Kevin is Meg’s nephew and manages a major department at Mutant Wizards, Rob’s computer company. Data Wizards is a spin-off division that provides forensic technology and cyber security. It must be so much fun to work for a company that prizes its employees! The housing market is so tight that Kevin is living in the Langslow-Waterston’s basement and responsible for all their household technology — he proves to be danged useful. Aunt Penelope needs to be kept occupied. Aunt Mabel makes a cheap meatloaf. Cousin Festus is the family’s most brilliant lawyer.
Caerphilly, Virginia, is . . .
. . . home base for the Langslow-Waterstons. Seth Early is a neighbor with wandering sheep of whom the unfortunate Vivian is one. Ellie Draper is the head librarian. Dr Clarence Rutledge is the town and zoo veterinarian is a crusader rescuing cats and dogs from kill-shelters.
Henry Burke is the chief of police and sheriff of Caerphilly County with Vern Shiffley his most senior deputy. Aida Butler is another of his deputies. Charles is the civilian desk clerk.
Minerva Burke, Henry’s wife, is the choir director of the New Life Baptist Church. Adam Jones Burke, who is Josh and Jamie’s best friend, is one of the three orphaned grandsons they’re raising. Mason is another friend whom Meg has dubbed the Four Musketeers.
Arena Stage hired Michael to direct Macbeth for a D.C. performance. The cranky Celia Rivers plays Lady Macbeth and is suffering stomach ailments. She’s also good with computer programming. Tanya plays Lady Macduff. Russ Brainard is playing Banquo and a spear carrier. Gina is the Second Witch. Richard plays the Thane of Cawdor. Roger is the set designer; Maeve is the costume designer with the ambitious Fawn Gerard as her assistant.
The Caerphilly College Building and Grounds Department made a deal that included the nutty Dr Desmond Philpotts (from the English Department (ED)) who thinks he’s a Shakespeare expert. *snicker* It’s been, ahem, a decade since Stork Raving Mad , 12. Professor Kroger is also with ED and contemptuous of Michael’s standing. Professor Cohen is with the History Department (HD) — part of their deal is to provide history lectures to the actors. Dean Braxton is the chairman of the HD.
The obnoxious Damien Goodwin, is a documentary filmmaker and blogger.
Camp Birnam is a lousy recreation of what they fondly assume is a medieval Scottish military camp. Poor things, especially when Mother comes down on them, lol. Their existence is a concession to the college’s history department. Callum MacLeod, a.k.a. Christopher Miller, is the chieftain and leader of the war-band. Sally Gladstone seems to be one of the sane ones. Zoe is one of the re-enactors being harassed by “MacLeod”. They call themselves the DARK — the Dystopian Alternate Realities Krew. I don’t think they have a clue! They’ve dubbed Meg and Michael’s farmhouse “Dunsinane”.
Maisie Shiffley drives a school bus. Spells of Power and Revenge is a nasty book. Calpurnia is a Wiccan.
Clay County is . . .
. . . the enemy with Caerphilly County. The Clay Pigeon is a bar. Deputy Whicker gets into an off-duty bar fight. And MacLeod is such a clueless idiot, lololol.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a simple yet complex gradation of orange to yellow and down to a lighter orange. In the center is an even lighter yellow to showcase three geese wearing black witches’ hats around a black cauldron sitting atop a fire. There’s a crowned skull off to the right side looking on. It’s a clever melange of events in the story *grin*. At the very top is an info blurb in black. Below that is the author’s name in black with a yellow shadow — and the letters in the author’s name all a’jumble. To the right of the white goose is the series info in red. Below the cauldron is the title with the letters a’kimbo in red with a yellow shadow, a lighter patch of yellow behind them.
The title is not as clever as other titles in the series, but it is Murder Most Fowl.2023
My Take
This one is a pip! It is an advantage when one has such an extended family with such a range of knowledge.
”I know when you’re doing . . . we’re not supposed to interrupt you unless there’s actual bleeding involved.”The twins are a crack-up, and quite intelligent — they’re quoting Shakespeare and their father’s recitation from A Christmas Carol.
Oh, lord, Andrews has such a mix of characters. I mean, Meg’s family is outlandish enough, but then Andrews adds in that filmmaker and “Camp Birnam”, lololol. To be fair, I do love her family, and their fascination with knowledge. The boys absorb the Latin names for things, quote literature, and understand the historical differences between Birnam Wood and Grandmother’s faire.. The lawyers in the family come in handy EVERY single story, and wonderfully so when Meg has to make things clear to that irritating filmmaker! I also envy their farm and collection of animals, enough to have fun with but not have to make a living from.
Luckily?, the boys discover a hand rising up from the ground, which provides Meg with the inspiration she needs for that theatrical dagger needed for King Duncan. Michael wants a seriously creepy vibe for his production.
It’s extortion when Philpotts uses his clout to insist on Michael replacing his script with his “authoritative” version of Macbeth. It’s forced an alliance with the History Department. Poor Michael. All these politics! I had to laugh at the ringers Mother has been rounding up for those lectures, lol. Oh, oh, oh . . . it gets better with Philpotts directing his own play and all the whining he does, roflmao. I needed popcorn for those scenes. And it just gets better!!
I do love the animals in and around the farm — Seth’s sheep do make me laugh.
Mother makes me laugh even more — I can just hear her lecturing the inhabitants of Birnam Wood, lol. It’s what they deserve . . . and more. It does help that they have Mother and Dad’s permission to camp on their farm. Wait’ll you read of the tricks the re-enactors get up to! No one sane would do these things!
Whoa, while Goodwin’s preview of his documentary is a nasty bit of work, it does come in handy when it comes to those re-enactors. I did have to laugh at how Goodwin enhanced the video with the audio tracks.
That behind-the-scenes gossip eventually betrays more nastiness.
The Meg Langslow series’ arcs include Meg’s evolvement into her Mother, something Meg both deplores and welcomes. Of course, the primary arc is of their evolving family with Andrews using first person protagonist point-of-view from Meg’s perspectives, so we know-all - see-all through her eyes.
I always enjoy the behind-the-scenes facts Meg provides about blacksmithing. It makes me think.
The support and compassion of the people in Caerphilly County always cheers me up. Andrews has such great characters and the action is non-stop with the English and History departments’ interference and requirements, the re-enactors deeds, Goodwin’s nastiness, the evil trio, and the fun of Meg’s family.
And Dad is trying to decide which breed of goose to get. Oh, those puppies! They spur Tinkerbell into confronting Spike! Yay, Tink!
You'll be laughing, moaning, and fuming all the way.
The Story
It’s a questionable state of affairs, what with the History and English departments’ requirements for their (non) support of Michael attempting to rehearse Macbeth at home instead of in Washington D.C.
That intrusive documentary filmmaker with his surprising preview, the lead actress’ health and character issues, those whacked-out re-enactors(!), the mysterious spellers endangering the countryside, and the puppy invasion.
It’s murder . . .
The Characters
Meg Langslow — they call Meg the “Enforcer — has one commission this time — a seriously creepy dagger. Dr Michael Waterston, her husband, teaches drama at the local college. Josh and Jamie are their twins, who are already as tall as Meg! Spike is their eight-and-a-half pound fur ball. They have a nice assortment of animal life that includes the llamas, which include Zeppo and Harpo, the lightest sleeper, and the Welsummer and Sumatran chickens — Napoleon is one of the roosters.
Dr Langslow is Meg’s dad and a mystery/murder enthusiast who is the local medical examiner. He also helps out at the zoo and the local vet’s. Mother is always correct with excellent taste. Rose Noire is a cousin who lives on the farm and has a organic herb farm of her own. Rob Langslow is Meg’s brother; Tinkerbell is Rob’s Irish Wolfhound. Delaney is Rob’s fiancée. The Hollingsworths are from Mother’s side of the family and include cousin Horace Hollingsworth, a deputy in Caerphilly these days and their only CSI tech. Grandfather is Dr Montgomery Blake, a world-famous environmentalist and animal-rights activist who owns the Caerphilly Zoo. Grandmother Cordelia ( The Good, the Bad, and the Emus , 17) operates the Riverton Renaissance Faire. Both are Dad’s parents. Kevin is Meg’s nephew and manages a major department at Mutant Wizards, Rob’s computer company. Data Wizards is a spin-off division that provides forensic technology and cyber security. It must be so much fun to work for a company that prizes its employees! The housing market is so tight that Kevin is living in the Langslow-Waterston’s basement and responsible for all their household technology — he proves to be danged useful. Aunt Penelope needs to be kept occupied. Aunt Mabel makes a cheap meatloaf. Cousin Festus is the family’s most brilliant lawyer.
Caerphilly, Virginia, is . . .
. . . home base for the Langslow-Waterstons. Seth Early is a neighbor with wandering sheep of whom the unfortunate Vivian is one. Ellie Draper is the head librarian. Dr Clarence Rutledge is the town and zoo veterinarian is a crusader rescuing cats and dogs from kill-shelters.
Henry Burke is the chief of police and sheriff of Caerphilly County with Vern Shiffley his most senior deputy. Aida Butler is another of his deputies. Charles is the civilian desk clerk.
Minerva Burke, Henry’s wife, is the choir director of the New Life Baptist Church. Adam Jones Burke, who is Josh and Jamie’s best friend, is one of the three orphaned grandsons they’re raising. Mason is another friend whom Meg has dubbed the Four Musketeers.
Arena Stage hired Michael to direct Macbeth for a D.C. performance. The cranky Celia Rivers plays Lady Macbeth and is suffering stomach ailments. She’s also good with computer programming. Tanya plays Lady Macduff. Russ Brainard is playing Banquo and a spear carrier. Gina is the Second Witch. Richard plays the Thane of Cawdor. Roger is the set designer; Maeve is the costume designer with the ambitious Fawn Gerard as her assistant.
The Caerphilly College Building and Grounds Department made a deal that included the nutty Dr Desmond Philpotts (from the English Department (ED)) who thinks he’s a Shakespeare expert. *snicker* It’s been, ahem, a decade since Stork Raving Mad , 12. Professor Kroger is also with ED and contemptuous of Michael’s standing. Professor Cohen is with the History Department (HD) — part of their deal is to provide history lectures to the actors. Dean Braxton is the chairman of the HD.
The obnoxious Damien Goodwin, is a documentary filmmaker and blogger.
Camp Birnam is a lousy recreation of what they fondly assume is a medieval Scottish military camp. Poor things, especially when Mother comes down on them, lol. Their existence is a concession to the college’s history department. Callum MacLeod, a.k.a. Christopher Miller, is the chieftain and leader of the war-band. Sally Gladstone seems to be one of the sane ones. Zoe is one of the re-enactors being harassed by “MacLeod”. They call themselves the DARK — the Dystopian Alternate Realities Krew. I don’t think they have a clue! They’ve dubbed Meg and Michael’s farmhouse “Dunsinane”.
Maisie Shiffley drives a school bus. Spells of Power and Revenge is a nasty book. Calpurnia is a Wiccan.
Clay County is . . .
. . . the enemy with Caerphilly County. The Clay Pigeon is a bar. Deputy Whicker gets into an off-duty bar fight. And MacLeod is such a clueless idiot, lololol.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a simple yet complex gradation of orange to yellow and down to a lighter orange. In the center is an even lighter yellow to showcase three geese wearing black witches’ hats around a black cauldron sitting atop a fire. There’s a crowned skull off to the right side looking on. It’s a clever melange of events in the story *grin*. At the very top is an info blurb in black. Below that is the author’s name in black with a yellow shadow — and the letters in the author’s name all a’jumble. To the right of the white goose is the series info in red. Below the cauldron is the title with the letters a’kimbo in red with a yellow shadow, a lighter patch of yellow behind them.
The title is not as clever as other titles in the series, but it is Murder Most Fowl.2023
July 15, 2023
There is something to be said for reading a "fall" or cooler weather (for those of us in the northern hemisphere) in the middle of a heat wave. Somehow it made me feel cooler. I loved the theme of this one, and I won't say anything about it because if you know it- you'll not necessarily know who did it, but, well.. I don't want to ruin the fun!
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