New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews returns with another Meg Langslow mystery written “firmly in the grand tradition of Agatha Christie’s Christmas books” (Toronto Globe and Mail).It’s Christmastime in Caerphilly and Meg, full of holiday spirit, is helping out with the town’s festivities. While directing a nativity pageant and herding the children participating in it, she finds a … participating in it, she finds a surprise in the manger: a live baby.
A note from the mother, attached to the baby girl’s clothes, says that it’s time for her father to take care of her—and implicates Meg’s brother, Rob, as the father. And while a DNA test can reveal whether there’s any truth to the accusation, Rob’s afraid the mere suspicion could derail his plan to propose to the woman he loves. Meg quickly realizes it’s up to her to find the baby’s real identity.
She soon discovers that the baby—named Lark according to the fateful note—may be connected to something much bigger. Something that eventually puts a growing number of Meg’s friends and family in danger. And before long, Meg realizes she can’t fix things single-handedly. Meanwhile, a war is brewing between Caerphilly and its arch-rival Clay County—and it’s not a snowball fight. Can Meg bring everyone together in time for the holidays?
As in her previous Christmas mysteries, Andrews continues to write “firmly in the grand tradition of Agatha Christie’s Christmas books” (Toronto Globe and Mail) with a book that will put cozy lovers everywhere in a holly jolly mood.
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Another charming Meg Langslow mystery from the always-funny Donna Andrews–this one with a good dose of holiday cheer!
During rehearsal for the children’s Christmas pageant at Trinity Episcopal, Meg is surprised to find a baby in the manger. Since it is just rehearsal, they weren’t using an actual baby yet. Things get even more intriguing when Meg finds the note attached to the baby strongly implying that the Meg’s brother Rob is the father. This couldn’t have come at a worse time since Rob is about to propose to his girlfriend of two years. Who is the mother? Why did she leave the baby in the church? And can Meg figure out who the father really is?
I’m not going to say more than this since the plot spins out in several fun and surprising directions from here. I was intrigued the entire way through. And yes, there is a crime and even murder, but the plot isn’t a strict murder and five suspects. Then again, that’s often the case with this series, and I love that creativity in the plotting. The usual characters are all here, although some get more page time than others, which is again a staple of the series. I did find some editing glitches in a couple of random chapters, and I thought a couple of plot points early on came out of nowhere even though Meg didn’t seem that surprised by them. Then again, I could have missed something with those plot points. Honestly, I didn’t care, however, because I was laughing so hard at the antics in the book. Yes, I always find this series amusing, but this is the most I’ve laughed out loud at a book in the series in quite a while.
Just wonderful!
The story has a good story line. The story just drags out to slowly.
Donna Andrews never disappoints. Her wonderful characters, detailed settings, and intricate plots are endlessly delightful.
Delightful story that conveys the spirit of Christmas with humor, interesting characters, and unusual plot.
Read 3.11.2019
I love this series so much! This is, hand down, in the top 3 of my most favorite series ever. I cannot even write a decent review without spoilers, so just know this. Meg and her family are knee=deep in again and this time, it may take the whole town to help get them out of trouble and on their way to a Merry Christmas. All the usual characters are in this one with a few new faces and it all is just so much fun!!
I loved this book has funny characters and a good mystery thrown in! I recomend this whole series!
Christmas, women-sleuths, murder, theft, situational-humor, verbal-humor *****
I loved this one, too, but it’s a little less stand alone than many of the others. The mystery and characters are as convoluted as can be, and while there are parts I’d love to share, spoilers are too disrespectful to the author. Enjoy!
Another fun addition to her books and perfect for the holiday season
I have been reading Ms. Andrews books since the beginning: The title Murder With Peacocks caught my eye in an airport store and I have been a faithful reader ever since. Her books are well written, warm, witty, extremely entertaining, and Meg’s family is one I would love being a part of. Normal is overrated!
Love all her books. She creates a world you would like to step into!
All the familiar characters are back and Meg’s solution to the problem is clever. Loved it…
This book is another winner by Donna Andrews! A really great way to start this year’s holiday season. A must read if you are looking for an exciting and heart warming book with wonderful characters and an excellent plot!