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Meg Langslow #37
For Duck's Sake
Donna Andrews returns with her latest charming addition to the bestselling Meg Langslow mystery series.
Meg is in the backyard of the house her brother Rob, Delaney, and their new baby have moved into, supervising some workmen who are using a bulldozer to start digging out a duck pond. She wants to get away from her own house, which has become the staging site for Caerphilly's first Mutt March, which will be held the next day. Meg thinks it will be more peaceful at Rob's house--and it is until the bulldozers uncover a skeleton whose skull has a hole and a bullet rattling around inside.
Meanwhile, Chief Burke begins searching the police records to see if he can identify any missing persons who would fit the bill. He doesn't turn down Meg's offer to help with his identification efforts, and she begins looking in the library and talking to old-timers. She's all the more eager to help because Iris Rafferty, who sold the house to Rob and Delaney and still lives in the mother-in-law suite, disappears the morning after the finding of the body... does her disappearance have anything to do with finding the body? Was it voluntary? Or was she kidnapped--possibly by the prowlers who are spotted lurking around the half-finished duck pond at night? Or do the prowlers have sinister designs on one or more of the dogs who will be marching in the parade?
Written with her classic cozy and investigative style, Donna Andrews is sure to delight in the latest in her Meg Langslow mystery series.
Meg is in the backyard of the house her brother Rob, Delaney, and their new baby have moved into, supervising some workmen who are using a bulldozer to start digging out a duck pond. She wants to get away from her own house, which has become the staging site for Caerphilly's first Mutt March, which will be held the next day. Meg thinks it will be more peaceful at Rob's house--and it is until the bulldozers uncover a skeleton whose skull has a hole and a bullet rattling around inside.
Meanwhile, Chief Burke begins searching the police records to see if he can identify any missing persons who would fit the bill. He doesn't turn down Meg's offer to help with his identification efforts, and she begins looking in the library and talking to old-timers. She's all the more eager to help because Iris Rafferty, who sold the house to Rob and Delaney and still lives in the mother-in-law suite, disappears the morning after the finding of the body... does her disappearance have anything to do with finding the body? Was it voluntary? Or was she kidnapped--possibly by the prowlers who are spotted lurking around the half-finished duck pond at night? Or do the prowlers have sinister designs on one or more of the dogs who will be marching in the parade?
Written with her classic cozy and investigative style, Donna Andrews is sure to delight in the latest in her Meg Langslow mystery series.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2025
159 people are currently reading
4319 people want to read
About the author
Donna Andrews
101 books2,068 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 163 reviews
May 20, 2025
I received a free copy of, For Duck's Sake, by Donna Andrews, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 37 in the Meg Langslow series. A skeleton has been uncovered in Meg's brothers yard, now Meg has a new mystery to solve. This was a good read, I enjoy Meg Langslows cozy mystery's.
July 8, 2025
For Duck's Sake by Donna Andrews is an absolutely delightful new installment to her Meg Langslow mystery series. The book follows Meg as she is preparing for a dog parade called the "Mutt March" where they are hoping people can find pets that they can adopt. While the preparations for the Mutt March ara happening at Meg's there is a duck pond being built at her brother Rob's place. While the excavation is happening they find an old skeleton buried in the place where the pond is to be set. Meg must help the Mutt March and figure out who the skeleton was and who killed him.
The Meg Langslow mysteries hold a super special place in my heart because I've been reading them for so long and enjoy them just so much! This book was no exception. I loved revisiting old characters and the cute little setting. One thing I enjoy from these mysteries is that unlike others the characters move forward in time enough so that it feels like there is character development. I also love that the world keeps growing and we keep getting new characters while still getting information about the old cast. The mystery was also very fun! I thought I had solved it early in the book but was pleased to figure out that I was wrong.
I would recommend these books to anyone. I know the task of reading this far into a series seems daunting but you can honestly pick any of the books in the series and be totally fine. I recommend picking this one up because Donna Andrews just keeps getting better with her writing and I think this one is her best yet.
Edit: I got to listen to the audiobook and it is even more perfect than the book itself! I wish I could give it six stars because it elevates the written word. Bernadette Dunne does such a fantastic job that I listened to the whole thing in one sitting and then listened to it again. I highly recommend getting the audiobook to accompany the book itself and you really don’t need to read every book in the series to enjoy this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio and Donna Andrews for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Meg Langslow mysteries hold a super special place in my heart because I've been reading them for so long and enjoy them just so much! This book was no exception. I loved revisiting old characters and the cute little setting. One thing I enjoy from these mysteries is that unlike others the characters move forward in time enough so that it feels like there is character development. I also love that the world keeps growing and we keep getting new characters while still getting information about the old cast. The mystery was also very fun! I thought I had solved it early in the book but was pleased to figure out that I was wrong.
I would recommend these books to anyone. I know the task of reading this far into a series seems daunting but you can honestly pick any of the books in the series and be totally fine. I recommend picking this one up because Donna Andrews just keeps getting better with her writing and I think this one is her best yet.
Edit: I got to listen to the audiobook and it is even more perfect than the book itself! I wish I could give it six stars because it elevates the written word. Bernadette Dunne does such a fantastic job that I listened to the whole thing in one sitting and then listened to it again. I highly recommend getting the audiobook to accompany the book itself and you really don’t need to read every book in the series to enjoy this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio and Donna Andrews for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2025
Escaping the madhouse that her home as been with the preparations for the first annual Mutt March, Meg has taken refuge at her brother Rob's house where a duck pond is being constructed. Things grind to a halt when bones are discovered in the area where the pond will be. Now, Meg is adding discovering who the skeleton belongs to her weekend plans.
Then Iris Rafferty disappears. She's the one Rob and Delany bought their house from and has lifetime residency in the mother-in-law suite. Meg wonders why Iris chose now to disappear and considers what she might know about the buried body.
Meanwhile, back at Meg's house, rumors have surfaced that a dog fighting ring might be interested in some of the 297 dogs that are being assembled for the Mutt March.
This was another entertaining episode in this long-running series. I loved that so many of the characters readers have grown to love over the series made appearances in this one.
Then Iris Rafferty disappears. She's the one Rob and Delany bought their house from and has lifetime residency in the mother-in-law suite. Meg wonders why Iris chose now to disappear and considers what she might know about the buried body.
Meanwhile, back at Meg's house, rumors have surfaced that a dog fighting ring might be interested in some of the 297 dogs that are being assembled for the Mutt March.
This was another entertaining episode in this long-running series. I loved that so many of the characters readers have grown to love over the series made appearances in this one.
August 1, 2025
I love this series so much! I feel like part of the community of Caerphilly every time I visit and I enjoy catching up with Meg’s family and friends. This one had an intriguing cold case that had ties to the present and was fascinating to follow. Add in a dog parade for a good cause and I am happy to let the afternoon drift by as I get more absorbed into the story. While the stories themselves are standalone, start at the beginning to get in on all of the craziness that is the Langslow family.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #macmillanaudio, and #StMartinsPress for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #macmillanaudio, and #StMartinsPress for an honest review.
August 5, 2025
"For Duck's Sake (Meg Langslow #37)" by Donna Andrews has everyone Meg knows getting ready for a Mutt March parade and celebration to help get local area shelter pets (mostly dogs) adopted. It sounds like a fun idea but a lot of work. Meg and family are very generous to host the dogs and workers on Megs land. However, Meg does a lot of back and forth to her brother's house. It's just down the path in their shared wooded area. A skeleton was found buried in his backyard. This is why you don't go digging duck ponds.
The focus is mostly on this cold case of old bones. However, the elderly relative that used to own her brother's house has also gone missing. This is one feisty old lady. Meg spends most of her days investigating the family that used to run the town. Trying more to figure out who it is that was dug up. I honestly didn't have any one specific person in mind. Mostly because it didn't totally feel like the culprits were investigated as much as who the victim was. It all made sense in the end though.
The focus is mostly on this cold case of old bones. However, the elderly relative that used to own her brother's house has also gone missing. This is one feisty old lady. Meg spends most of her days investigating the family that used to run the town. Trying more to figure out who it is that was dug up. I honestly didn't have any one specific person in mind. Mostly because it didn't totally feel like the culprits were investigated as much as who the victim was. It all made sense in the end though.
July 15, 2025
Another great Meg Langslow mystery! This is my favorite mystery series and Donna Andrews never disappoints with the adventures of the Langslow family. This time, Meg is supervising Rob and Delaney’s building of a new duck pond when a body shows up. Of course, no story is without lots of family members and chaos. I appreciated the layers that this mystery had with lots of history in the county and more digging on Meg’s part. To me, this is one of her strongest in recent years, but I will never not read a new one in this series. Highly recommend for Meg lovers!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
April 13, 2025
We are back with Meg Lanslow in Yorktown, Virginia. Her family is helping set up the first Mutt March. A parade to help get local rescues adopted. They have over 300 dogs and assorted animals participating in the parade. Rob & Delaney want a duck pond so they can have duck eggs. They hired someone to dig up a pond in their backyard. When a skeleton arm is found, the police and the archaeology department at the local university are called to excavate the area. Meg helps investigate and try to figure out who the skeleton belongs too.
I love this series and it always feels like returning home to my favorite characters. I loved the mystery and figuring out the cold case. I'm excited to read more of this series. The writing is fantastic. One day I hope to read the whole series.
I love this series and it always feels like returning home to my favorite characters. I loved the mystery and figuring out the cold case. I'm excited to read more of this series. The writing is fantastic. One day I hope to read the whole series.
August 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Andrews, St.Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2025
A charming installment in the Meg Langslow mystery series. In this cozy whodunit, Meg finds herself juggling quirky family members, a vibrant small-town setting, and a puzzling mystery. The story unfolds with wit and warmth, making it a delightful escape for fans of lighthearted mysteries. This book is part of a series, however, it can easily be a standalone. I haven't read any of the previous books and I quite enjoyed this one.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how it hooked me right from the beginning. The plot was layered with several mysteries within the main mystery, which kept things interesting and added depth to the story. The characters were engaging and the overall tone of the book felt fun, wholesome, and clever—exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery.
That said, there were a few moments that felt like filler, like random facts or details that didn’t really move the plot forward. While these didn’t ruin the experience, they did pull me out of the story a bit at times.
The audiobook narration was a strong point. The narrator did a fantastic job with character voices, making it easy to distinguish who was speaking, which added to the overall enjoyment. The performance fit the tone of the book perfectly and brought the story to life in an engaging way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how it hooked me right from the beginning. The plot was layered with several mysteries within the main mystery, which kept things interesting and added depth to the story. The characters were engaging and the overall tone of the book felt fun, wholesome, and clever—exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery.
That said, there were a few moments that felt like filler, like random facts or details that didn’t really move the plot forward. While these didn’t ruin the experience, they did pull me out of the story a bit at times.
The audiobook narration was a strong point. The narrator did a fantastic job with character voices, making it easy to distinguish who was speaking, which added to the overall enjoyment. The performance fit the tone of the book perfectly and brought the story to life in an engaging way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 22, 2025
(3.75 rounded to 4.0).
This book is the latest in the long running series of Meg Langslow Mysteries (37). This series features a blacksmith/amateur detective/assistant to the mayor/wife/mother (called Meg Langslow) along with a comic collection of relatives, friends, local visitors and menagerie of everything with feathers, fur, fashion etc. for a large group of fauna (ie 37) along with her husband (Michael) and twin 15 year old sons.
In this book, a skeleton is found when excavating for a duck pond and the case to identify the missing party, determine the means and methods of the murder, discover the motive behind the murder,etc. When the deceased is identified as a member of the local country mafia, the next steps may threaten anyone who seeks to root out the underlying crimes. Add in the preparation of arrangements of a Mutt Parade and fete to try to place a couple of hundred dogs with new homes and the unearthing of a Cold War era fallout shelter and you have another recipe for a crime disguised as mayhem, mania, and mirth.
These books are a great addition to the cozy mystery genre. They are always an entertaining way to lighten the mood after a spate of heavier volumes. The characters (and there are a lot of them) are well developed and the village where the story takes place are a pleasant location. I always look forward to the next one. Recommend to readers of cozy mystery genre, humor, contemporary fiction, family and animals.
This book is the latest in the long running series of Meg Langslow Mysteries (37). This series features a blacksmith/amateur detective/assistant to the mayor/wife/mother (called Meg Langslow) along with a comic collection of relatives, friends, local visitors and menagerie of everything with feathers, fur, fashion etc. for a large group of fauna (ie 37) along with her husband (Michael) and twin 15 year old sons.
In this book, a skeleton is found when excavating for a duck pond and the case to identify the missing party, determine the means and methods of the murder, discover the motive behind the murder,etc. When the deceased is identified as a member of the local country mafia, the next steps may threaten anyone who seeks to root out the underlying crimes. Add in the preparation of arrangements of a Mutt Parade and fete to try to place a couple of hundred dogs with new homes and the unearthing of a Cold War era fallout shelter and you have another recipe for a crime disguised as mayhem, mania, and mirth.
These books are a great addition to the cozy mystery genre. They are always an entertaining way to lighten the mood after a spate of heavier volumes. The characters (and there are a lot of them) are well developed and the village where the story takes place are a pleasant location. I always look forward to the next one. Recommend to readers of cozy mystery genre, humor, contemporary fiction, family and animals.
August 11, 2025
In For Duck’s Sake, Meg has had enough of planning huge events. When her town decides to have a parade and fair to support an animal adoption event, she successfully pawns off the leadership of it to her uber organized mother. That leaves Meg plenty of time to help the Chief of Police discover the identity of the skeleton found next door and how it came to be buried in her brother’s backyard.
It is always a pleasure to return to Meg’s crazy world. This book keeps up the craziness but focuses more on Meg’s investigative and interviewing skills than usual. The somewhat controlled chaos of her life is more of a setting than a plot device in For Duck’s Sake. It makes a nice change for both Meg but her readers too. There is still room for a few bits of ridiculous moments too; parading dogs dressed as Ewoks and dinosaurs are surely not a common sight.
Overall, For Duck's Sake is a great entry for longtime series fans, though newbies might be better served by starting with a less complex entry. 5 stars from me though! I always look foreword to a new Meg Langslow adventure.
It is always a pleasure to return to Meg’s crazy world. This book keeps up the craziness but focuses more on Meg’s investigative and interviewing skills than usual. The somewhat controlled chaos of her life is more of a setting than a plot device in For Duck’s Sake. It makes a nice change for both Meg but her readers too. There is still room for a few bits of ridiculous moments too; parading dogs dressed as Ewoks and dinosaurs are surely not a common sight.
Overall, For Duck's Sake is a great entry for longtime series fans, though newbies might be better served by starting with a less complex entry. 5 stars from me though! I always look foreword to a new Meg Langslow adventure.
July 31, 2025
I first discovered Donna Andrews’ writing through a Cozy Case Files sampler, and I was eager to dive into a full-length novel. Despite this being book 37 in the series, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. The small-town setting was cozy and inviting, and the quirky, fun characters made it easy to settle in.
As an animal lover, I especially appreciated the strong animal/dog theme woven throughout the story. An added an extra layer of charm for me. The narration was well done overall. While I felt the narrator’s voice sounded a bit mature for Meg, they did a great job differentiating characters, making it easy to follow who was speaking.
This was a light, engaging read with the perfect cozy mystery vibes. I’ll definitely be coming back for more from this series and author!
Thank you, NetGalley, and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
As an animal lover, I especially appreciated the strong animal/dog theme woven throughout the story. An added an extra layer of charm for me. The narration was well done overall. While I felt the narrator’s voice sounded a bit mature for Meg, they did a great job differentiating characters, making it easy to follow who was speaking.
This was a light, engaging read with the perfect cozy mystery vibes. I’ll definitely be coming back for more from this series and author!
Thank you, NetGalley, and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
August 23, 2025
Great title. Great book
August 9, 2025
Such a delight to come home to happy mail - an advance copy of For Ducks Sake. Thank you Donna Andrews and Minotaur books - you made my week!
Meg and the crew from Caerphilly are having a huge adoption event for all the dogs in the animal shelter, Rob & Delaney are building a duck pond on their property, and a skeleton is found. We learn more about Vern Shipley and i really think he needs a love story at some point, poor man. But the story is varied and has twists and turns and is another delightful outing to Caerphilly. This series continues to be fresh with new plots and details about the characters. I guarantee it’s a vacation from reality and as usual has a happy ending and a creative resolution to the puzzle.
Meg and the crew from Caerphilly are having a huge adoption event for all the dogs in the animal shelter, Rob & Delaney are building a duck pond on their property, and a skeleton is found. We learn more about Vern Shipley and i really think he needs a love story at some point, poor man. But the story is varied and has twists and turns and is another delightful outing to Caerphilly. This series continues to be fresh with new plots and details about the characters. I guarantee it’s a vacation from reality and as usual has a happy ending and a creative resolution to the puzzle.
July 27, 2025
For Duck's Sake you should give this series a try. It all starts with peacocks.
I love these books. And I often say the name of this book, only the other expression- so when it came upon Netgalley, it was a winning combo!
Meg Langslow books are some of my all-time favorites. They are comfort reads for me, kind of like that old friend that I keep going back to have a cup of coffee with, no matter how good or bad things get, they are always there.
If this is where you're starting in the series, you can start here, but I think it is truly better to start at the beginning. However, if you don't feel up to 36 other books, that is understandable. I do have a feeling after you read this that you could potentially fall in love with the whole Langslow crew and their antics and go back and begin at the beginning.
Are there things that I didn't like- of course! But this series is well written, kindhearted, and a nice change of pace from the other books I like where everyone is out to kill or is bitching about one thing or another.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own, as always.
I love these books. And I often say the name of this book, only the other expression- so when it came upon Netgalley, it was a winning combo!
Meg Langslow books are some of my all-time favorites. They are comfort reads for me, kind of like that old friend that I keep going back to have a cup of coffee with, no matter how good or bad things get, they are always there.
If this is where you're starting in the series, you can start here, but I think it is truly better to start at the beginning. However, if you don't feel up to 36 other books, that is understandable. I do have a feeling after you read this that you could potentially fall in love with the whole Langslow crew and their antics and go back and begin at the beginning.
Are there things that I didn't like- of course! But this series is well written, kindhearted, and a nice change of pace from the other books I like where everyone is out to kill or is bitching about one thing or another.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own, as always.
June 1, 2025
Meg’s back! And not surprisingly, she’s involved in a event. This book’s event is the first annual Mutt March, basically a parade and related activities to get some deserving pets adopted and to get some tourists to visit Caerphilly. But surprisingly, Meg’s NOT running it (as she typically is). After taking care of the arriving mutts for two weeks, her mother realized Meg was already burned out, and graciously took over (with appropriate help, of course, including librarian Ms. Ellie, assorted family members, friends, and neighbors ).
The story opens with Meg taking a break from the bathing and grooming of mutts to visit next door, where her brother Rob, his wife Delaney, and their six-month old daughter Brynn live. They’re at work, so she’s visiting with Iris Rafferty (the 90-something former owner who still lives in the in-law suite) as one of the Shiffleys is digging a duck pond (duck eggs have more B12, iron, etc, etc and Delaney wants to have a ample supply for when Brynn starts eating solid food). It’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon - until the bulldozer uncovers a skeleton. At first they think it’s an historic burial until they notice what appears to be a pair of red Air Jordans from the 1980s. And they think it might be an accident until they notice the bullet hole in the skull. Vern Shiffley, one of the deputies suspects he knows who the person is: Billy, an high school pal who disappeared about the time when Air Jordans were popular. Meg volunteers to help the chief track down who the missing person might be, in part to be helpful, but also to avoid further bathing of the 300+ mutts occupying her farm. Things get even more complicated when Iris disappears. Given that she lived there during the time when the body would have been buried, does she know something more than she’s letting on?
So first a disclaimer: I adore all the Meg Langslow books! I think I’ve read them all at least twice, a number of them more than that. I enjoy the quirky characters and how everyone is always willing to jump in and help - like all the volunteers helping with the Mutt March and how everyone jumped in to provide food for the volunteers (the Methodist church one pot luck meal; the Baptist church another). This book was one of my favorites. I liked how this was a cold case from the 1980s and the steps Meg took to figure out who it might be - looking through records in the library and talking to some older folks who were around then rather than talking to suspects.
I don’t mention it frequently in my reviews, but Ms. Andrews does a terrific job of giving the reader important details without it being an info dump. In this story, for example, Meg and Iris are chatting with Iris’s daughter, Eileen. Eileen’s primary purpose seems to be to ask questions for Meg and Iris to give the reader details about the Mutt March. Later, it’s Meg asking the question so the reader learns something cool. There’s always enough information describing a character without going overboard with details, making it accessible for people new to the series. Although, if you’re looking for a new series to read, I recommend you pick up Murder with Peacocks, the first in this series.
Highly recommended. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily reviewed.
The story opens with Meg taking a break from the bathing and grooming of mutts to visit next door, where her brother Rob, his wife Delaney, and their six-month old daughter Brynn live. They’re at work, so she’s visiting with Iris Rafferty (the 90-something former owner who still lives in the in-law suite) as one of the Shiffleys is digging a duck pond (duck eggs have more B12, iron, etc, etc and Delaney wants to have a ample supply for when Brynn starts eating solid food). It’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon - until the bulldozer uncovers a skeleton. At first they think it’s an historic burial until they notice what appears to be a pair of red Air Jordans from the 1980s. And they think it might be an accident until they notice the bullet hole in the skull. Vern Shiffley, one of the deputies suspects he knows who the person is: Billy, an high school pal who disappeared about the time when Air Jordans were popular. Meg volunteers to help the chief track down who the missing person might be, in part to be helpful, but also to avoid further bathing of the 300+ mutts occupying her farm. Things get even more complicated when Iris disappears. Given that she lived there during the time when the body would have been buried, does she know something more than she’s letting on?
So first a disclaimer: I adore all the Meg Langslow books! I think I’ve read them all at least twice, a number of them more than that. I enjoy the quirky characters and how everyone is always willing to jump in and help - like all the volunteers helping with the Mutt March and how everyone jumped in to provide food for the volunteers (the Methodist church one pot luck meal; the Baptist church another). This book was one of my favorites. I liked how this was a cold case from the 1980s and the steps Meg took to figure out who it might be - looking through records in the library and talking to some older folks who were around then rather than talking to suspects.
I don’t mention it frequently in my reviews, but Ms. Andrews does a terrific job of giving the reader important details without it being an info dump. In this story, for example, Meg and Iris are chatting with Iris’s daughter, Eileen. Eileen’s primary purpose seems to be to ask questions for Meg and Iris to give the reader details about the Mutt March. Later, it’s Meg asking the question so the reader learns something cool. There’s always enough information describing a character without going overboard with details, making it accessible for people new to the series. Although, if you’re looking for a new series to read, I recommend you pick up Murder with Peacocks, the first in this series.
Highly recommended. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily reviewed.
May 2, 2025
You can always count on Donna Andrews for a fun but compelling mystery filled with strong delightful people, and For Duck's Sake, the #37th Meg Langslow mystery, is no exception!
It is a good think Meg's mom has agreed to organize the March for Mutts, an adoption that includes over 200 dogs from area shelters. Caerphilly's favorite vet might have pushed the limit on the term area as he kept pulling in more and more dogs, but who can say no to an animal in need. Word has reached Kevin that a group might try to kidnap some of the dogs to use a as bait dogs. On top of the chaos back a home, Robb and Delaney have asked Meg to keep an eye on the excavation for their new duck pond. I suspect you can guess what shows up during the digging. Meg is more than happy to spend her time helping the chief figure out who the bones might belong to rather than spending her days bathing and rebathing and bathing the stinky, matted, and not always happy dogs again to attract potential adopters. Thank goodness there are more than enough volunteers to cover the job without her.
Loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur for allowing me to read and review and ARC of For Duck's Sake. My friends and followers are going to love Donna Andrews's newest Meg Langslow!
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #Minotaur #Donna Andrews #MegLangslow #ForDucksSake
It is a good think Meg's mom has agreed to organize the March for Mutts, an adoption that includes over 200 dogs from area shelters. Caerphilly's favorite vet might have pushed the limit on the term area as he kept pulling in more and more dogs, but who can say no to an animal in need. Word has reached Kevin that a group might try to kidnap some of the dogs to use a as bait dogs. On top of the chaos back a home, Robb and Delaney have asked Meg to keep an eye on the excavation for their new duck pond. I suspect you can guess what shows up during the digging. Meg is more than happy to spend her time helping the chief figure out who the bones might belong to rather than spending her days bathing and rebathing and bathing the stinky, matted, and not always happy dogs again to attract potential adopters. Thank goodness there are more than enough volunteers to cover the job without her.
Loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur for allowing me to read and review and ARC of For Duck's Sake. My friends and followers are going to love Donna Andrews's newest Meg Langslow!
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #Minotaur #Donna Andrews #MegLangslow #ForDucksSake
March 30, 2025
For Duck's Sake is a fun, fast paced cozy mystery filled with terrific characters that always bring a smile to my face.
Meg and her friends and family are preparing for the annual Mutt March, a huge parade featuring hundreds of dogs dressed in costumes, and they are all up for adoption.
Meg is also overseeing her brothers newest addition, a duck pond, so we all know where this is leading.
While digging the pond, a few bones are uncovered, and things grind to a halt.
Who do the bones belong to, how old are they, and more importantly, how did they get there?
As the story unfolds, so many secrets are revealed and Deputy Vern is worried that the bones belong to someone he knew years ago.
I love how everyone always comes together in these books,, each having their own unique role in solving any problems they encounter..
This book is a solid 5 stars, I absolutely loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Meg and her friends and family are preparing for the annual Mutt March, a huge parade featuring hundreds of dogs dressed in costumes, and they are all up for adoption.
Meg is also overseeing her brothers newest addition, a duck pond, so we all know where this is leading.
While digging the pond, a few bones are uncovered, and things grind to a halt.
Who do the bones belong to, how old are they, and more importantly, how did they get there?
As the story unfolds, so many secrets are revealed and Deputy Vern is worried that the bones belong to someone he knew years ago.
I love how everyone always comes together in these books,, each having their own unique role in solving any problems they encounter..
This book is a solid 5 stars, I absolutely loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 13, 2025
I always look forward to a new book about Meg Langslow and her friends and family. This was a particularly fun read. As the gang prepares for a Mutt Walk to help shelter dogs find a home, Meg is supervising the digging of a duck pond on her brother and sister in laws new property. Of course a body is found. This 30 year old murder intersects with lots of different people and Meg gets involved in trying to find out who the person was and why her 90 year old neighbor has gone missing. I did like the fact that there was no present day murder in this book
August 7, 2025
There is never a dull moment at the farm owned by Meg Langslow and her husband Michael. Fortunately for her, she has family nearby where she can go when she needs a moment of peace. Her place is the staging area for the Mutt March, a new event where they are having a parade down Main Street with literally hundreds of dogs and dozens of volunteers, to try to get the dogs adopted to loving families. So Meg decides to go to her brother Rob and sister-in-law Delaney’s farm to watch them break ground on a new duck pond.
At least in theory.
Meg’s life is never that simple, though, so it’s not that much of a surprise when the bulldozer operator suddenly turns off his equipment to point out that he’s found bones. Meg calls the police, and the police chief as well as an archeologist from the local college come to take a look. It turns out that they have found a skeleton buried in the yard. However, it wasn’t a recent burial.
As more of the bones are uncovered, the archeologist and Meg’s father, a doctor, determine that the skeleton belong to a man and that he had been killed maybe 30 or 40 years before. They think he had been not much more than a kid, maybe 15-25, but they do know how he died, from the bullet hole in the middle of his skull.
While Meg isn’t running the Mutt March, her mother is, so Meg is involved. Her yard is filled with dogs getting baths and checkups from the local vet, with dogs being trained to use a leash and getting fitted for costumes for the parade. But Meg also finds out that dog fighters from nearby counties may be trying to take dogs to train the fighters, so she’s also keeping an eye out for anyone she doesn’t know or who is acting suspiciously.
Meg does the research to create a list of missing people who may be the skeleton, going through microfilm and talking to old-timers in town. But when Iris, the woman who sold the farm to Rob and Delaney, goes missing, Meg adds another thing to her notebook-that-tells-her-when-to-breathe. Iris texted her to say she was okay, just needed some time to herself, but Meg is still worried. There are dangerous people in town, and she wants to make sure that Iris really is okay. But it’s not until Meg stumbles into an abandoned fallout shelter that she puts herself in the sights of the killers. Will she be able to put the pieces together in time, or will she find herself the next missing person?
For Duck’s Sake is book 37 in Donna Andrews’s popular Meg Langslow mystery series. I have been reading this series for years, and I love how Andrews uses modern storylines and Meg’s extensive family and friend circle to help face any challenge they come up against. I’m also a big animal lover, so I adored this story about the dog adoption parade and how carefully everyone cared for the dogs and vetted the families wanting to adopt.
I listened to For Duck’s Sake as an audio book, narrated to Bernadette Dunne, who has become to me the voice of Meg. I love listening to this series on audio, as it’s entertaining and soothing, and Dunne brings Meg’s voice to life perfectly. She has spent so much time with this family that she can easily keep the large cast of characters straight, which I appreciate. But she matches Meg’s level-headed intelligence with her snark and her Southern sensibilities, which makes for such an entertaining listen. And when you have a story that includes dogs in Ewok costumes, cross-stitched sayings with curse words, and magically multiplying ducks, then I am all-in.
Egalleys for For Duck’s Sake were provided by Minotaur Books and an early copy of the audio book was provided by Macmillan Audio, both through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
At least in theory.
Meg’s life is never that simple, though, so it’s not that much of a surprise when the bulldozer operator suddenly turns off his equipment to point out that he’s found bones. Meg calls the police, and the police chief as well as an archeologist from the local college come to take a look. It turns out that they have found a skeleton buried in the yard. However, it wasn’t a recent burial.
As more of the bones are uncovered, the archeologist and Meg’s father, a doctor, determine that the skeleton belong to a man and that he had been killed maybe 30 or 40 years before. They think he had been not much more than a kid, maybe 15-25, but they do know how he died, from the bullet hole in the middle of his skull.
While Meg isn’t running the Mutt March, her mother is, so Meg is involved. Her yard is filled with dogs getting baths and checkups from the local vet, with dogs being trained to use a leash and getting fitted for costumes for the parade. But Meg also finds out that dog fighters from nearby counties may be trying to take dogs to train the fighters, so she’s also keeping an eye out for anyone she doesn’t know or who is acting suspiciously.
Meg does the research to create a list of missing people who may be the skeleton, going through microfilm and talking to old-timers in town. But when Iris, the woman who sold the farm to Rob and Delaney, goes missing, Meg adds another thing to her notebook-that-tells-her-when-to-breathe. Iris texted her to say she was okay, just needed some time to herself, but Meg is still worried. There are dangerous people in town, and she wants to make sure that Iris really is okay. But it’s not until Meg stumbles into an abandoned fallout shelter that she puts herself in the sights of the killers. Will she be able to put the pieces together in time, or will she find herself the next missing person?
For Duck’s Sake is book 37 in Donna Andrews’s popular Meg Langslow mystery series. I have been reading this series for years, and I love how Andrews uses modern storylines and Meg’s extensive family and friend circle to help face any challenge they come up against. I’m also a big animal lover, so I adored this story about the dog adoption parade and how carefully everyone cared for the dogs and vetted the families wanting to adopt.
I listened to For Duck’s Sake as an audio book, narrated to Bernadette Dunne, who has become to me the voice of Meg. I love listening to this series on audio, as it’s entertaining and soothing, and Dunne brings Meg’s voice to life perfectly. She has spent so much time with this family that she can easily keep the large cast of characters straight, which I appreciate. But she matches Meg’s level-headed intelligence with her snark and her Southern sensibilities, which makes for such an entertaining listen. And when you have a story that includes dogs in Ewok costumes, cross-stitched sayings with curse words, and magically multiplying ducks, then I am all-in.
Egalleys for For Duck’s Sake were provided by Minotaur Books and an early copy of the audio book was provided by Macmillan Audio, both through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
June 25, 2025
The narrator for these books is always absolutely amazing. She has SO MANY different voices to differentiate and does such a wonderful job.
I have previously read 32 of the books in this series and they are the perfect type of cozy mystery. It has humor, quirky characters that are fun to come back to, just a touch of suspense, and a comforting amount of knowing where the story will go. Meg Lanslow will pretend not to investigate a murder, while those in the police department continue to use her for her connections and her ability to get anyone to talk while warning her off the case. Spike, the tiny but very aggressive dog, will be involved in at least one interaction with a suspect. Her boys and her husband provide loving support from afar while maybe having some part in one of the capers, but largely having their own completely unrelated adventures. The town has a huge, ridiculous event of some kind; this time it is a dog parade to find interested people to adopt pets from local shelters, and if Meg can't do something, her mother can. We learn many random facts about the animals that pop up throughout the story. There is no monetary issue in placing cameras and monitoring all things technological everywhere they are needed. There are many red herrings throughout the story, but it is always a bad guy trying to get away with something, and never someone you hope that it isn't.
In this story, we have a twist because the murder Meg is investigating is from the 1980s or 90s and not something that happens during the course of the story. This provides a few very silly moments of back porch rubber necking the scene of the archeological dig while sipping on Arnold Palmers and making predictions about who the skeleton might be and how it got in the backyard where the pool is supposed to go. For a bit of the story, there was just so much going on that it was hard to focus. We have the mystery skeleton, a missing elderly female, a dog adoption parade that has attracted the eyes of a nearby dog fighting ring, and many town secrets that are being unearthed. The book does settle into a rhythm, and all the mysteries are pleasantly resolved.
This is the 37th Meg Langslow book, and although I have not finished all 36 before this, it does help to have some history in the series. Each book gives us new characters, or the characters bought new toys for their jobs, or met long-lost bioparents, or adopted new animals for various locations. So by the time you get to book 37, there are SO MANY things from previous books thrown in. Donna Andrews does a great job of reminding you with a sentence or two just enough about those past books to help you understand the connection, but if this is your first book, I feel like it would be a lot of references and so many characters without enough context. I have not always gone in order as I read the series, but I definitely would not start with #37.
Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for giving me the opportunity to listen to the advanced audiobook in such a fun series.
I have previously read 32 of the books in this series and they are the perfect type of cozy mystery. It has humor, quirky characters that are fun to come back to, just a touch of suspense, and a comforting amount of knowing where the story will go. Meg Lanslow will pretend not to investigate a murder, while those in the police department continue to use her for her connections and her ability to get anyone to talk while warning her off the case. Spike, the tiny but very aggressive dog, will be involved in at least one interaction with a suspect. Her boys and her husband provide loving support from afar while maybe having some part in one of the capers, but largely having their own completely unrelated adventures. The town has a huge, ridiculous event of some kind; this time it is a dog parade to find interested people to adopt pets from local shelters, and if Meg can't do something, her mother can. We learn many random facts about the animals that pop up throughout the story. There is no monetary issue in placing cameras and monitoring all things technological everywhere they are needed. There are many red herrings throughout the story, but it is always a bad guy trying to get away with something, and never someone you hope that it isn't.
In this story, we have a twist because the murder Meg is investigating is from the 1980s or 90s and not something that happens during the course of the story. This provides a few very silly moments of back porch rubber necking the scene of the archeological dig while sipping on Arnold Palmers and making predictions about who the skeleton might be and how it got in the backyard where the pool is supposed to go. For a bit of the story, there was just so much going on that it was hard to focus. We have the mystery skeleton, a missing elderly female, a dog adoption parade that has attracted the eyes of a nearby dog fighting ring, and many town secrets that are being unearthed. The book does settle into a rhythm, and all the mysteries are pleasantly resolved.
This is the 37th Meg Langslow book, and although I have not finished all 36 before this, it does help to have some history in the series. Each book gives us new characters, or the characters bought new toys for their jobs, or met long-lost bioparents, or adopted new animals for various locations. So by the time you get to book 37, there are SO MANY things from previous books thrown in. Donna Andrews does a great job of reminding you with a sentence or two just enough about those past books to help you understand the connection, but if this is your first book, I feel like it would be a lot of references and so many characters without enough context. I have not always gone in order as I read the series, but I definitely would not start with #37.
Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for giving me the opportunity to listen to the advanced audiobook in such a fun series.
July 22, 2025
I am a big fan of Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow series. The first book, Murder with Peacocks, won at least five mystery book awards. It is a fabulous book, and I enjoyed it even more when I read it a second time. For Duck's Sake is the 37th book in the series. I understand that Andrews did not write Murder with Peacocks with the intention of beginning a long-running series. But here we are, 26 years later, and Andrews is adding two books a year to the series, with one being a Christmas-themed mystery. For Duck's Sake is the first 2025 release and is not a Christmas book. Reading the new book is like taking a visit to a familiar town filled with friends. I love it. There are many lovable characters, and a cozy small-town setting filled with quirky shops and groups of residents. I am waiting to find a t-shirt advertising Caerphilly's metal band "Rancid Dread" or a "Christmas in Caerphilly" mug at a thrift shop someday. I am amazed at the talent and creativity it takes to build such a strong, detailed world with an endless supply of new mysteries for Meg to solve. At some point, time stopped. In the first book, Meg meets Michael, her future husband. They romance, get married, find and renovate an old farm house, and have twin boys in the first dozen books of the series. At some point, the character's aging slowed, and, I think, time has almost frozen in Meg's city of Caerphilly now. Bernadette Dunne narrates all of the audiobooks and gives an excellent performance. Even when I read the print books now, I hear her voice in my head.
During this trip to Caerphilly, Meg and her family are busy. Her brother Rob and Rob's wife have a new baby and a new home. They are having a duck pond dug in their farm yard when a skeleton is discovered. Meg is happy to help with looking into the identity of the body to avoid helping with the chaotic "Mutt March" event that the local animal shelter is sponsoring to find homes for their dogs. Her whole family is involved with the event, and the dogs are being bathed and groomed at her house. With intrigue on one hand and chaos on the other, Meg navigates family, community, and crime challenges with a bit of help from her family and friends. If you like humorous cozy mysteries, you can't find a better series than Meg Langslow. You can start anywhere, but, of course, starting at the beginning is always the best. Another good starting point is the Christmas mysteries. I am usually a stickler for starting at the beginning, but I admit I picked up Duck the Halls when I was in the mood for a holiday read and then went back and read the series from the beginning. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a galley ebook for review.
During this trip to Caerphilly, Meg and her family are busy. Her brother Rob and Rob's wife have a new baby and a new home. They are having a duck pond dug in their farm yard when a skeleton is discovered. Meg is happy to help with looking into the identity of the body to avoid helping with the chaotic "Mutt March" event that the local animal shelter is sponsoring to find homes for their dogs. Her whole family is involved with the event, and the dogs are being bathed and groomed at her house. With intrigue on one hand and chaos on the other, Meg navigates family, community, and crime challenges with a bit of help from her family and friends. If you like humorous cozy mysteries, you can't find a better series than Meg Langslow. You can start anywhere, but, of course, starting at the beginning is always the best. Another good starting point is the Christmas mysteries. I am usually a stickler for starting at the beginning, but I admit I picked up Duck the Halls when I was in the mood for a holiday read and then went back and read the series from the beginning. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a galley ebook for review.
August 7, 2025
Meg Langslow is once again doing what she does best: being the calm center of a storm made entirely of bones, bulldozers, and barking. In For Duck’s Sake, book thirty-freaking-seven in Donna Andrews’ delightfully unhinged cozy series, Meg flees her own house, which has been swallowed alive by Caerphilly’s inaugural Mutt March, and tries to find some peace next door at her brother’s. But of course, peace is a myth. The duck pond dig site promptly coughs up a decades-old corpse. And Meg? She picks up a shovel and gets to work. Not literally, but spiritually.
This isn’t a fresh murder, which honestly feels like emotional progress for Caerphilly. What we do get is a cold case that snowballs into buried lies, secret real estate weirdness, and a suspiciously mobile elderly woman who vanishes the second a skeleton shows up. Oh, and did I mention the bunker? Because yes. There’s a bunker. And possibly drugs. And definitely every old missing persons case in town now being dredged up for reexamination like some kind of bureaucratic séance. Chief Burke is trying to hold it together, but let’s be real, Meg’s the one pulling files, grilling locals, and trying not to scream into her coffee.
Meanwhile, her actual house is a four-legged fever dream. The Mutt March has taken over her property and her peace of mind. Hundreds of dogs from across the region. A vet with the self-control of a rescue puppy. Prowlers possibly targeting dogs for fighting rings. It’s a logistical nightmare and a moral panic wrapped in fur. The Mutt March feels like if The Great British Bake Off were about under-socialized rescue animals instead of cakes; charming, chaotic, and about to change the world for the better.
This isn’t the funniest entry in the series. The chaos is slower, the jokes a little softer. But it still works. The cozy’s cozy. The characters are charming. The town feels like the kind of place where a cold case, a city budget being due, and a dog costume contest could all happen on the same day. This one feels like a deep breath between disasters. And Meg, patron saint of never getting a day off, somehow survives it all without adopting another dog. That’s not self-control. That’s Olympic-tier mental discipline.
Is it the best in the series? No. But it’s solid. The mystery keeps things moving. The town lore expands. And Meg is still out here juggling a cold case, hundreds of dogs, a rogue bunker, and the emotional weight of knowing she will never have a normal week. I love her for it.
Whodunity Award: For Not Adopting a Puppy While Digging Up a Skeleton and Finding a Bunker in a Town That Runs on Dog Fur and Gossip
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC and for letting me tag along on yet another Caerphilly mystery, complete with dogs, ducks, mysterious bunkers, and the growing suspicion that Meg’s notebook might be the only thing keeping this town from imploding.
This isn’t a fresh murder, which honestly feels like emotional progress for Caerphilly. What we do get is a cold case that snowballs into buried lies, secret real estate weirdness, and a suspiciously mobile elderly woman who vanishes the second a skeleton shows up. Oh, and did I mention the bunker? Because yes. There’s a bunker. And possibly drugs. And definitely every old missing persons case in town now being dredged up for reexamination like some kind of bureaucratic séance. Chief Burke is trying to hold it together, but let’s be real, Meg’s the one pulling files, grilling locals, and trying not to scream into her coffee.
Meanwhile, her actual house is a four-legged fever dream. The Mutt March has taken over her property and her peace of mind. Hundreds of dogs from across the region. A vet with the self-control of a rescue puppy. Prowlers possibly targeting dogs for fighting rings. It’s a logistical nightmare and a moral panic wrapped in fur. The Mutt March feels like if The Great British Bake Off were about under-socialized rescue animals instead of cakes; charming, chaotic, and about to change the world for the better.
This isn’t the funniest entry in the series. The chaos is slower, the jokes a little softer. But it still works. The cozy’s cozy. The characters are charming. The town feels like the kind of place where a cold case, a city budget being due, and a dog costume contest could all happen on the same day. This one feels like a deep breath between disasters. And Meg, patron saint of never getting a day off, somehow survives it all without adopting another dog. That’s not self-control. That’s Olympic-tier mental discipline.
Is it the best in the series? No. But it’s solid. The mystery keeps things moving. The town lore expands. And Meg is still out here juggling a cold case, hundreds of dogs, a rogue bunker, and the emotional weight of knowing she will never have a normal week. I love her for it.
Whodunity Award: For Not Adopting a Puppy While Digging Up a Skeleton and Finding a Bunker in a Town That Runs on Dog Fur and Gossip
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC and for letting me tag along on yet another Caerphilly mystery, complete with dogs, ducks, mysterious bunkers, and the growing suspicion that Meg’s notebook might be the only thing keeping this town from imploding.
June 28, 2025
Title: For Duck's Sake
Author: Donna Anderson
Series: Meg Langslow Book #37
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Bernadette Dunn
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: August 5, 2025
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ Fun Stars
Pages 320
Story starts when Meg Langslow is busy organizing a fun community event featuring a dog parade called the "Mutt March". It is in hopes many of e dogs will be adopted and have a forever home. The dog dogs dress up for the parade and then there are fun game involving the dogs and children.
She stops by her brother’ Robs farm as he and his wife Delaney having a growing family and wanted a bigger place. Iris Rafferty is delighted that her century old farm has a young family. She agreed to sell on the condition that she is allowed to continue to stay by living in the Mother-in-law suite. Iris states she is having ‘the best life ever’!
While Meg and Iris were watching the renovation being done, a ‘Duck Pond is being dug as studies have shown that duck eggs have a greater nutritional value than chicken eggs. As they are watching the digging suddenly stops as the driver notices something suspicious that looks like bones!
Meg calls Chief Burke. He then begins searching the police records to see if he can identify any missing persons who would fit the bill. He accepts Meg's offer to help. She starts in the library by talking to some of the old-timers who might remember. Meg’s Grandfather helps with his scientific brain and believes they may be able to get DNA from the fingers and do a DNA trace. I found this very interesting.
Story gets more and more involved. Meg’s twin teenage sons believe a dog fight outfit is going to try to steal dogs from the event to use bait. The organization knows to take this serious so do what they can to protect the dogs– even use a GPS tracker in case any do go missing.
Meanwhile Iris has disappeared. Yikes! What’s next???
Although this is #37 in this series, I have only read but a few but I. quickly got to know Meg and fell in love her and her somewhat quirky friends. I have enjoyed what I have read and definitely looking forward to #38!!
Donna Anderson uses a bird theme in all her titles - such as Murder with Peacocks, Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos, Owls Well that Ends Well, Stork Raving Mad and #35 Between the Flock and a Hard Place.
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillian Audio /St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this early enjoyable audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 5, 2025.
Author: Donna Anderson
Series: Meg Langslow Book #37
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Bernadette Dunn
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: August 5, 2025
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ Fun Stars
Pages 320
Story starts when Meg Langslow is busy organizing a fun community event featuring a dog parade called the "Mutt March". It is in hopes many of e dogs will be adopted and have a forever home. The dog dogs dress up for the parade and then there are fun game involving the dogs and children.
She stops by her brother’ Robs farm as he and his wife Delaney having a growing family and wanted a bigger place. Iris Rafferty is delighted that her century old farm has a young family. She agreed to sell on the condition that she is allowed to continue to stay by living in the Mother-in-law suite. Iris states she is having ‘the best life ever’!
While Meg and Iris were watching the renovation being done, a ‘Duck Pond is being dug as studies have shown that duck eggs have a greater nutritional value than chicken eggs. As they are watching the digging suddenly stops as the driver notices something suspicious that looks like bones!
Meg calls Chief Burke. He then begins searching the police records to see if he can identify any missing persons who would fit the bill. He accepts Meg's offer to help. She starts in the library by talking to some of the old-timers who might remember. Meg’s Grandfather helps with his scientific brain and believes they may be able to get DNA from the fingers and do a DNA trace. I found this very interesting.
Story gets more and more involved. Meg’s twin teenage sons believe a dog fight outfit is going to try to steal dogs from the event to use bait. The organization knows to take this serious so do what they can to protect the dogs– even use a GPS tracker in case any do go missing.
Meanwhile Iris has disappeared. Yikes! What’s next???
Although this is #37 in this series, I have only read but a few but I. quickly got to know Meg and fell in love her and her somewhat quirky friends. I have enjoyed what I have read and definitely looking forward to #38!!
Donna Anderson uses a bird theme in all her titles - such as Murder with Peacocks, Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos, Owls Well that Ends Well, Stork Raving Mad and #35 Between the Flock and a Hard Place.
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillian Audio /St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this early enjoyable audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 5, 2025.
May 29, 2025
First, an admission. This is one of those books I'll grab to read based entirely on the author's name. Well, that and the always cute covers. I don't read the blurb. Don't check the number of pages. Don't even check publication date, all things that can bite any reviewer. So far, however, Donna Andrews hasn't disappointed me. Mystery, mayhem, fun and quirky characters, lots of animals, frequently running amuck, and a well written, humorous read. This one was unique from most in that the murder main character Meg winds up focused on didn't just happen. In fact, it's decades old. As usual, Meg manages to stay cool and calm, even when she tumbles into danger.
Long time readers will enjoy catching up with the family and pets, especially the evil one, Spike, who manages to get into all sorts of mischief despite efforts to keep him away from the flurry of activity on the home front. Seems a couple hundred homeless dogs and assorted other critters are being groomed and sheltered at Meg's in preparation of a Mutt March meant to find them homes. The organization behind the effort will blow your mind and, no, Meg's good, but she's not in charge. Did I mention rumors of dog nappers by dog fighting rings? In any cace, ducks are involved, too, as you've probably deduced from the title, but you'll find yourself more of a duck expert after reading this than you might imagine. You'll even learn a bit about not just scanner chips and DNA and its uses in identifying bodies, even skeletons, but the general procedures and care taken by archaeologists investigating a bone find where poor Rob and Delaney wanted their duck pond to be located. You'll also know more about the Tasseled Wobbegong than you ever imagined you'd want to know or, if you're like me, you'd never heard of before. Oh, and the bomb shelters that were erected largely in the 60s. What is Vern's secret? And, oh, yes, where did Iris disappear to and why?
Of course, there's more, much more, but you can rest assured it'll be a fun, entertaining visit. You'd think cousin Kevin would run out of surveillance cameras. He's sure a busy young man. In any case, seriously, if you're in the need of a fun, feel good read that will have you chuckling most of the time, give this one a read. This series is a DO NOT MISS on my list. Thanks #StMartinsPress - #Minotaur for providing me this early look and lots of chuckles. I'm already looking forward to my next visit with Meg, Michael, Chief Burke, and the rest, ducks, llamas, and who knows what else.
Long time readers will enjoy catching up with the family and pets, especially the evil one, Spike, who manages to get into all sorts of mischief despite efforts to keep him away from the flurry of activity on the home front. Seems a couple hundred homeless dogs and assorted other critters are being groomed and sheltered at Meg's in preparation of a Mutt March meant to find them homes. The organization behind the effort will blow your mind and, no, Meg's good, but she's not in charge. Did I mention rumors of dog nappers by dog fighting rings? In any cace, ducks are involved, too, as you've probably deduced from the title, but you'll find yourself more of a duck expert after reading this than you might imagine. You'll even learn a bit about not just scanner chips and DNA and its uses in identifying bodies, even skeletons, but the general procedures and care taken by archaeologists investigating a bone find where poor Rob and Delaney wanted their duck pond to be located. You'll also know more about the Tasseled Wobbegong than you ever imagined you'd want to know or, if you're like me, you'd never heard of before. Oh, and the bomb shelters that were erected largely in the 60s. What is Vern's secret? And, oh, yes, where did Iris disappear to and why?
Of course, there's more, much more, but you can rest assured it'll be a fun, entertaining visit. You'd think cousin Kevin would run out of surveillance cameras. He's sure a busy young man. In any case, seriously, if you're in the need of a fun, feel good read that will have you chuckling most of the time, give this one a read. This series is a DO NOT MISS on my list. Thanks #StMartinsPress - #Minotaur for providing me this early look and lots of chuckles. I'm already looking forward to my next visit with Meg, Michael, Chief Burke, and the rest, ducks, llamas, and who knows what else.
June 18, 2025
Meg's brother and neighbor Rob and his wife Delaney have decided to add a duck pond to their backyard. The project takes a dark turn when the Shiffley-driven excavator exposes human bones. Who do the bones belong to? How did they end up in the backyard of sweet-but-sassy Iris Rafferty? What is she trying to hide when shortly after the discovery of the bones she does a runner and is nowhere to be found?
This series is so great. I usually don't care for series that have a lot of characters but there are so many characters in this series and I love each and every one of them far too much to imagine ever parting with any of them. Not even the small evil one, Spike. Meg is, as always, so freaking busy. This time it's the Mutt March, where hundreds of rescue dogs are being tidied up and costumed up to participate in a parade where they'll hopefully each find their fur-ever home. Of course in Caerphilly nothing can be completely without danger and the Mutt March is infiltrated by bad guys associated with a dog fighting ring. No worries, between Meg and Clarence and Mother and all the many volunteers there are plenty of eyes on the pooches, and whoever they can't keep their eyes on will be under the constant surveillance of the intrepid Kevin.
There's no easy way to summarize this book, or even this series. There's always so much going on and so many people involved. But for a series of murder mysteries, these books are more heartwarming than most romance novels. Everyone plays a part in the happy endings, each person getting to live their own dream as they pursue their passions and use their gifts to heap blessings upon each other and the entire community of Caerphilly which, though full of rascals, is the most open and accepting bunch of people who ever lived in a single geographical location.
I've got a notoriously short attention span and almost never binge-read a series, but this is a series I can sit and read, read, read, one book after another. I would recommend this series not just to people who enjoy cozy mysteries but to anyone who enjoys a sweet story and a happy ending (and what a happy ending this was, I'm not embarrassed to admit that my eyes leaked a bit). For this series possibly more than any other it's very important to read the books in order to really appreciate the growth of the characters and the development of the community.
Thank you to Donna Andrews, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
This series is so great. I usually don't care for series that have a lot of characters but there are so many characters in this series and I love each and every one of them far too much to imagine ever parting with any of them. Not even the small evil one, Spike. Meg is, as always, so freaking busy. This time it's the Mutt March, where hundreds of rescue dogs are being tidied up and costumed up to participate in a parade where they'll hopefully each find their fur-ever home. Of course in Caerphilly nothing can be completely without danger and the Mutt March is infiltrated by bad guys associated with a dog fighting ring. No worries, between Meg and Clarence and Mother and all the many volunteers there are plenty of eyes on the pooches, and whoever they can't keep their eyes on will be under the constant surveillance of the intrepid Kevin.
There's no easy way to summarize this book, or even this series. There's always so much going on and so many people involved. But for a series of murder mysteries, these books are more heartwarming than most romance novels. Everyone plays a part in the happy endings, each person getting to live their own dream as they pursue their passions and use their gifts to heap blessings upon each other and the entire community of Caerphilly which, though full of rascals, is the most open and accepting bunch of people who ever lived in a single geographical location.
I've got a notoriously short attention span and almost never binge-read a series, but this is a series I can sit and read, read, read, one book after another. I would recommend this series not just to people who enjoy cozy mysteries but to anyone who enjoys a sweet story and a happy ending (and what a happy ending this was, I'm not embarrassed to admit that my eyes leaked a bit). For this series possibly more than any other it's very important to read the books in order to really appreciate the growth of the characters and the development of the community.
Thank you to Donna Andrews, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
August 7, 2025
For Duck’s Sake Audio and e-book, by Donna Andrews is, as always, a totally entertaining time. The residents of Caerphilly are full of personalities and interesting backstories and we learn more about them every day. Plus, this time, half the town is arranging a Mutt March, in an effort to re-home dogs so there are several hundred dogs on Meg’s property, eating and sleeping, getting groomed and fitted for costumes for the march. Meg’s sons are forming a contingent of Start Wars themed pups with Michael, Meg’s husband, leading the pack in a Darth Vader costume. It doesn’t make for much quiet. Meg has been spending time at Rob and Delaney’s, supervising the digging of their duck pond as Delaney has read that duck eggs contain more protein than chicken eggs and she wants the best for her little girl. Progress is interrupted when the back hoe digs up a human arm. After calling the sheriff and the coroner, her father, she calls her grandfather, who never wants to miss anything and who also runs a DNA lab which might come in handy. Soon there is a whole team out there, including an archeologist from the local college and her students.
Plenty is happening with Meg right in the middle of it. Then, Iris, their elderly neighbor who lives on the property disappears. Before too long she texts to say she is fine, that she just needed a peace and quiet. They are all relieved but are still worried. As Meg goes about investigating to whom the body might belong, she meets some interesting people, which is unlikely as she thought she knew everyone in town. It turns into a good mystery, rooted in the past, with drugs, fallout shelters, kidnappings, and more to keep the reader entertained. Excellent book!
The reader is Bernadette Dunn, who I didn’t like at first, but have come to recognize that she is Meg Langslow. Her voice is immediately recognizable and she adapts to all the characters quite well. These books would not be the same without her.
I was invited to read and listen to For Duck’s Sake by St Martin’s Press and MacMillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #MacMillanAudio #BernadetteDunn #DonnaAndrews #ForDucksSake
Plenty is happening with Meg right in the middle of it. Then, Iris, their elderly neighbor who lives on the property disappears. Before too long she texts to say she is fine, that she just needed a peace and quiet. They are all relieved but are still worried. As Meg goes about investigating to whom the body might belong, she meets some interesting people, which is unlikely as she thought she knew everyone in town. It turns into a good mystery, rooted in the past, with drugs, fallout shelters, kidnappings, and more to keep the reader entertained. Excellent book!
The reader is Bernadette Dunn, who I didn’t like at first, but have come to recognize that she is Meg Langslow. Her voice is immediately recognizable and she adapts to all the characters quite well. These books would not be the same without her.
I was invited to read and listen to For Duck’s Sake by St Martin’s Press and MacMillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #MacMillanAudio #BernadetteDunn #DonnaAndrews #ForDucksSake
August 5, 2025
I have read this series from the beginning, and love it. This book was of particular interest to me because it revealed name and gender of Rob and Delaney's baby!
Always a pleasure to visit Cairphilly and Meg's family and friends, especially her barely teenage sons: too bad there always seems to be a murder to interrupt the planned activities.
Meg has run away from home (not too far, only next door at Rob and Delaney's farm) because of the frenzied prep for the Mutt March, a community effort to get the animals adopted from their no-kill local shelter that somehow manages to get all the animals from the surrounding areas, due to vet Clarence Rutledge's soft heart.
While she is there, a skeleton is found by Aaron Shifley who is digging a duck pond for Rob. Meg and friends try to find people who left the area during the projected time frame of the death, hampered by the deceptions and out-right lies of their families.
Meanwhile, the former owner of Rob's farm, 90 year-old Iris Rafferty, who has the mother-in-law's suite, is acting oddly and then disappears. Another old lady, Ethelinda Pruitt, the only Pruitt left after the departure of the corrupt Pruitt mayor and associates to prison or flight (see Some Like it Hawk for details.) is not telling what she knows about departed family.
Nephew, Kevin, is always ready with his tech, especially cameras to watch for the person or persons who have threatened to use some of the dogs up for adoption as bait animals for dog fighting. Grandfather is always ready to use his DNA lab at the zoo to help an investigation.
With two investigations, the Mutt March, and the usual run of crimes in the community, the police are stretched thin. Meg enlists the memories of older people such as Judge Jane, librarian, Ms. Ellie and Deacon Washington.
As always Meg and the police chief figure out the culprit(s) and there is more than one happy ending as a result of the investigation
Always a pleasure to visit Cairphilly and Meg's family and friends, especially her barely teenage sons: too bad there always seems to be a murder to interrupt the planned activities.
Meg has run away from home (not too far, only next door at Rob and Delaney's farm) because of the frenzied prep for the Mutt March, a community effort to get the animals adopted from their no-kill local shelter that somehow manages to get all the animals from the surrounding areas, due to vet Clarence Rutledge's soft heart.
While she is there, a skeleton is found by Aaron Shifley who is digging a duck pond for Rob. Meg and friends try to find people who left the area during the projected time frame of the death, hampered by the deceptions and out-right lies of their families.
Meanwhile, the former owner of Rob's farm, 90 year-old Iris Rafferty, who has the mother-in-law's suite, is acting oddly and then disappears. Another old lady, Ethelinda Pruitt, the only Pruitt left after the departure of the corrupt Pruitt mayor and associates to prison or flight (see Some Like it Hawk for details.) is not telling what she knows about departed family.
Nephew, Kevin, is always ready with his tech, especially cameras to watch for the person or persons who have threatened to use some of the dogs up for adoption as bait animals for dog fighting. Grandfather is always ready to use his DNA lab at the zoo to help an investigation.
With two investigations, the Mutt March, and the usual run of crimes in the community, the police are stretched thin. Meg enlists the memories of older people such as Judge Jane, librarian, Ms. Ellie and Deacon Washington.
As always Meg and the police chief figure out the culprit(s) and there is more than one happy ending as a result of the investigation
August 18, 2025
Always fun to hang out with Meg and crew and the absolute chaos they bring. And the title made me giggle more than the others do and I might use it instead of using f bombs. That and the fact that I love ducks, I usually spend my lunch breaks at work at a nearby park that has lots of them and I love watching the baby ducklings grow up throughout each season, I was excited for this one and wasn't disappointed.
I believe the last book left off with Rob and Delaney buying a house off an older lady that lives next to Meg and with Delaney headed for the hospital to have her baby. It's now six months later and baby Brynn has made her appearance. Rob and Delaney are having a duck pond made in their backyard because duck eggs are a lot healthier than chicken eggs. I always learn something new in these books including about all the varieties and colours they come in. I only really know basic mallards and a few others that a local farm breeds. Rob and Delaney are getting cayugas which are all black and even lay black eggs which sound kind of cool really.
Anyway while digging for the pond they uncover a skeleton and I was hit with a shock when it said 30-40 years was 1980-90 and I needed to take a pill for my instant back pain after. Anyway grandpa's DNA lab discovers its a Pruitt those awful people who ran the town into the ground and then all ended up in jail.
Also because it wouldn't be a Meg book without some family madness they are hosting a Mutt March to get a bunch of shelter and rescue dogs adopted and they uncover a dog fighting ring and have to find out which volunteer or would be adopter is the guilty party.
Meg sets out to find out who the skeleton is and we meet another character who I hope will be recurring cause she's hilarious Ethelinda Pruitt. This was a fun light read with the usual madness, Spike, the small evil one also returns he's one of my favourite characters. Can't wait til Christmas for the next one.
I believe the last book left off with Rob and Delaney buying a house off an older lady that lives next to Meg and with Delaney headed for the hospital to have her baby. It's now six months later and baby Brynn has made her appearance. Rob and Delaney are having a duck pond made in their backyard because duck eggs are a lot healthier than chicken eggs. I always learn something new in these books including about all the varieties and colours they come in. I only really know basic mallards and a few others that a local farm breeds. Rob and Delaney are getting cayugas which are all black and even lay black eggs which sound kind of cool really.
Anyway while digging for the pond they uncover a skeleton and I was hit with a shock when it said 30-40 years was 1980-90 and I needed to take a pill for my instant back pain after. Anyway grandpa's DNA lab discovers its a Pruitt those awful people who ran the town into the ground and then all ended up in jail.
Also because it wouldn't be a Meg book without some family madness they are hosting a Mutt March to get a bunch of shelter and rescue dogs adopted and they uncover a dog fighting ring and have to find out which volunteer or would be adopter is the guilty party.
Meg sets out to find out who the skeleton is and we meet another character who I hope will be recurring cause she's hilarious Ethelinda Pruitt. This was a fun light read with the usual madness, Spike, the small evil one also returns he's one of my favourite characters. Can't wait til Christmas for the next one.
May 21, 2025
I am never happier than when I start a new Donna Andrews book in the Meg Langslow Mystery Series. I was thrilled to read an advanced copy of For Duck’s Sake recently, and, of course, I loved it! This is book 37, and the series and characters are still as fresh and exciting as the first one published in 1999.
To escape the craziness in her own backyard - where the Mutt March parade with hundreds of dogs is being staged - Meg Langslow is hanging out in her brother’s backyard at his new house. She is supervising the groundbreaking for the duck pond being added, when the bulldozer unearths a skeleton. Stranger still, the skull has a bullet hole, with the bullet still rattling around inside it. Rob and his wife had purchased the house next to Meg and Michael’s from their neighbor Iris, who has lived there for 60 years. Iris will continue living at Rob’s house in the attached Mother-in-law Suite, so her input is vital to trying to figure out who the mysterious skeleton is.
Meg volunteers to help Chief Burke try to figure out who went missing so many years ago by doing research at the library and talking to the older residents of Caerphilly whose memories are long and may be able to help identify the skeleton. She’s also juggling the multitudes of dogs, possible dognappers, various prowlers between the two properties, and a disappearing Iris.
This is a fantastic addition to the series. Reading these books is like visiting old friends and family in my own hometown. In all honesty, I love these books - I listen to the audiobooks every night, over and over again. I admit I have some favorites in the series, and For Duck’s Sake is definitely going on that list.
I can’t wait for the next in the series! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books for letting me read the advanced copy. I happily leave my honest review.
To escape the craziness in her own backyard - where the Mutt March parade with hundreds of dogs is being staged - Meg Langslow is hanging out in her brother’s backyard at his new house. She is supervising the groundbreaking for the duck pond being added, when the bulldozer unearths a skeleton. Stranger still, the skull has a bullet hole, with the bullet still rattling around inside it. Rob and his wife had purchased the house next to Meg and Michael’s from their neighbor Iris, who has lived there for 60 years. Iris will continue living at Rob’s house in the attached Mother-in-law Suite, so her input is vital to trying to figure out who the mysterious skeleton is.
Meg volunteers to help Chief Burke try to figure out who went missing so many years ago by doing research at the library and talking to the older residents of Caerphilly whose memories are long and may be able to help identify the skeleton. She’s also juggling the multitudes of dogs, possible dognappers, various prowlers between the two properties, and a disappearing Iris.
This is a fantastic addition to the series. Reading these books is like visiting old friends and family in my own hometown. In all honesty, I love these books - I listen to the audiobooks every night, over and over again. I admit I have some favorites in the series, and For Duck’s Sake is definitely going on that list.
I can’t wait for the next in the series! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books for letting me read the advanced copy. I happily leave my honest review.
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