Owl Be Home for Christmas: A Meg Langslow Mystery

Bestseller Andrews’s exceptional 26th Meg Langslow mystery (after Terns of Endearment) offers a snowbound version of a locked room mystery. Shortly before Christmas in Caerphilly, Va. , a blizzard traps everyone at the Caerphilly Inn, which is hosting Owl Fest 2019, a gathering of ornithologists from the academic community. The attendees are a rowdy bunch, given to an overabundance of owl hooting, arguing, and fistfights. Meg’s grandfather, J. Montgomery Blake, the event’s headliner, does his best to keep them under control with help from Meg and the rest of the extended family. A few guests are particularly obnoxious, and Meg has named argumentative Oliver Frogmore her least favorite by a mile followed by his toady minion, Edward Czerny. When a body turns up, Meg and local law enforcement are faced with a whodunit that takes plenty of twists and turns en route to the satisfying ending. As always, spending time with Meg and her wonderful family is a delight. Andrews reinforces her place at the top of the cozy subgenre. Agent: Ellen Geiger, Frances Goldin Literary. (Oct.)