What do you think?
Rate this book
Meg Langslow #26
Owl Be Home for Christmas
The 26th book and the sixth Christmas mystery in the Meg Lansglow series, Owl Be Home for Christmas is yet another wonderfully merry and funny book from New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews.
It's a few days before Christmas, and Meg's grandfather is hosting a scientific conference on owls at the Caerphilly Inn. Most of the family are there, helping out in one capacity or another. An unexpectedly severe snow storm traps the conference-goers in the hotel, and one of the visiting ornithologists is murdered. Even if Caerphilly is able to clear the roads in time, Chief Burke doesn't want the various suspects to scatter to half a dozen continents before he identifies the killer, so there's a very real possibility that none of them will make it home for Christmas . . . at least not unless Meg comes to the rescue.
Full of intrigue and snow, this Christmas mystery will take readers home to Caerphilly for Christmas.
It's a few days before Christmas, and Meg's grandfather is hosting a scientific conference on owls at the Caerphilly Inn. Most of the family are there, helping out in one capacity or another. An unexpectedly severe snow storm traps the conference-goers in the hotel, and one of the visiting ornithologists is murdered. Even if Caerphilly is able to clear the roads in time, Chief Burke doesn't want the various suspects to scatter to half a dozen continents before he identifies the killer, so there's a very real possibility that none of them will make it home for Christmas . . . at least not unless Meg comes to the rescue.
Full of intrigue and snow, this Christmas mystery will take readers home to Caerphilly for Christmas.
292 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2019
279 people are currently reading
1101 people want to read
About the author
Donna Andrews
103 books2,124 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
December 13, 2025
I love the Meg Langslow cozy mystery series and OWL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS was a great Christmas novel with an owl ornithologist convention taking place at the Caerphilly Inn during a blizzard. There were plenty of owl facts to go around, and lots of visiting owl professors being ornery. We didn’t see as much of the local townsfolk due to the blizzard but I still found the novel quite entertaining. The one thing that was a little shivery… this novel does contain a black widow (the spider!) subplot for anyone with a touch of arachnophobia. Of course, Meg goes out of her way to educate the reader on how the spiders are misunderstood, but if you are truly scared of spiders, you may need to skip a few pages. I found the scenes with Meg’s grandfather especially fun in this one. Hoping for llamas and the border collie in the next one as they’re my favorites 😊. 5/5 stars.
January 28, 2020
This was my first Meg Langslow mystery and found it to be an enjoyable book, nothing outstanding, but a decent read. I won't go into a deep summary of the story and try to avoid too many spoilers, but Meg is coordinating an owl expo at the local inn for her grandfather's group of owl-fanatics. The inn gets "snowed in" by a massive winter storm, and during the "owl festivities", one of the expo attendees is murdered. With everyone confined to the inn, Meg sets out to figure out the guilty party.
The premise of the story really captured my interest with the guests confined to inn due to the extreme weather (kind of like a Hateful 8 situation). The murder took a bit to get to and I think could have happened a little earlier in the story. If you are into owl lore, then I guess the build up will appeal to you, but I thought some of it slowed the book down. Naturally, the victim is the irritable, crotchety old professor that is despised by all, so the suspect list is large. Some of the "clue finding" gets a little murky in parts, but certainly kept my interest.
I was a little disappointed with the "decoy suspect", when the group is threatened at gunpoint. I actually thought this was unnecessary, and frankly a bit stupid and unrealistic. I also thought it was a bit odd how everyone was able to go back to the seminar after the group was facing an armed gunman. I also thought the giant "Christmas/Hannakah" buffet was a tad over the top. I mean, the hotel is snowed in, no access to the city, and somehow the kitchen has EVERY ingredient for a complete assortment of traditional Christmas dinner selections, Hannakah dinner selections, traditional Japanese holiday meals, Mexican holiday meals, all requested by the 200+ guests. Cute...but nope, not realistic.
I really thought the final confrontation with the guilty party was also a BIG STRETCH. They are holding a gun aimed at you and everyone involved is so calm, especially since earlier there was a similar gun episode. And then to top it off, you are going to let your kids sneak in to help you distract the gunman. Mmmmm....I'm going to have to call "Bull S---" on this one.
Despite my criticisms, I did enjoy the book and found that once the murder happened, the story seemed to move along and keep me captivated. I'm wondering if starting this series with Book #26, I missed out on some of the nuances of the characters and this series, so I will most definitely try another one in the Meg Langslow series. I probably should start at the beginning. Overall though, an entertaining cozy mystery.
The premise of the story really captured my interest with the guests confined to inn due to the extreme weather (kind of like a Hateful 8 situation). The murder took a bit to get to and I think could have happened a little earlier in the story. If you are into owl lore, then I guess the build up will appeal to you, but I thought some of it slowed the book down. Naturally, the victim is the irritable, crotchety old professor that is despised by all, so the suspect list is large. Some of the "clue finding" gets a little murky in parts, but certainly kept my interest.
I was a little disappointed with the "decoy suspect", when the group is threatened at gunpoint. I actually thought this was unnecessary, and frankly a bit stupid and unrealistic. I also thought it was a bit odd how everyone was able to go back to the seminar after the group was facing an armed gunman. I also thought the giant "Christmas/Hannakah" buffet was a tad over the top. I mean, the hotel is snowed in, no access to the city, and somehow the kitchen has EVERY ingredient for a complete assortment of traditional Christmas dinner selections, Hannakah dinner selections, traditional Japanese holiday meals, Mexican holiday meals, all requested by the 200+ guests. Cute...but nope, not realistic.
I really thought the final confrontation with the guilty party was also a BIG STRETCH. They are holding a gun aimed at you and everyone involved is so calm, especially since earlier there was a similar gun episode. And then to top it off, you are going to let your kids sneak in to help you distract the gunman. Mmmmm....I'm going to have to call "Bull S---" on this one.
Despite my criticisms, I did enjoy the book and found that once the murder happened, the story seemed to move along and keep me captivated. I'm wondering if starting this series with Book #26, I missed out on some of the nuances of the characters and this series, so I will most definitely try another one in the Meg Langslow series. I probably should start at the beginning. Overall though, an entertaining cozy mystery.
May 17, 2024
Once again another great book in the Meg Langslow series. I love Meg, Michael and her crazy family. The mysteries combined with the humor make the perfect book.
December 20, 2019
It’s a few days before Christmas and Meg Langslow and much of her family are at the Caerphilly Inn for Owl Fest 2019, a conference being put on by Meg’s grandfather. Unfortunately, the worst winter storm in decades has also decided to visit, trapping the attendees in the hotel and possibly keeping them from going home for Christmas. As the snow continues to fall, tempers continue to rise. Owls are not without their controversy, but Dr. Frogmore seems to be at the center of much of the arguments breaking out. No one much likes him, but for some, the problems with him go much deeper. However, when Dr. Frogmore drops dead, Meg’s father suspects that it wasn’t natural causes. Are they trapped at the inn with a killer? Can Meg figure out what is really happening before the snow ends so the conference attendees fly home?
This novel uses a classic mystery trope – everyone trapped someplace with a killer. I’m a little disappointed since it’s been used twice in a row in the series now, and the result was me beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic while I was reading. The mystery itself was solid. It’s obvious early on who the victim will be, and we learn about motives and suspects even before he drops dead. The further complications after the murder takes place kept me guessing until the end. As much as I enjoy spending time with Meg’s family, they aren’t as funny as they used to be. The new characters do provide some laughs, but there are some serious issues in the book that dampen some of the humor. All told, this is still a fun entry to the series that will please Meg’s many fans.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This novel uses a classic mystery trope – everyone trapped someplace with a killer. I’m a little disappointed since it’s been used twice in a row in the series now, and the result was me beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic while I was reading. The mystery itself was solid. It’s obvious early on who the victim will be, and we learn about motives and suspects even before he drops dead. The further complications after the murder takes place kept me guessing until the end. As much as I enjoy spending time with Meg’s family, they aren’t as funny as they used to be. The new characters do provide some laughs, but there are some serious issues in the book that dampen some of the humor. All told, this is still a fun entry to the series that will please Meg’s many fans.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 6, 2026
It's a few days before Christmas, and Meg's grandfather is hosting a scientific conference on owls at the Caerphilly Inn. Most of the family are there, helping out in one capacity or another, including Meg's grandmother, Cordelia--invited by Grandfather in rare gesture of peace-making, to share her expertise on rehabilitating large birds, including owls. An unexpectedly severe snow storm traps the conference-goers in the hotel, and one of the visiting ornithologists is murdered. Even if Caerphilly is able to clear the roads in time, Chief Burke doesn't want the various suspects to scatter to half a dozen continents before he identifies the killer, so there's a very real possibility that none of them will make it home for Christmas . . . at least not unless Meg comes to the rescue. This Christmas mystery will take readers home to Caerphilly for Christmas.
Meet the Langslow-Waterstons. They’re intelligent and decent people raising two sons... and they always take time to help people. Help that sometimes includes taking in whole groups of folks to camp out at their farm. The story takes place during a meeting of ornithologists discussing everything about owls...including, owl porn...now that should be worth reading?? right? I never knew there was such a thing:) Poor Meg is under fire from several idiots, and we get to hear oud and clear, how she feels through the protagonist point-of-view...better known as "Meg’s perspective".
We’re behind the scenes, with Meg and there’s action on both sides. I had no idea owls could be such a hot topic. Of course, any field in which folks are interested will have those same debates, and if you add in all those different personalities, it can be a riot.
I had to laugh at Meg’s perception of these ornithologists being "sedentary souls". The conference attendees quickly change her mind. Josh and Jamie certainly aren’t sedentary. And Frogmore. What a piece of work he is. If you have the need to hate somebody, he’s the perfect candidate. In many ways a perfect scum bag. I personally wanted to kill him. It seems that Dr Lanville isn’t a fan of most of the people gathered either. It’s amazing how Donna Andrews finds and fit's in so many idiots. We find out that Melissa likes that Dr Blake is only prejudiced against stupidity. Grandfather is a tad more “diplomatic” while declaring, “My conference, my choice”!. Sounds like it's going to be a fun few day:)
Oh, just when you think things are settling down, we attend the big dinner scene. “Poor” Dr Frogmore! If ever you had a reason to learn American Sign Language. On a rather sad note, Donna Andrews tells us the reason why you should be careful about mixing medications.
For those of you, like myself, who are into owls and environmental issues, a lot of the arguing revolves around the barred owl versus the northern spotted owl. A greater issue is that there is a preference for “harvesting” the owl. Yep, it’s a euphemism. During the videotaping of the hostage situation, participants are probably thinking of shouting out “Amen” and other encouraging phrases. Meg thinks that Grandfather was hoping for a different major topic, more along his own thoughts. He appears to be very disappointed in those who accepted his invitations.
Ekaterina is in charge of making the participant's shelter a little more festive since they're going to be snowed in. Let's just say it was "challenging" and not well accepted by the greater majority.
My mother loved this author and this series. The books always seemed to make her laugh, and she loved reading some parts out loud to me. Owl Be Home for Christmas is one big laugh, as well as a fast-paced story with a twist at the end. Bet you thought I was going to say that "it was a "hoot":)
Meet the Langslow-Waterstons. They’re intelligent and decent people raising two sons... and they always take time to help people. Help that sometimes includes taking in whole groups of folks to camp out at their farm. The story takes place during a meeting of ornithologists discussing everything about owls...including, owl porn...now that should be worth reading?? right? I never knew there was such a thing:) Poor Meg is under fire from several idiots, and we get to hear oud and clear, how she feels through the protagonist point-of-view...better known as "Meg’s perspective".
We’re behind the scenes, with Meg and there’s action on both sides. I had no idea owls could be such a hot topic. Of course, any field in which folks are interested will have those same debates, and if you add in all those different personalities, it can be a riot.
I had to laugh at Meg’s perception of these ornithologists being "sedentary souls". The conference attendees quickly change her mind. Josh and Jamie certainly aren’t sedentary. And Frogmore. What a piece of work he is. If you have the need to hate somebody, he’s the perfect candidate. In many ways a perfect scum bag. I personally wanted to kill him. It seems that Dr Lanville isn’t a fan of most of the people gathered either. It’s amazing how Donna Andrews finds and fit's in so many idiots. We find out that Melissa likes that Dr Blake is only prejudiced against stupidity. Grandfather is a tad more “diplomatic” while declaring, “My conference, my choice”!. Sounds like it's going to be a fun few day:)
Oh, just when you think things are settling down, we attend the big dinner scene. “Poor” Dr Frogmore! If ever you had a reason to learn American Sign Language. On a rather sad note, Donna Andrews tells us the reason why you should be careful about mixing medications.
For those of you, like myself, who are into owls and environmental issues, a lot of the arguing revolves around the barred owl versus the northern spotted owl. A greater issue is that there is a preference for “harvesting” the owl. Yep, it’s a euphemism. During the videotaping of the hostage situation, participants are probably thinking of shouting out “Amen” and other encouraging phrases. Meg thinks that Grandfather was hoping for a different major topic, more along his own thoughts. He appears to be very disappointed in those who accepted his invitations.
Ekaterina is in charge of making the participant's shelter a little more festive since they're going to be snowed in. Let's just say it was "challenging" and not well accepted by the greater majority.
My mother loved this author and this series. The books always seemed to make her laugh, and she loved reading some parts out loud to me. Owl Be Home for Christmas is one big laugh, as well as a fast-paced story with a twist at the end. Bet you thought I was going to say that "it was a "hoot":)
November 7, 2019
Meg is helping with her grandfather’s owl conference at the Caerphilly Inn. A huge snowstorm blocks everyone in. All is going ok, until a visiting ornithologists is murdered. No one can leave and the police can’t get there. So Meg and her grandfather try to figure out who did it. An attempt on Meg’s life makes it all too real. Some interesting facts about owls are included.
January 3, 2020
Just after Christmas, I was browsing the new book shelf at the library and spotted this cozy Christmas mystery. There's nothing I like better this busy time of year: an easy-reading, intriguing mystery paired with a charming and festive Christmas setting. Once again, I found myself jumping into a long-standing series that is completely new to me--this is #26!--but I found I had no trouble reading this as a standalone.
Meg Langslow is helping her grandfather who is hosting a scientific conference called Owl Fest at the beautifully-decorated Caerphilly Inn. Unfortunately an epic snowstorm hits the area and traps everyone inside but fortunately the inn has a generator and lots of delicious food.
The scientists are a feisty group to begin with but being snowbound only heightens the tension. One man in particular, Dr Frogmore, is particularly obnoxious--the man everyone loves to hate. When the man dies suddenly, murder is suspected and if so, the killer must obviously be in their midst. Can Meg and her family and friends solve the case before the snowstorm ends and everyone leaves for Christmas?
This was a fun read! If you had to be stuck somewhere at Christmas, that inn would be the perfect place to be. I wouldn't mind reading more in this delightful series--I see there are five more of them that are set at Christmas. I'll keep that in mind for next year.
Meg's favorite Christmas song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDwfp...
Meg Langslow is helping her grandfather who is hosting a scientific conference called Owl Fest at the beautifully-decorated Caerphilly Inn. Unfortunately an epic snowstorm hits the area and traps everyone inside but fortunately the inn has a generator and lots of delicious food.
The scientists are a feisty group to begin with but being snowbound only heightens the tension. One man in particular, Dr Frogmore, is particularly obnoxious--the man everyone loves to hate. When the man dies suddenly, murder is suspected and if so, the killer must obviously be in their midst. Can Meg and her family and friends solve the case before the snowstorm ends and everyone leaves for Christmas?
This was a fun read! If you had to be stuck somewhere at Christmas, that inn would be the perfect place to be. I wouldn't mind reading more in this delightful series--I see there are five more of them that are set at Christmas. I'll keep that in mind for next year.
Meg's favorite Christmas song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDwfp...
February 1, 2022
I do love the books in this series! And I think this is the second or third one I have read? I know I had read a Halloween one back in October and I will definitely have to read a few more! These are just fun but I really cannot say why I like these and not other cozy mysteries. I guess it has something to do with the writing style? Or maybe its the fact they are also partly animal based as the grandfather owns the zoo? Yet the owls in here actually had a very minor role so... I do wish I could figure this out. Maybe it has something to do with the characters?? I mean why do I like this particular series but find other cozies just annoying? Is it the viewpoint of the main character?
So this one is about a bunch of owl scientists who are at the inn for a big conference. And these people love to argue! And some of them are very full of themselves and demand this or that. Unfortunately a huge blizzard blows in so everyone is trapped in the inn. And then a murder happens!
Now normally while reading most cozies I get bored early on. There is too much (in my opinion) unnecessary chitchat. And then I get very impatient waiting for something to happen (i.e. the murder). But I don't have that issue with this series! Instead I actually enjoy all the little things going on in the hotel that leads up to the murder. I find it very entertaining. Which is what a book should be. I guess the author just writes it in a way I like. And there are tons of little things going on too. For one these scientists are kind of insane. Right from the start they are actually making loud HOO! WOO-HOO HOO!....HOO sounds! So all sorts of crazy hijinks going on. You just have to wonder what these nutty bird people will do next. And of course there are other suspicious things going on too...little things before the big crime.
And the murder itself was kind of shocking. Not because of how it was done but because of the where! It made me ponder how in the world could someone do that and not be seen?? I guess some murderers are just bold!
But I do like the characters in here. And I even enjoyed reading about the huge blizzard and the things that Meg's sons were doing with all the snow.
I will certainly read more in this series.
So this one is about a bunch of owl scientists who are at the inn for a big conference. And these people love to argue! And some of them are very full of themselves and demand this or that. Unfortunately a huge blizzard blows in so everyone is trapped in the inn. And then a murder happens!
Now normally while reading most cozies I get bored early on. There is too much (in my opinion) unnecessary chitchat. And then I get very impatient waiting for something to happen (i.e. the murder). But I don't have that issue with this series! Instead I actually enjoy all the little things going on in the hotel that leads up to the murder. I find it very entertaining. Which is what a book should be. I guess the author just writes it in a way I like. And there are tons of little things going on too. For one these scientists are kind of insane. Right from the start they are actually making loud HOO! WOO-HOO HOO!....HOO sounds! So all sorts of crazy hijinks going on. You just have to wonder what these nutty bird people will do next. And of course there are other suspicious things going on too...little things before the big crime.
And the murder itself was kind of shocking. Not because of how it was done but because of the where! It made me ponder how in the world could someone do that and not be seen?? I guess some murderers are just bold!
But I do like the characters in here. And I even enjoyed reading about the huge blizzard and the things that Meg's sons were doing with all the snow.
I will certainly read more in this series.
October 16, 2019
Oh how I love this series, even 26 books in. These books are a rarity - they never get old, never feel like the same story over and over again with just new suspects and NEVER fail to amuse the heck out of me. The author, Donna Andrews, has such a way with words and it never fails that some character says something that makes me chuckle for long after the book is finished.
In this book, Meg and her family are at the local Inn with her Grandfather, helping him host an OwlFest - problem is, they are snowed in. The biggest blizzard ever to hit Virginia has trapped them all at the Inn for an indeterminate amount of time. WHICH would not be a hardship [as this is a very nice Inn] in most cases, but when murder becomes the focus over owls and when the victim is a man who is universally disliked, the whole conference becomes suspects. And even though the conference is about owls, there are PLENTY of red herrings to throw Meg and Horace and the crew off course.
Such an excellent read!! Cannot wait for the next one!!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, Meg and her family are at the local Inn with her Grandfather, helping him host an OwlFest - problem is, they are snowed in. The biggest blizzard ever to hit Virginia has trapped them all at the Inn for an indeterminate amount of time. WHICH would not be a hardship [as this is a very nice Inn] in most cases, but when murder becomes the focus over owls and when the victim is a man who is universally disliked, the whole conference becomes suspects. And even though the conference is about owls, there are PLENTY of red herrings to throw Meg and Horace and the crew off course.
Such an excellent read!! Cannot wait for the next one!!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2019
Another great adventure with Meg Langslow and family. Not as humorous, perhaps, plus missed the presence of Rob and more from the esteemed mayor. A good read nonetheless!
August 20, 2020
And it ended (appropriately) with a laugh.
Thanks DA for another funny Meg Langslow mystery!
It was interesting to learn a bit about owls too.
Thanks DA for another funny Meg Langslow mystery!
It was interesting to learn a bit about owls too.
December 31, 2019
I've talked up Donna Andrews books for years, and can't see that stopping! I love any time spent with Meg and her often wacky family, but Christmastime stories might be the best of them! Always entertaining, always great plots and pacing, and always great fun! Only problem? I read them way too fast - I just can't make them last because there's never a dull moment! I do recommend starting with the first book, and then read to your heart's delight!
October 3, 2025
Sixth time round with this excellent addition to the Meg Langslow series -- 'nuf said. I love this series and the Christmas stories are the best!
October 31, 2019
In this 26th book of the series everything has gone to the owls! Let's grandfather is the most of A science conference and the subject is owls. Things are going well with the exception of the weather but even that isn't stopping the group from talking about everything that has to do with owls. When one of the visiting bird experts is murdered and a freak storm traps them in the Inn Meg worries about what will happen next. She knows she.must put her detective hat on and figure out who the killer is because the police aren't able to help out in this situation. As the weather begins to subside and the roads get cleared everyone worries that a murderer will get away. Follow along as Meg asks questions, keeps the conference going, and does her best to come to the rescue. This was a fun holiday mystery that will get you in the mood for Christmas and have you seeing owls!!!
December 16, 2019
Donna Andrews has done it again! This Christmas, Meg's entire family, just about, is in on all the "fun". I don't know how Donna does it; bringing her readers fresh new material 26 books into the series yet somehow she does it beautifully with amusement and witty dialogue.
Meg's grandfather is hosting the annual "Owl Fest" at the elegant Caerphilly Inn and Meg is on administrative duty as Dr. Blake's regular assistant has gone off to warmer lands to celebrate the holidays leaving the boss in the lurch . Avid ornithologists from around the globe have descended on the quiet community of Caerphilly and a huge storm has stranded them there for a while. There's just a few more days 'til Christmas and it's questionable whether they'll all make it home for the festivities. All the scientists appear to know one another, yet not all are loved. Sure enough mayhem ensues and there's a dramatic death scene. Meg's dad is conveniently already there for the conference and he also happens to be the local area medical examiner. So the investigation gets underway and Meg is again right in the midst of all the action.
Now that Meg's twin boys are getting older, it's fun to see them taking even more active roles in the story. They're clever much like their parents and are active boys - through and through. If light, humorous and cozy mysteries appeal, then this series may be a perfect choice for you.
Meg's grandfather is hosting the annual "Owl Fest" at the elegant Caerphilly Inn and Meg is on administrative duty as Dr. Blake's regular assistant has gone off to warmer lands to celebrate the holidays leaving the boss in the lurch . Avid ornithologists from around the globe have descended on the quiet community of Caerphilly and a huge storm has stranded them there for a while. There's just a few more days 'til Christmas and it's questionable whether they'll all make it home for the festivities. All the scientists appear to know one another, yet not all are loved. Sure enough mayhem ensues and there's a dramatic death scene. Meg's dad is conveniently already there for the conference and he also happens to be the local area medical examiner. So the investigation gets underway and Meg is again right in the midst of all the action.
Now that Meg's twin boys are getting older, it's fun to see them taking even more active roles in the story. They're clever much like their parents and are active boys - through and through. If light, humorous and cozy mysteries appeal, then this series may be a perfect choice for you.
December 11, 2019
Love and fascinated by owls, but this book was lengthy and boring.
December 6, 2019
Meg is helping her grandfather at the Caerphilly Inn as a scientific conference on owls is taking place a few days before Christmas. When a severe storm comes in and traps everyone in the inn, everyone is panicked about how they are going to get home for Christmas. When one of the conference goers is found dead, they are quickly trying to solve the crime.
This was the first book in the series for me and with it actually being the 26th, I don't know how much that affected my enjoyment of this or if cozy mysteries really aren't my thing, but this book felt slow.
It took a while to get to the mystery to where I was beginning to wonder if there was supposed to be a mystery to this novel or if it was going to be all the Inn people trapped during this snow storm. It did pick up once the mystery began, but even then it was a little slow for my taste.
There was a lot of information about owls scattered throughout this novel which could be interesting to those who have more interest in owls or birds, and while some facts were interesting I was typically ready to move on and get to the mystery again. But, the mystery did have a decent twist at the end that was nice to see.
This was the first book in the series for me and with it actually being the 26th, I don't know how much that affected my enjoyment of this or if cozy mysteries really aren't my thing, but this book felt slow.
It took a while to get to the mystery to where I was beginning to wonder if there was supposed to be a mystery to this novel or if it was going to be all the Inn people trapped during this snow storm. It did pick up once the mystery began, but even then it was a little slow for my taste.
There was a lot of information about owls scattered throughout this novel which could be interesting to those who have more interest in owls or birds, and while some facts were interesting I was typically ready to move on and get to the mystery again. But, the mystery did have a decent twist at the end that was nice to see.
October 18, 2019
Another winner from Donna Andrews. She's managed to do what few writers can--sustain a series for more than 25 books. This one has a nice twist at the end, plus many amusing moments thanks to the members of Meg's family and their friends. A light, fast read just right to lead up to the holidays.
September 7, 2023
I just enjoy this whole series. I'd like to really know the whole family, but am afraid Ms Langslow would have me decorating houses in the middle of blizzards, Meg would have me as a project in her book-that-tells-her-what-to-do, and I'd end up having llamas and owls, and other animals living in my attic and my basement. But I'm glad her family takes care of these things.
October 18, 2020
Meg helped her grandfather plan his owl convention just before Christmas. A snowstorm threatens to keep the entire convention snowbound over the holidays, and then a well-known but not well-liked owl expert dies under suspicious circumstances during the banquet. Fortunately Meg's father, the medical examiner, witnesses the incident, and a deputy is staying at the inn because his vehicle got stuck. Suspects abound. Even Meg's own grandfather possessed a motive. It's a fun Christmas mystery. In the story set in 2019, they propose holding another conference in 2020 a little earlier in the season--perhaps in September or October, but definitely before Thanksgiving. Obviously the author had no clue of what things would be like in 2020. I wonder how they enjoyed their Zoom conference? (3.5 stars)
December 8, 2025
I'm giving this book 5 stars, not because it was good, because it was a whole lot of fun. You see, I thought this book was Owl Be Home for Christmas which was the cozy Christmas mystery selection for the 372 Pages We'll Never Get Back podcast. It was not, but it was a fun read that hit all the cozy mystery notes: small town where everybody knows everybody, baked goods, eccentric hobbies (Owl Fest anyone?), and MURDER! Also, it had a bit of a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
If you're looking for owl puns, owl themed Christmas music, and suspense, then this is the book for you.
If you're looking for owl puns, owl themed Christmas music, and suspense, then this is the book for you.
December 5, 2019
When a snow storm traps Meg and all those she holds dear, a group of rowdy ornithologists studying owls and a murderer - in a luxury inn - chaos, comedy and murder reign! Days before Christmas Eve finds Meg and her family helping her Grandfather conduct a scientific convention on owl habitats and rehabilitation. However, when a snarky professor is murdered, there are too many suspects and almost not enough Lanslow's and extended family to help!
I always enjoy a Meg Lanslow mystery because the mystery keeps you guessing, humor, family and wonderfully written descriptions of the settiing of the story. All the characters I enjoy played a role in the story - Rose Noire, Horace, Chief Burke, Meg's mother, father, grandfather and Spike!
Grab a hot drink, warm blanket and enjoy the latest Lanslow family Christmas mystery!
I received an ARC of this book, from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of this book
I always enjoy a Meg Lanslow mystery because the mystery keeps you guessing, humor, family and wonderfully written descriptions of the settiing of the story. All the characters I enjoy played a role in the story - Rose Noire, Horace, Chief Burke, Meg's mother, father, grandfather and Spike!
Grab a hot drink, warm blanket and enjoy the latest Lanslow family Christmas mystery!
I received an ARC of this book, from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of this book
December 18, 2019
How does Meg always get herself in these situations? Her grandfather is holding Owlfest, a conference for ornithologists, at the 5 star Caerphilly Inn, and Meg got drafted to manage it. Which wouldn't be so bad, except that it's only a few days to Christmas, and a monumental storm has dumped several feet of snow, stranding everyone in the hotel. That still wouldn't be so bad, since Meg's husband Michael and their twins are also at the hotel, along with Meg's parents, but Dr. Frogmore would make any conference a trial. He's arrogant, entitled, pushy, rude, racist, sexist, and doesn't understand why he's not the main event at the conference despite the fact that no one can stand him and that he's ridden roughshod over so many people they're almost standing in line to kill him. Well, okay, not exactly, but someone does just that, and while no one is shedding a tear except for his bumbling toady of a colleague, the murder still has to be solved. With the chief of police unable to reach the hotel. Luckily Meg's cousin Horace, a deputy as well as a forensic specialist, is at the hotel, and takes on the investigation. With help from Meg, of course.
I love this series, and if this isn't my favorite, because there are no trips around the area to run into Meg's enormous family and circle of friends, etc., it's still fun. The hotel is a utopia expertly run by the efficient Ekaterina (not sure of spelling), and the author always excels at world building in her delightful setting. All the food descriptions will make you hungry! And I wish I could have seen the twins' so-useful snow tunnels. If we have a winter this year like last year, learning how to create those might come in handy...
I love this series, and if this isn't my favorite, because there are no trips around the area to run into Meg's enormous family and circle of friends, etc., it's still fun. The hotel is a utopia expertly run by the efficient Ekaterina (not sure of spelling), and the author always excels at world building in her delightful setting. All the food descriptions will make you hungry! And I wish I could have seen the twins' so-useful snow tunnels. If we have a winter this year like last year, learning how to create those might come in handy...
December 25, 2025
This was a fun, light cozy mystery, I listened to the audiobook. The voices in the narration were not as consistent as the other books but I could still follow the story. The story revolves around ornithologists that become stranded at a conference due to a snowstorm. The disagreements between various factions adds tension and interest. Then one of the scientists is very discreetly murdered. The why is immediately obvious but the who and how create the drama. The unwinding is interesting and includes false confessions, unexpected events and more than 36 straight hours of snow.
December 5, 2021
I had a lot of fun reading this - in fact I'd call it one of the best in the series. Meg is running her father's Conference on owls when a snowstorm hits and strands everyone at the local Inn. The ornithologists and other guests are fun to read about and the mystery was puzzling, though I did figure out part of it. There was a lot of humor, which you expect in these books, and a fair amount of Christmas detail. When I finished this I imediately wanted to watch Holiday Inn!
NB - For long time readers there's a bit of development in Rose Noir's life, which had me eager for the next few books. However, I think you could read this without having read any others in the series and be just fine.
NB - For long time readers there's a bit of development in Rose Noir's life, which had me eager for the next few books. However, I think you could read this without having read any others in the series and be just fine.
June 29, 2020
This was a solidly entertaining cozy mystery. I appreciated that it avoided the usual tropes of having a single/newly divorced women inherit a small business and solve crimes while falling for the hottie sheriff. If anything, the emphasis on ornithology was an unusual slant. The mystery was engaging. It had some unexpected twists, but there were clues leading up to them. The characters were distinctly individualistic without going overboard into being caricatures. Despite that this is #26 in the series, it worked well as a standalone. This was the first I have read in the series and it won't be the last.
June 16, 2025
Meg's grandfather hosts Owl Fest 2019 and everyone gets snowed in together. It's delightful.
I love the way Donna Andrews writes about rural communities, multi-generational families and households. And I just cannot get enough of the way she writes domestic chaos and non-human characters. For me, the mystery is just the excuse for the goodness that is the characters, the setting, and the book itself.
I love the way Donna Andrews writes about rural communities, multi-generational families and households. And I just cannot get enough of the way she writes domestic chaos and non-human characters. For me, the mystery is just the excuse for the goodness that is the characters, the setting, and the book itself.
February 3, 2020
A murder mystery in which 90% of the text is minutia about managing an owl conference. I listened to this at 2x speed just to get it over with.
January 25, 2026
A sudden snowstorm maroons the attendees at a scientific conference on owls put on by Meg's grandfather. The attendees and a lot of Meg's family are at the Caerphilly Inn helping with the conference. The snowstorm, coming so close to Christmas, has really put a damper on people's holiday plans.
The death of an obnoxious attendee puts even more of a damper on the conference and the holidays. Luckily, Horace has found himself stranded at the Inn since he couldn't get home from patrol. And the Chief of Police is available on the other end of the satellite phone.
The investigation is not easy given that the victim was almost universally despised by the other attendees. The one exception is his assistant who seems to have an unhealthy obsession with the victim. As Meg and Horace try to sort out the timelines and question the suspects, they discover that many of the people at the conference seem to have good reasons for killing the man.
This was an entertaining episode in this long-running series. I enjoyed Meg's investigations even though they put her in danger.
The death of an obnoxious attendee puts even more of a damper on the conference and the holidays. Luckily, Horace has found himself stranded at the Inn since he couldn't get home from patrol. And the Chief of Police is available on the other end of the satellite phone.
The investigation is not easy given that the victim was almost universally despised by the other attendees. The one exception is his assistant who seems to have an unhealthy obsession with the victim. As Meg and Horace try to sort out the timelines and question the suspects, they discover that many of the people at the conference seem to have good reasons for killing the man.
This was an entertaining episode in this long-running series. I enjoyed Meg's investigations even though they put her in danger.
December 31, 2025
One star book with an extra for the cover. This was not a hoot .. it was a howler of very little mystery and a lot of suspended belief.. unless you believe a hotel just happens to have an enormous amount of specialized seafood with tentacles .. and two boys that would actually eat it.. and thats probably the least absurb part of this bird brained yarn. I picked it up for the Christmas title thinking oh a fun mystery to read for the holidays .. this Meg Lanslow is no sleuth. Took 3/4's of the book for the author to even mention the state this was taking place in and half the book for the murder to happen. There were more red herrings than owls .. and not a three of them were in anyway believable. Thank goodness I picked this up cheap second hand - good reads reviewers you done me wrong on this one.. Even the ending was six pages of useless anti-climatic story .. could have been a 20 pager and told the same story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews