Review: Round Up the Usual Peacocks by Donna Andrews

Series: Meg Langslow #31 
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes, but not recommended
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 2nd, 2022
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Blurb from goodreads:

New York Times, bestselling author Donna Andrews first introduced us to Meg Langslow as a crime-solving bridesmaid. In her 31st mystery, Round Up the Usual Peacocks, Meg returns to her roots, juggling cold cases and wedding guests.

Kevin, Meg's cyber-savvy nephew who lives in the basement, comes to her with a problem. He's become involved as the techie for a true-crime podcast, one that focuses on Virginia cold cases and unsolved crimes. And he thinks their podcast has hit a nerve with someone . . . one of the podcast team has had a brush with death that Kevin thinks was an attempted murder, not an accident.

Kevin rather sheepishly asks for Meg's help in checking out the people involved in a couple of the cases. "Given your ability to find out stuff online, why do you need MY help?" she asks. "Um . . . because I've already done everything I can online. This'll take going around and TALKING to people," he exclaims, with visible horror. "In person!" Not his thing. And no, it can't wait until after the wedding, because he's afraid whoever's after them might take advantage of the chaos of the wedding at Trinity or the reception at Meg and Michael's house to strike again.

So on top of everything she's doing to round up vendors and supplies and take care of demanding out-of-town guests, Meg must hunt down the surviving suspects from three relatively local cold cases so she can figure out if they have it in for the podcasters. Could there be a connection to a musician on the brink of stardom who disappeared two decades ago and hasn't been seen since?

My Thoughts:

I always enjoy the Meg Langslow books. They are a delightful mix of down-to-earth and whimsical, procedural and cozy (and they are cozy but over the years, Meg has picked up techniques from the police), and just fun.

In this installment, Meg's brother is finally having a wedding. But their mother has grand plans, including peacocks, and there are complications. One of Meg's many relatives comes to her for help during the wedding preparations. He and a friend need help finding someone who may be out to hurt them. They started a podcast about cold cases and it seems one may not be cold after all. I enjoyed the use of podcasts even though I don't listen to them. Meg, as I mentioned earlier, has developed skills for investigation, and unlike many cozy heroines, has the respect and trust of the local police. She in turn respects them. It's refreshing. 

There's another mystery about a missing singer and I was pleased that I figured that one out, mostly, where I was less successful in cracking the cold case. Meg is calm, practical, observant, and quick-witted; all characteristics I enjoy. I've been reading this series since the first book, and have loved seeing her grow and develop. We've also seen her family grow, and they are a large cast. At times, I got a little mixed up on who was who but it didn't affect the story or my enjoyment. Another thing I enjoy, is the information we learn about the featured animal in each book. Andrews has featured peacocks before but it's been a while and I'm pretty sure I learned some new things in this story.

If you like solid story telling, interesting characters who are a mix of quirky and "normal", with intriguing and relatable mysteries, and animals, you should give this series a try. But maybe don't start with book thirty-one.