Another great addition to the series- a mystery with characters you recognize, a clever plot line and plenty of Christmas touches. What more could you ask for?

Christmas is coming but the Langslow home is full of Canadians instead of relatives. Mutant Wizards is working with a genealogical firm that wants to join the top companies in the business. They’re basically a good group except for the owner. No one seems to have a good word for him. Meg’s dad has a special project going in the back pasture. Relatives are starting to gather and there’s a little pregnant cat that needs help. All in a typical day in the life of Meg’s extended family.

I’ve read this series from the beginning and I love it. Don’t miss this story with one of my favorite families.

Dashing Through the Snowbirds by Donna Andrew
Meg Langslow Series book
Wow! Book 32 and I’m pretty sure I have read all of these books unless I missed one early on. I have stuck with this series through thick and thin. Some have been better than others and this was one of the best lately. I always love the Xmas books and often re-listen to them during December and will certainly add this one to my list.
I do have to say that what happened to Meg at the end of the book puts her on her dad’s TSTL list but that’s ok because I liked how it ended.
Also noticed there was very little of her husband and boys in this one and thankfully nothing about Michael’s one man performance of A Christmas Carol.

Another Christmas season. Another murder. This time the victim, Ian, isn't liked by anyone. Instead of a houseful of relatives Meg is entertaining the victim's Canadian employees who are working on a joint project with the Mutant Wizards, her brother's company. Is she housing a murderer? Or is it one of the people who keep knocking on her front door looking for Ian? This is another fun mystery with Meg's enormous family and Caerphilly's citizens all contributing to the season and the investigation.

It's Christmas time in Caerphilly. Meg has her hands full with unexpected guests in her home. Mutant Wizards is in a contract with Acergen, a DNA genealogy website from Canada. The CEO decided it needed to be done right before the New Year. The CEO is also an awful boss and person. Between keeping the Canadians happy and finding an unconscious person. Meg has a lot on her plate.

This is the 32nd book in the series and now my second novel. I really need to read the first 30 novels so I can understand who each person is. I was a tad confused about who is who. But the story and the writing is so good that it didn't deter me from loving it.

I snagged a copy of Murder with Peacocks, the first in this delightful series, the day it landed at my local bookstore. From that moment I knew that this series would be one of those rare cases of "I must have the new one on release day" even if I have to skip a meal or two to pay for it. Yes, Meg and her unconventional family have cast their spell over me. It shows no sign of changing.
Meg's brother's company has a new programming contract with a Canadian genealogy company and is facing a serious deadline to get their new website up and running by the New Year. On top of that the head of the company has arrived in town with a dozen very disgruntled employees in tow. They are not happy at being away from home for Christmas. They will be staying at Meg's house because there is no place else for them to stay and, surprise, they will be up to their eyeballs in a homicide investigation. Somebody has killed a Scrooge - aka their nasty boss. Gee, no surprise there. Looking for a suspect? The list is not short. Not only do his employees hate his guts but the company is being sued for faulty DNA testing and invasion of privacy.
Wonderfully woven into the murder investigation are the antics of Meg's extended family and friends. I am a fan of her grandfather and his zoo. To say they are a quirky bunch is a major understatement.
I'll say no more as I don't want to spoil any of the twists, turns, surprises and out right laughter that reside between the covers of Dashing Through the Snowbirds. My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

*3-3.5 stars

So far I've read three books in this long-running cozy mystery series (32!) and all have been the author's delightful Christmas stories. In this season's edition, Meg Langslow of Caerphilly, Virginia, finds herself with a dozen unexpected houseguests this Christmas, all employees of a Toronto-based genealogy firm called AcerGen. Meg's brother Rob and his company Mutant Wizards have been hired to work with the AcerGen people to design a new website with lots of bells and whistles, sort of a Canadian version of Ancestry.com. It's a rush job and hopefully it will be operational by New Year's Day. But there are rumors beginning to surface that AcerGen has messed up DNA testing and are being sued, so the board is being advised by their lawyer to terminate their contract. But before that can happen, someone decides to terminate AcerGen's president, a man who has been a total JERK! Suspects abound. Can Meg help Chief Burke find the guilty party quickly so everyone can be home in time for Christmas?

A lovely setting and a fun cast of characters, including the family pets, make this a thoroughly enjoyable holiday read guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

I received an arc of this new cozy mystery from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

A nice addition to the long (really long) running series which will be just as fun as a standalone. AcerGen employees aren't happy with Ian Meredith- he's ruined their holidays by forcing them to work on a project with the employees of Meg's brother's company. That wouldn't be so bad if they weren't Canadian and thus away from home. But did one of them kill him? Cozy fans know that the first suspect isn't always the right one and that's the case here. Meg works her magic to untangle corporate issues and murderous intent while managing the holiday for her own family. I like the characters (well, not all of them) and the fact that Andrews has worked topical issues into the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read that kept me guessing.

It’s Christmas time in Caerphilly, VA. Meg’s mother has décorated the house to the rafters and her father has a super surprise for them all out in the back field that Meg has been keeping secret. But the biggest surprise was the crowd of Canadians who descended on her home. They were there to work on a major programming project with Meg’s brother and arrived with no notice - and all the hotels and B&Bs in town filled. Their boss is an overbearing, nasty person who expects everything handed to him on a silver platter and doesn’t care who he puts out as long as he gets his way.

So yeah, he’s the victim. But who is the murderer? That’s a question Meg helps solve. I have to say, I was pretty sure I knew who it was from the beginning so no surprise to me when I was right. Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story. I really did.

I’m coming into this story not having read any of the previous ones in the series. That might be a bit of a problem, but the author had a deft hand at letting you in on the background of the characters. I do know, though, that having read this one, I’m going to pick more up to pick up on some of the stuff I’m missing with the characters (and exactly how big is the house where Meg lives?). Yes, it was mildly confusing at times as to the setting and relationships of some of the people, but overall a very good story.

Recommendation: A definite cozy mystery purchase. The story was entertaining with a satisfying ending.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC. I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

I feel that the biggest disservice to reading this novel is that it is number 32 in a series. This left you feeling much like you would starting anything late in a series. Who are these people? And those answers are partly answered as you read on, but you still feel like you should have started at the beginning to understand the relationships and inside jokes. But as a stand-alone mystery is did a fair job of weaving a wintery whodunit, even if it felt over the top at times. I think for someone who has read all or at least some of the previous books this novel would be a loved cozy addition to the Meg Langslow cannon.

The setting was ideal with a big Victorian house as the main setting and a quaint town where everyone knows everyone. The family at the center of the story is large and extended. They seem quite wealthy, in a home spun kind of way. They own a tech business with board, that is able to buy housing for its employees and a small zoo for example.

I liked Meg even though I didn’t really feel like I knew her. It was mentioned that she was a blacksmith but not really any history into that. And the husband was more confusing once an actor then he had classes and towards the end it was alluded that he might teach drama at a university? I think the supporting cast of cats were the ones who really brought together the whole thing together. I think the weather was a little over the top. Anyone who has lived in a cold climate would roll their eyes at the utter panic over snow and cold temps well above 0. Lastly what is a wrap? Wrap is thrown around so much it’s annoying. Is it a scarf? Hat and gloves? I have looked into it and fond nothing.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with this novel for a fair and honest review.

Although this is #32 in the Meg Langslow "cozy mystery" series, not being familiar with previous books will not hamper your enjoyment of this one, as I can attest since I have only read some of the previous books (this is one of those series I always mean to go read from the beginning but have not had room in my TBR pile to do so yet). It's the holiday season in Caerphilly and Meg and her family are housing a number of Canadian genealogists and software engineers who are working on a rush project with her brother's software company. While most of the guests are stereotypical Canadians (polite), the boss and company CEO is rude, arrogant, inconsiderate, and his business practices have upset many clients. It still comes as a surprise when he is murdered in the middle of the night. Meg and the local police chief work to identify the murderer so the Canadians can get home for Christmas. The book has a cast of quirky and interesting characters, and the story moves along nicely and is interspersed with lots of holiday imagery and cheer.

This is book 32 in the Meg Langslow mysteries, and it's easy to see why this series has been so beloved and bestselling for so long. Andrews always writes a reliably good whodunnit! And it feels like a visit with old friends, even if you haven't read the whole series.
Meg is a decorative blacksmith living in a small community with her zany extended family. She and her husband open their home to a group of programmers from Canada who work for her brother's software company after their inconsiderate boss has them working on a rush project that might make them miss Christmas with their families. When he is murdered, there is no shortage of suspects as info about the company comes out.
Andrews writes with warmth and humor, and this, one of the series' holiday-themed books, is full of festive holiday spirit! Meg is a likable sleuth with a sense of humor, so her observations are often very funny. The side characters are charming and quirky, and there is always a lot going on, but Andrews weaves the threads together in a well-structured plot with a satisfying mystery to solve. And this one kept me guessing. This works well as a stand-alone and is delightful, so if you're looking for a holiday cozy to cuddle up with, you'll want to add this one to your tbr!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this ARC. I really enjoyed it!

Dashing Through The Snowbirds is part of the Meg Langslow series. There is no need to read the previous books to get acquainted with Meg, her family and the town of Caerphilly, however, after reading this story, I’m anxious to go find out more.

The story starts out with unexpected guests in the Langslow’s home as Meg’s brother is working with a Canadian company to improve their website related to home DNA testing kits. It looks like no one will be able to go home for Christmas, while the relatively new CEO, Ian, has no manners and treats everyone horridly. It’s no surprise that Ian is found dead at the new ice rink constructed by Meg’s Dad. Other stories concerning a cyber stalker, getting ready to celebrate Christmas with a large family, and DNA testing combine together for a mystery that Meg tries to solve. What I like about this story is that Meg stays alert and communicates with others rather than trying to do it all on her own.

I enjoyed all of the interactions between the characters and the way that all of the “stories” weaved throughout the narrative, all coming together at the end. The reveal was a surprise for me, which is always a plus when I’m reading a mystery. I’m excited to go read prior books in this series to learn more about Meg, her family and Caerphilly. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a bonus setting at Christmas, I recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley. All opinions, etc., are my own.

I admit it. I wait anxiously for each new Donna Andrews book, and this was no exception. <i>Dashing Through the Snowbirds</i> is her 32nd Meg Langslow mystery, and opening it was like seeing an old friend after a hiatus.

It contains all the usual elements: Meg & her marvelous family and numerous friends, the residents of Caerphilly, the usual Christmas madness that overtakes the town, a murder, and three (count 'em!) mysteries to resolve. It also has enough easter eggs (n terms of jokes and name-checks) to keep her readers happy.

My only problem with this book is that I am now caught up on all of Meg's adventures to date, and now have to go back into waiting for the next one. As my mom would have said, "This should be my biggest problem."

This is the one bit of Christmas before Halloween that I wait for, and I think that once you enter Meg's world, you will too.

This charming series continues to delight. Many of the familiar characters along with a group of Canadians. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

This is a new to me author and I have to say I found this book enjoyable-complete with mystery and humor, it is a well written cozy mystery. I will look for more books that she has written.

All words and opinions are my own. I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

Dashing Through the Snowbirds continues the popular series of mysteries with avian references in the titles and entertaining characters residing in Caerphilly and/or related to the heroine, Meg Lanslow. This story is set during the Christmas season and involves folks from Canada who are there working with Meg's brother Rob on computer software. Lack of available housing has led to an abundance of house guests for Meg and family. Business shenanigans lead to trouble for both guests and hosts along with a murder. As usual, somehow, Meg manages to solve the crime while still pulling off all the usual Christmas festivities and taking care of houseguests. A light hearted look at small community life and family dynamics during a joyful season. Adds another entertaining read to this popular series.

Christmas in Caerphilly is wonderful! Unless you’re a Canadian whose inconsiderate boss is forcing you to spend the holiday there, far from family and friends, with only a slim chance of a white Christmas. Meg already has her hands full, trying to make the season festive for the dozen programmers who are staying with her and Michael while working on a rush project with her brother’s software company. At least it’s an interesting project, since the Canadian company is doing forensic genealogy and DNA analysis. When the inconsiderate boss is found murdered, there are too many suspects. Even before their Christmas in exile, his own employees had plenty of motives, and the growing number of people suing the company for faulty DNA analysis and invasion of their genetic privacy include at least one notorious murderer. Can Meg crack the case in time to keep the Yuletide bright? This was the most fun holiday mystery I’ve read in ages. As is always the case with Meg and her family, it’s a wild ride all the way up to the conclusion! I always look forward to any book in this series and while it is an amazing series, this won’t confuse you if you read as a stand-alone. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

Dashing Through the Snowbirds by Donna Andrews is a seasonal entry in the spectacular Meg Langslow series. Each book is more fun than the previous ones as we learn more about her extended family and friends and are allowed to solve a mystery while enjoying the fun.

Christmas is just a few days away and Meg finds herself hosting a dozen Canadian computer programmers who are working with her brother Rob's company. Most of the visitors are nice people, but the boss Ian Meredith is not. Besides being an unpleasant person, he also has some questionable business practices. His Canadian genealogy website is getting into DNA testing. But he's using the lowest bidder and not maintaining client privacy.

Just as Meg and the other directors are getting ready to terminate the contract with Ian's company, someone bashes him over the head with a hockey stick and kills him. Could one of his dissatisfied clients been angry enough to murder him? What about the murderer whose DNA was matched to the crime scene through a relative's DNA which was wrongly released? There are more possibilities too. Kevin and Casey's true crime podcast has attracted a stalker too.

As Meg tries to entertain her unexpected guests and make room for visiting relatives, a snowstorm is coming which is great for her father's surprise gift of a skating rink but will cause difficulties getting the Canadians home for Christmas.

This was a fun and busy cozy mystery. Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode. It is the 32nd book in the series, but it is not necessary to have read them all to enjoy this story.