The newest addition to the Meg Langslow series and there is a new member of the family as well. Rob and his family are buying the house next door to Meg so you know there will be construction and family everywhere. These are the busiest people I have ever seen. As if working on the house wasn't enough they are working on the Mutt March to try and have all the shelter dogs, and other animals adopted. If you are guessing the dogs are all staying at Meg's house you would be correct. While working on the new house they uncover a skeleton. Then the mystery is how old are the bones and who do they belong to. The usual suspects are working to solve the case quickly. A very enjoyable read and it's like visiting some old friends again.

Meg Langslow has offered her farm up for staging the "Mutt March" a parade of homeless animals, but she's not organizing it. That would be her Mother and the local veterinarian Clarence. Meg's helping out bathing dogs and doing dog walking duty but not in charge. So, when her brother Rob and his wife need someone to go over and supervise a contractor digging a duck ponds at their new home she jumps at the chance. When the worker digs up a skeleton, everything changes. Is it a historical burial site or more recent? The Chief of police is called out along with an archeologist, then they discover a sneaker, an Air Jordan from the 1980's and a bullet hole in the skull. Vern Shiffley, one of the deputies, is afraid it's one of his friends from high school that left town back then, but there are other people who it could be.
Meg agrees to do research at the local library for the Chief and she comes up with a list of names of people who disappeared from town back then. When Iris Rafferty the former owner of the farm where the body was discovered goes missing, Meg begins to wonder if Iris or her family had something to do with the murder.
I have discovered I really like cozies with cold cases and of course I've read all of Donna Andrew's books more than once. I enjoy them, and the characters she writes about. Some of her titles are favorites some I'm don't enjoy quite as much. This one is one of her best.

For Duck’s Sake by Donna Andrews
Book 37 in the Meg Langslow Series
I can’t believe I have been reading and listening to this series for so long and I have enjoyed every one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and I can’t wait for the audiobook so I can also listen to it.
Not much of Michael and the boys in this book but we learn much more about Iris and her family when they lived in the house that Iris sold to Rob and Delaney. Along with the horrible Pruitt family. I thought we’d seen the last of them long ago. The Mutt March storyline was also very entertaining. I hope this series continues for a very long time.

I've been absolutely loving this series since Murder with Peacocks. I keep worrying that the books are going to become less good with time, but this new one is one of my favorites in the series.
The books are usually centered around an event, whether it's a wedding or an art retreat or a local croquet tournament. This one is focused on a parade the city is going to put on, the Mutt March, to try to get some pets adopted.
Of course there is a dead body, but this time it's old bones that need to be identified. There are several small mysteries mixed in, as usual, and Meg is her usual amazing self. I hope this series lasts forever-- it still makes me laugh.

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.

"For Duck's Sake (Meg Langslow #37)" by Donna Andrews has everyone Meg knows getting read for a Mutt March parade and celebration go 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 just down the path in their the woods ever since a skeleton is 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 made sense though in the end.

For Duck's Sake by Donna Andrews continues the lighthearted saga of Meg Langslow and her extended family. When a skeleton is found in the excavation of a duck pond the family is taxed with finding its identity. Meanwhile, the whole town is preparing for the Mutt March, a massive pet adoption gala. As usual, this is an entertaining and funny book and I hope many more are coming!

Mischief and mayhem abound in this well-written and fast-paced whodunit that was loads of fun. A cold case, a missing person, and the search for answers propel this sharply defined mystery where everything is on the page to keep us engaged in all possibilities from the eccentric and quirky cast of characters to the various situations that keep the drama moving forward. I had a great time following the path the author had staged for us until a few red herrings had me looking elsewhere, all to enhance my reading pleasure. Of course, as usual in a Donna Andrews production, some humorous moments had me laughing out loud, much to the annoyance of the person sitting next to me on the bus. Like a well-established brand, this series gets better and fresher with each new book written. This was a delightfully entertaining read, and I look forward to the next book with Meg and her Caerphilly family and friends.

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.

For Duck’s Sake is the 37th book in Donna Andrews’ Meg Langslow Mysteries. Taking a brief break from helping with the Mutt March, Meg finds herself supervising the excavation of a duck pond on her brother and sister-in-law’s property. But the project takes a grim turn when a skeleton is unearthed with a bullet lodged in its skull. The mystery deepens when the property’s former owner vanishes the very next morning. Meanwhile, suspicions of a dogfighting ring and the threat of dognapping add urgency to Meg’s efforts to protect the beloved mutts.

I’ve been following this series for nearly two decades and always look forward to each new release. For Duck’s Sake lives up to the charm, humor, and suspense that fans have come to love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am already looking forward to the upcoming Christmas mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Meg's brother Rob and wife Delaney are mostly settled into their new house and adjusting to parenting while still majorly involved in Mutant Wizards programming. They have decided to have a duck pond like Dad's, but things go sideways when the bulldozer uncovers human skeletal remains. Now the madness intensifies and Meg is, of course, in the middle of it all. Grab an iced tea and hide away to giggle your way through this lighthearted cozy mystery with all its twists and more.
This is not an unbiased review because I have loved nearly all of the books in this series, and this one does not disappoint. Meg Langslow is a blacksmith, wife of professor/TV actor Michael Waterston, mother of twin boys, assistant to the mayor, a member of the far-flung quirky Hollingsworth family, and a great amateur sleuth. Any book in this series gives enough info on past books that the reader is never left out.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Aug 05, 2025 I have already preordered the audio! *****review
#ForDucksSake by Donna Andrews #MegLangslowMysteriesBk37 @minotaur_books #skeleton @stmartinspress #forensicgenealogy #missing #cozymystery #lotsalaughs #largequirkyfamily

Meg's brother and his wife are trying to build a duck pond on their new property. Meg is supervising, mostly to get away from the chaos at her own house, where a giant parade of rescue dogs is being organized, and there is a great deal of barking.

Unfortunately, the bulldozer uncovers a body, and Meg is drawn in to trying to solve the mystery, which morphs into multiple mysteries, as these things tend to do.

This entry corrects some of the character and plot faults of earlier series books, and could be read by newcomers to the series as a stand alone. However, if you are new to this author, do yourself a favor and read Murder with Peacocks, the first in the series. You can then skip to the end and pick up others at your leisure.

Recommended for cozy fans who like a dose of humor and a decent plot and characters you will come to know and love.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

This was a fun mystery novel, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

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.

It always amazes me how much research the author does for each book. I’ve learned many obscure things from reading this series.

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.

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.

There is a lot going on in this book. Which is normal for this series. Meg is hiding out at her brother Rob's house to avoid the chaos at hers. Somehow she never seems to know how to say no. There is a giant undertaking of a Mutt March that seems to have hundreds of dogs. Rob wants a duck pond so of course a dead body is dug up while digging it. This time it is a decades old body so Meg takes an interest in figuring out who it is. I got a bit distracted by the talk of the ducks and had to look them up. Both types of ducks were so interesting.

This is another fabulous entry in the long-running (37 books and counting!) Meg Langslow series by Ms. Andrews. Each is superbly written and features a fabulous cast of characters who populate Meg's town of Caerphilly, VA. As always, each can be read as a stand alone but you're strongly encouraged to start with the first book and enjoy your way through this series!).
This time, Meg's brother, Rob, and his wife are adding a duckpond to their new home's backyard. Things go awry when the digger discovers a body where the pond will be. When the body has relatively modern clothing, particularly the tennis shoes, questions mount about the body's identity. Meg's also dealing with the first annual Mutt March which is seeking forever homes for various animals (mostly dogs). The level of logistics for this event are astonishing and enlivened by Meg's extended family.
I can't wait for the next in this series!

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.

For Duck’s Sake by Donna Andrews (Meg Langslow #37) 5 stars

Meg Langslow is relaxing and watching the excavator dig a duck pond at Rob & Delaney’s new home. Unfortunately, the machine operator finds a human skeleton in the ground. Who is the skeleton and why was that individual buried on a farm? In between mysterious appearing ducks, dogs of every breed, dastardly Pruitts and a identity mystery Meg has her hands full. Can she find out who John/Jane Doe is and the motive for murder? Please read to find out.

This is the 2025 summer entry in the Meg Langslow mysteries. I wish I had a tenth of Ms. Andrew’s wit and punning ability. However, before I begin “barking” up the wrong tree, this book answers my burning question from Rockin Around the Chickadee; did Rob and Delaney have a girl or boy. Not only is there a mystery skeleton, but Meg is also helping to organize the “Mutt March” which features a lot of dogs in need of forever homes. I have to say that the description of the security measures and procedures involved with this event makes me wish that the good ladies of Caerphilly ran the government too. This was a wonderful reading experience and time just “flew” while I was reading this. I look forward to Bernadette Dunne’s narration of this book when it come out. This just whets my appetite for the next book “Five Golden Wings” coming out in Fall 2025.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC.

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.