Murder Most Fowl, A Meg Langslow Mystery By Donna Andrews

Published on November 03, 2021

Reviewed by Marybeth Ginsberg

Donna Andrews is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the Falcon Always Wings Twice (2020). Murder Most Fowl (2021) is Andrew’s twenty-ninth mystery in the Meg Langslow series.

The discovery of the fungus Xylaria Polymorpha, commonly known as ‘dead-man’s-fingers’ at the opening of the latest Meg Langslow novel Murder Most Fowl sets the stage for the real mystery that is soon to unfold in the town of Caerphilly. Meg’s house is bustling with activity as her English professor husband and the local college casting crew prepare for an upcoming production of Macbeth. A nearby encampment of medieval reenactors, in town to add a sense of realism to the production, adds to the activity and introduces some interesting and colorful characters.  

A clash of personalities and the discovery of missing items, including prize sheep, add to the intrigue early on and set the stage for the murder of Damien Goodwin, the intrusive filmmaker who offends just about everyone, and most importantly, exposes a few. When Damien is found murdered after his video is viewed by the entire group during an evening of entertainment, Meg and the local police chief are on the search for his killer. Upon the realization that any evidence of Goodwin’s video has been destroyed, a tireless Meg leads the search in retracing Goodwin’s steps in an attempt discover his killer.

The action in Murder Most Fowl seems hectic, frenzied, and fun. Meg is detailed, tireless, and determined. I believe this is what appeals to fans of the Langslow series.