Book Review: "The Real Macaw"

"The Real Macaw" by Donna Andrews
Originally published in 2011
My rating: 4.5 out of 5

A couple years ago I picked up a book at the library with an intriguing cover and title, "Owls Well That Ends Well" by Donna Andrews. I loved the book -- which at the time was the newest book in Andrews' Meg Langslow mystery series -- and quickly devoured the rest of the novels.

I've always referred to Donna Andrews as Janet Evanovich Lite. The Meg Langslow books are humorous murder-mysteries, just like Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. But Andrews writes a cuter, less gory, less abrasive book. Considering the langauge, crude humor, sex and violence in the Stephanie Plum books I'd only recommend them to certain people whom I know wouldn't be offended. But the Donna Andrews books are suitable for readers of all persuasions. I used to prefer the fast-paced, quick-witted writing of the Stephanie Plum series, but I've actually liked the recent Meg Langslow books better. In fact, I laughed out loud more times during "The Real Macaw" than Janet Evanovich's new release, "Explosive Eighteen."

Most of the Meg Langslow books take place in the small college town of Caerphilly, Virginia, and feature an increasingly motley and interesting cast of characters. In this installment, Meg has recently given birth to twin boys, and helping to solve Caerphilly's crimes is the last thing on her mind. But she awakes in the middle of the night to find the entire population of the town's animal shelter has been burgled and is currently housed in her living room (including a macaw -- hence the title) thanks to her father, grandfather, brother and a group of similar-minded citizens who acted after budget problems forced the town to reverse the shelter's no-kill policy. When Meg discovers the menagerie in her living room is due to the murder of the man who was supposed to transport the newly liberated animals to their temporary homes, she can't help but do some "snooping."

I've enjoyed every book in the Meg Langslow series and I highly recommend it. While it's best to start with the first book, "Murder with Peacocks" (are you getting the bird theme here?), it's not necessary to understand the plots of the individual novels. If you like mysteries, animals and some good laughs, you'll definitely enjoy Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow series.