3.91
Part of "Meg Langslow" series
"Murder With Peacocks" by Donna Andrews is a delightful and engaging cozy mystery that offers a fresh and humorous take on the classic whodunit formula. The novel, which won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel in 1999, introduces readers to Meg Langslow, a professional blacksmith and amateur sleuth, who finds herself embroiled in a series of murders that take place during a chaotic wedding weekend in her hometown of Caerphilly, Virginia. The story is told from Meg's perspective, and Andrews does an excellent job of making her a relatable and likable protagonist. Meg is smart, resourceful, and fiercely independent, but she's also prone to making mistakes and getting herself into trouble, which makes her all the more endearing to readers. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, with each member of Meg's extended family and the wedding party bringing their own unique quirks and personalities to the table. One of the standout features of "Murder With Peacocks" is Andrews' ability to infuse the story with humor and wit. The novel is filled with clever one-liners, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud moments that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end. At the same time, the author never sacrifices the suspense and tension that are essential to a good mystery. The plot is well-crafted and intricate, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Overall, "Murder With Peacocks" is a highly enjoyable and entertaining read that is sure to appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and amateur sleuths. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and intriguing plot, it's a novel that is not to be missed. Whether you're a seasoned mystery reader or new to the genre, you're sure to find something to love in this charming and engaging novel...
Nancy Mitford
The Pursuit of Love
If you appreciated the family dynamics and romantic entanglements in 'Murder With Peacocks', you may enjoy 'The Pursuit of Love', a comic novel about the Radlett family, a eccentric and aristocratic clan in 1920s England. The book follows the fortunes of the eldest daughter, Linda, as she searches for love and happiness in a series of disastrous relationships. The book is full of wit, humor, and social satire.
Learn MoreMary Robinette Kowal
The Calculating Stars
If you enjoyed the blend of humor and mystery in 'Murder With Peacocks', you might like 'The Calculating Stars'. This book, the first in a series, also features a strong female protagonist who must navigate a challenging and dangerous world. In this case, the setting is an alternate history of the space race, and the heroine is a mathematician who fights for her place in the astronaut corps.
Learn MoreKerry Greenwood
Cocaine Blues
Fans of 'Murder With Peacocks' might enjoy this lighthearted mystery set in 1920s Australia. The heroine, Phryne Fisher, is a glamorous and unconventional young woman who becomes embroiled in a series of adventures and misadventures, including a murder investigation. Like Donna Andrews, Greenwood combines humor, suspense, and a vivid sense of place.
Learn MoreAlexander McCall Smith
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
If you appreciated the small-town setting and quirky characters of 'Murder With Peacocks', you may enjoy 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency'. This gentle mystery series is set in Botswana and features a warm-hearted and resourceful heroine, Precious Ramotswe, who opens her own detective agency. The books are known for their humor, wisdom, and evocative descriptions of life in Africa.
Learn MoreSue Grafton
A is for Alibi
Readers who enjoyed the amateur sleuth aspect of 'Murder With Peacocks' might like to try Sue Grafton's alphabet series, starting with 'A is for Alibi'. Kinsey Millhone is a private investigator who takes on a variety of cases, from missing persons to murder. Grafton's writing is sharp, witty, and full of suspense, and her heroine is smart, tough, and independent.
Learn MoreJasper Fforde
The Eyre Affair
If you liked the playful and unconventional tone of 'Murder With Peacocks', you may enjoy 'The Eyre Affair', a metafictional mystery set in an alternate version of England. The heroine, Thursday Next, is a literary detective who can enter books and interact with their characters. The plot involves a villain who is stealing characters from classic novels, including 'Jane Eyre', and Thursday must stop him. The book is full of wit, humor, and literary allusions.
Learn MoreLilian Jackson Braun
The Cat Who...
If you enjoyed the cozy and light-hearted tone of 'Murder With Peacocks', you might like Lilian Jackson Braun's 'The Cat Who...' series. The books feature a journalist, Jim Qwilleran, and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, who solve mysteries together. The series is known for its gentle humor, charming characters, and feline-friendly themes.
Learn MoreJosephine Tey
The Daughter of Time
Readers who enjoyed the puzzle-like structure of 'Murder With Peacocks' might like 'The Daughter of Time', a classic mystery novel that explores the historical mystery of Richard III and the Princes in the Tower. The hero, Alan Grant, is a Scotland Yard detective who becomes obsessed with the case while recovering from an injury in the hospital. The book is known for its intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of history and truth.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Thin Man
Fans of 'Murder With Peacocks' might enjoy this classic detective novel, which features a glamorous and sophisticated couple, Nick and Nora Charles, who solve a murder case while attending a party in New York City. The book is known for its snappy dialogue, stylish prose, and clever plot twists. If you liked the humor and suspense of 'Murder With Peacocks', you may enjoy the witty banter and intricate mystery of 'The Thin Man'.
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