Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos | Donna Andrews | Read the Other 2 First then Enjoy This One

Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos | Donna Andrews | Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos

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Revenge of the Wro...

	Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos Donna Andrews St. Martin's Minotaur, 2001 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 16 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Every year, Yorktown, Virginia, relives its role in the Revolutionary War by celebrating the anniversary of the British surrender in 1781. This year, plans include a re-enactment of the original battle and a colonial craft fair. Meg Langslow has returned to her home town for the festivities--and to sell her wrought-iron works of art. Except, of course, for the pink-painted flamingos she reluctantly made for her mother's best friend--she's hoping to deliver them secretly, so she won't get a reputation as "the blacksmith who makes those cute wrought-iron flamingos."

Besides, she has taken on another responsibility--making sure none of her fellow crafters ruin the historical authenticity of the fair with forbidden modern devices--like wrist watches, calculators, or cell phones. She's only doing it to keep peace with the mother of the man she loves. And Michael himself will don the white-and-gold uniform of a French officer for the re-enactment--what actor could resist a role like that?

Meg's also trying to keep her father from scaring too many tourists with his impersonation of an 18th century physician. And to prevent a snooping reporter from publishing any stories about local scandals. Not to mention saving her naive brother, Rob, from the clutches of a con man who might steal the computer game he has invented. It's a tough job--at least, until the swindler is found dead, slain in Meg's booth with one of her own wrought-iron creations.

Now Meg must add another item to her already lengthy to do list: "Don't forget to solve the murder!"

Fortunately, the more trouble Meg faces, the more fun the reader will have--and Meg faces plenty of trouble in this lighthearted and funny novel.

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Read the Other 2 First then Enjoy This One

This is definitely a case where you want to read the first two books before you take on this one. The family members, friends, and even pets are all well developed in those first books so that when you encounter them here you already understand their quirks and strengths.

I greatly enjoyed this book as the best one yet. The previous two books had vastly bizarre situations and a cavalcade of murders which made it hard to suspend your disbelief. On the other hand, the characters were great and three dimensional. This book puts you in a situation which is "unusual" but very believable - a reenactment of colonial America. It has the great odd characters, now well known to the audience. It also has a more realistic murder situation.

I loved the details of costume, environment and accessory in the colonial world and, as always, liked the slightly zany but believable characters that were involved. There wasn't a need to go into explicit detail with many of the characters - you'd already established a connection with them in the previous two books - but the new characters added a nice texture.

I was happy to see that Michael was no longer just a "pretty face" and that Meg was becoming more independent. Details were filled in about both characters to help explain their personalities. Michael is exposed as a preener who, aware of his good looks, likes to play them up, and to find new outlets for his acting talents. Meg is taking on weapons creation and worries about minimizing her reputation by creating kitschy pink flamingos, even though it could mean a good income.

I still was annoyed that Meg and others continually judged Michael on being a "good looking accessory" as a primary trait. It's just as bad to do that to guys as it is to girls. He also seemed, like in the previous book, to be a rather passive partner. He spends much of the book wanting to look pretty and whining about Meg not committing enough to him. He ends up being a damsel in distress.

I also was annoyed that - still- Meg seems to show no empathy or care when she finds dead bodies. In this book she even comments that she hopes it's someone she knows and likes, so that she won't be likely as a suspect. Jeez, nice thought!

Still, you can look at these as further evidence that the characters are not "shiny perfect" cardboard heroes. We know Meg has temper issues. Michael is rather spoiled, with his mom simpering when he snaps and women falling over each other for his good looks. Even with their foibles, they find a way to make their relationship work and to navigate the difficult issues of an eccentric extended family. It gives hope that the rest of us who are imperfect can still find ways to live happy lives and persue our dreams.

Recommended!

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Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos

Ms. Andrews Meg Lanslow Mysteries are top-notch, entertaining and you can't put them down! Delightfully fun mystery.

great funny book

I am an avid reader of Donna Andrews's Meg Langslow Mysteries. This book is great just like the others. This is the third installment in this wonderful series. Here is the series titles in order
1) Murder With Peacocks
2) Murder With Puffins
3) Revenge of The Wrought Iron Flamingos
4) Crouching Buzzard,Leaping Loon
5) We'll Always Have Parrots
6) Owls Well That Ends Well
7) No Nest For The Wicket
8) The Penguin That Knew Too Much
9) Cockatiels at Seven
This series is awesome dont miss out!

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fun as always

This entry in the Meg Lanslow series is a fun read as usual

Funny Cozy Mystery

Ornamental blacksmith Meg Langslow and her boyfriend Michael attend a reenactment of the siege at Yorktown. Michael is taking place in one of the battles, while Meg is selling her wares at the craft fair. But the fighting isn't confined to the battlefield and several people are arguing with entrepreneur Roger Benson, including Meg's brother Rob. When Meg goes to her booth late one night and finds Benson's body, she knows she has to act quickly to clear her brother before he is charged with murder. But will her investigation put not only she but also Michael in danger?

"Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingoes" is a great entry in Donna Andrews's humorous cozy mystery series. Andrews takes her time setting up the murder, providing the reader with plenty of suspects. There are lots of laugh out loud moments, including when Meg stumbles across Benson's body. The book is populated with plenty of eccentric characters; especially Meg's many relatives. I liked the whole reenactment background, which is a great setting for much of the humor in the book. In fact, some of the best humor comes when Meg's mother and Michael's mother try to outdo each other in their choice of costumes. The mystery is well plotted and readers will have a hard time guessing who the murderer is.

This was a nice humorous read. I recommend the whole series.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

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