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Merry Wrath Mysteries #31.5
Mashed Potato Murder
It’s Thanksgiving—time for family, fun and… murder?
Thanksgiving would seem to be the holiday for sharing—that is, except for the bloodbath that usually occurs over the last crescent roll. This year, ex-CIA agent turned Girl Scout leader, Merry Wrath, has to host the turkeystravaganza with her husband Rex’s family and a few friends. And with eccentric-eater Officer Kevin Dooley around, she also has to set up a security perimeter to defend the leftovers.
Turns out, the turkey’s not the only thing that is dead…
Things really get interesting when the world’s most terrifying thirteen-year-old, Betty, shows up with a Murder Mystery Game, where everyone is a character and the victim only pretends to be dead. But there are secrets served up with the turkey and gravy, and Merry realizes she doesn’t know everything about her kith and kin. At least it’s only a pretend murder, but Merry has a reputation to protect. Can she solve the "murder" before everyone else and keep her spot as the best amateur detective in the family?
Thanksgiving would seem to be the holiday for sharing—that is, except for the bloodbath that usually occurs over the last crescent roll. This year, ex-CIA agent turned Girl Scout leader, Merry Wrath, has to host the turkeystravaganza with her husband Rex’s family and a few friends. And with eccentric-eater Officer Kevin Dooley around, she also has to set up a security perimeter to defend the leftovers.
Turns out, the turkey’s not the only thing that is dead…
Things really get interesting when the world’s most terrifying thirteen-year-old, Betty, shows up with a Murder Mystery Game, where everyone is a character and the victim only pretends to be dead. But there are secrets served up with the turkey and gravy, and Merry realizes she doesn’t know everything about her kith and kin. At least it’s only a pretend murder, but Merry has a reputation to protect. Can she solve the "murder" before everyone else and keep her spot as the best amateur detective in the family?
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2024
72 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Langtry
103 books730 followersLeslie Langtry is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the Merry Wrath Mysteries and the Bombay Family of Assassins Greatest Hits series. She lives in the Midwest with her family and is an active Girl Scout volunteer. Her dream is to someday invent calorie free cake.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 18, 2024
The lobster
When Betty insists Merry and the dinner guests play a game she created, the usual nuttiness ensues. I don't know how Ms. Langtry comes up with the animals, but they are all a stitch! This is a cute novella...and it made me hungry!
When Betty insists Merry and the dinner guests play a game she created, the usual nuttiness ensues. I don't know how Ms. Langtry comes up with the animals, but they are all a stitch! This is a cute novella...and it made me hungry!
November 7, 2024
Love these stories.
January 2, 2025
I’m a completist, so I seldom read a book in the middle of a series. I prefer to start at the beginning and leisurely make my way through. But when I was asked to review this cozy mystery novella, as a favor to a friend, I agreed. After all, I figured that if a new reader can pick up and enjoy a story this far into an established series, that’s proof positive the writer is exceptional.
Leslie Langtry is an exceptional author. When I opened the novella in my tablet and flipped to page one of chapter one, Leslie dropped me into the story and caught me up. Although a bit of a whirlwind, I never felt info-dumped on. With Langtry’s folksy and friendly style, I felt like a guest at this holiday celebration with the host, her hand on my arm, giving me a thumbnail introduction to her extended blood- and chosen-family.
The dust-devil pacing of the first page turns out to be in character for first-person narrator Merry Wrath’s personality. In addition, the character descriptions provides not only thumbnail sketches tickling long-time readers’ memories also served as tiny appetizers tempting the newbies like me to go back and download the earlier books. I mean, Chechen brothers-in-law married to Merry’s twin sisters-in-law with the flip-flopping personalities? Slightly mysterious sister and brother twins who might not be what they seem? Middle school kids who might be more at home as MI5 agents than Girl Scouts, who were trained by Merry, a former spy and definitely not an assassin. Oh, and let’s not forget the animal supporting characters, which include four polite hamsters in teensy police uniforms, all named Hamlet.
On to page two! (Technically, the hamsters join here, but I couldn’t very well leave them out of the chosen-family description.) Still, the pace is frenetic, but in a laugh-out-loud funny way, sort of like any Monty Python sketch or an episode of Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
The story relates the antics of a Thanksgiving day for this ragtag bunch, hosted by Merry and her husband Rex. Food is on the mind of more than one character, both before and after the holiday dinner itself. Betty, one of the more-than-oddball Girl Scouts, verbally strong-arms the party into playing the murder game her inventive mind created. One of the Chechen brothers-in-law turns out to be the victim, but he doesn’t know how to play dead.
Who’s the murderer? Merry, who’s solved many murders, fears that she’ll be embarrassed at this game, especially when the rules keep changing. What’s really going on when so many people and situations are more than what they first seem?
I refuse to tell you any more, because that would ruin the holiday nosh of this novella between the main-dish-meals of Leslie’s other books in the series. An abundance of fun is stuffed (like a holiday turkey or guests at the meal) into this lagniappe, but it will leave you wanting more.
October 21, 2024
Thoughts: I honestly don't know whether to laugh out loud at the antics in these books, or groan. Maybe a combination of both? In this one, Merry Wrath and her husband Rex are hosting Thanksgiving dinner. But they end up with several more guests than they planned on, including two of the girls from Merry's girl scout troop and Rex's deputy - who attempts to completely eat them out of house and home. The one girl, Betty (who is really scary) devises a murder-mystery game that all must play. At least this time, there's no real body, though they do go through the whodunnit clues and suspects. It's ridiculous, silly, fun, and entertaining.
Recommended for those who want something different and short.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Recommended for those who want something different and short.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
November 24, 2024
Mashed Potato Murder is a novella in the Merry Wrath Mystery series by Leslie Langtry and it is just in time for Thanksgiving.
In Mashed Potato Murder Merry and her husband Rex are hosting Thanksgiving at their house for a group of their friends as both sets of parents have other plans. Little did they know that they were going to have to protect their leftovers from a very hungry Officer Kevin Dooley who can't help that he is always hungry.
Another surprise is when Betty, a member of the Girl Scout troop that Merry leads, brings a game for everyone to play and things get scary. Everyone is provided with an envelope giving them information about their character in the game. Then when one of them is murdered, they have to find out who the guilty party is but are only allowed to ask a few questions to the other players.
With over thirty books and novellas in the Merry Wrath Mystery series readers know that they are in for a good story. Obviously Langtry knows what she is doing. And the fun thing about Mashed Potato Murder is that no one really dies, it's all for fun !!!
In Mashed Potato Murder Merry and her husband Rex are hosting Thanksgiving at their house for a group of their friends as both sets of parents have other plans. Little did they know that they were going to have to protect their leftovers from a very hungry Officer Kevin Dooley who can't help that he is always hungry.
Another surprise is when Betty, a member of the Girl Scout troop that Merry leads, brings a game for everyone to play and things get scary. Everyone is provided with an envelope giving them information about their character in the game. Then when one of them is murdered, they have to find out who the guilty party is but are only allowed to ask a few questions to the other players.
With over thirty books and novellas in the Merry Wrath Mystery series readers know that they are in for a good story. Obviously Langtry knows what she is doing. And the fun thing about Mashed Potato Murder is that no one really dies, it's all for fun !!!
September 27, 2024
It's Thanksgiving and Merry and Rex are hosting dinner, with an interesting mix of guests including the twin sisters Randi and Ronni, Ron and Ivan (the Chechen brothers-in-law), and their babies, Soo Jin, Hilly and her brother Hamish, Roger (the Holy Mud Man of Chechnya), and Kevin (the policeman who eats everything in sight) with his four hamsters. Betty and Lauren (who brought a "borrowed" lobster, Larry, because he was lonely) show up unexpectedly with a fun game to play. Surprisingly, the lobster and Philby, the cat, become fast friends! After eating the feast Rex prepared they all play a Murder Mystery Game invented by none other than Betty. Not only do Merry and Rex have to work together to guard the leftovers from Kevin, they participate in the game that turns out to be a lot of fun where anyone can be the murderer, including them! This is a super fun short read, full of unexpected clues and surprises, and full of laughs and I found myself having a great time playing the game along with them!
December 18, 2024
A Thanksgiving to Remember
Oh it was great story , speaking of stories the one Lauren comes up with in it is great. Basically , and hard not giving away story Merry's friends plus bunch of party crashers show up for Thanksgiving party at Merry's and Rex house. couple of girls crash party with a guest that they sprung from zoo. he named Larry, Then they play game created by Betty similar to them acting out clue by it was created by Betty all this happens during a blizzard .
Oh it was great story , speaking of stories the one Lauren comes up with in it is great. Basically , and hard not giving away story Merry's friends plus bunch of party crashers show up for Thanksgiving party at Merry's and Rex house. couple of girls crash party with a guest that they sprung from zoo. he named Larry, Then they play game created by Betty similar to them acting out clue by it was created by Betty all this happens during a blizzard .
October 6, 2024
A short Thanksgiving murder that includes many of the favorite characters from Merry's usual circle of sleuthing. A small gathering that keeps adding surprise guests, turns out to be more than a traditional day. So many laughs (and eye rolls) as the day progresses with fun and food, a snowstorm, and one very late guest. And, of course murder... Laugh as you try to figure out "who done it" along with the gang. It was over too soon, just like the leftovers, eh Merry? Terrific holiday novella.
October 13, 2024
This is a great book for reading at Thanksgiving. I laughed a lot in this one! It has all of the important people in Merry’s life all having Thanksgiving Dinner at her house. The antics in this one are really over the top and Betty outdoes herself! (That girl is scary! 😬😆) Everyone has a part in this “murder” mystery, even if they don’t really understand that it’s a game. If you like murder with lots of twists, humor and crazy people, then you really will enjoy this latest Merry book!
November 5, 2024
This has to be the funniest book in the series so far. Merry decides to host Thanksgiving, inviting most of the characters in town. Notably, Kevin is invited, so they need to take extraordinary measures to make sure there is food for the rest of the guests. Betty has made a murder mystery for the guests and anytime she is involved there is more than meets the eye. This was a delightful, light hearted story, even with a murder involved!
November 4, 2024
I received a copy from the publisher.
Love, love, love this series. This is a cute, laugh out loud novella about all the characters at Thanksgiving. Merry and Rex host Thanksgiving and all are there including some of the girl scout troop. They play a murder mystery game. This time there's no real body. It's a cute holiday short story with all the folks you know and love.
Love, love, love this series. This is a cute, laugh out loud novella about all the characters at Thanksgiving. Merry and Rex host Thanksgiving and all are there including some of the girl scout troop. They play a murder mystery game. This time there's no real body. It's a cute holiday short story with all the folks you know and love.
November 5, 2024
Mashed Potato Murder is a novella in the Merry Wrath series. Thanksgiving is hosted by Merry and Rex. The guests include family, friends/co-workers, Lauren, Betty and Larry the lobster. While playing Betty’s murder mystery game, Rex and Merry try to guard the leftovers from Kevin. Betty’s game provides lots of laughs in this fun filled holiday mystery.
November 4, 2024
Guess who’s coming to dinner?
An interesting group comes to Thanksgiving dinner at Merry & Rex’s house. Great good, laughter and a murder mystery, nothing too surprising for this group. A fun light holiday themed cozy mystery.
An interesting group comes to Thanksgiving dinner at Merry & Rex’s house. Great good, laughter and a murder mystery, nothing too surprising for this group. A fun light holiday themed cozy mystery.
November 4, 2024
What a delightful holiday mystery. This one had me laughing until I cried. I absolutely loved every bit of it. It was nice getting to know more about Hiilly’s brother.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
November 5, 2024
Wonderful holiday story!!
Enjoyed the relationship with cat and Larry, the fun that everyone by had, the sad state of Kevin, the ability of very, very different people gathering together. May all Thanksgiving turn out this well!
Enjoyed the relationship with cat and Larry, the fun that everyone by had, the sad state of Kevin, the ability of very, very different people gathering together. May all Thanksgiving turn out this well!
November 8, 2024
fantastic!
Betty created a mystery board game. After Thanksgiving dinner everyone played. Someone murdered one of the guests. The game is a lot like clue. I smiled throughout the entire book! Thank you for a great family get together!
Betty created a mystery board game. After Thanksgiving dinner everyone played. Someone murdered one of the guests. The game is a lot like clue. I smiled throughout the entire book! Thank you for a great family get together!
November 10, 2024
great short read
A great holiday story. I absolutely adore this series. It always makes me laugh and the plots are over the top, but that is part of the fun. I highly recommend this book and this entire series.
A great holiday story. I absolutely adore this series. It always makes me laugh and the plots are over the top, but that is part of the fun. I highly recommend this book and this entire series.
November 11, 2024
Really Disappointing
Hard to keep the characters straight. The plot left something to be desired. After reading some of her other books I was really looking forward to this. So disappointed. I would have quit but I paid for it so I wanted to finish it.
Hard to keep the characters straight. The plot left something to be desired. After reading some of her other books I was really looking forward to this. So disappointed. I would have quit but I paid for it so I wanted to finish it.
November 12, 2024
Another great mystery by the one and only Leslie
I'm a fan of all of Leslie's work, and this one did not disappoint. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! A great read with of course a plot twist in the end.
I'm a fan of all of Leslie's work, and this one did not disappoint. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! A great read with of course a plot twist in the end.
November 5, 2024
Fun and entertaining
December 2, 2024
A good novella. Right after Thanksgiving too. Glad I got to enjoy my leftovers with no Kevin around to try and get to them or eat them up. A game murder mystery by Betty. Lots of fun!
May 24, 2025
fun times!
This book was a short fun read in this series! As usual, the characters are at their best no matter what is gong on. I wonderful holiday read!
This book was a short fun read in this series! As usual, the characters are at their best no matter what is gong on. I wonderful holiday read!
February 10, 2026
A bit disappointing. It is an account of most of the main characters of the series trying to solve a murder mystery game on Thanksgiving Day. Not much else happens.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews