Title: Cockatiels at Seven
Author: Donna Andrews
First published July 8, 2008
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312377151 (ISBN10: 0312377150)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
The hilariously entertaining Meg Langslow series continues with more feathered fun in “Cockatiels at Seven” by Donna Andrews. When Meg’s friend Karen drops off her two-year-old son Timmy for a quick babysitting session, Meg never expected to still have him in her care after nightfall.
When Karen goes missing and isn’t answering any calls, Meg takes matters into her own hands and sets out to find her friend. With Timmy by her side, Meg retraces Karen’s steps and uncovers a string of serious crimes.
Is Karen in danger or is she involved in something sinister? Once again, Meg takes on the role of a sleuth and with the help of her adorable toddler sidekick, she dives headfirst into the investigation.
About the Author
Donna Andrews hails from Yorktown, Virginia – the same place where Murder with Peacocks and Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos are set. She currently resides and works in Reston, Virginia.
When she’s not busy penning fictional stories, Andrews admits to being a bit of a nerd; you’ll hardly find her away from her computer, except when she’s tinkering around in her garden.
Editoral Review
Donna Andrews book, Cockatiels at Seven, is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre. Andrews is an American author, born in Virginia and raised in North Carolina.
Her 200th book, Cockatiels at Seven, proudly showcases her experience in the writing industry, with its whimsical plot, skillful character development, and captivating mystery elements. Cockatiels at Seven is a part of a series, featuring the amateur sleuth and kooky protagonist Meg Langslow.
The book follows Meg’s vacation at her grandfather’s farm in search of a much-needed break from her hectic life. However, she finds herself embroiled in yet another murder investigation when a guest at the farm is found dead.
The story unravels as Meg meddles in the investigation and helps to reveal the killer. The book’s setting, a quaint farm in Virginia, lent itself well to the cozy mystery genre’s traditional theme of close-knit communities.
Andrews uses her writing skills to create a cozy atmosphere that transports her readers to the colorful world of the farm’s inhabitants. The cast of characters in Cockatiels at Seven is witty, eccentric, and undoubtedly memorable.
The mystery in Cockatiels at Seven is well-paced and well-plotted. It is robust enough to keep the reader engaged, but not so dizzying as to be overwhelming.
The critical analysis of evidence ebbs and flows with satisfying twists and turns. Andrews ties all of the loose ends together by the book’s conclusion, making for a gratifying conclusion.
Andrews’ writing style is fantastic, with skillful prose and a propensity for wit and humor. The author is also adept at character development, with each character’s backstory and quirks carefully crafted.
The protagonist, Meg, is a breath of fresh air, with her quirky personality and tendency for eccentric behavior. Despite its enjoyable and well-constructed plot, Cockatiels at Seven is not entirely without a flaw.
The book’s pacing can at times drag, and some readers may find the eccentricity of the characters to be over the top. Overall, Cockatiels at Seven is a satisfying and enjoyable read that any cozy mystery fan will enjoy.
Andrews is a seasoned writer who has mastered her craft. The book is quirky, cozy, heartwarming, and full of unexpected twists and turns.
Readers looking to escape into a charming and uplifting world will find Cockatiels at Seven irresistible. The book’s themes of family, community, and the role of tradition in our lives give it significance beyond mere entertainment.
On a scale of one to five, Cockatiels at Seven earns a solid four-point-five rating. Andrews has crafted an enjoyable and delightful read that is undoubtedly worth picking up.