Title: Owls Well That Ends Well
Author: Donna Andrews
First published January 1, 2005
326 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312997908 (ISBN10: 0312997906)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
In the charming town of Caerphilly, Meg Langslow and her boyfriend Michael are excited to start renovating their new home–a beautiful old farmhouse. But when they discover that the previous owner left behind a lifetime of hoarded possessions, Meg decides to hold a giant yard sale.
Chaos ensues when the sale attracts eccentric characters, including greedy heirs and passionate animal activists. Suddenly, the fun turns deadly when an antiques dealer is found murdered in the midst of the sale.
With Michael’s career on the line and an ever-growing list of suspects, Meg must use her wit and intelligence to uncover the truth before it’s too late. Written by Donna Andrews, Owls Well That Ends Well is a delightful cozy mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
About the Author
Donna Andrews hails from Yorktown, Virginia, the backdrop for her popular novels Murder with Peacocks and Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos. Nowadays, she resides and plies her trade in Reston, Virginia.
While not engrossed in crafting her next literary masterpiece, Andrews freely admits to being something of a geek, preferring to remain glued to her computer unless she’s tending to her beloved garden.
Editoral Review
Owls Well That Ends Well by Donna Andrews is a captivating mystery novel that is sure to capture the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Donna Andrews is a well-known author in the genre of mystery, with several acclaimed books under her belt.
Published in January of 2005, Owls Well That Ends Well is a masterfully written novel that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel follows the story of Meg Langslow, who is a blacksmith by profession.
Her life changes when her father arrives at her doorstep with four owls in tow. Things spiral out of control when a suspicious death occurs, and Meg finds herself embroiled in a mystery that is as baffling as it is deadly.
The story is set in a small town in Virginia, and the author uses the setting to her advantage, infusing the story with a sense of place and community. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its characters.
Donna Andrews has a talent for crafting well-rounded and believable characters that come to life on the page. Meg Langslow, in particular, is a compelling protagonist who is easy to root for.
Her quirky personality and unique profession make her stand out from other protagonists in the genre. The supporting cast of characters is also well-crafted, each with their own quirks and secrets.
The plot of Owls Well That Ends Well is intricate and engaging. The story is structured in such a way that it keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on, with just enough suspense to keep the reader hooked without becoming overwhelming. Donna Andrews has a talent for weaving together clues and red herrings, making the reader question their assumptions and keeping them invested in the story.
Overall, the mystery is well-thought-out, and the twist at the end is both surprising and satisfying. While Owls Well That Ends Well is primarily a mystery novel, it also touches on some larger themes.
The author explores the idea of family ties and loyalty, as well as the concept of small-town politics and how they can impact people’s lives. Additionally, the novel touches on topics such as animal rights and environmental issues, making it an interesting read for those interested in these subjects.
In terms of weaknesses, there are few to be found in Owls Well That Ends Well. Some readers may find the large cast of characters a bit overwhelming, but the author does a good job of keeping them all distinct and memorable.
Additionally, while the setting is well-drawn, some readers may find it a bit too quaint for their tastes. Overall, Owls Well That Ends Well is a fantastic mystery novel that is sure to delight fans of the genre.
The characters are engaging, the plot is intricate and engaging, and the themes explored are thought-provoking. Donna Andrews has once again proven herself to be a skilled and talented author, and this book is a testament to her skills.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great mystery novel. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.