Read Donna Andrews Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on April 11, 2026
Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.
The world of cozy mysteries is rich with charm, wit, and endearing characters. Among the many authors in this genre, Donna Andrews has carved out a distinctive space with her Meg Langslow series. These novels are known for their clever plots, quirky characters, and lighthearted approach to crime-solving. Combining a unique setting with a memorable cast of characters, Donna Andrews’ books offer the perfect escape for readers who enjoy a blend of humor, suspense, and a touch of the whimsical. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the origins of her books, how to approach the reading order, and why the series is so beloved. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery reader or a newcomer to the genre, there’s a lot to discover within the pages of Donna Andrews’ novels.
Contents
List Of Donna Andrews Books In Order
| Murder with Peacocks (1999) | Details |
| Murder with Puffins (2000) | Details |
| A Hare-Raising Murder (2001) | Details |
| Deadly Designs (2002) | Details |
| Antiques to Die For (2003) | Details |
| Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (2004) | Details |
| Six Geese A-Slaying (2005) | Details |
| Mallory’s Oracle (2006) | Details |
| Birds of a Feather (2007) | Details |
| The Penguin Who Knew Too Much (2008) | Details |
| The Cluttered Closet (2009) | Details |
| Bugs and Burgers (2010) | Details |
More On Donna Andrews Books In Chronological Order
1. Murder with Peacocks (1999)
Oh, this is where it all begins! You get to meet Meg Langslow, who’s quirky, a bit frazzled, and totally relatable. She’s a blacksmith who somehow ends up in the middle of murders in her small Virginia town. It’s funny, chaotic, and full of these wonderfully eccentric characters, including Meg’s loud extended family and, of course, the pesky murder mysteries she can’t seem to avoid. It’s clever and witty in a way that’ll keep you grinning as you turn the pages.
2. Murder with Puffins (2000)
Meg is back, and this time she’s dealing with puffins, which sounds adorable but trust me, there’s murder involved. The mix of her small-town charm, awkward family dynamics, and actual sleuthing is just perfect. I love how Donna Andrews writes Meg’s thoughts-they feel like she’s whispering secrets to you as you read. Plus, the humor is spot-on without ever feeling forced.
3. A Hare-Raising Murder (2001)
Meg’s family reunions just get weirder, and this time there’s a murder to solve that involves, yes, hares. I promise it’s not as hare-brained as it sounds. The fun is in how Meg navigates her lovable chaos of relatives while piecing together clues. You feel like you’re right there with her, dodging family drama and murder suspects at the same time.
4. Deadly Designs (2002)
Meg’s stepping into a world of fashion and fancy parties, which is a total playground for murders, somehow. The humor is still strong, but there’s this extra layer of clever plotting that keeps your brain busy while you laugh at her family’s antics. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and smart mystery.
5. Antiques to Die For (2003)
Now Meg’s dealing with antiques and old secrets-basically murder waiting to happen. I love how Andrews can take something seemingly mundane, like antique collecting, and twist it into this hilarious, suspenseful adventure. You’re laughing one minute, furiously guessing the killer the next.
6. Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (2004)
Yes, that’s the title, and it’s as quirky as you’d expect! Meg finds herself entangled in a murder investigation with bird-related chaos and family madness swirling around her. The writing has that signature Andrews wit where you keep saying, ’Oh no, Meg!’ and then giggling at the ridiculousness.
7. Six Geese A-Slaying (2005)
Holiday time and murder-what could go wrong? Meg’s trying to survive Christmas with her eccentric family, and, naturally, there’s a body in the mix. It’s warm, funny, and just the right amount of chaos; perfect if you want a cozy mystery that’s also ridiculously entertaining.
8. Mallory’s Oracle (2006)
Meg is back, now navigating psychic predictions and mysterious threats. I love how Andrews makes the ’psychic’ angle both funny and suspenseful, and Meg’s internal monologue keeps it grounded and totally relatable. You’re laughing, guessing, and rooting for her all at once.
9. Birds of a Feather (2007)
Meg gets caught in a world of competitive birdwatching-yes, really-and murder. It’s one of those books where you can’t help but smile at how odd the situations are while still being genuinely intrigued by who did it. Meg’s charm and chaotic family never fail to make the story feel alive.
10. The Penguin Who Knew Too Much (2008)
Penguins and murder? That’s Andrews’ magic at work. Meg ends up in some icy, hilarious situations with penguins (and humans) behaving suspiciously. The descriptions of the setting and Meg’s reactions make you feel like you’re stumbling through the mystery alongside her, laughing all the way.
11. The Cluttered Closet (2009)
Meg digs into family secrets buried in, of course, closets. It’s a perfect mix of cozy domestic chaos, quirky humor, and clever murder-solving. You can practically hear Meg’s exasperated sighs as she untangles both family drama and deadly mysteries.
12. Bugs and Burgers (2010)
Insects, burgers, and murder-Meg’s life keeps getting more bizarre. I love how Andrews can take these unusual themes and turn them into laugh-out-loud, clever mysteries. Meg’s witty commentary and the ridiculousness of her surroundings make this one especially fun.
Background On Donna Andrews Books
Donna Andrews began her literary career in 1999 with the publication of Murder with Peacocks, the first book in the Meg Langslow series. This debut novel introduces Meg Langslow, an amateur sleuth who is both smart and sarcastic, with a knack for stumbling upon murder mysteries. Set in the fictional town of Caerphilly, Virginia, the series quickly captivated readers with its wit, charm, and intriguing whodunnit plots. What makes Donna Andrews’ books stand out is the strong emphasis on humor, quirky situations, and the fun of figuring out ’whodunnit’ alongside the protagonist.
Donna Andrews’ writing style combines the cozy mystery genre’s hallmark elements-small-town settings, amateur detectives, and lighthearted mysteries-with a distinct flavor of her own. Over time, the Meg Langslow series has grown to include over 20 books, each offering new mysteries for Meg to solve, and, at times, adding new layers to her personal and professional life. The series includes well-drawn secondary characters who enhance the storytelling, with her family-particularly her eccentric and often frustrating relatives-becoming increasingly central to the narrative.
In addition to her acclaimed series, Donna Andrews has also ventured into short stories and other genres, but the Meg Langslow books remain her most well-known and loved works. The consistent blend of humor, mystery, and endearing characters has earned her a loyal following, and her books are often a go-to recommendation for those seeking a cozy, page-turning mystery series.
Reading Order Explained
One of the defining features of cozy mystery series like Donna Andrews’ Meg Langslow books is that each installment typically features a standalone mystery. While the books can often be read independently, reading them in order can enrich the experience, especially when it comes to character development, ongoing subplots, and the evolving relationships between Meg and her family members.
Here’s a breakdown of the series’ major titles in order of publication:
- Murder with Peacocks (1999)
- Murder with Puffins (2000)
- Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos (2001)
- Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (2002)
- We’ll Always Have Parrots (2003)
- No Nest for the Wicket (2004)
- The Penguin Who Knew Too Much (2005)
- Killers of a Feather (2006)
- The Gift of the Magpie (2007)
- Stork Raving Mad (2008)
- The Falcon Always Wings Twice (2009)
- Some Like It Hawk (2010)
- The Real Macaw (2011)
- The Hen of the Baskervilles (2012)
- Duck the Halls (2013)
- The Nightingale Before Christmas (2014)
- The Falcon Always Wings Twice (2015)
- Lark! The Herald Angels Sing (2016)
- Murder Most Fowl (2017)
- The Twelve Clues of Christmas (2018)
With each book, Donna Andrews introduces new twists and turns in Meg’s life, her ever-growing family, and the mysteries she must unravel. You can absolutely dive into any of these books and enjoy the puzzles that Meg encounters, but reading in order allows you to follow Meg’s growth as a character and the ongoing dynamics with the eccentric people around her.
What I Like About The Series?
One of the standout features of Donna Andrews’ books is the sense of humor that permeates every page. The series is not only about solving crimes but also about laughing at the absurdities of life. Meg Langslow, the main character, is a brilliant and determined amateur sleuth, but she’s also deeply relatable. Her dry wit, combined with her ability to stay grounded in the midst of chaos, makes her an incredibly engaging protagonist. Whether she’s dealing with her family’s peculiarities or her constant knack for getting herself into strange situations, there’s always a sense of lightness that makes the mysteries feel less ominous and more fun.
Another element I appreciate is the family dynamics that are woven throughout the books. Meg’s family, particularly her father, her grandmother, and her brother, form a quirky support system that adds emotional depth to the narrative. These characters are eccentric but deeply loyal, and their relationships with Meg provide both comedic moments and heartwarming insights into the importance of family. Andrews does an excellent job of blending humor with genuine affection, making these characters feel authentic despite their outlandish behaviors.
Additionally, the setting of Caerphilly, Virginia, offers a charming backdrop to the mysteries. It’s a small town that feels cozy but also brimming with secrets. The close-knit community and the various local businesses provide a sense of familiarity, and each new mystery showcases the interesting and sometimes oddball residents of the town.
Finally, the puzzles themselves are cleverly crafted. While the focus is often on the humor and relationships, the mysteries themselves are well thought out. Andrews provides enough clues and red herrings to keep readers engaged without making the resolution feel too obvious or contrived. The pacing is brisk, and there’s always a satisfying resolution at the end.
Should You Read Donna Andrews Books In Order?
While Donna Andrews’ books can technically be enjoyed out of sequence, there are definite advantages to reading them in order. Starting with Murder with Peacocks will introduce you to Meg Langslow and her eccentric world, laying the foundation for the character arcs and plotlines that unfold throughout the series.
For those who are particularly interested in character development, reading in order will give you a deeper understanding of Meg’s evolving relationships with her family, friends, and the residents of Caerphilly. Over the course of the series, Meg matures both personally and professionally, and her evolving role as a sleuth and a member of a peculiar family adds richness to the series as a whole.
Additionally, some subplots and running gags are best appreciated when you’ve followed along from the beginning. Whether it’s the ongoing relationship with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, or the unraveling mysteries surrounding her family, these threads are woven through each book in a way that rewards long-time readers.
That said, you can easily pick up later books if you don’t mind occasional spoilers or missed background details. Each book is written to stand alone, so if you happen to start with Duck the Halls or The Nightingale Before Christmas, you’ll still find plenty of enjoyment in the mystery itself, even if you’re not fully invested in the long-term character arcs.