Review: Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon

I will be honest with you. When I received this book to review, three things shot through my tiny, little brain like a flashlight beam in a dark room. First, I prayed it wouldn't be a cozy. Second, I hoped it wasn't "cute". I hate "cute". Third, I really, really dreaded that it might be "clever", but not well written. It isn't a cozy, it isn't cute and it is both clever and well written. If someone was to tell me they were just about to read this book, I'd say "Oh, boy! Lucky you! Expect an all nighter." The last part would be a bit of advice based on my own experience. Dawn crept in through the window when I finally laid this book, and my tired self, to rest.

Meg Langslow returns and finds herself ensconced behind the desk as a receptionist for her brother Rob's computer gaming company, Mutant Wizards. As she frantically fields the numerous calls on the switchboard, the Automatic Mail Cart wheels practical joker Ted, around the premises. He has feigned death at the hands of a rubber knife oozing fake blood from his fake chest wound. And he has successfully annoyed every living being in the place. As he's wheeled around for the third time, Meg tries to ignore him will she answers her cell phone, checks her pager and thwarts the attentions of office Romeos. When she looks up from the pregnant cat at her feet, she notices the mouse cord the feline mommy is playing with is wound very tightly around the throat of the quite dead Ted.

This begins a tale as full of weird characters as a Star Trek convention. I am full of awe at Andrews's ability to pull it off. The plot stayed on its steady course through a sea of twists and turns finally coming to harbor in an ending that will leave you well satisfied with your journey. Your sides may be a bit sore from the number of guffaws and giggles, but the truly unique ending will leave you in stitches.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jennifer Jordan

Book Review: Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon