Book Review: Murder With Puffins

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Murder With Puffins     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Donna Andrews
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character
Series: Meg Lanslow # 2
St. Martin’s, May 2000, $24.95, 288 pp.

Meg and Michael have a healthy romantic relationship, but struggle to find some private intimate time together. She lives with her parents and he rents a room in a professor’s house. Even when they go dining in a restaurant they have no privacy as everyone seems to recognize Meg as the person who recently solved a big profile murder case. Though fame may last for fifteen minutes, Michael shakes his head in disbelief when other diners constantly bombard Meg for autographs or ask her prurient questions. Seeking some quality time by themselves, Meg and Michael go Aunt Phoebe’s cabin on Monehegan Island off of the Maine coast.

When they arrive, they find the abode filled with other people including Phoebe, Meg’s immediate family, and an old family friend. A nasty storm traps everyone on the island. To get away, the couple takes long walks together. On one of their treks, they come across the murdered corpse of famous artist, local resident Victor Resnick. Circumstantial evidence points towards Meg’s father or aunt as being the most likely perpetrators to have killed the villainous Mr. Resnick. The intrepid Meg and her valiant beau plan to prove otherwise.

Donna Andrews first novel, MURDER WITH PEACOCKS, won the 1997 St. Martin’s Malice Domestic Award. Her second book, MURDER WITH PUFFINS, proves that Ms. Andrews was no rookie flash, but a talented author with the potential of becoming a superstar. Her likable characters are offbeat and endearing and enhance the fast-paced, entertaining story line. Fans of regional amateur sleuth tales will gain much pleasure from this wonderful novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner