As usual when Sandie Herron helps me out, I’m on deadline. I always appreciate her posts. Today, she’s reviewing the audiobook of Donna Andrews’ Duck the Halls. Thank you, Sandie.

Duck the Halls

Written by Donna Andrews

Narrated by Bernadette Dunne

Meg Langslow mystery, Book 16

Unabridged Audiobook

Dreamscape Media LLC (10/24/13)

Listening Length:  8 hours, 17 minutes

Meg and Michael Langslow are enjoying the Christmas holidays with their over-large family.  Michael has become a volunteer fireman for Caerphilly so when a call goes out in the middle of the night, he and Meg’s brother Rob, who still lives with them, must answer.  They find that a whole lot of skunks have been delivered to the choir loft at New Life Baptist Church just before the annual Christmas concert and services.  Extricating them requires breathing gear, equipment from a moving company, and Meg’s grandfather’s zoo to receive the critters.  When they arrive at the zoo, they discover the zoo’s very large boa constrictor is missing.  The boa later makes an appearance from the Christmas greenery at Trinity Episcopal Church.  Unfortunately, hundreds of ducks had been delivered to Trinity and left overnight causing another mess and uproar. 

With all these pranks going on, the churches need help scheduling their services and concerts and rehearsals.  In comes Meg with her laptop to find space for the many events, making changes constantly through the next upcoming days.  She hears of many complaints about the overly demanding choir director who may not be who he says he is.  Plus one of Trinity’s vestry who is constantly pinching pennies has plenty to say about the commotion.  When a fire breaks out in Trinity’s basement where the furniture from a member’s estate is being stored, a body is found, and the pranks have gone too far.

No Christmas tradition is left untouched in this delightful 16^th entry in the series.  All the usual family members are here and many are referred to from past series entries.  Meg and Michael’s twins are now four and cheer their father on during his one-man Christmas show.  Michael’s mother arrives with plans for an elaborate Christmas dinner.  When Meg’s mother also plans a feast of non-traditional choices, Meg and Michael yearn for a old-fashioned meal with just the two of them and the two boys.  With a family this large, is it possible? 

It was sure fun visiting Caerphilly at Christmas with snow, llamas, and a unique nativity scene downtown.  The irreverent Donna Andrews keeps her series going strong with no sign of fading.  Bernadette Dunne does her usual terrific job of narrating this unique Christmas carol and even regales us with song.  Recommended with laughter.