THE FALCON ALWAYS WINGS TWICE is the twenty-seventh book in the “Meg Lanslow” cozy mystery series by Donna Andrews. I love this family and I love books about Renaissance Faire, so having these two things combined is a big win in my book. The Riverton Renaissance Faire, owned by “Queen” Cordelia – Meg’s grandmother – unites the quirky Lanslow family, the general populace, and one or two shady characters. One of whom, Terence Cox, winds up murder. Upon first meeting Terence, it becomes evident that it’s just a matter of time until one of the many people he’s rubbed the wrong way bumps him off. When it finally does happen, nobody is too broken up over it. However, to make sure nobody she cares about is wrongly named the murderer, and to keep things running smoothly for her family, Meg winds up investigating.

I always find Meg to be an amiable amateur sleuth. She’s practical, calm in a crisis, and fair. As somebody skilled in blacksmithing, Meg also has a hidden strength that bad guys aren’t automatically aware of. Part of the ren faire involves the actors participating in a loosely scripted and, at times, improvisational bit of acting to entertain the faire goers. Terence was exceptionally good at acting in the faire, but exceptionally bad being a decent human being. Because he didn’t just offend a few people, but annoyed or enraged most people, the suspect list for his murder is quite lengthy. Donna Andrews brings her trademark wit to this story and balances the death and danger with a surprising amount of laughter given the circumstances. Chief Heedles is friendly with Meg and her family, and therefore there isn’t the usual antagonistic relationship that sometimes exists in stories between an amateur sleuth and law enforcement. I find this refreshing and gives more time to devote to the characters and figuring out motives and hunting down clues. The suspects include, but are not limited to, Meg’s grandparents, the falconer, Meg’s fellow blacksmith and friend Faulk, and some faire weirdo nicknamed the Mad Monk. Of all Meg’s investigative helpers, her husband Michael and their two sons are my favorite. They’re super supportive, quick-witted, and observant.

THE FALCON ALWAYS WINGS TWICE is a wild ride and a scrumptious mix of murder and ren faire merriment. Donna Andrews does a good job of mapping out the locations and detailing the characters so that you feel as though you are fully immersed in this wacky world. As always, I eagerly await the next installment in Donna Andrews’ “Meg Lanslow” mystery series. This book is a blast and I heartily recommend it to cozy mystery fans.