The story in THE GIFT OF THE MAGPIE opens a few days before Christmas. Meg Langslow is having a phone conversation about manure, some of which is organic. This is just one of the tasks put forth to the Helping Hands for the Holidays group that she coordinates.  Soon, another pressing request for help is received.  Harvey Dunlop's, aka Harvey the Hoarder, home needs to be decluttered and quickly.  Surprisingly, Harvey accepts the offer for help.  This will not be an easy task.  With Harvey's evil relatives lurking in the background, Meg and her volunteers begin packing up Harvey's many belongings.  Before the house is emptied, Harvey is murdered and there is no shortage of suspects.  Can Meg and her family and friends help find the murderer?

The story is set in Caerphilly, Virginia, a town that embodies what a community should be.  Volunteering to help each other courses the citizens' blood.  Even though this is a narrative about a murder, it is heartwarming to see people coming together to try to find out why and who would kill Harvey.

With the exception of a few, the author has assembled a group of eclectic and likable characters.  The story flows smoothly and the dialogue is often witty.  There are secondary stories woven into the plot and these add depth.  As for the conclusion- I was totally surprised.

I found THE GIFT OF THE MAGPIE to be a well-written cozy mystery.  Highly recommended.