Publisher's Weekly Review
Newcomers to Andrews's wacky little burg of Caerphilly, Va., may feel a bit overwhelmed by this comedy/mystery's large cast (most of whom have appeared in 18 previous series entries). Fortunately, reader Dunne provides assistance in distinguishing, say, the mayor's wife, who speaks with a chirpy hard r, from his special assistant, Lydia, whose faux perkiness can't hide her inefficiency. Mayor Shiffley sounds a bit scattered himself, as opposed to Dr. Smoot, the town's former coroner, whose orations are brimming with confidence. Smoot has a penchant for dressing like Dracula, which costs him his job, but Caerphilly's 10-day Halloween celebration has elevated his prominence and enhanced the allure of his home's conversion to a year-round haunted house, at least until a thief breaks in, which leads to a couple of murders. The series' protagonist, Meg Langslow, an ornamental blacksmith moonlighting as the head of the Halloween-festival security, is solidly down to earth, strong in mind and body, and has an appealing sense of humor, all of which Dunne manages to convey. A Minotaur hardcover. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
It's Halloween in Caerphilly, VA, and Meg's zany family is at it again. Grandpa opens a "Creatures of the Night" exhibit at the zoo, but then a body surfaces and a suspicious fire at the haunted house has everyone in jitters. Someone definitely wants to mar the town's creepy fun, so it's up to Meg to save the festivities. This 19th series entry (after The Nightingale Before Christmas) is another winner. © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.