So far Meg Langslow's summer is not going swimmingly. Down in her small Virginia hometown, she's maid of honor at the nuptials of three loved ones--each of whom has dumped the planning in her capable hands. One bride is set on including a Native American herbal purification ceremony, while another wants live peacocks on the lawn. Only help from the town's drop-dead gorgeous hunk, disappointingly rumored to be gay, keeps Meg afloat in a sea of dotty relatives and outrageous neighbors.

And, in whirl of summer parties and picnics, Southern hospitality is strained to the limit by an offensive newcomer who hints at skeletons in the guests' closets. But it seems this lady has offended one too many when she's found dead in suspicious circumstances, followed by a string of accidents--some fatal. Soon, level-headed Meg's to-do list extends from flower arrangements and bridal registries to catching a killer--before the next catered event is her own funeral...

Meg Langslow has sublet her studio and come for the summer to be maid of honor, and wedding planner, for three weddings. As if three demanding brides - her best friend Eileen, her brother’s fiancée Samantha and finally her mother - and their increasingly interesting requests aren’t enough stress the summer soon becomes more complicated with several mysterious deaths. In between herding bridesmaids to fittings and tracking down peacocks to add ambiance; as the body count grows, Meg finds herself unofficially investigating along with Michael, the wedding seamstress’s handsome, but rumored-to-be-gay, son. 

This first Meg Langslow mystery introduces us to some of the core members of Meg’s family. The plot moves along quickly as one after another wedding comes to pass and we learn more about Meg’s eccentric family. There were several mysteries and while I figured out the murderer a bit before Meg, the real joy in this series is her family and their actions.  I really love this series and decided after the most recent entry to go back and start over from the beginning for the pleasure of getting to meet Meg’s family all over again and watch their relationships grow.  This is as fresh and fun a read as it was the first time I read it 20 years ago. This whole series is highly recommended. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

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