Step into the delightfully chaotic world of the Merry Wrath Mystery series, where a former CIA operative trades covert missions for cookie sales and campfires as a Girl Scout leader in Iowa! Created by USA Today bestselling author Leslie Langtry, this cozy mystery series blends laugh-out-loud humor, quirky characters, and clever whodunits, captivating readers since its 2014 debut.
With its unique premise and small-town charm, Merry Wrath Mystery offers a fresh twist on the cozy genre, proving that even spies can find adventure in the suburbs. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries or just love a good chuckle, Merry’s escapades are sure to entertain.
How Merry Wrath Mystery Began
Leslie Langtry, a Midwest author with a knack for humor, drew inspiration from her 15 years as a Girl Scout volunteer, including a decade as a troop leader. Her experiences, paired with a love for cozy mysteries, sparked the idea for Merry Wrath—a CIA agent forced into early retirement after being outed. Langtry’s goal was to craft a series that was both thrilling and hilarious, blending espionage with the absurdity of suburban life. The result was Merit Badge Murder, the first book that launched Merry’s journey in 2014.
The Heart of Merry Wrath Mystery
The series follows Merry Wrath, a former spy who relocates to Who’s There, Iowa, hoping for a quiet life. Instead, she finds herself solving murders while leading a troop of precocious Girl Scouts. Key books include Merit Badge Murder (2014), where Merry investigates an enemy agent’s death at scout camp; Mint Cookie Murder (2015), involving a dead man and a pesky cat; Marshmallow S’More Murder (2016), tackling a Washington, DC mystery; and Mayor for Murder (2022), featuring a chaotic mayoral race with an 11-year-old candidate.
Langtry’s stories shine with themes of resilience, community, and humor in unexpected places. The Iowa setting, with its quirky residents and small-town vibe, grounds the series, while Merry’s CIA past adds intrigue. Her troop—especially the mischievous Betty—steals the show, blending spy skills with scout antics. The cozy mystery style, free of graphic violence, keeps the tone light, with romance and witty banter adding extra sparkle.
Why Merry Wrath Mystery Resonates
Merry Wrath Mystery has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for its originality and humor. Critics, like RT Book Reviews, call it “darkly funny and wildly over the top,” while fans on Goodreads rave about the laugh-out-loud moments and endearing characters. The series’ blend of espionage and everyday life appeals to readers seeking escapist fun with a relatable heroine. Its lasting appeal lies in Langtry’s ability to balance mystery, comedy, and heart, making each book a delightful adventure.
The series also reflects Langtry’s knack for tapping into universal themes—like finding purpose after upheaval—while keeping the stakes low and the laughs high. With over 30 books and counting, Merry Wrath Mystery continues to charm readers, proving that even a spy can thrive in Iowa.
- First Book Published: 2014 (Merit Badge Murder)
- Number of Books: Over 35, including novels and novellas
- Setting: Who’s There, Iowa
- Author’s Inspiration: Girl Scout volunteering and cozy mysteries
Grab Merit Badge Murder and dive into the Merry Wrath Mystery series’ hilarious, heartwarming world of spies, scouts, and small-town secrets!