The Merry Wrath Series in Order

About the Merry Wrath series

Series Premise

Merry Wrath (formerly Merry Ferguson), a seasoned CIA operative "accidentally" outed and retired, changes her appearance and relocates to the quiet town of Who's There, Iowa, to live a normal life leading a troop of Girl Scouts while hoping her past stays buried. When murders occur around her—often involving scout events, local oddities, or echoes of her old life—Merry's spy training kicks in as she investigates, juggling troop chaos, nosy neighbors, and the occasional dead body while trying to keep her secret identity intact.

The series can be read as standalones or in any order, as each book features a self-contained mystery with its own victim, suspects, and humorous resolution tied to a scout activity or town event—while there is gentle ongoing character development (Merry's relationships, family visits, and subtle personal growth), the overarching elements are light and non-essential, allowing readers to jump in anywhere without confusion or major spoilers.

Main Characters

Merry Wrath: The irrepressible protagonist, a former CIA agent now in witness protection as a troop leader; sharp-tongued, resourceful, and highly skilled (with a talent for deadpan humor and improvised weapons), she struggles to stay low-key while her past skills make her the perfect (if reluctant) sleuth.

- Rex Ferguson: The local handsome detective and Merry's romantic interest; steady, professional, and increasingly suspicious (and smitten), he provides official backup, tension, and sparks as he navigates Merry's secrets and the town's crimes.

- The Girl Scout Troop (the Kaitlins): A chaotic, endearing group of young girls (all named Kaitlin with variations) who bring comic relief, innocence, and unexpected help through their observations or antics.

Setting

The stories are set in the fictional small town of Who's There, Iowa—a quintessential Midwestern community with friendly (and nosy) neighbors, scout camps, local festivals, churches, schools, and everyday spots like diners, parks, and cookie-selling streets. Much of the action revolves around Merry's Girl Scout troop activities—campouts, field trips, badge projects, and town events—creating a cozy, relatable backdrop of suburban normalcy that hilariously collides with murders and Merry's spy reflexes. Occasional ventures to Washington DC, scout camps, or other locales add variety while keeping the core in Iowa's small-town charm.

Tone & Themes

Lighthearted, irreverent, and laugh-out-loud funny, the tone thrives on Merry's sarcastic narration, absurd situations, witty banter, and over-the-top mishaps that contrast her deadly skills with everyday suburban absurdities like badge ceremonies and cookie sales. It keeps suspense mild and violence off-page, focusing on clever clues and comedic timing. Themes celebrate reinvention after major life changes, the absurdity of balancing high-stakes pasts with ordinary routines, the joys and chaos of working with kids, friendship and community in a quirky small town, women's empowerment through competence and humor, and the idea that even retired assassins can find purpose (and trouble) in the most mundane places.

The Merry Wrath Mystery series explodes with wicked humor and endless charm, turning cookie sales and troop outings into the unlikeliest crime scenes while Merry Wrath proves that spy skills and scout badges make the ultimate combo. Leslie Langtry delivers pure escapist joy—sharp wit, laugh-out-loud chaos, and just enough heart to make you root for the ex-assassin who found her deadliest adventure in suburbia—leaving readers grinning, craving more troop mayhem, and convinced that Iowa's quietest town hides the funniest killers around.