Prescription murder in Langley

When a beloved medical clinic closes in this quaint seaside village, the door opens for hungry HMOs to gain control of dosing a disheartened patient list. But before the decision is ever made as to which HMO will be granted the contract to once again provide needed medical care to an aging clientele, the town is stricken with its 27th mystery: “Who killed the councilman responsible for granting the contract?” Langey celebrates its 27th annual Mystery Weekend with a “Murder Most Prescribed.”

When a beloved medical clinic closes in this quaint seaside village, the door opens for hungry HMOs to gain control of dosing a disheartened patient list. But before the decision is ever made as to which HMO will be granted the contract to once again provide needed medical care to an aging clientele, the town is stricken with its 27th mystery:

“Who killed the councilman responsible for granting the contract?”

Langey celebrates its 27th annual Mystery Weekend with a “Murder Most Prescribed.”

Sleuths from around the world will again descend upon this small berg to solve this fun whodunit with friends and family on Feb. 26 and 27.

As in the past, the special event publication, “Langley Gazette,” will publish Wednesday, Feb. 23, giving local mystery-goers a leg up on solving yet another “heinous” crime, this time involving a lethal dose of vengeance.

Mystery lovers are encouraged to head to Langley to participate in the event that is the world’s longest running annual mystery event.

With returning volunteer cast members who hail from as far away as the Midwest, to participants who travel from places such as England, Canada and at least 10 states, it’s no wonder the Hallmark Channel produced a special on the weekend in 2008.

This year, a well-known travel blogger will be in town to not only cover the event, but also participate as a cast member for a day.

Mystery participants can purchase their entry tickets at the Langley Visitor Information Center (208 Anthes Ave., 360-221-6765)anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

The coroner’s report is scheduled at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 at Langley City Hall (112 Second St., 360-221-4246). The mystery solution, complete with the “arrest,” is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Langley Middle School.

Participants’ solutions are entered into a drawing for prizes that have included nights stays at Langley lodgings, gift certificates to local restaurants and retailers, as well as valuable art created by local artists.

It costs $10 per person or $25 for parties of four to participate.

For more information, visit www. visitlangley.com or email membership@whidbey.com.