X'd in the Xeriscape

Lovely Lethal Gardens #24

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags. ... Some things stay buried. ... Some things don’t, ... and it’s chaos once again!

Doreen loves gardens, all kinds of them. In the Okanagan, situated at the tip of the desert, water-frugal gardening makes sense. When Doreen sees a lovely xeriscaped garden from a drone video, she’s fascinated. When Mack mentions a mystery surrounding the property, she is mesmerized.

Getting the details, however, is no easy feat. That’s because there aren’t many. But digging in and asking questions is something Doreen and her clan are good at, and it doesn’t take long to delve into the mystery in a big way, … much to Corporal Mack Moreau’s disgust.

Making a nuisance of herself might work sometimes, but too often it backfires. This time is no exception, … and no way, once Doreen is on this case, can she ever let go …

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Contemporary, Cozy

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen loves gardening and sees a video online of a lovely xeriscaped garden to save water. Mack mentions that there is a mystery surrounding the property she is intrigued. Getting the details is hard because there aren't many but she digs in asking questions and it doesn't take long to delve into it in a big way (to Mack's disgust). Making a nuisance of herself might work sometimes, but too often it backfires. This time is no exception but she can't let go now.

This was an intriguing cold case for Doreen that was hidden away behind complex layers of relationships whether they were in the family or outside of it. I always love the way that Doreen just keeps asking questions in a nosy neighbour kind of way which the police just cannot do. As usual, this reveals more about human relationships and why sometimes it leads to murder. Easy to read, feel and understand.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen and Mack are back!!! Another quick and cute book. Doreen once again gets involved in a cold case involving the disappearance of a farmer, exposing infidelities, marital strife, and more. Her divorce is almost finalized (hurry up), she got some money coming in and for once her future looks much brighter. Can’t wait for the next book to see the culmination of the Mack and Doreen saga

[M Darnoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens with Mack and Doreen relaxing on the patio on a lazy Sunday. Doreen finds a link to a video taken with a drone and the conversation strays to them. Mack stating they're a headache for the department because they take photos where they're not wanted. The video shows local properties, and one in particular catches Doreen's eye. She shows Mack and he identifies the area as Southeast Kelowna. The property has a xeriscape and when Mack says the area has problems with too much water she's confused since the xeriscape is specifically for low water areas. Mack knows the property and tells her the owner just up and disappeared a while ago. You know what that means.

Doreen gets good news from the auction house with regard to the paintings and knickknacks. It became far easier to deal with when Scott calls her and has the expert Paula with him. All she has to do now is fill out the paperwork and send it back.

A visit to Nan to share the good news, and also ask about the missing person who owned the property with the xeriscape. She has to text Mack about a name because she failed to ask him, so unlike her. It's a bit later when Nan comes up with the name just blurting it out. Dennis Polanski went missing with no clues to where he went or pointing to anything nefarious. Richie and Nan don't remember much about it other than it was eight or nine years ago.

Doreen starts her research on Dennis and then starts making a sandwich, her go to. With changing weather, she would be cooking more since sandwiches just wouldn't cut it. Her mind wanders to Chinese food and how it would be nice to celebrate but decides against it until she makes progress on the missing person case. When Mack calls because she's been quiet, then he brings up soup. Doreen is excited over the prospect of making soups. She just has to think of some she'd like to make.

Another conversation with Nick regarding her divorce, Matthew still left one line unsigned. Frustrating, yet it leads to an interesting conversation.

A trip to the library nets her more information from the librarian and some of the missing person articles. She starts with Dennis' wife Meridith and then on to one of the women suspected of having an affair with him. Weeding for Millicent, leads to yet another woman Adelaide. Then a brief confrontation with Adelaide's husband. After this she thinks someone may be following her.

Mack comes by right after she realizes the truck following her had just passed by her house and she was outside. Mac listens to her then they get ready to make that soup.

As Mack cooks the discuss what she's found so far.

As is usual for Doreen, one thing leads to another, then in her mind things come together. She just has to prove her suspicions.

I love Mack and Doreen together. I love the interactions with Nan, Richie and of course, Thaddeus, Goliath and Mugs. Millicent has also become a favorite of mine. Mack and Nick's mom certainly wants her boys settled.

While I kind of followed where Doreen was headed I certainly did not expect the ending of this book. I think my jaw is still on the floor!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doreen said she had been in town for 6 months. She should be exhausted. She was solving one case per week, lol.

Mack and Doreen had the slowest burn romance in history. I have my suspicions about the next book. It didn't seem to me like Nan and the gang had as much involvement in this book. I could be wrong.

I listened to the audiobook. I think I will read this again by paperback or ebook. Something about the narrator's voice lulled me into not paying attention at all. I spent a lot of time rewinding because I realized I had completely stopped being engaged in the book. This book was ok.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Y and Z to go, I will really miss Doreen and Mack when this series finishes.
Doreen Montgomery is trying hard to divorce her controlling, cheating husband, she had lived in a gilded cage and had no life skills but she was learning. Living in a house in Kelowna, given to her by her adored Nan, Doreen had made a good friend in detective Mack Moreau of the Kelowna PD and he was a good teacher, however Doreen did discover that she had one talent, she had a knack for solving cold cases, Mack realised that she was good but he was also worried that she was putting herself in danger, she was asking questions, questions that some people saw as interfering.
When sitting with Mack looking at some drone footage, Doreen spotted a piece of land with a beautiful xeriscape, being a keen gardener, Doreen was instantly intrigued and wanted to go and see it for herself, she was even more intrigued when Mack told her there was a mystery attached, the man who had lived there had vanished without trace ten years ago, his truck was found down the lane but no trace of the owner, there was no paper or money trail......this was definitely a case for Doreen to get her teeth into, surely his wife would want answers.........or would she ?
I love these cosy mysteries, long suffering Mack who loved Doreen but is afraid to push it and is also afraid for her safety, Doreen who has a tendency to jump in with both feet and is enjoying freedom for the first time in her life, her wonderful menagerie of pets that have become Doreen's trademark and of course her wonderful Nan and all the residents at the care home who are all more that willing to help Doreen with any snippets of gossip. Another great story from Dale Mayer and boy, what an explosive ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the twenty-fourth episode in the Lovely Lethal Garden Mystery series. I listened to this via Hoopla from my library. The narrator, Mandy Kaplan, did an excellent job relating & enhancing the story through her vocal variations.

While perusing the internet, Doreen happens upon a xeriscape garden in Kelowna’s outskirts. She learns from Mack that there is a mystery connected to the property. This entices Doreen into finding the details surrounding the property, the garden, and the mystery.

The author tells me Doreen is smart but most smart people are not running into fires but away from them unless they are firemen. Doreen allows her curiosity to get the better of her sound reasoning. She has learned a few items but ignores the obvious. She can prevent many her precarious situations by taking a few deep breaths before reacting.

Dennis Polanski disappeared approximately ten years ago and everyone thought he ran away. As Doreen checks into Dennis’ background, she discovers he ran around with many women, wanted a payout from the farm and was disappointed he couldn’t get due the inheritance trust that kept it to the blood relatives of the family.

On the financial side, Doreen gets a call from Scott, from the auction house. Many of the paintings and knickknacks have sold for more money than they thought. Doreen just needs to accept the sales agreements and fill out the paperwork to get paid. It could take a month or so but a payday is much closer.

Doreen & Mack resolve the cold case. Throughout the book, we see Mack trying to look out for Doreen’s safety and constantly stresses to her that she needs to be situationally aware of what is going on around her. Someday, she may take heed.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love Doreen, Mack and the animals. Nan, Rich and the other characters just add to the fun and mystery. A desert like garden is the setting and start of this windy cold case, for a change Mack doesn't have to fight about her case crossing over into a current one, but it doesn't stop him worrying about her getting hurt, especially when things take a dark turn. Those involved are conflicted, on one hand wanting answers and it to be finally over and on the other wanting it left alone. The answers when they came were both a surprise and not, I suspected some parts but again a twist came I didn't see. Then right at the end I'm left holding my breath until I get the next book and boy that's going to be some read! Fabulous touches of romance between Mack and Doreen, she's there even if she hasn't said it out loud, he is so caring, loving and patient with her it's special after her ex, Mack boosts her confidence all the time and her independence. Come on bring on the next book I'm ready to breathe again.....

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and her family of animals are back solving a cold case . I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery . This story finds Doreen watching a drone video of a Xeriscape garden in the southeast of the area they live . Mack informs Doreen about the family that lives there . The husband disappeared many years ago without a trace . Of course it peaks Doreen's interest and she starts investigating . The investigation leads to several tea times with Nan . It also brings up gossip and secrets . while working through the case Doreen finds bad feelings and danger come to light . Another sensational mystery . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is at it again. This time she has to solve a missing person case. Her animals tagging along make Doreen stand out, and she is starting to be recognized more often. Sometimes being recognized is a good thing and the encounters are friendly, but not always. While watching a video shot by a drone online she spots a xeriscaped garden, and she's intrigued. Mack knows where the house is that has the garden, and thus begins Doreen's newest sleuthing adventure. This novel was number 24, and it's close to the end of the series unless Dale Mayer figures out a way to add onto it after Z is done (I hope this happens). I love this series so much.. always puts a smile on my face reading about Doreen, Mack, and the animals.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

X’d in the Xeriscape by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Book Twenty-Four
Doreen is just innocently watching a video of a drone. That’s all it took. Showing the video to Mack led him to recognize the area and a cold case. Ten years ago, a husband and father went to work on their farm. They found his truck but never a sign of the man.
Mack even gives Doreen the green light on this case. Wanting it closed. It was tough to know where to start, but she does. Causing all kinds of dust to fly and skeletons to rattle. Tales that had been hidden were coming to light. Just a typical day for Doreen, Mugs, Goliath, and Thaddeus.
One of my favorite series. Great characters, both two-legged and four-legged.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I didn't see that coming at all. Doreen has another cold case to look at but it doesn't seem as simple as the rest. One man last seen leaving his ranch, his truck found on the side of the road BUT no sign of him. Disappeared, ran away, poofed into thin air. A visit to the widow might find something but still it's perplexed Doreen. A stalker, a ruined garden and something the widows granddad said leads Doreen to find what happened to the missing person. I really can't wait for the next book. It doesn't seem possible for the ending but something is going on and it involves our Doreen.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 24 and things are starting to pop! Doreen and her pets (Thadeus, Mugs, Goliath) have another cold case. A mystery for sure. I knew where the ending would happen (sorry trying not to leave spoilers) but was so surprised with the perps and the twisted tale. Love when I am surprised and Dale Mayer delivers. Doreen also hears more on the the antiques and Mack and Doreen get a little more in tune. The next book... whoa ! Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #X'dintheEeriscape #LovelyLethalGardens #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought... aha, I had beaten Doreen to solving this mystery I find out there was soooo much more to it.
Doreen and her animals will surely save the day again. Though she's rattled a few cages in her search, there is stalking, vandalising and sleepless nights happening here. Of course nan and the residents are involved, trying to find clues and providing food to keep her going.
I can't believe we are almost through the alphabet, I just want this series to go forever.
Great story, brilliant characters, can't wait for the letter Y.

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another case with Doreen and her fur babies. This time is a missing person case.
Although it's predictable and I'm missing the action of those cute adorable fur babies, it's still a fun entertaining read. My fav definitely the relationship between Doreen and Mack, it's getting sweeter and sweeter and I love it, I root for this couple from the first book. Love Nan and the gang too, they're always made my day.
Totally recommend this series especially if you're looking for a light fun cozy mystery read.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how it was a drone that causes Doreen to become once again tangled in and unfortunately there is danger once again. We know she will get help from Nan and all her connections lol along with her house buddies and Mack who of course wants her to stay safe and out of danger.
I can not believe there may only be 2 more books in the series so I really hope Doreen, Mack and the others get a new alphabet series maybe about food!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BeccaJBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was cute.

I haven't read any of the rest of the series and I probably won't. Bit too American and girly for me.

But I did enjoy the little mystery element and also found myself looking up a lot of stuff to find out the meanings etc. It's quite small townish and the characters are obviously from a long standing series. The main character is a bit annoying but overall she's good at heart and that comes through really well. And Nan was especially lovely.

This ticks X off my A-Z this year so thanks Dale Mayer :)

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 24 in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series, I do recommend reading them in order as the drama of Doreen is continuous.
Doreen gets involved in solving another cold case and gets the community of her small town all up in arms again, I love how Mack and Doreen are getting closer and as we get towards the end of the series the drama is getting more intense. Good Story in a wonderful series.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

X'd in the Xeriscape

Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Dale. Doreen finds another cold case and figures out who had actually killed a man who disparaged his family. It was fun following Doreen and her animals on this journey to find the culprit. I had a little inkling as to who she suspected but when the truth finally came out. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book! The epilogue was such a big teaser! I will be impatiently waiting for the next book to come out!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING SERIES!!

Man! These stories in this series get better each time I read a book. I love this series! The suspense in these stories start at the beginning of each book and goes until the very end. Then the suspense starts all over again for the next book. The author needs to write these books faster. They have Suspense, action and the animals are so funny and smart in each book. The romance is there and growing. Love, Love these books!!!

[Joy and Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

At first this book didn't draw me in like her previous garden books. A bit too much rehashing, explaining her quirkiness and feelings. The mystery made all of that disappear. I had guessed a few things right off the bat, but then, so many wonderful surprises. Honestly, I did not guess the exact reasons and murderer. The ending mystery result was very satisfying, liked most of the characters, and it ended up being a favorite. Now I am anxiously awaiting the next book!

[Eve Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a real page turner with intrigue and mystery from the start.
Doreen it seems always has to have a cold case to solve, and this one is ten years old.
Her divorce is still a bone of contention as her ex is still holding back.
Mack is also still helping her with her cooking skills and letting her know that he is interested in her romantically.
The ending was shocking 😲 and I'm looking forward to the next book 📖.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Mugs, Goliath, & Thaddeus!!!!

Happy that there was more of the animals and bird interactions in this storyline. That's what makes this series so fascinating. I really enjoyed the storyline and characters in this mystery. This is definitely one of of my most favorite series! I'm so glad it's continuing with the rewind series. When that one gets back to A just call the next one Back We Go Again!!!😅😅😅

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Cold Case

Poor Doreen got a lot of heat on this case. A married man with two children just disappears. Almost out of thin air. And it seems like nobody wants Doreen to solve the mystery. Doreen dug in, and this mystery is heartbreaking. But, I am more excited about the next book coming out. I cannot wait to read it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! Doreen is true and funny. It is refreshing. The pets are hilarious and ornery just like siblings to each other. Doreen is working on a cold case of a man that disappeared into thin air over a decade ago. Her asking questions angers someone and her relationship with Mack is finally moving a bit!

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Doreen, Mugs, Thaddeus, Goliath, Mack, and Nan and know when I started reading this book I wouldn't be able to put it down until I read the last word. Then came the epilogue and what a cliffhanger - can't wait for the next book in this series. Ms. Mayer has given us another must-read in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I say this a lot, but it bears repeating. I am always excited to receive the latest book about Doreen and Mack. This one didn't let me down. It's full of unexpected twists and endearing moments. It has a HEA, but gives us a taste of the next book. I cannot wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelley Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough!

I have followed Doreen and Mack from the very first book. Each cold case brings on a new adventure. With the mystery, suspense, mayhem, and laughter, I just can't seem to get enough. I will say that this would make a great series for television. Thank you, Dale Mayer, for bringing such fun to reading!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is on the trail of a cold case again. This one just falls into her lap. This book is full of suspense, growing relationships, and of course the animals that we all love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen spotted a drone picture and a cold case was reopened. Even as she continued to grow as a person. Romance is still gently going forward.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.